Supermarket Magazine Analysis — Food For Thought !

I have a firm and absolute rule about the magazines in check out lines at Supermarkets – that is no one who shops for me [not family, friend or employee person] can relay tabloid information to me or in my company that was culled from a shopping excursion.  I do not read nor am I ever tempted by the salacious cheap offerings that one is forced to stare at while waiting to pay for purchases. Now I have a valid analysis of what type of clientele a certain or other market caters to according to check out material and of course, it is simple business structure that denotes such choices … you know how it goes – you stock what will sell. Still, I find it REALLY interesting that the food stuff, other products and magazines line up so nicely to express who shops where.

It is true – I admit it – there are areas of life where one could say I am a snob. By which I mean demanding of certain standards and quality. Nothing wrong with this in my opinion as it takes only an understanding and appreciation of things to gain such sensibilities. Obviously, funds are needed to acquire many of the things that are best made but here too a sense of REAL value must prevail. One of the struggling issues of our times – something our amazing First Lady Michelle Obama has addressed in her Let’s Move initiative - is that  poorer communities have no REAL access to organic and fresh food;  fast food being cheaper and more readily available to fill a family’s caloric requirements than fresh produce and healthy protein items has left our society overweight and in poor health.

Seems simple and apparent to me through the evidence that our society is being further segregated through the Supermarket offerings of food, other products and yes magazine offerings at the checkout. Without a doubt the well heeled among us always had opportunities for finer dining experiences and such – the difference is others could still eat healthy and with a little effort read that which their wealthier and more educated brethren were privy to on a daily basis. I love capitalism but the the base profit margin standard is enforcing a no holding back attitude as to what and where offerings of products and information are made available … want to be offended, well may I suggest that some corporate office type is even as you read this discussing how “those people” will only buy such  and such, so why bother stocking the better of what we make or sell in their neighborhood. Now a truism is REAL that some self motivation to read better material, eat healthier food and such is at play here – however, not everyone has the impetus or where for all to step away from the easy into the more beneficial options. Is not the goal of a great nation like America to lift the masses through equality – does not this include informing and allowing purview to greater things? Whose responsibility is creating such a Utopia? I think the answer is elected officials in part and also the companies – including and maybe especially news outlets – to prod, instruct, inspire and direct ALL toward betterment.

All right now – back to the magazines. In the better markets, like my beloved Whole Foods and other like minded stores there are Bon Appetit, Architectural Digest, Yoga this and that, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Fortune, Forbes and a plethora of local upscale ___ Today – depending on the best close by neighborhoods. Why even the better newspapers are frequently sold – my favorite New York Times and Wall Street Journal for instance. Conversely at the less quality oriented markets, one finds tabloids galore – The Sun, The Enquirer, Star and occasionally People or US. Now you tell me – is this not simple Finance 101 in that they sell what will sell to who they think buys in their place of business … again I say nothing wrong with that, except the resulting delineation and further class alienation among our citizenry. My very well read and erudite parents often bemoaned this scenario – they explained that at one time the cab driver and the doctor or lawyer in a town read pretty much the same newspaper, heard on radio or saw on television almost the exact same reports and sure the better educated and motivated family – like my own – made it a must to read and hear/view beyond the standard venues. Yet all were given opportunity to know the same REAL facts and as such, their children too. Sadly, not the current societal norm – we are divided into not only the income haves and have-nots but the nutritional and intellectual advantaged and disadvantaged. Troublesome and dangerous I tell you – this has and will further lead to eventual irreparable divisions in this country and throughout the world. The one bright light – although it too seems to be more and more divided – is social media. My prayer and REAL hope is that Facebook and Twitter, et al. will force a communal sharing of the better for ALL!

P.S. In my year (2013) end memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! I will share the REAL plan that my husband and I are working on to purchase his beloved paternal grandmother, Walerya’s, Michigan farm and turn it into a cooperative community food center and agricultural/nutrition teaching venue for inner city Detroit and other local youths and their families … this will be one part of our soon to be established Eliasz-Solomon Family Foundation.

REALLY United States of America or Not ??? — #PrayForOklahoma

Listen up America: NYC on 9/11, Oklahoma City bombing before that, New Orleans last decade, Boston bombing recently, now Oklahoma Tornado, daily murders of kids in inner cities, mass shootings at schools and on and on and on … we are NOT red or blue States and the partisan politicians can go %#@* themselves – tell them now that we are ALL Americans and we care for each other well. Enough is enough – damn the dividers – lets stop all the divisions immediately. Our children are hurting and we adults need to wise up NOW – because we have REAL problems my dears and no bogus or faux political diatribe will save us.

Yesterday (20 May 2013) people – including children – died in Oklahoma  from severe tornadoes … homes and businesses were destroyed.  Now you tell me if political affiliation matters to those folks – one bet is that the answer is an unqualified no. Now I will tell you what is a REAL and true fact – that the aspect where politicians insanely deny climate change and the need for government programs to address such issues does affect these circumstances prior and in the actual events. You see the REAL truth is that no amount of bullshit on Capital Hill will deter a weather system from causing disasters – nope – words are not enough to address REAL issues … we as a people must insist on sensible and reasonable action and reaction to deal with all our national problems. Education in every sense is paramount to an informed populace – we MUST not let extremist viewpoints deter us from the tasks at hand my dear brethren. We are destroying ourselves simply to support one or another political party – does that make any sense? Is the blood shed  from disasters or terrorist attacks branded Republican or Democrat? Yes I am using hyperbole – but apparently that is what it takes to bring us back to reality in this great nation. Dear G-d, we just spent a few weeks having unnecessary Congressional hearings with “much to do about nothing” delineation on what now turns out to be made up emails in relationship to the Benghazi attacks last year and IRS standard operating procedures. Now do not get me wrong – I fully support government oversight on such matters but I also support the same for climate and safety issues – all in REAL and educated fashion however – with no lies or exaggerated self interest at play.

The greatest times in this nation’s history were those found in a unified effort – a oneness of purpose. I am NOT naive and I happily and proudly admit to being a politically Liberal oriented American but I want joined efforts to keep America great and whole. Same for the entire world but if the United States falters, so will the rest. So lets get our act together and do what needs to be done, without all the left and right diatribes … let us stop being the political pimps call girls – you know what I mean, right? We the citizenry are being played in that the profiteers put us front and center to do the bidding so they can either stay in office or reap great rewards – sounds like prostitution to me. What say all of you???

P.S. In my year end (2013) memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! much will be shared in relationship to my born and bred activist ideals. For now join me in helping our latest national tragedy by going to the site here on How to Help Oklahoma - it has a list of where and how to help/donate funds and PLEASE send your prayers too!!!

… oh yes. one more thing: earlier this morning, when I changed my Facebook timeline to a photo asking for prayers for Oklahoma tornado victims, some schmuck suggested that I “get up off my knees” because prayer does nothing. Well now, #1. I also asked for donations and #2. I explained that my faith of Judaism sees pray as an active thing AND we do not pray on our knees – I personally never get down on my knees – not to pray at least. What? I mean to exercise or kiss the children, pet our doggie and whatever I do get on my knees occasionally but never in prayer!

Evidence Tampering !

“Are you %#@*%#@ kidding me?” and more is what I shouted when reading that GOP operatives had tampered with the contents concerning State Department emails about the 11 September 2012 Benghazi attack that killed our U.S. Ambassador and other Americans. Damn them – it is law school 101 that you never ever change an item being used as evidence …  tampering with evidence, Class D Felony is the charge [even in our Southern States]. My husband and I save – download – take pictures, etc. ALL evidence in its original form for upcoming lawsuits and law enforcement investigations against the often referenced in my blog posts, The Miscreants™ / THE REAL Evil Doers Club™ members and THE REAL Devil’s Daughter™ and her vandal offspring. Yes my studying law and having REAL advisers made us even more attuned to being honest and precise but we innately knew that only preserved REAL timelines and documents would suffice in Court.  In fact, my tech genius husband makes back up discs for all our advisers and attorneys, as well as storing copies in our safe deposit box that contain each and every correspondence, social media rant/posting, as well as a threatening voicemail recording – every single item is as it REALLY was/occurred. We even date/time stamp things  as they REALLY appear on internet sites that are needed to prove timelines. Why the hell would a GOP Congressional or IRS employee not know the same? The answer is that unlike our ignorant and under-educated REAL enemies who have [according to attorneys] convicted themselves with their own REAL words and actions – the GOP knows that the REAL emails and documents relating to the Obama Administration would not prove egregious nor illegal.

If it is proven that the GOP tampered with Benghazi emails there must be prosecution against those responsible for that is paramount to our Republic – the very nature of a REAL democracy demands no less than honest and forthright discourse. Surely there is enough that the extremist right finds troubling that has REALLY happened in the Obama administration, that falsifying records is not necessary. Sorry to keep bringing back the general to my personal scenario but it it speaks relevancy to each of us; as my nemesis attempted to create a lie filled narrative to shame or defeat myself and my husband – which by the way could and would never happen as we are NOT ashamed of anything nor will ever hide a REAL fact. The GOP could have simply used REAL issues that some find so offensive about President Obama and us who support him to define that which those on that side deem less than honorable … a comparable situation is that I and my husband are not without “sin” but we are not guilty of the misrepresentations that have now put our sworn enemies into a REAL legal morass of their own – not to mention what my advisers REALLY believe the public [and hopefully a jury] will determine as loathsome actions on these horrible persons part. If, like my husband and I have been able to do with The Miscreants™, the GOP REALLY thinks they have REAL evidence to defeat Obama, why not allow the enemy defeat themselves?  I think you will agree it is singularly as my enemies attempted to do to me  - there is no there there – so just make something up. Note to GOP – as my opposition did – you now have created a false narrative that will cause even less then friendly entities to rally to Obama’s defense … exactly as it happened to me – even those not my biggest fans, are now supporting me against those who attempted to harm me and my REAL family. You see most folks can not tolerate such mean and deceitful actions as my nemesis performed and in the end want to side with me – Obama – the REAL victims … that is a REAL fact.,

So, in conclusion, as I mention at the end of each blog post – I will share all the REAL details – every single REAL fact in my year end (2013) memoir, “Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life!” and other upcoming books, interviews, etc. about how my similar to current GOP operatives attempted to destroy me, my husband and family on a false narrative and how we remain triumphant. In the mean while, no matter what political party you belong to, please stay vigilant and demand only REAL truth for yourself and our great nation!!!

Last Minutes

From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a “long” and a “short” life. Therefore, it’s not whether one’s life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happy—that is what matters.

– Daisaku Tkeda

My life has been amazing – full of the most serendipitous blessings. So much so that my book publisher suggests that unlike other clients, my life REALLY is too full and interesting to accurately describe on the written page – at least too complex to contain in one book. For my publicist and other REAL advisers,  my  magnificently  busy  life  means “Oy Veh” type of much work to do in order to continue directing me toward a safe and happy place. As referenced in many of my previous blog posts, I have had much to be grateful for in life … many times it was material wealth, REAL love and friendship, experiences of travel and such. More important is the REAL and true connection to other people – the moments of tenderness and support, as well as, gaiety and joy. Sure much is made of almost “new age” feelings – blah, blah, blah for your fellow man but my words here are intended to invoke a REAL sense of worth in relationship to those minutes where the glory of ones existence is felt down to the core of your being.

I have shared in prior posts the multiple friendships G-d has blessed me with – the gal pals there through thick and thin – the guys who support me and I them through trial and tribulation. So grand are my relationships that I often feel almost other worldly and an almost divine presence in the magnificence of those in my life. Of course, there are the ups and downs – the lessening at times on account of this or that perceived – or should I say - misconceived - grievance. Still never am I without REAL glorified human companionship – no never – not a day has gone by since I can remember that one or more persons has not rallied to my defense or been there to guide and attend to my needs. Now mind you, this scenario has also included those who should have been there, suddenly been missing in action for one or another reason … still just when I felt daunted, another amazing person comes to be my salvation. An embarrassment of riches is mine in relationship categories – I am humbled before the L-rd with REAL and deep gratitude.

An openness and willingness to embrace those worthy of effort is paramount to expanding ones life circle. Equally important is being committed to REALLY helping those in your life – possibly even sacrificing at times in order to make good that which is bad in another’s life. If you read me regularly or certainly know me personally, then you are aware of those my dear husband and I have needed to battle against – on social media and in Court. These faux individuals who like many you probably know could never know REAL friendship nor have REALLY worthy relationships – they lie to others and to themselves over and over again. No my dear readers, a relationship based singularly on a means to attack a third party is both without quality and unhealthy [at best].  Sharing of REAL time and wealth makes for a solid base to grow, G-d willing, a life long bond – that which will sustain and bring both sustenance and REAL happiness throughout your lifetime. For me it has been multi layered  … even including folks I met through social media that not only became REAL friends but took it upon themselves to protect and shield me from enemies and interlopers. I told you mine is a almost other worldly life full of such gloried relationships – yes I tell you even casual social media acquaintanceship have rallied in my defense – many to go on to be [now] close friends. Lucky me I say and yet it is because I had – as my dear late wise Mother instructed – the eyes to see and open mind to know who was for me. My equally wise Father taught that a relationship is like a savings accounts with joint ownership .. at times one or the other deposits and at other times each or both make withdrawals and then there are those times when the process is unequal but still maintained.

The title of this post is “Last Minutes”  - I choose those words because for many years that was how I explained to those dear to me and the children in my life as a tutorial what is to be optimally the, shall we say, end game in life. Now I do not mean the feel good pop culture mantra “if only I spent more time ___, than at the office” cult like diatribe  Nope – I mean that along with all the other wonderful life experiences and achievements, you and I must attend well to the people in our life for in those last moments that is what will be of REAL meaning. So now to how I see the end game scenario – just this past week, I shared with two recent additional most amazing new friend colleagues in my life, as I have in the past with others, my life philosophy concerning this matter. It is that if G-d is so gracious to grant me a moment or two as I leave this life in order to contemplate my journey here, it will without doubt be thoughts of those I have loved – husband, children, friends, colleagues  - even pets and likewise of those singular moments when someone saved me – when a person in my life made that which was wrong and hurting, better and manageable. Those touches, words, gestures that inspired and comforted me in life will be that which is my last thought if I am lucky. If you are not religious nor believe in G-d’s REAL presence, as I do, then simply try to use REAL gratitude to define what your last conscious remembrance will and should be. I REALLY believe that if we live each and every day with that thought in mind, REAL value will define the day to day of living !!!

P.S. In my year end (2013) memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! I will share REAL details and names, places times of those persons and circumstances worth a “last minute” remembrance – for now, you know who you are  - at least I hope you do as I try to let each of you, in some way, know that is how grateful I REALLY am for your presence in my life, plus my promise to work each and every day to make your lives better too for my being in yours !!!

Why I Hope Eric Cantor Converts!

“Oy Veh  … Dear G-d” is my usual reaction when Republican Virginia Congressman and House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor gets to pontificating. He, like myself, is Jewish and when he speaks I cringe – for Cantor is so not of the standard ilk that defines our Liberal progressive tribes. This past week has presented Cantor and company, especially Speaker of the House John Boehner with plenty of opportunity to bellow their faux concerns about issues of press freedom, IRS over reach and foreign relations. Yes indeed,  here we go – puffery and preening abound as the GOP protest the Obama Administration handling of various crisis situations, as well as, day to day governance issues. For me, Cantor, is a personal issue – when he proposes programs that are antithetical to Judaism tenets I feel REAL concern. Of course, we Jews have every right to be members of either or no political party – however, the REAL fact is that as a whole being Democrats suits our philosophy the best. Discuss I will on the whys and the hows my people. despite being so successful, still feel more kin to those struggling than others in our nation. A little guilt perhaps or as I frequently suggest, a REAL sense of remembering where we have been or could be again … you know, them today, us tomorrow scenario at play.

Surely the situations most recently causing Cantor and the other GOP operatives to go nearly mad are to be examined and reviewed. The oddity is that IRS intrusion into people and organizations is a Liberal preoccupation, so are issues like AP reporters having phone logs subpoenas and most definitely is the idea that an administration delineated facts on subject of national security like the Benghazi attack that resulted in our U.S. Ambassador and other Americans deaths. Think about it – the controversial news stories we are currently discussing are nearly identical to those the left side of the political isle fretted over during the eight year Bush Administration. When I read or hear a Jewish man like Eric Cantor attempt analytic compensatory explanations condemning President Obama, there is much hand wringing for me as I feel his insincerity defining the moment. No REAL logic or scholarship is presented to support why anyone, especially a person who studied Talmudic justice, could profess ideas of so little realistic consequences. See why I am embarrassed that me and Eric share a faith? I worry that when an American Jewish politician joins in with the extremist either left or right side, they take the risk of alienating the entire nation from support of our minority and more importantly of Israel. We  Jews have been scapegoats before in many countries and we could very well be again here if things go badly on the suggestive policies of Eric Cantor’s current extremist GOP Tea Party group.

Anyway, I have left many messages on Eric Cantor’s office voice mail … more Jewish Mother in tone , than outraged citizen. My message something like, “How could you say such a thing or vote that way when you are Jewish?” No I do not think all my people re perfect but I do want them to carry the banner of our glorious faith – our singular and original template of REAL justice for all the world. In the book, Why Jews Are Liberal? much is made of the REAL fact that we being so financially accomplished oft times vote against our own best interest – true in even our championing groups that are not our natural allies has come to not REAL benefit for we Jews. Still we proceed in a manner befitting our uniqueness in this world and for that I remain proud. In my year end memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! I will share many REAL facts on my own background and family involvement in politics and social causes that defined us as Liberal – maybe Eric Cantor will read it and come back to the fold or maybe he will convert – nu?

The Nixon Homunculus

IRS targeting Tea Party types, deleted Bengahzi emails … Oy Veh – sounds like, to paraphrase a quote from a  Fox news analyst: “as if President Obama might have a little bit of Nixon style at play – this is the Nixon inside Obama “. No such thing is REALLY occurring but damn it – that will not prevent the extremist GOP operatives from jumping on these recent national incidents and taking the opportunity to further their anti Obama administration fervor. Yep – here we go folks – much to %#@*%#@ do about absolutely nothing. Oh my – does President Obama have a Nixonian homunculus working against democracy – plotting against us –  the American people? Obviously not but lets examine the REAL facts anyway because REAL truth and REAL transparency is REALLY important for this country to move forward.

On 11 September 2012 an attack that killed our U.S. Ambassador and other Americans occurred in Bengahzi, Libya – a tragedy and something that concerned the U.S., other nations and the citizens of Libya as well. We all remember the cheaply made movie that was so offensive to Islam, produced in California, that was thought to set off the riots that lead to our security being breached. Was it that, the date of September 11th, pure anti-American sentiments or a combination? No matter which or all – lives were lost and relations strained. Still many Libyans praised the lost Ambassador – so investigation was warranted and then came claims of the Obama administration and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s neglect … even worse was insinuation from Republicans that it was intentionally maleficence that resulted in loss of American lives. Let me tell you a REAL law school 101 dictate – there has to be a “get” – a reason – a resulting benefit to prove intention and as such one has to ask why the hell anyone would deliberately put our U.S. Ambassador at risk? Simply answer is that no one – no matter political party – would ever do that – period, end of story. But that has not stopped the naysayer diatribe – no indeed for they will continue to drag this out with faux concern in order to shed a false light on the Obama administration. Dear G-d, even Hillary Clinton’s intonation – make that pause in sentence structure got scrutiny. The Secretary of State when questioned at a hearing about the Benghazi tragedy responded strongly by asking who cares how it happened in reference to the deaths of brave Americans … she paused after “Who cares?” and that was made out by her committed foes to mean she was suggesting a nonchalant  attitude toward those murdered that night. Give me a break – are you joking GOP? Now none of you REALLY think Hillary Clinton thought those deaths insignificant – do  you?

Here come the tax man – I know that no one REALLY loves the IRS and yes Nixon REALLY did have a “hit list” for his enemies to be audited. Truth of the matter is that certain guidelines exist that determine which types of organizations – like foundations and non profits – get more scrutiny from our Federal Tax Bureau. Why not? If you or your group want to be exempt or favored at tax time – should not that privilege be stringently looked at before such benefits are allowed? Of course, no one must be placed in an unfair or unequal review line on account of politics or tone or posture toward the government. So when this past week it was revealed that Tea Party extremist anti-governmental styled groups were being specifically targeted, there was outrage. Did the IRS target Conservative groups? Seems that might have happened but why is still being discussed. I agree – no left nor right extremist persons or organization should be exaggerated in the IRS status concerns and yet are not some of these not REALLY sufficiently structured for tax exemptions? I don’t know but think it wise to at least give that thought some consideration. Without a doubt I am in favor of reviewing any prejudicial focus on a particular group by the IRS – for no political persuasion or other denotation should single out a person, group or organization for government scrutiny.

All in all our U.S.A. system works – it worked when Nixon hid so much and targeted his perceived enemies. It worked less well when the Bush Administration persuaded us to go to war in Iraq only to discover no weapons of mass destruction existed there – it REALLY does work here in this great nation but it takes scholarship and REAL intellectual honest effort to keep this joint open and free. To delineate for faux conspiracies is the proverbial “slippery slope” to a disorganized and undemocratic nation – stop it now before we lose our way America. Hyperbole can destroy REAL arguments and deny this great country the route to a corrective and fair path where all are given equality. In my year end memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! many REAL details on why false dialogues deeply concern me will be included. For now, I implore you all to hold fast the anchor of reasonably focused involvement  - our life as a great nation REALLY depends on it my dear readers!

The Gay Economist

Long a personal fan [like my erudite Liberal parents before me] of Keynesian economic theory, I was daunted by the recent Niall Ferguson controversy where he suggested Keynes theories invalid on account of that famed economist having been gay and childless. The suggestion was the Keynes could not have been forward thinking about the future of day to day economics as he had no progeny to care about. Well now – REALLY one must ask? Let me begin by firmly stating that Keynes actually cared a great deal about the long run consequences of financial policies – just not at the risk of destroying current day stability for the nation involved or the world. With that REAL fact out of the way – we must give consideration to the prejudicial tonality of Harvard Professor Ferguson’s assertions. Surely as we are all informed and directed by personal narratives, so was John Maynard Keynes but this does not in any way denote the rhyme nor reason for his scholarship on the subject of economics. Let us examine the implications of lifestyle choices on topics of great importance and while doing so inform ourselves on those determined to minimize that which they find offensive or incorrect through misconceived ideas.

Dismissive attitudes make examining REAL and pertinent ideas almost impossible … you have heard the excuse of he or she thinks that because he or she is such and such. Silly when one considers that each of us come to conclusive positions through learning and experience. Yes it is imperative to set aside as best possible our own life biography when postulating that which affects others through our professional work; even then,  without a doubt who we are in private life will influence that which we pursue in work. My own take on economic theories mirror Keynes – I too think the private sector while valuable and primary must be assisted in down turns by public or government programs and funds. Wow – me a confirmed heterosexual and the mostly [yes mostly in that he married a woman he loved a great deal] Keynes share philosophies – me and many rather famous heterosexuals, like Dr. Paul Krugman, etc.. Now in all fairness to Professor Ferguson, it is a truism that one can be guilty of self prejudices and thus put forth those theories that lay way for self aggrandizing. This quandary needs to be a matter of investigatory observation in an attempt to have only the purist of adversary rhetoric added to discussions of weighty significance.

The important economist Milton Friedman thought Keynes “naive” but is that because like myself he was Jewish and Keynes not? Remember that I have already stated that I and my Jewish parents were very much of the Keynes school of thought. Well maybe – just maybe our shared faith influenced that which each of us and all Jewish people see as important but then why do other Jews think opposite? Hmm … complex and yet simple – we are definitely the products of our environments however never to be set aside as irrelevant due to this or that ancestral history or genetic predisposition - like being homosexual. The world community is diverse and magnificent in its mosaic fabric – too important are the issues of finance, health and welfare to deny opportunity to all and many able to contribute. So gay, straight or other – come one and all to the table – we need each person to be seated and REALLY involved!!!

P.S. In my year end memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! much will be explained as to the how and why  life has afforded me concern and input concerning things like economics, sociology and such – a REALLY interesting life story if I say so myself!

Mother to Langston Hughes … Why She Matters So Much!

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Mother to Son

Langston Hughes (1922)

Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light. So boy, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps ’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now— For I’se still goin’, honey, I’se still climbin’, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. Mother’s Day, 12 May 2013, is here and all who are maternal among us are to be celebrated. Those of us having birthed babies, adopted children, helped raised those born to others, mothered in one or another way a friend – perhaps even a stranger – are ALL to be recognized and remembered. There are the good and the bad to be considered in the annals of Mothers … often faux Madonna like status is afforded a woman singularly because she gestated. While admirable and obviously necessary to continue our species, even those like myself who have gone through great expense and effort to become Mothers, are not to automatically grouped in a glorified reverence  No indeed, as there are many not worthy of respect nor admiration – still the nature of the maternal relationship denotes a bond undeniable. So it is that we celebrate annually this day of mass recognition for Mothers everywhere – cards, flowers, gifts and more bought, sent and given to designate the role of Mothers each May in the U.S.A. and on different days in many other parts of the world. Nice yes but short changed in my opinion – for mothering is a multiply aspectus and many faceted derived condition and as such we need examine the historic, present and continually changing ideal that defines Mama. I began this post with the wonderful poem by the amazing Langston Hughes. In reality, Hughes Mother was not a poverty struggling woman … his was from a well educated, mixed race [even Jewish ancestry] accomplished family. Even so this poet, writer and activist knew of what he wrote – for it surrounded him in the society of his days. These women who persevered against all odds to still love and raise children – often without Fathers involved – aroused an awareness in Hughes that permeates Mother to Son Poem so well. The ultimate gift of any parent or guardian to a child is example and tutorial that defines fortitude. This is the same REAL blessing I have often written about in past posts that my own parents gave me – that ability to REALLY overcome all obstacles in life. In my year end (2013) memoir, Heiress Mommy .. A Modern Super Woman Life! the many ways my Mother’s instruction on life has made a REAL difference to me will amaze the reader. No less than herculean striving is frequently required to succeed in this world and is not survival, along with thriving what every Mother and Father wish for their offspring? Of course, the physical connection, the care taking, as well as, the unconditional life long loving bond Mothers provide their children is without comparison in the realm of human existence. No need to define what salient characteristic cause child to adore its Mother – the draw no matter how unhappy the familial tonality is unquestionable. Goes without saying that no greater intertwined human relationship exists than that between Mother and child. All I ask is that on this Mother’s Day occasion 2013, you look deeper than the Hallmark card denotation that portrays Mother as only that first female in our life here on Earth!

T.V. Court America is World’s Circus Maximus

“Lights, Camera, Action!” is no longer singularly the call for a television drama or film production . Sadly it is now the directive beginning for sensational and often relatively unimportant REAL life crime scene and courtroom dramas. Rome’s Circus Maximus was the venue for ludi – the religious festivals that one might say deteriorated into the thrills and spills of chariot races and later man versus animal challenges. Seems to me the same proverbial raw meat “slippery slope” has occurred in U.S.A.  jurisprudence my friends. Why surely you can recall the O.J. Simpson trial being the birthing venue for the now constant rally round the television screen 24/7 latest sensational crime story. No matter the REAL societal significance or lack thereof, this entire nation – even world – seems drawn like the proverbial moth to flame when presented with criminal or at times civil legal matters and subsequent courtroom dramas get into the public arena. We are in REAL danger of taking our eye off the ball folks – so many pressing and serious life matters to be addressed and yet the news uses precious resources to give us massive public access to crime scene and court room happenings. Why we must ask – what is the motivation besides shear voyeurism that has created this, to me, very troubling societal posture?

Vitriolic fervor – passion beyond the norm is what we see these days as the public reacts, comments and even protest legal case verdicts.  Of course, there has always been a certain level of titillation and news focus on crimes of the infamous and famous but social media has allowed for a world stage where all the viewers feel perfectly comfortable inserting themselves as judge, jury  and executioner. Without hesitation individuals will call in to Court television coverage to condemn a jury decision, second guess a schooled judge and even critique police/detective work. No question that redress by those not directly involved in a matter of legality is as old as the system of laws – the REAL difference in our present massive 24/7 Cable, Facebook, Twitter and such atmosphere is the proliferation of joined efforts by strangers in an effort to direct and decide what results come from the halls of justice. Trial by public opinion is not the place we want to go – no my dear readers for that is without a doubt the road to REAL damnation. What prejudice, personal premeditation, ignorance will determine the fate of those being tried – isn’t this a frightening idea? You must agree with me that the almost “feeding the lions”  tonality of constant barrage coverage of each and every latest courtroom drama is at best uncomfortable and at worst a serious deterioration of our legal system. My oh my – law as entertainment is no longer a good movie or play but a REAL life imitating art imitating life and equaling not REAL art but a public circus. Myself – I am deeply concerned that we can not go back to a studied concentrated effort to right wrongs in accordance with our legal system. We need to get a grip on the mass emotions and seeming rightful privilege to nonchalantly determine what is good or bad law.

I need not convince you by my written words alone  - just think back and try to remember the 2011 Casey Anthony trial. Dear G-d, what public focus and REAL angst that tragedy produced day in and day out … a child, Caylee Anthony dead, reasons unknown and yet the wonderful America justice system REALLY did work and allow a jury of her peers to decide the fate and outcome. Agree or not – that is how it should work and none of us will be content otherwise in the end if polls decide guilt or innocence. Now we have the Jodi Arias  situation – WOW – strangers cheering her conviction outside the court house. What REAL business is this legal drama to the general public … we have to believe that those so hell bent on voicing opinion in this kind of news story are either without vice or terribly bored. Flip I am being here but not lacking in concern. In my mind the other  obvious issue is why the community surrounding these crime scenes are not as easily made to get involved in bigger issues like child neglect, homelessness, environmental deprivation, government budget cuts  - all that might have effected the original demographic that produced the criminal tragedy that now is so important to them.

There is every right for the citizenry of a nation and even the entire world to review and weigh in on matters of law. However, under no circumstance will humanity benefit from hysterical and uneducated participation through social media in matters of law. We must be careful and reign in this run away train – always and completely being respectful of the system that our own democracy has created. Yes oversight and constant vigilance against extremist attitudes are mandated in jurisprudence but that swinging pendulum must not be allowed too wide an arc. In my year end (2013) memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! there will be REAL and heartfelt detailing of why I care so much about the scales of justice. Until then I ask that you stay involved but not without thoughts of what REALLY matters most – that is a fair and balanced land of laws, which  is best for all of us!

The Grateful Wedding Guest

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“Curly, full, straight or up?”  I asked my darling long time friend and brilliant hairdresser, Marina. Dressed and ready to attend the wedding of goddess gal pal Connie R. and her wonderful fiance Mike G., I left to get to the church on time. Yes,  me, a  Jewish lady spends a great deal of time seeing friends and colleagues wed in Churches – the gift of having been blessed with diverse groups in my life. So it was that I was, along with other invited wedding guests, witness to the joining of a man and a woman who waited many years to find a REAL soul mate. Grateful to be included at this lovely and intimate event, I prayed, I danced, I ate and I rejoiced to see my friend in the place of oneness with her chosen partner – which is how I, myself with my own husband, get to live happily with each day. The history of marriage throughout humanity is long and complex – still all the intonations of this union are based on betterment not only for the couple but equally for the society in which they dwell. When, why, how marriage became the foundation union of our species says much about its value – I want to share a few reasons that my heart and mind know marriage is not to be denied anyone who seeks it.

The wedding is a primeval and continuously observed human ritual … the unification of a man and woman in a joined acknowledgement of a higher being dates back to first written history. Morphing, changing and often accommodating to mores of society has produced many attenuated and varied wedding ceremonies around the globe. At the start and through the Middle Ages all that was needed is for the man and woman to state before community and family their intent to be married – no real contractual documentation required. In my own faith of Judaism, many marriage rituals are recorded as having begun and been well established in Biblical times – those also changing and developing into new forms in the Middle Ages and more so in the 19th century. Jewish marriage - like much in my faith – has REAL and specific rules and protection clauses – one might saw legal dictates, as instruction for this ritual. Christian weddings are mentioned in gospel recounting of their Messiah’s time among the people. Other cultures, nations and communities throughout written history describe practices and processes for the permanent relationship of two people in marital bonds. The celebratory aspect no doubt grew and changed in accordance with customs and desires of those involved. Grandeur, pomp and circumstance once only the purview of wealthy and well placed, came to be common place and even expected among all peoples entering into matrimony. In my opinion no one should be denied the legal right to marry and carry on the traditional sacredness that such a possibility allows – we make better the entirety of our world when two consenting adults make it REAL and known that they are united in effort to make a life worthy of recognition.

As I wrote in previous blog posts, my friends who married yesterday have gone through ordeals; likewise, these two generous individuals stood by myself and my husband through our own burdens, as we did them. To be invited – so honored to be in attendance as these kind and loving people, Mike and Connie became husband and wife, was a REAL privilege. Made more special in that they limited those present to bear witness at this ceremony … as those throughout history have done, I as a grateful wedding guest expressed praise to G-d and joyfulness watching the ultimate commitment of married life begin for Mr. & Mrs. G.!!!

P.S. In my year end memoir, Heiress Mommy … A Modern Super Woman Life! there will be much to share about my own wonderful REALLY amazing marriage, as well as, how my brilliant genealogist husband, Chester Michael Eliasz-Solomon, makes use of marriage records in many languages for his work – quite interesting, I assure you!