Dear George,
These are the 7 words I never wanted to hear on TV -
George Carlin has died at seventy one.
While in college one of my drama professors started a class by just yelling out the word -f**k!
This was 1966 and the class was in shock, I had a smirk on my face. The power of language, the more we overuse a word or phrase the more we reduce it's power. George Carlin was a part of our comic and philosophical American fabric. He will be missed greatly. Sheer genius. Go back and listen - carefully.
Sorry I edited a word, but words still seem to scare people, amke them categorize you. diminish people's view of you (even when used to make a great point)...I think my edit makes Mr. carlin's point.
My regards to fellow fans and my sincere condolences to the family.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Lillian's Story - Part One
June 3, 1911 - Lillian Goldstein was born.
My mother who adopted me when I was 6 months old and brought me to the United States from Nova Scotia, Canada in 1946.
Louis Goldstein was a tough father for her to deal with, he was abusive to his wife Dora, a strong, but gentle woman. He hit her at times. Usually Jewish men would not do this, if they did it was never mentioned. As mom got older she told me about this side of my grandfather. There was a lingering bitterness between my mother and grandfather. Dora passed away when I was very young.
Before I was adopted a pattern of sadness started early on for Lil, toughening her up, and making her independent and a leader, in a time where this was very hard for women.
Besides seeing her father being abusive, her younger brother Sol passed away at 16 from pneumonia. This took a hard emotional toll on her. She still had her younger brother Jack, a tall handsome man. Lil was a beautiful woman. (Strawberry blonde with freckles).
In Central High School in Newark, NJ. she formed a sorority with a group of women that would later become a huge influence in my life - god love them all and may they rest in peace. For most of the time I knew the sorority sisters, she was either President of the group, or oranized the sorority functions. She was a born leader. Lil went on after high school to attend Drake Business College, I have her diploma from her graduation, of which she was so proud. She became an Executive Secretary for Dorn and Kirschner Music, in Newark, NJ. Another big influence in my life, her love of music and dancing. (I got force fed dance lessons with my mothers before my Bar Mitzvah. It was sort of fun). I grew up exposed to a great variety of musical styles. My mother also got involved in social causes of the times, I saw pictures of her and her sorority sisters visiting with poor black families in the late 30's. She always tried to help those she felt were mistreated, or with some disability. All her life she gave to charities and worked for charities. She was a very Liberal Democrat and made sure I knew how one should give back and help those who needed help.
At 18 Lil was told that if she didn't quit smoking she could die. I don't know all the details, but she quit, but was still quite ill. She had to have a hysterectomy and of course was unable to have children. A hard blow to endure for anyone.
Lil married Harry Shack, and became a part of a family with more women, Harry was the baby of the family and the only boy. His sisters would become another major influence in my life.
Aunt Katy (my Godmother - always pinched my cheek and hugged and kissed me), Aunt Sarah - warmth and wisom, I spent a lot of time with her - always there to help, Aunt Clara (sweet to me, encouraged me), Aunt Rose (warm, always friedly, I didn't spend as much time with her.
Here's the rub. Lil and Harry could not have children and it was hard to adopt in 1945. Lil and Harry went to Nova Scotia, Canada to arrange for my adoption from the Ideal Maternity Home.
I don't know what they actually had to pay - but it ranged from $5,000 to $10,000. I had Strawberry Blonde hair and frekles, I looked just like Lil, (and I also look like my birth mother).
I had Chiken Pox and had to wait until I got better before I could come to the US. I was very lucky tat Lillian came and got me, for I was a Butterbox Baby, and easily could have been left to die if I hadn't been a cute baby that was wanted by an American. (Please see list of links below for more info on the Butterbox Babies. This had been documented in at least 4 books, and one feature film.) Please read this as it will give you an great insight into the Right to Choose/Pro-Life debate. (There is NO right or wrong, there's horror and fear on both sides of the issue. I am Pro-Choice, only because it's not my body, my life or my business to tell any woman to make that decision. Personally, if Abortion were legal at the time I was born, I might not be here. Lil and Fran, my mothers, thanks to you both for your wisdom and thought. The violence over this issue must end, most angry arguments either way are spurious, it is a very hard personal issue. Kindness, thought, and guidance from caring people is needed. I am pro-adoption and would hope women would choose this option, but I do not want the government to legislate this. This is where good religious leaders in each faith should focus their efforts, birth control does not need medication, but it is always there as an option. Guidance and thought, contemplation. There is help out there, there are Lillian's waiting to ameliorate their own pain and help young women with their fear and pain. No it isn't easy at any level.
My mother who adopted me when I was 6 months old and brought me to the United States from Nova Scotia, Canada in 1946.
Louis Goldstein was a tough father for her to deal with, he was abusive to his wife Dora, a strong, but gentle woman. He hit her at times. Usually Jewish men would not do this, if they did it was never mentioned. As mom got older she told me about this side of my grandfather. There was a lingering bitterness between my mother and grandfather. Dora passed away when I was very young.
Before I was adopted a pattern of sadness started early on for Lil, toughening her up, and making her independent and a leader, in a time where this was very hard for women.
Besides seeing her father being abusive, her younger brother Sol passed away at 16 from pneumonia. This took a hard emotional toll on her. She still had her younger brother Jack, a tall handsome man. Lil was a beautiful woman. (Strawberry blonde with freckles).
In Central High School in Newark, NJ. she formed a sorority with a group of women that would later become a huge influence in my life - god love them all and may they rest in peace. For most of the time I knew the sorority sisters, she was either President of the group, or oranized the sorority functions. She was a born leader. Lil went on after high school to attend Drake Business College, I have her diploma from her graduation, of which she was so proud. She became an Executive Secretary for Dorn and Kirschner Music, in Newark, NJ. Another big influence in my life, her love of music and dancing. (I got force fed dance lessons with my mothers before my Bar Mitzvah. It was sort of fun). I grew up exposed to a great variety of musical styles. My mother also got involved in social causes of the times, I saw pictures of her and her sorority sisters visiting with poor black families in the late 30's. She always tried to help those she felt were mistreated, or with some disability. All her life she gave to charities and worked for charities. She was a very Liberal Democrat and made sure I knew how one should give back and help those who needed help.
At 18 Lil was told that if she didn't quit smoking she could die. I don't know all the details, but she quit, but was still quite ill. She had to have a hysterectomy and of course was unable to have children. A hard blow to endure for anyone.
Lil married Harry Shack, and became a part of a family with more women, Harry was the baby of the family and the only boy. His sisters would become another major influence in my life.
Aunt Katy (my Godmother - always pinched my cheek and hugged and kissed me), Aunt Sarah - warmth and wisom, I spent a lot of time with her - always there to help, Aunt Clara (sweet to me, encouraged me), Aunt Rose (warm, always friedly, I didn't spend as much time with her.
Here's the rub. Lil and Harry could not have children and it was hard to adopt in 1945. Lil and Harry went to Nova Scotia, Canada to arrange for my adoption from the Ideal Maternity Home.
I don't know what they actually had to pay - but it ranged from $5,000 to $10,000. I had Strawberry Blonde hair and frekles, I looked just like Lil, (and I also look like my birth mother).
I had Chiken Pox and had to wait until I got better before I could come to the US. I was very lucky tat Lillian came and got me, for I was a Butterbox Baby, and easily could have been left to die if I hadn't been a cute baby that was wanted by an American. (Please see list of links below for more info on the Butterbox Babies. This had been documented in at least 4 books, and one feature film.) Please read this as it will give you an great insight into the Right to Choose/Pro-Life debate. (There is NO right or wrong, there's horror and fear on both sides of the issue. I am Pro-Choice, only because it's not my body, my life or my business to tell any woman to make that decision. Personally, if Abortion were legal at the time I was born, I might not be here. Lil and Fran, my mothers, thanks to you both for your wisdom and thought. The violence over this issue must end, most angry arguments either way are spurious, it is a very hard personal issue. Kindness, thought, and guidance from caring people is needed. I am pro-adoption and would hope women would choose this option, but I do not want the government to legislate this. This is where good religious leaders in each faith should focus their efforts, birth control does not need medication, but it is always there as an option. Guidance and thought, contemplation. There is help out there, there are Lillian's waiting to ameliorate their own pain and help young women with their fear and pain. No it isn't easy at any level.
In Memorium again - TooYoung - goodbye Tim
I just watched a video that my friend Penny Ronning posted on her site, see below - go visit - it is about the unadulterated, outright, outrageous, undignified, uncalled for, superemely sexist campaign that Senator Hillary Clinton has had to endure. Michelle Obama has also been treated in a similar maner. Shame on all of you, both men and for Gods' sake women. Are you women too ignorant to realize that you are defeating your own future by a woman treating another woman as chattel, meat or a commodity rather than intelligent beings that have changed the world for the better. A quick aside - how many of you know that nuclear fission was proven to exist and work by a woman, when asked to help develop the atomic bomb she refused. (Watch the PBS special on Einstein's life and theories. Many very important women are discussed in detail. It is a revelation. A Jewish German woman changed the world and was treated horribly, in fear for her life, and not treated with respect by her colleauges. I apologize for not remembering her name, but I will watch the special again, order the DVD, and show my daughter what some women did to try and save the world.)
Chris Matthews go suck an egg and while you're at it, eat it raw, get Salmonella poisoning and feel some of the pain you have casually foisted upon women as a group. If I were Senator Clinton I could not be as gracious as to let you get away with your many sexist comments. YOU ARE NOT FUNNY! And I'm someone that used to enjoy your commentaries. Don't you realize what effect comments like these have on a campaign. Your dredging up every stereotype you could meekly and inepty bring up does effect the vote. Shamefully true.
Senator Clinton made an error in timing, and also trying to play a "mans' " game early on in the campaign. If she had been the real Hillary from day one and let the people see her as she really is through the whole campaign, Senator Obama, as good a person and candidate as he might be, could not have beaten Senator Clinton. What a geat loss we have just suffered.
On suffering a loss, I looked carefully to see if Tim Russert had beaten up on Hillary Clinton in a sexist way, the only spot I saw was Tim laughing at something Chris Matthews said. We will miss Tim Russert greatly. He was fair and tough on everyone. I heard someone say that he really questioned how some of our politicians got to where they are, they were so inept. I heard him described as a Ronald Reagan Democrat. (Ronald Reagan cut his political teeth on the side of FDR, as did LBJ. They really tried to appeal to the average American, and do what they though was good for the people - I didn't always agree with them, but they were hardcore true believers that government could make a difference.) I think Tim Russert cared so deeply for the American people he really tried to be neutral and fair, he just wanted answers to questions to be addresed with some modicum of intelligence. I will miss him, and America will notice our loss.
We need more journalists of this quality - not the garbage that has been spewed against Hillary Clinton by other psuedo-journalists. Rest in Peace Tim, you will be missed. I remember when you knew Hillary could not win, but you were fair - that's all I ask, fairness and decency. Anyone who worked in NY with the great politicians you trained with could ever ask why you were so incisive and demanding for honest answers from everyone. Thank you so much.
Chris Matthews go suck an egg and while you're at it, eat it raw, get Salmonella poisoning and feel some of the pain you have casually foisted upon women as a group. If I were Senator Clinton I could not be as gracious as to let you get away with your many sexist comments. YOU ARE NOT FUNNY! And I'm someone that used to enjoy your commentaries. Don't you realize what effect comments like these have on a campaign. Your dredging up every stereotype you could meekly and inepty bring up does effect the vote. Shamefully true.
Senator Clinton made an error in timing, and also trying to play a "mans' " game early on in the campaign. If she had been the real Hillary from day one and let the people see her as she really is through the whole campaign, Senator Obama, as good a person and candidate as he might be, could not have beaten Senator Clinton. What a geat loss we have just suffered.
On suffering a loss, I looked carefully to see if Tim Russert had beaten up on Hillary Clinton in a sexist way, the only spot I saw was Tim laughing at something Chris Matthews said. We will miss Tim Russert greatly. He was fair and tough on everyone. I heard someone say that he really questioned how some of our politicians got to where they are, they were so inept. I heard him described as a Ronald Reagan Democrat. (Ronald Reagan cut his political teeth on the side of FDR, as did LBJ. They really tried to appeal to the average American, and do what they though was good for the people - I didn't always agree with them, but they were hardcore true believers that government could make a difference.) I think Tim Russert cared so deeply for the American people he really tried to be neutral and fair, he just wanted answers to questions to be addresed with some modicum of intelligence. I will miss him, and America will notice our loss.
We need more journalists of this quality - not the garbage that has been spewed against Hillary Clinton by other psuedo-journalists. Rest in Peace Tim, you will be missed. I remember when you knew Hillary could not win, but you were fair - that's all I ask, fairness and decency. Anyone who worked in NY with the great politicians you trained with could ever ask why you were so incisive and demanding for honest answers from everyone. Thank you so much.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Robert Kennedy
Robert Kennedy - a very consevative beginning led to a great philosophical transformation. He wanted to modify welfare the way Preisdent Clinton viewed wellfare. Motivate. He wanted to unite us as we need uniting now.
God let him rest in peace. Thanks to his relatives that supported Senator Hillary Clinton.
Let's mend our wounds, join together, end this war - I could have written this in 1968 just as I had entered the US Army and got ready to go to Viet Nam in 1969. Listen to our history.
Help Afghanistan, let Iraq solve their problems - help them help themselves, I've got friends there now trying to do just that.
Senator Obama - good luck, make good choices, work closely with Senator Clinton and you can change America. A joint ticket is unbeatable.
Since we will win - lead wisely.
God let him rest in peace. Thanks to his relatives that supported Senator Hillary Clinton.
Let's mend our wounds, join together, end this war - I could have written this in 1968 just as I had entered the US Army and got ready to go to Viet Nam in 1969. Listen to our history.
Help Afghanistan, let Iraq solve their problems - help them help themselves, I've got friends there now trying to do just that.
Senator Obama - good luck, make good choices, work closely with Senator Clinton and you can change America. A joint ticket is unbeatable.
Since we will win - lead wisely.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
In Memoriam
My mother who raised me after adopting me as a baby, Lillian Goldstein Shack Schulman, would have celebrated her birthday today. (She passed away from her third bout with cancer in 1992).
May she rest in peace. If she were here to see what went on today she would have gone ballistic with the media. Senator Clinton, you deserved the win. Senator Obama, choose wisley and rebuild our party.
I've never seen such a last minute attack on a candidate before the polls had closed in the last two Primary states, South Dakota, and Montana.
This needs to be looked at, where is this evolving from.
Leave Bill Clinton alone already Vanity Fair (unfair). It's his private life, let him deal with Senator Clinton if there is an issue. If you live in glass houses in New York excpect rocks to be thrown at you. Enough... Let us look at the private life of every editor and writer at Vanity Fair - should be fun.
What a sleazy and unDemocratic society we are becoming. Disenfranchising so many voters, Michigan is too weird for description - was Hillary set up - perhaps, people came out to vote!.
Reform now. Now is the time for women to speak out loudy like my mother would have.
May she rest in peace. If she were here to see what went on today she would have gone ballistic with the media. Senator Clinton, you deserved the win. Senator Obama, choose wisley and rebuild our party.
I've never seen such a last minute attack on a candidate before the polls had closed in the last two Primary states, South Dakota, and Montana.
This needs to be looked at, where is this evolving from.
Leave Bill Clinton alone already Vanity Fair (unfair). It's his private life, let him deal with Senator Clinton if there is an issue. If you live in glass houses in New York excpect rocks to be thrown at you. Enough... Let us look at the private life of every editor and writer at Vanity Fair - should be fun.
What a sleazy and unDemocratic society we are becoming. Disenfranchising so many voters, Michigan is too weird for description - was Hillary set up - perhaps, people came out to vote!.
Reform now. Now is the time for women to speak out loudy like my mother would have.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Senator Edward Kennedy
Rest well and recover quickly. No family has lost so much and given more to their country. No matter what your political or philsophical views may be, or how you may judge him, Ted Kenndy has given more than he ever got from this country. I have my personal views of the things that have happened to the Kennedy family - someday the truth will be shown on each incident.
For now his legacy is one that needs to be continued, get well soon. The bipartisan spirit shown today is to be commended. Let's see more of this every day.
In that spirit I was saddened to see Senator Arlen Spector having to fight cancer again - my best to a Senator who has searched for truth so often, especially with regard to President Kennedy - his search for truth is commendable.
These men are civil servants that have not been afraid to speak their minds and help the Amercian people build a better society. May the next generation learn from these leaders and get ready to lead us into the future.
President Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy set lofty goals for us -Ted Kennedy has tried to follow them and to lead this country forward.
Whether Senaator Hillary Clinton or Senator Barack Obama earns the nomination I hope we will see Senator Kennedy healthy enough to see the Democratic party win the election.
For now his legacy is one that needs to be continued, get well soon. The bipartisan spirit shown today is to be commended. Let's see more of this every day.
In that spirit I was saddened to see Senator Arlen Spector having to fight cancer again - my best to a Senator who has searched for truth so often, especially with regard to President Kennedy - his search for truth is commendable.
These men are civil servants that have not been afraid to speak their minds and help the Amercian people build a better society. May the next generation learn from these leaders and get ready to lead us into the future.
President Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy set lofty goals for us -Ted Kennedy has tried to follow them and to lead this country forward.
Whether Senaator Hillary Clinton or Senator Barack Obama earns the nomination I hope we will see Senator Kennedy healthy enough to see the Democratic party win the election.
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