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Occasionally I post comments on a local news station message board. I find that the majority of the posters there are little more than lightweight cyber-bullies.
If you do not agree with them politically, or on anything, for that matter, then you are subjected to what some call
Credit: nouQraz, via Flickr Creative Commons
“adult conversation” but what I call rude remarks.
They are trigger happy when it comes to biting “sarcasm” – again, a cover for plain old rudeness. They say “I don’t sugar coat, I say it like it is, no boring mamby pamby daycare talk from me!”
Well, I don’t know – I was always taught that adults were supposed to control their tongues. Is being polite boring? Actually, it takes a lot more thought to formulate a strong response devoid of churlishness. Is being rude the only acceptable way to disagree?
One discussion centered around the controversial Gardasil vaccine. There are some very good arguments for not having your child vaccinated, but the only consistent response from the pro-Gardasil people were comments like “paranoid, ignorant, ill-informed.” Not only were these comments on the thread in question, but one poster worked her so-called “adult conversation” into totally irrelevant topics, just to dig at one particular person who was not in favor of Gardasil shots for young girls.
And forget about politics. If you are not 100% in support of Barack Obama or the Democrats in general, you are beyond moronic, and you must of course be in love with George W. Bush. There is no middle ground; the line between intelligence and stupidity stops with Barack Obama.
Before anyone thinks that I lay this rudeness solely at the feet of liberals, think again – I have cringed at the remarks many a conservative has made as well. Christians are prone to just as much rudeness and ignorance as atheists and agnostics…pro-lifers vs. pro-choicers….young earth creationists vs. any form of evolutionist.
It seems that the basic response in humans is to lash out rather than discuss something controversial without insults.
And what about this – a poster who is known to be ultra-conservative posts a more neutral discussion topic. One of the ultra-liberals skilled at being obnoxious declares something along these lines: “Finally, So-and-So posted something intelligent! I think I’m going to choke.”
Please tell me how that is “adult conversation.” Adult conversation would be “Finally, So-and-So posted something we can agree on!”
Being rude and hurtful is not “adult.” It’s worse than childish, because children at least are not expected to know better. Responding to others with insults displays a lack of intellect as well as poor breeding.
Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons, nouQraz
I’ve seen the ads for High School Reunion on TV – I never was attracted to this particular “reality” show.
This afternoon while enjoying a partial “snow day” I was flicking through the channels – my old soaps don’t appeal to me since I haven’t watched them in years. Reruns of Green Acres didn’t really appeal to me either. I stopped on an episode of High School Reunion.
Now I know why my initial response to this show was “ick.”
The only thing terrific about this reunion is that it’s in Hawaii. However, it seems like there are a bunch of 17 year olds in 37 year old bodies. Petty jealousies, crushes, annoyances, etc…
My 20th high school reunion was nothing like this. First of all, it was not in Hawaii (bummer) but most importantly, it
Me & Princess in High School
was a lot of fun. There were people I spoke and laughed with who wouldn’t give me a 2nd glance in high school. I was so bummed that it was over after just a few hours. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Watching this show is like driving by an accident scene, and watching what’s going on – you are repulsed and compelled at the same time.
I’m not sure, but I’ll bet some of the other viewers are probably held by the same compulsion. If my reunions were like this, I’d never go; it’s too much like still being in high school.
Over the years, I’ve been obsessed with various Hollywood hunks, including:
- Clint Eastwood – he makes my day when he squints and waves around that .44 Magnum.
- Sean Connery – shaken not stirred; the accent is enough to make me shiver.
- Jimmy Stewart – the under-appreciated reliable guy a smart woman would choose.
- Cary Grant – he’s suave, sophisticated, and amusing if a bit flip.
- Johnny Depp – a rogue, a pirate, a guy with great lips.
- Pierce Brosnan – one of my early Hollywood crushes – I choose to forget that I used to have a crush on Erik Estrada too.
But, hands down, my all time favorite Hollywood Leading Man has got to be
Gene Kelly. I choose to think of him in the present tense.
He has muscles.
He has a great smile.
He can be tough.
He is not afraid to be sappy and romantic.
He can sing.
And.
He.
Can.
Dance.
Have doubts about him being the best dancer ever?
Well, I have to admit, that Donald O’Conner does awesomely with Gene in this fabulous clip from Singing in the Rain, “Moses Supposes.” Donald is my 2nd favorite dancer – I never saw the attraction to geeky, gawky Fred Astaire.
But, check him out here, tap dancing on roller skates. Please ignore the silly song and just watch this awesome routine.
Even Keifer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer can NOT compare to Gene. Just. Can’t. Do. It.
