Uncategorized – Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year form Find Me A Stage I have something to Say!

I have taken a long break from posting in this forum. Struggling to find a direction to take this commentary in has stifled my writing. It is not that I do not have plenty to say it is just I have no idea if anyone out there is really interested. I am a news hound and love to comment how I feel about the various news stories from the mundane to the significant. The news has become all out political with a flash of local news stories. Nothing I feel compelled to write about. That is why I stopped. I have plenty of material but who is reading???

As I am typing I am updating my online economics class for a local community college. I love teaching and gain a tremendous amount of professional satisfaction from listening to my students. I also get a few laughs along the way. Perhaps that is the direction I should go in, along with being a parent and grandparent. So today I will share a student interaction that recently happened. Please note I will not use any actual names in my writing so as to keep everyone’s privacy. My interactions have actually occurred but I have taught at several different colleges so I will not identify where the interaction has taken place.

I have never been much for assigning homework at the college level. I prefer the students engage in the classroom sessions in the form of enlightened discussions. As the teaching has evolved so has the various ways of assessing students. I am at times forced to give homework to be graded to assess. Also I tryit to just get some students to open a textbook.

I had a student come up to me after class to let me know he does not do homework because it just does not work for him. This discussion took place mid-semester. The student was already failing miserably. Homework, honestly was the least of his problems. I explained that it might be a good idea to attempt some of the homework so that he would not fail the class. He again told me it did not work for him. I questioned in confidence if there was a learning challenge that could be accommodated. The answer was a resounding no. I was puzzled and it must have shown through my expression. The student wanted me to know he expected to pass the class. What? I know I am old but did I hear that right? This particular student showed up for 10 minutes, yes you read that correctly, each class session. He was not getting it so I politely explained, if I have nothing to grade than I have to use a zero. The zero than equates to an F which is the grade he would receive if he did not start attempting some of the assigned work. He told me he was okay with it, I did not question him any further.

The semester continued and his lack of presence in class and his non-existent work continued. You know where this is going, the student failed. What surprises me is why waste precious time involved in a course you are not going to make any effort in? Life is way to short! If he expected a passing grade he was mistaken. Going to college is a commitment to yourself. You commit to participate so that your end goal of obtaining a degree or additional knowledge in a specific subject is met. If learning was not a goal than why bother.

When you join the workforce you cannot show up for just 10 minutes and you have to put in some type of effort to remain employed. I am just baffled by the lack of effort and caring. Perhaps instead of pumping high school students up to attend college maybe we should be teaching them how to actually function in the world. They have all the resources they could ever need in the palm of their hand via their cellphones. Instead of making them put the phones away maybe we should encourage using the phones as a learning instrument. Just my take on the world.

Thanks and please let me know if you are out there reading.

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Find Me A Stage, I have Something To Say — MED

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say —MED
October 4, 2018

Civility, The Word Of The Week

Civility, the action of being courteous!!! At least that is how I would define this term. Observing the actions of our President this past week, I would not use civility or any synonym of this word to describe his actions. The President berated Dr. Bleasy Ford at a political rally, inexcusable. He also insulted a female ABC political reporter at the press conference for the new trade agreement. I am paraphrasing his words but he basically told the reporter she had no idea what she was doing. Leading the reporter to say in a stern voice, “Excuse me” to the President. He covered with a quip that he chuckled and she proceeded to ask an informed question. This played out on the network broadcast. As President, I believe you are expected to be a leader, a role model. Despite your opinion certain commentaries should be left unsaid. No need to be nasty when no one is exhibiting that behavior toward you. Civility!

I think everyone would agree that you can have different views on issues and still get along. There is no need to berate anyone whether in a public forum, in school hallways, board rooms or in your neighbor’s driveway. There was a news clip running last night of parents at a children’s football game arguing into a full out brawl. Bad example set for your kids Dads and Moms. It is a game and nothing else. Check your baggage at the curb and enjoy the triumphs of all the young children on the field. Teach by example, express civility!

It starts right on the playing field as kids and carries through life. Those lessons of kindness, fairness, good sportsmanship are learned young. Once they are learned and reinforced you have civility in action. The country does not need the President of the United States offending citizens. Stop being offensive and clean up your act!!! You will gain so much more respect.

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the October 4, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

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Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say — MED

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say —MED
October 1, 2018

Breast Cancer Awareness

Fall has really begun in the Northeast! There is a chill in the air and the leaves are painting a beautiful landscape. Change is upon us. Even in the halls of our government. I feel the #metoo Movement has arrived. The pleas of a single woman to a senator have affected the Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings. I applaud that woman for her courage.

As women have been harassed, assaulted, not paid fairly etc. what stands out is that we are someone’s daughter, sister, wife and mother. Why are we treated the way we are and why do we accept this treatment. The time is up; I feel women will begin to stand up more because they are listened too. We have won a small victory.

It is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Imagine if women spoke out collectively to get better coverage for all of us and more funding to find a cure. Women should be diligent about having mammograms and also encouraging our sisters to get one too. Many women have no insurance coverage. We should do better. There should be funding!!! We should also have more funding to forward advancements in breast cancer care and the foundation for a cure.

Come on ladies, this is our rallying cry. Let’s treat ourselves better and expect better care for all.

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the October 1, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

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Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say —MED
September 27, 2018

My Voting Story

As I watch the senate confirmation hearing this morning I am struck by the age of the confirmation committee members. I am so respectful of aging Americans but the faces I see do not represent me nor did they 36 years ago. I may agree / disagree with their politics but I would prefer a better mix of ages / backgrounds / gender. They are listening and weighing in on a vote that will affect the coming generation perhaps they should have some younger faces: representative of the citizens the future Supreme Court decisions will affect.

We are looking at the same faces of the Dr. Anita Hill / Clarence Thomas hearings only aged. The only way to change the political landscape is to vote. I wanted to share my voting story and encourage others to do the same. Some background before I share. I was raised in an American Irish Catholic Family. Politics were discussed and debated on various occasions. Each election day I would join my parents as they voted although far too young to vote. My first introduction into sharing my political views was a discussion with my Mom. Mom would generally speak with my Dad and they would decide who they would vote for on any given election. When I was in High School my Mom asked who I would vote for in a local election. This started an ongoing dialogue that I have found to be a common sharing of respected opinions. I have cherished this dialogue between the two of us. We have agreed, disagreed but respected each other’s views. What a joy! Someone to share politics in a respected conversation; my Dad does not necessarily share my political views at times. We lock horns respectfully. Now as a parent, I talk to my own children about politics with esteem not negativity. I want to hear what they have to say, thank you Mom for teaching me, I want them to vote for their convictions. I also took them with me to vote as kids. I wanted them to learn my example.

A true confession, I did not register to vote until I graduated from college. Sadly, a fellow student was called to jury duty and the professors would not work with her. It affected her grade. I felt I could not jeopardize my academic standing. This incident was probably boarding on illegal behavior but I was too scared!!! As soon as I graduated, I registered to vote! This right as a citizen I hold dear. Over 11 years of teaching, I encouraged my students to vote. It is their right too. I strongly feel if you do not vote you should not complain. You gave up your right to complain when you made the choice not to vote.
Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 27, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

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Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say — MED

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say —MED
September 26, 2018

Respect and Laughter

This week the President of the United States addressed the General Assemble of the United Nations. The world leaders laughed at our President. Although the world leaders may not agree with President Trump, I feel, there needs to be a level of respect for the position he holds. Honestly if the President of the United States laughed at another world leader this would be probably received as a major insult. Why is the reverse acceptable, it should not be? As leaders collectively they set an example. The civility should rule for all leaders. We expect our children to not bully, be respectful and express civility. This was a teachable moment. World leaders you can do better and we expect better of all of you. Help the next generation leader to be leaders. Disagreement is human nature and makes our world continue. Negoiation and debate our crafted skills. Our children need to observe these skills. Please stop the laughter and bullying on the world stage. Lead by example!

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 26, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

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Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say — MED

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say —MED
September 25, 2018

National Register to Vote Day

With all the morning news shows consumed with the Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings and the United Nations General Assembly Meetings a bonus mention on a local NYC station caught my attention. Today is apparently National Register to Vote Day. This topic should be an hour segment on every news station in my opinion. Voting, as American citizens, is out right!!! We need to vote. One of the reasons our legislatures become career legislatures is because no one bothers to vote. It is so easy, register. Do your research whether online, talking to friends / family, or reading / watching the news. Go and vote in November. If you want your, voice heard than do not sit on the couch and complain, get up and register. There are very few reasonable excuses not to register. I cannot stress enough it is your right!!! I vote!

People are playing armchair quarterback and water cooler commentator but that is not good enough. We as citizens deserve more. Get involved and vote.

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 25, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

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Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say — MED

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say
September 24, 2018

Boys Will Be Boys

What a weekend of news surrounding the Supreme Court Confirmation hearing! More accusers have stepped forward. My personal take is that everyone needs to step back and vet the allegations before continuing the Confirmation hearing. There are calls for investigations, political accusations being levied and bipartisan criticisms flowing like a river. Toss in the comments on the Tweeter sphere and this is regrettable on multiple levels.

The behavior in question is not just on the national stage. I recently found myself sitting across the desk from a Human Resources Manager of a former employer. I had walked through an open door asking to talk for a few moments. I stated my concerns after witnessing several of the males assigned cubicles in hearing distance from mine mouthing off. In a few months time I had listened to racial slurs, sexist comments, cursing at its best and a round of jokes about the NYC Gay Pride Parade. At first I just ignored it but after a particular week of comments and a reference to women as pigs I had had enough. If I was insulted I felt that others in proximity were possibly insulted too. I relayed my concerns to the HR Manager. What surprised me was the comment I received in response to my concerns, “boys will be boys”. Perhaps she did not hear me; perhaps it was my calm demeanor that generated this absurd response. The atmosphere this group of employees was creating was uncomfortable, not appropriate and of no benefit to the company. At the very least investigate what was going on. By saying Boys will be Boys lead me to believe she was well aware of the said behavior but was not willing to deal with it. I did not follow through with what would be done; it felt like I was not being listened too. I received my answer the a few days later that something had been said. One of the bullies / ring leaders made an inappropriate comment and another yelled out, “Watch what you say”. Wow! Now they were inappropriate and sending me a backhanded insult. Prior to my HR conversation I had witnessed one of the offenders get upset, turn bright red, pound his first on his desk and yell fuck repeatedly. He was forceful and I have no idea what prompted this episode but it left me wondering if this anger could be targeted physically against a coworker. I listened to this nonsense until as a professional I could not put up with such disrespect. This behavior along with a few other factors played into my decision to resign. I have been through Boys being Boys before; I am at a point in my life where I can choose not to put up with it.

My feeling, they should have lost their jobs, apparently this behavior was allowed to be exhibited for years. I was not the first to complain nor am I sure I will be the last to complain. I asked several of my coworkers why they accepted this behavior. Their answers were not surprising, they were fearful of losing their job. How disconcerting that biases behavior boarding on illegal wins out because employees were in fearful. They have bills to pay, they are close to retirement, they have kids to feed, college tuition to pay, and jeopardizing an income was not an option. How could this be in 2018!! We can do better!! The Boys will be Boys atmosphere proliferates. Frustrating but true, why? Now we are seeing alleged Boys will be Boys behavior played out on a national level.

This leaves me feeling what can be done to stop it on a personal level, in the work place and in are elected office as well as in schools. Leaders I feel should lead by example. I do not think there is any one answer to solve this remarkable challenge, the excuse Boys will be Boys should be retired promptly.

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 24, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

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Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say —MED

I am part of everything I read. — Theodore Roosevelt

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say —MED
September 20, 2018

To Friendship

Lazy morning, I was late to the table today. The news I did view was more of the same topics progressing all week. One moment did touch me. Ms. Megyn Kelly did a segment of a courageous friend that passed away. It was a poignant tribute. My mind wondered to the sadness that surrounds the passing of a friend. There is an old saying that friends can be like family. I would go one step further, they are better at times because you get to pick them. When we experience this loss we step into our friend’s family. We become the shepherd of their history with us. To share with whom they have left behind.

I am drawn to the memory of my husband’s longtime friend PF, a genuine nice guy and gentleman. PF was only in my life a few years but it felt as if we had known each other forever along with his wife MB. We just clicked. When we went to his viewing years ago, I started crying in the parking lot before entering the funeral home. Your laughter with MB, your beautiful blue eyes, your ribbing of friends and your love of your kids filled our hearts. How could you not be here but be everywhere at once? We are now many years after your passing, time has flown by and the kids are adults. MB still has a sparkle in her eyes and your memories live on. Ron always speaks of you with a big smile; he had his men always blow the horn when they passed your house so the kids could smile until the day he retired. I can say as many of us can, Ms. Kelly I am empathic to your sadness. There are times we need to step back from what is going on around us and just say goodbye to a worthwhile person in our life. PF, I am going to hold you to your promise when we meet again. We are going to speed down a highway in the afterlife in a brand new Hummer with Ron and MB!!!!! May not be Route 80 but we will have fun.

As I am typing this piece, the news is that there is yet another mass shooting occurring morning. Early reports are 5 people may be dead. They, like our friend PF, are someone’s friend, child, spouse and parent. I pray for them.

Tomorrow I am having breakfast with an old friend I cherish. Cherish your friends. They have come into your life for a reason, embrace them. Have a great weekend.

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 20, 2018 morning news shows. My words are meant to raise a level of awareness not malice.

Today's Topic: The Lost Manson Tapes, Uncategorized

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something To Say

Find Me A Stage, I Have Something to Say
September 18, 2018

The morning news on the major networks this morning is consumed with Emmy Awards buzz. A pleasant change from the somber news of flooding, assault, trade wars and finger pointing. I confess we only watched the opening of the Awards show. I found the beginning skit to go on too long and somewhat amateurish. There were a few jokes that worked by the MCs but I was bored, we switched stations. FOX network in the NYC area was broadcasting the Lost Manson Tapes. I initially did not want to watch this program and was hoping my husband would keep channel surfing. He did not. I opted to read a book while he watched. The strangest thing, I stopped reading and started watching. It was extraordinary the mental fix this man had over a group of young people. I do not know much about Manson’s background as I was young when the killings happened. I believe my parents kept this story from being discussed in our family for good reason. It was downright ghoulish.

It astonishes me the level of mental health issues that engulfed this group of young people. Starting with the psychosis Manson exhibited. I am not an expert on mental health but this is a blatant example. Were the followers seeking to fill an emotional emptiness in their lives? I was left thinking what gets any person to that point; manipulation, drugs, savage killings, hate. Manson wanted to be famous, when let down in a music career he chose a different route. Regardless of his choices the young people in the tapes especially the 3 young women demonstrating gun and knife usage was frightening, telling. The look in their eyes was extreme. I found myself thinking that our society needs to do better in addressing out mental health issues in real time. So many people need help. Care needs to be immediate when needed. People need to be aware. Some members of society need to be steered to help as young as grade school, the stigma of having a mental illness needs to be lifted. I am curious if Manson showed signs of his illness at a young age or if he broke from reality at a later point? I will research for my own knowledge.

I realize that the Manson Lost Tapes were not morning news but they were news last evening. I needed something of substance to sink my teeth in this morning instead of the fun loving Emmys. Do not get me wrong, I like to be entertained and who doesn’t like to see The Fonz finally get acclaim for a wonderful career? Ooooh the fashions too!!! Throw in the well founded diversity messages and a wedding proposal; you have escape TV viewing at its best.

Thank you for your time. Hope your level awareness was raised.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 18, 2018 morning news shows and the FOX network the evening of 9/17/18.

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The Journey Begins

Be Thankful For Your Struggles For Without Them Your Wouldn’t Have Discovered Your Strengths — Zig Ziglar

This my first post and I hope it raises your level of awareness. I love watching broadcast news and frequently comment from my lovely couch. My poor husband patiently listens while I voice my opinions. Bless him for his patience, willingness to listen and humor. This as everything I do is for us Clark. Here goes:

Find Me a Stage, I Have an Opinion
September 17, 2018

I am a woman in her late 50’s, educated and not employable, more about me in my bio to be posted shortly. The past few months I have been watching the morning news shows. A luxury not offered when I was commuting to employment. This morning, I watched with keen interest the broadcasts regarding the alleged sexual assault at the hand of Mr. Kavanaugh. This incident apparently happened many years ago in the heat of youth and alcohol. I listened to the information and fond my mind wondering back to Justice Clarence Thomas hearings for appointment to the Supreme Court. In my opinion, a brave Ms. Anita Hill testified of sexual harassment at the hand of Justice Thomas. We are some 25 years later and here we go again. This is appalling!

I overheard one broadcaster this morning pointing out that Mr. Kavanaugh was so young when the incident in question occurred. This observation led to the questioning of his accountability at a young age. It is also alleged that Mr. Kavanaugh and a friend (supposed witness to the incident) do not remember their behavior. Well if they were reportedly fall down drunk, not right but in youth it does happen, they probably do not remember their actions. So we are left with a she said, he said confrontation. This type of confrontation I feel happened to Ms. Hill.
I give the accuser credit for speaking out. The news feeds this morning also made note that the accuser had waited a long time to come forward, this action was commented and lamented on. This topic brought me to my own work history. I started to work in the mid-seventies. At a time when women felt empowered but were begrudgingly given limited power in the corporate work place. In that era women put up, shut up, cried in ladies rooms across the county and let things fly under the radar. My girlfriends and I wanted to climb the career ladder in a positive light. My #metoo harassment moment occurred long ago while watching Ms. Hill. During that time period there was no one to turn too not even Human Resources. As several of the broadcasters have questioned in light of the current news who would believe you? I worked in a Human Resources Department at one point. I was summoned by the director to his office. When I knocked on the door before entering the director yelled out, “come on in and sit on my lap, tell me what’s the matter”. I quietly backed away and said I would come back later. At the same company a co-worker, senior to me, had his secretary retype a cover of a report with his name as author. I wrote the report, it was my work. Did ask the HR Director why I was being paid less than a male counterpart after receiving my MBA and was told although he does not have an MBA he has 2 years seniority. Really, I achieve and do not receive financial acknowledgement??? I left this company not too soon after that conversation. After repeated offensive behavior you build up an emotional barrier and keep going.

I feel our society has not progressed since the 1970s. I did not even hear one reference to what Ms. Hill went through during the few broadcasts I watched this morning. We are still talking about the inappropriateness of behavior that is swept under the rug. It is not easy for victims to come forward when each word is dissected in the press; they are victimized again and more times than not their truths are brought to question. I feel for the accuser in the Kavanaugh hearings. I also feel for Mr. Kavanaugh’s family this is a hard accusation to render but also to realize. I think we can all agree that this type of behavior needs to stop immediately not continue to manifest into our next generation.

The words shared above are my express opinion upon watching the September 17, 2018 morning news shows. I am not sharing my opinions out of malice, this is just my take on a major headline. I hope awareness, sensitivity and kindness are raised.