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Good morning!
Today’s quote is from a movie: “If there’s something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.”
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Soul searching
National Treasure?
Charlie Wilson’s War?
Kbells has it right. It’s a quote from Thomas Jefferson.
KBells: Enjoy your virtual coffee of the day!
I just read the Starbucks modesty controversy thread.
It made me remember a community business function I attended at the country club about 2 weeks ago:
My friends and I all dressed up similiarly: Three pieces. A jacket or blouse, a tank underneath, a skirt or pants on the bottom, nice sandals. We weren’t too business-y, but dressed about how we’d dress for church.
By the time everyone arrived, we had to laugh at ourselves. We didn’t intentionally set out to be so modest. We each like clothes and enjoy dressing up a bit.
There were entire arm and legs, 75% cleavage, boob-jobs, mini dresses with heels, Lots of make up, bling, spaghetti straps, etc.
After a little bit, I caved and asked my friend, “Is it just me, or is this a sexually super-charged environment?”
She looked around and said, “They’re showing a lot… But, I guess you and Debbie and I could have shown a little more.”
That’s when I looked at us. Very updated clothes, but our arms and legs and cleavage was all covered. It wasn’t deliberate, it’s just who we are.
I don’t think I could show that much and be comfortable. I don’t really get it.
If I had it to do over, I think I’d still wear my favorite things, but maybe be prepared to come across as intentionally modest.
I’m in my early 40’s. Is this a sign that I’m getting old, do you think?
I think it shows class. There is a time to dress sexy and a time to dress modestly. A night out with your husband? Sure show a little sexiness. A function during the day at the country club with a bunch of women. Show some class.
For those of you who participated in the “Jephthah” thread the other day, I posted the response I got from my Pastor on the “Cookies” thread, accidentally.
No, EYG, it is not a sign that you are getting old, though I will confess that the older I get, the less I care about “fashion.” I never dressed that way either. Even my mini-skirts were inches longer than the norm back in the day. (This is why then invented pantyhose, so you could wear a short skirt and not have to worry about your garters showing.) We have a problem in our society that isn’t just about fashion, but is really about wanting to belong to the majority. It’s hard to be different especially in a sexually-charged society. But what is truly amazing is how people balance that against what’s good for them. Yesterday, I saw a news piece on nine year old girls having facial chemical peels. The mother said it was hygienic.
I think if my friend had said that I “could have shown a little more,” I would have asked why does it have to be shown?
Hi Kim,
It was a co-ed after hours thing. I don’t think women dress that around each other. But, it wouldn’t be the first thing to surprise me.
BTW,
I want to weigh in on Starbucks’ new logo.
Among other things, it definitely isn’t sleek.
(It kind of reminds me of me at the aforementioned function. I’m the old logo.)
From an artisitic perspective, I think it looks cluttered. I prefer the simple lines of the old one.
Do you think that global warming dissenters are just a few whackos without scientific credentials?
At my blog you can learn about the nearly 32,000 scientists who have signed a petition to the US government not to accept the Kyoto agreement or to adopt its measures. The number of PhD’s among the signatories is 9,000.
You should read my post, and the linked post at American Thinker, and the article that they link to from the National Post.
http://renaissanceguy.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/what-consensus/
Wow, seems my delightful friend NJL beat me to it. However, if it be possible to give a gentleman’s view, EYG, I shall do my best. Now, please do NOT think all men are pigs. Yeah, I have my oink-moments, too!(I HAVE to be honest here.)
I am 47, brought up to know and engage respect in all manners of societal activity. I do understand the trends in attire for different functions in life, having been living under a paternal politician’s roof during my formative years.
EYG, I am not so sure that age has anything to do with your decision to dress the way you and your friends did…..but moreso out of respect for the community business function you attended. Having been a cook in a posh country club atmosphere for a couple of years really made me understand the certain mindset people have in that type setting.
I agree also there would be people who wounldn’t understand that mindset. So, just be blessed in knowing we support you and feel you dressed appropriately.
Oh…….and for NJ Lawyer: Hugs!
EYG–You have class.
NJL–We all want to ‘belong’ somewhere and for some the way they dress makes them feel like they do belong.
All–Today our church is having a spagetti dinner fund raiser for our Relay For Life team. If you see the sign out in front of the church, stop on in and have a plate of spagetti. Can’t beat the price–$5 per person.
I’m headed out in a few minutes to get the sauce going. It is an all day job, cooking for a crowd.
Mommy, which thread is that? I am curious. I missed that thread. I’m unsure what was said, but I reread the book of judges recently and would be interested in the thread.
Jeeze ladies,
I bet if I wear my several years old modest swim suit they won’t let me on the hipper beaches in Cabo next week. Guess I’ll have to get a thong or at least a Speedo to be cleavage acceptable. I’m going for that hip, if older, furry in a trendy way, huge, white whale look
Justus331, thanks for the hug! I needed one today. (It’s okay to look, just don’t covet!)
NJ Lawyer, and also Justus,
We must have posted at the same time earlier, NJL.
To both: I didn’t see your posts, and then fell asleep in my chair. (Now, that probably IS a sign of age!)
All,
Thanks for weighing in. It was just so overwhelmingly in the majority that I was having a “one of these things is not like the other” moment.
Yes, I agree it probably has a lot to do with upbringing. And I also think, ‘I’m happily married to my best friend. He’s happy with the way I look, and we’ve already reproduced. Perhaps the urge to turn on the full wattage has outworn it’s usefulness?’
And/or I think my idea of what ‘full wattage’ is has changed.
I, personally, have to power through a certain degree of aversion if trying to converse with a make-up/mini wearing showgirl type. I hope it doesn’t show, but I really have to work at focusing in the eyes and really seeing the person.
Jesus definitely cares about them. I think, looking back, there was a certain degree of competition or desperation or just trying to belong as NJL and Justus said.
Justus
You didn’t say anything piggy.
I guess if men didn’t want to look at all that, the display would be far less obvious.
My cousin says, “All of that is just for the prolongation of the species.”
There was a certain truth to that among the younger people: attract, join together, form a family, reproduce.
But, after that, there are other motivations.
Also, I’m not trying to beat a dead horse. It’s hard to describe the weirdness of that event for me: like there was this whole other (massively populated) world out there, with it’s own constitution, and I had just gotten dropped into it for a visit.
KI, the original thread was called Mind Tricks; you can still get to it from the Odds & Ends tab.
This is from an e-mail from my brother-in-law:
It’s amazing.
HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?
=====================================
You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds. I could not
believe this!!! It is from an orthopedic surgeon
………. (who obviously isn’t very busy!!!)
This will boggle your mind and you will keep you trying over
and over again to see if you can
outsmart your foot, but, you can’t.
It’s pre-programmed in your brain!
1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you
are GOOFY……) and while sitting at your desk in front
of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and
make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number ‘6′ in the
air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so!!! And there’s nothing you can do about it!
You and I both know how stupid it is, but before
the day is done you are going to try it again, if you’ve
not already done so.
Send it to your friends to frustrate them too!
Ted Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor. This is a tough diagnosis. He deserves our prayers.
EYG, I think you’re right about the display, and let’s face it, men dress for effect, too. Will it make you feel better if I confess that I’ve fallen asleep at odd times, too? I could never understand as a child why my father, who was old enough to be my grandfather, could take a nap in the middle of the day, but I do now!
Just curious - what’s everyone’s take on the Michelle Obama/secret video rumors?
If you haven’t heard the rumor, google “michelle obama whitey”. Supposedly the GOP has a copy of a tape where she’s ranting and raving about “whitey” at TUCC and they’re saving it for an October surprise.
I’m sorry about Ted Kennedy.
Something light, and since I don’t have anything to contribute to the Scout Cookies thread:
Our bedroom window faces our deck and is highly reflective. A bluebird comes to our deck to feed and sees his reflection. He goes to attack the intruder, but it doesn’t work. He gives up and flys away. Then he comes back and tries to drive that intruder away again. That has become a major project for him and I’m afraid the poor bird is going bonkers on us about this intruder. But it’s interesting to watch.
I often wonder if some of the problems we encounter aren’t similar?
Night Train: I googled the site and only saw the Tennessee Republican ad. There was something about a video “October surprise”, but I haven’t seen it.
There has been a discussion about Obama saying his wife was off limits to criticism. That would have been true if she hadn’t made speeches. If you go into the kitchen (to paraphrase Truman) it’s going to get hot.
And didn’t Truman say something about where the buck stops?
I did the foot thing, too. It’s true. And I’m a lefty and couldn’t defeat it.
I beat the foot thing
I, too, had no trouble with the foot thing. Granted, I was concentrating, but the post said my foot would change directions and there was nothing I could do about it. Not true for me.
I concentrated and the silly foot moved the wrong way anyway. How sad.
Now I just tried the foot thing again, and it got me. My foot reversed direction this time. Strange.
Well, we finally had our presidential primary in KY today. If anyone can guess who I voted for, I’ll eat a Thin Mint.
Don’t feel bad, NT. Stubob’s a doctor, after all.
TJ: it’s only a guess based on absolutely nothing — Huckabee.
TJ, really?
McCain? (although maybe that seems a little too easy).
TJ,
Hillary?
(Keep guessing, guys–we have to make him eat one!)
Are you sure you beat the foot thing?
I tried doing the foot slow and the 6 fast, only to have my foot abruptly halted.
Didn’t matter which speed, I couldn’t beat it.
Still… isn’t that cool or interesting or weird or something?
TJ - If you eat a Thin Mint and Cameron confirms it, I’ll consider that the bridge.
Ron Paul?
Huck? No
McCain? No
Hillary? No
Paul? No
Come on, you guys. If you keep guessing just to guess, where’s the fun in that?
One more guess allowed, so make it count. After that, I’ll give a hint, but the punishment drops down to half a Thin Mint.
*Hums the Jeopardy theme*
TJ–Hey, that wasn’t in the original agreement!!
Maybe we need Cameron to give us a hint ….
Cam’s not going to give any hints; she doesn’t want to lose one of her precious Thin Mints!
If I don’t have any more guesses by 6:30 ET, I’m going to commence with the hint(s).
I was going to guess Hillary.
When I went into the booth (actually, facing the machine), I couldn’t force myself to vote for any of the frontrunners, and cast my vote for Alan Keyes.
I may not bring myself to vote for McCain in November.
Chas,
So what would you guess since Hillary was incorrect? Personal experience often gives us assistance as we try to solve questions before us…
Here’s another (fellow guessers, forgive me if I’m wrong!)
ALAN KEYES?
Chas, Alan Keyes was on the ballot in SC? I’m surprise at that. Of course that was before Super Tuesday and things have changed since then.
Ooops, NC, so that would have been later. My mistake.
Groan
Kimberly got it right.
Without any hint
Cameron is threatening to bring a Thin Mint right now.
I licked the chocolate and even it was nasty.
grossssssssssss
I just threw up in my mouth.
Well, at least the aftertaste isn’t bad.
I’m not talking about the cookie, of course.
If anyone can guess who Cameron voted for, I’ll see if I can get her to eat some boiled peanuts.
TJ,
I’m not going to help you make anyone eat boiled peanuts. I’ve had them once, and they were every bit as bad as they sound in spite of the assurances that they’re delicious. (I’m Southern enough to eat grits, but I draw the line at collards, chittlings, green beans cooked with bacon–I like both ingredients, but not together–and boiled peanuts.)
Cheryl, I’m putting you on the same list as Klasko.
I can STILL taste nasty choco-mint in my mouth!
TJ,
I’d say post 43 might have been a good hint.
I missed it my first time through, but then saw who the post was from.
C’mon, admit it. Best cookie you ever ate, and you were just prejudiced, right? I think it was generous of Cameron to give one of her excellent cookies to a bigot. (Down with chocolate-mint bigotry!)
TJ,
Thank you! What good company! Cameron can join us too, if she likes.
I’d rather Obama be president than eat another Thin Mint.
Um, TJ, #58 suggests you’re up past your bedtime. Either that or your brain is allergic to mint.
“Barack Obama is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.”
Oh, that Thin Mint has upset my stomach. I need a Maalox or two.
Cheryl D is from Arizona, came to Tennessee from Chicago. She claims to be southern but doesn’t eat collards, beans cooked with bacon (Actually, we don’t either, we use ham.), and boiled peanuts.
I used to sell peanuts on the Battery in Charleston, boiled & parched. Five cents a bag. I made two cents.
The reason I didn’t enter the cookie fray is because Elvera’s chocolate chips beat them all.
I figured the hint, but I didn’t want to force TJ to eat a thin mint. I don’t care for mints of any size.
Kyle at #10:
I’m surprised the OISM is still flogging their long-debunked “petition.”
Long story short: It’s been online for a long time, and there’s no verification of the signatories’ credentials.
Here’s a taste of how credible it is (from the above link):
When questioned in 1998, OISM’s Arthur Robinson admitted that only 2,100 signers of the Oregon Petition had identified themselves as physicists, geophysicists, climatologists, or meteorologists, “and of those the greatest number are physicists.” This grouping of fields concealed the fact that only a few dozen, at most, of the signatories were drawn from the core disciplines of climate science - such as meteorology, oceanography, and glaciology - and almost none were climate specialists. The names of the signers are available on the OISM’s website, but without listing any institutional affiliations or even city of residence, making it very difficult to determine their credentials or even whether they exist at all. When the Oregon Petition first circulated, in fact, environmental activists successfully added the names of several fictional characters and celebrities to the list, including John Grisham, Michael J. Fox, Drs. Frank Burns, B. J. Honeycutt, and Benjamin Pierce (from the TV show M*A*S*H), an individual by the name of “Dr. Red Wine,” and Geraldine Halliwell, formerly known as pop singer Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls. Halliwell’s field of scientific specialization was listed as “biology.”
TJ, just thinking about it brings a bad taste to my mouth. I don’t know how you managed it. You have my sympathies, sir.
Chas, you are a gentleman and a scholar. Mommy you are a true sister-in-arms.
The rest of you can have your Thin Mints! Oh, I almost got sick just thinking about it.
Chas,
She (me) “claims to be southern”? Um, excuse me, sir, but I am a Southerner, place of birth notwithstanding. Both sides of my family came through North Carolina, most of my family lives in the South today (if Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina are southern enough for you)…and my great-granddaddy was a spy for the Confederacy and printed confederate money. My mama made up for being born in Connecticutt (a fact I’m pretty sure she couldn’t help) by marrying, first, an Arkansas farm boy (my dad) and then, years after Dad’s death, a Georgia cracker from Dalton. I wasn’t born here, but my doggie is even named “Miss Tennessee,” which oughta show you I like it here–and I never bought property anywhere else, as I have here. I don’t own a cemetery plot yet, but I want it to be a Tennessee one. (Well, I’d rather not need one at all, but go straight to glory. But if my body needs a resting spot, I want it to be here.)
Now, do I really have to like collards and green beans cooked with ham to be Southern enough for you? Remember that I willingly eat grits–and not instant ones, either. And cornbread. Can I get my “true Southerner” card back, please?
Cameron,
You have my sympathies for having to live with that man. I think the mint-and-chocolate bigotry might be acceptable, but the unmanly whining about a harmless little cookie?!
Cheryl, the great-granddaddy in the Confederacy seals the deal for me. You are a Southerner in my book. And I don’t like collards either.
TJ - I think we can be friends now. Mommy’s another story…
I promise he ate the Thin Mint, but he wasn’t happy about it!
Thankfully, I haven’t seen boiled peanuts since we moved to KY…
Here ya go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXNX4r1eutY
Eight minutes of watching some boy from SC boil peanuts. I kid you not!
And Cameron claims to be a southerner!
I knew the guy was genuing South Carolina when he said, “You don’t want to burn them or nothing.”
OK, Cheryl, you can have your genuine Southern Girl card back. But you and Cameron are the only southerners I know who don’t like boiled peanuts.
I believe it, but still don’t understand it.
Can you think of a better way to spend eight minutes?
OK, so can I.
Chas, in my defense, after I tried them, the person who offered me some said, “They’re really better warm” and I haven’t tried them warm. But I’m not eager to go back for a redo, either.