Inappropriate Conversations

159: Substantial Sexuality

I would have to confess that using terminology like "substantial beauty" refers to a perception that large female sexual characteristics are particularly attractive. At times, our society has veered widely between a bigger-is-better mentality and our current notion that anyone who isn't bordering on malnourished is "plus sized" or fat. Having a sexual interest in women includes a full range of sizes and shapes. It is only wrong to call that wrong. On the other hand, I know what I like. I worry about those who have so suppressed who they are, including their tastes and preferences, that they cannot honestly say they know what they like.

Different Drummer: Anita Ekberg

Walk The Earth 23

Whether the church should have a point of view about sexuality?

158: Track By Track

For the era of album-oriented music (rock, jazz, etc.), understanding the history of a musical artist or group happened at a track-by-track level. Back then we bought albums rather than songs, and the way those tracks were laid out on either vinyl or plastic was part of the artistry.

Different Drummer: Brian Eno

Track By Track at InappropriateConversations.org

157: Letting Justice Roll

As a writer, I always knew that "dumping the notebook" would create a longer and less focused news story. The time and discipline it takes to match ideas and paraphrase would trade density for brevity, rather than the opposite. This look at how police work is conducted today and the impact that has on local, particularly minority, communities does the opposite. It's more sprawling and anything but brief. On an issue where jumping to quick conclusions is far too common, I felt the need to take more time. The short summary is simple, though: we can do better than we are today.

Different Drummer: Amos of Tekoa

Walk The Earth 22

Whether the prophets of old have been, or need to be, updated by contemporary prophecy?

156: Boxing Day

It's both accurate and inaccurate to describe Boxing Day as a time to remember people who are in working class positions or struggling economically. When I was told that December 26th was the day set aside for sharing old and no-longer-wanted toys with others, that actually drifts a bit from the true Commonwealth history of the holiday. All the same, it is a nice and fitting idea.

Different Drummer: Elvis Costello

Songs recorded by Elvis Costello

155: Twleve Days

Most Americans probably perceive the "12 days of Christmas" to be intense retail shopping days before Christmas. The expression actually refers to the true period of Christmas celebration starting on the selected date of December 25th and counting from there. It makes me wonder why many people are so focused on pulling down decorations and silencing all holiday hymns right in the middle of those 12 days. I understand the argument that we start too soon. I would also understand an argument that we end too soon, too.

Different Drummer: Jean Shepherd