160 Oh, the weekend!

Weekends with C-Span & Science Fridays!

When I was a working stiff, I used to look forward to weekends as a respite from work, a time to do laundry and to have some fun.

Now that I am retired I can do laundry any day of the week--oh, joy. And fun activities can also happen anytime.

So now I look forward to Friday afternoons with Ira Flatow! He hosts Science Friday on National Public Radio. 

I am not a science geek, but somehow he makes all sorts of topics interesting--perhaps because his questions are similar to what I might ask. Whether it's a new idea to save the environment, break-through health news or some esoteric basic science discussion, I can follow and appreciate the conversation.

On Saturday and Sunday, I alternate between American History TV and Book TV on C-Span. Of course, while Congress is not in session, C-Span runs repeats of earlier programs so I can view a missed program or watch an especially good segment again.

American History is my favorite. Ever since the Sesquicentennial, they have been especially strong in covering the Civil War. They broadcast live from the Gettysburg conference and from other Civil War 

meetings such as a recent one on the Shenandoah Valley at the University of Virginia.

You notice that the number of views is shown in the text above. You can go back and view all programs online. We have discovered or checked out speakers and authors for One Book, One Community by watching them on a previous televised program, either on American History TV or Book TV. 

Look at the list of topics for one day on American History TV.

C-Span's Cities Tour features a new city each week and concentrates on its unique features and history. 

Similar to Winchester, every city has a fascinating history and historical characters. Cities that I never dreamed of visiting have great stories. I think they need to come to Winchester!

Other features on American History TV include Reel American, old documentary-style videos; American Artifacts, descriptions of manuscripts and objects in libraries and museums around the country; the Presidency; First Ladies; and Lectures in History, a college professor delivering a lecture before a class. As with all presentations, some can be unbelievably boring, but most are not. Regular C-Span has a program Landmark Cases of the Supreme Court that also airs on American History TV. It is excellent--most of the time!

I am more picky about what I watch on Book TV. Many broadcasts feature authors speaking about their books in bookstores or other venues such as libraries and museums. The Winchester Book Gallery has hosted some Book TV speakers but I don' believe any have been recorded recently. In Depth and After Words are longer programs that I find a little too long unless it is a really great author such as David McCullough.

They also televise live from book fairs, including the National Book Fair.

Now that the History Channel and The Learning Channel--really that's what TLC was once called--seem to aim most of their programs at teenage boys, there isn't much good weekday viewing except PBS and sometimes the Smithsonian channel. That isn't all bad--I don't want to watch TV ALL the time. So it is Weekends with C-Span for me! And Science Friday!

Trish       

159 Random thoughts

Savvy Glenne’s Random Thoughts

This Week 

The computer may blow up. I have been on various trending sites, reading the news, and, above all trying to stay positive. Maybe the computer won’t blow up, but my mind might!

Okay, here are my random thoughts, queries, and minor disturbances this past week. I hope you will get a chuckle from some of them, shake your head along with me over others, and, perhaps, add to the list. (Parenthetically, thank you to those of you who responded to the School Uniforms blog – about 4 to 1 in favor of a uniform in light of the current teen fashions.)

1. The solar eclipse – once in a lifetime! Fun to follow the over 1000 places that are hosting viewing events (all 2-3 minutes of it) including the Nudie HonkyTonk in Tennessee. Along with the parties, there are a number of counties issuing alternate driving routes, safety precautions (glasses as well as bringing one’s own water, food, and first aid packs). Police and politicians are suggesting patience to folks who will be in the crowds. Will anyone be at work on Monday, the 21st?

2. Charlottesville – this is a ridiculous, heartbreaking occurrence. Seems to me that civil rights are not very civil anymore. Being a Wm & Mary graduate, although a somewhat frequent visitor to Charlottesville, I am bit surprised that many people gathered in the same place. I often get “sort of” lost in C’ville. Too many curves and circles and up hills and down for my left-handed, directionally-challenged brain. 

CNN photo in Charlottesville 

3. C’ville continued – I feel like it’s 1968 again. What’s with all these “groups” – cults, whatever they call themselves? Do they feel disassociated from the mainstream? Oh, wait a minute – what the heck is mainstream now? And vehicles are now popular weapons (remember Sweden and France, and Barcelona most recently).

4. Terrorism –“unlawful use of violence and intimidation against civilians, usually in the pursuit of political aims” is the dictionary.com definition. I am thinking that the statue in C’ville was an excuse, not the end goal of this melee. And, according to Facebook, Lexington, VA is their next target (home of Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute). 

5. Home improvement – DO YOU ALL KNOW that sinks and doors do NOT necessarily come with the appropriate hardware for installation? We thought we’d update our storm/screen door with a doggie door. Looked great in the photo. When it arrived it had NO hinges and no handles AND NO GLASS INSERT for the screen. This was NOT made clear
in the specs. (note picture has a door knob) 

6. Home improvement continued - Also, one can purchase a sink/vanity with OR WITHOUT faucets or holes for said faucet and taps. This picture appears to have all its parts – imagine our surprise (stupidity) when no faucet, etc.! SO for three days workmen have come and gone and come and gone and come and gone to Lowe’s and Home Depot for these needed items. Gee, is there collusion between contractors and manufacturers? I can see the hourly cost going UP, UP, UP. Okay, maybe I was naïve, but I can’t believe that there are no other naïve folks out there….anyway, the screen (note, just a screen door) is awaiting a glass insert and the new non-leaking vanity and sink are in. Now, we just have a hole in the kitchen ceiling where the old sink leaked. I really like our new young contractor, but we REALLY need to learn how and about what to communicate! 

7. BBC news v American news (CNN, Fox, your choice) – I prefer my world news from the BBC. They tell you directly and succinctly what happened without a bevy of pundits telling you their thoughts. I like this. It is short and I can follow what and where it happened. I believe American networks should take a hint. “Just the facts, ma’am,” said Joe Friday on Dragnet.

8. Granddaughter #1 one and only – she, too, makes me smile. Not only is she adorable (of course, aren’t all grandchildren adorable), she is going to be the one who gives her parents a fit! Hahahahaha! At 15-months her words are not Mama or Dada but shoes, toes, cheese, and book. And she LOVES cell phones and remotes. I do believe the little demon’s hobby is reprogramming. Oh, I am loving it!! Déjà vu all over again. What goes around, comes around, and any other trite clichés that imply she is her mother’s little clone. Oh, my – daughter and son-in-law will find NYC law practice a breeze compared to this innocent looking little girl.

9. Friends – I fret over two of my best friends – one a recent widow who is trying to get all the financial “ducks in a row” along with grieving a very kind husband who was absolutely devoted to her and the other who is the ultimate grandmother whose grandchildren are now all in school but now has her elderly parents to monitor, cook for, and care for. Seems we hit late middle age (or early old age) and all the AARP articles are beginning to have meaning. I DO NOT LIKE THIS. 

I do not like what gravity is doing to my body. I am beginning to HATE salads. I want red meat, fries, and sugar. SHAME ON ME! 

10. Procrastination – I feel guilty about all the things I need to do (like clean out the closets, tidy the laundry room, throw away OLD files). At night, my mind makes a list of what I mean to do the next day. The phone rings – “oh, substitute teach” – SURE; go out to lunch? SURE. I really should have a yard sale – stuff, lots and lots of stuff – that no family member will likely want. 

I heard a couple of days ago a podcast by appraisers on Antiques Roadshow. Solid wood furniture, antique furniture, crystal, and silverware are off by as much as 75%. Boomers are glutting the market by downsizing and Millennials are just not interested. OH, DEAR! Anyone interested in mahogany banquet table? Everything in our house is OLD and/or inherited! What are we going to do with these wonderful old pieces that are worth now next to nothing??

So, dear readers, I am hoping the eclipse brings calm, quiet, and better thoughts! How are you all holding up?

Glenne                                    

158 Erma Bombeck!

Erma Bombeck --- I miss you

Comic relief was always close at hand when Erma Bombeck’s column appeared in daily newspapers. She handled topics near and dear to all of our everyday lives. Nothing was off limits.




 

No one has come forward to take her place or come near to her level of expertise of sharing the comedy of everyday events. She left us far too early at the age of 69 in 1996 from complications of a kidney disease.

I remember being enthralled by her wit and wisdom which was simple and to the point. Her honesty must have driven family and friends totally bonkers. But I am sure her absence has created a chasm that cannot be filled.

I couldn’t wait until the next installment of her column arrived in the daily newspaper. Her reach was about 700 newspapers plus books, TV commentaries, and more.

Her writing helped me get through many of motherhoods trials and tribulations with humor and a little sarcasm. 

For example, “Housework can kill you if done right,” really resonates with most of us who usually give our homes a lick and a promise until we are smart enough to hire a cleaning person to handle the chores.

Motherhood and housewifery are very lonely jobs. It is hard to know if you are on target or totally off base. Erma cut through the crap and helped you see the reality of it all. No one is perfect and these jobs are extremely difficult.

Everyone who has been called mom can relate to this truism from Erma ---“Cleanliness is not next to godliness. It isn't even in the same neighborhood. No one has ever gotten a religious experience out of removing burned-on cheese from the grill of the toaster oven.”

Her advice always brought affirmation as I agreed most of the time --- “If a man watches three football games in a row, he should be declared legally dead.” Who can argue with this!!

No one has stepped up to the plate to fill the void left by this marvelous madam of mercurial humor. She could turn anything into a hilarious rant ---“My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.”

Now as a grandmother, I would welcome her zany wit about this time of life that is glorious as well as reflective. What would she say about going through many parenting adventures a second time but more as an observer than a participant? Restraint is the key word and neutrality a second.

She reflected on the end of life in one of her works and said “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.’ ”

I think we can all agree she definitely used what God gave her and then some.

One of her goals was stated as such, "My aim in life is to communicate with the greatest number of people I can and make them laugh at themselves." She definitely made this come true with her wide reach with a syndication to hundreds.

I miss you, Erma Bombeck!

Frances                

+ All words by Erma Bombeck are set off in quotes. No one could ever steal her words!!

157 Fun words

Fun Words to Say

There are some words that are a joy. Saying aloud a particular combination of consonants and vowels can be as sumptuous as that first bite into a delicious, gooey chocolate!

I searched the Internet, of course, for a scientific name and explanation of this phenomenon and found none. This is a dissertation just waiting for an eager scholar! 

One explanation for a lack of research is that everyone seems to have different favorites. Of course, with the Internet, there are plenty of lists to be found under "words that are fun to say" and similar phrases. I looked at many lists; one list said Internet is fun to say. Huh?

There were a few words that showed up on several lists; some, but not all of them, were on my list.

Commonly Listed Fun Words to Say

Onomatopoeia

 

Unctuous

Kewi - this does not work for me

Hootenanny - also not on my list, but what a great pix!

Buckminsterfullerene - yes this was on a list, but just one list, and I had to share.

Some of my favorites

Jabberwocky 

Kerfuffle

Canoodle

Garganzola                                      

Medulla oblongata
Apoplectic 
  Use in a sentence: He was apolitical before the election; now he is apoplectic!

Goombah

Skedaddle

Conundrum

Circumlocution

Bumpershoot

It is very strange, but whenever Lakshmi Singh is reporting the news on NPR, I have to say her name out loud!

Actually, I had quite a few more words that I could add to the list but thought I would instead end with a list from Merriam Webster:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/top-10-funny-sounding-and-interesting-words

Do follow the link to see the interesting definitions and etymology of these words.

Bumfuzzle
Cattywampus
Gardyloo

Taradiddle

Billingsgate

Snickersnee

Widderships

Collywobbles

Gubbins

Diphthong

Ain't the English Language Grand!

What words do you love to tumble off your tongue?

Indubitably Savvy Trish       

156 Dress code

Dress Codes

TIME magazine this past week had a tiny two-sentence factoid about a Saudi woman arrested for wearing a mini-skirt. A video of this went viral. Let’s add to this that public schools will open soon. In August, in the heat! 

What kinds of dress code issues will be making the headlines? I predict that there will national parental outrage when the parents get called at work because the daughter’s shorts are too short or that the son’s t-shirt has a graphic that might “disrupt the educational process.” These scenarios will be a continuation of the past few years.

Then, let’s look at shopping. I talked to a friend whose daughter is in middle school. Shopping has become a trial. The jeans and slacks are mainly lower than waist high; the shirts often end above the belly button. NO, NO, NO say the school dress codes. 

Her complaint was justified when I just opened this week’s New York magazine. Inside the front cover is a two-page Macy’s ad of school clothes featuring six students leaning against lockers. The first has on a floral dress WELL above the knees with cutout shoulders and a deep v-neck. Nope, this won’t work. The next two students are boys – one with jeans and denim jacket, the other with a two-piece sweat suit looking outfit. 

The next is a girl with ripped jeans. Some schools may okay this, others not. It may depend upon where the rips and tears are located. The next is another girl with denim shorts that end at the hip (yes, the hip) and a crop top with belly button showing. The final student is a boy with Bermuda length shorts and a button shirt with his sleeves rolled up. Very appropriate, very preppy. I see three boys with dress code approved clothes and two girls with NON-approved outfits and one girl whose jeans are “iffy.”

The next issue that arose last spring in any number of schools across the nation was that of sexual discrimination. Still looking at the Macy’s ad, I think school dress codes disproportionately affect girls. Far more girls are cited for dress code violations than boys. Boys wearing hats seems to slide by the administration, but hoodies apparently “indicate gang behavior.” “Still more than 90% of the code violations are girls.” (US.blastingnews/2017/05) 

Paraphrasing a conversation with one student in this article, a freshman girl complained that [you] can read the label on boys’ underwear their pants are so low, but [she] got sent home for a cut-out shoulder blouse.

I ask this question: What is the true purpose of dress codes? One administrator in the above article posited that girls’ clothing distracted boys from paying attention in class. [Oh, my, where is HR??] Dress codes appear to be sexist. 

It seems to me that the codes are demeaning boys by schools thinking a bare shoulder is more interesting than class; it certainly demeans girls who get suspended for wearing current fashions. 

Local dress codes are in line with the national policies. Basically, all say that any clothing (or lack thereof) that distracts from learning is a no-no. What are parents to do? And clothes are not cheap.

Get ready for students and their parents to continue to stand up, be counted, and ask questions. One mother, a Dr. Pearlman, wrote a letter to the school principal and invited said principal to come shopping with them to find code-adhering clothing. A few protests took place at the end of the last school year with large groups of students getting suspended. (NPR/4/6/14/Anatomy-of-a-dress-code) 

The answer to this issue MAY BE SCHOOL UNIFORMS. Yes, my friends, this writer is reversing her thoughts of five years ago. Then I would have said loudly and assertively that selecting clothing is part of growing up, of expressing individuality, and is a civil right. Well, I may have changed my mind.

The cartoons helped.

As a regular substitute teacher, I look forward to seeing what will be happening in the heat of August. Well, I look forward to it in an impish, perverse sort of way.

On a more professional and higher level thinking plane, I recommended to you one of my favorite authors. Alexander McCall Smith, past professor of medical law with twelve honorary doctorates, author of over 100 books and articles, writes two popular series: The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (set in Botswana) and 44 Scotland Street (featuring recurring characters). It is in the latest Scotland Street title about the education of precocious young Bertie that I found the following passage. One of the adult characters says to her friend:

“We need bank managers to dress like bank managers….We need dentists who wear blue jackets buttoned up at the front. We need head waiters in white jackets. We need people who occupy roles and wear the clothing to prove it. It’s a form of social reassurance. It represents order, and we need order. We don’t need chaos and confusion. In short, we need civilization, and if you chip away at any of its pillars, in the name of informality…you weaken the underpinnings….” (p. 106)






So, savvy readers, we would love to know what you think! Are we preaching to the choir?

Should we continue to leave it to dress codes to monitor our children and their clothing purchases, okaying some and not others? What about the statistics by gender? What are some solutions? Certainly, school uniforms are one answer.

We hope to hear from you. 

Stay cool, Glenne   

155 Walking among the dead

Walking among the dead

You never know where a simple walk will take you. As I have added miles to my daily treks, various cemeteries have become a regular part of the weekly sojourns.

A few blocks from my house is the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Cemetery. I never paid much attention to it until a beloved priest, who had been transferred out of the area, came back after his death to rest in the local cemetery. 

 I began to frequent his final resting place, taking flowers and cleaning off the weeds. Since our parents are buried very far away, it gave me a chance to pay my respects and think of those I could not visit regularly.

After retirement, daily walks became routine and I would circle through the cemetery especially after a dear friend died several years ago. Again, I take care of flowers and the cleanup of her grave. I have also discovered so many other dear friends, who were parishioners at our church, in their final resting place. I have found it to be some consolation as I think of the many memories of these wonderful people.

Others may find that morbid, but I grew up accompanying my parents to the cemetery to visit loved ones. The most vivid memory sticks in my mind as we would light candles on the edges of the tombs on all souls day, the first of November. My mother never missed that day that honored those who had passed on. It always took place at dusk so that the candles were visible throughout the cemetery. That may sound macabre to some people, but I was never afraid or upset to be there. It was a part of growing up with Italian parents who honored their loved ones.

My morning walking partner has joined me in this pursuit of final resting places in our community. The national cemetery is one we check on periodically. The wreaths at Christmas time were awe-inspiring, resting against the white tombstones. 
















We were disappointed when the American flags did not make the scene this year for Memorial Day, but we have hope for other holidays. It was amazing how quickly the decoration of the graves took place as well as the removing of the wreaths.

The largest cemetery in the area is Mount Hebron, and there we also visit many friends. Sadly, more and more each year have taken up residence there , but it is an amazing resting place that covers many acres of the city. 

Since cemetery land is often inside cities, it can be an ideal walking space and plentiful in most places. Usually there are walkways with no crowds, and they are open during daytime hours. Plus the reading material can be fascinating.

In 1935, the U.S. Department of Commerce estimated there were 15,000 cemeteries in the United States, but there is no official estimate of the acreage within the cemeteries. The figure of one acre per thousand population would put the cemetery land total in the U.S. at approximately 140,000 acres, according to the American Planning Association web site.

So as a walking destination and route, we find all of these cemeteries peaceful, serene, and of course, quiet. Also, the trees are quite a vision to behold as many would be considered amazing trees with trunks that cannot be circled with our arms.

Making observations as we travel through the tombstones, we often find names who are not dead yet but have places ready when they pass on. At least they know where they will come to rest, and now we are also privy to the information.

Another cemetery on the outskirts of town is one where we don’t walk since it would be far too long a trek. But I have started stopping by to see one of Winchester’s most famous residents, Patsy Cline. I pay tribute to her by doing what my parents always did – cleaning off the dead flowers and adding new ones.

Just the other day my friend said it is time to head to Sacred Heart Cemetery since we hadn’t been there for about a week. So you see our circuit is full as we visit our old friends and often find a few we didn’t know were there, while sometimes checking on new residents to the tranquil setting. 

Walking among the dead can be rather reflective and emotional in a good way as we remember the good times and think of the many special people we have known.

                            Frances