A couple of weeks ago, as an exercise in creative blog design, I posted a photo of my Grandma and me. It's from last October when I last visited. It's not that I am a negligent grandson. I live 600 miles away. I doubt that any of my far-flung cousins make the trip with any more frequency; but that's not the point.
My Dad and I were taking our annual trip to see a football game, and I wanted to visit Grandma. She's been living in an assisted living place in northeast Nebraska for the past 6 years or so. Dad let her know that we would be coming, but only to say he did. When we arrived on a Thursday afternoon, she wasn't sure who Dad was, and she was thrilled to find out that I was her grandson. And although I was a stranger to her, she was still beloved Grandma to me.
At a time when most Nebraska farmwives were just that, my Grandma set out to be a career woman. She succeded. She eventually owned her own grocery store in a small town, and because the nearest hair salon was a town or two away, opened one of her own (operated by a daughter in law) so she and others wouldn't have to leave town to have a nice 'do. When she retired, she continued to deliver food and things to old folks who could no longer get around on their own. There's no one left to return the favor.
Life in the nursing home is not terribly exciting (for a 40 year old, anyway) but the staff does a nice job of taking care of Grandma. There's trips to the store, bingo, church services, etc. to keep her busy. She apparently has no short term memory. She asks the same questions over and over. This annoys my Dad, but not me. Perhaps it's penance for not living closeby; but I answer her questions each time with enthusiasm. She remembers childhood adventures easily, and I try to steer our conversation in that direction.
Even though she didn't recognize me, I could tell that she was thrilled to see me on that October afternoon. And because of her memory issues, she was equally thrilled to see me the next morning when we came to say good-bye.
Her overall health is pretty good, but she is 87 and life at that age is never certain. I will take a few days off of work and take my family to see her later in the summer. Oh sure, she won't know who we are, but she'll be thrilled to see us just the same.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Something so wrong
It happened again. Another Al Queda hostage has been beheaded. It makes me sick to my stomach just hearing it. Humiliation is not equal to death. If you think it is, you are too attached to this world.
This has turned into something stupid.
Can there be any real justice for this crime? Doubtful.
This has turned into something stupid.
Can there be any real justice for this crime? Doubtful.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Reagan Weary
I turned 18 the day before election day in 1980. I was thrilled to be able to vote, and I made sure that I was all registered and ready to exercise my right and duty. I planned to cast my vote for the Governor of California, although he sure seemed like a very strict guy.
I admit that I voted for him (twice) and I thought he was above average in many respects, but this wall to wall coverage of his funeral is getting on my nerves.
Each time I hear a CBS Update on the radio, I expect to hear Chevy Chase say "Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th president of the United States, remains dead at the age of 93".
Perhaps it is simply my attention span.
I admit that I voted for him (twice) and I thought he was above average in many respects, but this wall to wall coverage of his funeral is getting on my nerves.
Each time I hear a CBS Update on the radio, I expect to hear Chevy Chase say "Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th president of the United States, remains dead at the age of 93".
Perhaps it is simply my attention span.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Rubble
I once had a boss who told me that whenever you go on one week's vacation, you lose three weeks of productivity. One week preparing for the vacation (getting caught up so you can leave), the actual week that you are on vacation, and a week to get caught up on the week you missed.
That would be my life right now.
In addition to being the arbiter of Midwestern Pop Culture, I am salesperson for a Fire & Safety company. The bulk of my business is in the institutional market: schools, hospitals, prisons, stadiums, etc. With summer approaching, it seems that this will be a gangbuster year for new and/or retro fitted schools. My bread and butter is the Kitchen Fire Suppression System, a mundane item that is required in every commercial kitchen. Thanks to my loyal customers, my head will be swimming until after Labor Day, trying to quote, design, sell and coordinate the installations.
Of course, the first thing I found out about the sales profession (after 10 long years in commercial credit) is that the harder you work in sales, the more money you earn. I always envied the salesmen who had the world by the ass. Now I'm one of them, and I'm not so sure that the envy was worthwhile.
After being inspired by "One Good Thing" and "Frogblog", I've decided that even when I am swamped at work, I owe it to myself (and to anyone who would ever happen to read these blogs) to invest the time and talent to write something good.
I'm not in the same league as either Flea or Frog, but I know I can be entertaining and somewhat well-written. We'll see! Thanks for stopping by.
That would be my life right now.
In addition to being the arbiter of Midwestern Pop Culture, I am salesperson for a Fire & Safety company. The bulk of my business is in the institutional market: schools, hospitals, prisons, stadiums, etc. With summer approaching, it seems that this will be a gangbuster year for new and/or retro fitted schools. My bread and butter is the Kitchen Fire Suppression System, a mundane item that is required in every commercial kitchen. Thanks to my loyal customers, my head will be swimming until after Labor Day, trying to quote, design, sell and coordinate the installations.
Of course, the first thing I found out about the sales profession (after 10 long years in commercial credit) is that the harder you work in sales, the more money you earn. I always envied the salesmen who had the world by the ass. Now I'm one of them, and I'm not so sure that the envy was worthwhile.
After being inspired by "One Good Thing" and "Frogblog", I've decided that even when I am swamped at work, I owe it to myself (and to anyone who would ever happen to read these blogs) to invest the time and talent to write something good.
I'm not in the same league as either Flea or Frog, but I know I can be entertaining and somewhat well-written. We'll see! Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
More Tales of the Perils of Public Service...
In my small town, we have a man who hates City Hall. He owns some property on the end of the main street, and parks a truck there with a plywood sign proclaiming the latest transgressions against him by the city council and the mayor. On the last few signs, he has misspelled the mayors (very common) last name...either because he is unhinged, or because he thinks that will protect him from a defamation lawsuit.
Over the weekend, he added a swastika to the sign, with the words "Beware Nazi Tactics"
He has now crossed a line that requires a response. Here's what I'll be saying at tonight's city counciil meeting. I've removed the names and other identifying facts because although he does not hesitate to libeland slander, I do.
I had always thought that the signs posted by Mr. X were simply the mutterings of a disappointed resident with an axe to grind and a forum to do so.
I have questioned whether his messages are based in some strange sense of civic duty. Every (town) resident who has chatted with me believe that he is not doing a service to the community by posting these signs.
Although Mr. X has never directed his assaults against me, I have felt sorry for the Mayor and the City Staff who he besmirches with these misrepresentations.
I understand that Mr. X is suing the City over what he believes is a property rights issue.
I understand that Mr. X is contemplating another lawsuit over some sort of perceived discrimination that he believes he is suffering.
As we try to settle our disagreement in court, Mr. X continues to post signs on his property, spouting half-truths and innuendo about the conduct of the City Council in general, and the Mayor specifically. I admire the patience and maturity of the Mayor to suffer these slings and arrows. I do not think I would be as charitable.
But now, Mr. X has gone too far. Too cowardly to address the city council directly, he is content to continue his assault against the City Council and our community from behind his plywood sign.
Now he has decided to add a symbol of fascist oppression and hate. I do not know if he is suggesting that the Genoa City Council are nazis, or if he is proclaiming his political affiliation.
I don’t know if he had any family serve in World War II. I have. I don’t know if he understands what the swastika symbolizes. I do. Citizens have the right under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America to express their thoughts and opinions, just as I do tonight. There is no need for me to explain at what cost this right is afforded to us.
His display of the swastika is cowardly, indecent, revolting, and just plain stupid. I ask that he remove it at once. I ask that he takes down the signs and begin to conduct himself like a man.
The swastika is a symbol that can evoke many strong emotions. I am offended by this symbol and choose to speak out against it. Others, however, may take action against it. And if that happens, and I truly hope that it will not happen, you can be sure that City Staff will be there to protect Mr. X's life and property because that is their duty.
Except for me. Mr. X It’s time for the playground bully to defend himself. As the great- grandson of man who left Poland to escape what your swastika represents, I won’t tolerate your nonsense and cowardice any longer.
Just so you get it right, my last name is spelled XXXXXX.
In my small town, we have a man who hates City Hall. He owns some property on the end of the main street, and parks a truck there with a plywood sign proclaiming the latest transgressions against him by the city council and the mayor. On the last few signs, he has misspelled the mayors (very common) last name...either because he is unhinged, or because he thinks that will protect him from a defamation lawsuit.
Over the weekend, he added a swastika to the sign, with the words "Beware Nazi Tactics"
He has now crossed a line that requires a response. Here's what I'll be saying at tonight's city counciil meeting. I've removed the names and other identifying facts because although he does not hesitate to libeland slander, I do.
I had always thought that the signs posted by Mr. X were simply the mutterings of a disappointed resident with an axe to grind and a forum to do so.
I have questioned whether his messages are based in some strange sense of civic duty. Every (town) resident who has chatted with me believe that he is not doing a service to the community by posting these signs.
Although Mr. X has never directed his assaults against me, I have felt sorry for the Mayor and the City Staff who he besmirches with these misrepresentations.
I understand that Mr. X is suing the City over what he believes is a property rights issue.
I understand that Mr. X is contemplating another lawsuit over some sort of perceived discrimination that he believes he is suffering.
As we try to settle our disagreement in court, Mr. X continues to post signs on his property, spouting half-truths and innuendo about the conduct of the City Council in general, and the Mayor specifically. I admire the patience and maturity of the Mayor to suffer these slings and arrows. I do not think I would be as charitable.
But now, Mr. X has gone too far. Too cowardly to address the city council directly, he is content to continue his assault against the City Council and our community from behind his plywood sign.
Now he has decided to add a symbol of fascist oppression and hate. I do not know if he is suggesting that the Genoa City Council are nazis, or if he is proclaiming his political affiliation.
I don’t know if he had any family serve in World War II. I have. I don’t know if he understands what the swastika symbolizes. I do. Citizens have the right under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America to express their thoughts and opinions, just as I do tonight. There is no need for me to explain at what cost this right is afforded to us.
His display of the swastika is cowardly, indecent, revolting, and just plain stupid. I ask that he remove it at once. I ask that he takes down the signs and begin to conduct himself like a man.
The swastika is a symbol that can evoke many strong emotions. I am offended by this symbol and choose to speak out against it. Others, however, may take action against it. And if that happens, and I truly hope that it will not happen, you can be sure that City Staff will be there to protect Mr. X's life and property because that is their duty.
Except for me. Mr. X It’s time for the playground bully to defend himself. As the great- grandson of man who left Poland to escape what your swastika represents, I won’t tolerate your nonsense and cowardice any longer.
Just so you get it right, my last name is spelled XXXXXX.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
The Downside of Public Service-- I am a city council member for a small town in Illinois that is located squarely in the path of development. Faced with the onslaught of more homes, more homes, and more homes, our city council has undertaken to revise the UDO (unified development ordinance), so that future growth can be shaped as our community sees fit.
One of the more mundane issues is the parking of RV's, boats, trailers, etc. While some communities "to the east" ban them from residential areas (and even pick up trucks, too), we were just trying to clean up language which could be construed as allowing a resident to pave their front yard and use it as a campground or storage facility. You'd think we were doing everyone a favor, but....
A recently defeated city council member sent out an anonymous letter to RV owners claiming that the council was trying to deprive them of their right to own an RV. This led to a well attended city council meeting where the council members were vilified as being "from the east" and looking to make our town "like one of those suburbs" Which was certainly far from the truth.
i certainly appreciated their input and suggestions, though, and city staff worked to create provisions which respected the older sections of town as well as the new subdivisions. The new proposed wording was less stringent than the current ordinance, in fact. So the city hosted another meeting so residents could respond to this new proposed language.
The meeting went well, and I think most people had their concerns addressed. But it amazes me how paranoid some people are about government. When citizens address the council, they are asked to provide their names and addresses (or wards) as a courtesy (after all, they know where I live). One man was incensed at this notion, telling us in no uncertain terms that he was "offended" that he should have to give his name just to speak to us. He was very angry about the entire concept. After the meeting, a long time resident approached me and expressed that we were wasting time with the unified development ordinance; that people should just mind their own business. He said our town isn't a good place to live anymore (despite the new high school, despite the new businesses and improved services that are being provided) I asked him about a scenario in which some "neighbors for hell" might move next door, and he said he would just get in their faces and tell them to stop doing whatever it was that bothered him. I them asked about new residents to town, what rights should they have? He responded that they should wait until they lived in town for "30 years" before they could have an opinion.
At which point I just walked away from him.
I enjoy representing the folks in my Ward. I understand that they have many different ideas about how are town should grow (or not grow). I share many of their concerns. I have seen the results of poor planning in nearby communities. If anything, it is best to overplan than not plan. To our little town's credit, the city council is taking controlled growth seriously. What I don't enjoy is the elitism that exists in some of the "old timers", who just bad-mouth change and have no appreciation for dealing with growth in this century. Growth is coming, I can't stop it. Nor do I want to stop it. If it passes us by, our town will become isolated and die. You don't have to drive too far from our town to see how that happens.
I ran for office using the slogan "Building Bridges Across Neighborhoods". It is corny, but I meant it.
One of the more mundane issues is the parking of RV's, boats, trailers, etc. While some communities "to the east" ban them from residential areas (and even pick up trucks, too), we were just trying to clean up language which could be construed as allowing a resident to pave their front yard and use it as a campground or storage facility. You'd think we were doing everyone a favor, but....
A recently defeated city council member sent out an anonymous letter to RV owners claiming that the council was trying to deprive them of their right to own an RV. This led to a well attended city council meeting where the council members were vilified as being "from the east" and looking to make our town "like one of those suburbs" Which was certainly far from the truth.
i certainly appreciated their input and suggestions, though, and city staff worked to create provisions which respected the older sections of town as well as the new subdivisions. The new proposed wording was less stringent than the current ordinance, in fact. So the city hosted another meeting so residents could respond to this new proposed language.
The meeting went well, and I think most people had their concerns addressed. But it amazes me how paranoid some people are about government. When citizens address the council, they are asked to provide their names and addresses (or wards) as a courtesy (after all, they know where I live). One man was incensed at this notion, telling us in no uncertain terms that he was "offended" that he should have to give his name just to speak to us. He was very angry about the entire concept. After the meeting, a long time resident approached me and expressed that we were wasting time with the unified development ordinance; that people should just mind their own business. He said our town isn't a good place to live anymore (despite the new high school, despite the new businesses and improved services that are being provided) I asked him about a scenario in which some "neighbors for hell" might move next door, and he said he would just get in their faces and tell them to stop doing whatever it was that bothered him. I them asked about new residents to town, what rights should they have? He responded that they should wait until they lived in town for "30 years" before they could have an opinion.
At which point I just walked away from him.
I enjoy representing the folks in my Ward. I understand that they have many different ideas about how are town should grow (or not grow). I share many of their concerns. I have seen the results of poor planning in nearby communities. If anything, it is best to overplan than not plan. To our little town's credit, the city council is taking controlled growth seriously. What I don't enjoy is the elitism that exists in some of the "old timers", who just bad-mouth change and have no appreciation for dealing with growth in this century. Growth is coming, I can't stop it. Nor do I want to stop it. If it passes us by, our town will become isolated and die. You don't have to drive too far from our town to see how that happens.
I ran for office using the slogan "Building Bridges Across Neighborhoods". It is corny, but I meant it.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
The company I work for claims to have Spam-block on our e-mail server. I find that highly doubtful.
Just for the record:
I have a short term mortgage at under 5% interest; I'm not interested in refinancing, and if I were, I love my bank and my banker, so I won't deal with anyone else.
I don't need any prescripton painkillers. Well, frankly, I could use all the painkillers you could spare, but I'm not interested in paying for them.
I don't need any "male enhancement". Things seem to work just fine and dandy. Oh, and although I've only shown my equipment to a very small handfull of lucky gals, they've all seemed to be suitably impressed and pleased by its length, girth, and appearance. It's a rather nice looking penis, if I do say so myself.
I'm fairly sucessful in my career, so don't bother me with the "get rich quick' schemes, either. Unless you are the child of Nigerian royalty, that is. I can't get enough of your e-mails.
Someday, when I'm sitting in hell, I will get a chance to meet those lousy sons of a bitches that sent me all this lovely spam. When I do, hell will seem to be a very nice place compared with where I will ask you to go.
Just for the record:
I have a short term mortgage at under 5% interest; I'm not interested in refinancing, and if I were, I love my bank and my banker, so I won't deal with anyone else.
I don't need any prescripton painkillers. Well, frankly, I could use all the painkillers you could spare, but I'm not interested in paying for them.
I don't need any "male enhancement". Things seem to work just fine and dandy. Oh, and although I've only shown my equipment to a very small handfull of lucky gals, they've all seemed to be suitably impressed and pleased by its length, girth, and appearance. It's a rather nice looking penis, if I do say so myself.
I'm fairly sucessful in my career, so don't bother me with the "get rich quick' schemes, either. Unless you are the child of Nigerian royalty, that is. I can't get enough of your e-mails.
Someday, when I'm sitting in hell, I will get a chance to meet those lousy sons of a bitches that sent me all this lovely spam. When I do, hell will seem to be a very nice place compared with where I will ask you to go.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Personal note to my financial planner: If I'm not returning your repeated calls requesting an "annual review" of my portfolio, it's because I don't want to have an "annual review". Just tell me what it is you are really trying to sell me that requires so many phone calls? Six phone calls and a letter are just too much.
I envisioned this blog as a creative writing opportunity, but have suffered from writer's block since it's inception. This is so me. Set up the 4-track and equipment, and I can't think of anything to play. If you are looking for really great writing in a blog setting, go visit One Good Thing. She rocks.
I envisioned this blog as a creative writing opportunity, but have suffered from writer's block since it's inception. This is so me. Set up the 4-track and equipment, and I can't think of anything to play. If you are looking for really great writing in a blog setting, go visit One Good Thing. She rocks.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Yikes, no time to Blog! Random Thoughts from the Midwest:
Whitney Houston in rehab? Really? Gee, after her primetime interview last year, it was evident that she was in denial about her addiction issues.
Terrorism wins in Spain!
Leukemia scores a victory over John Henry Williams. This proves that prayers are answered. I seldom wish ill-will or evil on people, but this guy had to go.
March 16, and there's over a foot of snow on the ground in Iowa. Less than a week until Spring! Of course, we all know that we're not out of the woods until after April 21.
I'm too queasy to see "The Passion of the Christ", but I'm glad that many people are seeing it, discussing it, and responding to it.
In an earlier blog entry, I supported the concept of Same Sex Marriage. As much as I support it, I also support following the laws of one's State. Change the laws to make it legal, don't legislate from the bench.
Whitney Houston in rehab? Really? Gee, after her primetime interview last year, it was evident that she was in denial about her addiction issues.
Terrorism wins in Spain!
Leukemia scores a victory over John Henry Williams. This proves that prayers are answered. I seldom wish ill-will or evil on people, but this guy had to go.
March 16, and there's over a foot of snow on the ground in Iowa. Less than a week until Spring! Of course, we all know that we're not out of the woods until after April 21.
I'm too queasy to see "The Passion of the Christ", but I'm glad that many people are seeing it, discussing it, and responding to it.
In an earlier blog entry, I supported the concept of Same Sex Marriage. As much as I support it, I also support following the laws of one's State. Change the laws to make it legal, don't legislate from the bench.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Here's a little glimpse inside: I sent the following to everyone in my address book:
I'd like to take a moment to let everyone know that despite what you saw on TV this week, the people of Chicago are not overweight, obnoxious rubes who perform pagan rituals in order to improve the performance of various sports teams. If that worked, we would have a decent hockey tema in Chicago...believe me, I've tried everything.
Those of you who have lived in or visited this wonderful city can attest that Chicago presents may opportunities for cultural enrichment, as well as a great climate from June 15 to November 1 each year. While Deep Dish Pizza and Italian Beef Sandwiches are fantastic, people from Chicago also enjoy steak, ribs and other wonderful cuisines. Many of us are in decent physical shape, and although there is a lot more smoking here than I would like, we look and behave a lot like people in the rest of the country, including New Freakin' York City...where, if you believe what you see on HBO, is home to a lot of self-absorbed slutty women. (I, of course. can differentiate between real life and what happens on HBO...namely, there are more naked women on HBO than in my real life.)
Nowhere else in our fair country can someone take a $113,000 investment and turn it into several million dollars of media exposure.
I have great sympathy for my Houston friends who were victimized similarly in the media during the Superbowl fortnight. Based on the media coverage, I was surprised to learn that cattle freely roam the streets in Houston, posing a threat to exotic boots and truck tires.
This is an open invitation to visit my home in "rural" Illinois (just 60 miles from the Loop). I will be happy to take you to Harry Caray's for a cold Budweiser, and you can view the remnants of this media circus. Of course, I'll be having a Crown and Water.
I'd like to take a moment to let everyone know that despite what you saw on TV this week, the people of Chicago are not overweight, obnoxious rubes who perform pagan rituals in order to improve the performance of various sports teams. If that worked, we would have a decent hockey tema in Chicago...believe me, I've tried everything.
Those of you who have lived in or visited this wonderful city can attest that Chicago presents may opportunities for cultural enrichment, as well as a great climate from June 15 to November 1 each year. While Deep Dish Pizza and Italian Beef Sandwiches are fantastic, people from Chicago also enjoy steak, ribs and other wonderful cuisines. Many of us are in decent physical shape, and although there is a lot more smoking here than I would like, we look and behave a lot like people in the rest of the country, including New Freakin' York City...where, if you believe what you see on HBO, is home to a lot of self-absorbed slutty women. (I, of course. can differentiate between real life and what happens on HBO...namely, there are more naked women on HBO than in my real life.)
Nowhere else in our fair country can someone take a $113,000 investment and turn it into several million dollars of media exposure.
I have great sympathy for my Houston friends who were victimized similarly in the media during the Superbowl fortnight. Based on the media coverage, I was surprised to learn that cattle freely roam the streets in Houston, posing a threat to exotic boots and truck tires.
This is an open invitation to visit my home in "rural" Illinois (just 60 miles from the Loop). I will be happy to take you to Harry Caray's for a cold Budweiser, and you can view the remnants of this media circus. Of course, I'll be having a Crown and Water.
Friday, February 27, 2004
No matter what you saw on the Today Show yesterday, and no matter what you saw reported on the news yesterday, the people that live in and around Chicago are not overweight, loudmouth rubes. No real Cub Fan believes the "curse" has been lifted...after all, the Billy Goat Curse has not been lifted yet.
Yes, the Mayor is sort of a goof, but he is the best Mayor that Chicago has ever had (yes, including his father). Yes, we seem to feel inadequate when compared to NYC, which is a result of our regional inability to see the forest for the trees.
Chicago is a very cool city. And the Chicagoland area is a good place to live.
Yes, the Mayor is sort of a goof, but he is the best Mayor that Chicago has ever had (yes, including his father). Yes, we seem to feel inadequate when compared to NYC, which is a result of our regional inability to see the forest for the trees.
Chicago is a very cool city. And the Chicagoland area is a good place to live.
Friday, February 20, 2004
Just a few thoughts about another institution: Reality Shows. They sure sounded like a neat idea at first, didn't they? It's one thing to capture silly and stupid things on the family camcorder and see it on America's Funniest (Home) Videos. Doing silly and potentially harmful things (not only physical harm, but emotional harm) to one's self or others on purpose is another. Let's take a look at some of these programs (keeping in mind that I haven't seen the majority of them (which no doubt qualifies me to speak authoritatively about them)).
MTV's The Real Life: The granddaddy of the modern genre. Flew under the radar screen for years before someone found a way to make a ton of money with the concept on broadcast TV.
Survivor: Can't believe that anyone still watches this. It just reinforces my belief in the gullibility of a content-starved nation. Seen one season, seen 'em all.
Big Brother: A rip-off of The Real Life and Survivor with slightly more likable cast. Gee, didn't take long before they got contestants to make whoopee.
The Bachelor: I really scratch my head about this one. The most annoying part of this show is when the girls get bumped, they get all emotional and go on and on about how they were falling in love with the Bachelor. Where were these women when I was in college? That being said:
The Bachelorette: Do I really want to compete with a bunch of guys for a woman like this? I'm too provincial (or is it old fashioned?). Call it luck, design, or just that I was a loser, but I never smooched with more than one girl at a time.
Joe Millionaire (and European Joe Millionaire): I refuse to believe that people like this exist. They set the women's movement (or whatever you want to call it) back to the Stone Age.
Average Joe: I saw the last episode of the first Average Joe, and my wife has me hooked on Average Joe in Hawaii. One thing is for sure, Larissa Meek is a babe! Considering the context of the show, she appears to be a real sweetheart. I got a real kick out of the 400 pound "Average Joe", who, when bounced from the show, griped about Larissa not looking deep enough into his personality to discover what a "good guy" he is. Now, I'm sure he is a great guy, but let's face it, the show has a short run. She doesn't have a lot of time to make a decision, and when you have to choose between the keepers and the losers, 400 pounds is a large target. Couldn't it be the case that she did look past his obesity and determined that his personality wasn't her cup of tea? How convenient for him to lay her rejection off on some perceived shallowness on her part. Maybe he was just a schmuck, and weight had nothing to do with it. I've since learned that he has used this life-changing event to motivate a large weight loss, and I'm happy for him. Yes, one shouldn't be judged based on their appearance or weight. Good-hearted people come in all shapes and sizes. Another neat thing is when we find out that some handsome, well-built men are arrogant assholes. Just knock me over with a feather!! I thought being an arrogant asshole was reserved for bitter underachievers like me. I give Larissa credit for seeing through the schmucks (both average and above average), but as of today, I'm guessing that she will pick one of the hunks, not because she is shallow or vain (which she is to some extent), but because based on the final four, the two remaining "Average Joes" aren't very desirable. Just ask my wife.
(Just as Joe Millionaire tempts shallow women with the prospect of a well-heeled boyfriend, Average Joe tempts unconfident men with the prospect of a very good-looking girlfriend. Both seem to be currency. The cynic inside of me says, "Do the math")
American Idol: If I were King of the World, Simon would be taken out back and bitch-slapped. If I wanted mean-spirited put-downs, I could just videotape myself on a good day. How dumb are we supposed to be? The contestants that Simon abuses are awful...you don't have to be a big-time record industry exec to recognize this. I know people who don't watch more than the first couple of shows. Once they get past the talent bashing, the show loses its appeal. Haven't seen it, and won't.
The Mole and bastard child Celebrity Mole: Who gives a shit?
Fear Factor: Look; I don't go through life exploring the most gruesome activities. It's amazing what things people will do in order to make some money...with the exception of getting an honest job.
The Apprentice: I've seen a couple of episodes of this show, and actually enjoyed it. Say what you will about Donald Trump (you'd think wealthy man would have a better self-image and do something about that comb-over) when he whacks a contestant, he does a great job. Of course, if this is what prestigious business schools are turning out, somebody's parents should sue for tuition refunds right away.
My summary is an indictment of television programmers: How about something original? Remember when "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" was the hot show? It started out as a weekly show, quickly went to a couple times a week, and if I remember it correctly, ABC began to preempt Monday Night Football and the rest of their schedule to show it 3 hours a night, and 6 hours on Sunday (I'm kidding). Before too long, we were all sick of it. And it won't be long before the "Reality Genre" becomes boring, too.
Stop trying to top the last show. Give us something different AND better! And you wonder why we're watching HBO. It's not because they can swear and we can see breasts, it's because the shows are better. Really.
MTV's The Real Life: The granddaddy of the modern genre. Flew under the radar screen for years before someone found a way to make a ton of money with the concept on broadcast TV.
Survivor: Can't believe that anyone still watches this. It just reinforces my belief in the gullibility of a content-starved nation. Seen one season, seen 'em all.
Big Brother: A rip-off of The Real Life and Survivor with slightly more likable cast. Gee, didn't take long before they got contestants to make whoopee.
The Bachelor: I really scratch my head about this one. The most annoying part of this show is when the girls get bumped, they get all emotional and go on and on about how they were falling in love with the Bachelor. Where were these women when I was in college? That being said:
The Bachelorette: Do I really want to compete with a bunch of guys for a woman like this? I'm too provincial (or is it old fashioned?). Call it luck, design, or just that I was a loser, but I never smooched with more than one girl at a time.
Joe Millionaire (and European Joe Millionaire): I refuse to believe that people like this exist. They set the women's movement (or whatever you want to call it) back to the Stone Age.
Average Joe: I saw the last episode of the first Average Joe, and my wife has me hooked on Average Joe in Hawaii. One thing is for sure, Larissa Meek is a babe! Considering the context of the show, she appears to be a real sweetheart. I got a real kick out of the 400 pound "Average Joe", who, when bounced from the show, griped about Larissa not looking deep enough into his personality to discover what a "good guy" he is. Now, I'm sure he is a great guy, but let's face it, the show has a short run. She doesn't have a lot of time to make a decision, and when you have to choose between the keepers and the losers, 400 pounds is a large target. Couldn't it be the case that she did look past his obesity and determined that his personality wasn't her cup of tea? How convenient for him to lay her rejection off on some perceived shallowness on her part. Maybe he was just a schmuck, and weight had nothing to do with it. I've since learned that he has used this life-changing event to motivate a large weight loss, and I'm happy for him. Yes, one shouldn't be judged based on their appearance or weight. Good-hearted people come in all shapes and sizes. Another neat thing is when we find out that some handsome, well-built men are arrogant assholes. Just knock me over with a feather!! I thought being an arrogant asshole was reserved for bitter underachievers like me. I give Larissa credit for seeing through the schmucks (both average and above average), but as of today, I'm guessing that she will pick one of the hunks, not because she is shallow or vain (which she is to some extent), but because based on the final four, the two remaining "Average Joes" aren't very desirable. Just ask my wife.
(Just as Joe Millionaire tempts shallow women with the prospect of a well-heeled boyfriend, Average Joe tempts unconfident men with the prospect of a very good-looking girlfriend. Both seem to be currency. The cynic inside of me says, "Do the math")
American Idol: If I were King of the World, Simon would be taken out back and bitch-slapped. If I wanted mean-spirited put-downs, I could just videotape myself on a good day. How dumb are we supposed to be? The contestants that Simon abuses are awful...you don't have to be a big-time record industry exec to recognize this. I know people who don't watch more than the first couple of shows. Once they get past the talent bashing, the show loses its appeal. Haven't seen it, and won't.
The Mole and bastard child Celebrity Mole: Who gives a shit?
Fear Factor: Look; I don't go through life exploring the most gruesome activities. It's amazing what things people will do in order to make some money...with the exception of getting an honest job.
The Apprentice: I've seen a couple of episodes of this show, and actually enjoyed it. Say what you will about Donald Trump (you'd think wealthy man would have a better self-image and do something about that comb-over) when he whacks a contestant, he does a great job. Of course, if this is what prestigious business schools are turning out, somebody's parents should sue for tuition refunds right away.
My summary is an indictment of television programmers: How about something original? Remember when "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" was the hot show? It started out as a weekly show, quickly went to a couple times a week, and if I remember it correctly, ABC began to preempt Monday Night Football and the rest of their schedule to show it 3 hours a night, and 6 hours on Sunday (I'm kidding). Before too long, we were all sick of it. And it won't be long before the "Reality Genre" becomes boring, too.
Stop trying to top the last show. Give us something different AND better! And you wonder why we're watching HBO. It's not because they can swear and we can see breasts, it's because the shows are better. Really.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
WHAT'S ALL THIS, THEN? Let’s tackle a hot issue right off the bat: Same Sex Marriage. There are several arguments in support of and against this fledgling institution. Shouldn’t committed, loving couples be allowed to formally acknowledge their relationship as a matter of law? If “Civil Unions” are palatable for same sex partners, then why not just upgrade the vocabulary to “Marriage”? How is the concept of marriage denigrated by this evolution? After all, you don’t have to look very far to see that Marriage as an Institution has been trampled, denigrated, and marginalized by the very group of people that oppose SSM. Divorce, affairs, and general lack of respect of the institution as well as the spouses by those the institution serves is rampant.
As a Catholic, I’m not warm and tingly about SSM. But how is SSM hurting me? Does it affect my wallet? No. Does it corrupt my children? No again. It does “break the rules” when it comes to Catholicism, but Same Sex Partners aren’t asking to be married in the Church, they know better than to ask. To paraphrase Marx (Groucho, not Karl), why would SSP want to join this club?
The concept of SSM, and knowing that it is available, should make the Catholic Faith stronger. It should compel its followers to ask themselves if they are in fact walking the walk. I know many couples that were married in the Church (sorry for the provincial capital letter, but it makes sense in this application) who are not “practicing” Catholics. Heck, I know several who have since divorced (and it was a good thing they did). Many Catholics are cavalier about their faith. The feel certain entitlements because of their affiliation…but that’s all they have: an affiliation. I AM NOT THE PERFECT CATHOLIC, but I go to Mass every week, my kids are in religious education, and I am active in doing good things for my family and my community. Do I proselytize along the way? Heck no. Do I make it a point to tell people that I’m Catholic? No, it’s none of their business. Do I think less of people if they aren’t Catholic, Christian, or even practicing a “formal” religion? No, it’s none of MY business.
Which is exactly my position on SSM.
If these people are breaking “God’s Law”, it’s between them and God, they will answer for it at some point. I don’t need to get involved in a religion-based argument against SSM. It’s not in my job description. I’ve always believed (even prior to my life as a Catholic) that our Lord is an all-loving Lord, a compassionate Lord, but also a Lord who frowns on those who would make the Lord’s decisions for the Lord without face to face consultation with the Lord (notice how I avoided “Him” or “Her” distinctions!).
They don’t appear to be breaking any “Civil Law” by being in a committed, loving relationship (well, perhaps in Louisiana), so they don’t have to “answer” to society. (Don’t even try to tell me that Gays are pedophiles. Pedophiles are Pedophiles. Some pedophiles are married to women and have children, just ask Carlie Brucia).
Natural Law? Show me the Natural Law Code Book before you start…you may find your argument weakened.
Is Polygamy next? I only wish. People who trot out that argument are lightweights, and they think everyone else is stupid.
“If we let Gays marry, then we’ll have to let someone marry their dog!” Again, an argument made by someone without a firm grip on reality. We are talking about Human Beings here. Beware, however, there are some people who leave fortunes to specific cats and dogs, and the “rights” of these animals are somehow respected. Funny how that works.
My sole beef with SSM was that, as a married heterosexual, I wanted to have something to remain “mine”. I wanted Marriage to be this uncorrupted legacy that would be “mine”. And this was a selfish desire. I’ve since realized that what I my marriage is a sacrament of my faith, and its’ importance to me is solely based on the weight I give it…which is a lot. If I were to get upset with SSM treading on my turf, I would have to apply the same logic to Sunday Catholics, Sunday Christians, and those who don’t put the same weight on it that I do.
Wouldn’t it be neat if SSM had a lower divorce rate than “the rest of us”? I’m guessing that the legal profession would not be thrilled about that!
As a Catholic, I’m not warm and tingly about SSM. But how is SSM hurting me? Does it affect my wallet? No. Does it corrupt my children? No again. It does “break the rules” when it comes to Catholicism, but Same Sex Partners aren’t asking to be married in the Church, they know better than to ask. To paraphrase Marx (Groucho, not Karl), why would SSP want to join this club?
The concept of SSM, and knowing that it is available, should make the Catholic Faith stronger. It should compel its followers to ask themselves if they are in fact walking the walk. I know many couples that were married in the Church (sorry for the provincial capital letter, but it makes sense in this application) who are not “practicing” Catholics. Heck, I know several who have since divorced (and it was a good thing they did). Many Catholics are cavalier about their faith. The feel certain entitlements because of their affiliation…but that’s all they have: an affiliation. I AM NOT THE PERFECT CATHOLIC, but I go to Mass every week, my kids are in religious education, and I am active in doing good things for my family and my community. Do I proselytize along the way? Heck no. Do I make it a point to tell people that I’m Catholic? No, it’s none of their business. Do I think less of people if they aren’t Catholic, Christian, or even practicing a “formal” religion? No, it’s none of MY business.
Which is exactly my position on SSM.
If these people are breaking “God’s Law”, it’s between them and God, they will answer for it at some point. I don’t need to get involved in a religion-based argument against SSM. It’s not in my job description. I’ve always believed (even prior to my life as a Catholic) that our Lord is an all-loving Lord, a compassionate Lord, but also a Lord who frowns on those who would make the Lord’s decisions for the Lord without face to face consultation with the Lord (notice how I avoided “Him” or “Her” distinctions!).
They don’t appear to be breaking any “Civil Law” by being in a committed, loving relationship (well, perhaps in Louisiana), so they don’t have to “answer” to society. (Don’t even try to tell me that Gays are pedophiles. Pedophiles are Pedophiles. Some pedophiles are married to women and have children, just ask Carlie Brucia).
Natural Law? Show me the Natural Law Code Book before you start…you may find your argument weakened.
Is Polygamy next? I only wish. People who trot out that argument are lightweights, and they think everyone else is stupid.
“If we let Gays marry, then we’ll have to let someone marry their dog!” Again, an argument made by someone without a firm grip on reality. We are talking about Human Beings here. Beware, however, there are some people who leave fortunes to specific cats and dogs, and the “rights” of these animals are somehow respected. Funny how that works.
My sole beef with SSM was that, as a married heterosexual, I wanted to have something to remain “mine”. I wanted Marriage to be this uncorrupted legacy that would be “mine”. And this was a selfish desire. I’ve since realized that what I my marriage is a sacrament of my faith, and its’ importance to me is solely based on the weight I give it…which is a lot. If I were to get upset with SSM treading on my turf, I would have to apply the same logic to Sunday Catholics, Sunday Christians, and those who don’t put the same weight on it that I do.
Wouldn’t it be neat if SSM had a lower divorce rate than “the rest of us”? I’m guessing that the legal profession would not be thrilled about that!
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