Butterflies and Bourbon

The World retains balance.

2010-10-02T07:52:00.002-05:00

Paris Hilton will have her own TV show.
Rick Sanchez has been fired from CNN.

TV's intelligence quotient remains unchanged.

Healthcare reform vs human dignity.

2010-03-23T08:16:00.005-06:00

Humility: Recognizing how insignificant I am; recognizing that I am the glory of God.

The healthcare bill is passed; benefits will accrue to many who were previously disenfranchised.

Rancor will continue for awhile; self-interests will continue. Change is difficult.

Courage was displayed by some, cowardice by others. Who is correct?

Sounds like the pharisees and romans who nailed Jesus have returned.

Only an inner light will reveal the answer. Is it money? selfishness? self-protection? Esteem?

It is appalling that the sanctity requested for a fetus does not extend to the total human family.

How would Jesus vote?

Everything Changes...everything remains the same.

2010-02-05T07:49:00.008-06:00

tigeredwardssanfordspitzerhaggardclinton, et al.
emailvoicemailcellphonemessengeraimtwitterfacebookgoogle
warsfamineabusedisasterterrortorture.
What is honesty?
What is humanity?

The Christmas Story Mexican Style.

2009-12-25T11:11:00.005-06:00

The TV lineup for Christmas Eve mainly consisted of re-runs of all the Christmas decorating and cooking shows produced during the past 3 or 4 years. Having tired of the glitz and galare I decided that 9:30 would be a good time to head to bed for a peaceful and sound sleep.

As usualy here in Mexico, the best made plans can easily go awry.

Having settled comfortably into bed, dogs by myside, the sounds of music and laughter flowed through my window. Within a short distance of the house neighbors had gathered, families came together. The sounds and music were different from the normal barrio fiesta. The music had a more sincere tone and the children's sounds seemed more gleeful: laughter, shreaks and satisfactory screams of a successful task accomplished.

Slowly I realized what caused such a joyous sound:pinatas.

Many of our streets are festooned with these colorful, multi-faceted, papier mache decorations. They hang across the streets as Santa and his reindeer would in many northern cities.

Letting my mind wander over the scene it is easy to envision the childrem gathered below each pinata; one child with arms flailing; blindfolded. I am sure that the many directions and suggestions offered only made the task a little more difficult. Child after child would participate in the endeavor. Each trying to remember the previous suggestion; each with his/her own strategy. Many arms wacking away at an unseen vessel filled with the treats and rewards so sought after. Comfort comes as the contents spill forth and are shared with each child.

A lesson for us all; flailing, swinging, anticipating...finally the rewards spill forth.

This is why Jesus was born.

Merry Christmas to all.

Where will Jesus dine this week?

2009-09-17T07:36:00.006-05:00

This week one of the T & T ( Toddlers and Tiaras) moms admitted, with pride, that she was indeed a stereotypical "pageant mom." By her confession she readily acknowledged the stigma sometimes attached to the role. She further explains that she accepts the stigmatized label and diminishes its effect by also allowing that, "it is not as though she were a Welfare Mom." She further explains that it is a difficult road that brings her to martyrdom as her precious little princess has "undiagnoses ADHD." Throughout the show she demonstrates the emotional and intellectual challenges she faces; easily admits an erroneous decision that potentially could cause her little princess to loose the crown; and sadly has a meltdown, albeit only temporary.

It is easy to see her as an example of the breakdown of the American psyche as portrayed in the media these past few days.

In a similar manner, Jimmy Carter got media attention this week by displaying a return to his old self. He proposed that the depth of anger and hostility being directed at president Obama was rooted in racism. He was immediately criticized on the news channels for remarks that were seen as short-sighted, politically motivated, patently absurd, and erroneous. Ah, that Jimmy Carter...such a rabble-rowser. He was just being his stereotypical self. Of course, typical for Jimmy is his honesty, integrity, insight, compassion, wisdom, experience, and fearlessness. His words are a reminder that mandated integration has little to do with racism...racism is a blood-bourne pathogen with a diverse etiology.

Only time will decide if Carter was a great President. His words identify him as a decent man.

Who will be having a BLT with Jesus this week?

Jesus was busy this week.

2009-08-30T08:37:00.007-05:00

There sure is alot of polarizing going on north of the border. The debate over healthcare seems to be split between two camps...those for whom it is an economic issue and those for whom it is a moral issue. It remains to be seen which side will either win, or compromise their beliefs.

Ted Kennedy was buried yesterday. The "Lion of the Senate" always followed his belief that healthcare for all was a matter of morals over economics, human dignity over second-class citizenship. Both amazing positions when his life included decisions which compromised his ethics, beliefs and values.

The dichotomy certainly displays his humanity. His astounding record certainly exemplifies his faith.

I understand redemption better this week.

America's Pride

2009-08-23T08:48:00.005-05:00

A very busy week has passed. Outrage continues to grow about the govenment plan to euthanize grandma. The Jackson family cannot find a convenient time to bury Michael. Senator Ensign is developing a scale which will monitor the severity of extra-marital sex. Jon Gosselin may participate in a series about divorced dads. Quite a week for the cable networks!

How proud it is to be an American.

CNN seems to be increasing the level of professionalism displayed by the on-air talent. It seems they have recently revamped their new delivery system to include the ultimate in computer graphics...however, it is a purloined idea.

On a recent show Wolfie interviewed Bill Coen with the able assistance of Tom Foreman. I do not recall the topic. In fact, it would be impossible to recall the topic since I was captivated by the the stellar computer graphics display.

For those who may have missed this opportunity let me explain.

The interview was conducted by Wolfie. While he was posing the relevant questions to Bill Coen, Tom Foreman pulled graphics from the display. He most ably accomplished this tasks by running his stubbly little fingers across and screen making pictures, graphics, and whatever, pop out, enlarge and then mysteriously disappear at break-neck speed. A speed so break-neck that the viewer was left wondering what the actual graphic represents.

Now, as annoying as this may be, the concept is well founded...afterall, Vanna has been doing it for years.

El Malecon: Mariachis and The Matador.

2009-08-14T13:52:00.006-05:00

There are less visitors to the malecon this week; the restauants have fewer customers; the mariachis are wandering less. It is more and more evident that the economy is slowing. There are rumors at lakeside that some returning snowbirds are cancelling their rentals and winter tourists are not even inquiring about prospective lodgings.

Fear is obviously a powerful force. Will I be safe south of the border? What will happen to me should I catch the flu? If I leave the US will the govenment put a hit on grandma?

Wednesdays episode of Toddlers and Tiaras centered on a "glitz" pageant in Connecticut. Being a national pageant contestants came from far and wide...some with more expensive clothes and professionally-coached talent. Most had one thing in common, the ever-present "flipper."

A "flipper" is a dental apparatus the covers the flaws in normally developing teeth. It assures a uniform smile. A side-effect of this devise to to leave these youthful participants looking angry and tooth-bound.

Again, the question is fear. Is it better to kill off grandma or to raise a generation of Eleanor Roosevelt look-alikes?

Be afraid, very afraid.

Far be it from me to be critical..but

2009-08-06T08:17:00.004-05:00

It is amazing how two days of vertigo can help bring clarity to life.

For the past couple of weeks I have watched TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras. Without any intended bias on my part I have commented that the majority of these pageants seem to take place in southern states...Texas, Louisiana, et al.

The locale is not as important as the resources that are pumped into the economy.
Thousands of dollars are spent on glitz...gowns, artificial hair, nails, eyelashes, coaching and the inevitable new polyester pants suits for the pageant moms.

Last nights show added a new dimension.

First, it focused on a pageant in West Virginia; second, it introduced this years first pageant DAD, and lastly, it incorporated a subtle political statement.

There was, of course, the obligatory glitz...gowns, hair pieces, capped teeth etc. As a twist, a comparison was drawn between those who chose to bankrupt themselves with custom made ensembles and those who chose to design and make their own....as conceived, designed and supervised by the pageant dad.

The opening introductions affored the opportunity to visit the contestants at their WV homesteads. A far cry from the manicured manses shown on previous shows. Almost all of the pageant parents spoke of their childs enjoyment of participation...and they were beleivable, for a change.

The pageant dad was very beleivable in his role. This is how it should be since his childs favorite pasttime, outside of the pageant world, was wrestling.

My vertigo disappeared.

A vacancy in the attic.

2009-08-03T14:06:00.004-05:00

It was a lovely weekend. The weather was mild and the rain gentle. Tourist flocked to the malecon. A new restaurant opened in town. The opening party was a great experience, devoid of gringos.

Then a crisis hit.

Through some aberration, known only to God, I signed up for Facebook. Immediately, strange, perverted people began to welcome me to their pages. Friends of friends or relatives and their relatives wanted to welcome me into the exclusive enclave of their lives.

I am a less-than-active participant in my life. Needless to say, entrance into someone elses is not in my wish list.

There is a button in Facebook. Click it and you are no longer a participant. I clicked. Next they wanted to know why I clicked. None of their quieries matched my reasoning...It did not slow my computer; I did not feel unsafe using the program; I was not being exploited. Ah, a final choice...comments.

"Antisocial." My email inbox is finally manageable again.

My Teachable Moment

2009-07-30T17:03:00.002-05:00

The time is finally here...at least that is what the CNN clock now says. It has completed the countdown to President Obama's beer party. Of course, there are only two reasons for holding this beer summit: the first reason is simply, Obama opened his mouth and let his foot do the wandering; the second reason the beer summit is being held is it affords CNN continuation of its racial pandering.

Now for the most important teachable moment of the day.

A recent study found that organic foods have the same nutiritonal benefits of non-organic foods.
Albeit, there is some value to pesticide and hormone-free meats and produce.

Tonight many American families face the awareness that their higher-priced purchases of organic products was simply a waste of money.

Teachable Moment

In this supposed third-world country we eat organic, pesticide and hormonal free products everyday; with no additional cost.

Outcast - Strangers in our midst.

2009-07-26T09:03:00.003-05:00

The malecon was crowded with vacationers last evening. Several times we were the object of curiosity...a unique experience, for sure. The "turistas" came from various parts of the country; in couples, small families, large families, singles. There were mixed couples, same gendered couples, friends, allies and wanna be parejas. The turistas are smiling, scolding children, taking pictures and offering an inquistitive glance at the aging gringos.

One couple, mixed, were heading towards a restaurant. They were youthful and exuberant strolling past. The boys on the end and the girls closely encased in the middle. Obviously the girls were friends as they each had split a pair of shoes; left and right, one high heel, one flat, they walked with a seamless gait as though this was a common occurence.

One couple, males, jovens shared the earpieces of an Ipod. Midway in their journey they changed direction. In one, seamless move they turned, repositioned the earpieces and continued towards their destination.

Being a minority in this country affords me the opportunity to view life with a different perspective. Without the constraints of familiarity, what would seem odd in one circumstance is accepted as being charming in another.

This is not a third-world country. In a third-world country women would not be able to navigate the cobblestone street, or a sandy beach, while wearing 6 inch stiletto heels.

What's really important

2009-07-23T09:22:00.004-05:00

Michael Jackson has a love child.
Jon Gosselin likes spending time in the Hamptons.
Scooter is discussed in TIME.
Kate takes the kids to NY.
and......

Will a middle-aged Papi make a great grandfather? (Developing Story)

Mexican Serenity

2009-07-19T09:18:00.003-05:00

The thunder began rolling down the lake at 3:30 this morning. I still find it amazing that such a powerful and ear-splitting event can be an opportunity to find serenity. The power of the thunder and the day-bright flashes of lightening signal the coming of an earth-awakening downpour.

The air is sweet, clean, and heavy this morning. Life will progress today in a more exuberant manner.

I wonder if the Virgen slept with 2 dogs last night.

It is warm at Lakeside today.

2009-07-18T17:11:00.000-05:00

The rainy season has arrived...but in a slow and sporadic manner. We have had just enough rain to turn the mountains into a wonderland of emerald velvet. The wonder of the season is not just in the magical profusion of colors and scents, but in the renewal of activity it brings to the people.

Last week was the end of the school year. Families are now arriving at lakeside by bus, car and truck. The Malecon and the Park are filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of families celebrating their unique bond.

It is sorta like a US soccer camp; only with more sincerity.