Welcome to OS Readers’ Picks
This week's RPs in the POST category go to:
Abrawang – Sexual Molestation Under-Reported? Duh
aim – Willadoo of Tritenville
AndeBliss -- Silent Revelations
Bob Simpson – Medicaid for all the poor? Don’t count on it.
Brazen Princess -- Perfect
femme forte aka Candace – A Voice from Beyond
Gerald Anderson – Jiminy Crickets
Inverted Interrobang – Spinnaker Moon Encore
Jaime Franchi –Peggy Noonan Misses the Proverbial Boat
Jonathan Wolfman – OUT, An Awakening
just phyllis – Existensial Sky- Second Gallery Challenge
just phyllis – Finding Out That Busy Doesn’t Work – Jake’s OC
L in the Southeast – My Sister is an Only-Child
Lea Lane – Mom Liked You Best
Linda Seccaspina – Childhood Summer Memories – There are Places I Remember
Lynette Stark – Patriotism by a Liberal Democrat
Maria Heng – Skyscapes, 2nd Gallery Challenge OC
Matt Paust – You Can Smell A Yankee A Mile Away Part 1
Rob Neukirch – Jesus for President?
Robert Fuller – Beyond Fundamentalism and Relativism
Steel Breeze – US……Tink and I….
Tom Cordle -- The Poverty of Pyrrhicism
toritto – Blind Eye
tr ig – Home is Where the Heart Is
V. Corso – New Poem a Present Some Days Early
William K. Wolfrum --The Newsroom Just a Lousy Sexist Show
This week's RPs in the COMMENT category go to:
libbyliberalnyc -- for her own comments in the comment thread of her My Love-Hate (Cherish-Fear) Relationship with Open Salon
Maria Heng – for her comment on Jeremiah Horrigan’s Tenderfoot
Matt Paust – for his comment on Cranky Cuss’s Five Books Three Days
nerd cred – for her comment on Koshersalaami’s I Get Mad and Disregard Some of My Own Rules
Tinkerertink69 – for his comment on Jake Sugarman’s Friday Notes
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
REMINDER: Please nominate your choices in the Comments section below. To assist our busy adminstrators, please remember to include the link to the post you are nominating.
ALSO: Since our OSRP Administrators do not officially nominate any posts, it is not necessary to send PM announcements of your new posts to this blog space. Individual admins nominate under their personal blog identities.
AND: Self-nominated posts will be disqualified.
Want to participate?
You are all used to Editor's Pick; this one is selected by your fellow bloggers.
For this blog to be useful, we have established criteria, both for recommending posts and for commenting on those recommendations.
To nominate posts:
- Choose posts based on quality of writing, interest of content, or particularly illuminating POV. We are more concerned about whether the blogger is good than whether the blogger is right.
- Explain/justify your choice
- Please avoid:
- Choosing a post based strictly on friendship
- Choosing a post just because you agree with its content
- Bringing a post to our attention for the sole purpose of condemning it. This isn’t Readers’ Pans.
- Choosing a post where most of what’s in the post does not consist of the blogger’s own work.
- Self-nomination
To comment on nominations:
- Please limit comments to reasons for supporting or opposing the recognition of a post. Comments about specific content belong in the Comments of the post itself.
- Particularly if you oppose recognition, please write about the post itself and write as little as possible about the blogger. Please avoid being insulting – rudeness can get a comment deleted following a PM warning.
To nominate a Comment on any post :
We have added nominations for Comments within a blog. Some OSers do some of their best work in Comments. Same criteria, same ground rules. When nominating, please give us a link to the post and how to find the comment - preferably the name of the commenter and the time and date the comment was made.
How this blog works:
Administrators will check on comments and at least one of us will check on recommended posts, then comment on them. If the rationale for inclusion is present in the initial comment, it is seconded by any OS reader, and the recommendation does not meet with an unusual amount of opposition, a link to the recommended post will be included in the next post on this blog. At this point, it is our plan to post once or twice a week.
We hope this blog proves useful in terms of providing recognition to those you think deserve it and introducing you to bloggers you may not be aware of whose work is admired by your peers. Thank you for visiting.
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Salon.com
Comments
on Jmac's work "The Singles Story..'', cause it is a true life writing, saying the feelings most of us have in here, concerning this issue, and I think that his writing combines quality both in thinking (giving solutions), truth( saying the feelings), and gives a great tribute to the meaning of friendshiρ.
http://open.salon.com/blog/jmac1949/2012/07/10/the_singles_story_at_my_age_wtf
STATHI STATHI
JULY 12,2012 10:57 AM
Gotta read those I haven't yet, too.
R.
Gotta read those I haven't yet, too.
R.
Love you much
HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Truly, I am very appreciative.
Because his short and sweet humor had me ROTFLMAO,
Paul J. O'Rourke's "Jeb Bush to Change Name, Angling for VP Slot
for Donegal Descendant's response to Stathi's Open Sky OC
http://open.salon.com/blog/donegal_descendant/2012/07/11/stathis_open_call_eye_your_sky
his post seems to have been overlooked but his photos are VERY beautiful, worth admiring.
I saw a complaint recently that OS had become like FB. I disagree, and I think RP ( whoa, three acronyms in a row) shows that we are here to write and to read, not just to complain, fish for compliments, and confess. As a new writer, an immigrant if you will, I want to learn how to operate in my new community, and am grateful for examples like these.
I intend to read the ones I didn't catch on my own, to learn, and to comment when I have something to say.
Kudos, to all of you.
Jmac's work "The Singles Story..''
http://open.salon.com/blog/jmac1949/2012/07/10/the_singles_story_at_my_age_wtf
He had me laughing out loud even as he presented the grim negatives of single life, while he had me wrapped around the skill of his literary fingers.
Paul J. O'Rourke's "Jeb Bush to Change Name, Angling for VP Slot"
http://open.salon.com/blog/paul_j_orourke/2012/07/10/jeb_bush_to_change_name_angling_for_vp_slot
That was a really good laugh, for all the Right reasons.
READER'S PICK NOMINATION
Too early to nominate Gerald again? The chairman of the board dignified in a post that made me cry...
http://open.salon.com/blog/califon_jer/2012/07/10/weekend_fiction_channeling_sinatra_1
Thanks to Myriad, Kim Gamble, and anna1liese for nominating the "Busy" post. That one did take some effort and editing. I appreciate your kind words.
And thanks to Nilesite & Token for nominating the "Sky" post. I've had a good week after sharing that experience with the cosmos and with you.
And thanks to all who read & to RP for the award. I'll p.m. my address for the check. ;0)
It got an EP and cover, but I thought this an excellent post, with much food for thought about race in general, in the post and in the comment thread:
Deborah Méndez Wilson's
http://open.salon.com/blog/escritora98/2012/07/10/
my_big_fat_interracial_marriage
"for her own comments and constraint" --
"CONSTRAINT"? really?
Was that REALLY necessary to throw in up there? Ouch.
I saw Chicken Maaan's point in his recommendation in context but to have that cited so bluntly above really feels like a kind of sly punishment and covert chastisement in a broader context -- a message to leash my less "comfortable for others" feelings maybe for the comfort level of the status quo?
At times I am more outspoken and angry on this site usually re politics and sometimes more than I was in that particular thread. Is that really so wrong? Maybe uncomfortable especially to someone not coming from my perspective but it seems being labelled as "not a good way to be" particularly with the implication above. Hmmmm. I don't want to be Stepford OSer. I don't want anybody to be.
Again, seems a patronizing second part of the accolade to me. A message sent to me by whatever individual, maybe, sender as part of this accolade. Just couldn't help yourself sticking that one in? I felt very connected to that particular blog because I was trying to contend with my own issues of political difference with so many and my own closeness to leaving. And I had felt a breakthru here and more hope to find common ground with people and the right to speak my mind and heart. Grateful to make some further OS bonds in that thread. And having a comment thread by a blog author cited was a really exciting and novel expansion of this blog. But then .... as I said, ouch.
I guess I am looking a gift horse in the mouth, but such is me. I am being honest. When I swept down the list of those of us cited and caught that dual message to me I kind of gasped.
I thought this particular blog was about validation and not left-handed chiding.
best, libby
Ρam Malone's notination for
"Romney Survives Close Encounter with NAACP",
http://open.salon.com/blog/danagram/2012/07/11/dispatch_from_houston_romney_calls_naacp_responds
cause this article gave me a true insight, it is such a detailed informational work, with a brilliant and giving writing. A must read to me.
"NOMINATION: An unusual nomination - to recognize Libbyliberalnyc's RP award-winning post once again, this time for its entire comment thread.
http://open.salon.com/blog/libbyliberalnyc/2012/07/04/my_love-hate_cherish-fear_relationship_with_open_salon#comment_3008009
The discussion in this thread is exceptional for OS, and would be exceptional in any forum for bringing out differences of opinion that likely would devolve into a furiously uncivil verbal fracas under any other circumstances. That it doesn't, that it remains a model of decorum in this extended confrontation of profoundly adverse points of view is the doing of Libby, which some might find ironic in that Libby has herself gained a reputation for hurling ideological grenades and fiery language when confronted with views opposing hers. Not this time.
In her comment responses, many as long as her original post, Libby employs humility, reason and artful finesse in addressing contentious arguments that in other venues would be the verbal equivalent of opinion-fueled tanks grinding toward each other in a drone-blasted Third World neighborhood. Without so stating, she employs the tactic of Pablo in Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls, who insists over and over that he “will not be provoked.” Pablo, of course, was trying to rationalize his cowardice. Anybody who reads Libby regularly, however, would make a huge mistake to ascribe such a motive for her exquisite diplomacy in this comment thread.
Set some time aside to read the thread. You'll come away thinking you've attended a graduate seminar in the humanities. It will put a bounce in your step, and you'll be the wiser for having done so.
Chicken Mãâàn
July 07, 2012 07:38 PM"
OSRP ADMINS.
Lezlie
As I look up at the citings above they are simple without paraphrasing or quoting directly what the nominators said, why they were nominated. Just their work and their names. Below them "for their comment(s)" says it simply enough. Then you come to mine being cited and you get the word "for her own comments and CONSTRAINT" ... ugh.
Was that necessary? Constraint? It certainly sends out a message to me and others and not a very flattering one especially without Chicken Maaan's more nuanced and expanded generous nomination.
It is blunt and it is not validating to me the way it is written out. It feels passive aggressive. That is what I am saying. If that was inadvertent, then so be it. But considering the subject of the initial blog I wrote it certainly is ironic to get that kind of message being sent to me. Left-handed compliment it felt like to me, loud and clear.
Thanks for acknowledging my comment! I appreciate it.
I would really like the word constraint removed if anyone is listening and wants to indulge and/or respect me on this.
best, libby
As I look up I see the word constraint has been removed already.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! Whoever heeded what I was trying to say.
best, libby
@Lezlie and admin! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I appreciate it! We wordsmiths take words VERY seriously as do we political commentators! :-) I appreciate the good will and your quick and generous capacity to respond! best, libby
Gerald - http://open.salon.com/blog/califon_jer/
Cranky
And another great list!!!
(read more poetry, it's healthy... and maybe dangerous!)
My own recommendations would be Deborah's on Interracial Marriage and Paul's on Renaming Jeb. But I see they've already been nominated so I'd like to give a nod to Ted Frier's excellent post on Mitch McConnell's Distorted View of Free Speech. It covers the distorting influence of anonymous mega-buck political ads. here is the link:
http://open.salon.com/blog/ted_frier/2012/07/11/mitch_mcconnells_distorted_view_of_free_speech
Might I suggest that the issue involving libbyliberalnyc might be around the accidental substitution of the word "constraint" for "restraint?" It looks like a vocabulary error, that's all. Please let me know if I'm wrong about this one.
sarah brennan - why do we love the things we love -
http://open.salon.com/blog/sarah_brennan/2012/07/07/why_do_we_love_the_things_we_love
I'll second Ted Frier's piece.
I'd like to nominate John Bayerl, The Perfect Circle of Love, for the wonder of finding new love.
http://open.salon.com/blog/birch_creek_john/2012/07/12/the_perfect_cirlce_of_love
Ρhyllis, you might want to check that I was among those seconding your nomination. Just for the record.
http://open.salon.com/blog/libbyliberalnyc/2012/07/13/oc_single_and_the_city
On second thought I don't believe it's possible to gush excessively over this sublimely enjoyable visit with Libby over a cup of bookstore coffee, with side-trips to the Post Office and an art gallery artfully woven into a tapestry that offers intimate glimpses of family and self and a feel for New York in Indian Summer that can bring an outsider to the window with nose pressed wistfully against the pane.
Libby this week also has posted four heartfelt poems on being single. This, too, deserves RP recognition, but I shan't be the nominator as I do not wish to mislead anyone with an impression I am developing an unseemly crush on this stunningly talented writer.
This is why I haven't nominated any of Greg Correll's brilliant work here of late - I simply cannot afford to set people to talking.
Cranky Cuss: Depression Still Carries a Stigma
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/cranky_cuss/2012/07/12/depression_still_carries_a_stigma
He talks about what the literature doesn't cover. For this alone, because I think it's important, he gets my nomination.
Skypixie0 for Whose side are you on?
The best real world analysis of what is happening in politics, that I've seen in a long while.
Get in on the discussion while it is still going on!
http://open.salon.com/blog/skypixie0/2012/07/12/whose_side_are_you_on
I did not read the word as a comparison to anything else you have written -- nor do I think anyone else meant, or read, it as a yardstick against other responses of yours in any way, not that I ever found more heated responses a problem either (and I am not referring to you as I've just found your writing)...
I read the word constraint as a high compliment for any of us who can manage to address antagonists, and/or friends/family with opposing views, in a measured and thorough way.
Kudos, Libby, for that.
'Yes. It is a choice. Get over it'' by From the Midwest, cause in this life story, through a clarity in writing and thinking, a life is described even behind the surface of ''word understanding'', and states a very well argumented case.
http://open.salon.com/blog/from_the_midwest/2012/07/13/yes_it_is_a_choice_get_over_it_oc
Thanks for the diversity reads.
View Nature's Wondrousness.
`
I say let Pop-Eye be Pop-Eye.
He is what he Yam is to Be.
We all Fit into a Scheme.
Let's convey our Insight.
We am not a big Yam.
No Be Potato Head.
Be Who We To Be.
`
I go speak to Hicks.
Ay, Commonsense.
I babble too mushy.
for Skypixies "Whose Side Are You On"
For opening up the discussion to the too oft forgotten and devalued territory of the overlap in politics and human relations, the area of civil aggreement or disagreement, and the truthful and honest agknowledgement of others to have and to live with their own opinions as a starting point to productive, dare I say progressive discourse.
(Umm, and I'm not unaware of a bit of local "OS" history here, as well... ummm so... we all have our days of ups and downs...)
great post mr. Sky-O
Lezlie
There's always The Kosher Salaami That Ate New Jersey
I thank Inverted Interrobang for seconding the nomination. That was very generous. Extremely generous, all things considered.
ᴼᴥƪ
Now off to read those blogs I've missed.....
.
Because I have never read a more convincing argument for choosing to be single...
From the Midwest's Yes. It Is A Choice. Get Over it.
Cranky Cuss: Depression Still Carries a Stigma
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/cranky_cuss/2012/07/12/depression_still_carries_a_stigma
Rated for definitely worthy.
http://open.salon.com/blog/linthesoutheast/2012/07/13/ominous
L in the Southeast, Ominous
http://open.salon.com/blog/chicago_guy/2012/07/14/woody_guthrie_turns_100
Chicago Guy's "Woody Guthrie Turns 100"
CG puts he reader right there at the breakfast table with Woody. It's hard to put oneself in the place of such an iconic figure in America, but that's what CG does. And he makes it personal, not just some dry, biographical sketch. How good of him, too, to remember this great American on his centennial.
The Faulkner Inheritance, which I herewith nominate for RP recognition, "sings" with every bit the celestial sublimity of every essay of hers I have had the good fortune to read in this community. This essay reflects on Ann's relationship with her infirm, elderly mother, and is prompted by the accidental opening of a book of William Faulkner's writings. Here's Ann telling us how it happened: I bumped the book with my bottle of spray cleaner and it fell over, open to the inside front cover with her name written in her Palmer-perfect writing. “Leah Louis, ’57, Wellesley College.” I was lost.
And so, for the remainder of this exquisitely composed remembrance, are we.
http://open.salon.com/blog/ann_nichols/2012/07/13/the_faulkner_inheritance
...Ann Nichols--The Faulkner Inheritance
Lezlie, Phyllis, Matt (can we publicly assert at least a SEEMLY mutual crush?) and Just Thinking among so many others! Thank you. For so much generosity and respect.
I confided to Lezlie I felt like I had "dropped a bomb on Luxumbourg" (quote from an old self help book on assertiveness training) by my popping off at the wording of a very special citing from OS Readers' Picks. I am not sorry I got to the bottom of it, even though embarrassed I was so very mistaken as to its context. My self-image of my image with others lists to the negative, in spite, at times, of warm and abundant evidence to the contrary! Thank you! Sorry for mistaken assumptions, again. Thank you for the generous and patient reality check and continuing support of me as a citizen here and of my writing.
There are so many incredible blogs and sometimes when one is consumed with one's own work one sacrifices time and opportunity to behold and learn from and be inspired by the works of others. Having the OS Readers' Picks is such a gift to try to help begin to catch up with so many with such genius and heart on this site! Many still pass along on the assembly line of open salon creative product not getting their due of the broad readership they deserve, but Readers' Picks helps celebrate so many deserving ones and increases the chances of not missing some stellar offerings!
humbly and gratefully, libby
A NOMINATION FOR A READER'S PICK AWARD:
Alaska Progressive's THE RADICALIZATION OF A MAN
http://open.salon.com/blog/alaska_progressive/2012/07/12/the_radicalization_of_a_man
I am going to nominate a blog I read minutes ago that took my breath away. It is a stark, dark, political futuristic fantasy of where we as a culture are hurtling if we don't deal with morality and reality. It reminded me of the works of Heller, Bradbury, Vonnegut, Orwell, Margaret Atwood, etc. All giants in terms of calling out the inhumane in humanity with wit and deftness.
The blog is by Alaska Progressive called The Radicalization of A Man. It is the first chapter of his novel. God, if this is the first chapter we are really in for a bumpy ride! Shock and awe for morality I'm thinking. For your consideration!
best, libby
http://open.salon.com/blog/alaska_progressive/2012/07/12/the_radicalization_of_a_man
Powerful stuff.
http://open.salon.com/blog/margaret_feike/2012/07/14/love_hunt
DaisyJane's Seems I Don't Fit In is a masterpiece of subtlety, brilliance and narrative ingenuity without metaphoric pyrotechnics or big words (altho I did hafta Google “make hand,” but, then, I never watched Seinfeld that much. Her entertaining post gives you a history of her romantic loves and losses and a quite plausible argument for her remaining single and enjoying it. Let's give hand, then, to DaisyJane for a marvelously writ look at the triumphs and tribulations of her very large, generous, sometimes gullible, yet infinitely discerning, yet forgiving and loving heart.
http://open.salon.com/blog/daisyjane/2012/07/15/seems_i_dont_fit_in_-_singles_oc
What Happens to Us When We Die? Views of the Afterlife
by Emily Rapp , posted April, 20, 2011
Rapp’s title gives you an idea of the subject matter.
The voice is extraordinary (quite along the lines of a James Agee);
it also has other attributes as witness select readers’ comments:
1-) it is complete:
“I can't add any new insights” (Torrito);
2-) it is sublime for some:
“I won't bore you with my own experiences” (M. Feike);
3-) and yet provokes others’ memories:
“I recently visited the WaterWorks Museum and restaurant in Philadelphia.” (Ms.Makin’Waves);
4-) above all, it ends well:
“Very powerful final image” (K. Riordan).
Note: as a bonus, there is a 3,000 word comment (see Vasu Murti)
but above all, this is a brilliant piece of writing.
http://open.salon.com/blog/ronansmom/2011/04/20/what_happens_to_us_when_we_die_views_of_the_afterlife
For his heartfelt description of what life is like for a person transitioning from a homeless shelter to a "place of his own." The writer points out with clarity the difference between a shelter and a home.
Cheshyre Grin --You Can Take the Boy Out of the Shelter
Cheshyre Grin --You Can Take the Boy Out of the Shelter
Robert Fuller: What Is Rankism and Why Do We Do It
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/robert_fuller/2010/02/17/what_is_rankism_and_why_do_we_do_it
This post is, in online terms, ancient. Over two years old. However, this writer is one I found out about just recently and he seems to have a very small following here, so I didn't trip over him earlier. He mentioned this old post to another of his readers and I went to check it out.
He introduces a new term that wraps up and commonly defines a group of terms we already use. I found it analytically useful; I doubt I'll be alone, which is why I'm nominating it. Not, incidentally, a long piece. I'd absolutely suggest a look.
This guy can write.
Thanks to Ume and Kosh for plucking these two worthy-yet-under-noticed posts from the archives.
Sarah Brennan, Why do we love the things we love
http://open.salon.com/blog/sarah_brennan/2012/07/07/why_do_we_love_the_things_we_love
Great pictures. Narrative captures the experience very well.
http://open.salon.com/blog/libbyliberalnyc/2012/07/13/oc_single_and_the_city
Scanner: Roscoe Has An Epiphany
http://open.salon.com/blog/scanner/2011/12/19/roscoe_has_an_epiphany
An excellent fish story. Scanner's gotten good.
on Old New Lefty's post, The Chicago Political Machine Today,
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/old_new_lefty/2012/07/15/the_chicago_political_machine_today#comment_3015486
comment by James M. Emmerling, July 16, 6:03 PM
Political poetry that's really incisive.
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/old_new_lefty/2012/07/15/the_chicago_political_machine_today#comment_3016358
...for Scanner's engaging short story Roscoe Has an Epiphany
http://open.salon.com/blog/fernsy/2012/07/16/why_im_single--_open_call
An intelligent deep dive into the future of race and racism in America written by a white American is a treat I don't want other OSers to miss. I learned something reading this post that I had never heard before and I'll bet that is true for a lot of other readers. Good writing and excellent personal anecdotes help to illustrate the points in escrito por nada's Past a Racial America.
Deborah Mendez Wilson: Chasing Cowboys
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/escritora98/2012/07/16/chasing_cowboys
I am constitutionally incapable of failing to nominate a post that introduces me to the word "Munchkinian." That in itself should tell you enough.
http://open.salon.com/blog/myriad/2012/05/19/i_remember_i_remember_foodie_tuesday_with_galoshes
escrito por nada, Past A Racial America
Robert Fuller: What Is Rankism and Why Do We Do It
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/robert_fuller/2010/02/1
Kosher said it best, this post is worth your time, and Mr. Fuller can really write. I hope more people discover him, as he has a lot of inspiring and intriguing thoughts to share.
For L in the Southwest's nomination of :
Paul J. O'Rourke's (Very Funny),
"Jeb Bush to Change Name, Angling for VP Slot
Fernsy's piece about her ads in single sites. A funny concept, very well delivered.
http://open.salon.com/blog/fernsy/2012/07/16/why_im_single--_open_call
I second Alysa's nomination of Myriad's "I Remember..." post. It's a lovely time capsule.
http://open.salon.com/blog/verbal_remedy/2012/07/18/live_the_homeless_lifestyle_you_know_you_want_to
Because it is wonderful to see her back and her writing is powerful.
http://open.salon.com/blog/designanator/2012/07/18/summer_money_drought_brings_eviction
http://open.salon.com/blog/designanator/2012/07/18/summer_money_drought
http://open.salon.com/blog/mimetalker/2012/07/18/mother-in-laws_advice_how_to_raise_black_boys
...for Deborah Méndez Wilson's Chasing Cowboys.