How Dare They?

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of what I will call useless reporting on our US Navy Seals. This is in light of Seal Team 6's successful takedown of Osama Bin Laden. The country is seemingly obsessed with who they are, what they do, where they eat, live and sleep. Take for instance, this stellar piece of reporting by the Washington Post on "Seal-spotting."

A recent news piece on CNN actually sent a reporter to this area, in front of a local Naval base. While we have a lot to be proud of - I'm not sure this sort of scrutiny is necessary. The reporter actually went around asking local top officials, "Will you be having a parade?"

The answer is no, we will not be having a parade. Because as much as we want to thank and acknowledge these brave men - there are also some fanatical terrorists who would like to "thank" them in their own way.

Part of me wants to think that this obsession with wanting to reveal their identity is just ignorance of the military way of life. There are thousands of military men and women in the area, and in the nation, who go to work every day defending our nation with little applause or fan fare.

However, another part of me thinks that perhaps some out there are secretly outraged. There are those who would love to know them, to pat them on the back, to say they've met one, to get a photo taken with one, to be them. In an age when people will do anything for fame, to be known, to be recognized even if it comes with checking your dignity at the door (think Jersey Shore), how dare these heroes not step forward?

Journalists have harped on this recent obsession with news stories trying to get as close to an actual Navy Seal as possible. This Virginia Beach resident would like to say, enough of this irresponsible journalism. I've always looked to reporters and the media as acting as our personal watchdogs, exposing corruption and other atrocities, holding people accountable, bringing to light important issues.

In this instance, I'm thinking the media may have the important role of saving us from ourselves.

If you would really like to thank a Navy Seal, or get to know more about what they do, I invite you to visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org/. The web site lists it plainly "For their sacrifice, for their bravery, for their dedication, and finally for their families." This was a very important mission, and one of which we are all proud - but the truth is, they do it every day, and we owe them a lot not just now, but all year round.

In related news, if you haven't seen this already - check out this photo essay on the other unknown soldiers - the U.S. War Dogs. They are making a big difference in our success overseas.

As always,

Be well.

Love,
Mel

Running Revelation

In kindergarten I was already a naturally astute student. When it came to tying my shoes - I was what you would call advanced. Yes, the teacher pulled me aside and had me teach other kids how to tie their shoes. Everyone has their own unique style and teaching method, me, I preferred the traditional "bunny ears" method.

Imagine my shock and awe when I discovered, at 28 years of age, I did not know all there is to know about tying shoes. My most recent runs have been accompanied by some foot pain right across the top of my foot. The marathon running husband advised me to try tying my shoes differently.

After 28 years of tying my shoes the same old way, I present to you various different options for solving your foot pain troubles. Check out this great article on Runner's World. There are no bunny ears, but it's pretty good.

That's what I learned today. Also, kale chips are awesome. Here's what you do:

1. Get you some kale.
2. Wash it.
3. Oh yeah, preheat your oven to 350.
4. Dry it.
5. Sprinke you some sea salt and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.
6. Bake for 10 minutes
7. Let cool for like 5 minutes.

And voila, you have crispy kale - I mean like potato chip crispy. They are yummy good and full of vitamins and superpowers and stuff.

Be well.
Love, Mel

I Am

Well, hello there. My first foray into the blogosphere. I thought no better way to start it than to talk about the movie I Am.

But before I go there, I'd like to introduce my blog. I've thought for awhile of what I wanted to write about - what my concentration should be. Then my brother came up with this great name for a blog, and it's fitting, because if you know me, you know I do like to explain it all.

So this blog will be about a few things - feel free to ask me questions at mel.explains.it@gmail.com . You can start it by saying, "Dear Mel" or "Hey you..."feel free to posit questions about fashion, relationships, pets, exercise or whatever is weighing your mind - while I can't promise an accurate answer, I can promise some thoughtful consideration, and in the least funny commentary.

In the meantime, let me tell you about a movie that strives to explain it all -

I Am directed by Tom Shadyac. It's about a few things: the human condition, what's wrong with the world, and what you can do about it.

I don't think I'll be giving it away by saying he says a few things about what you can do about it. Mainly 1) Find out what you do best, 2) Find out how it can help better the world, 3) Do it.
I firmy agree in this life philosophy. It's a beautiful cycle - the more you do what you love, and the more you can help others doing said thing you love, the better you feel, the more you'll want to do it.

So, my advice to you today, is go see the movie, take a friend, and figure out what it is that makes your happy little heart sing.

If you need help on molding your life philosophy, I highly recommend Soul Pancake by Rainn Wilson.

Yes, today I'm telling you to go see a movie directed by the guy who directed Liar, Liar and to read a book by a guy who places the dweeb on The Office. Just go with it.

Be well.
Love,
Mel