It is most strange to look at Related Stories section of the blog essentially going back in time. So that was done, the stories appearing on the June 24,2020 blog. The blogs were of my Vancouver days wherein much joy was expressed and a hilarious video of my dancing with a trainer at the Equinox gym whose nickname was E.H. – which stood for Even Hotter. Laughing in the background was Hottie, my trainer at the Equinox who was the camera man. It was spontaneous, the whole ‘affair’.
At the time in my early Vancouver days I was anti-American – so it is interesting to read those sentiments living, quite contentedly back in the Excited States, blessed to be here with my beloved professionals, my right knee replacement and pretty soon, clean teeth. If it is not derailed again with the silly hysterical unreasonable reaction to the virus. I did remember reading and writing about the lack of science and truth prevalent in this country but Related Stories brought this forward and is copied herein. I wrote it, therefore I am not plagiarizing
“I told my fellow Canadians about an article in the September 2017 edition of the Atlantic. Kurt Anderson explores “Why America Went Haywire”. It is a fascinating article and I will quote from it today and in subsequent blogs. This is its basic premise”” The election of Donald Trump revealed that a critical mass of Americans has become untethered from reality. Here’s how that happened.” The language is succinct and searing. “Trump doesn’t like experts, because they interfere with his right as an American to believe or pretend that fictions are false.” Another, “Our shocking Trump moment is just the ultimate expression of mind-sets that have made America exceptional for its entire history.”
Listen to the language and the facts in this article. “How widespread is this promiscuous devotion to the untrue? How many Americans now inhabit alternative realties? Anderson then examines the results of surveys that examine beliefs. “Only a third of us, for instance, don’t believe that the tale of creation in Genesis is the word of God. Only a third strongly believe in telepathy and ghosts….More than half say they’re absolutely certain heaven exists, and just as many are sure of the existence of a personal God – not a vague force or universal spirit or higher power, but some guy. A third believe that our earliest ancestors were humans just like us.” The list goes on and on.
I am so intensely relieved to be out of the USA, to return to the land of my birth where such beliefs are not as widespread. I will quote further from this impressive article in subsequent blogs. But such seriousness will be interspersed with humour and happy thoughts. I am going to London for a well deserved visit in December. My friends have hilarious things to say about my return and I shall share them.
Yesterday was a solitary pyjama day but today its the Equinox and other hot spots. Perhaps a brief visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, as a member you can just go in and peek from time to time. I do have a wonderful life, certainly it has its ups and downs but on the whole- GREAT!”
Now would be a time to define plagiarize: take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it off as one’s own. I am not someone else, my words were always my words and credit was given to Kurt Anderson. Back to my synonyms: pass off as one’s own, infringe the copyright of, pirate, steal, poach, borrow, appropriate; rip off, lift, crib; pinch, nick.
I did not pirate, poach, rip off or crib my prior blog – those were my words. However, it is most strange to read the sentiments contained. “I do have a wonderful life, it says but contentment with Vancouver lessened – grew to hate it for various substantial reasons, leaving to come to the USA for right knee replacement surgery but then deciding to get an apartment in San Francisco. It was a wise decision – as this is the best place for me to be in these troubled times.
Looking back on all of those days and my very interesting (of late) life. None of this would have been possible if I bore children. Could not have educated myself, had the money to spend on massive psychotherapy, could not have gone to law school at night and then obtain Masters degrees in writing, would not have had the retirement income I enjoy as there was no ‘break in service’ and there were no distractions making it possible for me to read and accumulate knowledge, to travel to foreign places. Do I regret not having children? NEVER!
So it is now off to my current existence. There was the strangest YouTube offered by the Sultan (aka the Crown Prince of Dubai, aka Fazza), the man I met at my London hotel in November of 2019. It is called One Night in Duba and the link: https://youtu.be/X7Q0Hsi6jI4
Was rather freaked upon seeing it, sent it to CPI requesting her watching and her comments.
She: Sent to you directly? Seems to me to be the usual “propaganda”, only with no children and fewer animals (except camels). Plus the added weight of taking the virus seriously and wearing a mask when shown with others. Rather strange mixture of past activities and a new statesmanship.
Have switched from gummy worms to oreos, so love from amongst the crumbs.
Me: I am so laughing about the “love amongst the crumbs”. I have developed an obsession for donut holes, never been interested or enjoyed sweets before. This self isolation is clearly getting to me.
She: He does look alluring in his face mask.
Me; Well true, But why is it a cheap paper one? Makes no sense to me.
She: So not sent directly?
Me: No, of course not. But the timing is rather apt as increasing dissatisfaction in the blog, very unusual. But do not fear, there is no way I am going for one night in Dubai – are you kidding??? It is most amusing. Thank you for being there for me, as usual. What would I do without you?
But then another blow was struck. I am an occasional viewer of Instagram these days. A posting of Fazza and a cute little boy – with the caption of Uncle (I think). I made a comment.
Me: Where do you find all of these cute little kids??? But what is interesting is this, never seen you in a picture with your two sons. They are quite handsome and charming. Adolescents not little children.
There is an interesting saying: The Truth Shall Set You Free. “King James Bible And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Christian Standard Bible You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. But this is the very best: The full quote as rendered in the King James Bible, “ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free,” is inscribed on the main building of the University of Texas. A famous variant is attributed to Gloria Steinem: “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”How can one help but love Gloria Steinem, that is so funny and so accurate! But one gets past the anger and feel so free.
The photograph is of a stained glass window in Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the Anglican Church of Canada. The November 5, 2017 Eucharist calendar was found amongst my memorabilia. This is my very favourite of all responsive readings as it does blend Christianity with the Islamic faith.
Presider: The Lord be with you
All: And also with you.
