(sigh)
Honestly.
I have a lot of admiration for George Bush, but if he doesn't learn how to pronounce "nuclear," I'm going to lose respect. For six years now we've heard him say "nu - ka - la," and there's just no excuse for the leader of the free world to speak that way. Is there no one around him with enough moxie to TELL him how the word is pronounced?
OMG.
(sigh)
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
NEW ORLEANS, KATRINA AND COMMON SENSE
(sigh)
I have a feeling this post is gonna elicit lots of emails from outraged folks, so I apologize up front if I offend you.
We've been beseiged all week by "anniversary" documentaries, newscasts, magazine articles and newspaper stories about the devastation Hurricane Katrina wrecked on New Orleans last year. That's most likely understandable since it was a natural disaster of major proportions and resulted in death and destruction to many people, homes, businesses. The City of New Orleans itself was nearly washed away.
Now. As sympathetic as I am to the individuals in that city about what happened, I hope the rebuilding of the city will result in also a cleansing of the corruption, decadence and incompetence that was pervasive. The looting and shooting that followed the storm was shocking. Some of that can be expected; but rather than the people pulling together and helping one another, they reverted to anarchy. One can't help but compare New Orleans' bad behavior to New York's exemplary behavior following 9/11.
I know people who have fallen in love with New Orleans over the years. They love the debauchery, the bare-breasted women, the 24/7 party atmosphere, the casinos. Some even mention they love the "old south" look, the jazz-on-the-streets, the food. But it's a dirty city, crime ridden, has the feel that you must sidestep the vomit on every street. I've seen nothing there that interested me, saw nothing "southern" about it. And that was on a GOOD day.
Before Katrina, the city was impoverished, dependent on tourism, struggling to overcome kickbacks and contract fraud from its former mayor, Marc Morial. It employs one of the most (if not THE most) corrupt police forces in the country, has no infrastructure to speak of and no competence in its local government.
It was crumbling pre-Katrina; let's hope this post-Katrina effort will be more than a correction of the breeched levees. Let's hope the city can sniff out some integrity.
(sigh)
I have a feeling this post is gonna elicit lots of emails from outraged folks, so I apologize up front if I offend you.
We've been beseiged all week by "anniversary" documentaries, newscasts, magazine articles and newspaper stories about the devastation Hurricane Katrina wrecked on New Orleans last year. That's most likely understandable since it was a natural disaster of major proportions and resulted in death and destruction to many people, homes, businesses. The City of New Orleans itself was nearly washed away.
Now. As sympathetic as I am to the individuals in that city about what happened, I hope the rebuilding of the city will result in also a cleansing of the corruption, decadence and incompetence that was pervasive. The looting and shooting that followed the storm was shocking. Some of that can be expected; but rather than the people pulling together and helping one another, they reverted to anarchy. One can't help but compare New Orleans' bad behavior to New York's exemplary behavior following 9/11.
I know people who have fallen in love with New Orleans over the years. They love the debauchery, the bare-breasted women, the 24/7 party atmosphere, the casinos. Some even mention they love the "old south" look, the jazz-on-the-streets, the food. But it's a dirty city, crime ridden, has the feel that you must sidestep the vomit on every street. I've seen nothing there that interested me, saw nothing "southern" about it. And that was on a GOOD day.
Before Katrina, the city was impoverished, dependent on tourism, struggling to overcome kickbacks and contract fraud from its former mayor, Marc Morial. It employs one of the most (if not THE most) corrupt police forces in the country, has no infrastructure to speak of and no competence in its local government.
It was crumbling pre-Katrina; let's hope this post-Katrina effort will be more than a correction of the breeched levees. Let's hope the city can sniff out some integrity.
(sigh)
Monday, August 28, 2006
A LIBERAL DOSE
(sigh)
A friend sent these to me today. I love them.
"A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."
………G. Gordon Liddy
"A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have."
..........Thomas Jefferson
A friend sent these to me today. I love them.
"A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."
………G. Gordon Liddy
"A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have."
..........Thomas Jefferson
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
CREST, CREST AND MORE CREST
(sigh)
Ok. This is mind-numbing trivial, but it's another one of life's burrs-on-my-backside. I know, I know. You're wondering if I do, in fact, have a life since I've been ranting for the past week about seatbelts, pantyhose and now toothpaste. Well, I can assure you that I DO have a life and it is constantly beseiged by these burrs.
Tonight I was searching for a tube of Crest toothpaste. This is no small feat any longer. Crest has saturated the market with so many different kinds of stuff for your teeth that it blows my mind. All I wanted was a simple tube of REGULAR freakin' toothpaste and here's what I saw: Crest Cavity Protection; Crest Gels in Cool Mint, Smooth Mint, Fresh Mint and Clean Mint flavors; Crest Rejuvenating Effects Liquid Gel; Crest Spiderman Liquid Gel; Crest Value Pack Whitening Toothpaste with Tartar Protection in a variety of flavors; Crest Multi-Care Whitening Toothpaste in a variety of flavors; Crest Neat Squeeze Children's Toothpaste; Crest Plus Scope; Crest Sensitivity with Extra Whitening; Crest Whitening Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste Plus Scope; and last but certainly not least -- Crest Whitening with Baking Soda and Peroxide.
Spiderman Liquid Gel it is.
(sigh, dammit.)
Ok. This is mind-numbing trivial, but it's another one of life's burrs-on-my-backside. I know, I know. You're wondering if I do, in fact, have a life since I've been ranting for the past week about seatbelts, pantyhose and now toothpaste. Well, I can assure you that I DO have a life and it is constantly beseiged by these burrs.
Tonight I was searching for a tube of Crest toothpaste. This is no small feat any longer. Crest has saturated the market with so many different kinds of stuff for your teeth that it blows my mind. All I wanted was a simple tube of REGULAR freakin' toothpaste and here's what I saw: Crest Cavity Protection; Crest Gels in Cool Mint, Smooth Mint, Fresh Mint and Clean Mint flavors; Crest Rejuvenating Effects Liquid Gel; Crest Spiderman Liquid Gel; Crest Value Pack Whitening Toothpaste with Tartar Protection in a variety of flavors; Crest Multi-Care Whitening Toothpaste in a variety of flavors; Crest Neat Squeeze Children's Toothpaste; Crest Plus Scope; Crest Sensitivity with Extra Whitening; Crest Whitening Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste Plus Scope; and last but certainly not least -- Crest Whitening with Baking Soda and Peroxide.
Spiderman Liquid Gel it is.
(sigh, dammit.)
THE BEACH
(sigh)
Look here, look there
They're everywhere!
I'm sick to death, I moan
Of seeing nubile lasses' asses
And breasts of silicone!
Tattoos on butts
And navel rings
Thongs thrust in nether places
It makes me cringe to think about
The piercings on their faces.
Bleached hair, capped teeth, acrylic nails
A spray-on tan they sought
I wonder if the guys're aware
These girls are really "bought."
I think I'm done with sand and surf
Don't wanna be a harpie
But can't compete with times today
And all the plastic Barbies!
(sigh)
Friday, August 25, 2006
FLORIDA AND THE VOTE
(LOL)
I saw the funniest "Dummy" book today.....Voting for Dummies -- A Reference for Florida Voters." This had chapters on "Hole Punching Techniques Made Simple," and "Just Because You're Dead Doesn't Mean You Can't Vote - We'll Show You How." I laughed out loud when I saw this, but then it occurred to me: Has anything REALLY been done to fix things in that state before the 2008 election?
OMG.
(sigh)
I saw the funniest "Dummy" book today.....Voting for Dummies -- A Reference for Florida Voters." This had chapters on "Hole Punching Techniques Made Simple," and "Just Because You're Dead Doesn't Mean You Can't Vote - We'll Show You How." I laughed out loud when I saw this, but then it occurred to me: Has anything REALLY been done to fix things in that state before the 2008 election?
OMG.
(sigh)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
PANTYHOSE
(sigh)
Science is incredible. You pull a pair of pantyhose out of the packaging and have to put on your glasses to see this tiny bit of nylon you're supposed to be able to pull over your calves, thighs and tummy. There's a reason they're called "Control Top." THEY do the controlling. You just happen to inhabit them but you're at their mercy. You breathe only when you pull the elastic waist away from your body. You go in the direction they command you. Your feet scream all day because the reinforced toe is killing the corns on your little piggies. Girls, you KNOW what I'm talking about here. If you happen to get them on the slightest bit crooked, you walk like a crab all day long. And God forbid you should need to use the restroom in a hurry. Pull them down quickly and it'll take five minutes to get the wrinkles out and pull them up back up. And don't for a moment think you can fix the crooked way you put them on at 6 that morning. They're in that "crab-like" position on your sorry butt for the rest of the day.
Pantyhose falls into that same category with me as seatbelts. The only saving grace is that it's not illegal to go bare-legged! For small favors I'm grateful.
(sigh)
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
KNOCKERS UP
(sigh)
it's amazing when we're twenty
how our boobs remained a "rack."
no hiding in our armpits
when we laid down on our back.
by thirty we'd been suckled dry
and looking pretty grim
because those babes had pulled them down
and put a hex on them.
by forty we're in to underwires
and push-ups if you please.
and then there were the strapless
if you felt the urge to tease.
by fifty there is NOT a bra
to keep those pups in tow.
we need to have them lifted
by a doc who's in the know.
and then we're free
to let'em loose, enjoy life once again.
toss the bras aside once more
and be a "PERKY" TEN!
(LOL)
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
WILLIAMS v. SHARPTON
(sigh)
Stand up and take a bow, Juan Williams!
For those of you unfamiliar with National Public Radio's Williams, this is an educated liberal voice from an astute black commentator. I don't necessarily agree with his stand on a variety of issues, but I respect him and his low-key approach to debate and his ability to focus on facts rather than emotion.
Williams has a new book out, Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements and Culture of Failure That are Undermining Black America -- and What We Can Do About It, and it's a gutsy slam on those black leaders like the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson who he believes are countering academia's effort to legitimize minority concerns. Williams believes Sharpton advocates "victimhood" for blacks in order to get ahead, and this has provoked an interesting debate between the two. Last night Bill O'Reilly's "The Factor" allowed both to adjust their crotches and stand off in an attempt to explain their views. Williams always one-ups his opponents.
Williams discusses Bill Cosby, who we all know has been the object of a great deal of whining by Black America over his truthful estimation of this country's minorities to go the "poor me" route. Williams says Cosby has pronounced that , "... these [black] leaders--cultural and political--misinform, mismanage, and miseducate by refusing to articulate established truths about what it takes to get ahead: strong families, education, and hard work."
What's interesting to me is that Williams is a respected journalist but seems to rank higher among white media types rather than his own. It's unfortunate because he focuses on the issues rather than the causes and could be a major voice for blacks in this country. Again, Williams is way too liberal in his views for my taste, but when he talks, I listen.
(sigh)
Stand up and take a bow, Juan Williams!
For those of you unfamiliar with National Public Radio's Williams, this is an educated liberal voice from an astute black commentator. I don't necessarily agree with his stand on a variety of issues, but I respect him and his low-key approach to debate and his ability to focus on facts rather than emotion.
Williams has a new book out, Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements and Culture of Failure That are Undermining Black America -- and What We Can Do About It, and it's a gutsy slam on those black leaders like the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson who he believes are countering academia's effort to legitimize minority concerns. Williams believes Sharpton advocates "victimhood" for blacks in order to get ahead, and this has provoked an interesting debate between the two. Last night Bill O'Reilly's "The Factor" allowed both to adjust their crotches and stand off in an attempt to explain their views. Williams always one-ups his opponents.
Williams discusses Bill Cosby, who we all know has been the object of a great deal of whining by Black America over his truthful estimation of this country's minorities to go the "poor me" route. Williams says Cosby has pronounced that , "... these [black] leaders--cultural and political--misinform, mismanage, and miseducate by refusing to articulate established truths about what it takes to get ahead: strong families, education, and hard work."
What's interesting to me is that Williams is a respected journalist but seems to rank higher among white media types rather than his own. It's unfortunate because he focuses on the issues rather than the causes and could be a major voice for blacks in this country. Again, Williams is way too liberal in his views for my taste, but when he talks, I listen.
(sigh)
Sunday, August 20, 2006
ELAINE
(sigh) The first time I met Elaine was her first day in a new job in my unit. She had arrived at the specified room and time only to realize there was no one there quite that early. When I reported for work that day and went in to sign the register, she was sitting patiently waiting for the Powers That Be to show her to her work space. "Bless her heart," I thought to myself. She has such enthusiasm, which I knew would be tested to the nth degree in this particular unit. That was many years ago, and she has proved her mettle over and over and is respected by all who work with her.
Elaine's another 1/4 of my sisterhood and probably the most "to-the-point" one of all of us. There's no nonsense about this woman. She suffers fools never, has definite and varied opinions, is a strong, strong person. Elaine's the person you want to be with when it's midnight, you're buzzing like a chain saw and are hopelessly lost in a city you've never been in before. NOT THAT THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED, YOU UNDERSTAND......it's just that she'd be the one to take charge and handle things -- and you'd be sooooo grateful for that!
This is the "sister" who repeatedly told it like it was during my separation, subsequent anxiety and eventual divorce. While she listened patiently and commisserated appropriately, she nonetheless had very little tolerance for my whining -- and rightly so. Of course, while her observations were correct, I still believe one cannot fully understand the loss until one has been there oneself. That said, I appreciated her candor and know her intentions were to help direct my focus to reality. She's a smart cookie; a kind, generous person; a great friend.
To you, Elaine.
(sigh)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
THE RAMSEY CASE -- AGAIN
(sigh)
Oh, how I hope the individual the Boulder police arrested in Thailand is truly the man who defiled and murdered Jon Benet. I will certainly be surprised if the Ramseys don't know the man, who at one time lived close by to them outside Atlanta.
It's a shame Patsy Ramsey passed away before the arrest was made, but news reports indicate she was informed a month before she died that an arrest was imminent. At least she had that solace. What a coup this will be for the Boulder DA. But what an exhale it will be for the Ramsey family.
Rest in peace, Jon Benet.
(sigh)
Oh, how I hope the individual the Boulder police arrested in Thailand is truly the man who defiled and murdered Jon Benet. I will certainly be surprised if the Ramseys don't know the man, who at one time lived close by to them outside Atlanta.
It's a shame Patsy Ramsey passed away before the arrest was made, but news reports indicate she was informed a month before she died that an arrest was imminent. At least she had that solace. What a coup this will be for the Boulder DA. But what an exhale it will be for the Ramsey family.
Rest in peace, Jon Benet.
(sigh)
HUMMMMM
(sigh)
there's a hum in my head
it speaks to me not.
just carries its tune
like i may have forgot
to bring forth the notes
from inside my mind
in order to hear
some more of their kind.
the melody's loud
obtrusive, in fact
i'm certain i should
just over-reaact
and
SING!
MACACA, MAKAKA
(sigh)
George Allen probably truly meant nothing derogatory the other day by calling that guy in the audience "Macaca."
B U T .................
I don't care if George Allen IS a Republican, he's an idiot. Let none of us be fooled.
(sigh)
George Allen probably truly meant nothing derogatory the other day by calling that guy in the audience "Macaca."
B U T .................
I don't care if George Allen IS a Republican, he's an idiot. Let none of us be fooled.
(sigh)
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
THE NOOSE THAT WAS A SEATBELT
(sigh) I swear, I despise seatbelts. And I further detest laws that mandate I wear one while driving. They cut off the blood flow to my carotid arteries, wrinkle my clothes, make me sweat. I was trying to drive safely today by using an earpiece for my cell phone so I could drive hands-free (ANOTHER SOON-TO-BE MANDATE). In the course of trying to use the earpiece, the wire became tangled in the seatbelt, causing me to nearly run into another car while attempting to dislodge it. I finally pulled over, untangled the wire to the earpiece, unbuckled the seatbelt and seethed.
I'm really tired of outsourcing decisions to "government" that should be personal preferences. I should be able to enjoy a right to either use or not use a seatbelt. If I opt to NOT wear the damned thing, I could perhaps waive my right to sue if I sustain injury due to my not having it buckled. (The insurance industry has lobbied us into this morass.) It just seems as if we're legislated to death any more in this country about everything except immigration issues, and I'm rebelling. I have made many attempts to wear the seatbelt, but it's distracting and uncomfortable and I always revert to noncompliance. I've tried all the clips, etc., on the market for providing more comfort. THEY DO NOT WORK FOR ME!
I'm done. No more seatbelts. Period.
So sue me.
(sigh)
Monday, August 14, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
BECKY
(sigh)
Becky's another 1/4 of my "select sisterhood" and one straight arrow, this woman. I've been trying to remember if I've ever seen a drop of alcohol in any form pass her lips and I don't believe I have. This I don't understand. I respect it, but I don't understand it. LOL
I HAVE, however, witnessed her puffing on a cigarillo! LOL again!
Beks is into homeopathy, has a vast knowledge of this, believes in it. She researches alternative palliatives but realizes there are times medical science has to take over. She's down-to-earth, funny, sensitive, caring. There were many times the past couple of years when Beks' ears had to be screaming for a rest from my divorce woes, but she never complained......not once. I knew I could call on her (or any of the sisterhood) and they'd listen and listen and listen. I needed that outlet to vent, and they were always there. Becky told me recently that I was "crazy" during that time, and I probably was. The fact that they're all still my friends speaks volumes of their endurance and commitment. I'm very fortunate.
If I were to articulate one aspect of Becky's personality it would be "dichotomy." She's such a practical, by-the-book individual that it astounds me when she lets loose and does something outrageous or says something risque. But that's what makes her so much fun........you THINK you know what you're getting, and then she throws you a curve -- and it's hilarious. I'm thinking OVERHEATED MONKEYS, Sister! LOL
To you, Beks.
(sigh)
Friday, August 11, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES
(sigh) Take this hint and run with it:
Even if you don't like baseball, tune in to ESPN starting August 18th for the Little League World Series, which runs through the 27th. Prior to then there are televised regional games where you can watch the teams, get to know the kids and decide which teams are hot this year and will most likely be in the championship. It's great fun and the talent of these young boys is absolutely amazing! I watch every year and never cease to be asounded at the level of play and dedication to sport that the kids and coaches have. ABC usually carries the championship game in prime time, testament to the appeal this series has.
What's touching is that these young kids are so talented and hardly ever make an error. But when they do, you'll often see tears of frustration from them -- which reminds us that even though they look like pros out there, they're still kids. Never in these games do you see mean-spiritedness or arrogance, and it's a pleasure to watch kids from competing teams exhibiting friendliness to one another between innings or games. I'm bored frequently watching PROFESSIONAL baseball, but the Little League World Series is always a hoot and full of action. If you haven't seen it yet, tune it. You'll love it!
(sigh)
THE FBI AND I
(sigh)
After working for the FBI for almost 20 years, I retired a while back and heaved a LONG sigh of relief at being out of a 50-mile-one-way commute in insane daily traffic, stress at personnel resources being stretched to the seams and the subsequent stress which resulted, a bureaucracy run amok and an obsolete culture that was (and is) counter-productive to the organization's current mission. It's a shame.
I have great respect for what the FBI was in the past and COULD BE again, but it's frustrating to observe its current misdirection. Instead of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01 providing impetus for a tighter re-organization, it made the agency (as well as the CIA and NSA) a whirling dervish spewing into crevices it has no right to inhabit. The FBI has always been top-notch in pursuing violations of Federal crime; the CIA has built its reputation on foreign counterintelligence; and we only have a GENERAL idea of the depth of NSA's mission regarding foreign intelligence matters. But even prior to 9/11, the FBI's involvement in domestic intelligence had also branched out to include unrelated narcotics cases (much to the chagrin of the DEA).
The FBI had spread itself too thin even before 9/11. So what happened after that? This is where the Bush administration knee-jerked and formed Homeland Security, which would have been a fairly interesting concept had they been handed over all matters concerning its namesake. But it wasn't organized that way, and each of the agencies which came before them maintained their jurisdiction over many of the same issues -- which resulted in Homeland Security becoming just another layer of bureaucracy to which they have to report and (theoretically) share information. As much as I hate to say this, I believe we are at greater risk today than before 9/11 because the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing -- and there are more fingers on more hands pointing in a myriad of directions.
There's a constant competition within the Federal government for money, equipment, personnel resources, AUTHORITY. The system is broken and no one knows how to fix it. While I have personal knowledge of the talent, dedication, expertise and versatility of the INDIVIDUALS who make up the FBI, I have disdain for the agency's ability to use them appropriately and wisely. It doesn't matter what trivial area of expertise is required in conducting the public business, the FBI has someone who can do it and do it expertly. If there were a need for an Urdu-speaking ambidextrous yoga instructor, you can bet the FBI has one -- or two. The organization is amazing in that respect. But until it's understood that each agency should concentrate on what it does best and relinquish its hold on fraternal agencies' missions, NO agency will function efficiently.
Well, now that I've solved THAT problem, I'll see about cutting my toenails.
(sigh)
After working for the FBI for almost 20 years, I retired a while back and heaved a LONG sigh of relief at being out of a 50-mile-one-way commute in insane daily traffic, stress at personnel resources being stretched to the seams and the subsequent stress which resulted, a bureaucracy run amok and an obsolete culture that was (and is) counter-productive to the organization's current mission. It's a shame.
I have great respect for what the FBI was in the past and COULD BE again, but it's frustrating to observe its current misdirection. Instead of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01 providing impetus for a tighter re-organization, it made the agency (as well as the CIA and NSA) a whirling dervish spewing into crevices it has no right to inhabit. The FBI has always been top-notch in pursuing violations of Federal crime; the CIA has built its reputation on foreign counterintelligence; and we only have a GENERAL idea of the depth of NSA's mission regarding foreign intelligence matters. But even prior to 9/11, the FBI's involvement in domestic intelligence had also branched out to include unrelated narcotics cases (much to the chagrin of the DEA).
The FBI had spread itself too thin even before 9/11. So what happened after that? This is where the Bush administration knee-jerked and formed Homeland Security, which would have been a fairly interesting concept had they been handed over all matters concerning its namesake. But it wasn't organized that way, and each of the agencies which came before them maintained their jurisdiction over many of the same issues -- which resulted in Homeland Security becoming just another layer of bureaucracy to which they have to report and (theoretically) share information. As much as I hate to say this, I believe we are at greater risk today than before 9/11 because the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing -- and there are more fingers on more hands pointing in a myriad of directions.
There's a constant competition within the Federal government for money, equipment, personnel resources, AUTHORITY. The system is broken and no one knows how to fix it. While I have personal knowledge of the talent, dedication, expertise and versatility of the INDIVIDUALS who make up the FBI, I have disdain for the agency's ability to use them appropriately and wisely. It doesn't matter what trivial area of expertise is required in conducting the public business, the FBI has someone who can do it and do it expertly. If there were a need for an Urdu-speaking ambidextrous yoga instructor, you can bet the FBI has one -- or two. The organization is amazing in that respect. But until it's understood that each agency should concentrate on what it does best and relinquish its hold on fraternal agencies' missions, NO agency will function efficiently.
Well, now that I've solved THAT problem, I'll see about cutting my toenails.
(sigh)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
"THE FEMALE BRAIN" (by Louann Brizendine, MD)
(sigh)
Wow.
Don't pass over this book review -- this is about a masterwork by psychiatrist Louann Brizendine's gender studies which are absolutely fascinating. There's so much information in this book that amazes -- and gives credence to what women have known all along. This is not a slam against men and their less-than-adequate communication skills but an interesting take on what science has shown to be some of the differences in the sexes in thinking, emoting, relating.
A few highlights are that at conception all brains are female and that at about the eighth week "excess testosterone shrinks the communications center, reduces the hearing cortex and makes the part of the brain that processes sex twice as large." This is extremely interesting biology but not something women didn't already (omg) KNOW!!!!!!!!! We just didn't know when it took place. Ms. Brizendine also states that women use about 20,000 words a day while men use only 7,000 -- something men have most likely known all along as well! (Women won't count the grunts and mumbles men make daily as part of their 7,000.)
And this just blew me away: A gender study observed a young girl in a room surrounded only by male-associated toys. After a few minutes the little girl had taken a fire truck, wrapped it in a blanket and was cuddling and rocking it while saying things like, "Truckie, it's ok....it's all right." Astounding what innate behavior the sexes have at such an early age!
This isn't your usual dry, scientific reporting. The Female Brain is a provocative take on the differences between men and women in their thinking. Every single one of us should read it to broaden our understanding of the opposite sex.
If that's possible.
Wow.
Don't pass over this book review -- this is about a masterwork by psychiatrist Louann Brizendine's gender studies which are absolutely fascinating. There's so much information in this book that amazes -- and gives credence to what women have known all along. This is not a slam against men and their less-than-adequate communication skills but an interesting take on what science has shown to be some of the differences in the sexes in thinking, emoting, relating.
A few highlights are that at conception all brains are female and that at about the eighth week "excess testosterone shrinks the communications center, reduces the hearing cortex and makes the part of the brain that processes sex twice as large." This is extremely interesting biology but not something women didn't already (omg) KNOW!!!!!!!!! We just didn't know when it took place. Ms. Brizendine also states that women use about 20,000 words a day while men use only 7,000 -- something men have most likely known all along as well! (Women won't count the grunts and mumbles men make daily as part of their 7,000.)
And this just blew me away: A gender study observed a young girl in a room surrounded only by male-associated toys. After a few minutes the little girl had taken a fire truck, wrapped it in a blanket and was cuddling and rocking it while saying things like, "Truckie, it's ok....it's all right." Astounding what innate behavior the sexes have at such an early age!
This isn't your usual dry, scientific reporting. The Female Brain is a provocative take on the differences between men and women in their thinking. Every single one of us should read it to broaden our understanding of the opposite sex.
If that's possible.
(sigh)
Monday, August 07, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
BABALOO
(sigh)
Remember "I Love Lucy"? Remember Ricky Ricardo's song "Babaloo" that he sang like a sick cow? As much as I loved that show when I was growing up, even then I didn't understand Desi Arnaz' luck in making that song a "hit." But the show piqued my interest in that island that didn't dissipate when Castro overthrew Batista in '59 and Cuban/US relations went south during the Bay of Pigs debacle. There's something that always seemed magical about Havana and Santiago, and I'd love to visit the island. Granted, the cities have reportedly fallen into disrepair due to lack of funds from Castro's "government" for such, but the Cuban people, their carnivals, foods, music and customs remain intact -- and I'm going to be able to SPEAK SPANISH when they finally open up tourist travel from here to there!
By the way, I promised language progress reports a while back.
Estoy aprendiendo espanol.
(sigh)
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
(sigh)
What gets IN to Mel Gibson?
He has made some terrifically GOOD films; has made some horrifically BAD ones; and now has had an UGLY altercation with a patrolman who arrested him for DUI. His politics are conservative, and I like that. However, it appears he's let his philosophies run rampant, and I hope it's not going to be the end of him.
Nah.
He has more money than anyone can conceive.
He can BUY continued respect.
Or try.
(sigh)
Saturday, August 05, 2006
WORD OF THE WEEK
Before someone used this in a Scrabble game with me, I'd never heard this word before. Have you?
gravid
gravid
Friday, August 04, 2006
LINDA
(sigh)
Linda's 1/4 of my "select sisterhood;" a friend for the past 20 years; a career woman who works full time for the government and has her own business on the side; a wife; mother; grandmother. She's one of those rare people who can bring you to your knees with laughter, make you cry with her compassion, prop you up with her caring, astound you with her insight. She'd like you to believe that she's just an uncomplicated person going about her daily life, but this is no uncomplicated woman. This is a person with many layers and who tugs at your heart without having a clue. She's honest, sincere, loads of fun to be around. She laughs at everything, finds humor in chaos and you can't help but be picked up if you're down.
This is a person you want to DO things for but who doesn't want you to be put out. She gives so much of herself to a friendship that you just feel the need to give something back -- but, of course, it's not possible to equal her level of donorship. She's a funny, fun-loving, generous person who I feel so very lucky to call my friend.
What a treasure.
To you, Linda.
(sigh)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
DEE
(sigh)
One day in 1960 while riding the school bus home, I struck up a conversation with a girl I knew only slightly who was a grade ahead of me. The conversation was animated, friendly....and there was an immediate rapport. You know how sometimes you meet someone and you just click? We did. Her bus stop was a couple away from mine, but her house was within walking distance of my home. She got off at my stop and we stood along the side of the road talking for at least another hour. So began an enduring friendship that continues to this day.
I've written frequently about friendships on this blog, most recently just a couple of weeks ago. There's a reason for that. During a lifetime people enter and leave our lives, flit through our consciences, make a positive or negative impression. Only a few are keepers. Over the next couple of months I'm going to pay homage to a handful of people who have enriched my life, taught me lessons, snapped me back to reality, laughed with me, made fun of me, complimented me and just have generally made my life a better place to be. Dee is one of them. I've already written a while back about Saint Diana and Saint Randy in Albuquerque.
Dee is one of those people who always knew the right fork to use, the best color to wear, the most appealing hairstyle to have. She is southern epitome -- manners, accent, cultural essence, vernacular. But while she was always a lady, she had an occasional raucous side; and she and I had some hilarious and scary times growing into young adulthood together. We confided about boyfriends, parents who knew nothing (aren't all parents ignorant when we're teenagers?), adventures we hoped to have, dreams to which we aspired. We've had a span of time as adults when we lost touch, but we've linked up again the past couple of years and it's like we haven't missed a beat. Old times, it is.
Dee was a drum majorette in high school and a good one. She was in her glory doing this, was intense about the routines and was perfection in executing them. She wore contact lenses and forever had a grain of something or other behind them -- she squinted a lot as a result. But she was and is a beautiful woman, a kind and caring human being and a friend I cherish.
To you, Dee.
(sigh)
One day in 1960 while riding the school bus home, I struck up a conversation with a girl I knew only slightly who was a grade ahead of me. The conversation was animated, friendly....and there was an immediate rapport. You know how sometimes you meet someone and you just click? We did. Her bus stop was a couple away from mine, but her house was within walking distance of my home. She got off at my stop and we stood along the side of the road talking for at least another hour. So began an enduring friendship that continues to this day.
I've written frequently about friendships on this blog, most recently just a couple of weeks ago. There's a reason for that. During a lifetime people enter and leave our lives, flit through our consciences, make a positive or negative impression. Only a few are keepers. Over the next couple of months I'm going to pay homage to a handful of people who have enriched my life, taught me lessons, snapped me back to reality, laughed with me, made fun of me, complimented me and just have generally made my life a better place to be. Dee is one of them. I've already written a while back about Saint Diana and Saint Randy in Albuquerque.
Dee is one of those people who always knew the right fork to use, the best color to wear, the most appealing hairstyle to have. She is southern epitome -- manners, accent, cultural essence, vernacular. But while she was always a lady, she had an occasional raucous side; and she and I had some hilarious and scary times growing into young adulthood together. We confided about boyfriends, parents who knew nothing (aren't all parents ignorant when we're teenagers?), adventures we hoped to have, dreams to which we aspired. We've had a span of time as adults when we lost touch, but we've linked up again the past couple of years and it's like we haven't missed a beat. Old times, it is.
Dee was a drum majorette in high school and a good one. She was in her glory doing this, was intense about the routines and was perfection in executing them. She wore contact lenses and forever had a grain of something or other behind them -- she squinted a lot as a result. But she was and is a beautiful woman, a kind and caring human being and a friend I cherish.
To you, Dee.
(sigh)
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