#318

While 'in between jobs' and at home last week, I made a remarkable discovery: The cast of Days of Our Lives is the same after 25 years! I see signs of age — pulled faces, fake hair, the usual — but I'm impressed; I'd look like George Burns or Larry King next to these folks. Grandma Barb watched Days of Our Lives while she ironed, cooked, did everything at home for the rest of us. During summers, running in and out of the house, maybe eating PB&J, I caught scenes here and there, also Guiding Light and As the World Turns, but never General Hospital; that one wasn't steamy enough for Grandma. (Kidding?) There's stiff competition now, but I hope the soaps and 'daytimes' are alive and well.   

Megan doesn't say 'please' and 'thank you' enough. She's improving, but it's a battle. It's not as natural for her as it is for me; that sounds like a horrible parenting cop-out, but I truly believe some of us have a stronger people-pleasing compulsion than others. We're more overtly, outwardly, palpably bent that way. It doesn't make us better or worse, but courtesy, graciousness, basic manners must be learned and habituated. No exceptions, no excuses. This is where good, firm parenting comes in. I'm lousy at good, firm parenting. I don't want M 'n' m to be obsequious or soft; I don't expect them to gush or fawn like I do on occasion (although I'm always genuine), but I'll keep hammering on them about polite expressions, greetings, postures, and so on. And when I see a headline like "Chik-fil-A is Beating Every Competitor by Training Workers to Say 'Please' and 'Thank You'" I raise an eyebrow. The article references interesting data, and while 'customer service' isn't what I'm preaching to Meg-Pie, I want her to know and feel the power of politeness. I don't use it to disarm, dissuade, or deceive people; I use it to express sincere gratitude; I use it to connect and show solidarity with fellow humans; I use it to make life richer and fuller. Come on Megan, don't you see? Get with the program!

Colonel Ludlow: Your daughter needs an education.
Decker: She can read and write, Colonel. School might be awkward for her.
CL: I'll teach her myself. I'll teach her history and mathematics. With your permission, Decker, and yours, Pet.
D: What will she do with all this education?
CL: She'll live a richer, fuller life, of course.
     — Legends of the Fall

Decker: She's a half-breed.
Colonel Ludlow: Not in this house.
     — Legends of the Fall

Megan is a half-breed also. Sort of. Her great-great-grandma was Native American.

Important scientific news: A recent study proves that male pattern baldness is the result of high testosterone. The study was paid for by a bunch of dudes with male pattern baldness.