It's just after Labor Day and the first day of high school has arrived. After hanging out with some of my male friends, the bell rings and all students file into the building.
The freshmen report to their home rooms on the third floor where all their classes will be. By the time I arrive at mine, most seats are occupied. I find an empty one in the middle of the room, both east and west and north and south.
In front and behind me are unknown guys. To my left is a male friend. But to my right is an unknown female. So so cute with short brown hair. Her face is not outstanding, but not ugly either. Dressed in a nondescript blouse and jeans. I'm looking at her, but she's looking straight ahead at the blackboard.
In a minute the home room teacher (Ms. Fisher) will tell all to be quiet and give us our class assignments. Here's my chance to initiate conversation with this new female. I can say hi or something else very clever. Where's the self-confidence I've been talking about?
Too late. Ms. Fisher has spoken. We'll all go to our respective first period classes in two minutes. We have to remain quiet in our seats waiting for the bell to ring.
At least I learned her name (Ann) when the teacher took attendance. Nice!
Maybe I'll run into Ann in one of my classes (I won't). When we leave our home room, I'm right behind her. The view is good, but she starts talking to another female. I've blown my opening gambit. At the door, Ann turns left and I right. But...after all, tomorrow is another day.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Sunday, March 22, 2020
ERA
The proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution states "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex."
"On August 10, 1970, Michigan Democrat Martha Griffiths successfully brought the Equal Rights Amendment to the House floor, after fifteen years of the joint resolution languishing in the House Judiciary Committee.
"On August 10, 1970, Michigan Democrat Martha Griffiths successfully brought the Equal Rights Amendment to the House floor, after fifteen years of the joint resolution languishing in the House Judiciary Committee.
The ERA was adopted by the House on October 12, 1971, with a vote of 354 to 24. Griffiths' joint resolution was then adopted by the Senate on March 22, 1972 (48 years ago today), by a vote of 84 to 8.
The ERA was then placed before the (50) state legislatures, with a seven-year deadline (to March 22, 1979) to acquire ratification by three-fourths (38) of the state legislatures" for it to become amended to the United States Constitution.
Before the end of 1972, Twenty-two states (Hawaii, New Hampshire, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Tennessee, Alaska, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Colorado, West Virginia, Wisconsin, New York, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and California) ratified the ERA. Sixteen more to go.
In 1973, eight more states (Wyoming, South Dakota, Oregon, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, Connecticut and Washington) ratified the ERA. Only eight more to go.
In 1974, Maine, Montana and Ohio ratified the amendment. Five more to go.
North Dakota passed the ERA in 1975. Indiana in 1977. Three more to go.
And then the deadline (March 22, 1979) passed, three short of 38. No amendment to the Constitution?
In spite of the passing of the deadline, three more states (Nevada, Illinois and Virginia) passed the ERA during the period 2017-2020. Does that now achieve the magic number 38? Was the self-imposed deadline legally binding?
In addition, four states (Nebraska, Tennessee, Idaho and Kentucky) rescinded their previous ratification of the ERA. However, the US Constitution "is silent as to whether a state may rescind a previous ratification of a proposed - but not yet ratified - amendment."
As of now, there is no ERA in the US Constitution (but there is in 26 state Constitutions). As a believer in gender equality, I believe there should be a federal ERA. What about you?
Before the end of 1972, Twenty-two states (Hawaii, New Hampshire, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Tennessee, Alaska, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Colorado, West Virginia, Wisconsin, New York, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and California) ratified the ERA. Sixteen more to go.
In 1973, eight more states (Wyoming, South Dakota, Oregon, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, Connecticut and Washington) ratified the ERA. Only eight more to go.
In 1974, Maine, Montana and Ohio ratified the amendment. Five more to go.
North Dakota passed the ERA in 1975. Indiana in 1977. Three more to go.
And then the deadline (March 22, 1979) passed, three short of 38. No amendment to the Constitution?
In spite of the passing of the deadline, three more states (Nevada, Illinois and Virginia) passed the ERA during the period 2017-2020. Does that now achieve the magic number 38? Was the self-imposed deadline legally binding?
In addition, four states (Nebraska, Tennessee, Idaho and Kentucky) rescinded their previous ratification of the ERA. However, the US Constitution "is silent as to whether a state may rescind a previous ratification of a proposed - but not yet ratified - amendment."
As of now, there is no ERA in the US Constitution (but there is in 26 state Constitutions). As a believer in gender equality, I believe there should be a federal ERA. What about you?
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Martha Stewart
Martha Kostyra was born August 3, 1941 in Jersey City, New Jersey. When she was ten years-old, she babysat for the children of New York Yankee baseball players Mickey Mantle, Lawrence (Yogi) Berra and Gil McDougald. As a teenager, Martha began modeling. She appeared in television commercials and magazines.
Martha's mother taught her how to cook and sew. Her father passed along his passion for gardening. Martha learned all about canning and preserving from her grandparents.
While an undergraduate at Columbia University, Martha met Andrew Stewart, a student at the Yale University Law School. They married in July 1961 and she became Martha Stewart.
Martha and her husband purchased and restored an 1805 farmhouse near Westport, Connecticut. During the restoration, her "panache for decorating became apparent."
Martha started a catering business in the basement. She later opened her own gourmet food store.
Martha's first of many cookbooks, Entertaining, was published in 1982. She also authored many newspaper columns, magazine articles and made numerous television appearances with such as Oprah Winfrey and Larry King.
Her magazine, Martha Stewart Living, was launched in 1990. Twelve years later, it had a circulation of 2 million copies per issue.
In 1993, Martha Stewart began a TV program, based on her magazine. In 1995, New York Magazine called Martha Stewart "the definitive American woman of our time."
In 1997, Martha Stewart "was able to secure funding to purchase the various television, print and merchandising ventures related to her brand and consolidated them into Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO)." On October 19, 1999, MSLO went public and by the end of the day Martha Stewart became the first, self-made American woman billionaire.
On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all of her shares in ImClone Systems Inc. She maintained the shares were sold based on a pre-determined sell price.
On December 28, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would not review ImClone's application for its cancer drug. The value of Imclone's stock dropped 18% in value that same day.
On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted on federal charges based on the sale of her ImClone stock. Federal prosecutors claimed she sold the stock based on a secret insider tip (illegal) and lied to cover it up.
On March 5, 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding and making false statements to federal investigators. She was sentenced to 5 months in prison.
On March 15, 2004 (16 years ago today), Martha Stewart resigned from the Board of Directors of MSLO.
On October 8, 2004, Martha Stewart entered the Alderson Federal Prison Camp in rural West Virginia. Even the definitive American woman is not above the law.
Martha's mother taught her how to cook and sew. Her father passed along his passion for gardening. Martha learned all about canning and preserving from her grandparents.
While an undergraduate at Columbia University, Martha met Andrew Stewart, a student at the Yale University Law School. They married in July 1961 and she became Martha Stewart.
Martha and her husband purchased and restored an 1805 farmhouse near Westport, Connecticut. During the restoration, her "panache for decorating became apparent."
Martha started a catering business in the basement. She later opened her own gourmet food store.
Martha's first of many cookbooks, Entertaining, was published in 1982. She also authored many newspaper columns, magazine articles and made numerous television appearances with such as Oprah Winfrey and Larry King.
Her magazine, Martha Stewart Living, was launched in 1990. Twelve years later, it had a circulation of 2 million copies per issue.
In 1993, Martha Stewart began a TV program, based on her magazine. In 1995, New York Magazine called Martha Stewart "the definitive American woman of our time."
In 1997, Martha Stewart "was able to secure funding to purchase the various television, print and merchandising ventures related to her brand and consolidated them into Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO)." On October 19, 1999, MSLO went public and by the end of the day Martha Stewart became the first, self-made American woman billionaire.
On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all of her shares in ImClone Systems Inc. She maintained the shares were sold based on a pre-determined sell price.
On December 28, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would not review ImClone's application for its cancer drug. The value of Imclone's stock dropped 18% in value that same day.
On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted on federal charges based on the sale of her ImClone stock. Federal prosecutors claimed she sold the stock based on a secret insider tip (illegal) and lied to cover it up.
On March 5, 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding and making false statements to federal investigators. She was sentenced to 5 months in prison.
On March 15, 2004 (16 years ago today), Martha Stewart resigned from the Board of Directors of MSLO.
On October 8, 2004, Martha Stewart entered the Alderson Federal Prison Camp in rural West Virginia. Even the definitive American woman is not above the law.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Seven Layer Chocolate Cake
Several years ago, Cristina and I were in New York, staying at the Hotel Pennsylvania on Seventh Avenue opposite Penn Station. One day we decided to have dinner at Gallaghers Steak House, 228 West 52nd Street, without a reservation. As we had no other plans for the night, we took a chance.
Cristina and I walked the 19 blocks north with some difficulty. The sidewalks were mobbed with pedestrians, including many Brazilians celebrating Brazil Day in New York (Sunday before Labor Day). On occasion, I had to hold Cristina's hand and literally fight our way through the crowd.
Finally, Cristina and I arrived at a crowded Gallaghers. We chose one of the only two tables available, which were near the entrance.
I thought it peculiar that our waiter did not write down our order, insisting he had a good memory. He didn't. Cristina and I asked for a 14 ounce filet mignon (to be shared), with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The waiter at first brought us the wrong meat. Eventually, he got it right.
We ate everything on our plates, plus bread and butter. The food was great and I was very satisfied.
However, our waiter then asked if we wanted dessert. I didn't really want one, but agreed to see the menu.
There it was. An irresistible temptation. A seven layer chocolate cake (with chocolate frosting). I ordered a piece.
When the cake arrived, it looked exactly as I imagined. Delicious. I should have taken it to go. But, I ate all the seven layer chocolate cake right away as Cristina sat looking at me, incredulous. Big mistake.
When I finished the seven layer chocolate cake, I felt uncomfortable. All the way back to the Hotel Pennsylvania, I felt uncomfortable. During the rest of the evening, I felt uncomfortable. Never more. I learned my lesson.
Cristina and I walked the 19 blocks north with some difficulty. The sidewalks were mobbed with pedestrians, including many Brazilians celebrating Brazil Day in New York (Sunday before Labor Day). On occasion, I had to hold Cristina's hand and literally fight our way through the crowd.
Finally, Cristina and I arrived at a crowded Gallaghers. We chose one of the only two tables available, which were near the entrance.
I thought it peculiar that our waiter did not write down our order, insisting he had a good memory. He didn't. Cristina and I asked for a 14 ounce filet mignon (to be shared), with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The waiter at first brought us the wrong meat. Eventually, he got it right.
We ate everything on our plates, plus bread and butter. The food was great and I was very satisfied.
However, our waiter then asked if we wanted dessert. I didn't really want one, but agreed to see the menu.
There it was. An irresistible temptation. A seven layer chocolate cake (with chocolate frosting). I ordered a piece.
When the cake arrived, it looked exactly as I imagined. Delicious. I should have taken it to go. But, I ate all the seven layer chocolate cake right away as Cristina sat looking at me, incredulous. Big mistake.
When I finished the seven layer chocolate cake, I felt uncomfortable. All the way back to the Hotel Pennsylvania, I felt uncomfortable. During the rest of the evening, I felt uncomfortable. Never more. I learned my lesson.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Marriage Story
Marriage Story is a 2019 film drama written, produced and directed by Noah Baumbach. It stared Scarlett Johansson (Nicole) and Adam Driver (Charlie) as the couple in the marriage, or more appropriate, the divorce.
Marriage Story was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (won by Parasite), Best Actor (won by Joaquin Phoenix in Joker), Best Actress (won by Renee Zellweger in Judy) and Best Original Screenplay (won by Parasite). However, it received only one Oscar, Best Supporting Actress for Laura Dern's performance as Nicole's divorce lawyer, Nora.
Charlie is a successful theater director in New York. Nicole is acting in one of his plays. Together with their young son Henry (Azhy Robertson), Charlie and Nicole have called New York home since their beginning as a couple.
Nicole is invited to star in a pilot of a proposed TV show produced in Los Angeles, where she grew up and where her mother and sister still live. Nicole takes her son to Los Angeles leaving Charlie in New York to continue his work.
When Charlie comes to Los Angeles to visit his wife and son, Nicole serves him with divorce papers. They had been to couples therapy in New York, but this was a surprise for Charlie. While Nicole intends to maintain custody of their son in a new home in California, Charlie maintains the family's home is in New York.
Marriage Story reminds me of what happened to David Goldman, his Brazilian wife Bruna and their son Sean who lived in New Jersey. In 2004, Bruna took young Sean to Rio de Janeiro for a two-week vacation to visit her family. Only it wasn't.
As soon as Bruna got to Brazil, she divorced David and told him he would never see his son again unless he acceded to her demands. She then married a rich Brazilian lawyer, but died in childbirth. It took David five years to regain custody of his son (held by Bruna's family) from Brazilian courts.
In a sense, Nicole took Henry to another jurisdiction, not Brazil, but California, and created a new family residence, not Rio de Janeiro, but Los Angeles. The legal system there was more favorable to Nicole than New York. Charlie was blindsided. As Nora said to Nicole, "We won."
It is my understanding that if Nicole had sued for divorce in New York State, she probably would have won sole or joint custody of Henry. However, she would not have been allowed to then relocate to California with her son without Charlie's permission (not likely). Better to move to California before starting divorce proceedings.
Marriage Story also reminds me of the film, Kramer vs. Kramer. At the end of the film, Joanna arrives at the apartment building where she formerly lived with her ex-husband and son to take the judge mandated custody of him.
Joanna: I came here today to take my son home and I realized he already is home.
Nicole, like Joanna, should have realized where Henry's home was. But she didn't care.
In my opinion, when you have children, all decisions should relate to what's in the best interest of the child, not the mother's and not the father's. In Marriage Story, Nicole puts her own selfish interests (career opportunity and living near her extended family) in the forefront and rips her son from his home. She's the villain of the story.
Marriage Story was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (won by Parasite), Best Actor (won by Joaquin Phoenix in Joker), Best Actress (won by Renee Zellweger in Judy) and Best Original Screenplay (won by Parasite). However, it received only one Oscar, Best Supporting Actress for Laura Dern's performance as Nicole's divorce lawyer, Nora.
Charlie is a successful theater director in New York. Nicole is acting in one of his plays. Together with their young son Henry (Azhy Robertson), Charlie and Nicole have called New York home since their beginning as a couple.
Nicole is invited to star in a pilot of a proposed TV show produced in Los Angeles, where she grew up and where her mother and sister still live. Nicole takes her son to Los Angeles leaving Charlie in New York to continue his work.
When Charlie comes to Los Angeles to visit his wife and son, Nicole serves him with divorce papers. They had been to couples therapy in New York, but this was a surprise for Charlie. While Nicole intends to maintain custody of their son in a new home in California, Charlie maintains the family's home is in New York.
Marriage Story reminds me of what happened to David Goldman, his Brazilian wife Bruna and their son Sean who lived in New Jersey. In 2004, Bruna took young Sean to Rio de Janeiro for a two-week vacation to visit her family. Only it wasn't.
As soon as Bruna got to Brazil, she divorced David and told him he would never see his son again unless he acceded to her demands. She then married a rich Brazilian lawyer, but died in childbirth. It took David five years to regain custody of his son (held by Bruna's family) from Brazilian courts.
In a sense, Nicole took Henry to another jurisdiction, not Brazil, but California, and created a new family residence, not Rio de Janeiro, but Los Angeles. The legal system there was more favorable to Nicole than New York. Charlie was blindsided. As Nora said to Nicole, "We won."
It is my understanding that if Nicole had sued for divorce in New York State, she probably would have won sole or joint custody of Henry. However, she would not have been allowed to then relocate to California with her son without Charlie's permission (not likely). Better to move to California before starting divorce proceedings.
Marriage Story also reminds me of the film, Kramer vs. Kramer. At the end of the film, Joanna arrives at the apartment building where she formerly lived with her ex-husband and son to take the judge mandated custody of him.
Joanna: I came here today to take my son home and I realized he already is home.
Nicole, like Joanna, should have realized where Henry's home was. But she didn't care.
In my opinion, when you have children, all decisions should relate to what's in the best interest of the child, not the mother's and not the father's. In Marriage Story, Nicole puts her own selfish interests (career opportunity and living near her extended family) in the forefront and rips her son from his home. She's the villain of the story.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)