‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
A Wiff of Wilf
Rufus who, after “breaking wind,” is told by his owner, “Oh Rufus, pee-yew, you “stink like a Wilf”. Which begs the question: What is the origin of the phrase “stink like a Wilf”? By Peter Molenaar Rufus the dog belongs to girlfriend. I am pleased to say they both love me. Evidently, however, when left in the care of a family member, Rufus was misfed. A remarkable sequence of what is called “breaking wind” resulted. To which girlfriend exclaimed “Oh Rufus, pee-yew, you “stink like a Wilf”. Which begs the question: What is the origin of the phrase “stink like a Wilf”? A superficial inquiry suggests that variations of the phrase formed while passing mouth to mouth in South Minneapolis. But as always, we must pursue a deeper historical analysis. Let”'s have a look. Zygmunt Wilf was born in Germany on April 22, 1950. His parents are both Holocaust survivors from Nazi occupied Poland. The [...]
A Human President
By Peter Molenaar There are many among us whose spiritual outlook has been staked to the possibility of a successful Obama presidency. As for me, even in moments of disappointment, I have attempted to “walk in his shoes”. In truth, this column has several times made the point: It is the mean spirited politics of the dying capitalist system which fails us ”“ it is not the president who has failed. But what? The “left-sectarians” among us began their attacks the day after the first election. How nicely their words dove-tailed with the right-wing racists whose mission of sabotage commenced that day as well. Nevertheless, those who had not completely lost heart felt free to weep as the president spoke of Trayvon Martin. Yes, a moral complexity was alluded to, but more importantly, the response of African Americans and their supporters was understood within the historic context. The president saw his own face in the face of Trayvon. [...]
Skunk and Racoon
By Peter Molenaar It is now forty years since I held title to 16 acres near Lake Milac. Many of us had chosen to go “back to the land”, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. We all had our share of sublime moments, but survival became an issue for most of us. Was it the full moon and stars which heightened awareness as he walked the dead end gravel road to “the farm” that night? Bloop, bloop, bloop, the sound echoed from the flooded culvert below. What the ”¦ the fight or flight response was intense but instantly suppressed as Skunk emerged and approached directly. The young achieved enlightenment while she sniffed his feet. Many moons later, while sitting upon a beach in Powderhorn Park, he was visited by Racoon. The warm breath touched the calves of his legs lightly beneath. Serenity and wisdom prevailed. Yet two Native youth came forth to issue stern warning against such composure. Ironic? (more…)
