The art thing finally pissed off enough people that a huge demonstration took place at the "artist's" home and the effigy of Sarah Palin is no longer part of the display. The "artist" defended his rights to any and all media on the scene, and said that he would "consider removing the display" after he had made his point. How sweet. However, the "artist" was directed to remove it as a health & safety issue: too many people driving by gawking, putting the pedestrians into harm's way. Whatever it takes, I guess.
One [of the list of students] student who has missed 5 consecutive classes reacted with (un)righteous indignation: that is NOT an option for her because that means the Pell Grant goes away. Well, so does failing a class because a Pell Grant is NOT free money! This student assured me at 3 absences in a row that there would be no more, that both the medical and personal issues had been handled, and then there were 2 more. The good news is that I have the backing of the highest echelon of administration, so the only fear I have is whether this student comes to plead the case while packing heat!
As to the assurance that "I'll work really hard and make up all the work I've missed," no. First, you've already demonstrated that you don't work hard as you don't attend class. Next, you cannot make up the 15 hours of class time wherein we not only discuss, but participate in writer's workshops to build skill. And, finally, I'm paid by the hour and my salary does not include working an additional 15 hours to bring you up to speed.
Finally, even though I had the flu shot a month ago, I woke up very early Tuesday morning and didn't see daylight until Wed evening! I thought my head was going to explode and I could not keep up with the sweating even though I used a terry towel. My stomach was so upset that it was iffy to move, but, thankfully, I didn't have to deal with projectile vomiting. Today, a student came to class and immediately left as she seems to have the same symptoms. Last week, there were several students who suddenly did not feel good and had to depart hastily. Must be something going around that the flu shot missed.
I'm going in to take a short nap and hope I wake up before tomorrow morning as I've slept more in the past 2 days than I have in the past 2 weeks.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
One Way to Look at It
The 2 guys who put up a Halloween display involving every square inch of the exterior of their property have a great sense of humor. An effigy of John McCain is seen emerging from artificial flames emitting from his chimney (cue laugh track). An effigy of Sarah Palin is hanging from a noose around her neck that is also tied around the chimney (cue laugh track again).
Relax, folks! It's peformance art.
My sense of humor does not extend this far because I think it's disgusting to hang anyone in effigy, especially when the media is called in to hype the display and defend the right of the artists to display publicly their performance art. Anyone in the neighborhood is subject to the display, whether they want to see it or not. Passers-by have no right to complain that it is offensive because (ta-da) it's just art! Get over it, people!
When I think we're pretty much as low as we can go as a society, someone finds another way to dig us deeper into the pit.
Of course, we can argue that were it Obama hanged in effigy, it continuing to hang from the chimney not only would be a moot point, but the performance artists would be in jail as that would be a racial attack that crosses a legal line. However, because it's a white woman politician hanging from the noose around her neck, it's okay because it's all in fun. Performance art that not just the entire neighborhood is forced to enjoy, but now the state and, perhaps, the national community. What a great role model for other performance artists to emulate. And kids: imagine how much bang for their buck kids can find in the fun of hanging someone from a chimney ... hopefully only in effigy, rather than as a prank that could go horribly wrong!
But, dammit, keep religious symbols and creches OFF the public lawns and church properties during the Christian Christmas holidays less we violate someone's religious beliefs and offend them with disgusting displays of a family gathered around a baby in a manger!
Right.
Another way to look at the display is that it's wrong regardless of the color of the skin on the effigy! Take the damned display down and stop the national media from hyping the "fun" of decorating for Halloween by hanging an effigy of a candidate for Vice President of the United States of America!
Relax, folks! It's peformance art.
My sense of humor does not extend this far because I think it's disgusting to hang anyone in effigy, especially when the media is called in to hype the display and defend the right of the artists to display publicly their performance art. Anyone in the neighborhood is subject to the display, whether they want to see it or not. Passers-by have no right to complain that it is offensive because (ta-da) it's just art! Get over it, people!
When I think we're pretty much as low as we can go as a society, someone finds another way to dig us deeper into the pit.
Of course, we can argue that were it Obama hanged in effigy, it continuing to hang from the chimney not only would be a moot point, but the performance artists would be in jail as that would be a racial attack that crosses a legal line. However, because it's a white woman politician hanging from the noose around her neck, it's okay because it's all in fun. Performance art that not just the entire neighborhood is forced to enjoy, but now the state and, perhaps, the national community. What a great role model for other performance artists to emulate. And kids: imagine how much bang for their buck kids can find in the fun of hanging someone from a chimney ... hopefully only in effigy, rather than as a prank that could go horribly wrong!
But, dammit, keep religious symbols and creches OFF the public lawns and church properties during the Christian Christmas holidays less we violate someone's religious beliefs and offend them with disgusting displays of a family gathered around a baby in a manger!
Right.
Another way to look at the display is that it's wrong regardless of the color of the skin on the effigy! Take the damned display down and stop the national media from hyping the "fun" of decorating for Halloween by hanging an effigy of a candidate for Vice President of the United States of America!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I am what [I say] I am!
There is a difference between knowing what's right and doing what's right, the premise of which is the basis for this blog. Something has been bothering me about Senator Obama's sudden appearance on the national stage about 18 months ago, his seemingly unlimited financial resources, the tough teflon skin to which nothing -- and I do mean nothing -- appears to stick. Unlike other candidates, both Democrat and Republican, during the time prior to actual nominations for presidential offices, Senator Obama has seldom, if ever, been forced into actually admitting the truth, clearly stating what he stands for, defining what he believes, and detailing what he will do once he's elected. His speeches are designed to appeal to the poorly educated masses of younger voters who prefer catchy sound bites, music videos and computer-generated animation to real life.
While other candidates have been grilled on the most intimate details of both their public and their private lives, Sen Obama has skimmed along the surface of the media coverage, immune to anything more than the most superficial grilling, often couched in fawning terms by women who first admire his physical appearance. He responds with non-answers to probing questions, such as those brought up involving Rev Wright, William Ayers, Mr. Reskoe, and the Acorn Foundation. If Sen Obama does not think an issue is relevant, somehow he makes it go away, whatever the issue may be, often by convincing the public that what they thought they heard or saw isn't what they really heard or saw.
Sen Obama's perception becomes the collective public reality, and woe unto anyone who challenges the new public perception.
His stock response, "I'm not going to talk about that," as hard to believe as that is, means that he doesn't talk about it. When he says, "I've said all I'm going to say about that," it goes away. Sen Obama refuses to allow difficult topics to be part of his campaign. This past week, a female news anchor made the mistake of "inappropriately" grilling VP candidate Sen Biden -- and the TV station received a scathing letter of not just condemnation, but accusation and threat: the station has become persona non grata for the Obama campaign and, presumable, upcoming presidency.
Sen Obama does not acknowledge the truth, he simply removes it from his present so, in his mind, it no longer exists.
Yes, he sat in Rev Wright's church for 20 years and listened to racism spew from the pulpit, but since Rev White came under public scrutiny he no longer attends that church, so that problem is solved.
Yes, his wife said that she is, for the first time, proud to be an American, but the public mistook her meaning beyond what she expressed: she's proud of her husband, who is running for President, and of the American people for nominating him. End of discussion.
Yes, he called his grandmother a racist, but he didn't mean that she is a racist, just that she acted and spoke like all the other white racists, which is why he distanced himself from her during his formative years. However, she's old and dying now, so it's not relevant.
Yes, he was superficially acquainted with William Ayers, but he doesn't acknowledge him now, so there is no problem.
Yes, he worked with Acorn in the past, including donating $800k from his campaign warchest to support that organization in getting out the [black] vote for this presidential election, but he no longer is associated with that organization and has not donated funds since he got the party nomination ... so let's move on.
No, there cannot be voter fraud associated with Acorn's campaign to register dead and/or non-existent voters for the presidential election -- because there has been no election. It's only fraud if illegally registered voters actually vote, which would require an investigation after the Nov 4 election!
Yes, he took money from Mr. Reskoe, but that's ancient work history, not current political practice.
Yes, he said "redistribute the wealth," but he misspoke. What he meant to say is that he wants to take wealth from the rich and give it to the middle class and the poor, which may sound like "redistribution of wealth," but it's not. It's simply tax relief for all but the wealthiest individuals.
There is something within me that does not believe either Sen Obama's image or his rhetoric, something that does not ring true, and I don't know what it is. George Orwell once wrote, "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act" (English essayist, novelist, & satirist 1903 - 1950). Sen Obama doesn't have to tell the truth because he makes his own truth the public reality and preaches that truth to people all too eager to applaud his well-orchestrated public appearances.
George Orwell said that the United States will not fall to an enemy from without, but within: we will bring about our own downfall because we are too easily led by those who lead. We already know that our citizens will not take up arms and defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Paraphrasing the cry during the Communist scare: it's better to be led than dead. Better to give in to what's coming than it is to stand against it.
Popeye the Sailor Man proudly told the audiences that "I yam what I yam." Sen Obama seems to tell his audiences, "I yam who I tell ya I yam," and they are responding with loud cheers and, presumably, solid votes on Nov 4. We'll have to wait and see how that works for us come January 2009.
While other candidates have been grilled on the most intimate details of both their public and their private lives, Sen Obama has skimmed along the surface of the media coverage, immune to anything more than the most superficial grilling, often couched in fawning terms by women who first admire his physical appearance. He responds with non-answers to probing questions, such as those brought up involving Rev Wright, William Ayers, Mr. Reskoe, and the Acorn Foundation. If Sen Obama does not think an issue is relevant, somehow he makes it go away, whatever the issue may be, often by convincing the public that what they thought they heard or saw isn't what they really heard or saw.
Sen Obama's perception becomes the collective public reality, and woe unto anyone who challenges the new public perception.
His stock response, "I'm not going to talk about that," as hard to believe as that is, means that he doesn't talk about it. When he says, "I've said all I'm going to say about that," it goes away. Sen Obama refuses to allow difficult topics to be part of his campaign. This past week, a female news anchor made the mistake of "inappropriately" grilling VP candidate Sen Biden -- and the TV station received a scathing letter of not just condemnation, but accusation and threat: the station has become persona non grata for the Obama campaign and, presumable, upcoming presidency.
Sen Obama does not acknowledge the truth, he simply removes it from his present so, in his mind, it no longer exists.
Yes, he sat in Rev Wright's church for 20 years and listened to racism spew from the pulpit, but since Rev White came under public scrutiny he no longer attends that church, so that problem is solved.
Yes, his wife said that she is, for the first time, proud to be an American, but the public mistook her meaning beyond what she expressed: she's proud of her husband, who is running for President, and of the American people for nominating him. End of discussion.
Yes, he called his grandmother a racist, but he didn't mean that she is a racist, just that she acted and spoke like all the other white racists, which is why he distanced himself from her during his formative years. However, she's old and dying now, so it's not relevant.
Yes, he was superficially acquainted with William Ayers, but he doesn't acknowledge him now, so there is no problem.
Yes, he worked with Acorn in the past, including donating $800k from his campaign warchest to support that organization in getting out the [black] vote for this presidential election, but he no longer is associated with that organization and has not donated funds since he got the party nomination ... so let's move on.
No, there cannot be voter fraud associated with Acorn's campaign to register dead and/or non-existent voters for the presidential election -- because there has been no election. It's only fraud if illegally registered voters actually vote, which would require an investigation after the Nov 4 election!
Yes, he took money from Mr. Reskoe, but that's ancient work history, not current political practice.
Yes, he said "redistribute the wealth," but he misspoke. What he meant to say is that he wants to take wealth from the rich and give it to the middle class and the poor, which may sound like "redistribution of wealth," but it's not. It's simply tax relief for all but the wealthiest individuals.
There is something within me that does not believe either Sen Obama's image or his rhetoric, something that does not ring true, and I don't know what it is. George Orwell once wrote, "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act" (English essayist, novelist, & satirist 1903 - 1950). Sen Obama doesn't have to tell the truth because he makes his own truth the public reality and preaches that truth to people all too eager to applaud his well-orchestrated public appearances.
George Orwell said that the United States will not fall to an enemy from without, but within: we will bring about our own downfall because we are too easily led by those who lead. We already know that our citizens will not take up arms and defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Paraphrasing the cry during the Communist scare: it's better to be led than dead. Better to give in to what's coming than it is to stand against it.
Popeye the Sailor Man proudly told the audiences that "I yam what I yam." Sen Obama seems to tell his audiences, "I yam who I tell ya I yam," and they are responding with loud cheers and, presumably, solid votes on Nov 4. We'll have to wait and see how that works for us come January 2009.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tellin' It Like It Is, Not Like You Want It to Be
Carrie Ann Inaba FINALLY said what should have been said weeks ago: we lost Toni Braxton, a good dancer, for this ... referring to the stumbling vaudeville routine Cloris substituted for the cha-cha-cha.
I've argued with people who say Cloris is "so dear," she's such a wonderful role model for older people. Yeah, that's all well and good, but SHE CANNOT DANCE and IT'S A DANCE COMPETITION!
This is the worst season of Dancing with the Stars: lowest scores, less creative routines, and too much enabling the mediocre dancers to continue week after week. Susan Lucci can play a mean bitch on a soap opera, but she cannot dance! She doesn't dance; she repeats the moves that have been choreographed and blocked for the cameras. There is a difference between dancing and performing the role of a dancer, and it makes a difference in a dance competition if the competitors cannot dance!
I've heard more personal remarks from the judges this season than I remember from previous seasons. Have we really come to the point where personal comments are expected? Why not focus on critiquing the quality of the performance? Warren Sapp is not that good, but he's praised for being ... smokin' sexy? Cody is working his ass off to do the dances well, and he's alternately praised or condemned for being ... so young and cute? Brooke Burke has performed excellent routines consistently, but the focus is on her ... legs up to here? And one of the professionals was chewed out for being too prominent in the dance: this is dancing with the STARS, and she showcased her own talent, rather than making her star shine.
Wow. And Cloris is still on the show.
Tonight's hip-hop routine was an embarrassment. Had it not been live, perhaps several takes and judicious cutting could have saved it, but as it was, unbelievable. It is laughable to think that the group actually practiced this routine, rather than throwing on over-the-top Halloween costumes and gyrating sort of in time to the music.
But not to worry: tomorrow night, we'll have the kids' competition, any one of whom could blow away the "stars" and their professional partners this season.
Perhaps DWTS finally has run its course? Please?
I've argued with people who say Cloris is "so dear," she's such a wonderful role model for older people. Yeah, that's all well and good, but SHE CANNOT DANCE and IT'S A DANCE COMPETITION!
This is the worst season of Dancing with the Stars: lowest scores, less creative routines, and too much enabling the mediocre dancers to continue week after week. Susan Lucci can play a mean bitch on a soap opera, but she cannot dance! She doesn't dance; she repeats the moves that have been choreographed and blocked for the cameras. There is a difference between dancing and performing the role of a dancer, and it makes a difference in a dance competition if the competitors cannot dance!
I've heard more personal remarks from the judges this season than I remember from previous seasons. Have we really come to the point where personal comments are expected? Why not focus on critiquing the quality of the performance? Warren Sapp is not that good, but he's praised for being ... smokin' sexy? Cody is working his ass off to do the dances well, and he's alternately praised or condemned for being ... so young and cute? Brooke Burke has performed excellent routines consistently, but the focus is on her ... legs up to here? And one of the professionals was chewed out for being too prominent in the dance: this is dancing with the STARS, and she showcased her own talent, rather than making her star shine.
Wow. And Cloris is still on the show.
Tonight's hip-hop routine was an embarrassment. Had it not been live, perhaps several takes and judicious cutting could have saved it, but as it was, unbelievable. It is laughable to think that the group actually practiced this routine, rather than throwing on over-the-top Halloween costumes and gyrating sort of in time to the music.
But not to worry: tomorrow night, we'll have the kids' competition, any one of whom could blow away the "stars" and their professional partners this season.
Perhaps DWTS finally has run its course? Please?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Oil and Water
Today was my continuing ed class at the community college, taught by a wonderful woman who works in the Office of Instruction. She and her husband used to own a farm in Oregon, where they established a huge garden and developed their own cottage industry. A by-product of their garden was making lotions and potions, as my friend Kay used to say.
This class taught how to measure oils using a gram scale, add water, heat, and beat thoroughly, then enjoy the benefits of the hand cream that results. The texture is extra smooth and creamy, and the product soft when applied to the skin. Because it is totally natural, you can use it often, but because it is made from oils, you don't need to use much or reapply all the time, as is often the case with commercial cosmetics. My very dry desert skin feels soft, smooth and moist for the first time in months.
It was fun to watch the clear liquids become opaque as we continued to beat the oil and water. As it cooled, it started to set, going from custard to pudding to mousse texture in about 1/2 an hour. She told us that we can leave it overnight and whip it again to get the lightest, fluffiest hand lotion we've ever used.
We also made lip balm! Again, the product is all natural, so it's good for the lips, not cakey or gooey. We can make it into a bar and carry with us or put into a desk drawer at work to reapply as the air conditioning dries out even the most moist lip protection. I always have hanging chad on my lips, but an hour after applying our product, my lips were smooth.
I haven't decided if I'm going to invest in the oils and make my own lotion as the recipe results in 3 cups of it, but I just may do so as I use a lot of lotion in an often futile attempt to keep my skin moist. Perhaps some of my b'fast buddies will join me in making and using our own products. I'll have to ask.
Today was such a great time that I am now looking forward even more to the next class, soap making.
This class taught how to measure oils using a gram scale, add water, heat, and beat thoroughly, then enjoy the benefits of the hand cream that results. The texture is extra smooth and creamy, and the product soft when applied to the skin. Because it is totally natural, you can use it often, but because it is made from oils, you don't need to use much or reapply all the time, as is often the case with commercial cosmetics. My very dry desert skin feels soft, smooth and moist for the first time in months.
It was fun to watch the clear liquids become opaque as we continued to beat the oil and water. As it cooled, it started to set, going from custard to pudding to mousse texture in about 1/2 an hour. She told us that we can leave it overnight and whip it again to get the lightest, fluffiest hand lotion we've ever used.
We also made lip balm! Again, the product is all natural, so it's good for the lips, not cakey or gooey. We can make it into a bar and carry with us or put into a desk drawer at work to reapply as the air conditioning dries out even the most moist lip protection. I always have hanging chad on my lips, but an hour after applying our product, my lips were smooth.
I haven't decided if I'm going to invest in the oils and make my own lotion as the recipe results in 3 cups of it, but I just may do so as I use a lot of lotion in an often futile attempt to keep my skin moist. Perhaps some of my b'fast buddies will join me in making and using our own products. I'll have to ask.
Today was such a great time that I am now looking forward even more to the next class, soap making.
Friday, October 24, 2008
W
Oliver Stone's W is a surpisingly sympathetic portrayal of his subject, one that I did not expect and find quite compelling. During his younger years, W was wild; in many ways, he was a typical privileged college frat good ole boy from Texas out sowing his wild oats. He plays hard, he drinks hard, and he parties hard, pretty much messing up just about everything he does or tries to do. His college career reminds me of my one brother's misspent years, and I bet the two of them would have been great drinking buddies and, perhaps, good friends. Thank God that both W and my brother lived to outgrow their bad behavior.
When W has his "come to Jesus" meeting with himself after one particularly brutal drinking night, he turns his life around. W still isn't the brightest light in the chandelier, but at least he is sober. He begins to grow up and into himself, a journey we all take at one time or another, and after everything else in his life turns to shit, he buys a baseball team, seems to find himself, and determines that it is God's will that he involve himself in the political arena.
What is most disconcerting about the film are the people with whom W surrounds himself. Condi Rice is made to look like dumb African-American Barbie with black hair and make-up, making inane comments about world affairs and serving as W's secretary, rather than a cabinet-level advisor. Rumsfelt is portrayed as a buffoon, Dick Cheney as a meglomaniac who took lessons from Hitler, and Gen Tommy Franks as a totally ill-informed, piss-poor strategist who didn't have the foggiest idea of what he was doing as he headed the troops into war.
What makes me most sympathetic to W are the obvious distortions, untruths, manipulations, and blatant deceptions by his closest advisors. If Stone's film is even close to the truth of history, Bush should have fired all of them and started over. Bush may have been more easily deceived because he seemed to view this event as a semi-holy war, but there was nothing in the film to indicate that he wanted anything less than honesty from his advisors involved in the decision-making process, and he got everything but honesty from all of them. Except Colin Powell, who is portrayed as a saint, not just the voice of reason, but the oracle of truth, justice, and the American way. Had Colin been the President ... well, let's just leave it at that.
I don't know the sources Stone used in making this film, but the entire plot strains credulity. W's father is portrayed as a cold bastard who mentally and/or emotionally abuses his son, favoring Jeb over W to the extent that the humiliation and belittling become W's motivating force in life. Barbara comes across as a rich bitch far too self-centered and uncaring to offer her son any encouragement, comfort, or support. Laura is, much to my dismay, a typical Texas "stand by my man" character who smiles, looks pretty, and never says a cross or hurtful word.
Josh Brolin is incredible! I simply cannot believe the range this man has with his acting ability. There are times when you will swear that it's the "real W," not an actor, as Brolin is that good. He is matched by Richard Dreyfus, who portrays Cheney to a T, again leaving little doubt that he IS Cheney, not just acting the part. The actor who plays Carl Rove is confusing as Rove comes across as knowledgeable, but syncophantic, rather than professional. It's a strange mixture of adoration and advice, and not a favorable comment on the guy who still shows up on the networks as an "political expert." I'd make him wipe the brown off his nose before I took any advice from him!
I went to this film on a lark, but I'd watch it again in a minute as it's that good. I was prepared to dislike it, having heard that it's a vicious attack on Bush, but it's not. Sure, he comes off as a fool in places, but part of that is possibly from the long-term effects of alcoholism and the rest from simply not being very smart, and relying on his gut, rather than his reason. However, he totally outshines the other characters involved in the plot, none of whom come across in a favorable light.
When W has his "come to Jesus" meeting with himself after one particularly brutal drinking night, he turns his life around. W still isn't the brightest light in the chandelier, but at least he is sober. He begins to grow up and into himself, a journey we all take at one time or another, and after everything else in his life turns to shit, he buys a baseball team, seems to find himself, and determines that it is God's will that he involve himself in the political arena.
What is most disconcerting about the film are the people with whom W surrounds himself. Condi Rice is made to look like dumb African-American Barbie with black hair and make-up, making inane comments about world affairs and serving as W's secretary, rather than a cabinet-level advisor. Rumsfelt is portrayed as a buffoon, Dick Cheney as a meglomaniac who took lessons from Hitler, and Gen Tommy Franks as a totally ill-informed, piss-poor strategist who didn't have the foggiest idea of what he was doing as he headed the troops into war.
What makes me most sympathetic to W are the obvious distortions, untruths, manipulations, and blatant deceptions by his closest advisors. If Stone's film is even close to the truth of history, Bush should have fired all of them and started over. Bush may have been more easily deceived because he seemed to view this event as a semi-holy war, but there was nothing in the film to indicate that he wanted anything less than honesty from his advisors involved in the decision-making process, and he got everything but honesty from all of them. Except Colin Powell, who is portrayed as a saint, not just the voice of reason, but the oracle of truth, justice, and the American way. Had Colin been the President ... well, let's just leave it at that.
I don't know the sources Stone used in making this film, but the entire plot strains credulity. W's father is portrayed as a cold bastard who mentally and/or emotionally abuses his son, favoring Jeb over W to the extent that the humiliation and belittling become W's motivating force in life. Barbara comes across as a rich bitch far too self-centered and uncaring to offer her son any encouragement, comfort, or support. Laura is, much to my dismay, a typical Texas "stand by my man" character who smiles, looks pretty, and never says a cross or hurtful word.
Josh Brolin is incredible! I simply cannot believe the range this man has with his acting ability. There are times when you will swear that it's the "real W," not an actor, as Brolin is that good. He is matched by Richard Dreyfus, who portrays Cheney to a T, again leaving little doubt that he IS Cheney, not just acting the part. The actor who plays Carl Rove is confusing as Rove comes across as knowledgeable, but syncophantic, rather than professional. It's a strange mixture of adoration and advice, and not a favorable comment on the guy who still shows up on the networks as an "political expert." I'd make him wipe the brown off his nose before I took any advice from him!
I went to this film on a lark, but I'd watch it again in a minute as it's that good. I was prepared to dislike it, having heard that it's a vicious attack on Bush, but it's not. Sure, he comes off as a fool in places, but part of that is possibly from the long-term effects of alcoholism and the rest from simply not being very smart, and relying on his gut, rather than his reason. However, he totally outshines the other characters involved in the plot, none of whom come across in a favorable light.
Laughin'
Mark and Brian in the Morning is such a hoot that when I listen to them banter, I sometimes laugh so loud and so hard that I have to pull over to the curb! I've discovered their radio show during my morning commute to the college and wonder why I've never listened to their daily programs before this -- perhaps because I used to be at work in the morning, rather than on my way to teach a 10 o'clock class.
This morning, listening on my way home from b'fast, the boys were talking about "favorites," including favorite candy, favorite cookie, and favorite b'fast cereal. When the talk wandered into manipulating the cereal box to find the prize and claim it without having to eat the entire box of cereal, I was suddenly back at home in Santa Barbara, sitting at the b'fast table with 5 siblings, and wondering how to pour just enough cereal out of the box so that I was the one who claimed the prize. Of course, the prize was long gone because one of the boys had already stuck his hand through the cereal and found it, but I never knew that until many years later. Always the optimist, I actually thought that I had a chance to be the lucky one this time.
They also asked whether you drank the milk after finishing off the cereal, which I never did because I've never liked milk. Of course, you can't eat cereal dry, so I always added the milk, but I either passed my bowl to one of my siblings or I fed my milk to the ever-present dog. However, when mom made Cream 'O Wheat, which is still one of my favorites, I stirred the milk in to make it more creamy and sometimes added more milk to get the exactly right consistency. And what a happy bowl of Cream 'O Wheat when I discovered more than one lump! I don't know what it was about the lumps, but I liked them. Still do.
My mom used to keep a box of See's candy by her bedside until the time she picked up a piece and discovered that her "no candy" ban for the children had been violated in a cruel way. We had picked our favorite pieces, scooped all the filling out with a toothpick from the underside of the chocolate, and then replaced what appeared to be an intact piece of See's back into the box. Mom was so pissed at this prank that she took to hiding her candy. I never found the hidden boxes, but I know my brothers found it often enough to get more than their fair share of each pound of chocolates.
My mom could bake, and her chocolate chip cookies with lots of walnuts were always my favorite. We added walnuts to everything because they were so plentiful at my g'parents' home in SB. They literally fell off the tree, and every time we went to take care of g'ma, we filled our aprons with walnuts that we then set on a drying rack made from chicken wire. Once the walnuts were dry, we cracked them and separated the pieces from the whole halves, which mom then put into the freezer downstairs. When she baked, we had walnuts, walnuts, and more walnuts. A date stuffed with a walnut half and then rolled in powdered sugar was ambrosia to me, as well as the best chocolate fudge I've ever tasted with big hunks of walnuts and not quite melted marshmallows.
My favorite of all, however, were the hot crossed buns my mom made, complete with big, juicy raisins, lots of cinnamon, and white icing on top. I don't know why making the cross on top made the hot rolls special, but it did. Mom didn't make them often as they were a lot of work, but oh, my gosh, were they wonderful!
Mark and Brian evoked some good childhood memories this morning and it was fun recalling the good times for a change.
This morning, listening on my way home from b'fast, the boys were talking about "favorites," including favorite candy, favorite cookie, and favorite b'fast cereal. When the talk wandered into manipulating the cereal box to find the prize and claim it without having to eat the entire box of cereal, I was suddenly back at home in Santa Barbara, sitting at the b'fast table with 5 siblings, and wondering how to pour just enough cereal out of the box so that I was the one who claimed the prize. Of course, the prize was long gone because one of the boys had already stuck his hand through the cereal and found it, but I never knew that until many years later. Always the optimist, I actually thought that I had a chance to be the lucky one this time.
They also asked whether you drank the milk after finishing off the cereal, which I never did because I've never liked milk. Of course, you can't eat cereal dry, so I always added the milk, but I either passed my bowl to one of my siblings or I fed my milk to the ever-present dog. However, when mom made Cream 'O Wheat, which is still one of my favorites, I stirred the milk in to make it more creamy and sometimes added more milk to get the exactly right consistency. And what a happy bowl of Cream 'O Wheat when I discovered more than one lump! I don't know what it was about the lumps, but I liked them. Still do.
My mom used to keep a box of See's candy by her bedside until the time she picked up a piece and discovered that her "no candy" ban for the children had been violated in a cruel way. We had picked our favorite pieces, scooped all the filling out with a toothpick from the underside of the chocolate, and then replaced what appeared to be an intact piece of See's back into the box. Mom was so pissed at this prank that she took to hiding her candy. I never found the hidden boxes, but I know my brothers found it often enough to get more than their fair share of each pound of chocolates.
My mom could bake, and her chocolate chip cookies with lots of walnuts were always my favorite. We added walnuts to everything because they were so plentiful at my g'parents' home in SB. They literally fell off the tree, and every time we went to take care of g'ma, we filled our aprons with walnuts that we then set on a drying rack made from chicken wire. Once the walnuts were dry, we cracked them and separated the pieces from the whole halves, which mom then put into the freezer downstairs. When she baked, we had walnuts, walnuts, and more walnuts. A date stuffed with a walnut half and then rolled in powdered sugar was ambrosia to me, as well as the best chocolate fudge I've ever tasted with big hunks of walnuts and not quite melted marshmallows.
My favorite of all, however, were the hot crossed buns my mom made, complete with big, juicy raisins, lots of cinnamon, and white icing on top. I don't know why making the cross on top made the hot rolls special, but it did. Mom didn't make them often as they were a lot of work, but oh, my gosh, were they wonderful!
Mark and Brian evoked some good childhood memories this morning and it was fun recalling the good times for a change.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
For Whom the Poll Tolls
Watching hourly polling results is like watching one's weight: dieters should only weigh in once a week because there are too many hourly fluctuations to give a true weight picture more often than that. Thin before any meal, thinner after a morning dump, way thinnest after exercise; fat after any meal, no matter how small, or following the reading of a restaurant menu.
Hourly polling results dramatize an election run-up and so thoroughly maneuver the voter that it's fair to wonder why anyone shows up at the polls if it's a done deal? Polls predict trends, pundits present poll results as final election results, and the public flock like herds of sheep to jump onto the bandwagon before it rolls out of town. It doesn't matter who you think you should support; it's how fast I add my vote to the column "majority of those polled."
Finally, Carrie Ann Inaba is right: it's nice to see Cloris still on the floor, but why is she? It is a DANCING competition, and although Cloris is giving it her best, she's not keeping up with the competition. Toni Braxton leaves before Cloris? Ah, come on. Cloris is a character in an SLN weekly routine televised on the wrong channel.
So, now you know where I stand on the issues. Hurry, get in line behind me as I'm sure there are others who share my opinions, but may not be as willing to admit to them. After all, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything, and it is Fall again, isn't it?
Hourly polling results dramatize an election run-up and so thoroughly maneuver the voter that it's fair to wonder why anyone shows up at the polls if it's a done deal? Polls predict trends, pundits present poll results as final election results, and the public flock like herds of sheep to jump onto the bandwagon before it rolls out of town. It doesn't matter who you think you should support; it's how fast I add my vote to the column "majority of those polled."
Finally, Carrie Ann Inaba is right: it's nice to see Cloris still on the floor, but why is she? It is a DANCING competition, and although Cloris is giving it her best, she's not keeping up with the competition. Toni Braxton leaves before Cloris? Ah, come on. Cloris is a character in an SLN weekly routine televised on the wrong channel.
So, now you know where I stand on the issues. Hurry, get in line behind me as I'm sure there are others who share my opinions, but may not be as willing to admit to them. After all, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything, and it is Fall again, isn't it?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Another First
A student came to class today, looking somewhat peaked, and informed me that she's bleeding internally and will have to leave for the hospital ... sometime during class ... but she didn't want to miss the lecture.
Smiling, supportive, and scared silly, I escorted her to the door, assuring her all the way that it would be okay if she missed this one time because I always send the notes via email. She put up a good resistance, but I used insistance and persistance to overcome her resistance by telling her she either left NOW or I dialled 9-1-1 and had her forcibly removed to the nearest medical center!
Another first in a long career filled with them.
Smiling, supportive, and scared silly, I escorted her to the door, assuring her all the way that it would be okay if she missed this one time because I always send the notes via email. She put up a good resistance, but I used insistance and persistance to overcome her resistance by telling her she either left NOW or I dialled 9-1-1 and had her forcibly removed to the nearest medical center!
Another first in a long career filled with them.
Latin Lesson
It's been many, many years, but I believe my high school Latin included the phrase quid pro quo, which means "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."
Congratulations to Colin Powell, who announced his unconditional support of Presidential candidate Obama and was immediately confirmed for a high-level cabinet position in the new President's administration.
For appearance sake, I probably would have waited just a skosh longer between the 2 announcements. I mean, it almost looks like Obama bought Powell's endorsement with a promise of a cabinet position. Nah, that wouldn't happen, would it?
Congratulations to Colin Powell, who announced his unconditional support of Presidential candidate Obama and was immediately confirmed for a high-level cabinet position in the new President's administration.
For appearance sake, I probably would have waited just a skosh longer between the 2 announcements. I mean, it almost looks like Obama bought Powell's endorsement with a promise of a cabinet position. Nah, that wouldn't happen, would it?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Doin' the Math
I just read that Sen McCain is now questioning the newest $150 million in donations to the Obama campaign (perhaps he read my earlier blog?). It seems that the majority of those contributions fall under the $199.00 limit, so can be anonymous as only donations that exceed $200.00 must be attached to a specific donor's name.
My calculator doesn't do this math: what is $150 million divided by $199.00 amount to in numbers of individual anonymous contributions?
Wow.
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me for falling for it again!
My calculator doesn't do this math: what is $150 million divided by $199.00 amount to in numbers of individual anonymous contributions?
Wow.
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me for falling for it again!
Presidential Posturing
Our local paper has added bloggers to its daily journalism roster, most of whom write highly-biased, inflammatory political rantings and ravings. However, there is one blogger who consistently impresses me with his historical columns. Today's offering is on Gen. George Patton, who used to hang out in our little corner of the world, training troops who later deployed to Africa during WWII, the Big One. Patton took his troops to an isolated desert location and did whatever was necessary to prepare the men to literally fight to their deaths to defend this country. He did not seek, nor did he want, either public exposure or notoriety for simply doing his job. If he were in the same position today, a reporter would be embedded with his troops, interpreting and molding the training program until he got it to look good on the evening news.
The media blitz about Gov Palin appearing on SNL last night offended me, but I'm not sure that I can articulate why, other than to say that baiting a candidate in the press until (s)he agrees to appear on a TV show is not Presidential. Remember Michael Douglas and Annette Benning's film (The American President)? When the President is commended for ordering a military strike against an enemy target as being presidential, Michael Douglas snaps back, "It's the least presidential thing I do!" I've always admired the film's philosophy as appropriate for a presidential candidate or office holder to guage credible conduct: is it Presidential?
The new style of political campaign offends me because it's all about the media. If one candidate becomes the media's candidate, the race is pretty much over before the polls are opened. No longer does an individual voter make up his/her own mind: the media presents the approved candidates to the voters, based on charisma, sound bites, and public appearances. Voters, according to demographics, respond to the public persona, we buy the veneer, and we forget that underneath that thin surface of appearance is the real product: the person we elect.
Sen Obama has used the media to his advantage repeatedly because he has not once been called to account for his transgressions, beginning with his "promise" to use public funding that was broken the day Sen McCain also agreed to limit his spending. McCain kept his word, while Obama has been free to accept any and all monies that will assure his election. It is beyond credulity to believe that the American people donated an additional $150 million to the Obama campaign in the last month: we simply do not have any money, much less discretionary funds we can throw at an election that is pretty much already in the bag.
If Obama's campaign-supported organization, Acorn, can legitimately use Obama campaign funds to sign up non-existent and dead people as voters, has his campaign used the same tactics to attribute political donations from "someone" who has money to spend to assure Obama wins this election?
Dave Lettermen was able to "shame" Sen McCain into coming back on his show, to apologize for doing what Sen McCain believed was the right thing. Does Sen McCain not realize that appearing on Letterman was far more the wrong thing to do than returning to Washington to deal with the worst financial situation in this nation's recent history? That is the pull of a powerful media. If Letterman can make McCain jump through the hoops while he's still a candidate, imagine what the media can do once he's President.
Ditto with Gov Palin. If SNL wants to lampoon her, let them go for it, but she needs to stay above that sort of public appearance. Does Gov Palin not realize that SNL's goal is ratings, and the network gets the ratings when the media manipulate the target of SNL's satire to appear live? Gov Palin is not skilled at international politics, so she is an easy target for her political opponents; there is also no way that she can compete with skilled comedians who make their living with their quips. It's a win for SNL that they offer to have her on the show; it's a lose for Palin that she accepts.
Gen. George Patton once said, “Anyone, in any walk of life, who is content with mediocrity is untrue to himself and to American tradition.” The media is mediocrity, entertainment aimed at the highest audience ratings at the lowest cost. We should have lower expectations for comedy shows than we have for our citizens who hold political office, especially the two highest offices in the United States of America. Instead, these two have become equated in the public eye: if voters don't see the candidates on the popular TV venues, they won't vote for them. If the TV comedians and pundits can pull the strings and have the potential future Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the United States of America come running, we have sunk to depths that should be uncomfortable for anyone who thinks that's okay.
The election to office of candidates should be based on qualifications, not charisma. The election to office of candidates should be based on political principles, not personality. The election to office of candidates should be based on an educated understanding of the issues and how to deal with them, not on rhetoric that makes a good sound bite for the political pundits. Candidates for office should know who they are and how to present a Presidential candidate to the people, not pander to the public's need for entertainment by appearing on talk shows and peforming comedy skits.
Gen Patton knew what his job was, he did it, he countered the criticsm directed at him from people who did not share his level of military training and tactical awareness, and he literally gave his life to keep this country safe from its enemies. Had he been training troops today, he'd walk off the job because the job that he had to do was harsh, demanding, and necessary to prepare military personnel to defeat the enemy both at home and abroad. Today, Gen George Patton would be crucified in the press, vilified on the talk shows, satirized on the comedy shows, called to account before Congress based on his poor public performance, and sent home in shame.
What Patton accomplished wasn't pretty, it wasn't popular, but it was necessary, effective, and certainly more Presidential than the current political campaign.
The media blitz about Gov Palin appearing on SNL last night offended me, but I'm not sure that I can articulate why, other than to say that baiting a candidate in the press until (s)he agrees to appear on a TV show is not Presidential. Remember Michael Douglas and Annette Benning's film (The American President)? When the President is commended for ordering a military strike against an enemy target as being presidential, Michael Douglas snaps back, "It's the least presidential thing I do!" I've always admired the film's philosophy as appropriate for a presidential candidate or office holder to guage credible conduct: is it Presidential?
The new style of political campaign offends me because it's all about the media. If one candidate becomes the media's candidate, the race is pretty much over before the polls are opened. No longer does an individual voter make up his/her own mind: the media presents the approved candidates to the voters, based on charisma, sound bites, and public appearances. Voters, according to demographics, respond to the public persona, we buy the veneer, and we forget that underneath that thin surface of appearance is the real product: the person we elect.
Sen Obama has used the media to his advantage repeatedly because he has not once been called to account for his transgressions, beginning with his "promise" to use public funding that was broken the day Sen McCain also agreed to limit his spending. McCain kept his word, while Obama has been free to accept any and all monies that will assure his election. It is beyond credulity to believe that the American people donated an additional $150 million to the Obama campaign in the last month: we simply do not have any money, much less discretionary funds we can throw at an election that is pretty much already in the bag.
If Obama's campaign-supported organization, Acorn, can legitimately use Obama campaign funds to sign up non-existent and dead people as voters, has his campaign used the same tactics to attribute political donations from "someone" who has money to spend to assure Obama wins this election?
Dave Lettermen was able to "shame" Sen McCain into coming back on his show, to apologize for doing what Sen McCain believed was the right thing. Does Sen McCain not realize that appearing on Letterman was far more the wrong thing to do than returning to Washington to deal with the worst financial situation in this nation's recent history? That is the pull of a powerful media. If Letterman can make McCain jump through the hoops while he's still a candidate, imagine what the media can do once he's President.
Ditto with Gov Palin. If SNL wants to lampoon her, let them go for it, but she needs to stay above that sort of public appearance. Does Gov Palin not realize that SNL's goal is ratings, and the network gets the ratings when the media manipulate the target of SNL's satire to appear live? Gov Palin is not skilled at international politics, so she is an easy target for her political opponents; there is also no way that she can compete with skilled comedians who make their living with their quips. It's a win for SNL that they offer to have her on the show; it's a lose for Palin that she accepts.
Gen. George Patton once said, “Anyone, in any walk of life, who is content with mediocrity is untrue to himself and to American tradition.” The media is mediocrity, entertainment aimed at the highest audience ratings at the lowest cost. We should have lower expectations for comedy shows than we have for our citizens who hold political office, especially the two highest offices in the United States of America. Instead, these two have become equated in the public eye: if voters don't see the candidates on the popular TV venues, they won't vote for them. If the TV comedians and pundits can pull the strings and have the potential future Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the United States of America come running, we have sunk to depths that should be uncomfortable for anyone who thinks that's okay.
The election to office of candidates should be based on qualifications, not charisma. The election to office of candidates should be based on political principles, not personality. The election to office of candidates should be based on an educated understanding of the issues and how to deal with them, not on rhetoric that makes a good sound bite for the political pundits. Candidates for office should know who they are and how to present a Presidential candidate to the people, not pander to the public's need for entertainment by appearing on talk shows and peforming comedy skits.
Gen Patton knew what his job was, he did it, he countered the criticsm directed at him from people who did not share his level of military training and tactical awareness, and he literally gave his life to keep this country safe from its enemies. Had he been training troops today, he'd walk off the job because the job that he had to do was harsh, demanding, and necessary to prepare military personnel to defeat the enemy both at home and abroad. Today, Gen George Patton would be crucified in the press, vilified on the talk shows, satirized on the comedy shows, called to account before Congress based on his poor public performance, and sent home in shame.
What Patton accomplished wasn't pretty, it wasn't popular, but it was necessary, effective, and certainly more Presidential than the current political campaign.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Legacy: Utter Humiliation
Background: the first weekend in September, I went furniture shopping with a friend at a pricey local furniture store. As I waited for her to make her purchases, I reclined in the most comfortable chair I have ever sat in, with my feet up on the matching ottoman. When my friend wandered back my way, I asked her salesman about the chair and discovered that it's a specialty chair manufactured by Ekornes for people with back issues, very expensive, and fit quite nicely into the back of my truck, as well as my living room.
Update: Yesterday, I contacted the salesman and asked whether the attachable wooden tray that comes with the recliner, but was out of stock during my purchase visit, was available. He said that it was, so I asked him at which location. He told me the "high end" main store location. I confirmed with him that I would be able to pick the tray up today if I drove to that location, and he assured me that the item was there.
Today: I drove to the main store, then had to seek out a sales person to query re: where do I find out about the table because those on the floor simply ignored me, walking right past me as if I weren't there. When I found the business office and provided my contact information, the counter person said she had "no record" of the transaction. She asked who my salesperson was, and I told her John, whom she paged.
When John arrived at the business office, I explained to him that I was there to pick up the table, to which he replied, "Didn't you get my message?"
I responded, "What message? I called you yesterday to confirm that I could pick up the table today at this location."
"Oh," he said, "I called you back within 20 minutes and left a message that you would have to go to our other location. You didn't get it?"
[Now, a smarter person would realize that a customer would not drive a round trip of 30 miles out of the way to pick up an item if they had received a message telling them the item was not at the location.]
"No," I assured him, "I didn't get your message."
"That's funny because I left you one. You have a woman's voice on your machine."
"No, I don't. I have a man's voice on my machine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, as he literally walked over to the phone, in front of me and 2 other sales associates, asked me for my phone number, which he then dialed to prove to me that I was wrong! I stood rooted to the floor, unable to process that he was actually dialing my home phone because he thought I was not telling the truth.
Why would I lie about receiving a message telling me the item was not at this site? Why would I lie about there being a male voice on my answering machine? Why would I drive all the way to the store to pick up an item if I knew it would not be there?
"Oh," he explained to the group of us, "it's one of those mechanical voices," as if that justified his actions and confirmed that I had lied!
I was so totally mortified that I stood rooted to the spot and could not think of anything to say that would be appropriate or would not involve my bursting into tears over being so totally embarrassed by his actions.
He did say, "Sorry," but then added that if I wanted the table, I'd have to drive back the way I had just come to another store in another city to pick it up.
I had already begun leaving the store as he was speaking, so I got into my car and sat there -- shaking from head to toe. After I composed myself, I left the parking lot and headed back to the other location to pick up the item.
The rest of the story: When I arrived at the warehouse to pick up the item, there were a bunch of guys working. Three of them took a huge transporter into the belly of the warehouse to go find the tiny table, and when they returned, one of them said to me, "Go get your car and back it up to the loading dock."
I was still in shock from the rudeness of the man at the other location and just stood there. He looked at me and said, "It was just a joke. We were just funning with you," and handed me the 12" square package.
I told him I was not amused, got into my car, and drove home. Forget the movie: I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and rage at the world.
Yeah, I know: get over it. I will, just not right now.
Update: I did call John after I calmed down. I told him how humiliated I felt by his actions and, rather than apologizing, he defended his need to know whether he had called the wrong number! He asked me if I "found" his message, and I again told him no -- and that accusing me of lying about it would not change that fact. He was shocked that I thought that's what he was doing. I told him that the next time someone says they did not get his message, he could probably just say "I'm sorry that you had to make this trip," rather than try to prove that he had left a message, which implies that the customer is lying.
He didn't get it; I'm probably too sensitive; life goes on.
Update: Yesterday, I contacted the salesman and asked whether the attachable wooden tray that comes with the recliner, but was out of stock during my purchase visit, was available. He said that it was, so I asked him at which location. He told me the "high end" main store location. I confirmed with him that I would be able to pick the tray up today if I drove to that location, and he assured me that the item was there.
Today: I drove to the main store, then had to seek out a sales person to query re: where do I find out about the table because those on the floor simply ignored me, walking right past me as if I weren't there. When I found the business office and provided my contact information, the counter person said she had "no record" of the transaction. She asked who my salesperson was, and I told her John, whom she paged.
When John arrived at the business office, I explained to him that I was there to pick up the table, to which he replied, "Didn't you get my message?"
I responded, "What message? I called you yesterday to confirm that I could pick up the table today at this location."
"Oh," he said, "I called you back within 20 minutes and left a message that you would have to go to our other location. You didn't get it?"
[Now, a smarter person would realize that a customer would not drive a round trip of 30 miles out of the way to pick up an item if they had received a message telling them the item was not at the location.]
"No," I assured him, "I didn't get your message."
"That's funny because I left you one. You have a woman's voice on your machine."
"No, I don't. I have a man's voice on my machine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, as he literally walked over to the phone, in front of me and 2 other sales associates, asked me for my phone number, which he then dialed to prove to me that I was wrong! I stood rooted to the floor, unable to process that he was actually dialing my home phone because he thought I was not telling the truth.
Why would I lie about receiving a message telling me the item was not at this site? Why would I lie about there being a male voice on my answering machine? Why would I drive all the way to the store to pick up an item if I knew it would not be there?
"Oh," he explained to the group of us, "it's one of those mechanical voices," as if that justified his actions and confirmed that I had lied!
I was so totally mortified that I stood rooted to the spot and could not think of anything to say that would be appropriate or would not involve my bursting into tears over being so totally embarrassed by his actions.
He did say, "Sorry," but then added that if I wanted the table, I'd have to drive back the way I had just come to another store in another city to pick it up.
I had already begun leaving the store as he was speaking, so I got into my car and sat there -- shaking from head to toe. After I composed myself, I left the parking lot and headed back to the other location to pick up the item.
The rest of the story: When I arrived at the warehouse to pick up the item, there were a bunch of guys working. Three of them took a huge transporter into the belly of the warehouse to go find the tiny table, and when they returned, one of them said to me, "Go get your car and back it up to the loading dock."
I was still in shock from the rudeness of the man at the other location and just stood there. He looked at me and said, "It was just a joke. We were just funning with you," and handed me the 12" square package.
I told him I was not amused, got into my car, and drove home. Forget the movie: I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and rage at the world.
Yeah, I know: get over it. I will, just not right now.
Update: I did call John after I calmed down. I told him how humiliated I felt by his actions and, rather than apologizing, he defended his need to know whether he had called the wrong number! He asked me if I "found" his message, and I again told him no -- and that accusing me of lying about it would not change that fact. He was shocked that I thought that's what he was doing. I told him that the next time someone says they did not get his message, he could probably just say "I'm sorry that you had to make this trip," rather than try to prove that he had left a message, which implies that the customer is lying.
He didn't get it; I'm probably too sensitive; life goes on.
Bits 'n Pieces
Yesterday morning, I sat on the patio and enjoyed the monarch butterflies supping nectar from my butterfly bushes. The bushes have gone through several iterations of growth, often dying back and regrowing without interference from me. I'm not sure how they will winter, but my guy says to keep the water on them, prune them back a bit, and let's see. Sounds like a plan to me.
The new windshields are so clear! The tint is also much darker as it fades over time, so I'm not squinting as much as I was. I will be able to drive into the rising or setting sun and see what's ahead of me, which is a safety bonus I appreciate. Best of all, they let me watch as I've never seen a windshield replacement and there were 2 going on simultaneously. Woo-hoo! Also, when I noticed the sticker for Triple A on the side of the trucks, I asked for my discount and saved about $30 on each windshield, which I appreciated. I'm not sure why I wasn't offered the discount from the sales associate who took the order, but probably because it costs them money to give it? They also wrote 2 separate invoices, so I had to pay tax on each windshield, rather than on the total amount of the purchase, which I questioned, but didn't get a good response to from either the sales associate or the installers.
The Red Velvet cupcakes are dry and tasteless, not at all what I remembered or wanted them to be. The white chocolate icing, which was both expensive and time-consuming, never set up, so it was dumped. All in all, a disaster. I'm still trying to decide if I should find a box of mix and try that route, so may take a look while I'm out later today.
I am going to the movies today with my movie buddy as The Life of Bees is opening and it's one we both said we wanted to see after viewing the previews. She has been to Appaloosa and said to ignore the critics as she enjoyed it on many different levels. She does agree, however, that Rene Zellwegger probably wasn't the best choice for playing the role, but the premise of her part is an integral part of the movie and brings it together in a way that is outstanding.
I did mark my absentee ballot today and put it in the mailbox at the post office. I'm glad I read the small print re: postage as it costs 59 cents to mail. Imagine how many of the envelopes are going to be returned for insufficient postage because the postage amount is not printed on the envelope, but on an enclosure in small print.
And, finally, I called the middle school to verify what the girl next door told me when she wanted me to order products from her: either pay in cash or write a check to her mother. I refused both of those options because I know that many kids will spend the money and/or conveniently lose the order, which means I donate cash to the kid and don't get the product. The school verified that because too many checks bounce, they won't take them: cash on the barrelhead, as it were. I won't do that, so the girl loses the order from me.
The new windshields are so clear! The tint is also much darker as it fades over time, so I'm not squinting as much as I was. I will be able to drive into the rising or setting sun and see what's ahead of me, which is a safety bonus I appreciate. Best of all, they let me watch as I've never seen a windshield replacement and there were 2 going on simultaneously. Woo-hoo! Also, when I noticed the sticker for Triple A on the side of the trucks, I asked for my discount and saved about $30 on each windshield, which I appreciated. I'm not sure why I wasn't offered the discount from the sales associate who took the order, but probably because it costs them money to give it? They also wrote 2 separate invoices, so I had to pay tax on each windshield, rather than on the total amount of the purchase, which I questioned, but didn't get a good response to from either the sales associate or the installers.
The Red Velvet cupcakes are dry and tasteless, not at all what I remembered or wanted them to be. The white chocolate icing, which was both expensive and time-consuming, never set up, so it was dumped. All in all, a disaster. I'm still trying to decide if I should find a box of mix and try that route, so may take a look while I'm out later today.
I am going to the movies today with my movie buddy as The Life of Bees is opening and it's one we both said we wanted to see after viewing the previews. She has been to Appaloosa and said to ignore the critics as she enjoyed it on many different levels. She does agree, however, that Rene Zellwegger probably wasn't the best choice for playing the role, but the premise of her part is an integral part of the movie and brings it together in a way that is outstanding.
I did mark my absentee ballot today and put it in the mailbox at the post office. I'm glad I read the small print re: postage as it costs 59 cents to mail. Imagine how many of the envelopes are going to be returned for insufficient postage because the postage amount is not printed on the envelope, but on an enclosure in small print.
And, finally, I called the middle school to verify what the girl next door told me when she wanted me to order products from her: either pay in cash or write a check to her mother. I refused both of those options because I know that many kids will spend the money and/or conveniently lose the order, which means I donate cash to the kid and don't get the product. The school verified that because too many checks bounce, they won't take them: cash on the barrelhead, as it were. I won't do that, so the girl loses the order from me.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Ketchup
Busy, busy, busy!
All papers are graded and recorded so the weekend, which begins tomorrow for me, is wide open. Perhaps a movie looms ...
Made an appointment to have the windshields replaced in my two vehicles as the pounding winds in late spring and all summer long have pitted them so badly that I cannot see through them when I drive into the sun. Tomorrow, after 2 pm, both will be replaced with at-my-home service. Nope, costs are not covered by insurance as I maintain a $500 deductible, and that is almost to the penny what it will cost me for the 2 replacements.
Called my guy at AIG VALIC, which has my retirement account. I'm so glad MY firm got one of the first infusions of government funds, even if they did use it to go to a pricey spa in SoCal, which happens to be the main industry in the area where I reside, so maybe our economy benefitted from the initial stages of the bail-out. I directed my guy to reapportion my remaining assets into as "safe" a portfolio as is possible so the free-fall is minimized from this point on. Hope he did that before the 900+ point drop this afternoon as I called first thing this morning.
Made an appointment with an attorney to set up my living trust so my heirs can avoid probate after my demise. I've talked about doing this for at least a year, but put it off. I have a will, but need to update that, so I'm going on-line to one of the legal doc services. Setting up the living trust is expensive, to say the least, but should minimize the after-effects of my death--financially, at least.
Went shopping for the ingredients required to make a batch of Red Velvet Cupcakes with white chocolate icing, scheduled for either tomorrow afternoon or Friday after b'fast. If I had the cocoa, I'd probably make them tonight, but thought I had it, didn't buy it, but failed to realize it until after I returned home and settled in. I'm making them because I haven't had a Red Velvet Cupcake since I lived in Texas, and I am craving one. We don't have a fancy cupcake boutique that I know of in the Valley, so I'll make my own, give the rest of the batch away, and enjoy the hell out of the one I eat.
Not going to watch the debate as it makes no difference. The fix is in: Obama is [predicted to be] the next President, regardless of the company he keeps; the media has made a mockery of Gov Palin, who is now the "you betcha" punchline to a hideously not funny political joke; the Dow crashed again today, perhaps being manipulated by international powers behind Obama to assure that McCain has no chance in hell of even coming close to winning the election; and, as Sonny and Cher said so eloquently, the beat goes on.
So, I spent the little cash bonus from the college on windshields and heirs, but 2 of the long-ignored tasks will soon be off the to-do list, while others wait their turn to progress up the priority ladder.
And, oh, by the way, I went to the premier hand specialist in the entire valley. There is nothing wrong with my wrist. Nothing. Well, perhaps a little cyst or 2, but we'd need an MRI to ascertain that for sure, and as long as it doesn't seem to be bothering me, let's check back in 6-8 weeks and see how we're doing.
That won't be necessary: we're done.
All papers are graded and recorded so the weekend, which begins tomorrow for me, is wide open. Perhaps a movie looms ...
Made an appointment to have the windshields replaced in my two vehicles as the pounding winds in late spring and all summer long have pitted them so badly that I cannot see through them when I drive into the sun. Tomorrow, after 2 pm, both will be replaced with at-my-home service. Nope, costs are not covered by insurance as I maintain a $500 deductible, and that is almost to the penny what it will cost me for the 2 replacements.
Called my guy at AIG VALIC, which has my retirement account. I'm so glad MY firm got one of the first infusions of government funds, even if they did use it to go to a pricey spa in SoCal, which happens to be the main industry in the area where I reside, so maybe our economy benefitted from the initial stages of the bail-out. I directed my guy to reapportion my remaining assets into as "safe" a portfolio as is possible so the free-fall is minimized from this point on. Hope he did that before the 900+ point drop this afternoon as I called first thing this morning.
Made an appointment with an attorney to set up my living trust so my heirs can avoid probate after my demise. I've talked about doing this for at least a year, but put it off. I have a will, but need to update that, so I'm going on-line to one of the legal doc services. Setting up the living trust is expensive, to say the least, but should minimize the after-effects of my death--financially, at least.
Went shopping for the ingredients required to make a batch of Red Velvet Cupcakes with white chocolate icing, scheduled for either tomorrow afternoon or Friday after b'fast. If I had the cocoa, I'd probably make them tonight, but thought I had it, didn't buy it, but failed to realize it until after I returned home and settled in. I'm making them because I haven't had a Red Velvet Cupcake since I lived in Texas, and I am craving one. We don't have a fancy cupcake boutique that I know of in the Valley, so I'll make my own, give the rest of the batch away, and enjoy the hell out of the one I eat.
Not going to watch the debate as it makes no difference. The fix is in: Obama is [predicted to be] the next President, regardless of the company he keeps; the media has made a mockery of Gov Palin, who is now the "you betcha" punchline to a hideously not funny political joke; the Dow crashed again today, perhaps being manipulated by international powers behind Obama to assure that McCain has no chance in hell of even coming close to winning the election; and, as Sonny and Cher said so eloquently, the beat goes on.
So, I spent the little cash bonus from the college on windshields and heirs, but 2 of the long-ignored tasks will soon be off the to-do list, while others wait their turn to progress up the priority ladder.
And, oh, by the way, I went to the premier hand specialist in the entire valley. There is nothing wrong with my wrist. Nothing. Well, perhaps a little cyst or 2, but we'd need an MRI to ascertain that for sure, and as long as it doesn't seem to be bothering me, let's check back in 6-8 weeks and see how we're doing.
That won't be necessary: we're done.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Unexpected Effects of Good Intentions
Part of my work ethic is to do more than is expected without expecting reward from it. Whatever it takes to do my job as well as I can, I do. No, it doesn't always work out the way I expect it to, but in my world, it's better to do what I can, rather than to do nothing.
This week, I am experiencing the "unexpected effects of good intentions," and they are good for a change.
First, as I've been stressing over the continued loss of retirement funds, along comes an unexpected effect of accepting the classes I am assigned, doing my best, and being adaptable to changing situations that others walk away from. I've worked both hard and well, and I'm going to benefit financially from the current situation, an outcome I didn't expect, but really appreciate.
Secondly, because I spend a lot of time developing materials to accompany the required textbooks, I have been working on a series of PowerPoint presentations based on the chapters in the composition textbook. I have always shared materials with other teachers as I believe in the concept of colleagueship when far too many colleagues don't. It's as if teaching well is a competition -- but I've never been into games all that much, especially when students' lives are at stake. We all have a professional obligation to do our jobs well, and if another teacher knows a way to teach something that makes a difference in a student's life, then please, share it with me!
Anyhoo, I was sharing the PP with the division chair, and he was pleasantly surprised by both the quantity of work I've completed and the quality of what I've put together. He knows the textbook author quite well and contacted her to see if she would be interested in looking at the presentations, as well as visiting my class to see how I use the materials with the students. We'll see where, if anywhere, this contact goes, but this could become another unexpected effect of good intentions.
Finally, and, in many ways, more importantly, a lesson I used to begin the year made a difference to a student, who used it in an essay to explain a concept of self-discovery. In the essay, she detailed what I had presented, using photos I had taken this past summer with my g'son, and admitted that, at first, she was as bewildered as the rest of the class when I put the panoramic scenic photo I had taken from the observation deck at Hopewell Cape on the overhead projector and asked the students, "What do you see?"
After about 90 seconds, I put another view of the same photo on the screen, this time taken from the beach. Again, I asked the students, "What do you see?" A third time I put another, closer view of the beach meeting the water onto the screen and repeated the question, "What do you see?" The final time, the picture was a close-up of the rocks on the beach, but the question was the same: "What do you see?"
She got it: the closer we look at what's in front of us, the more we see. If all we do is stand on the observation deck, we see a sweeping sight out there, but we don't know about the rocks that are pitted, chipped, worn round and smooth by the waves; or the mud that forms the surface upon which the waves break; or the little bubbles formed by the motion of the waves against the rocks -- or any of the other details that are clear in the final photo.
For me, this is the reward of teaching, when I find a way to make a point without having to explain it, and someone actually gets it. There are other students in the class who refuse to accept that what they are writing is sub-standard, and part of the reason for that is their failure to read the textbook and apply the principles to their essays. What they've always done is what they continue to do -- stand on the observation deck and get the basic idea -- but what they need to do is come down to the beach and look closely at the details that make the observor a part of the beach.
I've always believed that if I only reach one student a year, I've failed, but reaching this student is a lovely, unexpected effect of good teaching intentions.
This week, I am experiencing the "unexpected effects of good intentions," and they are good for a change.
First, as I've been stressing over the continued loss of retirement funds, along comes an unexpected effect of accepting the classes I am assigned, doing my best, and being adaptable to changing situations that others walk away from. I've worked both hard and well, and I'm going to benefit financially from the current situation, an outcome I didn't expect, but really appreciate.
Secondly, because I spend a lot of time developing materials to accompany the required textbooks, I have been working on a series of PowerPoint presentations based on the chapters in the composition textbook. I have always shared materials with other teachers as I believe in the concept of colleagueship when far too many colleagues don't. It's as if teaching well is a competition -- but I've never been into games all that much, especially when students' lives are at stake. We all have a professional obligation to do our jobs well, and if another teacher knows a way to teach something that makes a difference in a student's life, then please, share it with me!
Anyhoo, I was sharing the PP with the division chair, and he was pleasantly surprised by both the quantity of work I've completed and the quality of what I've put together. He knows the textbook author quite well and contacted her to see if she would be interested in looking at the presentations, as well as visiting my class to see how I use the materials with the students. We'll see where, if anywhere, this contact goes, but this could become another unexpected effect of good intentions.
Finally, and, in many ways, more importantly, a lesson I used to begin the year made a difference to a student, who used it in an essay to explain a concept of self-discovery. In the essay, she detailed what I had presented, using photos I had taken this past summer with my g'son, and admitted that, at first, she was as bewildered as the rest of the class when I put the panoramic scenic photo I had taken from the observation deck at Hopewell Cape on the overhead projector and asked the students, "What do you see?"
After about 90 seconds, I put another view of the same photo on the screen, this time taken from the beach. Again, I asked the students, "What do you see?" A third time I put another, closer view of the beach meeting the water onto the screen and repeated the question, "What do you see?" The final time, the picture was a close-up of the rocks on the beach, but the question was the same: "What do you see?"
She got it: the closer we look at what's in front of us, the more we see. If all we do is stand on the observation deck, we see a sweeping sight out there, but we don't know about the rocks that are pitted, chipped, worn round and smooth by the waves; or the mud that forms the surface upon which the waves break; or the little bubbles formed by the motion of the waves against the rocks -- or any of the other details that are clear in the final photo.
For me, this is the reward of teaching, when I find a way to make a point without having to explain it, and someone actually gets it. There are other students in the class who refuse to accept that what they are writing is sub-standard, and part of the reason for that is their failure to read the textbook and apply the principles to their essays. What they've always done is what they continue to do -- stand on the observation deck and get the basic idea -- but what they need to do is come down to the beach and look closely at the details that make the observor a part of the beach.
I've always believed that if I only reach one student a year, I've failed, but reaching this student is a lovely, unexpected effect of good teaching intentions.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Headline Hopping
There are so many fascinating stories if one simply skips over the financial and political coverage.
To wit: a teen girl at Licking Valley High School may be charged as a sex offender for sending nude pictures of herself over the internet.
I wonder if she takes a licking and keeps on ... licking some more?
To wit: a teen girl at Licking Valley High School may be charged as a sex offender for sending nude pictures of herself over the internet.
I wonder if she takes a licking and keeps on ... licking some more?
Kickin' It
I was jerked awake at 3 am by the sudden pounding pain in my back. As I slowly came awake, I remembered this same feeling -- being kicked between the shoulder blades by a mule -- the last time I had the spinal epidural. It's going to feel like this for about 24 hours before it eases off and then the pain from the injection goes away, as well as the pain in my neck that has plagued me for years.
Trade off?
As I wandered into the kitchen to check my blood sugar (the epidural spikes it) and make a cup of coffee to take back to bed, where a good book waited, I looked out into the yard and saw Mia, still sleeping by the fence, still waiting for her friend, George, to come back. It's been a full month, but Mia is not giving up hope. George did stop by a couple of times, bringing fresh, hot tamales for me and treats for Mia with him, but he only stayed a minute, not nearly enough time for Mia. His apartment is still empty, along with the rest of the property, but (so far) no one's done any damage, which cannot be said about other foreclosures in the area.
Guess it's time to shower, dress, and prepare to head up the hill to teach my one class. Then, I'm off until Monday as I already graded all the essays as I was following post-procedure orders to take it easy after the injection. Fortunately, doing so was easier with a stack of books bought at Border's with my 40% off coupon before heading back home yesterday. With the price of gase these days, it's important to bundle trips to be energy efficient.
It isn't easy being green, said Kermit, the Frog, but I do my best!
Trade off?
As I wandered into the kitchen to check my blood sugar (the epidural spikes it) and make a cup of coffee to take back to bed, where a good book waited, I looked out into the yard and saw Mia, still sleeping by the fence, still waiting for her friend, George, to come back. It's been a full month, but Mia is not giving up hope. George did stop by a couple of times, bringing fresh, hot tamales for me and treats for Mia with him, but he only stayed a minute, not nearly enough time for Mia. His apartment is still empty, along with the rest of the property, but (so far) no one's done any damage, which cannot be said about other foreclosures in the area.
Guess it's time to shower, dress, and prepare to head up the hill to teach my one class. Then, I'm off until Monday as I already graded all the essays as I was following post-procedure orders to take it easy after the injection. Fortunately, doing so was easier with a stack of books bought at Border's with my 40% off coupon before heading back home yesterday. With the price of gase these days, it's important to bundle trips to be energy efficient.
It isn't easy being green, said Kermit, the Frog, but I do my best!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Curandera
Yesterday, a well-educated (MA), 40-year-old student, who worked as a pharmacist in a hospital in Chile, told me that she's been worried about me because my "color isn't good." I assured her that I feel fine, but she hung around a bit to explain her concern before class began. She also stayed after class so I could help her with her English pronunciation as she may be working as a liason between non-English-speaking pharmicists in local hospitals and their employers and wants to sharpen her pronunciation skills so she is easily understood by the English-speaking personnel.
When we finished the lesson, we walked to the campus cafe to have lunch (a salad), where she again expressed her anxiety about my health. She told me that I must eat healthy meals and see my doctor to be sure that I am fine. Perhaps, she said, I am just getting the flu, which could account for her concern about my color. I assured her that I had my flu shot last week (and a shingles shot about 4 months ago), so perhaps my color is a reaction to the flu shot?
You know, it's a bit frightening to have a stranger approach me and share that kind of insight. She explained that her grandmother was a curandera in Chile, a "native healer," who uses both her insight and natural herbs as remedies to help poor people who cannot afford to see a doctor. She also shared with me that she, herself, is sensitive, which is the reason for her career in pharmacology, as well as why she decided to share her concerns with me.
Maybe her concern is good, but perhaps it's just another layer of stress I don't want/need in my life? I have been stressed and cranky, attributing that to the on-going hand thing. Today, I have the next spinal epidural, and next week the actual appointment with the hand specialist I was supposed to see months ago. I keep thinking that if I have these 2 issues handled (no pun intended), perhaps my stress will lessen.
If there is something else to which I should pay attention, I'm not sure what that would be. Maybe the headaches that are back? Those are usually either changes in barometric pressure or blood sugar problems, but my blood sugar is staying down as I continue to work on that part of my life, too.
I thanked her for sharing her insight and then had to decide whether to "do something" or not because I have such negative experiences with the medical profession that I don't want to share this story with a doctor and wait for the laugh track! When a student pointed out the first week of last May that my upper left arm was swollen and the blood vessel at my wrist looked as if it were going to burst, I immediately contacted my primary care physician and was seen the next day. I have demonstrated the problem with my left hand to 7 separate medical personnel before the guy administering the spinal epidural said my hand is the problem and needs to be the focus of the medical interventions!
That reassurance only took 5 months to arrive, so if there were anything seriously wrong, I'd be dead before it was diagnosed, much less treated. I'll check with her again next week: maybe my color will be better and I'll eat another salad for lunch to make her feel better, too.
When we finished the lesson, we walked to the campus cafe to have lunch (a salad), where she again expressed her anxiety about my health. She told me that I must eat healthy meals and see my doctor to be sure that I am fine. Perhaps, she said, I am just getting the flu, which could account for her concern about my color. I assured her that I had my flu shot last week (and a shingles shot about 4 months ago), so perhaps my color is a reaction to the flu shot?
You know, it's a bit frightening to have a stranger approach me and share that kind of insight. She explained that her grandmother was a curandera in Chile, a "native healer," who uses both her insight and natural herbs as remedies to help poor people who cannot afford to see a doctor. She also shared with me that she, herself, is sensitive, which is the reason for her career in pharmacology, as well as why she decided to share her concerns with me.
Maybe her concern is good, but perhaps it's just another layer of stress I don't want/need in my life? I have been stressed and cranky, attributing that to the on-going hand thing. Today, I have the next spinal epidural, and next week the actual appointment with the hand specialist I was supposed to see months ago. I keep thinking that if I have these 2 issues handled (no pun intended), perhaps my stress will lessen.
If there is something else to which I should pay attention, I'm not sure what that would be. Maybe the headaches that are back? Those are usually either changes in barometric pressure or blood sugar problems, but my blood sugar is staying down as I continue to work on that part of my life, too.
I thanked her for sharing her insight and then had to decide whether to "do something" or not because I have such negative experiences with the medical profession that I don't want to share this story with a doctor and wait for the laugh track! When a student pointed out the first week of last May that my upper left arm was swollen and the blood vessel at my wrist looked as if it were going to burst, I immediately contacted my primary care physician and was seen the next day. I have demonstrated the problem with my left hand to 7 separate medical personnel before the guy administering the spinal epidural said my hand is the problem and needs to be the focus of the medical interventions!
That reassurance only took 5 months to arrive, so if there were anything seriously wrong, I'd be dead before it was diagnosed, much less treated. I'll check with her again next week: maybe my color will be better and I'll eat another salad for lunch to make her feel better, too.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
No Mas
I've finished with politics and the media as it's just too much for me to handle.
Politicians have their own agenda -- and I don't want to know what it is as that escalates my stress, rather than providing me with comfort in a time of crisis. Is Obama an American citizen? Is McCain in the final stages of fatal melanoma? Is Joe Biden a loud-mouthed, self-serving jerk? Is Sarah Palin guilty of using her executive power to fire a public official?
Who cares? I've never seen one concrete fact to justify any of the hundreds of accusations, but am constantly bombarded with "what if" and "according to an unnamed source" speculation in the guise of responsible journalism.
Journalists now create the news and fan the media firestorms, rather than research the story. Innuendo is considered a reliable source; conjecture has become research; and hyperbole is the preferred writing style.
What pushed me over the edge, however, was a CEO called to Washington to explain his [irresponsible] actions during his tenure at a major financial institution. His explanation is that he, too, isn't happy that he's lost so much of his retirement fund ... millions and millions of dollars! Perhaps he wants me to feel sorry for him, but that simply isn't in me as I watch my pathetic little retirement account dwindle not to fewer millions, but toward nothing.
I can't live in crisis management mode, so I'm dropping out. Whatever happens Nov 4 happens; there is absolutely nothing I can do to influence the outcome of the election, the same way that I was completely unable to explain basic finances to a person living on credit cards and unable even to pay the interest each month. I worried more about it than the debtor, whose solution was to declare bankruptcy and start spending again. Thankfully, there are always more credit card offers in the mail.
That doesn't work for me, but who am I to criticize another? We're both going to vote, perhaps canceling each other's vote, and life will continue one way or the other.
Politicians have their own agenda -- and I don't want to know what it is as that escalates my stress, rather than providing me with comfort in a time of crisis. Is Obama an American citizen? Is McCain in the final stages of fatal melanoma? Is Joe Biden a loud-mouthed, self-serving jerk? Is Sarah Palin guilty of using her executive power to fire a public official?
Who cares? I've never seen one concrete fact to justify any of the hundreds of accusations, but am constantly bombarded with "what if" and "according to an unnamed source" speculation in the guise of responsible journalism.
Journalists now create the news and fan the media firestorms, rather than research the story. Innuendo is considered a reliable source; conjecture has become research; and hyperbole is the preferred writing style.
What pushed me over the edge, however, was a CEO called to Washington to explain his [irresponsible] actions during his tenure at a major financial institution. His explanation is that he, too, isn't happy that he's lost so much of his retirement fund ... millions and millions of dollars! Perhaps he wants me to feel sorry for him, but that simply isn't in me as I watch my pathetic little retirement account dwindle not to fewer millions, but toward nothing.
I can't live in crisis management mode, so I'm dropping out. Whatever happens Nov 4 happens; there is absolutely nothing I can do to influence the outcome of the election, the same way that I was completely unable to explain basic finances to a person living on credit cards and unable even to pay the interest each month. I worried more about it than the debtor, whose solution was to declare bankruptcy and start spending again. Thankfully, there are always more credit card offers in the mail.
That doesn't work for me, but who am I to criticize another? We're both going to vote, perhaps canceling each other's vote, and life will continue one way or the other.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
An Open Letter to Mr. David A. Sanchez, President of the California Teachers Association
Dear Mr. Sanchez:
I am offended by the bulk mailing I received regarding the upcoming elections. I believe that the Obama campaign funded the mailing as it is so transparently an endorsement of not only that candidate, but of the Democratic Party and its platforms and issues. CTA is using this "nonprofit org US postage paid" mailing to further a very specific, limited political objective: support the Obama campaign.
I specifically object to:
Candidate Obama’s political ad, complete with a signed quote and a web address, is featured prominently on the first page of the political brochure, facing the “Candidate Comparison” graphic. Although both candidates appear equal in the plus and minus columns of the comparison, the perception is that Obama is the more well-qualified candidate, based on the premise that “Barack Obama wants to overhaul No Child Left Behind, reduce class sizes to help increase student achievement, prevent public money from going to school vouchers, make sure all educators are paid a living wage and bring affordable health care to all,” claims that are not supported by the quotes used in the comparison to “prove” his education plan.
“… that’s what we must change in a fundamental way” is not a plan, it’s a sound bite!
As a CTA member, I am directed "For more information about Barack Obama's Plan for Education, visit www.barackobama.com," but there is no equal access provided to Senator McCain! If I wanted to donate dollars to a political campaign, I would do it through a personal donation, not through my dues to CTA, and I would choose the candidate I want to receive my support, not CTA.
As a TEACHERS organization, I expect CTA to provide unbiased information about the candidates and the issues, rather than a Yes/No graphic organizer, followed by politically-ringing rhetoric that makes it clear which way TEACHERS are expected to vote: “Join CTA, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer and the League of Women Voters in voting no on Prop 8.”
Why? Because you say so? Or because CTA is being paid to say so?
Your rhetoric says that “CTA believes that all people should be allowed equal access under the law,” referring specifically to the “rules for gay and lesbian couples.” Your conclusion is “that’s not fair.” Well, life isn’t fair, which is no more convincing an argument than your banner headline: “Support Equality for All [Gays and Lesbians implied].” As a TEACHERS organization, “My CTA” should be concentrating its efforts on TEACHER issues, not on whether I, as an individual, support gay rights.
As a TEACHERS organization, it is inappropriate for CTA to actively endorse any candidate and/or voting issues for an upcoming election, especially as CTA implies that a vote in contrast to CTA endorsements is a “bad” vote, rather than a citizen’s individual right to determine. Re: Prop 4, CTA posits that “Teen Safety Comes First” because “no law can mandate family communication.” Has no one at CTA heard that a minor is still the legal and moral obligation of his/her parents until the age of majority, which (in this state) remains age 18. Driving another wedge between parents and their children does not keep teens safe, but it certainly does erode the rights of parents to govern their children!
Prior to CTA determining how TEACHERS should vote during an election, a vote of the entire TEACHER membership, which appears to be about 134,000, should be conducted to determine the preferences of the TEACHERS who are members of the organization.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Economic Stimulus rather than Wall Street Bailout
Here's a thought: according to one of the talking head's guest analysts last night, 56 million Americans owe at least $15k on credit cards -- and probably won't pay it off. That's a huge chunk of change that erodes the foundations of the financial institutions who loan the money with the expectation of repayment. However, if Americans can walk away from mortgages, car loans, student loans and other personal debt, why not walk away from credit cards? Hell, if you max out one card, there are probably a dozen more in your wallet that can also be maxed out. Who's going to make you pay the bill? No one.
Instead of rewarding this financially irresponsible behavior, why not consider rewarding me? I'm a month ahead on my mortgage, have no credit card debt, paid off my student loans within a year of taking them, and paid for both of my vehicle purchases within 3 years on a 5-year loan (separate years; separate loans) by making double payments.
So, rather than rewarding the millions of people who walked away from their responsibilities by underwriting their actions with a federal bail-out, how about contacting the mortgage companies and mandating that they apply $50k to each and every active, current mortgage they hold? The lenders would get "bail out" money, people who pay their bills would get a bonus for being ethical, and we'd infuse the economy with money in the process.
Why should I be punished for the bad behavior of irresponsible people, while they are not held accountable?
My retirement money is in AIG. I've done nothing to cause their business to fail; on the contrary, for almost 30 years I took money out of my paycheck and deposited it with them to keep safe for me until I retired and needed it. AIG recently went, hat in hand, to the government and begged for bail-out money because they put their financial resources [vis a vis my retirement fund] into the pockets of people who walked away without repaying them.
Rather than taking away my retirement account based on their actions, how about giving me back ALL of the money I deposited with an economic stimulus benefit that rewards my good behavior, rather than punishes me for what others have done?
The underlying philosophy in this country used to be that we each get what we deserve, based on hard work, strong families, an education or trade training, company loyalty (which used to be a two-way street), and paying our bills on time and in full. I clearly remember when my father borrowed money to buy a car and the panic it caused because what if we could not make that payment? We would lose not just the car, not just the money we had already paid, but we would lose our self-respect!
Today? Doing the right thing has become a punchline on SNL: "Yeah, I stuck it to the man." Cue audience cheers and applause.
Why are people no longer smart enough to figure out that WE are the man? WE are sticking it to ourselves when we buy things for which we cannot pay, when we lie, cheat and steal our way through life. The dozen vacant homes in foreclosure on my block prevent me from selling my home and moving to another home that more fits my needs as I wind down my life. The freeze on funds for new car purchases prohibits me from buying a new vehicle, perhaps my last car purchase, as I wind down my life. The sudden collapses of banks has me fraught with worry whether the cash I have in my personal accounts "just in case" will be there when I need it -- or seized to pay for the customer who not only has spent all of his money, but mine, too.
The failure of my fellow man and woman to honor their financial commitments may lead to the collapse of our economic system, but we're still yelling "yeah, let's stick it to the man"?
Instead of rewarding this financially irresponsible behavior, why not consider rewarding me? I'm a month ahead on my mortgage, have no credit card debt, paid off my student loans within a year of taking them, and paid for both of my vehicle purchases within 3 years on a 5-year loan (separate years; separate loans) by making double payments.
So, rather than rewarding the millions of people who walked away from their responsibilities by underwriting their actions with a federal bail-out, how about contacting the mortgage companies and mandating that they apply $50k to each and every active, current mortgage they hold? The lenders would get "bail out" money, people who pay their bills would get a bonus for being ethical, and we'd infuse the economy with money in the process.
Why should I be punished for the bad behavior of irresponsible people, while they are not held accountable?
My retirement money is in AIG. I've done nothing to cause their business to fail; on the contrary, for almost 30 years I took money out of my paycheck and deposited it with them to keep safe for me until I retired and needed it. AIG recently went, hat in hand, to the government and begged for bail-out money because they put their financial resources [vis a vis my retirement fund] into the pockets of people who walked away without repaying them.
Rather than taking away my retirement account based on their actions, how about giving me back ALL of the money I deposited with an economic stimulus benefit that rewards my good behavior, rather than punishes me for what others have done?
The underlying philosophy in this country used to be that we each get what we deserve, based on hard work, strong families, an education or trade training, company loyalty (which used to be a two-way street), and paying our bills on time and in full. I clearly remember when my father borrowed money to buy a car and the panic it caused because what if we could not make that payment? We would lose not just the car, not just the money we had already paid, but we would lose our self-respect!
Today? Doing the right thing has become a punchline on SNL: "Yeah, I stuck it to the man." Cue audience cheers and applause.
Why are people no longer smart enough to figure out that WE are the man? WE are sticking it to ourselves when we buy things for which we cannot pay, when we lie, cheat and steal our way through life. The dozen vacant homes in foreclosure on my block prevent me from selling my home and moving to another home that more fits my needs as I wind down my life. The freeze on funds for new car purchases prohibits me from buying a new vehicle, perhaps my last car purchase, as I wind down my life. The sudden collapses of banks has me fraught with worry whether the cash I have in my personal accounts "just in case" will be there when I need it -- or seized to pay for the customer who not only has spent all of his money, but mine, too.
The failure of my fellow man and woman to honor their financial commitments may lead to the collapse of our economic system, but we're still yelling "yeah, let's stick it to the man"?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Trifecta
Three movies in just about a week, unusual theater activity for me these days.
The Women, a remake of a classic b&w film from about 1939, is good. Meg Ryan, who not all that long ago looked like a desperate 30-something trying far too hard not to look a day older than 29, has matured into her face procedures and does an outstanding job in the film. She's able to add drama to a somewhat comedic role and come out as more than believable as a real woman coping with her imploding perfect marriage and a husband who is banging the department store spritzer girl.
Burn After Reading may take 2 viewings to appreciate because there is a whole lot going on during the film that doesn't really make sense until the ending, at which time the film should be rerun so you can get it. Brad Pitt blows away his role, stealing every scene he's in, while George Clooney walks through his part, which should have been given to an actor who wanted the role. My friend, actor Jon McPhalen, could have done a much better job than Clooney, who may be either too damned tired from working too much or to the point where he simply no longer cares about the quality of the role, just the publicity and the paycheck.
My favorite part of the movie? The last line: "What have we learned from this?"
Today, I took my friend out for her birthday and we sobbed our way through Rodante. Sigh. It's so totally a chick flick that I could not begin to understand why the aging old men men accompanied their ancient women! You would think that by this time they would have learned how to say not only no, but hell no, and stayed at home with the Lazy Boy and TV remote!
Observation: Richard Gere, who looks pretty good for an old guy, resembled the Pillsbury Dough Boy, leading me to believe he's taking steroids, as that's the way my son looks when he's on his heaviest meds. Gere's hands particularly looked like sausages, and the contrast to the couple of scenes where he looked "normal" was noticable. Diane Lane rocks in this movie: it is as if it's written just for her. However, her supportive understanding of her obnoxious teen-age daughter would have never occurred to me as a parent. Her catatonic devastation at learning of the doctor's death is totally believable to those of us who have also lived it.
I'd see all of these films again because either I want to (The Women and Rodante) or because I feel the need to re-view the film to get it (Burn). However, with the state of the nation's finances, I'm going to start waiting for the DVD to be sold to NetFlix as, at $6.50 a ticket for the Senior Discount matinee, and the cost to drive the 40 miles round trip to view the films in the theater, there is no money left for snacks!
And what's a movie without popcorn?
The Women, a remake of a classic b&w film from about 1939, is good. Meg Ryan, who not all that long ago looked like a desperate 30-something trying far too hard not to look a day older than 29, has matured into her face procedures and does an outstanding job in the film. She's able to add drama to a somewhat comedic role and come out as more than believable as a real woman coping with her imploding perfect marriage and a husband who is banging the department store spritzer girl.
Burn After Reading may take 2 viewings to appreciate because there is a whole lot going on during the film that doesn't really make sense until the ending, at which time the film should be rerun so you can get it. Brad Pitt blows away his role, stealing every scene he's in, while George Clooney walks through his part, which should have been given to an actor who wanted the role. My friend, actor Jon McPhalen, could have done a much better job than Clooney, who may be either too damned tired from working too much or to the point where he simply no longer cares about the quality of the role, just the publicity and the paycheck.
My favorite part of the movie? The last line: "What have we learned from this?"
Today, I took my friend out for her birthday and we sobbed our way through Rodante. Sigh. It's so totally a chick flick that I could not begin to understand why the aging old men men accompanied their ancient women! You would think that by this time they would have learned how to say not only no, but hell no, and stayed at home with the Lazy Boy and TV remote!
Observation: Richard Gere, who looks pretty good for an old guy, resembled the Pillsbury Dough Boy, leading me to believe he's taking steroids, as that's the way my son looks when he's on his heaviest meds. Gere's hands particularly looked like sausages, and the contrast to the couple of scenes where he looked "normal" was noticable. Diane Lane rocks in this movie: it is as if it's written just for her. However, her supportive understanding of her obnoxious teen-age daughter would have never occurred to me as a parent. Her catatonic devastation at learning of the doctor's death is totally believable to those of us who have also lived it.
I'd see all of these films again because either I want to (The Women and Rodante) or because I feel the need to re-view the film to get it (Burn). However, with the state of the nation's finances, I'm going to start waiting for the DVD to be sold to NetFlix as, at $6.50 a ticket for the Senior Discount matinee, and the cost to drive the 40 miles round trip to view the films in the theater, there is no money left for snacks!
And what's a movie without popcorn?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Transference
I work both at home and at my part-time worksite, usually using a computer to do so. My worksite has been dealing with serious computer issues, lots of hacking into, as well as spamming, so the IT dept purchased new threat protection programs from Kerspersky to deal with the on-going issues.
As a traveler, I am more likely to transfer problems from my home computer than I would be if I stayed on-site, so I was offered the new program for both my home desktop and my little traveling buddy, Asus.
Wow! What a difference good protection software provides! Both of my machines are working faster and there is no longer a long line at the spam mailbox to deal with every morning (and evening). The worksite sets up the program to update every 2 hours, which may seem excessive, but not with the problems they've encountered in the past 2 months!!!!! At one point, they had to go back and start over with the email portion of our campus-wide communication system.
For those who don't use tech in the classroom, there is no offer to better protect their personal equipment. Nice bene for being a good little worker bee.
As a traveler, I am more likely to transfer problems from my home computer than I would be if I stayed on-site, so I was offered the new program for both my home desktop and my little traveling buddy, Asus.
Wow! What a difference good protection software provides! Both of my machines are working faster and there is no longer a long line at the spam mailbox to deal with every morning (and evening). The worksite sets up the program to update every 2 hours, which may seem excessive, but not with the problems they've encountered in the past 2 months!!!!! At one point, they had to go back and start over with the email portion of our campus-wide communication system.
For those who don't use tech in the classroom, there is no offer to better protect their personal equipment. Nice bene for being a good little worker bee.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Horticulture Lesson
Today's winning spam entry is entitled, "Enlarge your pines."
Sadly, pines don't grow well in the desert.
Sadly, pines don't grow well in the desert.
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