Thursday Thirteen

Here are 13 ways that people could work to fix the political divide in the United States and bring people together:

1. Encouraging respectful and constructive dialogue: Leaders and individuals across the political spectrum should engage in respectful and constructive dialogue to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives. Unfortunately, I do not see this happening at the highest levels of government, or at the lowest. Admittedly, it is hard to appreciate the perspective of a white supremacist, racist, or close-minded zealot.

2. Promoting media literacy: Encouraging media literacy skills to help individuals recognize bias and misinformation can reduce the risk of people being manipulated by inaccurate information. It is a shame that it has come to this, that we cannot trust various media resources. I blame social media for this downfall of trust, and the fact that media had turned news into entertainment in the quest for money instead of serving as it should - a check on the balances of powers.

3. Supporting fact-checking initiatives: Fact-checking initiatives could be supported to promote accuracy in reporting and reduce the spread of false information. Most people do not take the time to fact check the things they share on social media. I went through a spell where I tried to point out that things were incorrect, but it didn't matter. People believe/think what they want to.

4. Increasing access to diverse viewpoints: People should be exposed to diverse viewpoints and be encouraged to learn from them. Unfortunately, I have found that many narrow-minded people have no desire to learn about anything that does not confirm their existing biases.

5. Encouraging civil discourse: Promote civil discourse among leaders and individuals across the political spectrum to foster an environment that is conducive to cooperation and compromise. This, I think, needs to start at the top and work its way into the national dialogue, but I don't see it happening. For example, why can't we see McCarthy and Biden attempt to work out the issues with the debt ceiling in a civil manner? Show their discussions and let us see two statesmen who are strong leaders debating without rancor and without incrimination. 

6. Focusing on common ground: Leaders and individuals across the political spectrum should focus on areas of common ground and work together to make progress on shared goals. I have found that when I speak individually to people who differ from me politically, we have more common ground than not. Not always, of course, but most times. However, sometimes that same person then goes back to disparaging "libtards" on social media as if our conversation never happened. That is disheartening.

7. Encouraging empathy: Leaders and individuals should practice empathy, understanding the perspectives of others, and work to address the needs of all Americans. This includes everyone regardless of race, color, gender, etc. Everyone has basic needs and this is a wealthy nation. We have too many homeless people and too many people who are on the fringes of society. We must build bridges.

8. Encouraging civic education: Encouraging civic education can help to increase understanding of the political process and promote greater civic engagement. Alas, a recent report showed that children in the US are failing miserably in history and civics. The pass rates were less than 25% in both areas. This is a travesty and I don't know how it happened. I had both history and civics in high school, and again in college (where I learned that much of the history I learned in the lower grades had been whitewashed although the basic facts were there). We can teach facts. Kids should know George Washington was the first president, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president, and who the presidents have been in their lifetime, if nothing else. Basic facts.

9. Addressing inequality: Addressing inequality can reduce the social and economic disparities that can contribute to political polarization. This would take a miracle, as the US thrives on inequality and so many people seem unable to stand someone else having something they do not. This is especially true if they perceive people as receiving help with tax dollars.

10. Encouraging compromise: Leaders and individuals should be encouraged to compromise, and to work towards solutions that benefit the common good. I would like to see more compromise in the US Congress, especially. Locally, I do sometimes see compromise, or changes in a building plan, for example, that would better suit the neighbors. I see less of it now than I once did, however. Once again, this goes back to money. Money talks.

11. Promoting community engagement: Community engagement can help to bring people together, build trust, and foster a sense of shared purpose. Unfortunately, I find that the very idea of shared community is anathema to some, unless that community is an echo chamber. But diversity is necessary not just for personal learning but to bring society together and to increase growth and intelligence of the nation as a whole.

12. Encouraging political involvement: Encouraging political involvement can help to promote greater engagement in the political process and reduce polarization. Get out there and support your candidate! Create a 30-second talking point as to why anyone should support the candidate. If you can't get out, donate to campaigns of your choosing.

13. Promoting transparency: Promoting transparency in government and other institutions can help to increase trust and reduce political polarization. In Virginia, the legislature constantly tries to erode the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws so that more and more things can be discussed outside the purview of the citizenry. These folks represent us, they're spending our tax dollars, and secrets aren't good for morale. Pay attention when your state legislature is in session, and if you see erosion of FOIA, write your representative and object.

ChatGPT helped with this list.

Images from dreamstime (free photos section).

__________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 808th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

WWW.Wednesday

I have never participated in this meme. It asks the same three questions about books every Wednesday. The link to the meme is here, although I'm just using the questions and not actively participating.

1. What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Out of the Corner, by Jennifer Grey. It is a memoir. It starts out immediately with information about the infamous "nose job" that allegedly derailed her acting career. 

I am listening to Holidays on Ice, by David Sedaris. I usually have a book on tape going along with one I am reading. I just started it, but I can already see it covers some material I've heard in other books of his I have listened to.

2. What did you recently finish reading?

I recently finished reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz. It is being "challenged" and reviewed for banning at my local library. I wrote a detailed review of the book here. The book did not offend me, nor would I hesitate to let a young person read it if I were the parent.

3. What do you think you’ll read next?

I will probably read or listen to another book that's on the "to be reviewed for banning" list. 

Here's the list of books the local library is currently reviewing. I am opposed to book banning, especially if the books are all as harmless as the one I just finished.

 • Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up by Jacqui Bailey (nonfiction)

• Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer (nonfiction)

• Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List: A Novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

• Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green

• Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown

• Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

• Growing Up LGBTQ by Duchess Harris (nonfiction)

• Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake

• Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

• Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

• Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

• The Every Body Book – Rachel Simon (nonfiction)

There is also a request to review a DVD called Bros.

A Brown Raccoon

I grabbed these photos last week, in the middle of the day. I know raccoons are having babies now, so I assume this is a mom in need of grub to keep the kits fed.

The distance to the deer was amazing. She walked very close to them as they lay in the field.

The coloring also confused me. At first, I thought it was a groundhog, then I saw the long tail and the masked face. Raccoons are usually gray. I've never seen a brown one before.

They Are Offended by This?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By Benjamin Alire Saenz

Copyright 2012

Read by Lin-Manuel Miranda

8 hrs 8 minutes

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

This book has been challenged in my local library. I have a list of 13 books that have been deemed inappropriate by the fascist Nazis who want to ban books. This was one of them.

This is the story of Ari and Dante, who meet when they are 15 years old. Dante teaches Ari how to swim. The book is very forward in examining feelings and relationships. The book is told from Ari's point of view, and he has many emotions, particularly pertaining to his parents and his absent and unspoken of older brother.

He is quite introspective and examines everything in detail. He and Dante become best friends and this relationship becomes stronger after Ari saves Dante's life. 

At first, I thought the problem with the book was that the boys are Mexican, or Mexican-American. This was something Ari also examined - how does being thought of as Mexican fit in when you live in the United States but are of Mexican descent. I liked the cultural aspect of the book and how it showed a view of this from a non-white perspective.

The book touches on some homosexuality issues somewhere after the first half (so 4 hours into the book) when Dante admits he has feelings for boys. But both young men have mixed emotions about sex and sexuality. At various times both are attracted to girls. As the book progresses, it is obvious Dante loves Ari, but Ari does not feel the same way until he grows up a good bit and has discussions with his parents.

Remember the relationship between Raj and Howard in The Big Bang Theory? That's basically what we have revealed in this book. There are no explicit sex scenes. The young men kiss. That is it. Not even a feel-up or a squeeze.

The book is also very well written.

It works both ways and it's a slippery slope when you start banning books. The Bible is offensive to some people. So is Christian literature.

Both are in the library. Should they be removed?

I don't know how we ended up with so much stupid in this country, but here we are.

At least I read the book so I would know what these people find offensive. Me? I find book banning offensive. And book banners are certainly not Christian by my definition of the word. (They said in the meeting that they were Christians and found this book and others offensive. That's not my inference, it is what was said.)

If you don't want to read a book, or have your child read a book, then don't check it out. It's as easy as the way I never have my TV turned to FAUX news. No one has the right to tell someone else they can or cannot read a book. (Or must have a baby, but that's another topic though along a similar line of thought.)

People apparently need more to do. And they need to mind their own business.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

Name a:

1. a song with a food name - Tequila Sunrise, by The Eagles

2.  a song with an animal in it - Puff, the Magic Dragon, by Peter, Paul & Mary

3.  a song about a bird - Rockin' Robin, by Bobby Day

4.  a song about a dog - Ol Shep, by Elvis Presley

5.  a song mentioning a cat - Cat's in the Cradle, by Harry Chapin

6.  a song listing a character from wizard of oz - Tin Man, by America

7.  a late night driving song - Paradise by the Dashboard Light, by Meatloaf

8.  a song from a movie - Don't You Forget About Me, by Simple Minds (The Breakfast Club)

9.  a guilty pleasure song - Band on the Run, by Paul McCartney & Wings

10. a song about friends - You've Got a Friend, by James Taylor

11. a song that is about summertime - Fields of Gold, by Sting

12. a song that needs to be played more on the radio - American Pie, by Don McLean

13. a song about drugs or alcohol - Smokin' in the Boys Room, by Brownsville Station

14. a song you would sing at karaoke - Angel in the Morning

15. a song from year you were born in - Rhythm of the Rain, by The Cascades

Saturday 9: Come On-A My House

Saturday 9: Come On-A My House (1951)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this week's song, Rosemary Clooney offers us candy, peaches, pears, grapes, cake, etc. What tasty treat are you craving this morning?

A. Chocolate. Sorry, but it's kind of always there.

 

2) The song was co-written by a pair of cousins more famous for their other jobs. William Saroyan was a Pulitzer Prize winning author and Ross Bagdasarian created Alvin and the Chipmunks. Tell us about one of your cousins.

A. My cousin Tamia is no longer with us. She lived in California; I lived in Virginia. I met her in 1972 when they came for a visit (I was 9 years old). I thought she sang beautifully and played the guitar well. I saw her briefly in 1976 when we went to California. Those were the only two times I met her. She was 3 years older than I. From what I gathered from my parents, she stayed in trouble, was a constant runaway when she was younger, and heavily into drugs. She died in 2010 at the age of 50. She left behind two sons and a daughter, none of whom I have ever met. I'm not even sure where they are, nor do I think any of the family stays in touch with them. I attempted to get to know her daughter but was not able to do so. I always wished I'd known Tamia better and I wonder if we would have been friends. Maybe not, as we were obviously different people despite our fathers' similarities.

3) The song was inspired by the cousins' recollection of their Armenian relatives encouraging friends and family to visit by promising lots of food. Who most recently invited you to their home? What was the occasion?

A. I went to visit my father, who is recovering from surgery. I took him some coffee cake to snack on and spent time with him while my stepmother ran errands.

4) This was a big hit for Rosemary Clooney. She got her start singing live on Cincinnati's WLW radio station. Today WLW is an all-news station. When you were a kid, what radio station did you tune into for the hits and new music?

A. I think it was Q99 or K92. I still listen to Q99 occasionally. Mostly I listened to whatever channel played American Top 40.

5) Rosemary was also an actress, appearing in motion pictures and made-for-TV movies. The most famous is 1954's White Christmas. Have you seen it?

A. I have, but it has been a very long time ago and I barely remember it.

6) Yes, Rosemary Clooney is related George Clooney. She was his aunt. She appeared with him on ER and received an Emmy Award nomination. Do you enjoy doctor shows?

A. I don't watch them, so I guess not.

7) In 1951, when this song was #1, Yankees superstar Joe DiMaggio retired from baseball. He remained in the public eye, endorsing products and acting as Major League Baseball's ambassador around the world. His second marriage, a few years after his retirement, was almost as legendary as his baseball career. Without looking it up, do you know who his bride was?

A. Didn't he marry Marilyn Monroe? 

 

8) Also in 1951, I Love Lucy premiered and has never been off the air since. That's right: for 72 years, without interruption, viewers have been entertained by the Ricardos and Mertzes. When you think of I Love Lucy, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

A. The episode with the chocolates, where she ends up shoving them in her mouth and putting them in her pockets to keep them from falling off the conveyor belt. (I told you chocolate was a constant.)

9) Random question -- You're playing roulette and suddenly doubled your winnings. Do you walk away when you're ahead, or do you stay at the table to play your winning streak?

A. I would play one small bet to see how it goes. If I win, I play on but only whatever I've won so that I keep the original amount I spent. If those winnings are lost, then I walk away so that I've broken even.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.  

Hollins University Carillon

This is a video of the Hollins University carillon playing. We went to listen to it as it was a special concert, and I hadn't heard the bells ring in a long time. I took video of it, but this is better quality. The wind was blowing so hard that is mostly all you can hear on my phone.

The carillon consists of 47 bronze bells that are played by a keyboard in the chapel tower, as seen in the video. The bells ring every hour and play melodies for special occasions such as commencement, convocation, and holidays, though they were quiet during the pandemic so they haven't been played as much.

Also, one of the lines of one of the bells was broken and recently repaired.

"The Hollins carillon was installed in 1959 as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Toddie L. Wynne (Imogene Avis Young, Hollins 1917) in memory of Mrs. Wynne’s mother, Allie Nash Young, Hollins Class of 1890. The 47 bells are situated in the top of the chapel’s bell tower, which was built specifically to support the tremendous weight of the bells. According to university literature, the bells vary in weight from 22 pounds to 2,640 pounds. Of these, there are two pealing bells, which are played by pulling on a rope. The rest are played much like a percussion instrument by a bellmaster or carillonneur from a console in the tower." - Cardinal News

The Carillon is one of the few musical instruments of its kind in the United States. (From Bing AI)

***

One of the things I noted was how nostalgic being back on campus made me. I miss being in college. I miss the atmosphere of learning. That place is haunted by the ghosts of women before me who learned in order to make life better, and I feel it when I am on the grounds.

Thursday Thirteen

I was watching the news, which locally has been taken over by many females. There is evidence of bias against jobs in which women are dominant. Some of the sources of bias include:

• The use of male-coded language in job descriptions and performance evaluations, which may deter or disadvantage women from applying or advancing in certain fields12.
• The perception of women as more communal and less agentic than men, which may undermine their leadership potential and authority13.
• The lack of support and recognition for women’s contributions and achievements, especially in male-dominated environments14.
• The persistence of gender stereotypes and expectations that limit women’s choices and opportunities43.

These biases may affect women’s career satisfaction, motivation, performance, and advancement. They may also create a hostile or unwelcoming workplace culture for women1243. (Bing AI, accessed 05/04/2023)

So I asked the free version of ChatGPT (which is only current to 2021 so this list might not be correct) to give me a list of 13 highly regarded news people along with brief descriptions:

1. Anderson Cooper - A renowned journalist and anchor for CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360", known for his coverage of major events such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

2. Rachel Maddow - The host of the popular MSNBC show "The Rachel Maddow Show," Maddow is known for her in-depth reporting and analysis of current events and politics.

3. Christiane Amanpour - A journalist and anchor for CNN International, Amanpour has covered major news events around the world, including wars, natural disasters, and political upheavals.

4. Lester Holt - The anchor of NBC Nightly News, Holt has been a fixture in American television news for decades and has covered a wide range of stories, from major political events to human interest stories.

5. Jake Tapper - The host of CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper," Tapper is a well-respected journalist and political commentator who has covered many major news stories throughout his career.

6. Shep Smith - A former anchor for Fox News, Smith has a reputation for fair and balanced reporting and has covered some of the most significant news events of recent years, including Hurricane Katrina and the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.

7. David Muir - The anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," Muir has covered a wide range of stories, from natural disasters to presidential elections, and has won numerous awards for his reporting.

8. Martha Raddatz - A veteran journalist and anchor for ABC News, Raddatz has covered many major news events, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has moderated several presidential debates.

9. Chuck Todd - The moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press," Todd is a well-respected political journalist and commentator who has covered numerous presidential campaigns and political events.

10. Norah O'Donnell - The anchor of CBS Evening News, O'Donnell has covered a wide range of news stories throughout her career, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Boston Marathon bombing.

11. Chris Wallace - A well-respected political journalist and commentator, Wallace is the host of "Fox News Sunday" and has moderated several presidential debates.

12. Savannah Guthrie - The co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show and the anchor of NBC News' breaking news and special reports, Guthrie has covered a wide range of stories, from natural disasters to high-profile legal cases.

13. David Axelrod - A former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, Axelrod is a political commentator and analyst who provides expert analysis and commentary on politics and current events.

Here's a list from Bing when asked the same question:

Based on web search results, here is a list of 13 of the highest rated news people, with a brief description of who they are:

- **Lester Holt**: He is an American broadcast journalist who has served as anchor of NBC Nightly News since 2015 and also serves as anchor for Dateline NBC¹.

- **Fredricka Whitfield**: She is an anchor for CNN/U.S. and hosts the weekend edition of CNN Newsroom¹.

- **Christiane Amanpour**: She is a British-Iranian journalist and television host who serves as CNN's chief international anchor and host of Amanpour¹.

- **Hu Shuli**: She is a Chinese journalist and editor-in-chief of Caixin Media, a business news outlet that is known for its investigative reporting and independent stance¹.

- **Bob Woodward**: He is an American investigative journalist and associate editor of The Washington Post, who is best known for his role in exposing the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein¹.

- **Anderson Cooper**: He is an American journalist, television personality and author who anchors Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN and also serves as a correspondent for 60 Minutes on CBS News¹.

- **Louis Theroux**: He is a British-American documentary filmmaker and broadcaster who is known for his immersive and often humorous style of exploring various subcultures and controversial topics¹.

- **Eugene Scott**: He is an American political reporter for The Washington Post who covers identity politics for The Fix blog and also hosts the podcast The Next Four Years¹.

- **Tucker Carlson**: He is an American conservative political commentator and television host who hosts Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News Channel, which was the highest-rated show in cable news for the week ending February 12, 2023². (He's no longer with Fox, so this is outdated.)

- **Rachel Maddow**: She is an American liberal political commentator and television host who hosts The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, which was the third highest-rated show in cable news after Fox News's The Five and Jesse Watters Tonight for the week ending May 1, 2023³.

- **David Muir**: He is an American journalist and anchor of ABC World News Tonight, which was the highest-rated newscast for the quarter ending September 30, 2022, averaging 7.41 million total viewers and 1.27 million adults 25-54⁵.

- **Greg Gutfeld**: He is an American conservative political commentator, comedian and television host who hosts Gutfeld! on Fox News Channel, which easily fended off a comedic challenge from CNN's Bill Maher's Overtime in late night on Fridays in February 2023².

- **Norah O'Donnell**: She is an American television journalist and anchor of the CBS Evening News, which was the second most-watched evening newscast for the quarter ending September 30, 2022, averaging 5.15 million total viewers and 0.93 million adults 25-54⁵.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/4/2023(1) Top 12 Most Influential Journalists Of Today - NYFA - Student Resources. https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/top-12-influential-journalists-today/ Accessed 5/4/2023.

(2) With 3.5 Million Viewers, Tucker Carlson Has The Week’s Highest-Rated .... https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2023/02/14/with-35-million-viewers-tucker-carlson-has-the-weeks-highest-rated-cable-news-show/ Accessed 5/4/2023.

(3) Cable News Ratings Monday May 1: MSNBC, CNN & Fox News. https://www.mediaite.com/daily-ratings/cable-news-ratings-monday-may-1-msnbc-tops-fox-news-in-prime-time/ Accessed 5/4/2023.

(4) Here Are Evening News Ratings for 2021-’22 TV Season and Q3 2022. https://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/here-are-evening-news-ratings-for-2021-22-season-and-q3-2022/514702/ Accessed 5/4/2023.

(5) Fox News Channel Passes ABC As TV’s Third Highest-Rated ... - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2022/08/30/fox-news-channel-passes-abc-as-tvs-third-highest-rated-network-in-prime-time/ Accessed 5/4/2023.

(6) Fox News Channel’s ‘The Five’ Is The Most-Watched Show ... - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2023/01/24/fox-news-channels-the-five-is-most-watched-show-in-cable-news/ Accessed 5/4/2023.

__________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 806th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Playing with ChatGPT

Input: Let's write a poem about wind, sunshine, meadows with greening grass and buttercups blooming yellow

ChatGPT (free version)

In the meadow green and bright,
The sunshine bathes the land in light,
And on the breeze, the wind takes flight,
As buttercups bloom golden bright.

Their petals dance in the gentle breeze,
As if they're whispering secrets to the trees,
And the rustling grass beneath their knees,
Soothes their worries, and puts them at ease.

The wind carries the scent of the blooms,
As they sway and dance, dispelling gloom,
And in this moment, all their worries consume,
As they bask in nature's sweet perfume.

The sunshine bathes them in its warmth,
As they lay in the meadow's grassy arms,
And the world around them seems transformed,
As they're lost in the meadow's calming charms.

So let the wind blow, and the sun shine,
As the meadow's beauty is truly divine,
And the buttercups, oh so fine,
Remind us of nature's wonder, pure and kind.

Analysis:

This is really a terrible poem. This is the kind of poem I would try to write in free verse, but when I ask ChatGPT to rewrite the poem in free verse, it doesn't. It still writes rhyme, and almost the exact same thing. See below.

Input: Can you rewrite this as free verse?

ChatGPT

In the meadow, green and bright,
Sunshine streams, a sea of light,
The wind, it blows, takes to flight,
Buttercups bloom, yellow and bright.

Their petals sway in the gentle breeze,
Whispering secrets to the trees,
Rustling grass beneath their knees,
Soothes their worries, puts them at ease.

The wind carries the blooms' sweet scent,
As they dance and sway, their worries spent,
Lost in nature's wonderment,
Basking in the meadow's calm content.

Sunshine warms, a comforting embrace,
Lying in the meadow's grassy space,
The world transformed, a different place,
Nature's beauty all around, filling every space.

Let the wind blow, the sun shine,
The meadow's wonder, so divine,
Buttercups, a reminder, oh so fine,
Of nature's pure and kind design.

Analysis:

I don't think poets have much to worry about from ChatGPT at this point. I'm not sure it knows the difference in types of poems. Next time I will ask it for a sonnet or a villanelle or something and see what happens.

When I get time, I will take what the AI has spit out and see if I can write a nice free verse poem from it. I see a few nice words in there, but otherwise it's sappy and uninspiring (and the meter's off). This seems like something a 4th grader might write.

Metal In Your Eye

Friday morning, as I hovered near the telephone awaiting word from other family members about surgery my father was undergoing, I noticed that my husband's right eye was red and swollen.

"I think you need to go to the doctor," I said, after he told me he'd gotten some dust in it. "You may have scratched something."

"It'll be fine. I'll use some Visine," he muttered. And his eye did look better after that, and I said no more about it.

My father had his surgery and was doing ok; he would be in the hospital all weekend. I called and texted to keep a check on him.

Saturday, as my husband helped me change the bed, I looked at him closely for the first time (I am not a morning person). "You're eye is swollen. It looks even worse," I said.

"I can't do anything about it, the doctor's offices are closed and I'm not going to the emergency room," he said. Then he told me his eye had hurt all night, that every time he shut his eyelid, he felt pain.

"We're calling the emergency number. They'll have a doctor on call who will open up an office and see you," I said.

He called the number for his doctor's office, and when they sent him to the hospital number, he hung up. "I'm not going to the emergency room," he repeated.

Sigh. Men can be so stubborn.

"Call back and go through and they'll let you talk to the doctor on call. Tell him what's going on." I handed him the phone.

"I'm not going to the emergency room," he muttered as he dialed again. He was put through to the doctor on call. She listened to him describe what was wrong and she said she thought she should check him out. Could we meet her at the office in Roanoke in an hour?

That was a 45-minute drive and neither of us were dressed, but we hurriedly shrugged on clothes, and I hauled him off to be seen. In the meantime, family members were texting me that my father was doing ok. I let them know I was dealing with a little emergency of my own.

We arrived at the Roanoke office before the eye doctor. She was prompt, though, hitting the door at the hour mark. She took us into the shut-up building, turning on lights as she went. She sat my husband in a chair and had him read a chart. His vision in the inflamed eye was poor. She added drops to his eye and some kind of dye stuff, then looked in.

"Flakes of metal. One big one and some tiny ones," she pronounced. "I'll have to get those out there. They will rust and cause even more problems. It's a good thing you called."

I had not considered the possibility of metal rusting in an eye, but it makes sense that it would. She poured more drops in his eye, and fortunately those swept away all of the small particles. The large one though, sat in the middle of his pupil. That one she removed and showed to me. It was no bigger than the period at the end of this sentence, really. But I imagine it felt like a boulder in my husband's eye.

She checked for rust, but fortunately found none. She gave him a prescription for antibiotic drops and sent us on our way. He has a recheck appointment later this week.

The first thing I did when I returned home and got him settled was ask him what his readers are in terms of magnification. He said he didn't wear his safety glasses because he needed to wear his reading glasses to see up close. But they make safety glasses with readers built in. I just didn't know what magnification to purchase.

Turns out, neither did he, so Sunday we made a trip to the local CVS so he could try on glasses and figure out what he needed. Having determined that a 2.50 or a 2.75 would work, I came back home and ordered him safety glasses with readers built in. They should be here today.

It's always something.

My father, meanwhile, is still in the hospital. He had back surgery for severe arthritis in his back. Today is Monday and he's still there. It was a big surgery, and he's 81 years old. So he's where he ought to be.

And my husband's eye is looking much, much better.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. What is your favorite source for delicious recipes?

A. I don't have one. Sometimes I cook things on recommendations, but I dislike cooking, so I just do the basics. I wish I liked to cook. It would make life tastier, if nothing else.

2. If you had to repeat a day over & over, how would you want it to go?

A. I'd get up, someone else would cook my breakfast, the doorbell would ring and someone would hand me a million dollars, my friends and family would call just to say they loved me, and I'd write something, read something, play guitar, and watch someone else clean the house.

3. Who or what has saved your life?

A. Going to therapy was lifesaving. Doctors who removed a puss-filled chocolate cyst from my ovaries (several times over) saved my life. Going to Hollins College (now Hollins University) saved my life.

4. Name something you can never seem to start or finish.

A. My "great American novel" or work of fiction.

5. How has your taste in food changed over the years?

A. I hope it is more adult now, although I still eat a lot like a kid, I'm afraid.

6. When was the last time you cried?

A. I shed a few tears at the end of the Carol Burnett 90th Birthday special on Wednesday night.

7. What are the best parts of human nature?

A. Empathy, love, hope, caring, and endurance.

8. What are concepts and ideas that bend your mind?

A. I try very hard to understand gender identity issues, but I probably fail there. Other concepts include the many worlds theories, war, hatred, racism, book banning, and bigotry.

9. What are you most likely to be asked for help with?

A. Things to do with writing or with computer problems, sometimes. I last helped my nephew out with Quicken, for example.

10. What is the story behind one of your scars?

A. I have a 4-inch scar in the middle of chest that is huge. It came from removal of a large mole that was present at birth and considered precancerous. They removed the mole when I was 5 (they still used ether then for anesthesia) and the scar was to have been hidden after I turned 18, but I never had that done. I used to use the scar to get out of physical education in school. When my phy ed teacher saw it, she asked what it was, and I said it was from heart surgery. I was joking, but she didn't realize that, and after that all I had to do was tell her I wasn't feeling well (which was usually menstrual cramps) and she'd let me out of gym class.

11. What have you never said out loud?

A. I can't think of anything. And even if I could, why would I share it here?

12. Name the times you’ve been the leader/the one people count on.

A. I was a leader in a local historic society, I was chairman of the library board, and I was the editor/writer/photographer/etc. for the county's 250th anniversary (which was a bust because of the pandemic, but that wasn't my fault). 

13. Who do you see who makes your heart light up?

A. My husband, my brother, other family members, my friends, and little baby animals.

14. If your financial needs were met, how would you spend your time?

A. Apparently the same way I spend it now.

15. Who are the people you talk to when you want the truth?

A. I expect the truth from everyone I speak with. I think the better question would be to whom do I speak who doesn't tell me the truth, and I know it. That one I could answer.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

 

Saturday 9: Promises, Promises

Saturday 9: Promises, Promises (1983)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this week's song, Naked Eyes lead singer Pete Byrne admits he believed his girl's promises, right from the start, but now he knows he should have been more careful with his heart. Do you consider yourself more trusting or skeptical?

A. I used to be trusting but now I am skeptical. Life changes you like that sometimes.

 

2) He looks back on when he and his girl laughed like kids. When did you recently literally laugh out loud (opposed to keystroking LOL)?

A. Yes, but not at anything online. My husband and I laugh a lot.

 

3) He accuses her of not being able to finish what she starts. How about you? Do you finish what you start, or can you think of projects that you're unlikely to ever complete?

A. I have projects that I have started (mostly novels or knitting or something) that I likely won't finish. But I am very good with deadlines, and I've been doing this blog since 2006, which is a long time to write a blog. So, I stick with some things.

 

4) Naked Eyes was a British New Wave band who had four Top 40 singles, including "Promises, Promises." They never toured 40 years ago because it was difficult to recreate their synthesizer-driven sound onstage. Is there a band or singer you would have liked to have seen perform live, but never did?

A. I'm still trying to see Melissa Etheridge, who is again this summer coming to a location near me, but I don't expect to be going. It's out in the open (people will be smoking, I expect), dogs are welcome (I'm highly allergic), and you have to take your own chair. I have back problems and I can't sit in a lawn chair or stadium chair for very long. Plus, when I went to look at the tickets, there were only 8 seats left and you know those weren't very good.

I also would have liked to have seen The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and Sheryl Crow.

 

5) While "Promises, Promises" is about an untrustworthy lover, Peter Byrne says he and bandmate/cowriter Rob Fisher worked well together because they knew they could trust one another professionally. By sharing honest assessments of creative ideas, they knew Naked Eyes would never put out "rubbish." If you want an honest opinion on something important, where do you turn?

A. Hmm. Tough question. It depends on the subject matter. If it's about my writing, at the moment I don't really have anyone to turn to. Life stuff, I trust some friends. Household stuff, I turn to my husband. Business stuff, I ask my brother. Health stuff, I trust my doctor. There is no one person I trust for everything, though I may ask some people for advice about everything. That doesn't mean I listen.

6) Madonna was a Naked Eyes fan. Are you a Madonna fan?

A. Not particularly. 

7) In 1983, when this song was on the radio, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to build spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a PC or a Mac? Laptop or desktop? Android or iPhone?

A. I am on a desktop PC, which is my preference for writing, reading online, and playing video games. I have never liked laptops (I don't like the keyboards), and my iPhone is tiny.

 

8) Also in 1983, America West Airlines took off for the first time, taking passengers from Las Vegas to Phoenix. Where did you go on your first flight? What about your most recent flight?

A. My first flight was to Spain when I was in high school. My last flight was in 1993, when we flew to Orlando to go to Disney. I haven't been on a plane since.

9) Random question -- Finish this statement: If I knew then what I know now, I would have: taken better care of my physical health.

 _______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.  

Thursday Thirteen #805

Book banning, or the idea of it, anyway, has found its way to my community. In the last few months, one person, then five, turned out at the Board of Supervisors meeting to argue that certain books shouldn't be allowed in the public library.

Most, if not all, of the books they have so far questioned involve LBGTQ+ issues. It's the new bigotry and bias.

My little heart warmed this week when 10 people spoke before the Board to tell them to leave the libraries alone and let people read what they want to read.

I am completely against banning books. If one doesn't want to read a book, then don't check it out of the library. It really is that simple. I don't like porn, so I don't read porn. I don't like horror, so I don't read horror. Easy peasy.

Anyway, here are 13 reasons why books should not be banned:

1. Books offer diverse perspectives and allow readers to explore new ideas and ways of thinking. Banning books limits intellectual curiosity and narrows minds.

2. Freedom of speech and expression are fundamental human rights. Banning books violates these rights and undermines the principles of democracy. (See the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.)

3. Censorship restricts access to information and can lead to ignorance and intolerance. Books provide a window into different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints, which helps readers develop empathy and understanding.

4. Banning books sets a dangerous precedent. If one book is banned, what’s to stop others from being banned too? It can lead to a slippery slope where free expression and creativity are stifled.

5. Education is crucial to personal growth and development. Books are an essential part of the learning process and banning them hinders students’ ability to learn and grow intellectually.

6. Literature has the power to inspire and uplift people. Banning books deprives readers of the opportunity to discover new ideas and explore the depths of human experience.

7. Books help readers confront difficult and complex issues. Banning books on controversial topics such as race, sexuality, and politics, only serves to sweep these issues under the rug.

8. The right to read is a basic human right. No one should be denied the opportunity to access information or to form their own opinions.

9. Banning books limits creativity and stifles innovation. Literature is an essential part of the human experience, and banning books denies people the chance to explore and create new ideas.

10. Reading is a vital skill for success in life. Banning books not only limits people’s access to information but also their ability to develop critical thinking and literacy skills.

11. Banning books is often motivated by fear and intolerance. It is important to confront difficult and uncomfortable ideas and to learn from them, rather than to shy away from them.

12. Banning books limits artistic expression and stifles creativity. Literature is a form of art, and banning books denies people the opportunity to engage with and appreciate this art form.

13. Finally, books are an important part of our cultural heritage. Banning books erases our history and denies future generations the opportunity to understand and learn from it.

(ChatGPT helped compile the list.)

__________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 805th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Scammed Over Tic Tacs

The checkout clerk stared at my Tic Tacs like they were from another planet. He put them side by side and frowned.

"One of these isn't ringing up," he announced.

"They came from the same box," I said. I pointed to the display right beside him.

"The bar codes aren't the same," he said.

Eventually, he shrugged, scanned one a second time, and then tossed them both in my bag.

After I had arrived home and put everything away, I settled in for a reading hour. I reached for the Tic Tacs.

One of them had been opened and was half empty.

I looked at the bar codes. They weren't the same. The guy had been right. But he hadn't noticed that one was half empty and opened. I hadn't noticed because he'd had his hand wrapped around them while he frowned at the bar codes.

My guess is someone "traded" out one they'd been eating on for a new one. If they'd simply opened one and eaten from it and put it back, the bar codes would have been the same. I tossed the opened one - who knew what could be in there, or where that had been.

I was out a $1.09. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but still.

These are the days when one must be ever vigilant. Check the expiration dates on every item picked up, examine packaging, ensure that things look right - whatever that means. 

Technically this person did not steal from the grocery chain. They stole from me.