Pull Tight

I learned that very often the most intolerant and narrow-minded people are the ones who congratulate themselves on their tolerance and open-mindedness. Christopher Hitchens Back in the 1970s I knew an enlightened young woman from a very small town in Texas who made this comment about stereotypes and intolerance. "I'm not prejudiced against Blacks because they are born Black.  I am not prejudiced against Mexicans because they are born Mexican.  But I am prejudiced against Baptists.  Being Baptist is a choice and it is OK to be prejudiced against people for what they choose to believe or to be." There was a lot of truth in this young woman's statement. Guess I don't need to mention she wasn't a Baptist.  This discussion was obviously about religions (and some local religious leaders exhibiting questionable behavior), but it could have just as easily been about so much beyond religion. Perhaps the only thing it is truly OK to be intolerant or prejudic...

Have a good friend who along with her husband is remodeling her home. Having gone through a complete remodel and after hearing from others with the same experience,  my advice to her is first consider the following options. Move - the remodel is going to take much longer and cost much more than you think.  You could move to a nice place and still have enough savings left for an exotic vacation. Divorce - an option for remaining at least friends with your significant other Murder - Either spouse kills the other or most any of the contractors and/or subcontractors.  While this seems a little harsh at first, it is a viable option.  Just make sure the judge or least one of your jurors had undergone a home remodeling project.  The verdict will most certainly be justifiable homicide.

I enjoy classical music, without really knowing very much about it.  Go to the occasional concert, opera or ballet. And, listen to the music, mostly in the car.  The fact that I only recognize the composer or name of a very few pieces doesn't prevent me from appreciating and enjoying. Every January when the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo rolls around, I recall a chance meeting of 27 years ago. Driving out of the Fort Worth hospital district listening to the local classical music station I drove past a young female hitchhiker dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, carrying a backpack. As this was not a particularly safe part of town at the time, I circled back and offered a ride. As she tossed her back pack into the back seat and sat beside me in the front seat she remarked "Haydn's 6th".   A correct observation as it turned out when the name of the piece was given at the end the performance. My guess of a college student was correct, but she wasn't quite an inn...