I am crazy about books, music, and movies. Like most, I love being entertained with a great story whether it be told, read, or performed. But even more than being entertained, I want a work of art to move me to laughter, to tears, or amazement. I also want to LEARN and for my thoughts, opinions, points-of-view, beliefs, and core values to be challenged, altered, even transformed by the truth however it may be revealed.
I invite my friends and readers to join in the dialogue.
For most of my life I have been opinionated, even narrow-minded, due I’m sure to my conservative raising and a vexing personality flaw. Ask anyone who knows me. I admit it. I don’t want to be that way anymore. I am on a personal mission to be more open, understanding, and accepting of the truth as others see it.
I’ve also been outspoken, freely offering my opinions whether anyone wanted to hear them or not. That’s a personality trait that I hope never to change, other than by learning to present my views with more tact and diplomacy. I know. It’s a growth process. We live and we learn.
So, I invite you to freely agree or disagree with my points of view as presented in this forum. Friendly repartee and general banter is welcomed, as is as serious discussion of sensitive, delicate, even controversial topics. I’m sure I’m opening a can of worms, but who knows? Perhaps your or my words may open the eyes of someone else.
Eyes Wide Open 
I would like to comment about your “ranting” on the Merit Award Program” I must say I do agree on all counts. Although I have no idea how “they” statistically figured out who would recieve a bonus and who wouldn’t, I am quite sure it lacked “merit” My favorite part of your account- the story of the man who gave you the $100. Now that is what I call Merit!