From Opera to Blogger

Capitalist that I am, remaining in a sponsor free, limited script Blog such as Opera would not last for long. Hopefully the link will allow for an easy transition.
I have several goals for this new blog, and I hope to accomplish them:
1. Be informative.By that I mean applicable content
2. Replace political correctness by honesty and mutual respect
3. Not be arrested.

So tonight's topic: social skills vs. "brutal honesty' in dealing with people.
There are times when a clear answer or position is required and yet people seem to believe that
the simple statement of a yes, no, number or diagnostic is an iconic moment of truth.
My Italian grandmother would not agree. While in her mid 40's, several doctors told her, quite "honestly", that she had 6 months to live. Soomehow she did not take that very seriously, as anyone should!
Fast forward 30 years and as a teenager I find her having a laughing fit while reading the obituary column on the daily paper.
That was the second doctor who had diagnosed her terminally ill to pass on to the great beyond, three decades later. In fact, I think she probably overlived them all.

For me that falls in to the old and das category of making a virtue out of a severe incapacity.
Take Ricskon Gracie, retired and undefeated MMA fighter. KNown for his temper and many out of ring brawls, he could in fact chose to be peaceful in a situation of possible conflict.
Now, when a 130 lb guy makes the same assertion, is he really making a choice?