A sobering article on what armed conflict with North Korea would entail. I am thankful that Secretary Mattis and General McMaster are in positions of power and advisement to make sure President Trump understands the gravity and carnage of a military solution. I have no illusions that placation of North Korea can continue, but a mixture of diplomacy, espionage and political leverage, if feasible, is preferable.
And with yet another frightening reality of this world, I offer the following.
For the past week or so, I've been watching old episodes of Roseanne on Laff -- you remember, the antenna network that brought me Night Court? Unlike Night Court, I'd only peripherally watched Roseanne during its original prime time run. Back then I remember being told that Roseanne Barr's brand of comedy was too raunchy for a preteen. Watching the show now, especially in these uncertain times, I'm drawn to the dysfunction of characters who care for each other and irreverence as a cornerstone of domesticity. In the first few seasons, I've been humbled by the simple plots of two parents with limited resources providing stability for their children in every way other than monetarily. In the later seasons, I'm surprised by the unpretentious treatments of marriage, sexuality, domestic violence and substance abuse.
Roseanne Conner is edgy but emotionally generous. She will get to the heart of the younger characters' problems by meeting them on their levels, rather than being a matriarchical wisdom peddler.. Dan Conner has a stereotypical approach to fatherhood and marriage, but is determined that his children will have a patriarch who is present, engaged and not violent.
For me personally, as a father of young children, in an age when perfect parenthood and unblemished home life are seemingly ubiquitous aspirations, Roseanne is real life through art, with the lesson being that kids need to be loved and engaged rather than cultivated.
Life can't be entirely escapism, but antenna TV is a lot better than booze or drugs.
And with yet another frightening reality of this world, I offer the following.
For the past week or so, I've been watching old episodes of Roseanne on Laff -- you remember, the antenna network that brought me Night Court? Unlike Night Court, I'd only peripherally watched Roseanne during its original prime time run. Back then I remember being told that Roseanne Barr's brand of comedy was too raunchy for a preteen. Watching the show now, especially in these uncertain times, I'm drawn to the dysfunction of characters who care for each other and irreverence as a cornerstone of domesticity. In the first few seasons, I've been humbled by the simple plots of two parents with limited resources providing stability for their children in every way other than monetarily. In the later seasons, I'm surprised by the unpretentious treatments of marriage, sexuality, domestic violence and substance abuse.
Roseanne Conner is edgy but emotionally generous. She will get to the heart of the younger characters' problems by meeting them on their levels, rather than being a matriarchical wisdom peddler.. Dan Conner has a stereotypical approach to fatherhood and marriage, but is determined that his children will have a patriarch who is present, engaged and not violent.
For me personally, as a father of young children, in an age when perfect parenthood and unblemished home life are seemingly ubiquitous aspirations, Roseanne is real life through art, with the lesson being that kids need to be loved and engaged rather than cultivated.
Life can't be entirely escapism, but antenna TV is a lot better than booze or drugs.