All in the Family.

Edith who?
May 31st Edith Bunker died.
Well actually, it was Jean Stapleton who had played the role on the TV show that changed American culture -
All in the Family.

Tumultuous times.
During the seventies collective
rebellion came to full fruition.
Growing up in a world where
assassinations, shootings, riots,
and protests, were everyday fare,
my generation was at best jaded.
Our cultural DNA was based in
challenging the status quo.

What were they thinking?
My parents could not have been more Republican and therefore conservative. They believed in the American Dream. And yet All in the Family's controversial message broke through while entertaining. Ethel loved it!

Nuclear family?
Archie was a bigot with a heart. Edith an incredibly wise "dingbat". Daughter Gloria, the modern woman. Her husband Mike, a rebel. Neighbor Lionel, a patiently kind friend. Watching their journey helped America confront our prejudices.

I never thought...
All in the Family bluntly dealt with racism, homosexuality, rape, women's rights, abortion, breast cancer, miscarriage, war, menopause, and impotence. It's honesty, humility, and humor educated and pushed us forward.

Did you see that?
In those days you watched TV as a family. Looking back, many dinner conversations related to the prior evening's broadcast.
All In The Family prompted us to discuss taboo topics in an open family forum.

Gone but not forgotten.
Our world has changed since then. What seems archaic today was breakthrough in it's day.
All in the Family was a cultural catalyst. So much so that Edith and Archie Bunker's chairs now sit in the Smithsonian in tribute. BRAVO EDITH, BRAVO!

Denial is not a river in Egypt.

Outta my way...

Having lived through the reality of an errant leader's errors, I was saddened to hear that even now those involved continue to deny responsibility. They claim failure was due to a team who "never believed." In reality their strategy was flawed and others did their best to implement it. Now those survivors are left with the mess.

Hemlock anyone?

The other day I had brunch with
a former colleague. After nibbling
our eggs Benedict , we started to
dig into the Benedict Arnold's
we've known and worked with.
Sadly that part of our repast was
not easily digested. You see, we
decided that the combination of
unlimited power and unfettered
ego is often a lethal cocktail.

Virtual reality.

When one works and lives outside
of the norm, the usual end result
is a rampant sense of entitlement.
Shielded by minions who only
do one's bidding, many leaders
develop a warped perspective.
Their man made fantasies slowly
form into hyper individualistic
perspectives with no link to facts.
Godlike, they rule their reality.

Power corrupts?

A chief executive of a large youth 

oriented specialty retailer was recently 

skewered in the media for his proud 

prejudice against the fat and ugly. 

Apparently his personal opinions and 

comfort are so important that his firm

pays his domestic partner to operate

a separate company to insure they are

satisfied. So... is he arrogant or so 

sheltered that he's out of touch?

"Let them eat cake."

If you live in isolated splendor,
it's understandable that your
view of the world could possibly
be warped at best. Does living an
existence of private jets and
Ritzy suites justify rampant lay
offs and the evaporation of key
corporate assets? How do these
leaders sleep at night on their
hand pressed Pratesi sheets?

Who's in charge?

Can one blame these egomaniacs?
Allowed to operate unchecked,
why would they change their
behavior? Who is responsible for
maintaining a sense of balance?
Isn't the owness on those who
empower the emperor. Are the
Board of Directors acting above
board? Or are their personal
agendas also fueling the mania?

Rare indeed.

In truth, many are impacted by few. When someone is given ultimate authority they must have the character and resolve to never allow that power to cloud their connection with reality. Hmm... I wonder if there's anybody left in America like that? Whether you're a man or woman, please step up!

You either got it or you ain't.

Love connection.
I'm counting the days until I see Frank again. There's nothing better than that moment when we see each other after a long period apart. Immediately the reason why we are together is completely confirmed... "chemistry". I don't know whether it's DNA, kismet, or the fact that our souls knew each other in a former life. We belong together and we've known that since the day we met.

Hey "fox"...
That same "chemistry" also happens with friends. "T" has been staying with me for a few days. We've had much fun catching up and simply being together. We met in 1976.
On that day our connection was instantaneous and immediate. Over the years distance often separated us. Yet our "chemistry" stays strong and therefore our relationship remains as close as ever. No matter how far or long we are apart, the second we connect all time and distance evaporate. We are simply simpatico.

Some enchanted evening?
I can't explain it yet we all know
it's true. You walk into a room full
of strangers and sometimes... not
always... you either fall in love or
intense like with somebody there.
One won't find a rational explanation
for that phenomena. Two strangers
who seem to have nothing in common
suddenly connect as lovers or friends.
And the only reason that happens is
"chemistry". Don't you wish that you
could bottle the damn stuff?! Not
only would you be richer than Midas,
the world would be so much happier!

Can't get enough?
You see, the problem with "chemistry" is that it only happens when it wants to happen. You can't force it and as of yet there is no magic pill that enables you to connect with your long lost, life long soul mate instantaneously. Dating is a perfect example. Wouldn't it be lovely if you could simply meet and fall in love? Sadly that isn't the way "chemistry" works. It's a system of trial and error, totally capricious. And yet... magical.

The perfect formula.
At this point in life I've decided
that letting nature take it's course
is the only way to live. After years
of trying to force something to
happen I've learned that only leads
to disaster. Convincing oneself that
you can create "chemistry" where it
isn't a natural occurrence is simply
silly. When "chemistry" happens,
grab it. When it doesn't, move on
and keep searching. Trust me...
that's the best formula for true
happiness. Take a dose of reality
and call me in the morning!

ARE WE THERE YET?

Where are we going?
Many don't have a good sense of direction. Years ago I picked up "T" for dinner. She didn't know where the restaurant was but was certain it was "somewhere in the east 70's". Hey driver, step on it!

They went that away...
Easterners are the worst. Rather than utilize geographic compass points, they prefer landmarks. "Turn right at the yellow house." Which meant that before GPS,
I often wandered the hills and dales of Darien totally lost!

North by northwest.
It's no better in the west. Last winter Frank and I were passing through Kalispell on our way to Idaho. Uncertain about whether to continue onto the next leg of our journey, we asked some locals. One said "thirty miles", while another "about an hour more." So, we decided to keep on traveling. Late that night upon finally reaching our destination, we'd driven over two and a half hours. Wee haw!

Follow directions.
Frankly that was our fault. Because like most men, we refuse to use maps. Somewhere deep in every guy lurks an adventurer ready to explore. Seems silly but genetically we definitely are from Mars!

Recalculating route.
Speaking of GPS, is it me or does it seem that the damn things never really work? I don't know what is more irritating - that English woman's voice or being sent the wrong direction.

Fill 'er up!
In the end, we all get where
we're going. So the best thing
to do is simply enjoy life's ride.
Even if you get lost on the way,
you're sure to see something
new. And that's worth the trip!

FACE UP TO IT

Tenuous.
I'm in a quandary. For many reasons I can't decide whether I love or hate Facebook. The fact is it's become a part of my daily routine. Not only is it an easy way to keep in touch, it's a forum of words and images. And for me, that's the easiest way for me to connect with those I care about. Then suddenly an ad pops up and I start thinking sinister thoughts. Is this tool I've come to rely on really just a vehicle for Big Brother to keep track of us?!

Tedious.
Sometimes Facebook doesn't bring
out the best in us. I can't abide those
who feel they must report every
action they make instantaneously.
Do you think that I really care if
you just baked a cake? Why do I
need the exact time and location
of the bake off? Unless you plan
to invite me over to share it with
you, I'm too busy to be bothered
with such silly things.

Tender.
That said, quick confessions shared via Facebook can be deeply illuminating and at times moving. It's an immediate and personal way to share what is on our hearts. Is vulnerability the true power of Facebook?

Terrifying?
Schmaltz aside, I worry about what happens beyond my circle of "friends". One can't help but wonder when a "gift" suggestion pops up in the middle of your candid, confidential confession. Convenient or creepy?!

Timely.
Our forefathers had the same concerns when the telephone was introduced. Was somebody listening to our conversations? Watergate aside, the benefit of technology overshadowed any concerns about confidentiality.

Together.
One has to admit that Facebook may be beneficial. Many families and friends are split by long distances. Even if one lives near those they care about, we're busier than ever. Therefore being able to catch up via Facebook may be the only way to actively maintain our relationships. While that's not a personal as a chat on the phone or a quick drink, it is a connection. In my opinion, anything that helps keep us connected is a good thing! Log on and say hello!

7th Day Surprise - Misperception

REALLY?

It's funny how our perception of beauty evolves.

In the early twenties 

this babe was considered hot stuff.

Hmm... 

I wonder what people in the future 

will define as 

beautiful? 

Where did everybody go?

Beat the heat!
Living in a concrete canyon
surrounded by water means that
warmer temperatures intensify
the heat, humidity, and odors.
That phenomena causes many
New Yorkers to seek a refuge
from the steamy confines of
Manhattan.  Like rats escaping
a sinking ship, they migrate to
the Hamptons, Fire Island, or
the wilderness called "upstate".

Get out!
I'm not sure that acting like a lemming every Friday afternoon is worth the hassle. Battling up to six hours of traffic to/from your idyllic retreat seems counter productive. Could something so chic actually be rather stupid?

Stay home!
I prefer to stay in Manhattan. Nobody else is out of town except a few tourists from Iowa. With no competition, everything is easier including even getting a primo table at Fred's. So, sit back and sip some Sancerre!

Totally score!
After Memorial Day Manhattan's stores are full of deals. Suddenly Bergdorf's is a bargain bonanza. And with everybody at the beach, you're sure to bag a hidden treasure before the masses return to the city Monday morning. You snooze you loose.

Hit the roof!
Why not catch some rays at the Penninsula Hotel's rooftop spa? For $500 you'll get a 90 minute massage plus access to the pool and sun deck. Spending that on yourself versus a car and gas seems a worthwhile investment.

Catch a flick!
Nothing is better than escaping into a cool, dark theater on a hot and muggy afternoon. Except for watching a classic movie under the stars in Bryant Park with a thousand other film buffs.

Hang out!
I beat the heat by catching a boat from Pier 11 over to Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook. The metro area's only legal clothing optional beach is just a 40 minute cruise away. Situated on a pristine stretch of sand I get the tan of a lifetime. Plus after seeing everybody else au natural I suddenly feel like a Greek God! Proof that less is more!

Circle, Jerk!
If you prefer to surf the waves fully clothed, taking a ride around Manhattan on a Circle Line boat is well worth the fare. Not only are the views amazing, the cool breezes off the river are sublime! All aboard!

Chill out!
Let's be honest. With Frank back in Montana I'm going to be miserable. If I can't be with him every weekend, I need to relax and enjoy my time off. Rather than compete with the movers and shakers on Montauk, I plan to spend my weekends in Manhattan ON VACATION! I doubt I'll run out of diversions. Between Broadway shows, parks, museums, festivals, house guests, and more - I'm certain to be very busy over the next months. Even more important, staying close to home is EASY. And after a busy week at work who doesn't want to simply ENJOY LIFE?!