The biggest lie we tell all the time is that when we check the box at the bottom we are agreeing to an interminable list of conditions that basically say whatever they say. What we know is if we do not sign, we can't use the product. It's not a choice. It's a mandate. So … Continue reading THERE IS NO TRUTH IN THE SMALL PRINT – Marilyn Armstrong
Writing
WHERE’S MY SHIP? By Marilyn Armstrong
I was out in Arizona talking to a Blue Corn Navajo lady who made jewelry. She had carefully given me her tribal affiliations and all I had to say was "Eastern European Jewish," which lacked panache. I don't seem to have much of an ability to show a lot of dash in casual conversation. Whatever … Continue reading WHERE’S MY SHIP? By Marilyn Armstrong
IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS BY ERIC LARSON – Marilyn Armstrong
IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Eric Larson It's not a new book, but it is nonetheless a relevant book. I have rarely been more conflicted about a book than I was about this one. It was gripping, sometimes mesmerizing. Simultaneously appalling and annoying. William Dodd … Continue reading IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS BY ERIC LARSON – Marilyn Armstrong
MORE ABOUT SURVIVAL VS. VALOR – Marilyn Armstrong
We were watching a rerun of NCIS, an episode from a few years ago. The victim had given her life to protect others and her country's secrets. "She didn't have to do it," McGee pointed out. "No," said Gibbs. "She had a choice. That's what makes her a hero." Some people have called me brave … Continue reading MORE ABOUT SURVIVAL VS. VALOR – Marilyn Armstrong
WILL WORK FOR PIZZA – Marilyn Armstrong
There is a rumor, perpetuated by television shows, that bloggers earn a living. By blogging. Someone in Hollywood seriously thinks people like me make money doing this. I am depressed to admit it, but not one cent have I ever made from this site -- not counting the occasional free book for review. I don't … Continue reading WILL WORK FOR PIZZA – Marilyn Armstrong
BRAIN SNOBS – Marilyn Armstrong
It isn't just culture that divides us into classes. What we watch on television, see in the movies, and read also puts us into a category, often unfairly by people who don't "get" why we like what we like. I read a post about how dreadful -- yet gripping -- romance novels can be. The not-so-subtle insinuation is that … Continue reading BRAIN SNOBS – Marilyn Armstrong
A WORD MEANS JUST WHAT I CHOOSE IT TO MEAN by HUMPTY DUMPTY
'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.' 'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things.' 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master — that's all.' Alice was too … Continue reading A WORD MEANS JUST WHAT I CHOOSE IT TO MEAN by HUMPTY DUMPTY
