Moderate Monkey

I've been asked how the meeting went last week, the one I moderated. In a word (or three), it went well. Everyone showed a good attitude, and while there was some discussion there was no arguing. One person tried to do a little arguing, but it was cut short with my judicious glare and a threatening wave of the gavel. (Not really: I informed her we weren't talking about that subject but promised we'd take it up at the next meeting, and that seemed to satisfy her.)

It's kind of tough being the one responsible for helping people get along. Of course, they WANT to get along (or at least, should want to), but even so... when folks have different opinions it can get heated. My rules were:
1) focus on giving everyone their fair due;
2) pull out Rob's rule book whenever there's a question; and
3) wield the gavel like a mace.

One of my friends said, "You did a good job - considering what (who?) you had to work with." All in all, I was happy with the way things went and happy with the decisions we reached.

Trying to walk a line between business success and personal character sort of reminds me of the new TV show "Love Monkey". It's about a guy more-or-less my age (or a little younger, let's be honest) who loves music and is trying to be "right" toward both tunes and people. The rest of the cast consists of his sister and her husband, the stereotypical player-horn dog, the hollywood-approved closeted (but ruggedly handsome) gay guy, and the main character's best friend.

The question the show seems to be dealing with is "How do you be a good guy when the world pulls you toward the Dark Side?" Now, it's not written from a Christian point of view, but so far Main Character seems like the kind of decent chap you wouldn't mind having for a neighbor. Plus, since he works in the music industry, he might be able to get you tickets for good shows.

I like it but the Missus doesn't seem to. I think it's very guy-centric, with lots of guy situations, and most guys will feel comfortable with the show. All the more so if you (like most guys in their 30-40s) have an adolescent attachment to rock and roll trivia, dude (who was the best band of 1975? what do the names Lydon, Ritchie, Jones, and Cook have in common? Why does every song on a given station sound like all the others?). Like I said, I've liked the first two episodes, but if you AREN't a guy, DON'T like hanging out with a group of typical, worldly guys, and DON'T get into music, this show may not be the one for you. In that case, you'll find endless reruns of Law and Order and CSI just a channel or two away.