Wednesday, May 31, 2017

SIGN OF THE TIMES



An acrylic painting done by me for a little friend

In these times of sorrow – so much sorrow we’re drowning in it – valiantly, we must try to keep our spirits high, no matter how difficult a feat that can be; no matter how overwhelmed we may feel. 

I know I’m not alone when I say I’m tired of the never-ending violence, hate, envy, stupidity and everything else connected with those emotions and behaviours.  Often I feel drained. Often I feel as if I’ve been kicked in the guts.  There are times I feel as my heart has been ripped out and there is only emptiness left inside. 

So often I’m at a loss for words....(but not today by the looks of it, I hear you thinking!)

And, now today, on top of all the bullshit, we have so-called “comedians” like Kathy Griffin who believed her sick joke...her sick image was funny!   

Give me strength!!   

Wrong, Griffin...so very, very wrong!   

Her false, insincere, whining apologies don't make it right!  It pleases me Griffin has been fired from CNN.  I hope no one else picks her up!  She’s a disgrace to herself and to her country.

I’m fed-up with cynicism.  I despise cynicism; I always have.

 I can't stand hypocrisy, either.

I’m sick and tired of sarcasm, too. With some it seems to be second nature.  

None are signs of cleverness.

I’m weary of the willingness of some humans have to tear each other down.  Some glean much pleasure out of doing so. They’re too foolish to recognise the folly of their ways; or to realise they’re making more of a fool out of themselves. 

Is it fun to make fun of another?  I don’t believe it is.  Is it enjoyable to hurt the feelings of another?   I don’t believe it is - yet too many believe otherwise.  

Sarcasm, tinged with pathos and good humour shared face to face between good friends can be harmless, light-hearted fun, lacking venom. (I’ve only just now completed a phone chat with a good mate of mine.  She and I always tease each other – have a friendly “go” at each other.  Nastiness is never our intention. I even mentioned during our laughter-filled conversation what I was in the middle of writing this post).

Sarcasm, when done without malice, but with carefree, upbeat wit – when it’s treated and responded to accordingly -  is non-toxic, innocuous humour shared and enjoyed in the cheerful spirit intended - but that’s not the sarcasm to which I refer.

What purpose does toxicity in its many guises serve in the grander scheme of life?
  
Too much energy is expended – too much thought wasted. Energy and thought that could be put to far better uses...towards goodwill, love, caring and sharing...consideration. 

Time is a-wasting; and time is wasted on pointless pursuits such as making fun of others. Not being aware of the feelings of others; not acknowledging their sensitivities...not giving a damn about them...are signs of weakness...signs of a lack of confidence within the offender.

Our modern technology is wonderful - of course it is.  For instance, I love my computer and having constant internet access.  I feel lost when I’m without either. Much of my time is spent on my computer – writing, researching, reading, learning, listening to music, etc., etc.

For many years when I was working long shifts, and more than often, seven days and nights a week I rarely, sometimes never, had time to watch television, but now those years have passed. At this time in my life, I enjoy watching television; watching shows of my own choosing.  

However, I’m feeling bloated - from being inundated 24/7 by news feeds from all forms of the media - its never-ending repetitiveness.  The constant deluge makes one feel like the geese or ducks that are force fed corn for the purpose of fattening their livers to satisfy the appetites of “discerning” humans to feast upon the French delicacy, foie gras,  

I guess I must have been “discerning” a few times during my life because I did indulge in foie gras years ago when I was working in a French restaurant...in Brisbane, Queensland...not in“Gay Paree”, France.  I also ate other delicacies offered on the menu such as frogs’ legs and escargot – and I enjoyed both.  It’s better to know and understand the taste of the food one is offering to the dining public.

After an entree or three or more of the above, and also having the opportunity to prepare same, I didn’t continue along that path.  None became regulars only my own personal menu.  None made me sick.

But, I am sick of what we’re being fed all the time on the news front.  I’m constantly tired of and annoyed by the many self-righteous, self-indulgent, mocking media persons, too.

I believe I’ve keen insight and good judgment, the majority of times, anyway, but enough is enough, already. I’m sick of being repetitively force-fed news, most of which is bad news. 

And, I’m fed-up with the evil losers, as President Trump correctly named them.  

I want to be force-fed good news – happy news - instead!

Better still, instead of listening to the news bulletins I’ll listen to the music I enjoy, which now includes Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” (my taste in music is what is often referred to as a “catholic taste in music”).   

Along with listening to more music, I’ll also watch more re-runs of re-runs of  re-runs of “Sex and the City”, “Cheers”, “Becker”, “Frasier”, "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Seinfeld".  

Perhaps, too, I’ll take a stroll back to times of innocence...to the time when the following reigned supreme.....Tom & Jerry, Mr. Magoo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mighty Mouse, Donald Duck and his mischievous nephews, Woody Woodpecker, Felix and Sylvester, Tweetie Pie, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, cheeky Bugs Bunny, Heckle & Jeckle, and the rest of their mates.  

The words of Thumper's father still ring true today ...

                               "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all!"
 
Another acrylic painting done by me for another little friend




31 comments:

  1. No Kathy Griffin was not funny. At all.
    Not a fan of President Trump, and his fake news, but that is a step too far.
    I don't want to be forcefed anything though.

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    1. Hey there, EC. We're surrounded by fake news and fake stories...too much of both. I don't know how those who spread it around with no apparent compunction sleep straight in their beds at night....or who they see when they look into their mirrors.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  2. I saw the 'severed head\ item on the news last night. She has a very odd idea of what is funny.

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    1. Yes, Delores...some think they're funny...and the funny thing is...they aren't.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  3. I think I'll need that glass of wine please if the offer is still open...

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    1. Sure! Red, white or rosé?

      Thanks for coming by...don't be a strange! :)

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    2. Well, I suppose it impolite to ask for one of each - then rosé please, and an ice cube. Let's take it outside to enjoy the weather.

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  4. "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all!"

    ... more should take this thought into account!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hey Jan....I agree....it should be their mantra upon waking every morning.

      Thanks for popping in! :)

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  5. I abhor what Kathy Griffin did and NOW she's so remorseful? No one deserves that kind of treatment.

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    1. Hey Lynn...she showed her ignorance, that's for sure. How she could even think for a moment that it was funny beggars belief!

      Some of these people have a weird idea of what humour is. They have their head stuck so far up their nether regions they've not a clue about others and their feelings.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. Sorry, much ado about nothing.

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    1. Do I detect cynicism tinged with sarcasm, Adullamite? Or is that the Christian approach to such behaviours?

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  7. Anonymous8:09 PM

    I didn't know about that Kathy Griffin business. Very poor taste, to say the least. I listen to and watch far less news and current affairs than I used to, and read less political news and I don't feel any poorer for it. It could be argued that terrorists are losing the battle if we just tune out. Road Runner.....bring it back. Those moments when the coyote went off a cliff and the slow realisation that he was standing on air before he dropped.

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    1. Hey Andrew...very poor taste, indeed.

      I find myself cutting back on watching the news, too. It becomes too distressing; too depressing.

      How we giggled over Road Runner...such innocent good fun. :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  8. The old cartoons I remember watching, our grandchildren the older ones look at them don't think they are funny at all!
    Kathy - bad taste, should not have gone that far.

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    1. Hi Margaret...I guess if I looked at those cartoons now, I probably wouldn't laugh as much at them as I did when I was a kid; but then again, knowing the big kid I still am, I probably would get enjoyment out of them. Seeing I had no children, and therefore no grand-kids...I can retain the images or still watch and laugh at the funny actions without questioning looks from the younger generations!! ;)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  9. One of my Mum's favourite statements, "if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all". an odd statement from the biggest gossip I ever knew, but I have to admit she never intentionally slam-dunked anyone.
    I avoid watching the news most days, I'm working my way through all my dvds instead. I have the news on right now because I'm eating dinner, cold, sliced roast beef and hot steamed veggies with onion gravy, so can't be bothered getting up to put in the next-in-line usb which holds 19 movies.

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    1. G'day River....I'm having a lazy evening watching shows I've recorded...catching up. My ex sends me a lot of movies, and I'm slowly getting through them, too.

      I had a bowl of grapes tonight...my main meal is always lunch...but I had a very lazy lunch, too....just some tomato soup and toast; but it was yummy, followed by a Connoiseur ice cream that was also yummy! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)



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  10. I can only take so much of today's "news" too, pretty much for the reasons you indicated. An old friend of mine and I talk about our old journalism teacher who would strictly advice us to stay neutral and objective in our reporting. He must be turning over in his grave over what passes as news reports today. So, so, sad.

    I'd like to watch some of the older shows too. My grandsons would enjoy Mr. Magoo and the "M" mice, Mickey, Minnie and Mighty. But they're not on Netflix. It's amazing the variety available on cable and streaming TV. But the quality is just not there, IMO.

    Cheers. Sometimes a glass of spirits helps improve my demeanor when the news begins to get me down.

    I think Kathy Griffin made the same mistake the Gilbert Gotfried did years ago. His career never did bounce back.

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    1. G'day Dave...some of the people think they can dish it out willy-nilly with no repercussions. But they discover they can't and they discover they can't handle the repercussions, either. Griffin is now crying false tears complaining Trump is out to get her and ruin her career! Well, "Boo-hoo!", I say! It serves her right...she gets no pity or sympathy from me.

      The way things seem to be going, Dave...I think more than one glass of spirits is what's needed to lift one's spirits! :)

      There are DVD packs available of the old time cartoons -Terrytoons and Disney etc. Sites like this one...http://cartoondvdset.com/

      Your grandsons would enjoy them, I'm sure. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. Love your painting. It's so sunny and happy.
    I also agree on the difference between lighthearted sarcasm and cruelty.
    The world is in such a precarious position right now in so many ways.
    Good news, happy news does it for me.
    Hugs,

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    1. Thank you, Sandra...These days negative feelings and actions are tossed around all to easily and freely...it's time for humans to stand up and take stock of themselves before it's too late. Sometimes I can't help but believe the horse has already bolted.

      Good news, happy news does it for me, too...there is just not enough of either, unfortunately.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. I totally agree with your views on news, evil, stupidity, violence - that are an integral part of our life these days.

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    1. G'day Duta...sadly what you say is true. I wish it were otherwise.

      Thanks for coming by...please don't be a stranger. You're always welcome. :)

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  13. Mighty Mouse is giving me so much nostalgia. Haha. Oh, childhood.

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    1. Hey there, Lux...'tis always nice to see you...thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. Hopefully the memories will stay with you and uplift you in your silent moments. Warm greetings.

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    1. Hey there Blogoratti...I've not seen you for a while. I'll pop over to your blog.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  15. I'd never heard of Kathy Griffin until I read this post. I cannot disagree with most of the sentiments you have expressed. I would add to the list of my dislikes bullying and the person who was the subject of KG's obviously bad 'sick joke' (I still have no idea what it was) is one of the worst bullies that I've ever come across. The legacy of his bullying in Scotland still remains today.

    On a much more uplifting note I think that your pictures are wonderful. I wish I had a fraction of that talent.

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    1. G'day, Graham...Griffin held up a mock severed head of Donald Trump. In these sick times in which we live...it was in very, very bad taste. I don't care who likes or dislikes Trump...who agrees with his politics or who disagrees with his politics (I try my utmost to keep politics out of my blog)...what Griffin thought to be funny...was not, in my opinion, at all funny.

      Her ignorant action was a disgusting disgrace.

      I believe I have a pretty good sense of humour...but I found nothing remotely humorous about what Griffin did.

      Thanks for coming by. The paintings were done for a couple of little girls, daughters of friends of mine...they loved them, which made me happy. :)


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