It’s estimated that 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse at some point in their lives, and often are unable to talk about it. I believe that we have to talk about it. Despite what society has groomed us to believe, boys are not immune to sexual abuse just because we’re boys. I should know. The first time it happened is one of my clearest memories from childhood. I was … [Read more...] about #Me(n) Too
Opinions
The Best Christmas Albums of All Time
OK, I admit it. I’m a sucker for Christmas music. I can’t stand those tacky Hallmark Channel made-for-TV Christmas movies they’ve been torturing us with since July, and I definitely disapprove of Yuletide decorations before December. But during the couple of weeks leading up to the main event, nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like Christmas music. Every year, we add at … [Read more...] about The Best Christmas Albums of All Time
Stay in touch with your representatives
Trumpette, Eddie Rispone, lost in the gubernatorial runoff election; four more years of John Bel Edwards. Edwards has said he will stay the course, making the economy as good as it can be and working to increase teachers’ wages. In an earlier column, I said maybe Edwards would move further left in his second term but, as was pointed out on WWL-TV’s election … [Read more...] about Stay in touch with your representatives
Tweaking Traditions: Celebrating the Good Times
If a quick and dirty poll were conducted about one thing you remembered about food around the holiday season, most of us would come up with at least one favorite recipe, a beloved dish that was served every year. And then many of us would also recall something that may have occurred during that meal. Granted, not all people have entirely positive feelings … [Read more...] about Tweaking Traditions: Celebrating the Good Times
Thanksgiving in this age of thanklessness.
It would seem that in so many ways this day and age is thankless. This day and age seems so filled with greed and avarice. People too often seem to have lost any sense of civility. Our government is in turmoil and that in turn leads to a deep sense of disorientation. What is up is down and what was down is up. Perhaps we have found ourselves in Wonderland. But there is … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving in this age of thanklessness.
Thank you, Rocketman!
(Before you invest three minutes of your life reading this article, you should know that it has nothing to do with Elton John, his movie biopic or his music. This article is about appreciating America’s space program. What?? Yep. Read on.) I should start with a public apology to anyone who was a member of a high school computer or science club between the years of 1984 and … [Read more...] about Thank you, Rocketman!
Survival of the Fittest: Staying Solid through the Holiday Season
Here we are, approaching the holidays. Do we ever actually ‘approach’ the holidays, or do the holidays kind of sneak up and take over? Although it’s not quite Thanksgiving, we’ve noticed the Christmas movies, the first Christmas trees in stores and malls, or perhaps heard questions like “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” There are times when holidays bring up … [Read more...] about Survival of the Fittest: Staying Solid through the Holiday Season
November: Time for Football; Time for Elections
Thanksgiving, among many traditions, is a time for football. I don’t know if a game still comes on every year on that last Thursday of November, but it did when I was a kid and, sure enough, my family would have it on in the den. I would see my dad, my uncles and my grandparents cheer and jeer over something on the television, but I could never quite understand what on … [Read more...] about November: Time for Football; Time for Elections
Fight or Flight: The Impact of Chaos
For those of you, who may be tired of the political ads from all sides, spewing negativity and inaccuracy every day, I offer empathy and join you in your probable annoyance. Sadly, for the next few weeks, our area will be inundated with partisan politicos, stumping rallies, group grousing, and mailings to convince us to give support to…whomever. During the past two … [Read more...] about Fight or Flight: The Impact of Chaos
Gretchen’s Essay
Because I have a free rein to write what I want I generally try to honor this by offering thoughts and reflections on our community. This article will expand our community to include our pets. During our last pet blessing a couple of weeks ago we so enjoyed this community of furry barks, howls, and hounds. In each case as the “owner” approached with their friend one could … [Read more...] about Gretchen’s Essay
