Transitory Times

This Thanksgiving finds America amid transitory times. Some good, some not so much, but change is inevitable and it comes whether we humans are ready or not.

Look around. Change is everywhere in nature and the universe. Transitions are often disruptive and painful. Our country is enduring such a period, and more than a few people are feeling the labor pains of the re-birth of a compromised country. In order for this to occur a reordering of power, wealth and purpose must take place. The shuffle has begun.

The titans of the financial industry (auto, and more to come I'm sure) have fallen off their white and very lucrative horse. May they look around while they are down on the ground and see the common man and woman. It's time for a slice of humble pie and a reality check guys. Why not give back the millions of dollars you gained at the future expense of subprime victims and American taxpayers? If you're looking for atonement for your irresponsible follies, may I suggest you begin with your checkbook. Children are hungry and homeless in America. If you won't give the money back, at least do some good with it.

The American taxpayers will not tolerate $600,000,000 bonuses and stock options for company executives they bailed out of bankruptcy. Fatcats, it time to trim your portion of the profitability pie--a thin sliver will have to suffice.

Oh, and park the company jets until the American taxpayers are repaid.

Divorced and Done

Last night I was just getting comfortable for a Saturday night on the sofa with remote in hand when my cell phone rang.

My best friend's voice was on the other end, "It's final."

"What's final?"

"My divorce. I received the final decree yesterday."

"That's good, right?"

"Oh yeah, but you know it is number three."

"Yes, but three divorces are better than two divorces and one miserable marriage, isn't it?"

"I like your math. Shall we celebrate my freedom?"

Short pause. I really was so ready for a quiet night on the couch, but she was in need of companionship to help mark a life passage. "I'll call you back in ten minutes with an answer. Got to check my face in the mirror and see if there's any hope of getting it ready for a night on the town on short notice!"

As I pushed the end button, I toyed with the idea of remaining on the sofa, letting a few minutes pass then backing out with the lame excuse of my hair needed to be shampooed, or my allergies were acting up or some other reason I could not go out with her.

Instead I took a long look in the bathroom mirror and had a little talk with my reflection. "Years ago when you were going through the end of a marriage, who was the first person to take you on a girls' night out?" Thought so.

I thought about all those weekends in the desert when we were both between relationships. I thought about the holidays and late night outings that ended with 2:00 AM breakfasts at an all night diner. Looking back those were some of the best times of my life.

I dialed her number. "I'll pick you up in 45 minutes, and it's your night and your choice. Give me a destination and I'll drive us there."

Being there.

That's what friends are for.

For the Love of a Vampire

Girls are standing in line for hours to see 'Twilight' the movie about a blood-sucking boy and the girl who loves him. What's the attraction? Chivalry, me thinks!

As girls move to the forefront in academia, sports and other competitive arenas they no longer have to dummy themselves down or play coy on the court. They rely on their own wits and talents. They're winning and they're loving it, but who do they fall in love with? Rock stars and vampires!

Guys, I hate to tell you this, but even little girls prefer alpha males, especially one who cares deeply for 'the one' he loves.

Some things never change.

Women want the same thing.

Restrooms, Toilets and Other Design Failures

At a California Governor's Inaugural Ball the line to the lady's room was half a block long--no kidding---A friend and I looked at the men's line--oh, that's right there was no line. We exchanged solidarity glances, entered, announced ourselves and used the men's room much to a few guys' utter amazement.

Yes, the event planner for that big party made a huge mistake. They installed equal number of toilets for men and women, but there was also a row of urinals for the guys. Hello, do the math. Most of the men were lined up at the urinals. Most of the stalls were empty. We walked right in, claimed an empty stall, locked the door and took care of business.

By the time we washed our hands and walked out, I won't name names because you would recognize it, a certain someone was standing out front inviting the ladies to come in and use the facilities. Score one for the girls!

As I was leaving the Ball, a woman came up to me and shook my hand. I smiled with a quizzical look. She said, "Because of you, I didn't pee my pants tonight."

Please, the next time you're in charge of a designing public restrooms, give the women many, many more than the men.

Alpha Couples

Barack and Michelle are one, so are Hillary and Bill. Cindy and John qualify too. Angelina and Brad are the ultimate alpha couple in movieland. Does mating with your equal make a happy match or create a power struggle?

Based on the relationships of my life, I think it creates a balance that keeps power and respect shifting back and forth between the couple. The spotlight moments are shared; sometimes the light shines brighter on her, other times on him. Unlike relationships (and I was in one for a very long time) where one party is insecure and fears he will be left in the shadows if a spouse steps into the light.

These are exciting times. More and more alpha couples are posed to redefine marriage as they remove the old boundaries of male and female roles and forge relationships no longer restricted by cultural conformity. These power unions will have a trickle down effect on the average American Joes and Janes as they build their lives together.

And as Martha says, that's a good thing.

Bad Boys Throw Acid in the Faces of Afghan Schoolgirls

Good grief, what century are we living in? How can the citizens of the 21st century tolerate such despicable behavior?

Those are the questions that raced through my mind as I read this unsettling news story. We will go to war over oil, but we allow men to disfigure girls and women because they do not want them to go to school.

What are these bullies afraid of? I say hunt them down with the same intensity we tracked the Taliban and Osama bin Laden. Let's make a world statement here. A public scolding is not punishment enough.

Women Are Not Welcome In The West Wing

OK, I get it, but I don't like it. The Oval Office is sacred male territory. A few women have tapped on the door, but entry was denied and the welcome mat was missing. Although both women vying for entry in this year's election had resumes many a male politician would covet, they both endured scrutiny, critique and criticism based more on their gender than on their records.


Let's see, Sarah Palin was not smart enough, Hillary was too smart. Sarah did not have enough experience, Hillary had too much. Sarah was too pretty and a former beauty queen, Hillary was not pretty enough and had less than the male desired hourglass figure. Sarah had so many children she would have no time to be vice president, Hillary was married to a former president and would be hampered by his presence, plus he would be in the awkward position of playing First Gent!


In my opinion it stems from fear of female power. When a person generates such a strong negative reaction it is usually driven by fear and ignorance. A personal attack is a method of self-preservation and an attempt to preserve the power and position of the parties in power.


I thank both Hillary and Sarah for moving women up a rung or two on the equality ladder. Now I look to Michelle Obama to continue the ascent. Although just last night I heard a remark about her legs not being her best asset.


Please, enough already.