• First of all, did some of you miss yesterday’s book review? I’m thinking that must be the case because I’m giving away a copy of Deborah Crombie’s newest, To Dwell in Darkness, and where are all the comments? There should be a lot more than there are. You’re not interested in a free hardcover edition of an excellent book?? Really?
• Too much reality television. Too much. As I man the remote here at the hotel, I am stunned by how much of that inferior, lowest-common-denominator stuff there is on the tube. First of all, it’s not reality, it’s pretty much engineered and scripted to appeal to a demographic that likes to slow their cars to gawk at car accidents. Will this trend never end? I find it demoralizing and very sad, indeed. And yes, before you say it, I know there are exceptions in this genre. But very few. So, it’s Law and Order reruns once again.
• What is with ‘gah?’ – I now see it everywhere, including blog posts. Is this the new way of saying ‘yikes’ or ‘oy’ or ‘s*#t?’ I’m not a fan. It’s singularly unimaginative. But then again, those using it don’t care whether I’m a fan or not.
• I have now gone through so much kleenex, I should own stock in Puffs. Or Kleenex with lotion. I bought a mega sized box yesterday, with fingers crossed that it’s the last one I have to buy.
• Why do advertisers assume that any woman of 61 years must be ready for Depends, must have so many aches and pains that she absolutely wants to hear all the product-shill information that pharmaceutical companies have to offer repeatedly on television, must be ready to retire, must be un-hip, must be a mere shadow of who she was? I get so sick of this crap. I see it on television, throughout the media and even in the ad opportunities I get on this blog. It drives me nuts. For the record: I work in the Arts, I don’t need Depends, I’m funny and witty and pretty gosh-darned hip for my ‘age.’ I’m well read, I’m a fighter for social causes, I’m active, I mow a massive front lawn and a back forty that would make your head spin, I am passionate and, my husband tells me, sexy. And I’m a consumer. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Stop generalizing about your target groups. All twenty-somethings aren’t alike. Likewise every other age group. Show some originality.
End of that rant.
• I know everyone isn’t a dog lover. I get it. But my dog, always on a leash, is – let’s face it – adorable. She’s beautiful. She smiles. She has a twinkle in her eye. And when I’m walking her, she does a little hop on her right front leg that, at the very least, usually brings a smile to a passer-by’s face, and often the question “What’s wrong with her?” It sparks concern. It’s endearing, in a slightly loopy way.
I take no credit for her beauty, of course, but she is beautiful. She is sweet, At this point in her life she barks rarely, and she shyly stops to greet everyone.
But there are those who look right at her as she smiles at them with what I can only describe as a very mean look – a look filled with animosity and/or contempt. It’s very strange. Now, let me assure you, most of the people Scout encounters smile at her, or ask if they can pet her. And I’m not counting those who are busy and whose minds are clearly on something else. I get that.
But mean looks? Those are the people I don’t want to get to know, thank you very much. You are not going to be my friend. Yes, you may be lukewarm on the subject of dogs. You may be a cat person. Or you may be a no-pets-at-all person. I respect that. But a mean look? No. That ain’t gonna cut it.
• Still sick, but slowly getting a bit better each day. It’s now in my chest, but I’m ‘expectorating’ and I just have to be patient. Very tired, of course. But I have a light day today, which helps.
Happy Tuesday.
I’m a dog and cat person. I’d be the person who smiles at Scout and asks about her limp. Our Digger lived to be 15 and had lots of health issues in her last years. This past March we adopted Marley from the local Humane Society. She’s a beauty too (we are partial to black Labs).
So glad you adopted Marley!
Good Morning, Dear Claudia,
We LOVE DAME SCOUT!! Always want to hear about and from her! The heck with those who don’t! I can rant about Miss Bella constantly (and do betimes)!
Glad you’re on the mend.
By the way, I have stopped commenting on giveaways cause I never win! But I always enjoy your reviews and most times want to read the book thanks to them. I trust you.
Enjoy your lighter day!
So sorry you never win – maybe this would be the first time?
Hope you are feeling better soon.
And I would love to come across you and Scout on a walk. Lots of smiles!
Aw, thanks, Sylvia!
Claudia, you have scared me into commenting. :) I hope you feel better soon. I have been fighting a cold, or something, also. I get into some coughing fits that I might just need those Depends.
I love your Scout. I wish I could touch her soft looking fur. I have two dogs myself and I just don’t understand some of the scowls that people think they need to greet my dogs with. My dad is one of those people . He just is not a dog lover and he doesn’t care if anyone knows it.
Well, I’l love to sit and chat but I really need to get busy. I am planning to try my hand at making apple pie jam. Or at least some type of apple jam. Have a great day! pam
So sorry about your cold! I just coached a guy and collapsed in a coughing fit in the middle of it – it’s so exhausting, isn’t it?
Claudia, thank you for the laughs this morning with my coffee! I laugh because I AGREE with you completely. I don’t get reality TV at all….I find it quiet appalling! As for the age and Depends well I’m not in that group with you, I am 43 but I hate the way we are all grouped and stereotyped these days. And it would seem to most of the world that once you are passed age 30 well you’re just not anywhere near hip and completely NOT important.
As for Scout well she’s absolutely beautiful and anyone who isn’t interested or feels the same just doesn’t matter. In our house if you don’t like my dogs then we won’t like you. Period. I will never understand people who do not have a love for animals or at the very least an appreciation and respect for them.
It seems to me these days and more so as I get older I just don’t get along with too many people. My love of animals, my liberal political views such as gun control, abortion views…etc. well I’m usually the opposite of anyone that I meet. And honestly people are just so rude these days. Is it just me? Maybe so. But I find more and more each day that I just don’t understand why people are so critical, inconsiderate, hateful and just uncaring.
Anyhow, I enjoyed your rant! I so relate. Have a beautiful day!
I think that the level of public discourse has sunk to an all time low and that because of that, we see and hear rudeness from others in our everyday life, as well. It makes me very sad.
I saw the post and signed up for the book, hoping more see it! OK, so I admit to enjoying a few Reality TV Shows (Project Runway is a favorite). I do know they are somewhat scripted, but enjoy the inside look at how designers create. Still nothing can compete with a well written and acted Drama for me. I always smile at dogs and of course I love cats! I don’t understand a scowl at a sweet animal and Miss Scout is a beauty to boot! Hope you are on the mend.
hugs,
Linda
Project Runway and, my favorite, So You Think You Can Dance are not the kind of reality shows I was talking about. Those involve real talent and skill and a healthy competition. I’m talking about the ones like New Jersey Shore or Duck Dynasty or Wife Swap or any of the Real Housewives (those are the only names that come to mind right now) Shows where someone doing the most mundane thing is made into a star. Oh, add the Kardashians to that list.
I’m slowly getting better, but SLOWLY. I’m coughing like crazy.
OK I understand, you mean the shows where they take people with no talent and nothing important to say and make them into ‘famous’ people? I hate those shows. SYTYCD is my favorite dance show for sure.
Yep!
Love the title of this post…it’s perfect! I’ve had both cats…and dogs…love them both….even had goldfish, hamsters…several, my kids’….and as a kid, lived with my grandmother’s canary! Pets are fun….even if they’re not mine. Scowling at Scout….shame on them! I figure…if you can post a coherent rant….you are feeling much better! And I totally agree! Enjoy your day! ;)
I’m feeling better, but I’m awfully tired and I’m coughing way too much!
You go girl! Let me add a little something about the advertisers these days. There is currently an ad running on t.v. for a candy bar that is ridiculous. Must they try and use sex to sell a candy bar? Every time I see that commercial it annoys me. I am not an animal lover by nature because of an incident that happened to me as a child but your girl is adorable to me. I can’t imagine not smiling at her, I smile when I see the photos of her on your blog. I love my sister’s dog and a few others. Hope you get well soon because it’s really awful to be sick away from home and when you are working also. Something about being home makes being sick a little more tolerable.
I know. I’d much rather be home when I’m sick. I’m trying to remember what commercial that is…I bet I’ll see it soon enough, Janie.
Mean looks are not reserved for dogs.
In addition to her visual impairment, my daughter also limps and these physical disadvantages have been the fodder for numerous unkind looks and remarks.
The up side is that these experiences have taught her empathy for others – she begins law school next fall with the goal of eventually joining the family firm and helping disadvantaged seniors.
Hope your day gets less curmudgeon-ly! :D
I’m so very sorry your daughter has to go through that. What are people thinking? Have they no compassion? Good for your daughter for taking those experiences and channeling them into something positive!
I don’t know what it is but I just have lost my taste for fiction reading the last couple of years. I agree with your assessment of tv, but I like a couple of series, especially British ones, for the great acting and characters. I think the reaction to your lovely dog may be because there are so many people who do not train their dogs or treat them badly and you never know which ones. I am a cat person because dogs need as much as a child and I already have a perpetual child to take care of.
I like some British series, as well. And I like some American series – I like to see actors getting work. The one thing I didn’t mention is how many actors, directors and designers and crew members these reality shows put out of work.
Sorry you are still feeling puny. I agree with your comments on what is on television. I am 61 and my husband is 68. We don’t watch any of the so called “comedies”. They are just not funny to us and some really push the envelope with their story lines. There are a few dramas we still enjoy and we watch a lot of PBS and History Channel. Sometimes I just want to lock myself in my cottage, away from the world, I am so glad my two boys are grown, and sadly to say, also glad that I don’t have any grandchildren, because this is a crazy scary world we are in. It is safe to say, I have become my Mother, which isn’t such a bad thing.
Feel Better.
There are a couple of comedies that I really like and watch fairly regularly. But the rest are not so funny.
Don and I often take a hiatus from the news because it’s all so depressing.
I have not run across the word GAH. Had to look it up in the urban dictionary. It made no sense to me. I mostly correspond with people my own age and we write just like we talk.
I wonder if the look you see as being mean is really fear. I have a friend who had a bad experience with a strange dog and now fears all dogs, even beautiful ones like Scout.
I didn’t get a sense of fear from those people. There was nothing that happened in their body language that indicated any fear.
On the other hand, there was an older man in the hotel who practically jumped into another room because he was afraid of dogs. I felt for him and quickly moved Scout away.
Hi Claudia, So sorry to hear you have been sick…hope this passes quickly. I was off the computer for over a week (I don’t take a laptop with me when I travel for work…and no company phone, so I’m clueless what’s happening in the blogging world!! Agree with all your rants — especially the Depends one.
God knows, I may need them some day, but I don’t at the moment!
Love the rant! Yay!
OK….. “reality” shows. I contend that if they filmed a season of “Survivor” in the Antarctic, no one would watch because the women would be in parkas, not bikinis. We don’t watch those shows at all. I guess MY reality is WAY different than what these shows portray! I hear they are pretty cheap to film, and it surely shows once again that you get what you pay for.
Mean looks for Scout? What in the world? I don’t understand people who say they don’t like animals. Lets me know pretty quickly that I don’t like them. Saves some time!!
Advertising and people over 50….. wow! I get that the young people right out of school who create and pitch a lot of these campaigns think people over about 40 are invisible….but what about the people at the “top” of these companies? Are they all 26, also? Isn’t there SOMEONE who is over 50 who can tell them “no” to the generalities and stereotypes? Stop the madness!
Hope you are feeling better each day.
(I just this morning got your post from yesterday.)
Great rant, kiddo! Loved it!! :-)
It’s like the young casting directors actors have to contend with – they don’t necessarily have the most realistic concept of age-appropriate casting, or respect for older actors who have worked for years and know a whole lot! Same thing with advertisers…ridiculous!
Well..me thinks someone is feeling like a grumpy bear today..and I am right there with you on these subjects..There are only a few TV programs that I enjoy..commercials are just totally ridiculous..Thank goodness for books..I haven’t heard the GAH thing yet..I’m sure it is one of those made-up words that will end up being totally annoying from being over used..I love dogs and cats..I just seem to have an special connection with cats..I have also been known to spoil other peoples dogs with hugs and treats..Trust me..if I ever happen to meet Miss Scout in person I will be all over her with petting and hugs..I would finally get to see if her beautiful white fur is as soft as it looks..Hard to believe Claudia but people acted that way with my son when he was a little guy..we went for lots of walks in town as we didn’t have a car and had to walk for everything we needed..Well Matthew was the kind of kid that would say hi to people we passed all the time..I could not believe the people that would turn their heads and ignore him..a happy little boy in a stroller gives you a big smile and a hi and you cannot be nice enough to return the same to him..how pathetic..and sad..Hugs to you and Scout..
It is a soft as you think! Like cat hair.
I cannot conceive of not saying hello right back to a little child who greets you! So rude. Yesterday I was at Target and the cutest little girl was in a cart being wheeled by her mom – we kept encountering each other throughout the store and I would wave or make a funny face and she would wave back. Then I went to Trader Joe’s and they were there, too! Same thing. How can I not have a smile on my face for a child?
I love it when I can make a connection with a child that way..I never ever miss the opportunity to be kind to a child..it could mean so much to them..also if I am at a yard/garage sale and there is a child selling lemonade or cookies..I always buy..what is a quarter or 50 cents when it brings such happiness to a little one and makes them feel so proud..and also helps to teach them how to make their own money..
HI Claudia,
Hope you will soon feeling better. I did miss your latest book review and will get to that post right after this as I’d love a new book to read. I’m currently reading “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” by Jennifer Chiaverini and really enjoying it. I seem to be into historical fiction lately.
Thanks for your rant on ageism…you hit the nail on the head. I’m 66…work out with a trainer every weekday morning, and, after that am never still. I feel young, eat clean, volunteer, blog, create, and care… and don’t intend to slow down any time soon. 61 is not old in spite of what Madison Ave. would have us believe (and pizza’s not a vegetable either!)
Cheryl
You’re right – it’s ageism, pure and simple. ! You sound active and healthy and happy!
Hi Claudia, I did leave a comment for the book and I thought I had a better chance of winning when I didn’t see a lot of comments being left! LoL Hope you continue to feel better. Doris
You know, I thought about that! If I was entered…I’m not sure I’d want someone like me hyping the post!
First hope you are on the mend for real this time!
I always feel that people who don’t like cats and/or dogs probably don’t like people much either!! We have 3 cats and 3 dogs at this point and have always had some combination as such. And always will. I always find myself smiling at dogs that people are walking or riding with.
The only reality shows I watch are like American Pickers or Pawn Stars…any of the ones with “real” people not trash like Bachelorette, Kardashian crap or those type!
Your blog today was a good chuckle as well as a realistic view on things! Loved it!
Hope you feel better and you guys are all together soon! Mommy, Daddy and Scout!!
Don’s schedule and mine are complete opposites – even our anniversary, which is Oct. 12th…ah well!
I loved this post. I have ranted and raved about some of the same things.
As for TV, I rarely watch it except for PBS on occasion. I’m usually reading, reading, reading. I can’t seem to tear myself away from books in the evening even to watch a movie.
Someone who would give a mean look to a dog that wasn’t bothering them sounds like a very unhappy person. Scout is too cute to ignore. I’d love to see the little hop, even though I know she’s doing it because she’s uncomfortable. She’s very lucky to have a Mom and Dad like you and Don.
Aw, thanks. We’re very, very lucky to have her!
Claudia – It makes me want to cry to think that anyone could give Scout a mean look! She looks like such a sweetie and doesn’t look like a threat in any stretch of the imagination! Their loss. I’m sorry that you are feeling so under the weather and hope you are feeling better very soon. Appreciate your post – we all sometimes need those moments to just vent, release, or be “curmudgeony” (my word)! Feel better and give Scout a hug for us!
Dear Claudia, you have hit the nail squarely on the head yet again with today’s post. I agree with everything you have said. We rarely watch television anymore except PBS because all the networks have on is TRASH. I cannot imagine why anyone would so want to degrade themselves in order to be a “celebrity” although I guess money does have a part in it. As for Miss Scout, she is truly adorable. I am highly suspicious of anyone who does not like animals. I do hope you are feeling much better and continue to improve. Keep telling it like it is.
.
Haven’t book on your book blog in the past few days – will do so tonight!
As I think I’ve told you, I rarely watch TV. Thus said, I can’t stand reality TV shows.
The saying, “gah”…had to laugh at this one. My sister had that word in her vocabulary about 30 years ago – before anyone had ever heard of it.
I don’t understand how anyone could look at a dog with a “mean” look…every time I pass someone walking a dog, I smile and usually say something like, “What a cute (or pretty) dog!”
Claudia, I loved this post of yours, and all of the interesting comments, as well.
Wish I’d said that.
If I were ever so fortunate to see Scout, I couldn’t contain myself from hugging her. I don’t like people that don’t like dogs. They are missing so much
jane-in-tx
I hope that you are feeling better soon. You have had a rough time of it. It’s amazing that you have been able to continue working. One night when I was coughing I took a big spoonful of honey…..and it worked. It coats your throat. Try it.
As far as Scout……..it’s probably not him or you, but something else bothering them. Some people are just not friendly. I would think seeing you and your precious girl would bring a smile to someone, not a frown.
I missed the book review. First my computer goes down then my Kindle. Both were acting crazy today. Life has been like that as well. I am keeping my head above the water and as the sayings goes, “This too will pass.”
I am having a birthday soon after your anniversary (Happy Anniversary)and I keep getting mail about Medicare. Geez, I don’t get it. I still have another year, hah. You know what bothers me about this aging stuff, it’s all the cosmetics that are proven to erase wrinkles, frown lines, and everything else that looks old. It makes you wonder what happened to aging gracefully.
I probably shouldn’t write comments or read blogs past my bedtime. I’m sure my words make no sense at all. Last night I ordered another rag doll. It was cute and I felt like I needed a boost. I need groceries more. My excuse for that is that I have no wheels. My car is in the repair shop . Rental wheels have arrived so it’s off to the store tomorrow. I hope the doll arrives when Hubby isn’t home, hah.
Here is a rave for you……why do people mow there grass and let the clippings pile up on the road. Why do they? Some people have allergies to grass. What do they think will happen.
Well, my dear off to bed I go. Insomnia is making me grumpy.
Feel better and hugs to Scout from me.
I have just discovered Rosemary & Thyme on Netflix. It is a wonderful series. Check it out if you haven’t already watched them. If you love plants, you will love this show.
Love your darling Scout’s smile. You just have to feel bad for those who’s lives are so tragic that they can’t be kind to a gentle soul. As for the media….I was hoping all of us boomers would be able to change the stereotypes about aging….alas I think most of the advertising is probably written by a 24 year old. I’ve just turned 65 and I’m really tired of being asked when I’m going to retire ….especially from my peers! I feel great, still look pretty good and have most of my marbles. Wish we could be good to each other and let us live our lives. Guess it was a good day for a rant!
I know I am late to the party, but sometimes one cannot be held to a schedule.
I don’t think you ranted enough. Why call it reality tv? Mainly poorly scripted filth. I seldom watch television any longer, just Big Bang, Law and Order reruns, NCIS and Downton Abbey. I watch movies on DVD more than anything.
I resent the ads, flyers ,etc which clutter my mail and Internet. I am over 60, but am perfectly capable of caring for myself, grandchildren, pets and others. My life is full and happy. We are not statistics!
I do not understand people who do not like animals. Wonder if they like people?
Praying for your recovery. Take care.