Today's Headlines:
Credit Card Reform Bill now allows loaded guns in National Parks.
This makes sense to whom??????????????????????
Only a politician or the Great Illusionist would herald a bill that contains both provisions. Washington knows that the hugely popular Credit Card Reform Bill is a sure-fire hit with the public and that piggy-backing these two measures would allow the gun provision to sneak through without scrutiny. The Great Illusionist says that he will "proudly" sign the bill.
Shame on you, Washington D.C., for not having the guts to take this before the American public for a real debate. Shame on you, politicians, for kissing the behinds of the NRA leaders who have lobbied for loaded guns in National Parks. "To save people from bears", that is rationale touted by the NRA and bed-fellows in Washington D.C.
I repeat my idea to move the center of government from Washington D.C. to Las Vegas. At least, in Las Vegas, they understand the difference between reality and smoke and mirrors.
And, they have white tigers in Las Vegas.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Curtain of Cordiality
Our society does 'cordial' very well, doesn't it?
Surface cordiality is alive and well in our society and I am 'cordial' with the best of them. We smile, shake hands, make small talk, but often never get to 'really know' the person or people we are speaking to. At times, I feel as if I am an extra in the movie "Amadeus", taking part in the many dance/ballroom scenes. All of us 'extras' are smiling, moving about, perfunctorily doing all that is required for proper etiquette. We move through life greeting others as if we are starring in the movie "The Stepford Wives", with the warmth only skin deep.
What is the catalyst that bumps us from cordial to caring and sharing?
Don't get me wrong. I have no desire or expectation to bare my soul to every individual I meet and greet. Nor do most people, who meet and greet me, have any desire to see my inner soul. This cordiality curtain is multi-directional, serving both the greeter and the greetee, much like speed dating events. We meet - greet- then move on to the next person or group and the whole ritual is repeated.
Since I mentioned the days of classical music and Mozart, it occurs to me that this curtain of cordiality has been in place for centuries. Throughout the years of civilized society, the same 'dance' has been replayed millions of times, on every continent and in most every country. Cordiality, while often insincere, is, at least, better than hostility.
You see, this is why I miss Max. With Max, there was never a question of sincerity. He wore it on every inch of his body.
Ancora imparo
Surface cordiality is alive and well in our society and I am 'cordial' with the best of them. We smile, shake hands, make small talk, but often never get to 'really know' the person or people we are speaking to. At times, I feel as if I am an extra in the movie "Amadeus", taking part in the many dance/ballroom scenes. All of us 'extras' are smiling, moving about, perfunctorily doing all that is required for proper etiquette. We move through life greeting others as if we are starring in the movie "The Stepford Wives", with the warmth only skin deep.
What is the catalyst that bumps us from cordial to caring and sharing?
Don't get me wrong. I have no desire or expectation to bare my soul to every individual I meet and greet. Nor do most people, who meet and greet me, have any desire to see my inner soul. This cordiality curtain is multi-directional, serving both the greeter and the greetee, much like speed dating events. We meet - greet- then move on to the next person or group and the whole ritual is repeated.
Since I mentioned the days of classical music and Mozart, it occurs to me that this curtain of cordiality has been in place for centuries. Throughout the years of civilized society, the same 'dance' has been replayed millions of times, on every continent and in most every country. Cordiality, while often insincere, is, at least, better than hostility.
You see, this is why I miss Max. With Max, there was never a question of sincerity. He wore it on every inch of his body.
Ancora imparo
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Unthinkable Happened!
Today the unthinkable happened. I found a science that I can embrace.
Until this morning, my entire life has been spent in resistance to anything scientific. My brain just doesn't assimilate scientific facts efficiently..............if at all. I do not agree with the Order of Operations in math and I certainly cannot comprehend theorems, formulas, and other calculations associated with science. It is not that I do not appreciate science and scientifically-oriented minds, it is just that I, well, would prefer to think about other things. If I have a science-related question there are two wonderful minds close to me that are just a conversation away.
However, today, I discovered The Second Law of Thermodynamics and I thought to myself, "Now here is a principle that I can wrap my mind around!" Order and disorder.........this I understand.
An out-of-control chaos moving toward order.........that pretty much sums up a beginning band. This I know how to control and mold chaos into harmony.
Disorder on my desk or in my office? I know how to fix that. Pick it up and put it away.
Disorganization in an organization? I know how to organize and motivate. I can visualize, plan, and execute. I've been a middle-school band director.
Who knew that my life-skill set was based upon The Second Law of Thermodynamics? Plus, I'm old enough to know that if I can't stand the heat (thermo), I should get out of the kitchen.
I'm in better shape than I thought.
Ancora imparo
Until this morning, my entire life has been spent in resistance to anything scientific. My brain just doesn't assimilate scientific facts efficiently..............if at all. I do not agree with the Order of Operations in math and I certainly cannot comprehend theorems, formulas, and other calculations associated with science. It is not that I do not appreciate science and scientifically-oriented minds, it is just that I, well, would prefer to think about other things. If I have a science-related question there are two wonderful minds close to me that are just a conversation away.
However, today, I discovered The Second Law of Thermodynamics and I thought to myself, "Now here is a principle that I can wrap my mind around!" Order and disorder.........this I understand.
An out-of-control chaos moving toward order.........that pretty much sums up a beginning band. This I know how to control and mold chaos into harmony.
Disorder on my desk or in my office? I know how to fix that. Pick it up and put it away.
Disorganization in an organization? I know how to organize and motivate. I can visualize, plan, and execute. I've been a middle-school band director.
Who knew that my life-skill set was based upon The Second Law of Thermodynamics? Plus, I'm old enough to know that if I can't stand the heat (thermo), I should get out of the kitchen.
I'm in better shape than I thought.
Ancora imparo
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Laughing At Myself
Oh, the places the mind can take a person!
During our morning walks, my SO and I often try to solve the problems of this world, forgetting that in the next world, there will be no problems. Today's walk was no exception.
Our topics are usually of the "what-keeps-me-awake-at-night" type. Some days it is just one of us that is over-thinking something. Other walks, it is a shared responsibility - which was the case a few hours ago.
When we returned home, we were laughing at ourselves because during the course of our walk our conversation had taken us to the following conclusions:
Does it accomplish anything? No, although it can produce headaches of the first degree.
What it does allow is a good laugh at the end of the 'extreme-thinking' session.
May you not experience 'extreme thinking'.
Ancora imparo
During our morning walks, my SO and I often try to solve the problems of this world, forgetting that in the next world, there will be no problems. Today's walk was no exception.
Our topics are usually of the "what-keeps-me-awake-at-night" type. Some days it is just one of us that is over-thinking something. Other walks, it is a shared responsibility - which was the case a few hours ago.
When we returned home, we were laughing at ourselves because during the course of our walk our conversation had taken us to the following conclusions:
- The Red Cross was needed for a rescue.
- The CDC should be called in for a consultation.
- The Coast Guard would be needed to perform a water rescue.
- The economic situation would worsen to the point that thousands of instances would necessitate three, four, and five families moving in together.
- Reverse migration will take place to the neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico.
Does it accomplish anything? No, although it can produce headaches of the first degree.
What it does allow is a good laugh at the end of the 'extreme-thinking' session.
May you not experience 'extreme thinking'.
Ancora imparo
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Great Illusionist
Prestidigitation. Slight-of-hand. Smoke and Mirrors.
The Great Houdini was, no doubt, one of the best at what he did. Others have followed in his footsteps, hoping to achieve some of his greatness, but few, if any, have bested him.......which is why we still call him The Great Houdini.
Let's think for a moment about what constitutes superior magic feats.
Smoke and mirrors. The better illusionists make the audience and viewers believe they are seeing one thing when, in actuality, something very different will really happen.
Slight-of-hand. The greats are adept and highly skilled at maneuvers so minuscule that the average person's eyes miss the nuanced movements that make up the 'trick'.
Prestidigitative acts can always be explained. They rarely are because the perpetrators of those acts do not want their secrets exposed. Power lies in holding secrets 'close to the vest'.
Such is what I see happening in Washington D.C. these days. Our nation not only has one Great Prestidigitator but many apprentices, all of whom are busy with slight-of-hand political maneuvering and posturing. There are so many smoke and mirrors in use that it is impossible to tell where our money is going, what promises are being made (or broken) and to whom, or what is simply misguided, egotistical decision making. I keep waiting for the great white tiger to come on stage and eat all of the costumed magicians and their assistants, but, instead, every day brings another story of The Great Prestidigitator and his lackeys waving yet another set of wands over the nation, hoping that we'll pay more attention to the costumes and finery than the outcomes and ramifications of their actions.
Perhaps we should move our center of government to Las Vegas. That city has more per-capita, QUALIFIED illusionists than Washington D.C.
Besides, there are white tigers in Las Vegas.
Ancora imparo
The Great Houdini was, no doubt, one of the best at what he did. Others have followed in his footsteps, hoping to achieve some of his greatness, but few, if any, have bested him.......which is why we still call him The Great Houdini.
Let's think for a moment about what constitutes superior magic feats.
Smoke and mirrors. The better illusionists make the audience and viewers believe they are seeing one thing when, in actuality, something very different will really happen.
Slight-of-hand. The greats are adept and highly skilled at maneuvers so minuscule that the average person's eyes miss the nuanced movements that make up the 'trick'.
Prestidigitative acts can always be explained. They rarely are because the perpetrators of those acts do not want their secrets exposed. Power lies in holding secrets 'close to the vest'.
Such is what I see happening in Washington D.C. these days. Our nation not only has one Great Prestidigitator but many apprentices, all of whom are busy with slight-of-hand political maneuvering and posturing. There are so many smoke and mirrors in use that it is impossible to tell where our money is going, what promises are being made (or broken) and to whom, or what is simply misguided, egotistical decision making. I keep waiting for the great white tiger to come on stage and eat all of the costumed magicians and their assistants, but, instead, every day brings another story of The Great Prestidigitator and his lackeys waving yet another set of wands over the nation, hoping that we'll pay more attention to the costumes and finery than the outcomes and ramifications of their actions.
Perhaps we should move our center of government to Las Vegas. That city has more per-capita, QUALIFIED illusionists than Washington D.C.
Besides, there are white tigers in Las Vegas.
Ancora imparo
Thursday, May 14, 2009
12-BandAid Limit
It was supposed to be quick and easy. In and out, as they say.
My SO and I decided to visit a local site where we could get blood screening done for cholesterol and other metabolic readings that only people of advancing age and maturity should have to think about.
We've done this before and the process has always gone smoothly and without a hitch........in the past.
Today was to be the exception.
After we completed our paperwork and paid the fee, we took our seats and waited for the next available station to open up. We had barely lowered our bodies into the uncomfortable molded plastic chairs when one of the nurses (I presume she was a nurse.) called out, "Next person, please." Both of us said, "You go.", simultaneously and the nurse-type person laughed and teased us about the two of us being too eager.
My SO went first. He got to the chair and the nurse turned to me and asked if I wanted to hold his hand or laugh. I replied, "Laugh.", which God retaliated for in short order. The laugh was to be on me.
A kindly nurse-type person near me - seated in those awful plastic chairs - motioned for me to come on over. I complied and took a seat. She told me she chose me because she needed "an easy one" next. Apparently, her last 'draw' had not been easy. Since I was one of the only (my SO was the other) 'younger-looking' individuals waiting, she mistakingly assumed I would be 'easy'.
Such was not to be the case, both to her dismay and my discomfort.
About ten years ago I was told that I had small veins and should always ask for a 'butterfly' when I had blood taken. Of course, I have no idea of what a 'butterfly' is or does, but I always dutifully volunteer this information, the phlebotomist nods and all goes well.
Not today.
When I told this kindly-looking nurse-type person that I needed a butterfly, she sighed and her shoulders sunk a little lower. Clearly this was not information that she found encouraging. But, she took a 'butterfly', opened the plastic, and proceeded to try finding a vein near the crook of my arm. She wasn't happy with what she found but she thought it would work. The needle went in and, for about ninety seconds, she moved it around, trying to find the vein. Her efforts were in vain. Discouraged, she removed the needle, placed some wadded up gauze over the entry point, and put a Tazmanian Devil BandAid on the spot. BandAid number one. She then began searching for another vein in which to push yet another needle into.
Clearly she was having difficulty finding veins. I teasingly told her she had a twelve-BandAid limit. Fortunately she saw the humor in my remark.
Next 'we' went to the wrist on my opposite arm. She told me "this is going to sting", which was a first-class understatement. Once again, she gently moved the needle, probing to find blood, but could get nothing to go into the little plastic tube. Oh, yes. By this time, she has another nurse-type person assisting her, holding the tube and bottle-thingy at a level that will encourage blood flow.
While all the 'stinging' is going on - this attempt for well over two minutes - she keeps telling me to relax.
BandAid number two.
Meanwhile, I am thinking to myself, "I got up early, fasted, drove forty minutes to get here. I am not going home until I get blood drawn."
After the failed second attempt, two more nurse-type people join the two that are already there. I look over at my husband. He is smiling but the smile quickly fades when he sees me looking at him.
The four nurse-type people take turns looking at my arms, wrists, and hands, each sharing an opinion on how to get blood out of my body. I keep insisting that this is the first time this difficulty has ever occurred. I am embarrassed, to say the least.
Now another nurse-type person sits down, ready to have a go at me. She decides to try the top of my left hand, which, heretofore, has been unscathed. Not now. The four nurse-type people agree upon a spot and the needle goes in. Very minor, short sting, but blood doesn't want to flow. I am working at relaxing so my blood can flow. I imaginine myself drinking massive amounts of margaritas on a Jamaican beach. One of the nurse-type people holds the apparatus at a helpful level. Between that and the nurse with the needle massaging my hand's vein, we slowly get the job done.
Forty-five minutes later and BandAid number three, I am a free woman.
May all who read this posting always have a one-BandAid experience or.......lots of margaritas.
Ancora imparo
My SO and I decided to visit a local site where we could get blood screening done for cholesterol and other metabolic readings that only people of advancing age and maturity should have to think about.
We've done this before and the process has always gone smoothly and without a hitch........in the past.
Today was to be the exception.
After we completed our paperwork and paid the fee, we took our seats and waited for the next available station to open up. We had barely lowered our bodies into the uncomfortable molded plastic chairs when one of the nurses (I presume she was a nurse.) called out, "Next person, please." Both of us said, "You go.", simultaneously and the nurse-type person laughed and teased us about the two of us being too eager.
My SO went first. He got to the chair and the nurse turned to me and asked if I wanted to hold his hand or laugh. I replied, "Laugh.", which God retaliated for in short order. The laugh was to be on me.
A kindly nurse-type person near me - seated in those awful plastic chairs - motioned for me to come on over. I complied and took a seat. She told me she chose me because she needed "an easy one" next. Apparently, her last 'draw' had not been easy. Since I was one of the only (my SO was the other) 'younger-looking' individuals waiting, she mistakingly assumed I would be 'easy'.
Such was not to be the case, both to her dismay and my discomfort.
About ten years ago I was told that I had small veins and should always ask for a 'butterfly' when I had blood taken. Of course, I have no idea of what a 'butterfly' is or does, but I always dutifully volunteer this information, the phlebotomist nods and all goes well.
Not today.
When I told this kindly-looking nurse-type person that I needed a butterfly, she sighed and her shoulders sunk a little lower. Clearly this was not information that she found encouraging. But, she took a 'butterfly', opened the plastic, and proceeded to try finding a vein near the crook of my arm. She wasn't happy with what she found but she thought it would work. The needle went in and, for about ninety seconds, she moved it around, trying to find the vein. Her efforts were in vain. Discouraged, she removed the needle, placed some wadded up gauze over the entry point, and put a Tazmanian Devil BandAid on the spot. BandAid number one. She then began searching for another vein in which to push yet another needle into.
Clearly she was having difficulty finding veins. I teasingly told her she had a twelve-BandAid limit. Fortunately she saw the humor in my remark.
Next 'we' went to the wrist on my opposite arm. She told me "this is going to sting", which was a first-class understatement. Once again, she gently moved the needle, probing to find blood, but could get nothing to go into the little plastic tube. Oh, yes. By this time, she has another nurse-type person assisting her, holding the tube and bottle-thingy at a level that will encourage blood flow.
While all the 'stinging' is going on - this attempt for well over two minutes - she keeps telling me to relax.
BandAid number two.
Meanwhile, I am thinking to myself, "I got up early, fasted, drove forty minutes to get here. I am not going home until I get blood drawn."
After the failed second attempt, two more nurse-type people join the two that are already there. I look over at my husband. He is smiling but the smile quickly fades when he sees me looking at him.
The four nurse-type people take turns looking at my arms, wrists, and hands, each sharing an opinion on how to get blood out of my body. I keep insisting that this is the first time this difficulty has ever occurred. I am embarrassed, to say the least.
Now another nurse-type person sits down, ready to have a go at me. She decides to try the top of my left hand, which, heretofore, has been unscathed. Not now. The four nurse-type people agree upon a spot and the needle goes in. Very minor, short sting, but blood doesn't want to flow. I am working at relaxing so my blood can flow. I imaginine myself drinking massive amounts of margaritas on a Jamaican beach. One of the nurse-type people holds the apparatus at a helpful level. Between that and the nurse with the needle massaging my hand's vein, we slowly get the job done.
Forty-five minutes later and BandAid number three, I am a free woman.
May all who read this posting always have a one-BandAid experience or.......lots of margaritas.
Ancora imparo
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Why Do I Blog?
"Why do you blog?"
This question has been posed to me several times in the more recent past - as opposed to the more past past (go figure that one). Each time the query is uttered, it is done so with a wide-eyed expression and incredulity in the person's voice, with an emphasis on the word 'do'. I guess it is safe to say that I know few individuals who blog. One person almost hissed the question of "how do you find the time"? Her implication and tone-of-voice was clear - that by blogging I must be taking time away from other, more important tasks.
There is only one blog that I follow on any regular basis. When this guy posts, I get an automatic notification that he has updated his blog, which is what he did within the past twenty-four hours. His blog topic was partially about how he has backed off on his blogging and he gave his reasons for doing so.
That increased my cogitation.
Why, I asked my self, do I blog? Does anyone care about my thoughts and opinions, other than myself?
I blog because it is akin to thinking out loud.............for me. I blog for me and me alone. I have no expectation that others will read my blog, even though if I knew others would read the postings, it would not change what I write.
I do not use this blog as a diary, even though many postings are 'inspired' by events that happened that day. I write as if there are subscribers or readers of a publication looking at a daily column. Sort of a folksy blind conversation.
There you have it. The thoughts from my head today. Who knows if any thoughts will be present tomorrow. If there are, you'll be the first to know!
Ancora imparo
This question has been posed to me several times in the more recent past - as opposed to the more past past (go figure that one). Each time the query is uttered, it is done so with a wide-eyed expression and incredulity in the person's voice, with an emphasis on the word 'do'. I guess it is safe to say that I know few individuals who blog. One person almost hissed the question of "how do you find the time"? Her implication and tone-of-voice was clear - that by blogging I must be taking time away from other, more important tasks.
There is only one blog that I follow on any regular basis. When this guy posts, I get an automatic notification that he has updated his blog, which is what he did within the past twenty-four hours. His blog topic was partially about how he has backed off on his blogging and he gave his reasons for doing so.
That increased my cogitation.
Why, I asked my self, do I blog? Does anyone care about my thoughts and opinions, other than myself?
I blog because it is akin to thinking out loud.............for me. I blog for me and me alone. I have no expectation that others will read my blog, even though if I knew others would read the postings, it would not change what I write.
I do not use this blog as a diary, even though many postings are 'inspired' by events that happened that day. I write as if there are subscribers or readers of a publication looking at a daily column. Sort of a folksy blind conversation.
There you have it. The thoughts from my head today. Who knows if any thoughts will be present tomorrow. If there are, you'll be the first to know!
Ancora imparo
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