Dr. F.E. Minist Chimes In

"Men don't know much about women. We do know when they're happy. We know when they're crying, and we know when they're pissed off. We just don't know in what order these are gonna' come at us." - Evan Davis

I don’t completely agree with this quote, but it is true that many women show emotions, which can, in some cases, be unacceptable.

In many societies, crying is taboo for men. What boy didn’t hear “big boys don’t cry,” “crying is for sissies,” or “I’ll give you something to cry about?” How sad is that? Crying can be medicine.

For women, showing negative emotion, specifically anger, is rarely acceptable. Girls are told to “be nice,” “be more ladylike.” Anger points to something internal, skeptics say - something uncontrollable, something biological. Therefore, society says women (especially in the corporate world) are not supposed to cry (a sign of weakness) ... and heaven forbid if they get angry (the B word).

But what is a human being minus emotion? If we all could show it without being judged, happiness would surely follow. For more information on gender and emotion, check out: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2294/is_1_40/ai_54250822

- Dr. F.E. Minist
- Photo by JuLee Brand

Beware the Gateway Movie

For many hardcore movie buffs, "The Wizard of Oz" tops the list of all-time cinematic blockbusters. Others give "Gone with the Wind" the nod. Not me. My favorite blockbuster for 2 decades was "Star Wars" (which I saw at the age of 7). Was, I say, until recently ... FULL STORY

The REAL Story:

• Jane (Austen) on the Brain
  Yep. Still guilty. Reading "Persuasion" now, and, for the record, it is NOT as engaging as "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice." Next up: "Emma" ... methinks.
  
• Lump-in-the-Throaters
  I'm guilty of lumping on all 5 movies listed in this article ... AND, of course, the play "You are a Good Man Charlie Brown."
  
• Over-the-Top Lump-in-the-Throaters
  Occasionally, Hollywood makes a movie so well, so realistic, so depressing, that I will NEVER watch it again, unless forced. For me, this includes: "The Color Purple," "Saving Private Ryan," "Schindler's List," and "Castaway."
  
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Dr. F.E. Minist Chimes In

Being a woman is a terribly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men. ~Joseph Conrad

Good relationships are based on equality. Of course individual perceptions of equality vary greatly. Is taking care of the outside chores equal to taking care of the inside chores? Why is one parent a caretaker and the other a babysitter when it comes to having the kids alone? Why does one person get waited on hand and foot when they are sick and the other person still manages to take care of everyone else first before themselves when they are sick? Who hasn't "milked" it a bit from time to time? I know many of my mother to be friends have! Only you can answer these questions based on your needs and experiences. And I certainly urge you to examine the equality in your relationship. For me personally, I have to say, if I had the chance to lay on the couch, watch the Bronco's play and get a 3-hour back rub, I would certainly say that equalizes a few things!

- Dr. F.E. Minist
- Photo by JuLee Brand

Football & Backrub: Readers Respond

"Gee, I sure hope the pain subsides ... someday. Enjoy that TV!"
- New England Rambler



"Holy crap, Batman! I never even saw that one coming. Who woulda thunk that the perfect husband crap would pay off like that? A 50-inch plasma? Suddenly, MY life is 'forever altered'."
- Dude Who Knows Better Than to State His Name



"Wow! Some story. Hit by a Hummer? Just between us guys, I would like to ask him if he is still feeling the pain ... really."
- Joe for President





ifguyscouldtalk@hotmail.com

Football & a Backrub? Somebody Pinch Me

Found: the perfect husband. He does dishes. He makes tight beds. He vacuums and mops, sort of (using cleaning robots). He regularly attacks showers and toilets with latex gloves, bleach, Comet and Pop-Up Wipes. He does it all: cooking included. And, although he wouldn't voluntarily broach the subject, he has watched "You've Got Mail" and "Return to Me" more than once ... FULL STORY

The REAL Story:

• The Perfect Husband?
  A flawed concept to be sure, but if there is one, methinks it is my man Jon Braun. He truly DOES rub his wife's back during football games. The extent of which (if at all) he is milking his injury is a matter of debate.
  
  
• The Perfect Omelet
  Begins with the perfect non-stick pan: calphalon or one of its cheaper cousins. Pan must be heated thoroughly, greased with REAL butter on medium to medium-high. Add ingredients: 3 whisked grade A extra large eggs mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk, pepper bacon, Romano tomatoes, green onions, fresh basil, salt and sharp cheddar cheese. Important: keep pan moving while cooking. Flip omelet when no longer runny ... folding it like a taco. Recipe compliments of Chi-Town Cuppajo.
  
  
• Most Accidents Happen 5 Miles or Less from Home
  At least that's what carinsurance.com alleges. Jon's happened less than 20 feet from his front door.
  
  
• Wake Up! It's Lunchtime
  Before entering the Naval Academy, Jonno worked the convenience store graveyard shift: 11 PM - 7 AM. After work, he drove home, slept, set the alarm for noon, woke up for his mother's home-cooked lunch, then went back to bed. "What can I say? I like to eat," he said.
  
  
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ifguyscouldtalk@hotmail.com

Inspirational Peanuts: Readers Respond

"LOVE the Peanuts holiday shows: The Great Pumpkin...the sad little Christmas tree... and that familiar song Schroeder played while all of the Peanuts gang danced. Even though I'm pushing 40, I still become a kid when I watch the shows. And, with my girls now ages 15 and 11, I also can see Pigpen in my kids...and their rooms, Linus when they sleep with their blankies and Lucy when they're oogling over that certain crush or hit a mood swing. Maybe Peanuts wasn't so much for entertainment purposes but to educate us on different personalities and how to all play nice together." - Wicked Wendy

"What's better than to watch an NFL Monday Night Football game with the reigning undefeated NY Giants getting beat by the struggling Cleveland Browns?? I didn't watch a single play ... my 7 year old asked me to read her a book ... having her fall asleep on my shoulder as I read her the "Dinosaurs before dark" is much better than any football game ... even the Superbowl! I agree with you Rob on the "Desperately Seeking Inspirational Peanuts" theme ... however ... my favorite comic strip growing up was "Beetle Bailey". Maybe I felt related to "Private Bailey" or maybe it was "Camp Swampy". So far you are batting 1000 ... your articles are World Series Material ... when you get syndicated please don't rename the title to "Dear Rob". - Jon in Jacksonville

Desperately Seeking Inspirational Peanuts

Every day for half a lifetime, in black and white Monday through Saturday and in living color on Sundays, the magic of Charles Schultz landed on our front door steps, was savored between bites of cereal, and ultimately took up residence in our hearts ...
FULL STORY (10/14/08)

The REAL Story:

• The Dao of Peanuts
  Shultz's masterpiece was, perhaps, heavier on philosophy than slapstick humor ... Charlie Brown soliciting Lucy for psychiatric help, brick wall conversations with Linus, and, of course, happiness being defined as "a warm puppy." Peanuts brought out the child in all of us - that innocent, beautiful ankle-biter that still hopes, still dreams, tries to make sense of an impossible world and never gives up.
  
  
• Regarding Theater ... Nothing Personal
  I'm more of a movie guy. I would, however, if given the opportunity, go see "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" again and again, and find myself making frequent references to Charles Schultz. I suspect that I might also enjoy two plays that I have never seen: "The Lion King" and "Cats."
  
  
• Dear Abby Delusions
  Yes, I admit it. I would LOVE Abby's job. One hiccup that I forsee: my advice would definitely be laced with a lethal dose of sarcasm and wit. Not holding my breath on being offered the gig .... if only. *Sigh*
  
  
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Dr. F.E. Minist Chimes In

There is no shortage of quotes and misquotes about anti-family feminists. Yes, there ARE people living among us who oppose marriage and children, but most do not. Truth is: not everyone has the luxury of a traditional nuclear family - something feminists acknowledge. Throughout our lives the definition of family changes and grows - e.g. traditional families, extended families, step families, adopted families, friends' families, even support groups. Regardless of the definition, having people to turn to when you need support, love, advice and guidance is vital. No matter how we identify ourselves as humans, it is important to open our hearts and be a positive part of someone's family.
- Dr. F.E. Minist, Women's Rights Expert
- Photo by JuLee Brand

Godsent: Reader Response

There are so many movies that employ that theme of "if I could only go back and relive that time", (too many to mention here, for sure). But I would have to say, repeating ANY part of my junior high or high school years would not be at the top of my list of things to do if I had a time machine at my disposal. Bravo to Nick for finding and appreciating the silver lining in the storm clouds of his past and inspiring us all with his story. Peace. - FazeHer, the Desert Rose

Reader's Response of the Week

They are all around you if you look. Sometimes it isn't that hard to spot ... like a turtle crossing the road ... do you swerve and drive on or do you pull over and help. The "littluns" and "Piggys" (characters from Lord of the Flies) of our society get run over and squished all the time. You can be that British Naval Officer at the end of the book/movie that shakes the boys from what they were engulfed in "the darkness of a man's heart". It is possible to change society and stand up for what is just and right. We can be that Officer ... get your commission from God and he will show you your mission each day. - Bustin' a Gut in the Bayou


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The Godsent House Around the Corner

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Hot Thighs, Classic Lit: Readers Respond

"Thighs ARE meatier. And they get hot when they rub together. Is Nebraskan corn whiskey the same as Wedding Whiskey and Red Eye? Maybe I should have some too. I can't even remember Xanadu. All I can remember is Olivia Newton John in her "Let's Get Physical" gear. Leg warmers, if put high enough, could help with meaty thighs." - Wicked Wendy

Guys CAN talk classic lit. Want proof?

My last post stated: "When I bury my nose in a book, more often than not it is classic literature: Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, Tales of 'O Henry. Recently, I have immersed myself in one literary master's (who wrote ca. 1800 and who's character development is second to none) works ... who inspired the phrases "rapturous delight" and "suffered the offense with ..." Can you name that author?

Jon in Jacksonville, who rubs his wife's back during Jacksonville Jaguar games until she falls asleep AND, just to lay it on thick, tidies up around the house ... replied: “rapturous delight” and “suffered the offense with …” Jane Austen??

I answered: Bingo. Easy one, huh?

Jon: I was a rock in English lit ... Meaning I didn't do very well ... I watched some of the Jane Austen novels on PBS with my wife.

My reply: Only his love for his wife surpassed his fascination with all things masculine. She was ever in his heart - filling it equally with rememberances as with new engagements ... and nothing, save for his tidiness on the domestic scene, demonstrated his passion for her more than giving her back rubs while the Jags played out their weekly drama for 3 hours on Sunday afternoons.

Jon: I have to shut my office door because I'm laughing too hard. People are starting to stare.

Thus ended the manly Jane Austen banter ...