Flip-flopping, pandering, lying......
I heard the word "flip-flop" the other day and noted that it's almost always used in a negative context, as if "flip-flopping" is a bad thing. Hmmm......
I suppose outwardly/publicly changing one's opinion to pander to voters, with no intention to hold true to those new views is a bad thing. OK, I guess it might also be termed lying. But in and of itself, is "flip-flopping," that is changing one's mind, a bad thing?
Isn't it good to be opinion to new ideas, that what one holds or has held is wrong? Isn't it good to grow, perhaps, intellectually, emotionally, etc.?
Of course, principles are to be valued. They form a foundation for one's thoughts. But it's important to evaluate "flip-flops." For instance, was Abraham Lincoln a "flip-flopper" because he changed his views on slavery and blacks, on the nature and purpose of the Civil War? More recently, is Donald Trump "flip-flopping" on his stances on issues over the past years? Was Lincoln pandering? Is Trump pandering?
Is changing one's mind always "lying?" For instance, marriage vows usually include the words, "until death do us part." Do those seeking and getting divorces qualify as "liars?" After all, they took a vow. I've never heard divorced person called a "liar."
And of politicians, I know the truism, "You can't do anything if you don't get elected." Is, then, lying OK for politicians running for office? I think the instances of campaign promises, bold and overt, being abrogated (OK, the pols are lying through their teeth) once elected are dishonest.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Words
I love words. They can be simple, such as "stuff." I think that's a great word. They can sound wonderful, like "prestidigitation" and "discombobulation," which I always pronounce "dis-cum-boob-u-la-tion." They can evoke precise meanings like no other word or combination of words; think "obstreperous." They can lead us to wonder how they ever became pronounced they way they are pronounced, such as "colonel." (And why is "colonial" pronounced so differently?)
Consider these "ough" words and say them slowly: "thought," "cough," "rough," "though," "through," and "bough." And there are "book," "boor," "blood," and "broom." Great! How about "air," "err," and "heir" as well as "eight," "ait," and "ate?"
And what about c as in "chivalry," e as in "euonymus," g as in "gnaw," h as in "heir," j as in "jalapeno," k as in "knife," m as in "mnemonic," p as in "psychology," t as in "tsetse," w as in "write," and x as in "xylophone?" There are many more, too.
One of my favorites is "sycophant." When I pulled that one out, actually using it in a coherent sentence, Karen and Carrie made fun of it (or was it me?) and tied it to "elephant." Karen likes "oxymoron," often using "good" and "man" as an example.
In a review of a biography, I once used the word "hagiography." My editor sent me a note saying that, at first, he hesitated to use it. Upon further reflection, he opted to leave it. The other day for my column I used the words "harrowing" and "penultimate." I wonder if my editor will keep "penultimate." I know it sounds "officious" (another cool word), but I really wanted to use it.
How about these Hangman possibilities: "syzygy?" "onyx?"
That said, I was writing the other day and found myself reluctant to use several words that might have, at one time, fit nicely in my piece. One was "incredible" and another was "awesome." They, and others, seem to have become too trite for my tastes, overused to the point of losing their pizzazz. Haven't "classic" and "icon" (not the computer/keyboard "icon")also become overused and trite, too? And I know it's become common, but I won't use "impact" as a verb, not the way most are now using it. Instead, I will say/write "has an impact," "influenced," etc.
I guess I'm a word snob. I cringe when I hear people misusing or mispronouncing words, although I often mispronounce words on purpose. And to see words misspelled in print? Oh, boy......
I subscribe to a "Word of the Day" e-mail list. Each day I receive a new word. Some are really cool, such as "peripatetic." Others seem very made-up. But they are fun.
And, of course, what does "ghoti" spell??????
Consider these "ough" words and say them slowly: "thought," "cough," "rough," "though," "through," and "bough." And there are "book," "boor," "blood," and "broom." Great! How about "air," "err," and "heir" as well as "eight," "ait," and "ate?"
And what about c as in "chivalry," e as in "euonymus," g as in "gnaw," h as in "heir," j as in "jalapeno," k as in "knife," m as in "mnemonic," p as in "psychology," t as in "tsetse," w as in "write," and x as in "xylophone?" There are many more, too.
One of my favorites is "sycophant." When I pulled that one out, actually using it in a coherent sentence, Karen and Carrie made fun of it (or was it me?) and tied it to "elephant." Karen likes "oxymoron," often using "good" and "man" as an example.
In a review of a biography, I once used the word "hagiography." My editor sent me a note saying that, at first, he hesitated to use it. Upon further reflection, he opted to leave it. The other day for my column I used the words "harrowing" and "penultimate." I wonder if my editor will keep "penultimate." I know it sounds "officious" (another cool word), but I really wanted to use it.
How about these Hangman possibilities: "syzygy?" "onyx?"
That said, I was writing the other day and found myself reluctant to use several words that might have, at one time, fit nicely in my piece. One was "incredible" and another was "awesome." They, and others, seem to have become too trite for my tastes, overused to the point of losing their pizzazz. Haven't "classic" and "icon" (not the computer/keyboard "icon")also become overused and trite, too? And I know it's become common, but I won't use "impact" as a verb, not the way most are now using it. Instead, I will say/write "has an impact," "influenced," etc.
I guess I'm a word snob. I cringe when I hear people misusing or mispronouncing words, although I often mispronounce words on purpose. And to see words misspelled in print? Oh, boy......
I subscribe to a "Word of the Day" e-mail list. Each day I receive a new word. Some are really cool, such as "peripatetic." Others seem very made-up. But they are fun.
And, of course, what does "ghoti" spell??????
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Manners and Liberal Arts
Several instances of the past couple of weeks have shown me how "unmannerly" we've become. Manners are not just a matter of being polite. They show respect toward others. They help to maintain order. I believe it was Madison in Federalist 51 (?) who wrote, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary."
At a local large art fair, one esp egregious example was some woman who was elbowing her way passed other fair-goers. Oh, she wasn't going anywhere, just to see exhibits. If others were in her way, well, it was her way--so out came the elbows. My friend Carrie was a bit ahead of me and came back to tell me about the rudeness which I had experienced a few moments before. We both said something about "Excuse me?" but the lady just sneered at us. At a craft brewery in Healdsburg, CA a group of young kids, maybe in their mid-20s, was being loud and obnoxious--right next to our older table of six. In fact, we were unable to hear each other. That there was an open space (the hooligans were standing, not yet seated at a table) just the other side of the aisle way made no difference. When asked if they could tone it down so we could hear each other at our own table, one of them said, "We have a right to have fun." Ah, how typical. First, there's the misunderstanding of "rights." Then, there's the concern--or lack of concern--for others. On the flight home from CA, two people tried to rush down the aisle to get off the plane, cutting off others. Row-by-row exiting wasn't good enough for them. Karen said something to the first one who whistled by, but it did nothing but get some smart-Aleck reply. I said nothing, but did move out into the aisle to block the second one. And, no, they weren't rushing to make another flight connection. They were at the luggage turntable, waiting with others. (They couldn't cut in front there.) And the luggage turntable...... Both in SF and at Metro, K and I waited for the luggage to come around. We stood back, not crowding, but still able to see when ours appeared. Except, people just crowded in front, waiting for their own pieces, blocking our and those with us from seeing our luggage.
Maybe these people just don't know any better. Where were their parents in raising them? I don't know if this is stereotyping, but in each of these instances the perpetrators (I had to use that term!) were in their 20s or early 30s. Maybe they weren't thinking. But I suspect it's the sense of entitlement that has pervaded our culture. It's all about me. Others be damned. I'm entitled to make as much noise as I want. I'm entitled to have fun at others' expense. I'm entitled to see art exhibits before other people. I'm entitled to get off the plane before anyone else. I'm entitled to get to my luggage regardless if it hinders others.
It reminds me of so many people who think they don't have to have jobs they don't like. They are entitled to enjoy their jobs and, if those jobs don't pay enough or have perks that provide things like health insurance, etc., well then other people ("the greedy rich?") should pay for the perks.
Upon our return, catching up with the local newspapers (I usually just scan the front pages, but look more closely at the op-eds and, of course, do the puzzles.) was a large editorial about liberal arts degrees in college. I may or may not have written of this before. Several weeks ago, a letter writer in one of the Detroit newspapers was vehement in his opposition to colleges providing liberal arts degrees, "worthless" he called them. Colleges should provide degrees that lead to jobs, that provide the wherewithal to pay off student loans, that produce marketable job skills, etc.
Coincidentally, I discussed this with one of my college buddies in CA last week. We both have liberal arts from Amherst and both thank our lucky stars daily for the opportunity.
"Worthless" degrees? I think those who think this are Neanderthals in their thinking, evidence that they themselves didn't get liberal arts educations or, if they did, not very good ones. Who says colleges should make graduates "job-ready?" Well, of course, corporations and other businesses say so. They have foisted the expenses of training employees on to taxpayers and tuition-payers. And the backward-thinking colleges seem to be going right along with this. In many ways, I think people misunderstand liberal arts education--its purposes and its content.
Of course, graduates from college should be able to find and do jobs. But a legitimate liberal arts degree will ensure they can--if others understand what a liberal arts degree (at least a good one) is all about. I fear many corporate-types don't understand this at all. Perhaps they are lazy. Perhaps they know what they are doing, in foisted off the costs of training. After all those CEOs and other upper level managers have to make their millions of dollars.
As my friend Carrie and I have often asked, at least each other, "Is love of learning no longer enough?" The answer is becoming more and more manifest--No, it isn't.
At a local large art fair, one esp egregious example was some woman who was elbowing her way passed other fair-goers. Oh, she wasn't going anywhere, just to see exhibits. If others were in her way, well, it was her way--so out came the elbows. My friend Carrie was a bit ahead of me and came back to tell me about the rudeness which I had experienced a few moments before. We both said something about "Excuse me?" but the lady just sneered at us. At a craft brewery in Healdsburg, CA a group of young kids, maybe in their mid-20s, was being loud and obnoxious--right next to our older table of six. In fact, we were unable to hear each other. That there was an open space (the hooligans were standing, not yet seated at a table) just the other side of the aisle way made no difference. When asked if they could tone it down so we could hear each other at our own table, one of them said, "We have a right to have fun." Ah, how typical. First, there's the misunderstanding of "rights." Then, there's the concern--or lack of concern--for others. On the flight home from CA, two people tried to rush down the aisle to get off the plane, cutting off others. Row-by-row exiting wasn't good enough for them. Karen said something to the first one who whistled by, but it did nothing but get some smart-Aleck reply. I said nothing, but did move out into the aisle to block the second one. And, no, they weren't rushing to make another flight connection. They were at the luggage turntable, waiting with others. (They couldn't cut in front there.) And the luggage turntable...... Both in SF and at Metro, K and I waited for the luggage to come around. We stood back, not crowding, but still able to see when ours appeared. Except, people just crowded in front, waiting for their own pieces, blocking our and those with us from seeing our luggage.
Maybe these people just don't know any better. Where were their parents in raising them? I don't know if this is stereotyping, but in each of these instances the perpetrators (I had to use that term!) were in their 20s or early 30s. Maybe they weren't thinking. But I suspect it's the sense of entitlement that has pervaded our culture. It's all about me. Others be damned. I'm entitled to make as much noise as I want. I'm entitled to have fun at others' expense. I'm entitled to see art exhibits before other people. I'm entitled to get off the plane before anyone else. I'm entitled to get to my luggage regardless if it hinders others.
It reminds me of so many people who think they don't have to have jobs they don't like. They are entitled to enjoy their jobs and, if those jobs don't pay enough or have perks that provide things like health insurance, etc., well then other people ("the greedy rich?") should pay for the perks.
Upon our return, catching up with the local newspapers (I usually just scan the front pages, but look more closely at the op-eds and, of course, do the puzzles.) was a large editorial about liberal arts degrees in college. I may or may not have written of this before. Several weeks ago, a letter writer in one of the Detroit newspapers was vehement in his opposition to colleges providing liberal arts degrees, "worthless" he called them. Colleges should provide degrees that lead to jobs, that provide the wherewithal to pay off student loans, that produce marketable job skills, etc.
Coincidentally, I discussed this with one of my college buddies in CA last week. We both have liberal arts from Amherst and both thank our lucky stars daily for the opportunity.
"Worthless" degrees? I think those who think this are Neanderthals in their thinking, evidence that they themselves didn't get liberal arts educations or, if they did, not very good ones. Who says colleges should make graduates "job-ready?" Well, of course, corporations and other businesses say so. They have foisted the expenses of training employees on to taxpayers and tuition-payers. And the backward-thinking colleges seem to be going right along with this. In many ways, I think people misunderstand liberal arts education--its purposes and its content.
Of course, graduates from college should be able to find and do jobs. But a legitimate liberal arts degree will ensure they can--if others understand what a liberal arts degree (at least a good one) is all about. I fear many corporate-types don't understand this at all. Perhaps they are lazy. Perhaps they know what they are doing, in foisted off the costs of training. After all those CEOs and other upper level managers have to make their millions of dollars.
As my friend Carrie and I have often asked, at least each other, "Is love of learning no longer enough?" The answer is becoming more and more manifest--No, it isn't.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Smart People
One thing, at least, I know is that there are a lot of smart people out there. I learn from them every day. It's not just their ideas, but that they make me think and rethink. Sometimes, due to their forceful opinions, I change mine. Sometimes not. But I always respect well-thought opinions.
A few weeks back, I talked with the author of a book on the partisan divide in the US Congress. He, as one might have guessed, is critical of our current Congress. I fully understand that. I left our conversation with two thoughts. One, which drew a look of disapproval from him, was that "Maybe we deserve the rascals" we have sent to Congress. Two, how difficult it is to form educated opinions when there are so many differing "facts" out there. Who are folks like you and me to believe? Can we trust the LameStream Media, from whatever side, to give us the straight talk? Somehow I think not.
I really have a great deal of respect for my blind running buddy. I'm not at all certain, were I blind, that I could get out there and run like he does--especially with a Bozo like me for a guide runner! I admit that sometimes I don't pay attention and he trips, sometimes falling. That's my job, to watch for potholes, uneven pavement, sticks/branches, etc. And I forget...... This AM, he laughed, "Today you have this blind fool dragging you through six tough hill repeats." Yes, I did and it reminded me of the respect I have for him.
Karen bought some item that had the label "Echo Valley." It must be a brand name. I was reminded, again, of my physics teacher at Amherst, Professor Romer. He was outstanding, so much so that, in my US Government, AP I think, class back when I taught in the high school, I sometimes devoted a day a week to reviewing students' physics with them. Yes, I taught physics! That's how good Prof. Romer was, teaching this history major enough physics...... Prof. Turgeon, my French teacher, was so good, I also helped struggling students with French, even answering a few questions from one of the teachers several times. But, back to "Echo Valley." Prof. Romer lived on a street named "Echo Valley." He was a runner and, to celebrate his 50th birthday (I think), he devised his own marathon, "The Echo Valley Marathon." It was run on Prof. Romer's street, a cul-de-sac of about a quarter mile. That's about 104-105 laps of his street. He did it, with the help of some neighbors. He later said, "That was stupid." Well, that's one word I'd never use in the same sentence with Prof. Romer's name, never. I had many really outstanding teachers at Amherst and he was right up there with them. And, the older I get, the better they become. I am sorry I missed him at the recent reunion. Maybe next year......
I know I've ranted about this before, but do people, namely my neighbors, really have to cut their grass with mowers whose engines sound like they belong on airplanes? Most of them wear the ear muffs, that's how loud they are. So, they must know how irksome the noise is. At the least they could hand out ear muffs to neighbors. And, it seems, they always pull out the airplanes, er, mowers at dinner time, when we are trying to eat on the deck, outside.
Charlie Sanders recently died. The former Detroit Lion was All-Pro a number of years, about 9 or so. One of my Amherst mates, Jean Fugett, played in the NFL with the Cowboys and Redskins, He was in several Super Bowls, with winners' rings to prove it. He was in the Pro Bowl several times, but in an e-mail to me admitted, "[Sanders] kept me from being All-Pro about four or five times." I think the NFL players, at the time, voted him the best single player at his position. That is, Sanders was better as a tight end than any running back or quarterback was at running back or quarterback, better than any linebacker was at linebacker, etc. That's some compliment. And, best of all, from all accounts, Sanders was every bit as good a person as he was a player.
In the same vein, NFL, Ken Stabler the former Raiders QB died. I was very surprised to learn he is not in the NFL Hall of Fame. He deserves to be, no doubt. Hmmm...... I wonder why he isn't. We are so quick to put others in various halls of fame, to label them "legends" or "icons." Stabler actually did something!!!!!!
A few weeks back, I talked with the author of a book on the partisan divide in the US Congress. He, as one might have guessed, is critical of our current Congress. I fully understand that. I left our conversation with two thoughts. One, which drew a look of disapproval from him, was that "Maybe we deserve the rascals" we have sent to Congress. Two, how difficult it is to form educated opinions when there are so many differing "facts" out there. Who are folks like you and me to believe? Can we trust the LameStream Media, from whatever side, to give us the straight talk? Somehow I think not.
I really have a great deal of respect for my blind running buddy. I'm not at all certain, were I blind, that I could get out there and run like he does--especially with a Bozo like me for a guide runner! I admit that sometimes I don't pay attention and he trips, sometimes falling. That's my job, to watch for potholes, uneven pavement, sticks/branches, etc. And I forget...... This AM, he laughed, "Today you have this blind fool dragging you through six tough hill repeats." Yes, I did and it reminded me of the respect I have for him.
Karen bought some item that had the label "Echo Valley." It must be a brand name. I was reminded, again, of my physics teacher at Amherst, Professor Romer. He was outstanding, so much so that, in my US Government, AP I think, class back when I taught in the high school, I sometimes devoted a day a week to reviewing students' physics with them. Yes, I taught physics! That's how good Prof. Romer was, teaching this history major enough physics...... Prof. Turgeon, my French teacher, was so good, I also helped struggling students with French, even answering a few questions from one of the teachers several times. But, back to "Echo Valley." Prof. Romer lived on a street named "Echo Valley." He was a runner and, to celebrate his 50th birthday (I think), he devised his own marathon, "The Echo Valley Marathon." It was run on Prof. Romer's street, a cul-de-sac of about a quarter mile. That's about 104-105 laps of his street. He did it, with the help of some neighbors. He later said, "That was stupid." Well, that's one word I'd never use in the same sentence with Prof. Romer's name, never. I had many really outstanding teachers at Amherst and he was right up there with them. And, the older I get, the better they become. I am sorry I missed him at the recent reunion. Maybe next year......
I know I've ranted about this before, but do people, namely my neighbors, really have to cut their grass with mowers whose engines sound like they belong on airplanes? Most of them wear the ear muffs, that's how loud they are. So, they must know how irksome the noise is. At the least they could hand out ear muffs to neighbors. And, it seems, they always pull out the airplanes, er, mowers at dinner time, when we are trying to eat on the deck, outside.
Charlie Sanders recently died. The former Detroit Lion was All-Pro a number of years, about 9 or so. One of my Amherst mates, Jean Fugett, played in the NFL with the Cowboys and Redskins, He was in several Super Bowls, with winners' rings to prove it. He was in the Pro Bowl several times, but in an e-mail to me admitted, "[Sanders] kept me from being All-Pro about four or five times." I think the NFL players, at the time, voted him the best single player at his position. That is, Sanders was better as a tight end than any running back or quarterback was at running back or quarterback, better than any linebacker was at linebacker, etc. That's some compliment. And, best of all, from all accounts, Sanders was every bit as good a person as he was a player.
In the same vein, NFL, Ken Stabler the former Raiders QB died. I was very surprised to learn he is not in the NFL Hall of Fame. He deserves to be, no doubt. Hmmm...... I wonder why he isn't. We are so quick to put others in various halls of fame, to label them "legends" or "icons." Stabler actually did something!!!!!!
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