Yet another conversation's topic has piqued my interest and caused me to ponder and reflect. This conversation revolved around whether the clothes that a person chooses to wear equates to respect.
Various studies on this issue have resulted in conflicting viewpoints. Regarding education, most studies, that have been made public, support the position that what the collective student body wears on a daily basis does influence the learning environment.
OK, but can we mold that into a 'one size fits all' generalization?
I've actually experienced polar opposites in this matter. On the one hand, I have observed that marching and concert bands I've worked with do support the idea that playing can be commensurate with how the group looks. Careless appearance does seem to equate to sloppy playing and performing. On the other hand, one of my best teaching experiences came in a public school where the students and faculty wore jeans on a daily basis and addressed each other by first names. I can say, unequivocally, that there were no issues of lack-of-respect in either direction. I learned that respect had to be earned on an internal basis, not by external rules, appearance, and mores.
Does what a person wears in a house of worship reflect his or her level of respect towards religion and God? Can we draw a dotted line between lack of respect and holes in the knees of jeans and other articles of clothing that people may choose to wear to church? My personal experience would shout "NO", but others feel strongly that there is a connection.
I'll go out on a limb here and state that I'd rather teach people with desire or worship with people of faith and sincerity wearing clothing dotted with holes than fake, insincere people smartly dressed in their designer duds. We are deeper than our denim.
Ancora imparo
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Manic Monday
I think that Manic Monday must have arrived one day early. The usually dependable Google browser is really having difficulties this afternoon. Perhaps millions of potential buyers for tomorrow's online shopping extravaganza are taking an early peek?
Which brings me quickly to the topic of today's posting: The invisible transition from feeling thankful to feeling entitled. One day we are celebrating the holiday where we are all supposed to feel thankful and by 12:01 a.m. of the next day we are morphed into greedy, grumpy, rude, and impatient shoppers (and drivers, I might add), all vying for the best deal regardless of how many other humans we have to elbow out of the way to get at the merchandise we feel entitled to be able to purchase.
Do I shop on Black Friday? Absolutely not!
If this is supposed to be the season of light and love then why do so many consumers become
the antithesis of light and love? Who can blame store clerks whose faces display frown lines, wrinkled brows, and mean-looking eyes staring back at inconsiderate buyers?
I do not know how you feel, but this is my least favorite time of the year to either drive or shop in any store. I would much rather keep my business online, where I do not have to waste fuel encountering manic and crazy drivers playing chicken in parking lots, lurking to snatch the first available parking spot from the vehicle who had patiently waited or 'Shopzilla' shoppers who intentionally step up to "next in line, please" positions, bypassing those individuals who were too timid to say anything.
OK. I got that off my chest, but I'll wager that I am not alone in my jaded view of the American shopper during the November and December holidays. Anyone else out there in web-land feel the same way?
Ancora imparo
Which brings me quickly to the topic of today's posting: The invisible transition from feeling thankful to feeling entitled. One day we are celebrating the holiday where we are all supposed to feel thankful and by 12:01 a.m. of the next day we are morphed into greedy, grumpy, rude, and impatient shoppers (and drivers, I might add), all vying for the best deal regardless of how many other humans we have to elbow out of the way to get at the merchandise we feel entitled to be able to purchase.
Do I shop on Black Friday? Absolutely not!
If this is supposed to be the season of light and love then why do so many consumers become
the antithesis of light and love? Who can blame store clerks whose faces display frown lines, wrinkled brows, and mean-looking eyes staring back at inconsiderate buyers?
I do not know how you feel, but this is my least favorite time of the year to either drive or shop in any store. I would much rather keep my business online, where I do not have to waste fuel encountering manic and crazy drivers playing chicken in parking lots, lurking to snatch the first available parking spot from the vehicle who had patiently waited or 'Shopzilla' shoppers who intentionally step up to "next in line, please" positions, bypassing those individuals who were too timid to say anything.
OK. I got that off my chest, but I'll wager that I am not alone in my jaded view of the American shopper during the November and December holidays. Anyone else out there in web-land feel the same way?
Ancora imparo
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Another MIlestone
Dear Readers:
I invite you to celebrate, along with me, as I compose the three-hundredth posting of Ancora imparo. When I set out, in late December of 2008, committing to write each day, little did I realize what an undertaking of personal discipline blogging would become. I am not obsessed about blogging but I have remained dedicated to the task and appreciate the structure that daily writing provides. Although certain that there are remaining grammatical and spelling mistakes to go back and systematically correct, my goal has been to compose short, reflective-yet-humorous 'columns', if you will, that are worthy of a reader's time to actually sit down and mentally ingest.
It is appropriate, in this landmark (albeit a personal landmark) posting that my remaining space be filled with a brief accounting of the weighty and culturally significant activity that I took part in last night: Playing computer-generated euchre, online, with family members.
Before you shake your head in disbelief at my description of the experience (weighty and culturally significant), keep in mind that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is thought of as one which normally brings families closer together, via food and personal interaction. Since it was not possible for our extended family to be physically in the same place this year, playing euchre together online was a perfect solution. Not only we were able to play cards, four people at four separate computers in two locations, but we were able to instantly communicate with one another by enabling the instant messaging 'app'. The two locations also took advantage of their web cams and, voila, it was as if we were together, under one roof. No matter that we were silly and rather sophomoric with our behavior.......a great time was had by all.
And so I dedicate this personally-landmarked posting to my peeps. Spread out though we were, thanks to technology, we were together.
Ancora imparo
I invite you to celebrate, along with me, as I compose the three-hundredth posting of Ancora imparo. When I set out, in late December of 2008, committing to write each day, little did I realize what an undertaking of personal discipline blogging would become. I am not obsessed about blogging but I have remained dedicated to the task and appreciate the structure that daily writing provides. Although certain that there are remaining grammatical and spelling mistakes to go back and systematically correct, my goal has been to compose short, reflective-yet-humorous 'columns', if you will, that are worthy of a reader's time to actually sit down and mentally ingest.
It is appropriate, in this landmark (albeit a personal landmark) posting that my remaining space be filled with a brief accounting of the weighty and culturally significant activity that I took part in last night: Playing computer-generated euchre, online, with family members.
Before you shake your head in disbelief at my description of the experience (weighty and culturally significant), keep in mind that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is thought of as one which normally brings families closer together, via food and personal interaction. Since it was not possible for our extended family to be physically in the same place this year, playing euchre together online was a perfect solution. Not only we were able to play cards, four people at four separate computers in two locations, but we were able to instantly communicate with one another by enabling the instant messaging 'app'. The two locations also took advantage of their web cams and, voila, it was as if we were together, under one roof. No matter that we were silly and rather sophomoric with our behavior.......a great time was had by all.
And so I dedicate this personally-landmarked posting to my peeps. Spread out though we were, thanks to technology, we were together.
Ancora imparo
Friday, November 27, 2009
Fowl Language
Somewhere, at the cell-level of their bodies, the migratration-gene was flipped to 'on' and the geese took to flight yesterday, on their long traverse to warmer climes. As my SO and I went for our daily walk, before the uber-gorging that would take place, the sky above us was filled with the sight and sound of multitudes of geese. Everywhere we turned, the birds were in motion, all headed in the same general direction. Some groups had formed their signature V formation, other groups were in the process of organization and, yet other stray geese were seen in pairs, or the occasional odd-numbered cluster. Regardless of the size of the group, the honking was continuous and cacophonous. The fowl were communicating with each other and formation-to-formation.
This would not have been a good day to fly in an airplane, for either kind of bird.
Our walk was frequently slowed, or even paused, as we took in the almost pageant-like avian production. It was as if a Broadway-show producer clapped her hands and said, "Places, everyone.", except these 'places' are locations perhaps thousands of miles away and the geese perform their instinct-driven act, internally programmed by thousands of years of heredity.
Our fascination was heightened by our observations of the 'stray' pairs of geese or the odd-numbered clusters. These laggards were always flying at a more frantic pace, straining to catch up to a flock that had, for some reason, out-paced them. Our heads were filled with imaginary goose-to-goose conversations that might have gone like this:
"Thelma, (Seems like a good name for a goose, doesn't it?) I told you we should have left five minutes sooner, but NO, you had to check your feathers one more time!"
"Well, Woodrow, if you would have helped pack last night, like I asked you to, I would have been on time for departure!"
"Oh, Sampson, we have to invite Louise to fly with us. She's just lost her mate and has no one else to travel with."
"I told you we should have left your mother at home."
And, so, on this blackest of Fridays, I leave all intrepid shoppers with this parting thought:
May all of the language you overhear, or take part in today, be only of the 'fowl' nature, and not the 'foul'. Safe shopping. I'll be here, in my bat-cave, thinking of all of you.
Ancora imparo
This would not have been a good day to fly in an airplane, for either kind of bird.
Our walk was frequently slowed, or even paused, as we took in the almost pageant-like avian production. It was as if a Broadway-show producer clapped her hands and said, "Places, everyone.", except these 'places' are locations perhaps thousands of miles away and the geese perform their instinct-driven act, internally programmed by thousands of years of heredity.
Our fascination was heightened by our observations of the 'stray' pairs of geese or the odd-numbered clusters. These laggards were always flying at a more frantic pace, straining to catch up to a flock that had, for some reason, out-paced them. Our heads were filled with imaginary goose-to-goose conversations that might have gone like this:
"Thelma, (Seems like a good name for a goose, doesn't it?) I told you we should have left five minutes sooner, but NO, you had to check your feathers one more time!"
"Well, Woodrow, if you would have helped pack last night, like I asked you to, I would have been on time for departure!"
"Oh, Sampson, we have to invite Louise to fly with us. She's just lost her mate and has no one else to travel with."
"I told you we should have left your mother at home."
And, so, on this blackest of Fridays, I leave all intrepid shoppers with this parting thought:
May all of the language you overhear, or take part in today, be only of the 'fowl' nature, and not the 'foul'. Safe shopping. I'll be here, in my bat-cave, thinking of all of you.
Ancora imparo
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Free Shipping
If you are on the web for any appreciable length of time these days, checking email or websites, you cannot miss the fact that hordes of businesses are offering free shipping, discounts, promotions, etc. in an effort to woo the hard-earned (or, non-existent, in some cases) cash from the economy-weary consumer. I guess, on this day where we are supposed to feel thankful, Main Street wants us to be thankful for free shipping. After all, shortly after tomorrow appears, Main Street hopes that we will be thankful for stores that opened in the wee hours of the morning and that whatever we saved in dollars may have been eaten up with the cost of gas from driving thither and yon just to find the best price on the gift that may be eventually re-gifted.
As for my SO and I, on this day where we all are supposed to be thankful, our thanks will come when the forty-cent-a-pound fowl gets cooked and carved and those gathered at the table can actually chew the meat. If the old adage, "you get what you pay for", rings true then the turkey meat will be leather-like, in spite of the culinary efforts of "Mr. Turkey". This may very well be the year that the left-over turkey gets made into turkey sausage and turkey burgers immediately after the last dish is washed.
The Great Illusionist recently pardoned Tom Turkey, who will live to see tomorrow dawn, and stores opening well before daylight. As Tom T. perches in his safe sanctuary, it is he who will have the last laugh, as we all give thanks for bargain meat that we can chew, bargains found in the big and small box stores, and, of course, free shipping.
Ancora imparo
As for my SO and I, on this day where we all are supposed to be thankful, our thanks will come when the forty-cent-a-pound fowl gets cooked and carved and those gathered at the table can actually chew the meat. If the old adage, "you get what you pay for", rings true then the turkey meat will be leather-like, in spite of the culinary efforts of "Mr. Turkey". This may very well be the year that the left-over turkey gets made into turkey sausage and turkey burgers immediately after the last dish is washed.
The Great Illusionist recently pardoned Tom Turkey, who will live to see tomorrow dawn, and stores opening well before daylight. As Tom T. perches in his safe sanctuary, it is he who will have the last laugh, as we all give thanks for bargain meat that we can chew, bargains found in the big and small box stores, and, of course, free shipping.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
If Only It Were That Easy
Last night afforded me the experience of playing a musical instrument with a choir in rehearsal for a holiday concert. Across America, thousands, maybe even millions of performing groups, are preparing for seasonal concerts. The venues will vary from concert halls to performing arts centers, to churches, to malls and even living rooms and the ages of the performers will be diverse as well.
In the rehearsal last evening, I was placed next to a person whose skill on her instrument remains strong, although her hearing is not what it once was in her youth. A seasoned player, she 'knows her stuff' but from time to time she would need a visual cue as to where the choir was so she could find her place on her part. As a former public school band director, it was no big deal for me to occasionally assist her by simply pointing at her music if she was momentarily aurally confused. She was appreciative and I was able. A synergistic partnership.
This morning brought further reflection on the evening's rehearsal and how simple it was for one person to assist another in a very subtle, yet useful, way.
If only life were that way. If only all we would have to do is point somewhere, at something, at the right time, to assist another in an area of life that is a struggle. Sometimes we are given the gift of sight for another but to no avail. We may be able to 'see' where another is headed but until that person gets there, in his or her own time and way - maybe accumulating bumps and bruises along the road - any 'pointing' we attempt may be pointless or even unappreciated.
And so, I accept the fact that I can use my 'pointy' finger only for help in musical rehearsals, not in life. I am comforted by the realization that I may very well be the recipient of another's 'pointy' finger - perhaps sooner than later. When those moments come (and I do know that there will be multiple moments) I will gladly accept help and assistance from another human's 'pointy' finger.
Just don't all of you point at once.
Ancora imparo
In the rehearsal last evening, I was placed next to a person whose skill on her instrument remains strong, although her hearing is not what it once was in her youth. A seasoned player, she 'knows her stuff' but from time to time she would need a visual cue as to where the choir was so she could find her place on her part. As a former public school band director, it was no big deal for me to occasionally assist her by simply pointing at her music if she was momentarily aurally confused. She was appreciative and I was able. A synergistic partnership.
This morning brought further reflection on the evening's rehearsal and how simple it was for one person to assist another in a very subtle, yet useful, way.
If only life were that way. If only all we would have to do is point somewhere, at something, at the right time, to assist another in an area of life that is a struggle. Sometimes we are given the gift of sight for another but to no avail. We may be able to 'see' where another is headed but until that person gets there, in his or her own time and way - maybe accumulating bumps and bruises along the road - any 'pointing' we attempt may be pointless or even unappreciated.
And so, I accept the fact that I can use my 'pointy' finger only for help in musical rehearsals, not in life. I am comforted by the realization that I may very well be the recipient of another's 'pointy' finger - perhaps sooner than later. When those moments come (and I do know that there will be multiple moments) I will gladly accept help and assistance from another human's 'pointy' finger.
Just don't all of you point at once.
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Parsing Words
On a morning perambulation this summer, my SO and I encountered two of the other 'regular', neighborhood perambulators, and inquired as to the whereabouts of two of their missing comrades. One of the women spoke up instantly, and said, in a joking manner, "Oh, we had a spat."
As with many of the postings of this blog, that conversation was parked deep into my brain and spawned the generation of yet another list. Over the past several months, since our neighborly encounter, I've been listening to conversations everywhere and noting the differing terms used as synonyms for 'spat'. (Please note that this list describes only verbal confrontations, not physical.) As a casual observer and interloper of discussions, I would hazard the guess that some of the terms listed below are generation-related.
Disagreement
Argument
Quarrel
Fight
Dispute
Feud
Going back just a bit further in time, are some of my favorites:
Row
Tiff
Brouhaha
Kerfuffle
Donnybrook
'Vintage' words are fun and oft portray a lighter side to our newer (by a century or two) terms.
Just imagine our current world leaders having a 'tiff' or 'row' over world health issues or climate concerns. It just kind of takes the hot air out of their inflated ego-speak, does it not?
Please keep in mind that I am not trying to start a kerfuffle with the contents of today's posting.
Peace and love to all.
Ancora imparo
As with many of the postings of this blog, that conversation was parked deep into my brain and spawned the generation of yet another list. Over the past several months, since our neighborly encounter, I've been listening to conversations everywhere and noting the differing terms used as synonyms for 'spat'. (Please note that this list describes only verbal confrontations, not physical.) As a casual observer and interloper of discussions, I would hazard the guess that some of the terms listed below are generation-related.
Disagreement
Argument
Quarrel
Fight
Dispute
Feud
Going back just a bit further in time, are some of my favorites:
Row
Tiff
Brouhaha
Kerfuffle
Donnybrook
'Vintage' words are fun and oft portray a lighter side to our newer (by a century or two) terms.
Just imagine our current world leaders having a 'tiff' or 'row' over world health issues or climate concerns. It just kind of takes the hot air out of their inflated ego-speak, does it not?
Please keep in mind that I am not trying to start a kerfuffle with the contents of today's posting.
Peace and love to all.
Ancora imparo
Monday, November 23, 2009
This Is Backwards
A recent visit to a small, Midwest town has given rise to my desire to share a thought or two about our country's educational system.
True scenario: A high school teacher's performance was deemed unsatisfactory over a period of time. Nothing unusual here but, due to tenure, our educational system rewards mediocrity, and thusly, the high school teacher was then assigned to the middle school and the corresponding middle school teacher was reassigned to the high school. An educational 'switcheroo', which is not uncommon.
Sadly, the flaw in our system is this: The educational pecking order sees a higher teaching value the higher the grade number taught. We've been sold a bill of goods thinking that higher means better. I am not arguing that secondary school teachers are not qualified nor of high quality, but, as with any body of employees, there will be those who are exceptional, those whose performance is mediocre and those whose performance is repeatedly unsatisfactory.
The prevailing train of thought is that if you teach in an elementary setting, you are somehow lesser than one who teaches at a high school. Not so! We have it backwards. It is at the elementary level that basic skills are taught. It is at the elementary level that the educational foundation for life is built. It is at the elementary level that it all begins. This is true for every discipline. When a high school teacher has students that are ready and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to receive a new set of information - thank an elementary teacher.
I can feel my soapbox becoming slippery, which is a good thing. I'll fall off soon.
Ancora imparo
True scenario: A high school teacher's performance was deemed unsatisfactory over a period of time. Nothing unusual here but, due to tenure, our educational system rewards mediocrity, and thusly, the high school teacher was then assigned to the middle school and the corresponding middle school teacher was reassigned to the high school. An educational 'switcheroo', which is not uncommon.
Sadly, the flaw in our system is this: The educational pecking order sees a higher teaching value the higher the grade number taught. We've been sold a bill of goods thinking that higher means better. I am not arguing that secondary school teachers are not qualified nor of high quality, but, as with any body of employees, there will be those who are exceptional, those whose performance is mediocre and those whose performance is repeatedly unsatisfactory.
The prevailing train of thought is that if you teach in an elementary setting, you are somehow lesser than one who teaches at a high school. Not so! We have it backwards. It is at the elementary level that basic skills are taught. It is at the elementary level that the educational foundation for life is built. It is at the elementary level that it all begins. This is true for every discipline. When a high school teacher has students that are ready and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to receive a new set of information - thank an elementary teacher.
I can feel my soapbox becoming slippery, which is a good thing. I'll fall off soon.
Ancora imparo
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Useful Or Useless Knowledge
Sundays are almost always a vessel for supplying me with loads of information - some useful and some useless. Sundays often put me in contact with a large pool of people as well as provide me with the Sunday newspaper and its expanded assortment of sections and articles. I have not been disappointed today!
From the morning, at my place of worship:
Elderly Mrs. Magillacuddy (not her true name) had surgery to remove six feet of her intestine. She's feeling much better but did you know that there is how many feet of intestine in the body? Not useful, not useless......TMI.....too much information.
Hymnals are still valued tools of worship, especially when the electric screen refuses to slide down. Useful.
Babies really do not like water sprinkled on their heads during baptism. Useful.
From the newspaper:
Writing has been discovered on the Shroud of Turin. Useless. Besides, it probably says made in Hong Kong.
Italian museum finds Galileo's missing fingers and tooth, which will go on display. Useless, disgusting and TMI.
200 Web sites use English to spread terrorism's message. Insulting!
Fur sale to begin on Thanksgiving Day. Useless.
My favorite, from this weekend, on Public Radio's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me":
The name of Sarah Palin's next book: Going Away
I hope that all of the information that you glean from sources this coming week is either useful, humorous, or uplifting!
Ancora imparo
From the morning, at my place of worship:
Elderly Mrs. Magillacuddy (not her true name) had surgery to remove six feet of her intestine. She's feeling much better but did you know that there is how many feet of intestine in the body? Not useful, not useless......TMI.....too much information.
Hymnals are still valued tools of worship, especially when the electric screen refuses to slide down. Useful.
Babies really do not like water sprinkled on their heads during baptism. Useful.
From the newspaper:
Writing has been discovered on the Shroud of Turin. Useless. Besides, it probably says made in Hong Kong.
Italian museum finds Galileo's missing fingers and tooth, which will go on display. Useless, disgusting and TMI.
200 Web sites use English to spread terrorism's message. Insulting!
Fur sale to begin on Thanksgiving Day. Useless.
My favorite, from this weekend, on Public Radio's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me":
The name of Sarah Palin's next book: Going Away
I hope that all of the information that you glean from sources this coming week is either useful, humorous, or uplifting!
Ancora imparo
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Missouri, Once Again
The great state of Missouri, the "Show-Me" state, has risen to the national forefront once again. Its U.S. Representative, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, is currently circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter among his peers, promoting House Concurrent Resolution 155, designating the day before Thanksgiving as the official "Complaint-Free" Wednesday. In other words, no whining within the walls of our legislative branch of government for one day!
While I applaud this effort, I wonder just what do our elected officials, as well as government-appointed officials, have to complain about?
Certainly not health care. They have the best coverage in the world.
Not work schedules. They get plenty of time off.
Not working conditions. They have access to some of the finest workout facilities in the nation.
Not food. Their restaurants and grills employ only the best chefs in the world.
Not representation. All they have to do is make up congressional districts and no one is the wiser.
Not travel allowances. They take junkets routinely, padding the rolls with staff and family members.
What members of Congress could possibly complain about escapes me. Oh, I'm sure there are those who feel that their free H1N1 Virus shots came at an inconvenient time, or that their parking tickets were not 'forgiven' in a timely manner, or that their traffic violations weren't overlooked as discreetly as desired. Really, the insensitivity of the public-service community that serves the greater Washington D.C. area!
It is the little people of this country who need to stop whining, not our glorified and edified elected public officials. All of the under and non-insured, the unemployed.....just get over it and pull yourselves up by the bootstraps and join the public Pollyannas for one complaint-free day. You'll make your Congressional men and women very happy.
Ancora imparo
While I applaud this effort, I wonder just what do our elected officials, as well as government-appointed officials, have to complain about?
Certainly not health care. They have the best coverage in the world.
Not work schedules. They get plenty of time off.
Not working conditions. They have access to some of the finest workout facilities in the nation.
Not food. Their restaurants and grills employ only the best chefs in the world.
Not representation. All they have to do is make up congressional districts and no one is the wiser.
Not travel allowances. They take junkets routinely, padding the rolls with staff and family members.
What members of Congress could possibly complain about escapes me. Oh, I'm sure there are those who feel that their free H1N1 Virus shots came at an inconvenient time, or that their parking tickets were not 'forgiven' in a timely manner, or that their traffic violations weren't overlooked as discreetly as desired. Really, the insensitivity of the public-service community that serves the greater Washington D.C. area!
It is the little people of this country who need to stop whining, not our glorified and edified elected public officials. All of the under and non-insured, the unemployed.....just get over it and pull yourselves up by the bootstraps and join the public Pollyannas for one complaint-free day. You'll make your Congressional men and women very happy.
Ancora imparo
Friday, November 20, 2009
Crisis Of A Real Nature
One of the leading national news stories out today actually carries with it pathos and drama that most Americans can identify with. Finally, instead of reading and hearing about the economic crisis and Timothy Geithner whining about what a good job he and the current administration are doing; missing children and the horrific conditions they have lived in; terrorism and its disciples; a flu pandemic - we now have a real and present problem with a national pumpkin shortage.
This crisis is especially problematic with the Thanksgiving Day Pig-Out right around the corner and millions of cooks poised to prepare and serve the iconic pie made of pumpkin. What most economists and journalists have missed is the domino effect that will occur in other food-related industries. The pumpkin-patch tragedy (it really is for the pumpkin farmer with whom I can identify) will reach far beyond the company that takes the raw pumpkin and turns it into the savory mix that our palates have come to love and demand, particularly in November.
This twist-of-fate turn from Mother Nature will begin to affect the aluminum pie-pan industry, the spice industry, the trucking industry that transports the pumpkin-pie recipe components, and, lastly, the dairy industry and its real and faux whipped cream products. No telling how many corporations may be brought to their knees because there is too much mud in Missouri.
What amazes me is that, with our country's free-trade agreements that benefit the rest of the world but not the United States, there are not dozens of countries waiting in the wings with bumper pumpkin crops, ready to sell their produce to us at over-inflated (redundancy intended) prices.
Oops, my tongue is now protruding through my cheek. I'm off to the supermarket to buy up as much pumpkin mix as I can. I'll stockpile it in my basement to assure that my family has pumpkin pies for years to come. That is, until the 'best-if-used-by' date passes and the cans bulge from spoilage. Then I can throw all of the unused cans away. My mother would be proud.........
Ancora imparo
This crisis is especially problematic with the Thanksgiving Day Pig-Out right around the corner and millions of cooks poised to prepare and serve the iconic pie made of pumpkin. What most economists and journalists have missed is the domino effect that will occur in other food-related industries. The pumpkin-patch tragedy (it really is for the pumpkin farmer with whom I can identify) will reach far beyond the company that takes the raw pumpkin and turns it into the savory mix that our palates have come to love and demand, particularly in November.
This twist-of-fate turn from Mother Nature will begin to affect the aluminum pie-pan industry, the spice industry, the trucking industry that transports the pumpkin-pie recipe components, and, lastly, the dairy industry and its real and faux whipped cream products. No telling how many corporations may be brought to their knees because there is too much mud in Missouri.
What amazes me is that, with our country's free-trade agreements that benefit the rest of the world but not the United States, there are not dozens of countries waiting in the wings with bumper pumpkin crops, ready to sell their produce to us at over-inflated (redundancy intended) prices.
Oops, my tongue is now protruding through my cheek. I'm off to the supermarket to buy up as much pumpkin mix as I can. I'll stockpile it in my basement to assure that my family has pumpkin pies for years to come. That is, until the 'best-if-used-by' date passes and the cans bulge from spoilage. Then I can throw all of the unused cans away. My mother would be proud.........
Ancora imparo
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Strange Bedfellows
From time to time, a news flash, so ludicrous that it catches my attention and fascination, comes along. Such was the news bulletin on Public Radio today announcing the partnership between a HUGE soft drink corporation and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
I could stop right here, with the previous sentence, and I think you could grasp my astonishment, amazement, and disbelief at what I heard. In fact, I thought that I must have heard the reporter incorrectly. "There is no way that this could be fact.", thought I to myself. After a morning of running errands, I came home and went directly to my trusty laptop and search-engined the two partners. Sure enough, there was a link to an article, which I read, confirming what I couldn't believe I'd heard earlier in the day. My disbelief was warranted.
Having the American Academy of Family Physicians and a gargantuan soft-drink corporation in bed with one another is akin to the fox-in-the-hen-house concept. The two entities have signed a "six-figure deal" to promote the "healthy ingestion of soft drinks." This is a classic oxymoron, if ever I heard one. The terms healthy and soft drink do not belong in the same sentence. Many eyebrows have been raised concerning this partnership. So many so, that a corporation spokesperson issued an announcement from which I'll use a portion: "the point of the partnership is to provide education based on sound science".
Hmmm. Soft drinks, nutrition, education...............I don't think they belong in the same sentence.
I'm not fooled.......are you? Follow the money!
Ancora imparo
I could stop right here, with the previous sentence, and I think you could grasp my astonishment, amazement, and disbelief at what I heard. In fact, I thought that I must have heard the reporter incorrectly. "There is no way that this could be fact.", thought I to myself. After a morning of running errands, I came home and went directly to my trusty laptop and search-engined the two partners. Sure enough, there was a link to an article, which I read, confirming what I couldn't believe I'd heard earlier in the day. My disbelief was warranted.
Having the American Academy of Family Physicians and a gargantuan soft-drink corporation in bed with one another is akin to the fox-in-the-hen-house concept. The two entities have signed a "six-figure deal" to promote the "healthy ingestion of soft drinks." This is a classic oxymoron, if ever I heard one. The terms healthy and soft drink do not belong in the same sentence. Many eyebrows have been raised concerning this partnership. So many so, that a corporation spokesperson issued an announcement from which I'll use a portion: "the point of the partnership is to provide education based on sound science".
Hmmm. Soft drinks, nutrition, education...............I don't think they belong in the same sentence.
I'm not fooled.......are you? Follow the money!
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lopsided Scales
Have you ever been enticed by the fifty-cent-or-larger coupon that arrives either in the mail, newspaper, magazine or annoying flyer that is anonymously placed in your mailbox in the dead of night? I have. I admit to even clipping twenty-five-cent-off coupons, with the optimistic attitude that every little bit helps.
Periodically, in the supermarket, I'll see someone, usually a woman, with a fist-full of coupons. The more-organized woman will have her coupons in a coupon binder, sorted by category. The lesser-organized coupon-clipper will have the coupons in her hand and you will see her stopping constantly, rifling through the tiny papers, looking to see if the brand she wants to buy has a coupon that matches it. Then there is the person such as myself, who routinely clips coupons - as evidenced by the coupon clutter in one corner of my desk - and seldom remembers to take any with me when I actually leave the house to go grocery shopping. From time to time, I'll remember to look through my sheaf of coupons to cull out the expired ones and with each coupon I toss I'll think to myself, "If only I had remembered to use this one!"
Score: Corporation - one, consumer - zero
Corporations make a science of knowing the consumer and these megaliths count on people forgetting to use the coupon or not following the redemption requirements. Some redemption requirements border on the ridiculous and might as well say, "Can only be redeemed by consumer if wearing the color chartreuse and holding an albino ferret in the left hand." Corporations can afford to issue thousands if not millions of coupons because corporate marketing departments know they can count on a small percentage of the coupons actually being redeemed on time, if at all.
Score: Corporation - two, consumer - zero
The issuance of coupons reminds me of the great corporate-rebate game. That is fodder for another blog at another time. The score on that one would be: Corporation: Annihilation, Consumer - extinct.
Cynical and I know it..............
Ancora imparo
Periodically, in the supermarket, I'll see someone, usually a woman, with a fist-full of coupons. The more-organized woman will have her coupons in a coupon binder, sorted by category. The lesser-organized coupon-clipper will have the coupons in her hand and you will see her stopping constantly, rifling through the tiny papers, looking to see if the brand she wants to buy has a coupon that matches it. Then there is the person such as myself, who routinely clips coupons - as evidenced by the coupon clutter in one corner of my desk - and seldom remembers to take any with me when I actually leave the house to go grocery shopping. From time to time, I'll remember to look through my sheaf of coupons to cull out the expired ones and with each coupon I toss I'll think to myself, "If only I had remembered to use this one!"
Score: Corporation - one, consumer - zero
Corporations make a science of knowing the consumer and these megaliths count on people forgetting to use the coupon or not following the redemption requirements. Some redemption requirements border on the ridiculous and might as well say, "Can only be redeemed by consumer if wearing the color chartreuse and holding an albino ferret in the left hand." Corporations can afford to issue thousands if not millions of coupons because corporate marketing departments know they can count on a small percentage of the coupons actually being redeemed on time, if at all.
Score: Corporation - two, consumer - zero
The issuance of coupons reminds me of the great corporate-rebate game. That is fodder for another blog at another time. The score on that one would be: Corporation: Annihilation, Consumer - extinct.
Cynical and I know it..............
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Introducing The Trio
Their car seats sit, tight next to one another, three across in the backseat of a Honda Civic -a study in spacial efficiency. Purchased at the same time, the car seats not only are uniform in color but perfectly matched to the Civic's interior upholstery. As of last night, each car seat has its own rider and the assignment of each rider to each seat was carefully planned. The order may change but, for now, the seating chart is complete.
Immediately behind the passenger seat sits Princess Leia. (Not her real name.) A studious infant, she rides in a rear-facing seat. Her personality works well for her parents as she mostly eats, sleeps, and smiles. When she wants or needs something, she vocalizes at first with a plaintive voice. As seconds or minutes pass with no attention given to her, her technique is simple but effective: Gradually increase frequency and volume of vocalizations until her needs are met. She has a penetrating gaze that will stop motion and a smile that can melt glaciers.
Taking the middle seat is TLV'sLB. (That is The Little Voice's Little Brother.) After two years of waiting and more waiting, he finally arrived, from Haiti, last night to join the family. At two-plus years of age, he is just young enough to realize that something has changed, faces are different, and so is the food! His disposition is very sweet and he is a whiz with his hand-to-eye coordination! Perhaps that is because he is a lefty!
Seated behind the driver's seat is TLV. As the oldest of the trio, he now assumes the role of 'big brother', and teacher of all things - good and not-so-good! As he and his LB grow accustomed to one another, all manner of silliness will hopefully occur more than the certain-to-be territorialism that two and three year olds are developmentally prone to.
One of my favorite photos from the last twenty-four hours is one where TLV and his LB are buckled into their respective car seats, next to one another for the first time. Mind you, this is elbow-to-elbow, forearm-to-forearm, leg-to-leg, foot-to-foot close-quarter maneuvers we are talking about here. The photo captures the priceless moment when they eye each other and you can hear the picture 'speaking'. The next picture, taken probably just a few seconds later, shows both boys looking forward, having forgotten their initial surprise of finding each other 'right there'. It won't be long 'til they complain if the car seat next to them is empty! It will be, "Where's my brother?"
There have been famous 'trios' in history and, until this moment in time, my favorite triumvirate was the Three Muskateers. (No, not the candy bar.)
Move over Athos, Aramis, and Porthos. You've been replaced. D'Artagnan would approve!
Ancora imparo
Immediately behind the passenger seat sits Princess Leia. (Not her real name.) A studious infant, she rides in a rear-facing seat. Her personality works well for her parents as she mostly eats, sleeps, and smiles. When she wants or needs something, she vocalizes at first with a plaintive voice. As seconds or minutes pass with no attention given to her, her technique is simple but effective: Gradually increase frequency and volume of vocalizations until her needs are met. She has a penetrating gaze that will stop motion and a smile that can melt glaciers.
Taking the middle seat is TLV'sLB. (That is The Little Voice's Little Brother.) After two years of waiting and more waiting, he finally arrived, from Haiti, last night to join the family. At two-plus years of age, he is just young enough to realize that something has changed, faces are different, and so is the food! His disposition is very sweet and he is a whiz with his hand-to-eye coordination! Perhaps that is because he is a lefty!
Seated behind the driver's seat is TLV. As the oldest of the trio, he now assumes the role of 'big brother', and teacher of all things - good and not-so-good! As he and his LB grow accustomed to one another, all manner of silliness will hopefully occur more than the certain-to-be territorialism that two and three year olds are developmentally prone to.
One of my favorite photos from the last twenty-four hours is one where TLV and his LB are buckled into their respective car seats, next to one another for the first time. Mind you, this is elbow-to-elbow, forearm-to-forearm, leg-to-leg, foot-to-foot close-quarter maneuvers we are talking about here. The photo captures the priceless moment when they eye each other and you can hear the picture 'speaking'. The next picture, taken probably just a few seconds later, shows both boys looking forward, having forgotten their initial surprise of finding each other 'right there'. It won't be long 'til they complain if the car seat next to them is empty! It will be, "Where's my brother?"
There have been famous 'trios' in history and, until this moment in time, my favorite triumvirate was the Three Muskateers. (No, not the candy bar.)
Move over Athos, Aramis, and Porthos. You've been replaced. D'Artagnan would approve!
Ancora imparo
Monday, November 16, 2009
Canine Counselors
Dogs are amazing animals. They are forgiving always. Even when the human should not be forgiven, often the dog does.
Dogs forgive humans much faster than humans forgive humans.
Dogs don't care if your hair is mussed, your clothes are wrinkled, or your attitude is cranky.
Dogs just want to be loved, petted, and fed. They even appreciate the crumbs that fall under the table during a meal. The meal does not have to be perfect to please a dog.
Dogs are role models when it comes to diversity. They are color-blind and only recognize other canines for what they are........other canines.
Dogs are not fussy about their surroundings. They do not mind dust, dust bunnies, clutter or messes. Besides, messes provide things with which to play, chew or toss up in the air.
A dog does not answer its cell phone while in a conversation with its owner, nor does a dog text while driving.
A dog does not watch television while eating dinner with its owner.
If the owner is mad, sad, or glad the dog just sits, listens with its head cocked to one side and does not interrupt with suggestions, corrections, how-it-happened-worse-for-me, platitudes or condescending advice.
Talk therapy with a dog costs the human nothing and makes the dog feel like you are paying attention to it.
Talk therapy is better with a dog because human therapists resist being patted on the head while the client cries AND talk therapists do not have fur in which you can run your fingers through.
All in all, canine counselors have it hands down over human counselors. And, they cost less.
Get a dog today!
Ancora imparo
Dogs forgive humans much faster than humans forgive humans.
Dogs don't care if your hair is mussed, your clothes are wrinkled, or your attitude is cranky.
Dogs just want to be loved, petted, and fed. They even appreciate the crumbs that fall under the table during a meal. The meal does not have to be perfect to please a dog.
Dogs are role models when it comes to diversity. They are color-blind and only recognize other canines for what they are........other canines.
Dogs are not fussy about their surroundings. They do not mind dust, dust bunnies, clutter or messes. Besides, messes provide things with which to play, chew or toss up in the air.
A dog does not answer its cell phone while in a conversation with its owner, nor does a dog text while driving.
A dog does not watch television while eating dinner with its owner.
If the owner is mad, sad, or glad the dog just sits, listens with its head cocked to one side and does not interrupt with suggestions, corrections, how-it-happened-worse-for-me, platitudes or condescending advice.
Talk therapy with a dog costs the human nothing and makes the dog feel like you are paying attention to it.
Talk therapy is better with a dog because human therapists resist being patted on the head while the client cries AND talk therapists do not have fur in which you can run your fingers through.
All in all, canine counselors have it hands down over human counselors. And, they cost less.
Get a dog today!
Ancora imparo
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Princess and the Pea
I get teased unmercifully about my need to have my sleeping conditions 'just right'. I'll admit that the planets do have to be lined up properly for me to fall asleep and stay asleep, but I do not think I am alone in this pathologically prescriptive sleep requirement.
My SO and I just spent the weekend with a number of adults who also sleep poorly away from home. A common thread in conversations was, "How did you sleep?" "Poorly." "You, too?" Then the conversation would gravitate to the hows and whys of the poor-sleep scenarios that left many of us yawning and periodically dozing off during the day.
Personally, I cannot sleep if there is any light. Even the faintest glow from a digital display on a clock-radio's face can disturb my ability to fall asleep. The slightest noise can keep me awake or awaken me from a sound sleep. If I am within hearing range of a clock whose machinery makes even the softest of sounds........I cannot sleep.
Last night provided a triple-whammy in the poor-sleep department. The room in which we were sleeping became overly warm - problem number one. The mattress is a soft, older one that has a distinct decline where my head was - problem number two. When the room became unbearably stuffy and warm, my thoughtful SO got up during the night to open a window to allow some heat to escape and some cooler air to enter. There was a gentle breeze.......which made the old window shade's wooden pull-slat rhythmically bump against the window's frame.......over and over and over - problem number three until I got up and raised the window shade as high as it would go. The tapping ceased but I never got back to sleep.
What I, and countless other just like me, wouldn't give to sleep uninterruptedly all night long. Oh, I know there are gizmos that you can purchase to aid and abet a good night's sleep, but if a person utilized all of the sleep aids available to buy, one would look like an alien from outer space. You would never be able to sleep with all of the wires, glue, masks, etc. covering your head and face. What we need are sleep 'caves' constructed within our residences. The problem would then become the need to transport our sleep 'caves' with us wherever we travel.
If you are a reading this posting and you are a 'good' sleeper, gather some zzzz's for those of us who struggle nightly with elusive slumber. You will know who we are. We are the ones who are yawning during the sermon, pep talk, department meeting or friendly conversation.
Ancora imparo
My SO and I just spent the weekend with a number of adults who also sleep poorly away from home. A common thread in conversations was, "How did you sleep?" "Poorly." "You, too?" Then the conversation would gravitate to the hows and whys of the poor-sleep scenarios that left many of us yawning and periodically dozing off during the day.
Personally, I cannot sleep if there is any light. Even the faintest glow from a digital display on a clock-radio's face can disturb my ability to fall asleep. The slightest noise can keep me awake or awaken me from a sound sleep. If I am within hearing range of a clock whose machinery makes even the softest of sounds........I cannot sleep.
Last night provided a triple-whammy in the poor-sleep department. The room in which we were sleeping became overly warm - problem number one. The mattress is a soft, older one that has a distinct decline where my head was - problem number two. When the room became unbearably stuffy and warm, my thoughtful SO got up during the night to open a window to allow some heat to escape and some cooler air to enter. There was a gentle breeze.......which made the old window shade's wooden pull-slat rhythmically bump against the window's frame.......over and over and over - problem number three until I got up and raised the window shade as high as it would go. The tapping ceased but I never got back to sleep.
What I, and countless other just like me, wouldn't give to sleep uninterruptedly all night long. Oh, I know there are gizmos that you can purchase to aid and abet a good night's sleep, but if a person utilized all of the sleep aids available to buy, one would look like an alien from outer space. You would never be able to sleep with all of the wires, glue, masks, etc. covering your head and face. What we need are sleep 'caves' constructed within our residences. The problem would then become the need to transport our sleep 'caves' with us wherever we travel.
If you are a reading this posting and you are a 'good' sleeper, gather some zzzz's for those of us who struggle nightly with elusive slumber. You will know who we are. We are the ones who are yawning during the sermon, pep talk, department meeting or friendly conversation.
Ancora imparo
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Funny Thing
Funny thing how context is so hugely important when discussing a topic. Out of context, a word can be almost invisible - a non-event - OR it can become a Pandora's Box - a pariah - that starts a chain-reaction from which a firestorm erupts.
Just one word can hold such power.
One word can be thought of in different contexts, each context having relevance to different applications. Take, for instance, the word water and its differing meanings in the following phrases:
Fish out of water
Under water
Water over the dam
Watered-down
Water baby
Taking on water
Water source
Watering hole
Each phrase brings to mind a type of person, a place, a description, or situation. As a boater, water is a major force - both positive and negative - in a boating environment. Water outside the confines of the boat is an imperative. Water inside the confines of the boat takes on a totally different meaning. Taking on water holds a very negative context for a boater.
Under water isn't a positive thought for either a boater or the financial world, whereas a watering hole is where most of Wall Street flocks after the closing bell on Friday.
Just plain H2O is one of the few, vital things that the human body - humankind - cannot live without. Hence, the announcement that water has been discovered on the moon is a major discovery. Earth's water sources are ever-so-slowly being either depleted, contaminated or, if you believe the global-warming theorists, increasing due to glacial melting. Water: We cannot live without it but the life-sustaining substance is part of a tug-of-war between those who seek to use it for their own agendas and theories. States argue over the right to access water sources that are thousands of miles away. Will nations begin arguing over water?
No one, of course, has the answer to that question. What I do know is that while the discovery of water on the moon is of huge consequence somewhere in the grand scheme of things, it is just one more natural resource source that humans can squander and fight over.
I wonder how long it will take to build the pipeline?
Ancora imparo
Just one word can hold such power.
One word can be thought of in different contexts, each context having relevance to different applications. Take, for instance, the word water and its differing meanings in the following phrases:
Fish out of water
Under water
Water over the dam
Watered-down
Water baby
Taking on water
Water source
Watering hole
Each phrase brings to mind a type of person, a place, a description, or situation. As a boater, water is a major force - both positive and negative - in a boating environment. Water outside the confines of the boat is an imperative. Water inside the confines of the boat takes on a totally different meaning. Taking on water holds a very negative context for a boater.
Under water isn't a positive thought for either a boater or the financial world, whereas a watering hole is where most of Wall Street flocks after the closing bell on Friday.
Just plain H2O is one of the few, vital things that the human body - humankind - cannot live without. Hence, the announcement that water has been discovered on the moon is a major discovery. Earth's water sources are ever-so-slowly being either depleted, contaminated or, if you believe the global-warming theorists, increasing due to glacial melting. Water: We cannot live without it but the life-sustaining substance is part of a tug-of-war between those who seek to use it for their own agendas and theories. States argue over the right to access water sources that are thousands of miles away. Will nations begin arguing over water?
No one, of course, has the answer to that question. What I do know is that while the discovery of water on the moon is of huge consequence somewhere in the grand scheme of things, it is just one more natural resource source that humans can squander and fight over.
I wonder how long it will take to build the pipeline?
Ancora imparo
Friday, November 13, 2009
Comfort Zones
We all have our comfort zones, don't we?
I have a friend that has surrounded herself with every type of quilting instrument/machine known to mankind. She spends hours each day in her quilting room, designing, cutting, pinning, ironing and stitching. She calls her quilting room her "hidey hole". Another woman I know spends her days painting. She has a small studio set up in a room that can be filled with sunlight if she deems it necessary. Her easel is strategically placed to reflect just the right amount of natural light. She paints as many hours a day as her busy schedule will allow. Her studio is her office. Other women I know spend their days in an office away from their homes. While I am certain these women would not describe their business offices as "hidey holes", I have been in their offices and they do appear to be as close to comfort zones as possible.
For other people, not necessarily just women, their comfort zones are links to their past lives and the loved ones who lived with them. Comfort zones, to them, are filled with memorabilia, tangible evidence that their loved ones actually lived and breathed. These comfort zones may be slightly cluttered or take on the more severe appearance of hoarding. Clutter and hoarding are methods of keeping memories alive - saving belongings, scraps of paper, pictures - anything that can bring the past back to life.
I have my comfort zone.....a space that brings calm into the turmoil that can rise up suddenly during a day. I've previously blogged about my office - how it contains belongings of loved ones from my past - and how serene I feel being in my office. As regular readers also know, my dad's morris chair is my other comfort zone - a place to call my own.
Do you have a place to call your own? A place where you are engulfed in serenity? Or do you retreat to a place where you receive energy from the walls, colors, textures, and furniture placement?
I am away from home - away from my comfort zones. Perhaps that is why I needed to write about personal retreats. I miss mine.
Wherever you are, I hope you will take advantage of your comfort zone and, if you are really fortunate, you will have more than one place to call your own.
Ancora imparo
I have a friend that has surrounded herself with every type of quilting instrument/machine known to mankind. She spends hours each day in her quilting room, designing, cutting, pinning, ironing and stitching. She calls her quilting room her "hidey hole". Another woman I know spends her days painting. She has a small studio set up in a room that can be filled with sunlight if she deems it necessary. Her easel is strategically placed to reflect just the right amount of natural light. She paints as many hours a day as her busy schedule will allow. Her studio is her office. Other women I know spend their days in an office away from their homes. While I am certain these women would not describe their business offices as "hidey holes", I have been in their offices and they do appear to be as close to comfort zones as possible.
For other people, not necessarily just women, their comfort zones are links to their past lives and the loved ones who lived with them. Comfort zones, to them, are filled with memorabilia, tangible evidence that their loved ones actually lived and breathed. These comfort zones may be slightly cluttered or take on the more severe appearance of hoarding. Clutter and hoarding are methods of keeping memories alive - saving belongings, scraps of paper, pictures - anything that can bring the past back to life.
I have my comfort zone.....a space that brings calm into the turmoil that can rise up suddenly during a day. I've previously blogged about my office - how it contains belongings of loved ones from my past - and how serene I feel being in my office. As regular readers also know, my dad's morris chair is my other comfort zone - a place to call my own.
Do you have a place to call your own? A place where you are engulfed in serenity? Or do you retreat to a place where you receive energy from the walls, colors, textures, and furniture placement?
I am away from home - away from my comfort zones. Perhaps that is why I needed to write about personal retreats. I miss mine.
Wherever you are, I hope you will take advantage of your comfort zone and, if you are really fortunate, you will have more than one place to call your own.
Ancora imparo
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Studying the Coffee Cup
I sat down with a man of faith recently, looking for spiritual guidance and needing an opportunity for a theologically-based discourse. I knew this gentleman could provide both and I was not disappointed. As with all good conversations, I had more than one 'take-away', and I thought I'd openly muse about one of them in this posting.
Studying the coffee cup was my analogy for taking an issue/problem/vexing situation - whatever I'd choose to call it - and wrapping my head around it. In business, there is the term, 360-degree Review, which has to do with a human-resource technique to help an employee improve his or her performance. It is rather like putting the person in an IMAX theatre and providing revolving feedback. Such is my coffee-cup strategy - intellectually studying something from every angle, seeking to dissect and, ultimately, and understand it.
So, now, I am in the process of selecting which coffee cup to study. I'm considering the shape and color of the cup, because those components will provide inspiration for me to spend intellectual time with this cup. I'm considering whether the cup should be plain - with no visual distractions or whether it should be a vibrant color with a futuristic design.
Then there is the decision about whether to start with the cup filled with a liquid or should it begin as empty? Do I want to fill as I go or do I want the cup filled to the brim at the outset? At this moment, I'm leaning toward filling the cup with a steaming-hot, robust coffee - perhaps enhanced with a little half and half - from the get-go.
The way I see this journey is that I might as well enjoy the ride........and, yes, I'll take my newspaper with me!
Ancora imparo
Studying the coffee cup was my analogy for taking an issue/problem/vexing situation - whatever I'd choose to call it - and wrapping my head around it. In business, there is the term, 360-degree Review, which has to do with a human-resource technique to help an employee improve his or her performance. It is rather like putting the person in an IMAX theatre and providing revolving feedback. Such is my coffee-cup strategy - intellectually studying something from every angle, seeking to dissect and, ultimately, and understand it.
So, now, I am in the process of selecting which coffee cup to study. I'm considering the shape and color of the cup, because those components will provide inspiration for me to spend intellectual time with this cup. I'm considering whether the cup should be plain - with no visual distractions or whether it should be a vibrant color with a futuristic design.
Then there is the decision about whether to start with the cup filled with a liquid or should it begin as empty? Do I want to fill as I go or do I want the cup filled to the brim at the outset? At this moment, I'm leaning toward filling the cup with a steaming-hot, robust coffee - perhaps enhanced with a little half and half - from the get-go.
The way I see this journey is that I might as well enjoy the ride........and, yes, I'll take my newspaper with me!
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Favorite Glue
Have you ever taken the time to ponder the different types of glue that are used regularly in our day-to-day lives?
Now, you might be thinking, "Who cares about glue?" Well, we should care because glue is used in many products we come into contact with. In fact, I challenge you to avoid it.
We have glue in automotive, marine, aeronautical..........indeed most equipment has glue somewhere in it. Granted, this glue goes way beyond the white-bottle-with-the-orange-cap kind we used as children in school, but glue, is glue, is glue. Some glue just has stronger adhesive properties than others.
You-Tube and the Funniest Videos television show abound with clips showing people and animals unlucky enough to come into uncontrolled contact with a super-glue type adhesive. If you have ever had your fingers glued as one, you will remember that affixing them together was the easy part. Prying them apart might have been very painful.
Sometimes Mother Nature has her own method of glue: Ice. Did you ever plant your tongue on metal in winter and immediately realize what a mistake that was? Another natural glue is electricity. If you have ever (I have.) grabbed onto a live electric fence, you will find that you may as well have glued yourself to it. Not only are you stuck there but you are in pain, too!
There is the unseen, human-type glue that bonds people together, either cohesively in a group with common ideals and goals, or in pairs, much like the animals going two-by-two onto the ark in the Biblical story of Noah and the Flood. This human-bonding glue is quirkier than industrial glue. Whereas industrial glue has a miniscule fail rate, human-bonding glue has much higher rate of failure.
Perhaps, instead of the unseen glue used to bond humans, we should consider utilizing a type of industrial glue, liberally and literally applied to all or both parties. The rock group, Huey Lewis and the News, got it right with their song, "Happy To Be Stuck With You".
Which, in conclusion, brings me to the best glue of all - in this author's opinion. That is the stickiness that is created when a sugary substance melts and manifests itself with either sticky fingers, surfaces, pages, shoe soles........whatever it comes into contact with. Removing this glue can actually be fun and may even taste good - i.e. melted chocolate. Plus, removing this glue doesn't rent the fabric of any individual's or any group's life.
Yet another good use for chocolate..........................
Ancora imparo
Now, you might be thinking, "Who cares about glue?" Well, we should care because glue is used in many products we come into contact with. In fact, I challenge you to avoid it.
We have glue in automotive, marine, aeronautical..........indeed most equipment has glue somewhere in it. Granted, this glue goes way beyond the white-bottle-with-the-orange-cap kind we used as children in school, but glue, is glue, is glue. Some glue just has stronger adhesive properties than others.
You-Tube and the Funniest Videos television show abound with clips showing people and animals unlucky enough to come into uncontrolled contact with a super-glue type adhesive. If you have ever had your fingers glued as one, you will remember that affixing them together was the easy part. Prying them apart might have been very painful.
Sometimes Mother Nature has her own method of glue: Ice. Did you ever plant your tongue on metal in winter and immediately realize what a mistake that was? Another natural glue is electricity. If you have ever (I have.) grabbed onto a live electric fence, you will find that you may as well have glued yourself to it. Not only are you stuck there but you are in pain, too!
There is the unseen, human-type glue that bonds people together, either cohesively in a group with common ideals and goals, or in pairs, much like the animals going two-by-two onto the ark in the Biblical story of Noah and the Flood. This human-bonding glue is quirkier than industrial glue. Whereas industrial glue has a miniscule fail rate, human-bonding glue has much higher rate of failure.
Perhaps, instead of the unseen glue used to bond humans, we should consider utilizing a type of industrial glue, liberally and literally applied to all or both parties. The rock group, Huey Lewis and the News, got it right with their song, "Happy To Be Stuck With You".
Which, in conclusion, brings me to the best glue of all - in this author's opinion. That is the stickiness that is created when a sugary substance melts and manifests itself with either sticky fingers, surfaces, pages, shoe soles........whatever it comes into contact with. Removing this glue can actually be fun and may even taste good - i.e. melted chocolate. Plus, removing this glue doesn't rent the fabric of any individual's or any group's life.
Yet another good use for chocolate..........................
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Shrinking World
Our world is ever-shrinking. Thanks to technology, in today's world, communication is almost instantaneous. It would seem that we must live our lives as though we are in the eye of a constant video camera with the omnipresence of cell phones.
Why 'we' do not think of this, before we act, is beyond my ken. This is particularly true for young people, who, for the most part, seem glued to their electronic devices.
The recent actions and INSTANT transmittal of electronic images of the young soccer player with the bad attitude and anger-management issue are a case in point of how behavior on a soccer field is now for view all over the world. This young person's life now and in the future, will forever be branded with images of what took place this one time in this one place and will be played over and over. To say that her life has been changed forever is an understatement. Electronic images, once transmitted, have a life of their own - kind of like the Twinkie in a landfill.
We now live in a world where we can and should expect to be 'on camera' everywhere except inside our places of residence. To behave any other way is to behave foolishly.
Ancora imparo
Why 'we' do not think of this, before we act, is beyond my ken. This is particularly true for young people, who, for the most part, seem glued to their electronic devices.
The recent actions and INSTANT transmittal of electronic images of the young soccer player with the bad attitude and anger-management issue are a case in point of how behavior on a soccer field is now for view all over the world. This young person's life now and in the future, will forever be branded with images of what took place this one time in this one place and will be played over and over. To say that her life has been changed forever is an understatement. Electronic images, once transmitted, have a life of their own - kind of like the Twinkie in a landfill.
We now live in a world where we can and should expect to be 'on camera' everywhere except inside our places of residence. To behave any other way is to behave foolishly.
Ancora imparo
Monday, November 9, 2009
My Lexicon
I love my lexicon. No, that is not the diminutive little guy dressed in funny green clothes that lives around the corner. I mean, I love my dictionary.
I am old-fashioned and not ashamed to admit that I still prefer actual paper to web-based reading and Microsoft Spell Check. Spell Check has its place and I do use it from time to time. My problem with it is two-fold. First, just because the machine says that I have now spelled the word correctly does not mean that I have used the word correctly in the text. Secondly, and here is where I think Spell Check will ultimately be a downfall to our young students, (future adult citizens) is that is does not promote learning how to spell. If I am, at least, using a dictionary, I must have some basic knowledge (in other words: a clue) of how to spell the word in the first place or I will not locate the word any time in the near future. I am convinced that when Spell Check is used, little, if any retention takes place of how the word is actually spelled. 'We' are content to let the computer make the appropriate adjustment time after time.
What I really enjoy about the dictionary is when new words (to me) catch my eye. This most often happens when searching for a word and I note the words printed at the top of each page's outer corner that alert the user to what the first and last words of that page are.
I'll see a word I do not know the meaning of and I'll pause to check out this 'new' word.
Here are three words, new to me, that I'd like to share with you. Riveting, isn't it?
(All definitions are from my Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.)
Bethink (pg. 117): 1a: REMEMBER, RECALL b: to cause (oneself) to be reminded 2: to cause (oneself) to consider
Bhang (pg. 118): a mildly intoxicating preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of uncultivated hemp.
Bifurcate (pg. 119) to cause to be or to be divided into two parts
Allow me to include those three words into a sentence.
I bethought the birthday bash when the bhang became bifurcated and blew beneath the bishop's bicycle.
I'll leave you with that thought.
Ancora imparo
I am old-fashioned and not ashamed to admit that I still prefer actual paper to web-based reading and Microsoft Spell Check. Spell Check has its place and I do use it from time to time. My problem with it is two-fold. First, just because the machine says that I have now spelled the word correctly does not mean that I have used the word correctly in the text. Secondly, and here is where I think Spell Check will ultimately be a downfall to our young students, (future adult citizens) is that is does not promote learning how to spell. If I am, at least, using a dictionary, I must have some basic knowledge (in other words: a clue) of how to spell the word in the first place or I will not locate the word any time in the near future. I am convinced that when Spell Check is used, little, if any retention takes place of how the word is actually spelled. 'We' are content to let the computer make the appropriate adjustment time after time.
What I really enjoy about the dictionary is when new words (to me) catch my eye. This most often happens when searching for a word and I note the words printed at the top of each page's outer corner that alert the user to what the first and last words of that page are.
I'll see a word I do not know the meaning of and I'll pause to check out this 'new' word.
Here are three words, new to me, that I'd like to share with you. Riveting, isn't it?
(All definitions are from my Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.)
Bethink (pg. 117): 1a: REMEMBER, RECALL b: to cause (oneself) to be reminded 2: to cause (oneself) to consider
Bhang (pg. 118): a mildly intoxicating preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of uncultivated hemp.
Bifurcate (pg. 119) to cause to be or to be divided into two parts
Allow me to include those three words into a sentence.
I bethought the birthday bash when the bhang became bifurcated and blew beneath the bishop's bicycle.
I'll leave you with that thought.
Ancora imparo
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Shout-Out
I believe that if you want to know one measure of a human being, see how that person behaves under true weariness and exhaustion.
Yesterday I had a very small part in a very big undertaking by a relatively small number of people who have, each year for over fifty years, put on a community Thanksgiving Dinner. As with most events, the bulk of the effort takes place quietly and well before the actual undertaking. The individuals who pull off this prestidigious act spend countless hours in planning, preparation and execution. The day of the dinner begins in the early hours of the morning and ends in the late evening. The actual act of serving during the three-seating-meal is, perhaps, the simplest part, albeit the most vexing. After the public has been served, more hard work takes place with the disassembling of the dining hall back to classroom set-up, the endless cleaning that is necessitated to bring the facilities back to clean-and-gleam, and the put-a-way that requires dogged determination and investigation.
Part of the success of the evening is due, in no small part, to the assistance of local Boy Scouts and their leaders. They provide muscle, manpower, and assistance to both the served and the servers. Their presence is notable because of their smiles, their willingness to provide public service and the proud donning of their uniforms, which proudly sets them apart from all of the others in attendance.
My Shout-Out goes to a father and his two sons, who had been assisting for over five hours, carrying trays, cleaning this and that, handling trash, removing trash, simply helping out wherever needed. All the other Scouts and leaders had left but these three were still there, shoulder to shoulder with the rest of us who were consumed with clean-up. I was scurrying here and there, responding to this question and that request, when I noticed that the trash containers, perhaps eight in all, were filled beyond capacity. (Pulling the over-stuffed bags from the cans had been a challenge all evening. It would often take three of us to remove one bag from a can - usually one adult Scout leader tugging and two of us 'worker bees' pressing down on the can as hard as we could, attempting to prevent the can from being lifted off the floor as the bag was ever-so-slowly pulled upward.) I spied this father and his two sons and asked if they could possibly help with the garbage removal. Dad said yes, even though he must have been very tired, as were probably his sons. They methodically moved about, from can to can, tugging and removing the bags and then carrying them out to the trash container in the parking lot.
To tired, little ol' me, that was the greatest act of assistance and selflessness any person could have provided. I'm certain their feet and legs, too, were weary and sore - last night and probably even today - yet they responded positively and graciously.
A big Shout-Out to Leader-Dad and his two sons. Thank you! You are a true example of Going-Beyond and Community Spirit!
Ancora imparo
Yesterday I had a very small part in a very big undertaking by a relatively small number of people who have, each year for over fifty years, put on a community Thanksgiving Dinner. As with most events, the bulk of the effort takes place quietly and well before the actual undertaking. The individuals who pull off this prestidigious act spend countless hours in planning, preparation and execution. The day of the dinner begins in the early hours of the morning and ends in the late evening. The actual act of serving during the three-seating-meal is, perhaps, the simplest part, albeit the most vexing. After the public has been served, more hard work takes place with the disassembling of the dining hall back to classroom set-up, the endless cleaning that is necessitated to bring the facilities back to clean-and-gleam, and the put-a-way that requires dogged determination and investigation.
Part of the success of the evening is due, in no small part, to the assistance of local Boy Scouts and their leaders. They provide muscle, manpower, and assistance to both the served and the servers. Their presence is notable because of their smiles, their willingness to provide public service and the proud donning of their uniforms, which proudly sets them apart from all of the others in attendance.
My Shout-Out goes to a father and his two sons, who had been assisting for over five hours, carrying trays, cleaning this and that, handling trash, removing trash, simply helping out wherever needed. All the other Scouts and leaders had left but these three were still there, shoulder to shoulder with the rest of us who were consumed with clean-up. I was scurrying here and there, responding to this question and that request, when I noticed that the trash containers, perhaps eight in all, were filled beyond capacity. (Pulling the over-stuffed bags from the cans had been a challenge all evening. It would often take three of us to remove one bag from a can - usually one adult Scout leader tugging and two of us 'worker bees' pressing down on the can as hard as we could, attempting to prevent the can from being lifted off the floor as the bag was ever-so-slowly pulled upward.) I spied this father and his two sons and asked if they could possibly help with the garbage removal. Dad said yes, even though he must have been very tired, as were probably his sons. They methodically moved about, from can to can, tugging and removing the bags and then carrying them out to the trash container in the parking lot.
To tired, little ol' me, that was the greatest act of assistance and selflessness any person could have provided. I'm certain their feet and legs, too, were weary and sore - last night and probably even today - yet they responded positively and graciously.
A big Shout-Out to Leader-Dad and his two sons. Thank you! You are a true example of Going-Beyond and Community Spirit!
Ancora imparo
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Just Short of Bananas
There's a lot of crazy stuff happening in our world, isn't there? Crazy people doing crazy things. The past few days have found me not even wanting to watch any national news because the media attention gives the insanity a name and that, sometimes, adds fuel to fires that need no more accelerants.
Last evening, I'd had my fill of ugly news, sad events, and the stress and tension that is created and so-well maintained inside our bodies and minds if we do not relieve it. I decided it was the perfect moment to spend time with my father, in his old Morris chair. I've been spending more time there, as of late, either reading or stretching my brain. I decided this was the night to stretch my brain and I opened up a little, yellow book I bought this past fall called Banana-Grams!, written by Joe Edley and the creators of Bananagrams. This small, but mighty book packs a big punch when it exercises my cortex and other inner-brain areas. My success rate is shameful, even on the challenges that only have a picture of one banana. Just one banana drives me bananas. Last night I must have been particularly stressed because I worked in the book for almost an hour, which drove me bananas!
Which made me think about going bananas.
The state of going bananas is a fascinating state to either be in or approaching. When I'm approaching the state of going bananas there are some activities and strategies that I employ to attempt to prevent the actual arrival to the state of going bananas. One of my strategies, as I've described, is to work on word challenges. My other life-saving, pure-joy-producing activity is to plug into my I-pod and groove away, either by walking outside or simply moving about in the house, singing away at the top of my lungs. (The latter works best when my SO is not at home. If he is at home, then I only dance about, which still garners strange looks from him.) My little I-pod, the size of my cell phone, is truly a life-saving, endorphin-producing device. It is more effective than talk therapy, cheaper than pharmaceuticals, and almost as fun as designer chocolate.
What is your banana-prevention strategy? Do you read, play a musical instrument, cook, garden, exercise, meditate, medicate, pray, listen to music, tinker, build, sew, paint, eat..........?
My recommendation? Definitely the chocolate!
Ancora imparo
Last evening, I'd had my fill of ugly news, sad events, and the stress and tension that is created and so-well maintained inside our bodies and minds if we do not relieve it. I decided it was the perfect moment to spend time with my father, in his old Morris chair. I've been spending more time there, as of late, either reading or stretching my brain. I decided this was the night to stretch my brain and I opened up a little, yellow book I bought this past fall called Banana-Grams!, written by Joe Edley and the creators of Bananagrams. This small, but mighty book packs a big punch when it exercises my cortex and other inner-brain areas. My success rate is shameful, even on the challenges that only have a picture of one banana. Just one banana drives me bananas. Last night I must have been particularly stressed because I worked in the book for almost an hour, which drove me bananas!
Which made me think about going bananas.
The state of going bananas is a fascinating state to either be in or approaching. When I'm approaching the state of going bananas there are some activities and strategies that I employ to attempt to prevent the actual arrival to the state of going bananas. One of my strategies, as I've described, is to work on word challenges. My other life-saving, pure-joy-producing activity is to plug into my I-pod and groove away, either by walking outside or simply moving about in the house, singing away at the top of my lungs. (The latter works best when my SO is not at home. If he is at home, then I only dance about, which still garners strange looks from him.) My little I-pod, the size of my cell phone, is truly a life-saving, endorphin-producing device. It is more effective than talk therapy, cheaper than pharmaceuticals, and almost as fun as designer chocolate.
What is your banana-prevention strategy? Do you read, play a musical instrument, cook, garden, exercise, meditate, medicate, pray, listen to music, tinker, build, sew, paint, eat..........?
My recommendation? Definitely the chocolate!
Ancora imparo
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thank You, Cookie Monster!
Life's been a little challenging lately - sort of the perfect storm of events and activities that we all experience from time to time. The kind of perfect storm that makes me appreciate and savor the smallish things in life that can make a person smile and chuckle inside - or, if I'm lucky - chuckle outwardly!
Take, for instance, this morning. I'm smiling because I got up at 4:30 a.m., put in a load of laundry and it is almost dried. For this, I'm smiling???? Yes, I am.
I savored an early-morning cup of coffee, retrieved my newspaper and checked my email. For this, I'm smiling.
Last night I sat through an well-presented evening of financial education. Drier than dry, but highly informative. While I wasn't trying to stay awake, I did, perhaps, achieve more financial acuity and I made list after list of near-term and future tasks that need to be done. For this, I'm smiling.
I received an email with a cute attachment about friendship. For this, I'm smiling.
I have two children, for which I am thankful and proud to be their mother. For this, I'm smiling.
I have two spiritual role-models, two cherished grandchildren (their beloved mother!) and another grandchild on the way. For this, I'm smiling.
And, a big smile came early this morning, when I logged on to the web and, there on the Google page, was Cookie Monster peeking out at me, informing the Google World that today is the fortieth anniversary of PBS's Sesame Street. Thank you, Cookie Monster!
I needed that and, yes, for this, I'm smiling. I hope you are, too.
Ancora imparo
Take, for instance, this morning. I'm smiling because I got up at 4:30 a.m., put in a load of laundry and it is almost dried. For this, I'm smiling???? Yes, I am.
I savored an early-morning cup of coffee, retrieved my newspaper and checked my email. For this, I'm smiling.
Last night I sat through an well-presented evening of financial education. Drier than dry, but highly informative. While I wasn't trying to stay awake, I did, perhaps, achieve more financial acuity and I made list after list of near-term and future tasks that need to be done. For this, I'm smiling.
I received an email with a cute attachment about friendship. For this, I'm smiling.
I have two children, for which I am thankful and proud to be their mother. For this, I'm smiling.
I have two spiritual role-models, two cherished grandchildren (their beloved mother!) and another grandchild on the way. For this, I'm smiling.
And, a big smile came early this morning, when I logged on to the web and, there on the Google page, was Cookie Monster peeking out at me, informing the Google World that today is the fortieth anniversary of PBS's Sesame Street. Thank you, Cookie Monster!
I needed that and, yes, for this, I'm smiling. I hope you are, too.
Ancora imparo
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Picking Up The Pieces
It simply slipped out of my hand and gravity took care of the rest. The dish was in what seemed like a million tiny pieces on the cement. Granted the dish was going into the recycling bin because it was chipped and could not be safely used, but I did not expect to be picking up the pieces of glass that had bounced everywhere, as if they had been thrown about by a giant wind machine. My annoyance was furthered by the lingering, seemingly ever-present headache that my body is clinging to as the result of having been under the weather for the past two days. Bending over, head below my waist (what's left of it!) kept the blood rushing to my skull and, therefore, feeding the burgeoning blood supply that reminded me of every beat of my heart.
I was not a happy camper.
The physical act of picking up the pieces became symbolic for those times in life when we pick up our own pieces or pick up the pieces for others.
Have you ever helped someone else pick up the pieces of their life?
I have. For some, it is easier than others to pick up the shattered vestiges of their life. I do not know if it depends upon a person's support system, or lack thereof, but for the lucky few, the process runs cleanly and quickly. For others, putting together a broken life takes time, lots of tears, starts and stops, ups and downs and may require large amounts of support from family and friends. Frequently, the person picking up the life-pieces may feel like their head is below the waist and producing a constant throbbing headache.
Putting a life back together is not an easy task, nor a rapid one. Too bad it can't be done with just a broom, a dust pan and a waste basket.
Ancora imparo
I was not a happy camper.
The physical act of picking up the pieces became symbolic for those times in life when we pick up our own pieces or pick up the pieces for others.
Have you ever helped someone else pick up the pieces of their life?
I have. For some, it is easier than others to pick up the shattered vestiges of their life. I do not know if it depends upon a person's support system, or lack thereof, but for the lucky few, the process runs cleanly and quickly. For others, putting together a broken life takes time, lots of tears, starts and stops, ups and downs and may require large amounts of support from family and friends. Frequently, the person picking up the life-pieces may feel like their head is below the waist and producing a constant throbbing headache.
Putting a life back together is not an easy task, nor a rapid one. Too bad it can't be done with just a broom, a dust pan and a waste basket.
Ancora imparo
Monday, November 2, 2009
Soda Crackers
The lowly soda cracker, also known as a saltine cracker.......it has been around for a long time. Unlike a multitude of other food products that have come and gone, these square munchies haven't changed one bit. Well, I think a low-salt version is available but if I can't have the original-recipe taste, then forget it!
Not all saltine crackers are created equal, however. Different brands have a slightly different tweak to their recipes. In general, I find the generic crackers to be substandard to what my palette requires. There is but one brand that has the flavor that I favor.
When I was a child, even into my teens, living at home with my parents, saltine crackers and milk were always a fallback meal if nothing else was prepared or available. I can still see my dad and I crumbling a dozen or so crackers into a large bowl or mug, adding milk and eagerly digging in. Some flavor memories never fade.
Today, my saltine crackers served another purpose. About sixteen hours ago, the flu found its way into my body and has camped out there all day.....in fact, it is still in residence. Good ole' saltine crackers have been one food that has agreed with my upset 'biosphere'. They may be at the bottom of many a modern-day palette preference, but they are still life-savers when the tummy is a-turnin'.
Be sure to stock up on your own supply of the kitchen's own pharmacological miracle - Soda/saltine crackers! I hope you do not need them!
Ancora imparo
Not all saltine crackers are created equal, however. Different brands have a slightly different tweak to their recipes. In general, I find the generic crackers to be substandard to what my palette requires. There is but one brand that has the flavor that I favor.
When I was a child, even into my teens, living at home with my parents, saltine crackers and milk were always a fallback meal if nothing else was prepared or available. I can still see my dad and I crumbling a dozen or so crackers into a large bowl or mug, adding milk and eagerly digging in. Some flavor memories never fade.
Today, my saltine crackers served another purpose. About sixteen hours ago, the flu found its way into my body and has camped out there all day.....in fact, it is still in residence. Good ole' saltine crackers have been one food that has agreed with my upset 'biosphere'. They may be at the bottom of many a modern-day palette preference, but they are still life-savers when the tummy is a-turnin'.
Be sure to stock up on your own supply of the kitchen's own pharmacological miracle - Soda/saltine crackers! I hope you do not need them!
Ancora imparo
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Post-Party Ponderings
Ah, the ghosts, goblins, ghouls, Zombies, witches - I was with them all last night at a Halloween party. Some attendees were in costume, others were dressed as themselves. My SO and I went as curmudgeonly AARP members - it wasn't a stretch.
There was no shortage of laughter and cordiality, back-slapping and hail-well-mets. The food was plentiful as were the decorations. This host and hostess are the best at throwing parties and enabling their guests to feel welcome and comfortable. We were surrounded by reminders of Edgar Allen Poe. Ravens, spiders and cobwebs were everywhere, although there wasn't a cask or casket to be found!
Poe is a fascinating figure in American literature and history. Was his brilliance and creativity fueled and fed by his imperfection, darkness, and mental illness? That combination, impossible sounding on paper but capable of producing work that will survive through the ages, has been with humankind for as long as recorded history. Artists, musicians, poets, authors, thespians.......all have produced flawed but gifted artisans. We can look to any number of recent-history, well known artists and performers and see the dichotomous result of flawed but gifted.
Halloween may be over for another year but Poe and his compadres live on in the history books and are resurrected once each year. To paraphrase the raven: "Evermore."
Ancora imparo
There was no shortage of laughter and cordiality, back-slapping and hail-well-mets. The food was plentiful as were the decorations. This host and hostess are the best at throwing parties and enabling their guests to feel welcome and comfortable. We were surrounded by reminders of Edgar Allen Poe. Ravens, spiders and cobwebs were everywhere, although there wasn't a cask or casket to be found!
Poe is a fascinating figure in American literature and history. Was his brilliance and creativity fueled and fed by his imperfection, darkness, and mental illness? That combination, impossible sounding on paper but capable of producing work that will survive through the ages, has been with humankind for as long as recorded history. Artists, musicians, poets, authors, thespians.......all have produced flawed but gifted artisans. We can look to any number of recent-history, well known artists and performers and see the dichotomous result of flawed but gifted.
Halloween may be over for another year but Poe and his compadres live on in the history books and are resurrected once each year. To paraphrase the raven: "Evermore."
Ancora imparo
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