Musings of a Senior Scribe
Iceland and The Man In Black
By Mona Lease 

Hi, all!! I attended a conference last year. I've heard words like "global economy" and "Tiger Mom." I've watched sex be used to sell everything - toothpaste, cars, deodorant, houses, boats, etc. I've heard "bull market" and "Euro-dollar." You get the idea. 

I even watched a televised interview with Icelandic President Otafur Ragnar Grimsson. He's running for a fifth term, by the way. In a nutshell - Iceland did not bail out their banks. They treated them like private entities. When they fell, the populace "sucked it up" and rethought their morals, lifestyles, etc. Now, four years hence - they are turned around and headed toward growth faster than they had anticipated. And, they have a new understanding to guide them. 

I have perused Facebook. I've gotten some good recipes there. Thanks much!! The other day a guy posted a link that lets you hear Johnny Cash singing "Man in Black." The song explains his decision to don black perpetually. 

The group who hosted the conference tries to head off conflicts in the work place - which should trickle down to the personal home life. I do not have their express permission to print their name - it probably does not matter.  

During the conference, it was reported that "most" of the complaints were "sexual issues" - which are usually driven by unhappiness and accompanied by lying.  Unhappiness is usually due to our expectations of a person or thing - too high that it can't be achieved or too low that they don't need to try.Too many times these end in a cheating situation. 

Now; obviously, if "most" - 80%? - of the time is spent on these issues - then sliding through the cracks would be "lost merchandise, extra paid vacations, and other various write-offs." These things drive up the insurance premiums, rent, etc. 

In this "global economy" - not every wink is a sexual invitation. There are countries where the women  actually consider their bodies a hobby - if you will. Porcelain skin is fine. Exercise, nourishing food, rest, entertainment, poise,skin, hair, etc. are maintained. It is who she is - not a sexual attractant. It's their heritage (Japanese Geisha). If a man gives her an appreciative wink or smile, it means she has done her "job" - and it shows, nothing more. Now, I am not saying that there are not those out there with "bad intent" in their hearts. They are around - male and female. 

The guy who posted the link on Facebook said we need a "Man in Black" to lead the world. I know these are seemingly opposing views. But, it brings me to this  -   Would we even follow the "Man in Black?" Are we ready?  And, is Iceland the "Man in Black?"  Did the Icelandic people get back to being men and women because their bad economy (lost jobs, houses, etc.) forced them? Did they find that this was the "secret" all along? 

Excerpt from the Man in Black - Johnny Cash.....I wear it for the poor and beaten down...For those who've never read or listened to the words of Jesus...About the road to happiness through love and charity...I wear it for the sick and lonely old..I wear black for the lives that could have been...Well, there's things that never will be right, I know...And things need changin' everywhere you go...But 'til we start to make a move to get a few things right...You'll never see me in a suit of white. 

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Be good to the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time!! Ever Toodles!! MONA