Ugh.

Having a very hard time getting going today. Part of that, I guess, is because I don't know exactly what I'm doing with my day. Amythyst and I had made some plans, which she then forgot about, so she made an appointment for something this afternoon. Right now, she's at her doctor's and I'm waiting for her to call to let me know what's going on. Of course, I am in no way ready to go out, so things might be higgledy-piggledy regardless.

I'm also feeling kind of crappy because I think my rant about "Happy Holidays" might have unintentionally hurt someone who it absolutely wasn't intended to. It was intended to "hurt" the so-called Christians who currently think "tolerance," "humility" and "diversity" are dirty words, who do not exemplify the things (like, y'know, love) taught in the New Testament. (And yes, I have read it. Well, ok, I skimmed some of the Letters and parts of Acts. But still.) None of my friends fall into this category. Those of you who are Christians tend to have open, inquiring minds and good spirits and are people of good faith. Which is not how I perceive many of those who seem to want to use this "War on Christmas" as a way to divide people, which (I think) is contrary to the spirit of the season. I ain't got no problem with "Merry Christmas," nor the people who say it to me, as long as it's in good will. My problem is with the folks who just want to push it on me for either political or prosteltyizing purposes without good will. And that includes none of you. I'm sorry if it seemed that way.

So yeah, there's me for today, thus far. The knee's better, the arm hurts a little again. How are y'all?

This depresses me.

One in twenty Americans are illiterate (in English). And only 13% of all Americans are "proficient" in reading, meaning they can do "complex activities, such as comparing viewpoints in two differing editorials." I find this incredibly depressing. The idea of a "post-literate society" is not a comforting one, especially given the quality of pretty much everything coming out that has touted that idea. I dunno, I just feel like the less literacy, the less real understanding, ultimately the less freedom. Of course, that could just be me speaking as an intellectual member of the "cultural elite." That is, I read for pleasure and understanding. (Though really, I'd like everyone to have the opportunity of joining that "elite," so....)

On a completely other sad note, the actor John Spencer has died from a heart attack at age 58. It's sad news for his fans, of which Amythyst and I are two, and (of course) his family and friends.