Once Upon A Time Stories

It’s Tuesday, January 31, 2012! That means, at 11:59 p.m. this evening, I will be choosing one of my blog’s subscribers to receive a copy of A BOOK ABOUT ME (which really isn’t about me). If you’ll read my blog posting Fifteen Minutes a Day, it will provide specifics for entry into this giveaway, then decide whether or not to throw your name in the hat for a copy of the book.

For now, as a reminder about the giveaway, I thought I’d provide a little more information about the book itself.

It may be purchased via Amazon. As you can tell from the picture of the front cover, it’s spiral-bound. Inside are pages (one for every day of the year) on which YOU can write your personal story.

To give you an understanding of how the book is organized, here’s a reproduction of the Table of Contents.

Beginning with January 1, each day poses a question or questions and provides fill-in boxes where you can write your answer. (It works something like a diary, but don’t worry. You can start writing wherever you like — it’s your book! You can even take time to ponder a question before writing your answer in the space provided.)

Each month focuses on one particular aspect of life. Here’s what the first pages of January look like.

Life, Gateway to Free Expression

Wikipedia has become a fixture of online communication. Want to familiarize yourself with the various members of the Tudor dynasty? Find it here. Or maybe you need a recording of a cow’s “moo.” Find that here.On January 18th, you might have been annoyed, frustrated or perplexed by the above screen result that prevented access to any Wikipedia page. (Maybe it was the first you’d heard of the SOPA/PIPA bills.) If you searched for an explanation, you might have found articles like this one,  or this, or this. Opinions about the blackout (and its efficacy) varied widely.

In the days following the blackout, my reflections veered in an unexpected direction. With the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade occurring on January 22nd, I contemplated what the impact might have been if all those

The Best Romance

Okay, I admit it … while channel-surfing Monday night, I paused at ABC‘s The Bachelor just as the last rose was about to be presented. (See my previous post here.) I didn’t catch the fainting part, but while I watched, the unfolding melodrama seemed as predictable as if I’d written the script myself.

I’ll defer to Chris Harrison voice-overs to belabor the question of whether Ben will “find true love.” In splendid counterpoint to that bachelor’s situation, I offer a tale of genuine love — in action.

Be It Resolved?

Reflecting today about New Year’s resolutions, I did what I often do:  I ran a Google search. Imagine, if you will, my chagrin when one of the top search results was:  Popular New Year’s Resolutions‌ ¦ USA.gov.

As one might predict, I followed the link. The webpage offers a baker’s dozen of common resolutions and links each resolution to other government websites designed to “help you achieve your goals.”

Really? Perhaps they would want to know one of my goals is to see the government transformed into a leaner, more effective, less intrusive version of this current behemoth. Will they help me achieve that goal?

[I recall President Reagan's quip:  "The nine most terrible words in the English language are:  'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"]

Fifteen Minutes A Day

Who among us wouldn’t be happy about shedding a few pounds?

I don’t even have a scale, but I’m aware when my clothing feels more snug than normal. So, having partaken of many holiday goodies over the last couple months, I’ve been working the elliptical with added intensity and motivation.

Now comes a joint study released by Stanford University and Renford University (see more details in this article). The study reveals … (drum roll, please!) the secret of weight loss! The authors focused on 45 undergrad female students divided into two groups.

Happily Ever After?

Flipping through the channels last week, I stumbled upon the season premiere of The Bachelor. Against my better judgment, I paused long enough to be temporarily drawn in. I was intrigued by Cheryl, (a 72 year old grandmother who, upon shaking Ben’s hand, promptly declared her love for him), curious about Casey S. who neglected to greet Ben but moved directly from the limo toward the house, and amused by Lindzi C.’s unusual (but memorable) approach (choosing not to arrive via limo but instead, riding a horse).

[A disclaimer:  I didn't watch the season where this young man was one of 25 entrants ... eventually the one whose heart was "crushed" when The Bachelorette (Ashley) rejected his proposal.]

Since The Bachelor and its spin-off, The Bachelorette, began airing in 2002, I’ve viewed a handful of episodes. In terms of success in capturing viewers for ABC, these are ratings winners. The ratings, of course, translate to advertising dollars for ABC — which is what ultimately keeps both shows on the air.

Heads Will Roll

Though I have strong opinions regarding most political matters, Wise Blood was never intended as a political blog. Today, however, I’m treading — albeit lightly — into political terrain.

Current events trouble me. I find this video chilling. See what you think.

Individuals who hold elected positions — we used to call them “dignitaries” — were once deemed to deserve and be accorded with due respect … no matter their political point of view.

So it disturbs me Congressman John Lewis — an invited guest — was turned away from the event. He made the effort to come. (Whether or not his appearance was calculated for political points is irrelevant, at least to me.)