Addie C. Jones and the Flowering Beads
Author: jill
•9:54 PM
Have you met Addie C. Jones? I swear she is a clone of the popular children's series hero, Junie B. Jones. They both stomp their feet when they're angry, they both wear some crazy clothes and they both get into a lot of mischief. But luckily, only one of them lives at my house.

We just started reading this series at my house, but with each chapter I read to the girls, it seems like I am reading about my little Addison. Honestly ... Junie B.'s mannerisms, her use of language, her crazy ideas ... it's all Addie. In Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. accepts gifts from her friends in exchange for being the first one to see her new baby brother until an all-out bidding war is taking place on the school playground. Addison Claire would do this ... she would take gifts from kids in exchange for a glimpse of her new baby brother. Of course, if Addison had a new baby brother she may have to take gifts to raise the funds for her mother's weekly therapy sessions.

Anyhow, today I am feeling like some kind of distinguished Super Heroine. I have put away three loads of laundry, while number four and five are in the washer and dryer, respectively. I baked a little snack cake with a caramel topping. I got some good news about my blog and I did a little reading. And, I made homemade (from scratch) turkey pot pies. That is when the trouble began.

As I was chopping and bubbling away in the kitchen, Addie C. came in and asked for two bottles of water.

"Why?" I asked. "Why do you need two bottles of water?"

" 'Cause I'm growin' flowers," she explains. What a sweet little thing, pretending to grow flowers in the wintertime. She wants to bring a little sunshine to us, I think to myself.

"Just for pretend, right Addie?" I answer for her. "You may use two empty bottles."

"No, I just wanted some water," she insists.

"Well, no," I insist. "We cannot grow flowers in the house."

"Oh, okay," she says. "Let's take them outside and grow them then."

"Well, it's too cold today, but maybe we can do that in the Spring," I suggest. She seems to think this is a good idea and wandered off, singing happily, leaving me to continue with the chopping and the bubbling and the stirring.

A couple of hours later, Big Sister Marnie arrives home from school and goes to check on the status of her room. Marnie does this everyday to ensure that everything is just as she left it this morning. Today, there is a high-pitched scream when she reaches the top of the stairs, followed by sobbing.

Addie C. Jones has been growing flowers in Marnie's bedroom. Marnie received a craft project from her Nana as a Christmas gift. It has little itty, bitty beads; lots and lots of little itty, bitty beads. Itty bitty beads that look like seeds, as it turns out. The little red beads seeds have been sprinkled around on the carpet. Now, as luck might have it, the Easter Bunny was nice enough to bring the cutest little gardening set for each of the girls last year. So, fortunately, there was a watering can nearby and the carpet had been watered to ensure the flowers would grow really big. I am still not entirely sure where the water came from but I suspect there is no water left in Marnie's bedside glass. Then a little glitter powder had been added for good measure. 'Cause what are bead flowers without the glitter?


Honestly, she is really sweet. For instance, just today, Addie C. told me that when her birthday comes she wants to buy new earrings for her big sister. Now, even though she just wants to replace the ones that she lost down the bathroom sink, that is still really nice. Don't you think?

I felt it my duty, as her mother, to attach this photo taken a couple of weeks ago. We told her that we were going to a restaurant to celebrate the Christmas Holidays, and that it was important to put on something pretty to wear. This is how she presented herself, feeling as pretty as a princess. Mean 'ol Daddy, put his foot down, explaining there was a "No Pyjamas" rule at the restaurant. So, she had to settle for a cute little jean skirt and a warm wintry shirt.

I guess I forgot one other thing I did today - I also cleaned up a flower garden. So, what did you do?
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Religion in The DaVinci Code
Author: jill
•1:24 PM
This is the second of two posts on The DaVinci Code. If you would like to read the first post, click here.

It was snowing this morning, as I walked the kids to the bus stop. Addison joined us because it looked like it would be fun ... walking in the snow, that is. Fresh footprints, the sounds of crunching snow as we walked. Do I have faith, I asked myself. Sometimes nature invokes self-reflection, and after a few days with The DaVinci Code, it seems this was the case with me this morning.

I have written this post three times. If you know me, you also know that I love to talk but there are a few things that I do not relish disussing. Money, politics, vaccines ... and religion. I think the reason I do not enjoy exchanging ideas on these issues is because, at their core, they are just personal choices. Choices that you have to make on your own; and what you choose to do/think/believe should not impact on what I choose to do/think/believe. Because it is personal.
Why am I going to talk about it? Well, it is at the core of The DaVinci Code. But, I am going to tread lightly, I think. My thoughts are certainly not intended to offend, just provoke thought ... and for some, that can be difficult.

Dan Brown references the word scotoma, in which he describes it as the brain's ability to use powerful preconceived notions (in the form of symbols) to block out inconsistencies seen by the eye. Dictionary.com defines scotoma literally as a blind spot. I love this because it so true. It is the idea that you believe something because you have been told it is true over and over, and when confronted with information contradicting your beliefs your mind protects you by blocking out the inconsistencies, overriding what your eye sees. Imagine a picture of a glass of milk - what comes to mind? Wholesome, healthy, nutritious ... makes a body strong, right? It is breastmilk from a cow, people. You do not need to drink milk to be strong or healthy. Now, imagine a glass of milk from a hippopotamus. Same thoughts jump to your mind? Probably not. I read recently that the brain is lazy and it searches for information that will agree with what it already knows and it ignores new information that conflicts with those ideas. Many of you will ignore what I have just written because it is easier.

Imagine for a moment that everything you learned at Sunday School was nothing more than a story. For some, this is almost incomprehensible. Most people I know grew up attending Church on Sunday. We learned about the Bible because our parents learned about the Bible when they were little and growing up. In fact, I can remember my Mom saying that one of the reasons she went to Church was so that I could go to Sunday School. I guess it was one thing she didn't have to teach me herself. She could take care of proper table manners, thank you cards, making my bed ... but leave religion up to the Sunday School Teacher. And, we did not question the teachings of our Church - they were just fact. The end. Just like I did not question table manners or writing thank you cards. However, after I learned the truth about Santa and the Easter Bunny, I should have thought to ask about the story of Jesus, too.

I have always relied on facts. It is how my brain operates. Give me the information, I will assimilate it in with what I already know and I will generate an opinion. If the new information does not fit in with what I already know, I will seek out more information. Dictionary.com defines faith as a belief that is not based on proof; at the cornerstone of religion is faith. Belief in God/Jesus without any proof. Some will say that The Bible provides all the proof we need. But I need a reference source, something to authenticate the story and many are poking holes in the story; it seems that one question leads to another. The DaVinci Code forces many questions ...

To research it all for yourself would take a huge load of time; and frankly between three kids, reading one hundred books in one year and the laundry, I just don't know if I'll be able to fit it in right now. But it would be a real journey ... maybe next year.

I believe there was a man named Jesus Christ, who was a powerful leader. I even believe in many of the ideals he taught - honour thy parents; do not murder; do not covet your neighbour's house/wife/ox; do not steal. These are all great values to live by and I teach them to my children. It's the part about the Virgin Mother and the Kingdom of Afterlife that I have reservations about.

Religion is based in fear, or in instilling fear in others. Scare others into thinking like you do. Safety in numbers, right? Conformity. Be like us. Do what we do. Join our group. It is actually the hallmark of adolescence. And we expect these young kids to find their own way ... some do and others get lost. To be completely honest, I respect those who have a strong belief in God/religion. It is wonderful that so many have found something that gives them strength to get through difficult times and bring them together with other like-minded folks. What I do not understand is why some individuals/groups find it difficult to respect the decision of some to find strength from other sources.

Since Roman Catholicism is at the heart of The DaVinci Code, I will pick on it. And, I've had some experience with it as well. Although I grew up as a member of an Anglican Church, I went to a Roman Catholic School for my Grade 8 year. Why? Well, that is a story for another day. I was an outcast ... not by the kids, but by the Church. I was not allowed to participate in the religious service or rituals because I had not been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church. There were three or four of us who were excused from Communion and confession. The other kids thought we were lucky, but it made me curious. What happened in that little room, between my friends and "God," who was actually Father Somebody. I would ask them and their responses were all the same.

"We confess our sins," each of the girls would tell me.

"What kind of sins?" I would press them, eager for more information.

"Like, if I was angry with my Mom. Or I yelled at my sister. Or, I wished I had a new pair of shoes like Mary Lou," they would explain.

You mean, you had to be sorry for acting like an adolescent? I kept my thoughts to myself and as time went by, I began to see myself as the lucky one, too. Because I did not have to participate in this act every month. But it did make me feel different from them. It was as though I was not good enough to participate in their rituals. But I thought the Church welcomed everyone? I guess, maybe they meant that they would welcome anyone who would officially join up by promising a weekly tithe. Do not forget that the Church is a business and they need money to survive. And survive they do. According to the Economic Report for the Holy See 2000 the Church closed with a net gain of more than $8.5 (US) billion for that year, as it had for the past eight years running. In fact, my resident business expert, Matt Jonesy, told me that The Roman Catholic Church is considered one of the most successful businesses. Ever.

Brown skillfully intertwines fact and fiction. Pieces of information are expressed through the voice of a character, especially Leigh Teabing and sometimes it is difficult to decipher what is actual fact and what is interpretation. On the first page of the book, Brown assures us that the artwork, architecture, documents, and the secret rituals in the novel are accurate. However, there is a fine line because Teabing and Langdon often began an explanation by referencing a book or a document; but it becomes a little unclear where the factual information ends and where opinion/speculation of the character begins. I can understand why this story caused such a stir in the media when it was released.

The bottom line is that the very basis of the Church and its teachings are questioned. The role of women in the Church is challenged. The Opus Dei and its practices are brought into awareness and are not portrayed in a flattering light. This book does not make one want to run out and become a member of the Roman Catholic Church. It makes you question things.

I wonder if Dan Brown realized the can of worms he was opening when he handed in this manuscript. There is a scene in The DaVinci Code where Langdon remembers a discussion with his editor, Jonas Faukman, over his most recent manuscript. Faukman is extremely skeptical that Langdon can substantiate his claims and fears the backlash once the book hits the stands. I suspect that conversation is based on his editor's reaction to this book.

I am convinced Dan Brown says it best. He was interviewed last year on The Today Show and he says, "I do something very intentional and specific in these books. And that is to blend fact and fiction in a very modern and efficient style, to tell a story. There are some people who understand what I do, and they sort of get on the train and go for a ride and have a great time, and there are other people who should probably just read somebody else." I, for one, enjoyed the train ride.

As so, I return to the question of what I believe. As my three little miracles skipped ahead of me, giggling and catching snowflakes, I realized that I have faith in them. If I have to believe in something blindly, I choose them. As a matter of fact, I have faith in myself, too. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that.  
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The DaVinci Code - Part I
Author: jill
•11:11 AM
Somebody forgot to tell me that while I read, I have to continue my mothering ways. Apparently, the laundry will continue to build a pile and people around here still want interesting meals placed in front of them ... but there are pages to read and blog entries to compose. Now, I ask you ... which would you rather do?

The DaVinci Code took a little longer than expected. I mean, it is already January 11th and I have only read two books! Maybe I should take a different approach ... hey, did I mention it is only January 11th, and I have already read two books!?! And, I've started a third. 

DaVinci was a great read ... I don't think I have heard anyone say they did not enjoy it. Well, anyone I know that is ... because there are many critics out there. And I think you know which organization they belong to ... You have to remember that this is a work of fiction, not of fact. But I wish it was a biographical account - 'cause that would be fun. What if it really did happen, and Dan Brown just wrote it as a novel ... to maintain the secret.

Do you ever wish you could go on an action-packed adventure? I must want to, because I often have dreams like that ... on the run, time-oriented, looking for something or someone. Plus, I would get out of having to wash clothes and ceramic tile floors for a couple of days. I wanted to go on The Amazing Race so bad ... but I'll have to talk about that another time.

As a person who has recently found writing as an outlet, I cannot even fathom the amount of time and research that Dan Brown put into this book. I bet he doesn't have a three-year-old who wants snacks all the time. The references to religion, symbology, and real works of art are without end. I read the illustrated edition and found it helpful to see what Brown was describing; although, I am a very visual person and often seek out images to aid in my learning.

And, how on earth did he come up with the idea for the story in the first place? There has been a murder, but finding the murderer is not the primary goal. The main characters are on a different quest. The pace is unforgiving, moving from one tantalizing piece of information to the next. Since I love to figure stuff out, I was even trying to guess at the answers sometimes. Which, really, is just ridiculous since I have no knowledge (outside this book) of cryptology or codes or art history. But it was fun to try and I think that is one of the reasons it has gained such popularity ... the reader is along for the ride. 

According to Wikipedia, The DaVinci Code is one of the most popular books of all time and has sold more than 81 million copies worldwide. So, I'll assume you've read it. This was actually my second time reading it and I cannot believe how much I had forgotten. I must have been reading it (the first time) in a hormonal haze mixed with a little lack of sleep. The one thing that I do recall is that after reading it the first time, I really began to question religion. I think that I had already started down that road, and this book just fuelled my curiosity. But, more on that another time.

Obviously, a very enjoyable book. So many things to discuss, though. I think I will begin in an area of comfort ... because some topics are not so comfortable for me. Let's look at the some of the characters.

I think I feel most drawn to Silas. Surprised? I'm a helper ... my heart breaks for him and I just want to make it all better, even though he has done terrible things. Maybe my momoholism reaches out beyond my own children. His childhood is unthinkable - witnessing the murder of his mother, feeling responsible for it, taking his father's life and then living on his own on the streets from the age of seven. Honestly, that would be the end of most of us. To expect that a person is going to walk away from a situation like that and become a productive member of society is not reasonable. It ties back into the ideas I expressed in an earlier post, about the effects of losing a parent at a young age. But feeling responsible for the death of a cherished parent and then taking the life of the other -- forget about it. Incarceration for violent crimes seems like a very realistic outcome for a young man like Silas. He gets a second chance when he is found by Manuel Aringarosa, who treats him kindly and gives him renewed purpose. Silas is reborn as a good person, named after the Biblical figure whose life mirrored his own, but one who is used by his maker, to preserve his own agenda. For Silas, when he accidentally shoots Aringarosa, all was lost in that one moment- his purpose, his Father, his mentor, his life. As he stumbled around with Aringarosa in his arms, delivering him to those who could help, he must have felt so alone, and for that reason my heart goes out to Silas. He died alone in a garden.

My heart also goes out to Mary Magdalene - "the outcast one," as Brown refers to her. Have you ever felt like an outcast? Wanting to fit in, but you can't; being judged by those who have no right to judge. In the Bible, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a sinner and as someone who is unworthy of even touching Jesus Christ; and now, today, everyone wants to be near her, the Holy Grail. Ever been mistaken about someone? I know I have; it is almost always regrettable to jump to conclusions about someone based on little information. I find it to be a common problem amongst teenage girls! After reading The DaVinci Code, I imagine Mary Magdalene not as an unwanted and shunned sinner, but as an intelligent, fightened woman, pregnant with the child conceived with the man she loves most, sneaking away and living in secrecy. Hiding her daughter, after watching her husband tortured. Two thousand years later, I just want to give her a hug and reassure her that everything will be okay. But that is just me, 'cause I am a helper.

Sir Leigh Teabing is, by far, the most entertaining personality in the book. Even Langdon describes Teabing as "a character." Sir Leigh provides the reader with an abundance of information, while remaining kinda funny and most certainly, full of surprises. Teabing and I would enjoy a fun banter should we have ever met. Of course, I would have had to kick his ass once I found out the truth about him. And I picture him to look like one of the Penn and Teller guys - the one who can talk; which is much different than the casting in the movie.

Robert Langdon himself is described as scholarly, a Harvard professor. In fact, I think it is commom knowledge that Brown modelled the character after himself. If I had been the casting director for the film, I would have chosen Harrison Ford. In the words of Elle Woods, he's "not totally unfortunately looking," and Harrison would look pedantic in a cardigan sweater or a tweed jacket. Plus, Forest Gump as a world-renowned authority on Religious Iconology and Symbology - please. Between you and me, I think Langdon sounds a little boring. Maybe too scholarly. I mean, could he carry on an interesting conversation outside symbology or art or history. Don't get me wrong - the things he knows are fascinating. But could you talk about them all the time? Eventually, he would impart all his knowledge upon you, and then what? Could he have fun at a hockey game? Would he have a Facebook page? Would he read this blog? I just don't think so...

Sofie Neveu will live the rest of her life with regret. She is a strong-willed woman who is not afraid to voice her opinion. She, too, is smart and educated and successful in her chosen field. I liked her, and I bet she has lots of friends. Although her tendancy to be stubborn and bull-headed cost her the relationship with her grandfather. I do not think I could have shunned my grandfather the way she did. Don't get me wrong, I can hold a grudge but he was her only family and she turned her back on him. And for that reason, I imagine she will live the rest of her life with regret. Actually, she is not unlike Mary Magdalene - both smart, strong women harbouring a secret that would change religion forever ... the same secret.

I just need to mention Captain Bezu Fache quickly. He is known by his colleagues as The Bull. His name (fache) translated into English means angry. Enough said. I picture him to be a short stocky guy, strongly opinionated, determined to get the bad guy; and he's not learned in the same scholarly way that Langdon is, but he is smart and very successful in his career. He reminds of a guy I know.
  
This is taking much longer than I imagined. This discussion, that is. It will continue ... on to more uncomfortable topics ...after the laundry is folded and the next load(s) are pushed through. Is it possible to fold, read and type at the same time? I'll get back to you ...

To read the second installment of my thoughts on The DaVinci Code, just click here.
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Music to a Mother's Ears
Author: jill
•9:32 AM
Last night, while preparing supper, I spied a little piece of heaven. Nope, not cheesecake. The i-Pod. So, I boogied while I prepared meatballs. But the minute I put the i-Pod on, it attracts children. There was a parade of children with annoying questions; and each time, I have to turn off the song I am so enjoying. To listen to the annoying question.

"Mommy, do you know where the yellow crayon is?" Addie asks.

Marnie wants to know if she can put her pyjamas on before supper.

"Hey, want to play a couple levels of Mario with me?" Caiden wants to know.

No idea ... of course, I'm never opposed to pyjamas at any time of the day ... can't, or we won't get to have supper tonight ... These are my answers. But the thing is ... did these questions really need to be asked?

Do you have an i-Pod? The day that Jonesy walked into our house with an i-Pod, my life changed. It was about a year ago and it is just a little i-Pod Shuffle.

"Oh ... it's so cute," I said. "How many songs can you put on that thing?"

"Two hundred and fifty," Jonesy told me. Wow ... I figured that would be about all the songs I know. Don't forget, I'm a momoholic, so the majority of the music I have listened to for the last eight years revolved around Sesame Street or theme songs to TV shows like, Dora the Explorer or Handy Manny. And, I'll admit that I sing the Handy Manny song while chopping vegies because I know you do, too.

For the first three years of Caiden's life, he listened to nothing but classical music, like Beethoven and Bach, and our personal favourite, Mozart. Marnie also benefited from some classical music as an infant because Caiden loved it so much; but if given the choice she would always ask Daddy to turn up (loud) anything funky and dance-worthy. Addison has listened to a wide variety of music, none of it classical. I think Hannah Montana's Ice Cream Freeze is among the favourites at present.

I had forgotten what it was like to listen to music that I enjoy, just for fun. Not long after it entered the house, Jonesy insisted that I give our new little music maker a try while I was making supper one night. It was great. And do you know why it was great? Because I could not hear the children ... that I love so much. There was no screaming, there was no fighting, there was no whining! It was just music and in a strange way, it was quiet.

So, this became an escape, of sorts, for me. I could be off duty because I could not hear to respond. And everyone in the house knew when I was off duty because of the horrifying singing that accompanies this short break from motherhood ... or so I'm told. Between you and I, I don't think it's really that bad ... I've heard worse.

Do you know that my children are jealous of the i-Pod? I have been accused of loving the i-Pod more than a particular six-year-old little girl. I have been accused of not wanting to play Mario because I would rather listen to my i-Pod. Imagine being jealous of a machine. And, the reason they are jealous is because they do not have my undivided attention. I think it was the first time I had not been at their beck and call ... and they did not like it one bit. They like me better as a momoholic ... they are enablers.

I see the same happening with book and blogging. The minute I open a book, someone appears with a question or problem.

So, jealousy is the reason the parade of questions began last night as soon as the i-Pod was turned on. I took it off in a fit of frustration and the minute I did, the parade ended. But as I was putting the spaghetti in the pot, I heard ...

"Dude, guess what Mommy's makin' for supper? Our favourite ... spaghetti and meatballs. Yeah!!"

Now, that is music to a Mommy's ears.
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... And the Mom Read On ...
Author: jill
•12:34 PM
You know you're old when ... It's the beginning of many jokes, but this is for real. I had an eyelash in my eye, but I couldn't see it - to remove it - because my glasses were getting in the way. So I had to take them off. Then I just couldn't see. This is how my day started. From there my morning just continued on in the same manner it began.

"Stop goofin' around. We should have been in the car eleven minutes ago."

As a parent, can't you hear yourself saying the same thing over and over again? Don't answer that, it was rhetorical.  But, it wasn't me who said these words, it was my (almost) eight-year-old son. This is the same little boy, who last year at this time, would have been having a full-out panic attack because he had to spend the next six hours with "that woman." Now this little boy is anxious to get there and impatient with his mother's goofiness. Warms my heart, and I know he was actually enjoying my early morning singing and dancing because he spit the words out with the faintest little smirk across his lips.

On a completely different note, I found the best picture to illustrate what I was writing about the other day. I wrote about the power of the media to decide. To decide what they investigate, what to make interesting, what details to reveal. (Click on the image to see it in its entirety)



I don't think I need to say any more. I hope it makes you think and question everything you see, understanding their power.


On a much lighter note my morning did improve because after I dropped my kiddies off at school, I made my way over to Chapters. I picked up a couple of things from my list. I am a girl who needs immediate gratification. Get your mind out of the gutter ... I mean, I cannot wait for books to arrive in the mailbox. I have done it, and it is a great day when you pop over to pick up the bills mail, and they are there waiting. Instantly turns the day around for me. But I enjoy looking around and touching the books and being drawn in by the marketing. For instance, I picked up the cutest little notepads made by a company called, ecojot. I just love the designs and would like to have one of everything!! They are a company based out of Scarborough ... gotta love supporting a Canadian-based eco-friendly company! I love little notepads and journals and agendas ... oh my!!

I bought And the Band Played On (#86 on The List) today ... it is ... intimidating is the only word I can come up. It is 605 pages long, it has an index at the back and a dermatis personae (whatever that is) at the beginning. I saw the movie a few years ago, so I am familiar with the story. And the one other little problem is that it is printed in very small type ... which brings me back to my problem of being old ... or feeling old. You know you are old when ... you keep talking about all the things that are deteriorating on your body. Promise - no more on that subject!

Meanwhile, still working on The DaVinci Code ... so love this book. Trying not to get caught up in the details. Discussion coming soon....
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Back in Routine
Author: jill
•11:38 AM
"The less routine, the more life."
Amos Bronson Alcott, 1799- 1888


Once again the house is quiet. One little girl does not make very much noise ... there is no one to fight with, there is no reason to compete for attention. So, the house is quiet. The quote by Alcott is something I should embrace a little more. But it is difficult for me ... I enjoy routine and schedules ... so, for me, I'm a "Woo-Hoo: It's Quiet Girl!!"

When everyone is here, and there is yelling and crying and squealing and laughing and goofing, I long for the quiet. I mean, sometimes I go in the bathroom and lock the door and pretend it is quiet. Pretend there are no voices in the distance fighting over Barbies or screaming because a new high-score was not achieved. But once the quiet is here, I ache for them - the noise makers. I guess that old saying is true - you always want what you cannot have.

There were tears last night and this morning. It is hard to get back into routine for my little ones. Caiden will always struggle with change and transition - it is who he is. I think Marnie has learned it from her brother; by observing his reluctance to go to school. She has learned to dwell on the negative instead of embracing the positive. She was worried the kids would squish her because they all want to sit next to her during "carpet time." When I had a break from school, I can remember feeling nervous because I was afraid nobody would want to play with me. We should all be as lucky as Marnie ... imagine going to a meeting, and arriving to find your fellow colleagues arguing and pushing each other out of the way to get the chair next you. Jonesy and I often entertain ourselves by imagining children's behaviour in adult situations ... try it sometime ... like crying at the office because you did not get the last doughnut! Or, throwing a temper tantrum because your boss picked someone else. Or, wearing a princess costume into the office - this would be my favourite.

But the tears passed and they ran into the playground eager to see friends they haven't seen since way back in 2009.

And, Mommy returned to her last load of laundry, a very large pile of ironing and a dirty house that has not been cleaned in two weeks. Many things of her own to face ... not the least of which is a book, started yesterday afternoon and calling my name. It is difficult to ignore because it is so quiet in here. Cleaning can wait ...
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One Down, Ninety-Nine To Go
Author: jill
•11:33 PM
America (the Book) by Jon Stewart is not what I expected. It was funny ... I expected that. But what I did not expect is that it really was all about politics and democracy. It was actually a funny history textbook. The kind of history textbook my Dad would like. I thought that it would be more of a gossipy, funny look at politics. There was some of that, I guess, but not enough for a non-politico, like me.

It opens with a hilarious, laugh-out-loud Foreword by Thomas Jefferson. The rest of the book reads like a magazine; there are sidebars and little boxes with fun facts. It reminded me of Maxim magazine and if you have never picked up a copy of Maxim, you should because it is very funny ... if you can laugh along with the boys. If you are easily offended or find boys and their prickish sense of humours distasteful, then avoid it all costs. I stuck a copy in my suitcase when I went to the hospital to give birth once. It was nestled inbetween my crochet and foodie magazines, but don't tell Jonesy. Wait until there is someone on the cover you can tolerate, but be warned - her name is usually attached to a stupid catch phrase, like "Wet n' Wild (insert name here)." Try to see past it and toss it in your shopping cart for your husband, like any considerate and thoughtful wife would. That's what I do anyway.

America (the Book) has tons of fun things like instructions for a C-SPAN Drinking Game that we should all try at some time in our lives. There are several fun activities like the Game of Presidency, making your own flag, determining whether something is news-worthy, dressing the naked Supreme Court Justices, and matching the top news anchors to their hair styles. And how to formulate your journalist pseudonym ... more on that later. I love those name generators ... I am sucker every time. My Jersey Shores nickname is J-Pop; my Smurf name would be Killdozer; my Star Wars name is Abric Burkan; my pirate name is Smelly Fish Bluebeard. Okay, enough already. The computer ones are entertaining, but I really like the ones that take some thought. Like your porno name ... take the name of your first pet and add the street name that you grew up on ... mine is Missy Chippewa. Caiden had a book called, Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants by Dav Pilkey. Professor Poopypants changes everyone's name so that we all have ridiculous names like his ... mine is Poopsie Monkeyfanny; my son, Buttercup Monkeyfanny laughed until he cried when we read this book. We generated a new silly name for everyone we knew - grandparents, teachers, friends, neighbours, people we saw on the street - probably even you. By the way, if you have young boys, the Captain Underpants series is a must for your home library!!

In America (the Book) there is a whole chapter on the Judicial Branch of the US government, and I really enjoyed it. I love the law and how it works, or doesn't work. Did you know that cameras have never been permitted inside the Supreme Court? And those who enter it, must take a sacred oath not to reveal what they have seen. What could be in there? Do they preside in hot tubs? Landmark decisions by the Supreme Court were reviewed - the Miranda Warning came to be in 1966, and Roe v. Wade took place in 1973. You know, for some reason I thought abortion rights were not proclaimed until the 1980s. One case that the book did not mention, although in my opinion was a huge legal decision, was the case of Baby M. You remember it, right? Baby M. was conceived with a surrogate through artificial insemination. After the baby's birth, the surrogate refused to relinquish the baby and a much-publicized legal battle followed.

Speaking of publicity, my favourite chapter in the book is dedicated to the Media, and more specifically, the role of media. The media, as an entity, fascinates me almost as much as the law; and not just in respect to politics or democracy. Some say that the President of the United States is the most powerful person in the world. Not me ... the media has more power than any of us realize. The role of the (free) press is to be the eyes and ears of the public, providing information and access and insight. But the problem is that they also decide which stories will be granted their eyes and ears. And sometimes, after they have sniffed around and uncovered some interesting information, they are persuaded not to release said information to the public. I read about this just recently with regards to Tiger Woods. Apparently, in 2007, the National Enquirer snapped some photos of Tiger in a parking lot with an alleged mistress. Tiger, or more specifically his legal team, struck a deal with American Media Inc., who owns both the National Enquirer and Men's Fitness. He agreed to appear on the cover of Men's Fitness in exchange for the photos. Now, I understand that whether or not Tiger Woods is revealed to be an adulterer is really not going to change the world as we know it. However, it does make me question what other stories are squashed or paid off so that they do not go public. The media has the power ... to be paid a great deal of money. A true journalist would never sell out. Ever. But his/her boss might. There is some great insight in this book, revealing how the holdings of a corporate television company can mean a new negotiating power that Stewart has termed synergy. The media is powerful.

So, my first book is done and without much ado. Actually, there was a lot of laundry a-done while I read this book. I'm glad to move forward to a piece of fiction. I will be jumping around a little ... just because. I have started The DaVinci Code and look forward to sharing what I know ... or learn.

For now, this is Jyl Joneseryl, reporting for Taken Out of Context ... Good night and good reading ...
 
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