There are many times during the day when I shake my head at humanity. There are many times when I throw my arms up in disgust and swear that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. But today?? Today took the cake.
It is official.
After today, I will no longer allow myself to read the news or the comments that "people" make on the said articles. (Someone remind me of this when I go on my next rant - because, seriously? I have no self control and as early as tomorrow morning I'll be back to reading the news/comments. What can I say? I know myself too well.)
This morning I was reading about the tragic murders of the American couples by pirates. The article was more focused on the lives of the people murdered. That is key here. It was about the lives of the people murdered.
The comments were what incensed me to no end.
As of this morning, over one thousand comments. And the majority of them stated, in one way or another, that these people were "asking for it." That they "shouldn't have been there." Nearly every single one had a misspelling in it as well. And every single one was hiding behind a screen name.
Where in the hell is the compassion? These people - no matter what - did NOT deserve to be murdered. PERIOD. No one "deserves" to be murdered.
I was taught "if you can't say something nice; don't say anything at all." Well, apparently the anonymity that the Internet offers lets people give in to the temptation to say the ugliest things. I have been lucky. I haven't (knock on wood) yet been hit by people like this. And you can bet, if I do, they will be deleted and blocked. No, you don't have to agree with me to be published - but there is a thing called respect and a lack of respect does not fly here. Ever. And unfortunately, in this day and age, respect seems to have fallen by the wayside.
I have to wonder how many of these commenters would have actually said some of the nasty things they said if they had to reveal their real names?
The kicker? All the misspellings. I realize that misspellings are a pet peeve of mine. But really? If you are going to display your hateful vitriolic heart to the world - then take the time to run spell check. Because otherwise; you are showing your ignorance two-fold.
******
I would link to the article - despite the eternal shame that I have in my fellow man right now - just to give this post credence but I can't find it - so you will just have to trust me on this one. And despite, Man-Child's misgivings, I'll have you know I would be a kind dictator - should you decide that I'd be the perfect one to be in charge of the world.
February 23, 2011
February 21, 2011
Every once in a while - I *might* need to apologize
Tonight I had to apologize to Man-Child.
I said something that, apparently, wasn't very nice (it was funny in my head, I swear! Although he didn't think so).
So, I did. I apologized. I informed him that I was in the wrong, inappropriate and not very nice.
He graciously accepted the apology. (He doesn't hold grudges like I do, thank goodness!)
Through Man-Child's short life, I've had to apologize more than once, unfortunately, because every once in a while that filter from brain to mouth doesn't quite work as it should.
But tonight I realized - I never received an apology from my parents - for anything. EVER. Even when they were GLARINGLY in the wrong (emmmm, no - I don't hold grudges. Okay. Yes, maybe I do).
So, by this logic - that we (as parents) admit when we are in the wrong thus teaching our children to do the same - theoretically, the world should be a much nicer place - right?
Apparently, it's not working; i.e. the interactions I've had with other people in the past few days.
I said something that, apparently, wasn't very nice (it was funny in my head, I swear! Although he didn't think so).
So, I did. I apologized. I informed him that I was in the wrong, inappropriate and not very nice.
He graciously accepted the apology. (He doesn't hold grudges like I do, thank goodness!)
Through Man-Child's short life, I've had to apologize more than once, unfortunately, because every once in a while that filter from brain to mouth doesn't quite work as it should.
But tonight I realized - I never received an apology from my parents - for anything. EVER. Even when they were GLARINGLY in the wrong (emmmm, no - I don't hold grudges. Okay. Yes, maybe I do).
So, by this logic - that we (as parents) admit when we are in the wrong thus teaching our children to do the same - theoretically, the world should be a much nicer place - right?
Apparently, it's not working; i.e. the interactions I've had with other people in the past few days.
February 18, 2011
Apparently he takes after me.....
Here I have been worrying and wondering what he (Man Child) is up to on the computer.
I have been studying the history - convinced that he is going somewhere he shouldn't. He's constantly tap-tap-tapping away; more so than even me.
Whenever I ask - he tells me that he is doing nothing. Yeah right. Like those words don't send a mother's antennae up immediately.
I know he's not posting on FaceBook or MySpace (unless he's blocked me; which I don't doubt that he has - I will find a way around that). And, like I've said, I've scoured the history, deleted files, etc.
I can find no evidence of malfeasance.
I know, I know. I should give him a bit of privacy. And I do. But it's like pulling teeth over here trying to get anything out of him. I ask him who he went to the gym with and he responds with, "A classmate." Really? I dare to ask the classmate's name and he acts like I am the Gestapo torturing him for information.
So yes, as his mother, I would like to know what he's up to online. It's MY JOB.
Well, I think I may have discovered it.
He mentioned to his father, who mentioned it to me, that he had posted something on a football (soccer to you folks across the pond) website and it was featured. So, of course, I read it. I didn't understand a word of it. But it was extremely well written.
And, of course, I did a little digging. Again - it's my job!
Apparently, this forum also encourages each "follower" (for lack of the proper term) to create their own profile and blog.
My son, apparently following in his mother's footsteps, has his own little blog on this forum. And has posted several columns (including the one that was featured) and has created his own little online group.
I'm so proud.
I have been studying the history - convinced that he is going somewhere he shouldn't. He's constantly tap-tap-tapping away; more so than even me.
Whenever I ask - he tells me that he is doing nothing. Yeah right. Like those words don't send a mother's antennae up immediately.
I know he's not posting on FaceBook or MySpace (unless he's blocked me; which I don't doubt that he has - I will find a way around that). And, like I've said, I've scoured the history, deleted files, etc.
I can find no evidence of malfeasance.
I know, I know. I should give him a bit of privacy. And I do. But it's like pulling teeth over here trying to get anything out of him. I ask him who he went to the gym with and he responds with, "A classmate." Really? I dare to ask the classmate's name and he acts like I am the Gestapo torturing him for information.
So yes, as his mother, I would like to know what he's up to online. It's MY JOB.
Well, I think I may have discovered it.
He mentioned to his father, who mentioned it to me, that he had posted something on a football (soccer to you folks across the pond) website and it was featured. So, of course, I read it. I didn't understand a word of it. But it was extremely well written.
And, of course, I did a little digging. Again - it's my job!
Apparently, this forum also encourages each "follower" (for lack of the proper term) to create their own profile and blog.
My son, apparently following in his mother's footsteps, has his own little blog on this forum. And has posted several columns (including the one that was featured) and has created his own little online group.
I'm so proud.
February 17, 2011
Sorry, sorry, sorry!!
I've been Missing In Action lately. I know!
But, I've been sick. Yes, I realize in my last post I claimed to be feeling better - what can I say? I was wrong.
Immediately after writing that post I began to feel worse - at that point I hadn't even realized that was even possible.
Hubby, funnily enough, was struck down with the same bug on the same day. So for once, we have experienced our illness together which actually gave us sympathy for each other. Usually, we don't have much sympathy when the other is sick. Oh, we pretend to feel sorry for each other - but in truth, we are calling each other a big baby under our breath. Yes folks, that's what 20 years of marriage gets you. Fake sympathy.
Although we are both on the mend - he seems to be getting better faster. I am not pleased. He continually points out that if I did this and didn't do that then maybe I'd be feeling better - like he is some kind of health guru. Funny how this attitude greatly reduces any amount of sympathy I might have for his lingering symptoms......
Why yes, that is a little Google-alien magnetic kind of guy who also happens to stand in as a paper clip holder (you can't see it in the picture - but Google is emblazoned across his tummy). Isn't he the cutest? It has promptly been decided that he must be kept under lock and key as several co-workers have been eying him covetously.....thank you Kathryn - he's adorable! He almost made me forget that I wasdying sick.....
Wait! What's that? Do I hear Man-Child coughing and sniffling - the big baby......
But, I've been sick. Yes, I realize in my last post I claimed to be feeling better - what can I say? I was wrong.
Immediately after writing that post I began to feel worse - at that point I hadn't even realized that was even possible.
Hubby, funnily enough, was struck down with the same bug on the same day. So for once, we have experienced our illness together which actually gave us sympathy for each other. Usually, we don't have much sympathy when the other is sick. Oh, we pretend to feel sorry for each other - but in truth, we are calling each other a big baby under our breath. Yes folks, that's what 20 years of marriage gets you. Fake sympathy.
Although we are both on the mend - he seems to be getting better faster. I am not pleased. He continually points out that if I did this and didn't do that then maybe I'd be feeling better - like he is some kind of health guru. Funny how this attitude greatly reduces any amount of sympathy I might have for his lingering symptoms......
In other news -prior to falling ill with the plague I entered another give-away (I know-I'm getting crazy over here entering all these contests! What's next? I guess it's true that you have to play to win - so once again I am counting on hitting the lottery!) and I won! The fabulous Kathryn was offering some Google swag, so I had to play along because - come on - it's Google swag! And lo and behold, this is what the mailman brought me earlier this week. It was the only thing that could have made me smile at that point.
Why yes, that is a little Google-alien magnetic kind of guy who also happens to stand in as a paper clip holder (you can't see it in the picture - but Google is emblazoned across his tummy). Isn't he the cutest? It has promptly been decided that he must be kept under lock and key as several co-workers have been eying him covetously.....thank you Kathryn - he's adorable! He almost made me forget that I was
Wait! What's that? Do I hear Man-Child coughing and sniffling - the big baby......
February 9, 2011
A conundrum for sure . . . . and I just may live.
I've been over here preparing my last post.
You see, I was sure I had to be dying.
I was ready to charge one blogger with writing my obituary and another with finding the perfect picture to post for said obituary. I was all ready to bequeath whatever online wealth I had to all of you.
And then?
Then I began to feel half-way human again.
Although that may just be the wine and the meds talking (what do you mean you aren't supposed to mix them? Are you sure?)
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
But, in the meantime, riddle me this - how is it possible for your nose to be both stuffy and runny at the same time?
You see, I was sure I had to be dying.
I was ready to charge one blogger with writing my obituary and another with finding the perfect picture to post for said obituary. I was all ready to bequeath whatever online wealth I had to all of you.
And then?
Then I began to feel half-way human again.
Although that may just be the wine and the meds talking (what do you mean you aren't supposed to mix them? Are you sure?)
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
But, in the meantime, riddle me this - how is it possible for your nose to be both stuffy and runny at the same time?
February 1, 2011
If you think this title is boring just wait until you see the post.
I have plants in my house. Quite a few actually - and for the most part they are all thriving. There are many good reasons to have lots of plants - good feng shui, it improves the air quality in your home, they are good for relationships.......
Okay, I'm making all that up. Actually, the only reason I can think of is that they are a good way to quickly fill up some empty spaces in your decor and as to why I have so many - well, I'm not sure. I think people notice I have plants and decide that they make a good gift for me - so now I have more plants than I can possibly keep up with.
Just a quick aside - have you ever noticed that no matter how many windows you have in your home that all the plants will only survive on one side of the house? No, you've never noticed that? Well, maybe it's just me. But all of my plants are located on one side (the west side??) as that seems to be the only place they are semi-happy. Anyway......
Okay, I'm making all that up. Actually, the only reason I can think of is that they are a good way to quickly fill up some empty spaces in your decor and as to why I have so many - well, I'm not sure. I think people notice I have plants and decide that they make a good gift for me - so now I have more plants than I can possibly keep up with.
Just a quick aside - have you ever noticed that no matter how many windows you have in your home that all the plants will only survive on one side of the house? No, you've never noticed that? Well, maybe it's just me. But all of my plants are located on one side (the west side??) as that seems to be the only place they are semi-happy. Anyway......
You know, the key to having healthy plants is to ensure that each plant has the proper type of soil, pot, food, humidity and . . . .
Okay, I'm making that all up too. Usually, I just throw the plant in a pot with some dirt and try to remember to water it.
This plant is my barometer.
When he wilts then I know that I've forgotten to water the plants . . . again. It's actually quite surprising that any of these plants are still alive considering how often I forget to water them....
Some of these plants thrive seemingly without any love from me at all. Like this one.
I received this one at Thanksgiving. I've given it the bare minimum of attention, water and love because it's a poinsettia. Usually, they die upon receipt and aren't really expected to be kept as house plants. This one though apparently loves it here. If it continues to thrive, I suppose I may have to re-pot it and see what happens. Although I expect that once I begin to put any effort at all into it - it will give up the ghost. Because plants are fickle like that.
My Christmas Cactus (so named because they are supposed to bloom at Christmas time, of course)
Has officially been re-named the Holiday Cactus. This sucker blooms for every holiday that the calendar can throw at it. As you can see it's preparing to bloom again - well, it is Groundhog Day tomorrow so I suppose it's due.
Now this one - the Cyclamen? Well, what can I say?
I love these plants - they are, generally, beautiful. I've tried to cultivate them at least four different times - and this is always the result - no matter how much loving care, water, light, etc. that I shower upon them. They always die. This species hates me.
They should look like this:
After four previous attempts I gave up on this plant. The relationship was just too volatile. I'd bend over backwards trying to please but every time it would leave me within just a few short weeks - usually it didn't even take that long.
But then received one as a gift and once again I tried so hard, so very hard. And, as you can see, after just a short time.....
But then received one as a gift and once again I tried so hard, so very hard. And, as you can see, after just a short time.....
once again I failed. I've decided if I ever receive another one, I shall smile and say thank you and then,once the giver is gone, in the interest of saving time and energy promptly throw the damn thing away and grab a glass of wine instead.
January 27, 2011
All about the nut - in a nutshell
I have been struggling with this post for days! Don't ask me why, it's not a difficult one....it seems easy for me to tell you whatever I have to say but once I have to lay it out in bullet points it becomes daunting. I guess, it's kind of like what I imagine a therapy session would be like - the therapist would ask about me and I would not be able to think of a single thing to say.
The ever lovely Cherished By Me has tagged me with a Stylish Blogger Award (I am so not worthy). Thank you so much - this was a much needed surprisetoday a few days ago - especially as right before she contacted me in short order I had lost a button and then totally ripped out the hem of my slacks! I certainly wasn't feeling very stylish as I grabbed the scotch tape and went to work trying to make myself presentable for the remainder of the work day. It's amazing what you can do with office supplies in a pinch.
The ever lovely Cherished By Me has tagged me with a Stylish Blogger Award (I am so not worthy). Thank you so much - this was a much needed surprise
The Rules
- Thank and link back to the person that gave you the award
- Share 7 things about yourself
- Award 15 recently discovered bloggers
- Tell the people you have given them an award
Seven things? This may be difficult. It seems like I've already told you every possible thing about me. (Deep breath) Ok, here goes nothing:
1. I was the "co-star" in our first grade Christmas play (or was it second grade? It had to have been second grade because somehow I can't picture Sister Susan putting on this play) "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." I was MORTIFIED. I had to sit on Eddie H's lap and pretend to kiss him. In front of the WHOLE school AND their families. I have to wonder if he remembers this as vividly as I do. This was clearly where my desire to fade into the background stems from.
2. Despite the fact that I spill (most of) my guts here - I'm actually a pretty private person. (No, really!) In fact, I just told a very dear friend about something I had been wrestling with for a while and she said, "Really? I had no idea that you had so much on your mind! Why didn't you tell me?" Clearly, I didn't want to bother her with my trivial issue.
3. Despite my tough exterior, I am a softie at heart. This one you HAVE to keep between us - we can't let word of this get out - it may ruin my image as a cold hearted witch.
4. I am NOT a crafty person - at all. I WANT to be - I YEARN to be - crafty. But I'm not. Nine times out of ten when I embark upon some kind of DIY project (Hubby and Man-Child both duck for cover) it never turns out as it does in my head (or in the picture). When it does actually turn out okay I am all kinds of proud. I just read something about making curtains . . . it SOUNDS easy.....the question is "just how will this end?" With me in tears and angry - or pleased as punch with myself? I'm leaning toward the former - but I'll give it a shot anyway....because I'm also very stubborn (despite the many, many previous failed attempts at curtains).
5. I suffer from SAD. Terribly. No, I have not been diagnosed by a licensed physician - what do you think WebMD is for if not to self-diagnose? Which, of course, has led me to mis-diagnose myself on a regular basis - but on this particular instance I'm positive I'm right. In fact, I'm fairly convinced that the only treatment would be to move to a tropical island somewhere. Hubby is being resistant on this - but I think if we have just one more snow "event" I could push him to see that I am right (as always).
6. I'm not a patient person at all. This is something I have struggled with my whole life. I am getting better (I am) but as with most everything it is a work in progress which, of course, makes me impatient.
7. I'm not nearly as stylish as I may have led you to believe. As much as I love clothes, shoes and all that go along with being a "fashionista" I do relish comfort (and warmth this very frigid time of year). If you were to drop in on me unexpectedly, you would most likely find me lounging about in something comfortable, old and not very stylish. And I would be mortally embarrassed. So if you are planning on stopping by - please call first.
So there you have it. Seven things about me that you never knew. Don't you feel enlightened now?
Now comes the choosing of 15 new blogs (and I thought the above was so very difficult) that I have discovered.........
I can't choose just 15! I can't. So as always, I will be a rebel and break the rules (yeah, right! I am such a rebel) and bestow this gift upon whomever wishes to take it. Although I may have struggled - I have to admit it was fun and it is always nice to learn a bit more about our friends - so take it. Run with it. I can't wait to see the results.
3. Despite my tough exterior, I am a softie at heart. This one you HAVE to keep between us - we can't let word of this get out - it may ruin my image as a cold hearted witch.
4. I am NOT a crafty person - at all. I WANT to be - I YEARN to be - crafty. But I'm not. Nine times out of ten when I embark upon some kind of DIY project (Hubby and Man-Child both duck for cover) it never turns out as it does in my head (or in the picture). When it does actually turn out okay I am all kinds of proud. I just read something about making curtains . . . it SOUNDS easy.....the question is "just how will this end?" With me in tears and angry - or pleased as punch with myself? I'm leaning toward the former - but I'll give it a shot anyway....because I'm also very stubborn (despite the many, many previous failed attempts at curtains).
5. I suffer from SAD. Terribly. No, I have not been diagnosed by a licensed physician - what do you think WebMD is for if not to self-diagnose? Which, of course, has led me to mis-diagnose myself on a regular basis - but on this particular instance I'm positive I'm right. In fact, I'm fairly convinced that the only treatment would be to move to a tropical island somewhere. Hubby is being resistant on this - but I think if we have just one more snow "event" I could push him to see that I am right (as always).
6. I'm not a patient person at all. This is something I have struggled with my whole life. I am getting better (I am) but as with most everything it is a work in progress which, of course, makes me impatient.
7. I'm not nearly as stylish as I may have led you to believe. As much as I love clothes, shoes and all that go along with being a "fashionista" I do relish comfort (and warmth this very frigid time of year). If you were to drop in on me unexpectedly, you would most likely find me lounging about in something comfortable, old and not very stylish. And I would be mortally embarrassed. So if you are planning on stopping by - please call first.
So there you have it. Seven things about me that you never knew. Don't you feel enlightened now?
Now comes the choosing of 15 new blogs (and I thought the above was so very difficult) that I have discovered.........
I can't choose just 15! I can't. So as always, I will be a rebel and break the rules (yeah, right! I am such a rebel) and bestow this gift upon whomever wishes to take it. Although I may have struggled - I have to admit it was fun and it is always nice to learn a bit more about our friends - so take it. Run with it. I can't wait to see the results.
January 22, 2011
It's a wonder I don't drink more.....
Corporate America. . . it confounds me on a daily basis. But this one? This one takes the cake.
Remember when I told you that my dear friend and colleague had decided to retire and leave me alone with the wolves? Well, because of her selfish decision our department has been left in total chaos. Well, not really - but there have been a lot of "what ifs" and "what nows". Which all could have been avoided if Mr. Big Dog in our department had dealt with this prior to her leaving. I mean, it's not like she waited until the last minute to announce her retirement - she gave at least two months notice before she ran off to do whatever it is retired people do.
Because of his inaction (and lack of thinking things through) it came to pass that I had to apply for the job that I am currently doing. The position that I've held for the past five and half years.
I know - right? It doesn't make any sense. But whatever. I applied.
And was then promptly informed by Human Resources that I wasn't qualified.
*sigh*
Remember when I told you that my dear friend and colleague had decided to retire and leave me alone with the wolves? Well, because of her selfish decision our department has been left in total chaos. Well, not really - but there have been a lot of "what ifs" and "what nows". Which all could have been avoided if Mr. Big Dog in our department had dealt with this prior to her leaving. I mean, it's not like she waited until the last minute to announce her retirement - she gave at least two months notice before she ran off to do whatever it is retired people do.
Because of his inaction (and lack of thinking things through) it came to pass that I had to apply for the job that I am currently doing. The position that I've held for the past five and half years.
I know - right? It doesn't make any sense. But whatever. I applied.
And was then promptly informed by Human Resources that I wasn't qualified.
*sigh*
January 16, 2011
A quick trip down Memory Lane
I have tried to post. I really have. I've thought about things to post. But then couldn't find the time, the inclination or the ability to get past the first line.
I assumed that when the boys took off this weekend leaving me alone that I would find my mojo and be back in the swing of things in no time.
Ummmmm, no. It didn't work.
Instead I have spent all my time trying to find pictures for a slideshow I'd like to do for hubby for our anniversary. And do you know what I've discovered? Since the advent of the digital camera none of my pictures are in one spot.
Back in the day when you had to have your film processed I would bring the pictures home and put them in albums. Easy. I knew where all my pictures were. And I was organized about it too. I made sure to put names and dates on them and stick them in an album as soon as I got home with the prints.
Now? Now I've got pictures EVERYWHERE. Some are on this computer. Some on the notebook. Some on the dead computer that I will never be able to retrieve. Some are on the work computer. Some are on FaceBook. Some are on Shutterfly.
You get the idea. So what was supposed to be a quick project has turned into two days of hunting for pictures; never mind trying to put the slideshow together.
Although, I must admit the walk down memory lane was eye-opening and sweet.
I can distinctly remember being extremely self-conscious. I can remember constantly comparing myself to others and finding myself lacking. Of course, I sometimes still do this - but not nearly as often as I did then; thank God. Apparently, I was an idiot. Looking back, I can see now what I couldn't see then. Obviously, I have traded my youth for a modicum of wisdom.
Also, looking back, I can now realize that I was a BABY when I got married! For that matter, Hubby was a baby - and he's twelve years older than me! It should be against the law to get married so young. Wait a minute . . . . that sounds like I regret getting married; which is not the case at all. I just look at how young I was and realize that in six short years Man-Child will be that age - and he will be entirely too young to get married.
All this hunting has made me realize that I need to get all my pictures in one place. I do like the option of having them online as I can then access them from any computer. But that also makes me a bit uneasy - because I remember at one point storing some on Yahoo. Then Yahoo decided it didn't want to store pictures anymore and I had to scramble to move them - luckily I finally read one of the emails they sent instead of deleting them like I usually do; otherwise those photos would have been lost forever. I'll have to do some research I suppose. I have learned my lesson about storing them solely on the computer though - should the computer die of natural causes or, in the event that someone (*cough - Man-Child - cough*) drops it - then they are lost forever. I know some of you are avid photographers - how do you keep and organize your digital photos?
I've also realized that since the "baby" was born most of the pictures are of him. Very few of just us. So this slideshow will mainly feature pictures pre-Man-Child.
You know what else I realized in my walk down memory lane? I had big hair. Really, really BIG hair.
And? I didn't have any wrinkles.
I assumed that when the boys took off this weekend leaving me alone that I would find my mojo and be back in the swing of things in no time.
Ummmmm, no. It didn't work.
Instead I have spent all my time trying to find pictures for a slideshow I'd like to do for hubby for our anniversary. And do you know what I've discovered? Since the advent of the digital camera none of my pictures are in one spot.
Back in the day when you had to have your film processed I would bring the pictures home and put them in albums. Easy. I knew where all my pictures were. And I was organized about it too. I made sure to put names and dates on them and stick them in an album as soon as I got home with the prints.
Now? Now I've got pictures EVERYWHERE. Some are on this computer. Some on the notebook. Some on the dead computer that I will never be able to retrieve. Some are on the work computer. Some are on FaceBook. Some are on Shutterfly.
You get the idea. So what was supposed to be a quick project has turned into two days of hunting for pictures; never mind trying to put the slideshow together.
Although, I must admit the walk down memory lane was eye-opening and sweet.
I can distinctly remember being extremely self-conscious. I can remember constantly comparing myself to others and finding myself lacking. Of course, I sometimes still do this - but not nearly as often as I did then; thank God. Apparently, I was an idiot. Looking back, I can see now what I couldn't see then. Obviously, I have traded my youth for a modicum of wisdom.
Also, looking back, I can now realize that I was a BABY when I got married! For that matter, Hubby was a baby - and he's twelve years older than me! It should be against the law to get married so young. Wait a minute . . . . that sounds like I regret getting married; which is not the case at all. I just look at how young I was and realize that in six short years Man-Child will be that age - and he will be entirely too young to get married.
All this hunting has made me realize that I need to get all my pictures in one place. I do like the option of having them online as I can then access them from any computer. But that also makes me a bit uneasy - because I remember at one point storing some on Yahoo. Then Yahoo decided it didn't want to store pictures anymore and I had to scramble to move them - luckily I finally read one of the emails they sent instead of deleting them like I usually do; otherwise those photos would have been lost forever. I'll have to do some research I suppose. I have learned my lesson about storing them solely on the computer though - should the computer die of natural causes or, in the event that someone (*cough - Man-Child - cough*) drops it - then they are lost forever. I know some of you are avid photographers - how do you keep and organize your digital photos?
I've also realized that since the "baby" was born most of the pictures are of him. Very few of just us. So this slideshow will mainly feature pictures pre-Man-Child.
You know what else I realized in my walk down memory lane? I had big hair. Really, really BIG hair.
January 7, 2011
The Bastardization of American Literature
Have you heard/read about this? The fact that a professor of English at Auburn University, Alan Gribben, who (supposedly) is a “passionate academic” of Mark Twain, is publishing a “sanitized” version of Huck Finn. His aim, he claims, is to ensure that this book is welcomed by all schools and their curriculums.
This has just now hit my radar and I've got to tell you I am not happy about it.
I remember having to take turns reading the book aloud in class - a long time ago (high school? middle school?) and being extremely uncomfortable about "the" word. But isn't that part of learning - stretching outside of what is "comfortable?"
Mark Twain is one of my favorite writers - I love his stories and have tried and tried to interest my son in them for years (he has no interest - yet). Mark Twain wrote stories about society as it was then. It wasn't pretty and nice. It wasn't politically correct. And it certainly wasn't morally right. BUT - that is the way it was.
If the book is "sanitized" what lessons do we learn? How is it possible that we think we can re-write the past? And if we allow the distortion, nay – the bastardization - of the words of one of America's greatest writers - where will it end? What's the next target? Roots?
I remember watching Roots, with my family, and being extremely disturbed. Should that be sanitized as well? Too keep people from being "uncomfortable?" When we bury our heads in the sand about what really happened in the past - aren't we doomed to repeat it in one form or another?
Yes, we all want our children to grow up in a peaceful world where everyone is treated with respect – but how do you drive that lesson home without the true telling of just how ugly the past really was? If we make the past "nice" how then do we teach our children right from wrong?
Mark Twain's words were true to his time and were used in that context for telling a story about society in that era. Unfortunately, "that" word was considered acceptable back then. As was the treatment of other human beings.
Even more unfortunately, this word is considered acceptable in certain circles today; as evidenced in some music and videos. So can you explain to me, why Huck Finn needs to be "sanitized" while the music industry continues to allow "that" word to be used prolifically?
I asked my family what they thought – while one is an avid reader (though not of Twain, sadly) the other is not. They were both outraged as well.
I asked the Intellectual Property attorney at work about this – she too believes that the book should be left alone. That it is a “snapshot” of history. When I questioned the legality of it – she explained, that unfortunately; it is legal. Apparently, so many years after the death of the author the work is considered "public domain".
Be that as it may, she went on to say that if this “sanitized” version is published it should be well-noted that it is an AMENDED version of the original work.
Despite the legal right of the publishing company, and this professor, to do so – I call B.S. Big time (and the IP attorney agreed. And for that matter, so did a random litigator who happened to be walking by when he got sucked into this conversation).
Mr. Twain took great pains to capture the spirit and flavor of the era and locations of which he was writing. Mark Twain’s writing actually transports you to the era and location with his prolific use of colloquialism, vernacular and ability to write in “accents.” So when you begin to bastardize his work you lose the context he was trying to convey to the reader.
While Professor Gribben would claim that his goal is a noble one – I disagree completely. As a professor of English – he should be encouraging that Mark Twain’s works are kept whole and accepted as part of an educational curriculum; as a key to open the door for discussion. You cannot re-write history simply because you feel that the harsh reality is too much for today’s society.
As I feel that my ability to express my outrage is so very inadequate, here is a link to an article in the NY Times – that can explain it so much better than I can. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/books/07huck.html
If you wish to voice your displeasure with this "new" publication, here is the address of the publisher (you can bet they will be hearing from me!).
NewSouth Books, Inc.
P. O. Box 1588
Montgomery, AL 36102-1588
I seriously doubt that it will help - but you never know. I refuse to link to their site because I am so totally outraged.
My thoughts on Professor Gribben? If he were truly a "passionate" academic of Mark Twain then he would never dare to presume that he could publish a "sanitized" version of the book. In fact, I believe that were he a true academic of Twain he would be pushing that this book be on every required reading list - as is.
Because as I said earlier - isn't the point of education is to stretch beyond what is "comfortable?"
This has just now hit my radar and I've got to tell you I am not happy about it.
I remember having to take turns reading the book aloud in class - a long time ago (high school? middle school?) and being extremely uncomfortable about "the" word. But isn't that part of learning - stretching outside of what is "comfortable?"
Mark Twain is one of my favorite writers - I love his stories and have tried and tried to interest my son in them for years (he has no interest - yet). Mark Twain wrote stories about society as it was then. It wasn't pretty and nice. It wasn't politically correct. And it certainly wasn't morally right. BUT - that is the way it was.
If the book is "sanitized" what lessons do we learn? How is it possible that we think we can re-write the past? And if we allow the distortion, nay – the bastardization - of the words of one of America's greatest writers - where will it end? What's the next target? Roots?
I remember watching Roots, with my family, and being extremely disturbed. Should that be sanitized as well? Too keep people from being "uncomfortable?" When we bury our heads in the sand about what really happened in the past - aren't we doomed to repeat it in one form or another?
Yes, we all want our children to grow up in a peaceful world where everyone is treated with respect – but how do you drive that lesson home without the true telling of just how ugly the past really was? If we make the past "nice" how then do we teach our children right from wrong?
Mark Twain's words were true to his time and were used in that context for telling a story about society in that era. Unfortunately, "that" word was considered acceptable back then. As was the treatment of other human beings.
Even more unfortunately, this word is considered acceptable in certain circles today; as evidenced in some music and videos. So can you explain to me, why Huck Finn needs to be "sanitized" while the music industry continues to allow "that" word to be used prolifically?
I asked my family what they thought – while one is an avid reader (though not of Twain, sadly) the other is not. They were both outraged as well.
I asked the Intellectual Property attorney at work about this – she too believes that the book should be left alone. That it is a “snapshot” of history. When I questioned the legality of it – she explained, that unfortunately; it is legal. Apparently, so many years after the death of the author the work is considered "public domain".
Be that as it may, she went on to say that if this “sanitized” version is published it should be well-noted that it is an AMENDED version of the original work.
Despite the legal right of the publishing company, and this professor, to do so – I call B.S. Big time (and the IP attorney agreed. And for that matter, so did a random litigator who happened to be walking by when he got sucked into this conversation).
Mr. Twain took great pains to capture the spirit and flavor of the era and locations of which he was writing. Mark Twain’s writing actually transports you to the era and location with his prolific use of colloquialism, vernacular and ability to write in “accents.” So when you begin to bastardize his work you lose the context he was trying to convey to the reader.
While Professor Gribben would claim that his goal is a noble one – I disagree completely. As a professor of English – he should be encouraging that Mark Twain’s works are kept whole and accepted as part of an educational curriculum; as a key to open the door for discussion. You cannot re-write history simply because you feel that the harsh reality is too much for today’s society.
As I feel that my ability to express my outrage is so very inadequate, here is a link to an article in the NY Times – that can explain it so much better than I can. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/books/07huck.html
If you wish to voice your displeasure with this "new" publication, here is the address of the publisher (you can bet they will be hearing from me!).
NewSouth Books, Inc.
P. O. Box 1588
Montgomery, AL 36102-1588
I seriously doubt that it will help - but you never know. I refuse to link to their site because I am so totally outraged.
My thoughts on Professor Gribben? If he were truly a "passionate" academic of Mark Twain then he would never dare to presume that he could publish a "sanitized" version of the book. In fact, I believe that were he a true academic of Twain he would be pushing that this book be on every required reading list - as is.
Because as I said earlier - isn't the point of education is to stretch beyond what is "comfortable?"
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