Toni Dockter: Filosophy with a Fuchsia Flair

In an effort to reduce stress, I’ve been on a mental Spring Break the last two weeks—taking a self-imposed month-long reprieve from blogging—which for me is not only a time-and-thought consuming enterprise, but a stressor to my self-proclaimed calling as a writer. Huh? More specifically, after 460+ posts, all people want to read on my blog is about Christina Aguilera’s unflattering dress.

I need time to think: to assess my writing life/work life/life in general—which seems like a series of repetitive mind-numbing tasks that at the end of the day don’t add up to anything—other than I didn’t starve to death. (At least there’s something to be thankful for…)

I need time to figure out if I’m on the right road—headed in the right direction—and at the right speed. I need to contemplate the cosmic order of the universe (there is one, isn’t there?) and if metaphysical forces are aligned with my expectations. (Huh #2?)

OR–I could just take Xanax. (And comment on Christina Aguilera’s hair.)

During the last two weeks there were PLENTY of topics I had wanted to blog about—but didn’t let myself. For instance, Pia getting the boot from American Idol and the “shocked” reaction by the judges and public. (Huh #3)? Pia is the embodiment of my current ennui. (Huh #4)

Pia is like a Ukrainian figure skater—a well-trained, emotionally distant performer who achieves high technical marks but lacks artistic merit. What’s the missing ingredient in artistry? A connection that produces a moving experience.

Pia looks good and sounds good, but she doesn’t add up to anything.

However, to be fair, Pia should have outlasted a couple of other knock-off singers: Stefano and Paul—the musical equivalents of shopping at J.C. Penney instead of a Chanel boutique. They’re functional and practical, like a $50 suit, but emit little impact. (My girlfriend Diane calls Paul “Chicklets teeth.” )

But AI, as a reflection of its viewing demographic (and society in general) favors the guys over the girls.

Now where was I? Oh yeah, potential blog topics I forced myself to ignore (so I could de-stress instead):

1. The San Francisco Giants fan who was beaten nearly to death at a L.A. Dodgers’ game. Deadly violence at the ballpark: another reflection of society in general?

2. The Barry Bonds trial and subsequent conviction. Sleazy behavior and cheating for personal gain: another reflection of society in general?

3. The Congressional Budget Fight. Lying and conniving for personal gain: another reflection of society in general?

4. Obama’s $38,500 per plate fund-raising dinner next week. Idiotic behavior to augment feelings of diminished self-worth: another reflection of society in general?

5. My oh-so-favorite Winklevoss Twins (big strapping Harvard-educated Olympic athletes) lost their court battle to recover more FaceBook compensation from (scrawny rat-fink Harvard nemesis) Mark Zuckerberg. As much as I love the Winklevii, who fight for principle against a guy who doesn’t get that concept, I think the judge was right. Justice was served: good for society in general.

6. The San Francisco Giants home-opener weekend. The raising of the 2010 World Champions banner; the presentation of the World Series rings; the presentation of Rookie of the Year plaque to Buster Posey—celebrating the good in life: good for society in general.

BUT there was one topic last week I could not ignore: It was such a repellent stink bomb that it would blast me out of a crypt to blog about.

What pile of poo interrupted my hiatus? The appointment of General Stanley “Big Mouth/Big Bluster/Big Lies” McChrystal by Michelle “I’m just another spoke in the wheel that runs over average Americans” Obama to the “Joining Forces” panel for military family oversight.  Are you kidding me?

My opinion of Mrs. Obama has plummeted into the abyss of disgust (where I toss all politicians). More on this idiocy later—which is so NOT good for America or society in general.

In the meantime, what’s new with Christina Aguilera?