Today's Seekers may be found here: http://www.slate.com/id/2244465/
1. You owe them nothing. Tell them you do not wish to be contacted again. End of story. The Sage further advises you to caution her that if she persists, you will first tell her exactly why you want no contact, before you obtain a restraining order.
2. The Sage recommends that you gather about your family friends of all ages, both of your husband's generation and of your own. As many of the younger me may be looking to your husband for employment, advice, loans, montoring, or whatever, I doubt he will experience the type of isolation you are experiencing.
3. The Sage suggests removing only the joint from the tatoo. It will be easier to explain to the children that your husband regrets the tatoo of the tiger, than that he also once condoned the use of marijuana. He can chalk off any scar remaining from removing the joint to being something that he got in the military, and let them imagine it is a battle scar.
4. The Sage concurs with the lesser Advisor on this one. However, the Sage also wonders why this was of such import that one would go to the trouble of approaching the Mystic Cave for an answer.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hearts, flowers, and a sprig of Sage
1. The Sage recognizes a trick question when the Minions send one through. Assuming the husband is unaware of what is going on around him, such as not being sure who his wife even is, there is no one remaining inside to cheat on. Don't neglect him in the process, such as kicking her husband out of her bed in order to indulge her lover. However, beyond that, it is a matter of personal ethics. The Sage doubts that you, at least, have a Spiritual Advisor of your own, considering to whom you addressed your query. However, if your sweetheart does, she needs to consult this person to help her make a decision she can live with 10 years from now.
2. Lesser Advisors would suggest that you wait until after Valetine's Day, permitting a competitor to swoop in and sweep your cherished one off her feet. The Sage suspects that most girls would like a secret admirer. Where the plan tends to go awry is when the young lady decides who she believes bestowed the gift, only to express open disappointment when the true giver reveals himself. The Sage recommends that if you go through with this plan, that you permit no more than a few hours to transpire before unveiling the truth.
3. The Sage encourages you by all means to expose this mountebank immediately. This will ensure that that Alice will cut you entirely from her life, defend the man with all her being, and run away with him in order to spite you. Alternately, respect your mother's years of wisdom and familiarity with Alice, and accept her decision. It may be that Alice indulges the man's fantasies in order to add some excitement to both their lives, or even possible that like the husband in letter #1, Brian is in the throes of dementia.
4. The Sage would be remiss to permit you to continue in this manner. If you do not share this very important point with the young charmer, he will continue in his current manner for your entire relationship. The Sage suspect that even if you do, he will continue in this manner. However, losing one's early love is a far less danger than to live a life with someone whose core values appear to be so different from what you ultimately desire. The Sage would further point out that one's feelings are never "silly"; only what one does because of them may be.
2. Lesser Advisors would suggest that you wait until after Valetine's Day, permitting a competitor to swoop in and sweep your cherished one off her feet. The Sage suspects that most girls would like a secret admirer. Where the plan tends to go awry is when the young lady decides who she believes bestowed the gift, only to express open disappointment when the true giver reveals himself. The Sage recommends that if you go through with this plan, that you permit no more than a few hours to transpire before unveiling the truth.
3. The Sage encourages you by all means to expose this mountebank immediately. This will ensure that that Alice will cut you entirely from her life, defend the man with all her being, and run away with him in order to spite you. Alternately, respect your mother's years of wisdom and familiarity with Alice, and accept her decision. It may be that Alice indulges the man's fantasies in order to add some excitement to both their lives, or even possible that like the husband in letter #1, Brian is in the throes of dementia.
4. The Sage would be remiss to permit you to continue in this manner. If you do not share this very important point with the young charmer, he will continue in his current manner for your entire relationship. The Sage suspect that even if you do, he will continue in this manner. However, losing one's early love is a far less danger than to live a life with someone whose core values appear to be so different from what you ultimately desire. The Sage would further point out that one's feelings are never "silly"; only what one does because of them may be.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Marital Sage
Today's Seekers may be found here: http://www.slate.com/id/2243578/
1. The Sage agrees that by all means your wife should be punished for not recognizing that the man she was momentarily attracted to so long ago would have a brother whom she would ultimately marry. Naturally, it is unforgiveable that she would ever have passed in the night a ship which docked near yours. Enlist the aid of the media. Rent several billboards exposing her for the temprtress she is, and by all means, visit your children's classes at school or daycare to explain to them what "harlot" means, along with several pictures of your wife. Anyone should recognize that your feelings in the years to come were - and are - suprememly more important than the youthful actions of a young woman with no obligations.
2. By all means, the Sage is positive that you should bare all. Perhaps the previous Seeker will have some spare space on some of his billboards advertising his own wife's shameless behavior on which you may broadcast your own. The present is meaningless. You definitely need to live as far back in the past as humanly possible.
3. The Sage understands that you fail to comprehend exactly what this loss means to your husband. The Sage divines that he was a well-respected professional in his earlier life, and is now reduced to the level of a well-kept but doddering uncle. Encourage your husband to recognize how far he has come. Assure him that your love and respect for him remains, regardless of how much farther he is able to come. Confirm to him that you are willing to help him regain as much of his former life as he can. Additionally, invite former associates to come and cheer him up. Perhaps if they invite him to activities which will get him out of the house and active again, his depression will be somewhat lifted. A support group for each of you also might be in order.
4. The Sage knows that your husband needs to remind his manager that if he continues to work for this company without remuneration, that your husband may be bringing in the next sob story. Additionally, this good hearted man neeeds to be reminded that not only does charity begin at home, but that the chain may well be in violation of many labors laws. Permit the manager to give away his own resources, provided that your husband's labors are not in vain.
1. The Sage agrees that by all means your wife should be punished for not recognizing that the man she was momentarily attracted to so long ago would have a brother whom she would ultimately marry. Naturally, it is unforgiveable that she would ever have passed in the night a ship which docked near yours. Enlist the aid of the media. Rent several billboards exposing her for the temprtress she is, and by all means, visit your children's classes at school or daycare to explain to them what "harlot" means, along with several pictures of your wife. Anyone should recognize that your feelings in the years to come were - and are - suprememly more important than the youthful actions of a young woman with no obligations.
2. By all means, the Sage is positive that you should bare all. Perhaps the previous Seeker will have some spare space on some of his billboards advertising his own wife's shameless behavior on which you may broadcast your own. The present is meaningless. You definitely need to live as far back in the past as humanly possible.
3. The Sage understands that you fail to comprehend exactly what this loss means to your husband. The Sage divines that he was a well-respected professional in his earlier life, and is now reduced to the level of a well-kept but doddering uncle. Encourage your husband to recognize how far he has come. Assure him that your love and respect for him remains, regardless of how much farther he is able to come. Confirm to him that you are willing to help him regain as much of his former life as he can. Additionally, invite former associates to come and cheer him up. Perhaps if they invite him to activities which will get him out of the house and active again, his depression will be somewhat lifted. A support group for each of you also might be in order.
4. The Sage knows that your husband needs to remind his manager that if he continues to work for this company without remuneration, that your husband may be bringing in the next sob story. Additionally, this good hearted man neeeds to be reminded that not only does charity begin at home, but that the chain may well be in violation of many labors laws. Permit the manager to give away his own resources, provided that your husband's labors are not in vain.
Friday, January 22, 2010
A Sage in time
Today's Seekers may be found here. http://www.slate.com/id/2242067/
1. The Sage is thunderstruck that you would dare consider doing anything to endanger this dear, precious, close friendship! Friends always share things. She just happened to share your husband. Rather, when you rent a house together for the next vacation - as you surely will - be certain to return the favor. Then, you can talk with your husband about starting a longterm 4-way. After all, what are friends for?
2. The Sage recommends that you take your wife out for dinner approximately every other night. After you have done this for about two weeks, complain of a cramp and go to a doctor. It's probable there is something else wrong with your digestive tract, but even if there is not, you can invent something when you get home. Tell her that the doctor has given you very specific instructions about what you may and may not eat, and that you would prefer to take over this chore, at least for your own meals, yourself.
3. The Sage once had the misfortune of being the first upon the scene of a young man who was killed instantly when his car rolled. (This is a true story.) The accident was on public property. However, about 30 days or so after the accident, a sign appeared alongside the memorials, informing everyone that on a given date, all of this paraphernalia would be reomved and discarded. This gave the loved ones a reasonable opportunity to take pictures of the memorial and to remove the items they had placed there. Late in the day on whatever date you choose for your own cleanup, discard whatever cannot be given to charity.
4. Long ago, the Sage completed a degree just as a recession took root in the economy. The Sage was contacted by many familiar individuals who appeared to be True Seekers, but when granted audience with the Sage, merely wished to filled the Mystic Cave with items which the Sage could neither use nor afford. Simple tell these misguided souls that you have no interest in any products or opportunities of this nature, and that while you are happy to meet them for social engagements, you would prefer they not contact you for business purposes. As for customers, tell them that you have your own investments, and that your financial advisor has forbidden you to take on any more.
1. The Sage is thunderstruck that you would dare consider doing anything to endanger this dear, precious, close friendship! Friends always share things. She just happened to share your husband. Rather, when you rent a house together for the next vacation - as you surely will - be certain to return the favor. Then, you can talk with your husband about starting a longterm 4-way. After all, what are friends for?
2. The Sage recommends that you take your wife out for dinner approximately every other night. After you have done this for about two weeks, complain of a cramp and go to a doctor. It's probable there is something else wrong with your digestive tract, but even if there is not, you can invent something when you get home. Tell her that the doctor has given you very specific instructions about what you may and may not eat, and that you would prefer to take over this chore, at least for your own meals, yourself.
3. The Sage once had the misfortune of being the first upon the scene of a young man who was killed instantly when his car rolled. (This is a true story.) The accident was on public property. However, about 30 days or so after the accident, a sign appeared alongside the memorials, informing everyone that on a given date, all of this paraphernalia would be reomved and discarded. This gave the loved ones a reasonable opportunity to take pictures of the memorial and to remove the items they had placed there. Late in the day on whatever date you choose for your own cleanup, discard whatever cannot be given to charity.
4. Long ago, the Sage completed a degree just as a recession took root in the economy. The Sage was contacted by many familiar individuals who appeared to be True Seekers, but when granted audience with the Sage, merely wished to filled the Mystic Cave with items which the Sage could neither use nor afford. Simple tell these misguided souls that you have no interest in any products or opportunities of this nature, and that while you are happy to meet them for social engagements, you would prefer they not contact you for business purposes. As for customers, tell them that you have your own investments, and that your financial advisor has forbidden you to take on any more.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Sage ruminates on MP3 players.
The Sage is naming names.
The Sage is in possession of no less than 3 MP3 players. The first was presented by the junior-most Minion, when he acquired a newer one for himself. This one, by Cowon, works very well and holds a charge a long time. It has an LCD display, but only has .5 Mb of storage. This was quite sufficient for the Sage at the time, until the Sage tired of replacing the MP3 regularly or else listening to the same tunes over and over. However, this easily randomized the entire library of tunes.
However, one day the Sage was perusing the clearance row, and acquired a Zen Stone Plus. Again, a fine player. The first one had a display problem, so the Sage returned it on warranty for a new one. The new one arrived promptly, but the Sage was saddened that the gimmicky color option which attracted the Sage to this player was not available for the replacement. This one had 2 Mb memory, much more than the Cowon. However, with the LED display, the charge didn't last as long. This player was only able to randomize the tunes in a given album, not the entire library.
Shortly after this, the Sage acquired a new radio for the Trancendental Carriage. This radio had two types of connectors for MP3 players, along with an "iPod tagging" button. The Cowon, sadly, would not play through either connector, but would charge through the MP3 connection. The Stone Plus played through the MP3 connection, and the Sage was able to search not only through individual songs, but also through entire albums with the push of a button.
The Chief Minion, however, felt that the Sage needed to be able to employ the iPod tagging feature, and found an excellent price on a Gen 4 iPod Nano, with 16 Mb of storage. The Sage initially was extremely pleased. However, the Sage's delight was not to last long.
First, the Sage has yet to finish working through the onerous instruction manual which accompanied the Nano. The tagging feature works well, and the Sage has even worked out how to view what has been tagged. At least 2 videos have been recorded, and there are 3 pre-installed games. However, the Sage is far less than pleased with iTunes.
Additionally, while the Sage is able to play the tunes through the radio, the iPod will not scroll through albums. Rather, the Sage must scroll through every tune contained within the 16 Mb to access desired tunes or albums. While the Nano randomizes the entire album, it appears to randomize the tunes in the exact same order every time. Nor can the Sage figure out how to get the recorded videos from the Nano to the compiter.
Worst of all, the Sage does not enjoy having to resync the entire 16 Mb every time the Sage wishes to add or delete a tune, involving searching through the entire computer's library of audio files, including such things as telephone messages saved for legal purposes. With both of the supposedly lesser brands, the Sage merely adds or deletes tunes or albums at will via the computer, or hits "delete" on the player itself whenever the Sage decides that a given tune should no longer be in the collection.
Bottom line, the Sage strongly endorses the other products, but highly recommends against the iPod.
The Sage is in possession of no less than 3 MP3 players. The first was presented by the junior-most Minion, when he acquired a newer one for himself. This one, by Cowon, works very well and holds a charge a long time. It has an LCD display, but only has .5 Mb of storage. This was quite sufficient for the Sage at the time, until the Sage tired of replacing the MP3 regularly or else listening to the same tunes over and over. However, this easily randomized the entire library of tunes.
However, one day the Sage was perusing the clearance row, and acquired a Zen Stone Plus. Again, a fine player. The first one had a display problem, so the Sage returned it on warranty for a new one. The new one arrived promptly, but the Sage was saddened that the gimmicky color option which attracted the Sage to this player was not available for the replacement. This one had 2 Mb memory, much more than the Cowon. However, with the LED display, the charge didn't last as long. This player was only able to randomize the tunes in a given album, not the entire library.
Shortly after this, the Sage acquired a new radio for the Trancendental Carriage. This radio had two types of connectors for MP3 players, along with an "iPod tagging" button. The Cowon, sadly, would not play through either connector, but would charge through the MP3 connection. The Stone Plus played through the MP3 connection, and the Sage was able to search not only through individual songs, but also through entire albums with the push of a button.
The Chief Minion, however, felt that the Sage needed to be able to employ the iPod tagging feature, and found an excellent price on a Gen 4 iPod Nano, with 16 Mb of storage. The Sage initially was extremely pleased. However, the Sage's delight was not to last long.
First, the Sage has yet to finish working through the onerous instruction manual which accompanied the Nano. The tagging feature works well, and the Sage has even worked out how to view what has been tagged. At least 2 videos have been recorded, and there are 3 pre-installed games. However, the Sage is far less than pleased with iTunes.
Additionally, while the Sage is able to play the tunes through the radio, the iPod will not scroll through albums. Rather, the Sage must scroll through every tune contained within the 16 Mb to access desired tunes or albums. While the Nano randomizes the entire album, it appears to randomize the tunes in the exact same order every time. Nor can the Sage figure out how to get the recorded videos from the Nano to the compiter.
Worst of all, the Sage does not enjoy having to resync the entire 16 Mb every time the Sage wishes to add or delete a tune, involving searching through the entire computer's library of audio files, including such things as telephone messages saved for legal purposes. With both of the supposedly lesser brands, the Sage merely adds or deletes tunes or albums at will via the computer, or hits "delete" on the player itself whenever the Sage decides that a given tune should no longer be in the collection.
Bottom line, the Sage strongly endorses the other products, but highly recommends against the iPod.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Sister won’t give up on her brother serving prison time.
No, this headline is not something the Sage wrote, but something which appeared atop an article which the Sage recently read. The Sage will not mention where it originated, lest the editors of said periodical be embarassed by their oversight. However, the Sage will comment on the various meanings of this headline.
First, this has the meaning which the writer intended. As one delves deeper into the article, one reads that the subject's brother is imprisoned, and subject hopes tobring to an end that incarceration. While the brother admitted committing a crime, the family feels that the punishment meted out does not fit the crime actually committed. The Sage will not analyze here whether the punishment is just or unjust.
Second, this headline has a meaning completely opposite what was intended. The Sage read this heading to one of the Minions, whose first stated impression was similar to the Sage's own first impression. The Sage immediately pictured a woman cruelly mistreated by her brother, who has sought legal respite from her plight, only to be denied the justice she sought. Still, the woman toils on, valiantly seeking her brother's incarceration.
The Sage believes that editors would do well to read at least their headlines aloud to someone not immediately familiar with what story is being presented, to verify the listener's reaction. Perhaps a better heading might have been, "Sister won't give up on imprisoned brother." Unless the editor believes that the readership is incapable of comprehending words of three or more syllables, this would have served as a much clearer headline, with the added benefit of greater brevity.
Better luck next time, Dear Editor.
First, this has the meaning which the writer intended. As one delves deeper into the article, one reads that the subject's brother is imprisoned, and subject hopes tobring to an end that incarceration. While the brother admitted committing a crime, the family feels that the punishment meted out does not fit the crime actually committed. The Sage will not analyze here whether the punishment is just or unjust.
Second, this headline has a meaning completely opposite what was intended. The Sage read this heading to one of the Minions, whose first stated impression was similar to the Sage's own first impression. The Sage immediately pictured a woman cruelly mistreated by her brother, who has sought legal respite from her plight, only to be denied the justice she sought. Still, the woman toils on, valiantly seeking her brother's incarceration.
The Sage believes that editors would do well to read at least their headlines aloud to someone not immediately familiar with what story is being presented, to verify the listener's reaction. Perhaps a better heading might have been, "Sister won't give up on imprisoned brother." Unless the editor believes that the readership is incapable of comprehending words of three or more syllables, this would have served as a much clearer headline, with the added benefit of greater brevity.
Better luck next time, Dear Editor.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Sage on "best and worst"
The article to which the Sage is responding may be found here:
http://www.slate.com/id/2240073/
The Sage will dispense with commenting on the items mentioned in passing. However, the "pollster" who wrote Prudie had no more a scientific poll than did Prudie. Researchers are well aware of respondents' tendency to give the answer they believe the pollster wants to hear. Even more likely is this to happen when the pollster is personally known to the respondent. Additionally. the phrasing of the question makes a major difference. For instance, the question could have been phrased from "You wash your bra every day, don't you?" to "Do you think it's a big deal if a woman doesn't wash her bra every day?" Both suggest answers, and neither Prudie nor her reader gave us the sampling along with the phrasing of the question.
The Sage is less patient with those who insist that anyone over the age of perhaps 6 needs to "grow up", by which they mean to give up any and all things which children might enjoy, regardless of whether adults might enjoy them or whether they even serve a useful purpose. The Sage wonders how many of these "mature" individuals have given up eating desserts or drinking soft drinks.
Neither does the Sage wish to revisit the polyamory or the prom. The Sage agrees that things things are a matter of personal preference, but agrees that children approaching adulthood certain have the right to express their own personal preferences in lifestyle changes which affect them. It is difficult enough to be a teenager, without adding fuel to the fire from which other youths will ridicule them.
The Sage appreciates Prudie's acknowledgement of her less than stellar answer to the dorm resident. The Sage agrees that a more responsible adult presence is in order in that place, but the resident is unlikely to be able to cause that to happen, short of having a parent who donated a wing to the school library. Intervention by a school advisor of some sort is certainly in order in this situation, both to calm the narc and to control the more flagrant violators.
http://www.slate.com/id/2240073/
The Sage will dispense with commenting on the items mentioned in passing. However, the "pollster" who wrote Prudie had no more a scientific poll than did Prudie. Researchers are well aware of respondents' tendency to give the answer they believe the pollster wants to hear. Even more likely is this to happen when the pollster is personally known to the respondent. Additionally. the phrasing of the question makes a major difference. For instance, the question could have been phrased from "You wash your bra every day, don't you?" to "Do you think it's a big deal if a woman doesn't wash her bra every day?" Both suggest answers, and neither Prudie nor her reader gave us the sampling along with the phrasing of the question.
The Sage is less patient with those who insist that anyone over the age of perhaps 6 needs to "grow up", by which they mean to give up any and all things which children might enjoy, regardless of whether adults might enjoy them or whether they even serve a useful purpose. The Sage wonders how many of these "mature" individuals have given up eating desserts or drinking soft drinks.
Neither does the Sage wish to revisit the polyamory or the prom. The Sage agrees that things things are a matter of personal preference, but agrees that children approaching adulthood certain have the right to express their own personal preferences in lifestyle changes which affect them. It is difficult enough to be a teenager, without adding fuel to the fire from which other youths will ridicule them.
The Sage appreciates Prudie's acknowledgement of her less than stellar answer to the dorm resident. The Sage agrees that a more responsible adult presence is in order in that place, but the resident is unlikely to be able to cause that to happen, short of having a parent who donated a wing to the school library. Intervention by a school advisor of some sort is certainly in order in this situation, both to calm the narc and to control the more flagrant violators.
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