Headlines are the journalists' tool for directing eyeballs to read a specific story. Generating buzz about a writer gets the writer noticed, and once a writer develops a readership, column inches increase, as well as story significance. The same may be said for TV talk shows; hence, current controversy and caustic commentary create loyal viewers who tune in and boost ratings, which keep a show on-air.
I listen to Bill O'Reilly maybe twice a week, not more, because he is the definition of the cautions he provides to reader response: do not bloviate; do not be supercilious; do not be loquacious; do not blather. The thesaurus synonym list is a lot longer than my recall of it, but the point is for readers to be on-point, while O'Reilly rants and raves endlessly. Do as I say, not as I do seems to be O'Reilly's mantra.
In the world of fair and balanced, it depends on how much and how often the interviewee agrees with Mr. O'Reilly's opining, posturing, and pontificating. Those who touch a toe over the O'Reilly line find it stepped on, a firm warning to get back in line -- literally. Those who continue to cross the O line are the target of arrogant disdain the following day, when O'Reilly explains to his audience of apparent idiots what he said, why he said it, and why he was not just correct in his bloviation, but prevailed over his hapless vic ... uh, guest. O'Reilly treats with disrespect those with whom he disagrees, using his microphone to beat up on them linguistically, a tactic that is bullying at its best.
For a man who is large physically, verbally he suffers from little man syndrome. Fairness allows an individual to accept what others believe without agreeing with them. After a balanced debate of both points of view, the ideological combatants can depart the field of battle to joust another day. O'Reilly prohibits that eventuality by crushing his opponents, based on his own established political views that allow no dissent in his fair and balanced TV world.
However, be that as it may, O'Reilly is himself the target of his tactics. Yahoo.com posted an excerpt from an interview O'Reilly participated in recently, where his most memorable people/events formed the basis for commentary. The headline screams Fox News' Bill O'Reilly boycotting Sean Penn films, a part of the interview that encompasses maybe a paragraph and is based on the actor's political choices, with which O'Reilly disagrees. Thus, O'Reilly doesn't watch any of Penn's films, a fair and balanced position for the TV host to assert.
The article, paying homage to O'Reilly's century mark as #1 in the ratings, also explores the depth of his character in printing that comments made by a 20-something male evoked O'Reilly's angriest TV moment. The male, whose father was killed in the Towers on 9/11, stated that it was a US plot, a position with which O'Reilly (and most well-educated, well-informed citizens) vehemently disagrees. A grieving son, casting for any port in a stormy sea of calamity, will blame anyone for his personal tragedy. O'Reilly should have been able to see beyond the words to the emotionally convoluted reasoning behind them, but that's asking too much of the #1 rated news' show host. O'Reilly's entire focus is on what someone says, not what they have experienced and may have difficulty articulating to a TV audience.
O'Reilly crushed his guest that day, too, but to what purpose? The thesaurus offers a wide range of synonyms for compassion; perhaps Mr. O'Reilly could spend some time perusing those pages?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
In the Depths of the Night
The house was shaking from at least 2 heliocopters hovering about it and Mia was frantically running from the front window to the backyard, barking, barking, barking. Bright lights shone through my windows, one of which seemed to pin Mia in place in the large living room window. I had been sleeping soundly, but the rukus propelled me out of bed, rather than under the covers, when I realized that I had not secured the doggy door ... .
Police vehicles prowled the street and armed men searched throughout the neighborhood, one of whom came up to my back fence. There were spotlights shining everywhere, both along the easement at the back of the property and into the open garage of the vacant property next door. It was obvious that law enforcement was looking for someone or something, but it wasn't in my area, so they continued up the street.
It lasted about 15 minutes, but seemed so much longer as house after house was involved in the walk-by search. I didn't hear directions through a loud speaker, nor did I hear the flash-bangs that announce another home is being entered, and, thankfully, no gunshots, but the overwhelming law enforcement presence meant something happening in the middle of the night, and this time -- it was in my neighborhood. There had been at least 2 parties earlier, on the next street over, the loud music blaring and drowning out all other sound. Once it was dark last night, I came back inside as I can only take so much live Hispanic music played by bands with no formal music training and/or musicality and the inevitable discharge of firearms that signals they've run out of booze.
After my heart rate slowed and Mia settled down, I crawled back into bed to finish sleeping. I don't know what alerted the response, but with criminals scurrying like rats to find hidey-holes, it could have been just about anything. Choosing between hearing the glass breaking in a window an intruder intends to come through or swarming law enforcement arriving at midnight, I'd rather hear law enforcement outside my window than just about any other sound!
Police vehicles prowled the street and armed men searched throughout the neighborhood, one of whom came up to my back fence. There were spotlights shining everywhere, both along the easement at the back of the property and into the open garage of the vacant property next door. It was obvious that law enforcement was looking for someone or something, but it wasn't in my area, so they continued up the street.
It lasted about 15 minutes, but seemed so much longer as house after house was involved in the walk-by search. I didn't hear directions through a loud speaker, nor did I hear the flash-bangs that announce another home is being entered, and, thankfully, no gunshots, but the overwhelming law enforcement presence meant something happening in the middle of the night, and this time -- it was in my neighborhood. There had been at least 2 parties earlier, on the next street over, the loud music blaring and drowning out all other sound. Once it was dark last night, I came back inside as I can only take so much live Hispanic music played by bands with no formal music training and/or musicality and the inevitable discharge of firearms that signals they've run out of booze.
After my heart rate slowed and Mia settled down, I crawled back into bed to finish sleeping. I don't know what alerted the response, but with criminals scurrying like rats to find hidey-holes, it could have been just about anything. Choosing between hearing the glass breaking in a window an intruder intends to come through or swarming law enforcement arriving at midnight, I'd rather hear law enforcement outside my window than just about any other sound!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Sun Sets in the Wild West
The first few years I lived in my new community were fine. I spent many hours and a lot of personal funds to upgrade my home to reflect who I am and how I live my life. However, the political management of the community came into question with a series of events that blemished both the growing reputation and the service amenities expected in a town:
--An individual was elected mayor and no one knows how. He was completely incompetent and apparently involved in illegal activities.
--The total number of law enforcement officers was cut, and some members of the force were the subjects of legal action due to misconduct.
--The animal enforcement office was shut down, which led to huge packs of feral animals roaming the desert, attacking small dogs and cats, as well as strewing trash throughout the areas on trash collection day.
--The code enforcement agency that stayed on top of illegal dumping, graffiti, and abandoned vehicles lost its funding, with a result of neighborhoods taking on the appearance of trash dumps. There was not a flat surface in the town not tagged with gang graffiti that no one painted out.
But those were issues that could be lived with, especially if vigilant neighbors cleaned up the trash, reported abandoned vehicles, called the police to pick up the feral dogs, and painted over the gang graffiti with their own paint. The town was an eyesore, but with the economy tanking and the number of foreclosures affecting the development of the town, it was a wait-and-see situation.
What became intolerable in the past few years is the criminal element that has taken over the town. Gunfire became common throughout my community as organized gangs, parolees, and illegal aliens swarmed the neighborhoods. When there is no enforcement agency to combat their presence, the criminal element thrives. I have reported regular gunfire to the police, weapons being discharged at one of the two houses behind me, as well as the house across the street. I've called the police about suspected drug dealing, as well as suspicious individuals roaming about the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night. I even called about a person I observed in a car stopping at every single mailbox on both sides of my street, to no avail.
Yesterday, however, everything changed: a combined law enforcement action involving approximately 40 agencies and a total of 700 personnel began breaking down doors before sunrise, targeting gangs, parolees, and illegal aliens. According to the media, that was just day one in an on-going effort to make life so miserable for the criminals that they will leave this area.
Heliocopters were overhead for most of the day and the streets were clogged with official tactical vehicles: weapons were confiscated, drugs were seized, a meth lab was destroyed, and a home used as the headquarters for one of the two biggest gangs in the area was bulldozed. One hundred twenty plus arrests were made and about 70 illegals were transported for deportation. During the news conference held against the backdrop of the bulldozed house, officials said they aren't done.
We have had so many murders in the past 6 months involving DHS residents that it was long past time to beef up both law enforcement and active prevention of continuing criminal activity. This combined action had been in the planning phase for perhaps as long as a year, including surveillance and inter-agency cooperation. We are adding 6 new police officers to the force beginning Monday, which will allow better over-all proactive protection to be part of the service plan.
Although we may rest easier, we can't let down our guard because this kind of person doesn't give up that easily; however, I feel more confident that a responding officer will be on the scene quickly and ready to take action after being assured that this town is not going to tolerate the criminal element for another day.
PS: none of the intrusions/arrests took place on my street. Most of the murders in the past 6 months have involved known gang members/criminals, not "innocent" citizens. For more information on Operation Setting Sun, see http://www.mydesert.com
--An individual was elected mayor and no one knows how. He was completely incompetent and apparently involved in illegal activities.
--The total number of law enforcement officers was cut, and some members of the force were the subjects of legal action due to misconduct.
--The animal enforcement office was shut down, which led to huge packs of feral animals roaming the desert, attacking small dogs and cats, as well as strewing trash throughout the areas on trash collection day.
--The code enforcement agency that stayed on top of illegal dumping, graffiti, and abandoned vehicles lost its funding, with a result of neighborhoods taking on the appearance of trash dumps. There was not a flat surface in the town not tagged with gang graffiti that no one painted out.
But those were issues that could be lived with, especially if vigilant neighbors cleaned up the trash, reported abandoned vehicles, called the police to pick up the feral dogs, and painted over the gang graffiti with their own paint. The town was an eyesore, but with the economy tanking and the number of foreclosures affecting the development of the town, it was a wait-and-see situation.
What became intolerable in the past few years is the criminal element that has taken over the town. Gunfire became common throughout my community as organized gangs, parolees, and illegal aliens swarmed the neighborhoods. When there is no enforcement agency to combat their presence, the criminal element thrives. I have reported regular gunfire to the police, weapons being discharged at one of the two houses behind me, as well as the house across the street. I've called the police about suspected drug dealing, as well as suspicious individuals roaming about the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night. I even called about a person I observed in a car stopping at every single mailbox on both sides of my street, to no avail.
Yesterday, however, everything changed: a combined law enforcement action involving approximately 40 agencies and a total of 700 personnel began breaking down doors before sunrise, targeting gangs, parolees, and illegal aliens. According to the media, that was just day one in an on-going effort to make life so miserable for the criminals that they will leave this area.
Heliocopters were overhead for most of the day and the streets were clogged with official tactical vehicles: weapons were confiscated, drugs were seized, a meth lab was destroyed, and a home used as the headquarters for one of the two biggest gangs in the area was bulldozed. One hundred twenty plus arrests were made and about 70 illegals were transported for deportation. During the news conference held against the backdrop of the bulldozed house, officials said they aren't done.
We have had so many murders in the past 6 months involving DHS residents that it was long past time to beef up both law enforcement and active prevention of continuing criminal activity. This combined action had been in the planning phase for perhaps as long as a year, including surveillance and inter-agency cooperation. We are adding 6 new police officers to the force beginning Monday, which will allow better over-all proactive protection to be part of the service plan.
Although we may rest easier, we can't let down our guard because this kind of person doesn't give up that easily; however, I feel more confident that a responding officer will be on the scene quickly and ready to take action after being assured that this town is not going to tolerate the criminal element for another day.
PS: none of the intrusions/arrests took place on my street. Most of the murders in the past 6 months have involved known gang members/criminals, not "innocent" citizens. For more information on Operation Setting Sun, see http://www.mydesert.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Crossing the Line
I love listening to Mark & Brian in the morning, but this morning a line was crossed that should not have been. M&B make hot calls during their show, quickly informing the person that (s)he is live on the radio, but not allowing much time for a "no, thanks" response. This morning, a caller made a deal to earn some free concert tickets, an offer that involved 2 co-workers, and I believe an offer that crossed a line on several levels.
Her deal was this: M&B would call her worksite and a woman who works at the site would go into the boss's office and flash her breasts. The boss would grab ahold of her nipples and say, "honk-honk." Laughing, the call was made and the event happened.
First, it's sexual harassment and crosses a line that should not be crossed. What employees do off-site during their off-hours is one thing, but conducting this little event during the workday and at the work site goes too far and involves inappropriate sexual contact. There is positional power involved when it's a boss, a co-worker, and a secretary.
Next, the boss consented to this, whether reluctantly or not, during the day and in the work place. She touched a subordinate's breasts, and later allowed the same subordinate employee to touch her breasts. I'm not sure that free concert tickets are a good trade-off for a good job in this economy.
Third, the subordinate who answered the phone actually lifted her shirt and allowed herself to be touched inappropriately, and then directed the boss to lift her shirt and touched her boss's breasts. Her follow-up comments about liking the touching pushes the unemployment window.
Additionally, this contact allegedly occurred at a school, which could have the individuals dealing with sex offender issues, which means never again another job at a school. Again, are free concert tickets worth that price?
Finally, even though the original gag was pretty much over, M&B pushed it a step further and had the person who originally allowed her breasts to be honked by the boss do the same to the boss, who was directed to lift her shirt, be touched and then critiqued: mosquito bites. Again, on so many levels the entire incident should not have occurred, but taking it to the extreme where the boss lifted her shirt and allowed herself to be touched calls into question her ability to be the boss.
The work place is supposed to be a safe environment from these kinds of "bar-room" shenanigans; once one incident is allowed because it was on the media, there is no boundary for other events to occur. It does not matter if all of the women involved consented to participate because it occurred in the work place during the scheduled work day -- that's not okay.
I'll be interested to see what happens as a result of this radio broadcast, especially since all the individuals involved used their names, and one of the names was unique enough to be easily identified. If the site is a school, it won't take long for the rumor mill to contact the district office, which may not have other options except firing the employees and, perhaps, pressing charges against them.
Hope the winners enjoyed earning the free concert tickets: it may be their last taste of freedom for a while.
Her deal was this: M&B would call her worksite and a woman who works at the site would go into the boss's office and flash her breasts. The boss would grab ahold of her nipples and say, "honk-honk." Laughing, the call was made and the event happened.
First, it's sexual harassment and crosses a line that should not be crossed. What employees do off-site during their off-hours is one thing, but conducting this little event during the workday and at the work site goes too far and involves inappropriate sexual contact. There is positional power involved when it's a boss, a co-worker, and a secretary.
Next, the boss consented to this, whether reluctantly or not, during the day and in the work place. She touched a subordinate's breasts, and later allowed the same subordinate employee to touch her breasts. I'm not sure that free concert tickets are a good trade-off for a good job in this economy.
Third, the subordinate who answered the phone actually lifted her shirt and allowed herself to be touched inappropriately, and then directed the boss to lift her shirt and touched her boss's breasts. Her follow-up comments about liking the touching pushes the unemployment window.
Additionally, this contact allegedly occurred at a school, which could have the individuals dealing with sex offender issues, which means never again another job at a school. Again, are free concert tickets worth that price?
Finally, even though the original gag was pretty much over, M&B pushed it a step further and had the person who originally allowed her breasts to be honked by the boss do the same to the boss, who was directed to lift her shirt, be touched and then critiqued: mosquito bites. Again, on so many levels the entire incident should not have occurred, but taking it to the extreme where the boss lifted her shirt and allowed herself to be touched calls into question her ability to be the boss.
The work place is supposed to be a safe environment from these kinds of "bar-room" shenanigans; once one incident is allowed because it was on the media, there is no boundary for other events to occur. It does not matter if all of the women involved consented to participate because it occurred in the work place during the scheduled work day -- that's not okay.
I'll be interested to see what happens as a result of this radio broadcast, especially since all the individuals involved used their names, and one of the names was unique enough to be easily identified. If the site is a school, it won't take long for the rumor mill to contact the district office, which may not have other options except firing the employees and, perhaps, pressing charges against them.
Hope the winners enjoyed earning the free concert tickets: it may be their last taste of freedom for a while.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Visionary
Today, I was the driver for a friend who had a baseline colonoscopy. My job was to sit and wait while she had the procedure, then sit and wait for her to come out of the happy juice, feed her, and then drive her home, all of which are duties within my skill set. As I was reading/waiting in the front lobby, I almost giggled with all the gas being passed; you see, prior to the procedure, all patients have to cleanse their bowels, which has to be one of the most unpleasant processes known to mankind, a process that results in lots and lots and lots of really stinky gas.
First vision: the doctor inserting the whatever it's called with the camera up the rectum and the gas explodes, similar to a balloon punctured by a pin, the force of which propels the doctor back a few feet and leaves a ghastly stench behind.
After my friend came to, the nurse directed her to get dressed, sit in the wheelchair, and wait for the doctor to reveal the results of the procedure. The doc came in, talked to my friend, and showed her the color shots of the interior of her colon.
Second vision: do YOU want to take a look at these pictures? They are really neat. Uh, that would be a "hell no."
As I'm driving her to b'fast, I'm sharing about a person I know who is scheduling a vaginal rejuvenation procedure for a little later this year.
Third vision: you have to be kidding me! I not only do not want to see the before/after shots, but I'm curious how she'll know the before/after difference.
Finally, one of my pregnant students sent an email msg to tell me that it's time. Thankfully, her husband is taking her to the hospital because he's going to watch the birth of their son.
Final vision: dear God, why does anyone think they want to watch that?
First vision: the doctor inserting the whatever it's called with the camera up the rectum and the gas explodes, similar to a balloon punctured by a pin, the force of which propels the doctor back a few feet and leaves a ghastly stench behind.
After my friend came to, the nurse directed her to get dressed, sit in the wheelchair, and wait for the doctor to reveal the results of the procedure. The doc came in, talked to my friend, and showed her the color shots of the interior of her colon.
Second vision: do YOU want to take a look at these pictures? They are really neat. Uh, that would be a "hell no."
As I'm driving her to b'fast, I'm sharing about a person I know who is scheduling a vaginal rejuvenation procedure for a little later this year.
Third vision: you have to be kidding me! I not only do not want to see the before/after shots, but I'm curious how she'll know the before/after difference.
Finally, one of my pregnant students sent an email msg to tell me that it's time. Thankfully, her husband is taking her to the hospital because he's going to watch the birth of their son.
Final vision: dear God, why does anyone think they want to watch that?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Game of Life
It's not much by historical standards, but it's a personal best for me, a noteworthy accomplishment in a day filled with grading papers, prepping lessons, taking care of the dogs, and pledging yet again to support the alumni fund for one of the many colleges/universities associated with my life.
When my work is finished, I play, usually by picking up one of the books in progress, crawling into my recliner, and vegging for a bit. Today, however, I accepted the gauntlet thrown by my computer about 2 years ago: to win 2 consecutive games of Spider Solitaire, level 2.
Every time I've accrued a total of 100 games, with a personal best of 20% success, I've hit the reset button and started anew, realizing as I do that I only win about 1 of every 5-6 games, not a stellar performance by anyone's standards. Once I've wasted 100 games' worth of time, often falling to about 17% success, it becomes apparent that my winning percentage will only decline, but starting over provides me with the opportunity to reach that plateau again. I shudder to think of how many times I've hit the reset button at 100 games, but I'd venture to say I've probably played a thousand games (at least). Someday, perhaps, I'll want that time back, but while I've been engaged on the quest, it's seemed like a relatively good mental acuity challenge, engagement that is desperately sought by senior citizens who fear losing said acuity.
Today, I did it: 2 consecutive wins for the first, and probably only, time since I began playing this wretched game. Now, it's decision time: do I continue to play, assuming that I can repeat this stupendous feat, or do I count my blessings and delete the damned game from my computer options? Part of me wants to try again, but the majority of me knows the frustration of futility and says, "hit the bye-bye button!"
We shall see what tomorrow brings, as I'll bask in the glory of accomplishment until then. After all, there is another, much more difficult, level 3 awaiting me.
When my work is finished, I play, usually by picking up one of the books in progress, crawling into my recliner, and vegging for a bit. Today, however, I accepted the gauntlet thrown by my computer about 2 years ago: to win 2 consecutive games of Spider Solitaire, level 2.
Every time I've accrued a total of 100 games, with a personal best of 20% success, I've hit the reset button and started anew, realizing as I do that I only win about 1 of every 5-6 games, not a stellar performance by anyone's standards. Once I've wasted 100 games' worth of time, often falling to about 17% success, it becomes apparent that my winning percentage will only decline, but starting over provides me with the opportunity to reach that plateau again. I shudder to think of how many times I've hit the reset button at 100 games, but I'd venture to say I've probably played a thousand games (at least). Someday, perhaps, I'll want that time back, but while I've been engaged on the quest, it's seemed like a relatively good mental acuity challenge, engagement that is desperately sought by senior citizens who fear losing said acuity.
Today, I did it: 2 consecutive wins for the first, and probably only, time since I began playing this wretched game. Now, it's decision time: do I continue to play, assuming that I can repeat this stupendous feat, or do I count my blessings and delete the damned game from my computer options? Part of me wants to try again, but the majority of me knows the frustration of futility and says, "hit the bye-bye button!"
We shall see what tomorrow brings, as I'll bask in the glory of accomplishment until then. After all, there is another, much more difficult, level 3 awaiting me.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
In an Instant
Two students were nodding off and a third was yawning so broadly that I thought she might damage her neck muscles, so after completing half of the night's lesson, I told them to go home. Sometimes, it's not worth the diminishing returns of the effort put into preparing and presenting the material, and this was one of those times.
Oh, well.
We had talked briefly about fears, the theme of the story we were discussing, and one female student admitted that she fears losing her husband, who is in the military, as part of the performance of his job. I replied that none of us know when it is our time; hence, the deaths of 4 police officers over the weekend in Oakland, CA. It comes with the job, but no one wants to have to face that aspect of kissing a spouse good-bye and leaving for work with a "see ya later!" And, I mentioned the sudden outbreak of hit and run accidents in my part of the desert resulting in several fatalities within the past few weeks. Then, it was time to pack my materials and head for home.
I always take the diagonal road between Two Mile and Highway 62, probably because it's not just shorter (something to do with geometry), but I used to live off the diagonal road and I wave to my old house as I pass by. Tonight, as I came up on the intersection at the highway, I was just in time to see the traffic fatality in the middle of the intersection being covered with a cloth, a sudden grim reminder of the night's discussion that it just takes an instant to change the living to the dead.
I poke along when I'm driving home, seldom going faster than 60 on a 65 mph highway because it's so dark most of the way, which makes it difficult to anticipate road conditions. Tonight, the drive wasn't too bad until I got almost home. A small pick-up came up behind me much too fast, swerved out and passed me, only to be stopped at the traffic light behind another pick-up. Once the light turned green, the speeding pick-up driver gunned it not just through the intersection, but pulled out, intending to illegally pass the truck in front of him.
As he swerved out, coming straight at him was on-coming traffic, so he stood on his brakes, cut back in between me and the truck he was passing, then rode the truck's bumper, flashing his lights onto high beam. The entire stretch of road is marked with a double yellow line, which still means "NO passing" I believe, but this guy was in a hurry. Suddenly, the truck, which was still in front of him, slammed on his brakes, which made pick-up guy slam on his brakes and burn rubber, which meant that I also had to slam on my brakes.
I couldn't figure out why we all came to such a forceful, sudden stop -- until a compact car in front of the big pick-up and out of sight to those of us behind it, turned right onto an unmarked, unlighted, unpaved desert road. Had we not all reacted quickly, there would have been a 4-car pile-up, with me on the tail end of it all.
There is no taking it for granted that I'm going to leave Mia, drive to work, and be home to wash my face, brush my teeth, and head for the big fluffy pillows. There's the body of someone in the middle of an intersection up the hill, someone who was counting on making it back home tonight. Instead, his/her loved ones are being told that he's not coming home tonight, or any other night.
Oh, well.
We had talked briefly about fears, the theme of the story we were discussing, and one female student admitted that she fears losing her husband, who is in the military, as part of the performance of his job. I replied that none of us know when it is our time; hence, the deaths of 4 police officers over the weekend in Oakland, CA. It comes with the job, but no one wants to have to face that aspect of kissing a spouse good-bye and leaving for work with a "see ya later!" And, I mentioned the sudden outbreak of hit and run accidents in my part of the desert resulting in several fatalities within the past few weeks. Then, it was time to pack my materials and head for home.
I always take the diagonal road between Two Mile and Highway 62, probably because it's not just shorter (something to do with geometry), but I used to live off the diagonal road and I wave to my old house as I pass by. Tonight, as I came up on the intersection at the highway, I was just in time to see the traffic fatality in the middle of the intersection being covered with a cloth, a sudden grim reminder of the night's discussion that it just takes an instant to change the living to the dead.
I poke along when I'm driving home, seldom going faster than 60 on a 65 mph highway because it's so dark most of the way, which makes it difficult to anticipate road conditions. Tonight, the drive wasn't too bad until I got almost home. A small pick-up came up behind me much too fast, swerved out and passed me, only to be stopped at the traffic light behind another pick-up. Once the light turned green, the speeding pick-up driver gunned it not just through the intersection, but pulled out, intending to illegally pass the truck in front of him.
As he swerved out, coming straight at him was on-coming traffic, so he stood on his brakes, cut back in between me and the truck he was passing, then rode the truck's bumper, flashing his lights onto high beam. The entire stretch of road is marked with a double yellow line, which still means "NO passing" I believe, but this guy was in a hurry. Suddenly, the truck, which was still in front of him, slammed on his brakes, which made pick-up guy slam on his brakes and burn rubber, which meant that I also had to slam on my brakes.
I couldn't figure out why we all came to such a forceful, sudden stop -- until a compact car in front of the big pick-up and out of sight to those of us behind it, turned right onto an unmarked, unlighted, unpaved desert road. Had we not all reacted quickly, there would have been a 4-car pile-up, with me on the tail end of it all.
There is no taking it for granted that I'm going to leave Mia, drive to work, and be home to wash my face, brush my teeth, and head for the big fluffy pillows. There's the body of someone in the middle of an intersection up the hill, someone who was counting on making it back home tonight. Instead, his/her loved ones are being told that he's not coming home tonight, or any other night.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pathology or Pathetic?
MSN has a feature article on its website attributing the wave of me-generated bad behavior to narcissism, perhaps in a thinly-veiled attempt to excuse the arrogance and greed of the financial institutions and employees who have caused not just a recession, but, perhaps, have taken the economy directly into a depression.
Horse feathers. Bad behavior is selfish, non-regulated choice-making that individuals indulge in because it gets them what they want when they want it. Someone in the child's life who said "no," but didn't mean it often enough, taught the child how to behave as an adult: throw a major temper tantrum until the target gives in and then gloat about controlling the behavior of the person who said no, but didn't mean it.
Narcissism, on the other hand, is pathological, the arrested development or regression to the infantile stage of development in which one's own body is the object of erotic interest. Remember the Greek legend of Narcissus, who loved his own image so much that he fell into a pool of water and was transformed into the beautiful flower that bears his name? A narcissist can't move away from the mirror because (s)he is transfixed on the image of their physical beauty (or perception thereof). It is truly all about me, beautiful me, not about manipulating the world around me to ensure that I get anything I want without consequence or remorse.
A sociopathic personality is without empathy for and/or engagement with the society in which (s)he lives, which more describes the actions of those who are not just able, but willing, to cause this kind of traumatic consequence for the world economies while absenting themselves from any responsibility for it. This is not about how I look, but how I live, and it truly is all about me for a sociopath.
If a person is a clinical narcissist, I'd cut him/her some slack when it comes to excessive time in the bathroom, but when it's just ordinary bad behavior by self-centered, selfish individuals, my reaction is "go to your room until you get over it." I abhor seemingly responsible adults allowing bad behavior by assigning it a pathology, rather than holding responsible the individual to control their own behavior.
The sooner we stop allowing the bad behavior, the sooner we can move past it. In my world, silence is permission, and hiding what individuals have done under the guise of a justifiable pathology is inexcusable. People who commit criminal acts need to be held accountable, not be given plausible deniability based on someone's perception that in order to do what they did, they must have a pathological excuse.
Far too often, bad behavior is just bad behavior.
Horse feathers. Bad behavior is selfish, non-regulated choice-making that individuals indulge in because it gets them what they want when they want it. Someone in the child's life who said "no," but didn't mean it often enough, taught the child how to behave as an adult: throw a major temper tantrum until the target gives in and then gloat about controlling the behavior of the person who said no, but didn't mean it.
Narcissism, on the other hand, is pathological, the arrested development or regression to the infantile stage of development in which one's own body is the object of erotic interest. Remember the Greek legend of Narcissus, who loved his own image so much that he fell into a pool of water and was transformed into the beautiful flower that bears his name? A narcissist can't move away from the mirror because (s)he is transfixed on the image of their physical beauty (or perception thereof). It is truly all about me, beautiful me, not about manipulating the world around me to ensure that I get anything I want without consequence or remorse.
A sociopathic personality is without empathy for and/or engagement with the society in which (s)he lives, which more describes the actions of those who are not just able, but willing, to cause this kind of traumatic consequence for the world economies while absenting themselves from any responsibility for it. This is not about how I look, but how I live, and it truly is all about me for a sociopath.
If a person is a clinical narcissist, I'd cut him/her some slack when it comes to excessive time in the bathroom, but when it's just ordinary bad behavior by self-centered, selfish individuals, my reaction is "go to your room until you get over it." I abhor seemingly responsible adults allowing bad behavior by assigning it a pathology, rather than holding responsible the individual to control their own behavior.
The sooner we stop allowing the bad behavior, the sooner we can move past it. In my world, silence is permission, and hiding what individuals have done under the guise of a justifiable pathology is inexcusable. People who commit criminal acts need to be held accountable, not be given plausible deniability based on someone's perception that in order to do what they did, they must have a pathological excuse.
Far too often, bad behavior is just bad behavior.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
You've Got Some 'plaining To Do, People
Why is it okay for the infamous Obama Girl to create and use widely the knickname "Obamalicious," but a guy who blogs in the local newspaper is hammered for his knickname, "Bamalosi." I'd be offended by the "Obamalicious" knickname because it's sexist and demeaning, no better/worse than the local guy's offering, so explain the rampant (and sometimes vitriolic) attacks on the local guy.
We need to get over ourselves in the land of the free and the home of those brave enough to question, challenge, and uphold the freedom of speech. It's when we DON'T ask the questions that we have problems; it's when we DON'T feel free to challenge what's being done that we have problems; it's when we yield to the pressure to go along to get along that we lose the land of the free.
We need to get over ourselves in the land of the free and the home of those brave enough to question, challenge, and uphold the freedom of speech. It's when we DON'T ask the questions that we have problems; it's when we DON'T feel free to challenge what's being done that we have problems; it's when we yield to the pressure to go along to get along that we lose the land of the free.
It Do Pile Up
Today has been one of those days! In the background are the horrendous winds howling through the pass and into the desert. I'm on the leading edge of the force, so feel it more than people who live farther east. I hate the wind and don't enjoy the pounding that comes with it, nor the dirt that creeps into every nook and cranny in the house. This storm came with just enough moisture to get all the cars parked outside spotted, but not clean, which means I have to remember to clean the windows on the truck before I leave for work tomorrow.
Then, while doing up the dishes from b'fast, I smelled ... mold, one of the things that sends my asthma into over-drive. I looked here and there and found it under the sink. The leak I dealt with about 6-8 months ago is back, filling the dish pan I keep under the sink just in case I have another leak. I don't know which of the pipes is leaking, but the dishpan was half-filled with gross, disgusting sludge from somewhere. I cleaned up that mess, put another pan under the sink, left all the sink stuff out on the floor, and will call the plumber tomorrow to see what's next. I do know that the flooring has to be removed and replaced as that's the breeding ground for the mold, and I cannot live anywhere that has mold.
In the middle of that project, the power went out and stayed out for about an hour, courtesy of the winds. Because this is the desert, power poles stand in sand, which erodes away from the poles, making them more susceptible to blowing in the wind. Once they wiggle loose from the initial installation, the high winds literally blow the poles down and we go without power. If this were my area of expertise, I'd find another way to provide power in the desert, but I've lived in the desert for about 40 years, and all the poles are installed in the sand. Perhaps it's more cost efficient to upright a downed pole than it is to replace the thousands of poles already in the sand?
I have yet another computer issue, with USB ports that don't work with modern tech, something involving 1.0 and 2.0 USB user items, and have to figure out how to do the fix my son described to me in an email. I was going to go out today and find what I need, but decided to stay put until the winds die down.
Wonder how the Parabas tennis tourney is doing with all this wind? The Gardens is a wonderful tennis venue, but if play is on the satellite courts, the wind can be a huge problem. When play is in the main arena, the wind can be an issue. Again, if it were I who built a tennis venue in the desert, I would have included some sort of top on the main stadium for inclement weather, even though most people new to the desert don't believe that it ever rains, snows, or gets more than a bit breezy.
My alarm kicked off during the power outage, so I've replaced the batteries and talked to the nice rep about what to do next. She said the system will reboot, but if it has not done so by the time I'm retiring for the night, give them a call and they'll walk me through it. Once again, in my world, I'd do that process well before I'm dead tired and heading for bed, but it's their system/their terms.
Time to go fold the last load of laundry and think about lesson plans for the week. It's nice to have something that takes me out of the house because without having to leave to teach classes, I'm just as comfortable staying inside, especially when the damned winds are blowing -- again!!
UPDATING: In the 3 hours since I posted this message, the winds have begun to settle down a bit, but not before shaking my house repeatedly, as if in a tornado. The power continues to flicker, which means I probably should not have booted up, but I've finished 2 of the 3 books I'm currently reading and needed a break.
Then, while doing up the dishes from b'fast, I smelled ... mold, one of the things that sends my asthma into over-drive. I looked here and there and found it under the sink. The leak I dealt with about 6-8 months ago is back, filling the dish pan I keep under the sink just in case I have another leak. I don't know which of the pipes is leaking, but the dishpan was half-filled with gross, disgusting sludge from somewhere. I cleaned up that mess, put another pan under the sink, left all the sink stuff out on the floor, and will call the plumber tomorrow to see what's next. I do know that the flooring has to be removed and replaced as that's the breeding ground for the mold, and I cannot live anywhere that has mold.
In the middle of that project, the power went out and stayed out for about an hour, courtesy of the winds. Because this is the desert, power poles stand in sand, which erodes away from the poles, making them more susceptible to blowing in the wind. Once they wiggle loose from the initial installation, the high winds literally blow the poles down and we go without power. If this were my area of expertise, I'd find another way to provide power in the desert, but I've lived in the desert for about 40 years, and all the poles are installed in the sand. Perhaps it's more cost efficient to upright a downed pole than it is to replace the thousands of poles already in the sand?
I have yet another computer issue, with USB ports that don't work with modern tech, something involving 1.0 and 2.0 USB user items, and have to figure out how to do the fix my son described to me in an email. I was going to go out today and find what I need, but decided to stay put until the winds die down.
Wonder how the Parabas tennis tourney is doing with all this wind? The Gardens is a wonderful tennis venue, but if play is on the satellite courts, the wind can be a huge problem. When play is in the main arena, the wind can be an issue. Again, if it were I who built a tennis venue in the desert, I would have included some sort of top on the main stadium for inclement weather, even though most people new to the desert don't believe that it ever rains, snows, or gets more than a bit breezy.
My alarm kicked off during the power outage, so I've replaced the batteries and talked to the nice rep about what to do next. She said the system will reboot, but if it has not done so by the time I'm retiring for the night, give them a call and they'll walk me through it. Once again, in my world, I'd do that process well before I'm dead tired and heading for bed, but it's their system/their terms.
Time to go fold the last load of laundry and think about lesson plans for the week. It's nice to have something that takes me out of the house because without having to leave to teach classes, I'm just as comfortable staying inside, especially when the damned winds are blowing -- again!!
UPDATING: In the 3 hours since I posted this message, the winds have begun to settle down a bit, but not before shaking my house repeatedly, as if in a tornado. The power continues to flicker, which means I probably should not have booted up, but I've finished 2 of the 3 books I'm currently reading and needed a break.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
America Works: Continued
The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission burned during the night a few weeks back, not only destroying the building, but displacing about 100 homeless residents who have since camped out in the Fair Grounds in tents. There is no money to rebuild that which is lost in any segment of the population, but most especially in the service of society's most needy, so no one had an idea when -- or if -- repairs would be made.
I sent a donation to help replace the "things" that were lost, such as food, cooking supplies, etc., but my pittance won't go far. I thought about the stack of afghans I took there over the Christmas holiday, my using up what's here project, and hoped that they were given out to those in need, rather than destroyed in the fire. The b'fast club had also donated to the rescue mission, but no matter how much is given, the need always exceeds the available resources.
ORR Construction, one of the more reputable firms in the valley, showed up on-site last week and started rebuilding. Really. Their goal is to have the facility ready for re-occupancy by late Sunday of this week, ala Extreme Make-Over kamikaze style construction. Estimated cost: $200,000, which is being paid for by ORR Construction, and includes updating the electrical in the old, old building, the probable cause for the fire. It's up to the valley communities to replace the "things," which may take a while in this economy, but, as with everything else in life, it's one step at a time.
ORR Construction knows how to get the job done: no discussion; no excuses; no strings attached. Yep, America Works when the people are willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
I sent a donation to help replace the "things" that were lost, such as food, cooking supplies, etc., but my pittance won't go far. I thought about the stack of afghans I took there over the Christmas holiday, my using up what's here project, and hoped that they were given out to those in need, rather than destroyed in the fire. The b'fast club had also donated to the rescue mission, but no matter how much is given, the need always exceeds the available resources.
ORR Construction, one of the more reputable firms in the valley, showed up on-site last week and started rebuilding. Really. Their goal is to have the facility ready for re-occupancy by late Sunday of this week, ala Extreme Make-Over kamikaze style construction. Estimated cost: $200,000, which is being paid for by ORR Construction, and includes updating the electrical in the old, old building, the probable cause for the fire. It's up to the valley communities to replace the "things," which may take a while in this economy, but, as with everything else in life, it's one step at a time.
ORR Construction knows how to get the job done: no discussion; no excuses; no strings attached. Yep, America Works when the people are willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Two Sides to a Coin -- or Three?
If AIG wanted to withhold those alleged retention bonuses from employees, it would be done. NO corporation allows its employees to sign air tight contracts that bind the employer to perform anything, anytime, anyway. There is always a "because I say no" clause in a contract as that's just the way the big boys play the game: they own the field, the ball, and the team, so they win. Every time.
If the government wanted to break the alleged contract, it would be a done deal. It is laughable that the federal government wants anyone to believe that they are powerless in this situation. The government could take over AIG and do with it -- and the employees -- what they will, so there is something going on at the highest need-to-know basis that precludes them from doing so. It has nothing to do with contracts, air-tight or cheesecloth, tied to employee retention bonuses.
AIG set these employees up to take the money and run, and will do nothing to stop that process, and, for reasons not yet known, the government is complicit in that action. But there is always a third side to the coin, evidenced by the fact that a two-sided coin can stand on its edge, and that's where the rest of us are these days. We are being lied to and manipulated for reasons that we may never know, reasons that may be tied to international politics and financial practices, and we may be paying the price for relying on outsiders to keep our economy intact, rather than living within our means. Once enough of the US's financial stability rests in the hands of foreign governments, the US no longer calls the shots.
It's a tricky situation, to lend and borrow money with the right people at the right time and for the right reasons, but the US benefited from the economic boom years regardless of who financed them. No one wants to do with less when they can have more, from the lone consumer to the huge corporations to the government itself. Instead of taking action to deal with the flagrant economic practices sanctioned by the government, such as the GAO's reports that showed multiple-millions in cost over-rides, we let it ride. Pay the bills, the Congress said, and pay the bills we did. Once we, the people, saw how the government did business, we began doing the same business within our own lives, living on credit, enjoying deficit spending, laughing at accountability.
How's that working for us now?
AIG saw the loophole and drove a truck through it when the government threw money at them. Had AIG been forced to accept funds with terms and conditions, they would have been fools to do so because there would have been contingencies and oversight attached. But when the government throws billions of dollars at failing businesses and trusts that the money will be well-spent, it's foolish not to create a failing business, take the money, and do with it what you will. Providing the cash to loyal employees in return for their participation in the financial manipulation is simply shrewd, albeit not very ethical, business practice.
The government, most notably Pelosi and Reid, decried the falling financial sky and demanded immediate action, which the media sold to the public, providing the foundation for the financial follies. Pelosi positioned herself as a forceful powerhouse in clear control of what happens in Washington; after all, she is second in line if anything happens to Obama. To every question, she had the same response, repeated so often that she became a parody, but people listened, believed, and reacted.
All I've heard for the past two weeks vis a vis the media outlets is "we should have taken more time to figure this out" before throwing money at a problem that maybe didn't exist and certainly has not responded to the cure. Misdiagnosis is what they call it in the medical profession, but the patient still has to pay for all the tests, all the treatments, and all the hospital stays associated with that failure to find and fix the original problem. The Republicans' call for a go-slow approach was poo-pooed because Pelosi and the Demos needed action NOW to publicly affirm their party's power. They let the tail wag the dog, and now that dog is biting them in the ass.
Lesson learned? Probably not, but maybe, once we get out of this mess, we'll have a few years of prosperity before the next crop of Arrogant, Inept, Greedy corporations get big enough to do it again.
If the government wanted to break the alleged contract, it would be a done deal. It is laughable that the federal government wants anyone to believe that they are powerless in this situation. The government could take over AIG and do with it -- and the employees -- what they will, so there is something going on at the highest need-to-know basis that precludes them from doing so. It has nothing to do with contracts, air-tight or cheesecloth, tied to employee retention bonuses.
AIG set these employees up to take the money and run, and will do nothing to stop that process, and, for reasons not yet known, the government is complicit in that action. But there is always a third side to the coin, evidenced by the fact that a two-sided coin can stand on its edge, and that's where the rest of us are these days. We are being lied to and manipulated for reasons that we may never know, reasons that may be tied to international politics and financial practices, and we may be paying the price for relying on outsiders to keep our economy intact, rather than living within our means. Once enough of the US's financial stability rests in the hands of foreign governments, the US no longer calls the shots.
It's a tricky situation, to lend and borrow money with the right people at the right time and for the right reasons, but the US benefited from the economic boom years regardless of who financed them. No one wants to do with less when they can have more, from the lone consumer to the huge corporations to the government itself. Instead of taking action to deal with the flagrant economic practices sanctioned by the government, such as the GAO's reports that showed multiple-millions in cost over-rides, we let it ride. Pay the bills, the Congress said, and pay the bills we did. Once we, the people, saw how the government did business, we began doing the same business within our own lives, living on credit, enjoying deficit spending, laughing at accountability.
How's that working for us now?
AIG saw the loophole and drove a truck through it when the government threw money at them. Had AIG been forced to accept funds with terms and conditions, they would have been fools to do so because there would have been contingencies and oversight attached. But when the government throws billions of dollars at failing businesses and trusts that the money will be well-spent, it's foolish not to create a failing business, take the money, and do with it what you will. Providing the cash to loyal employees in return for their participation in the financial manipulation is simply shrewd, albeit not very ethical, business practice.
The government, most notably Pelosi and Reid, decried the falling financial sky and demanded immediate action, which the media sold to the public, providing the foundation for the financial follies. Pelosi positioned herself as a forceful powerhouse in clear control of what happens in Washington; after all, she is second in line if anything happens to Obama. To every question, she had the same response, repeated so often that she became a parody, but people listened, believed, and reacted.
All I've heard for the past two weeks vis a vis the media outlets is "we should have taken more time to figure this out" before throwing money at a problem that maybe didn't exist and certainly has not responded to the cure. Misdiagnosis is what they call it in the medical profession, but the patient still has to pay for all the tests, all the treatments, and all the hospital stays associated with that failure to find and fix the original problem. The Republicans' call for a go-slow approach was poo-pooed because Pelosi and the Demos needed action NOW to publicly affirm their party's power. They let the tail wag the dog, and now that dog is biting them in the ass.
Lesson learned? Probably not, but maybe, once we get out of this mess, we'll have a few years of prosperity before the next crop of Arrogant, Inept, Greedy corporations get big enough to do it again.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Luv U Back???
After spending a wonderful day with my coastal friend, I geared up for the drive home, knowing that I would be sharing lane space with about a million cars leaving San Diego for parts north, west and east. I listen to 1070 AM radio, not just for the traffic reports, but for the totally useless information, commentary, and observations about what's going on while I'm stuck in traffic.
Today, the motherload: The Big O in the OC for a town hall meeting. In no particular order, here are my thoughts.
1. As one commentator remarked, "Obama exercised his personality," which he does well. However, behind the smiling, personable, well-rehearsed facade is my concern that he's actually a political performer who's been hired to do the public appearances. I'm almost positive that he has the script on his BlackBerry, as well as coded responses to any question he's asked. If they ask about AIG executive bonuses, use response AIG 3-B. Bail out? Response BO 7-C.
2. No, uh, you didn't, uh, screw up by, uh, not inviting the Republican congressman in whose district you were appearing to uh, join you during this, uh, political jaunt. Your guys made the decision not to include him in the political event because he's one of your more vocal critics -- and you're on a PR tour. Your effusive welcome to the Hispanic female congressional representative gave you away, but the uh, reason, uh, that I know you were, uh, covering up for a bad decision is, uh, that your word tic appeared, a sure sign of, uh, lying.
3. My President does NOT tell any audience that "we screwed up" as it's simply not Presidential language.
4. I get calling the audience members "girls" and "boys," but what I don't get is the "luv u back" response to a shout-out from the audience!
5. What may get him into trouble with the minorities who elected him is his stance on illegal aliens: Big O flat-out said that because you came into the country illegally, don't expect instant acceptance or amnesty. He also said there's a need to close the open door policy at our borders, but especially with Mexico, perhaps not the wisest commentary for a largely minority population to hear on their home turf. He outlined the same reform program that has already failed to make it through the system during the last administration: pay a (hefty) fine, fill in the (extensive) paperwork, get at the back of the (incredibly long) line, and wait your turn. Once everyone who used legal means to enter the country are processed, we'll deal with your application. That part of the presentation was questioned by callers who contacted the radio station. Big O was talking to a mostly minority audience, so he may have singed the re-election bridge, but he has 3+ years and an infrastructure re-building stimulus package to help him smoothe out the ruffled feathers, especially if the majority of the new hires are minorities.
I am impressed with Pres. O's command of the material he presents, as well as his repetition of the rhetoric that got him elected. I'm personally not impressed with the fall-back position of blaming the predecessor, instead of accepting what's in the past and focusing on the present so we can move into a better future, but it's fairly typical when a politician is taking heat in the media to blame, blame, blame. He is charismatic, he is accessible, he is selling politics and economic theory to a country that was pretty much politically deaf, dumb and stupid a short year ago, which is no little accomplishment.
As one female caller explained to the radio audience, "He knows what we need to hear," and he sells it in a "down home come to Jesus meeting" style that audiences seem to enjoy.
Amen.
Today, the motherload: The Big O in the OC for a town hall meeting. In no particular order, here are my thoughts.
1. As one commentator remarked, "Obama exercised his personality," which he does well. However, behind the smiling, personable, well-rehearsed facade is my concern that he's actually a political performer who's been hired to do the public appearances. I'm almost positive that he has the script on his BlackBerry, as well as coded responses to any question he's asked. If they ask about AIG executive bonuses, use response AIG 3-B. Bail out? Response BO 7-C.
2. No, uh, you didn't, uh, screw up by, uh, not inviting the Republican congressman in whose district you were appearing to uh, join you during this, uh, political jaunt. Your guys made the decision not to include him in the political event because he's one of your more vocal critics -- and you're on a PR tour. Your effusive welcome to the Hispanic female congressional representative gave you away, but the uh, reason, uh, that I know you were, uh, covering up for a bad decision is, uh, that your word tic appeared, a sure sign of, uh, lying.
3. My President does NOT tell any audience that "we screwed up" as it's simply not Presidential language.
4. I get calling the audience members "girls" and "boys," but what I don't get is the "luv u back" response to a shout-out from the audience!
5. What may get him into trouble with the minorities who elected him is his stance on illegal aliens: Big O flat-out said that because you came into the country illegally, don't expect instant acceptance or amnesty. He also said there's a need to close the open door policy at our borders, but especially with Mexico, perhaps not the wisest commentary for a largely minority population to hear on their home turf. He outlined the same reform program that has already failed to make it through the system during the last administration: pay a (hefty) fine, fill in the (extensive) paperwork, get at the back of the (incredibly long) line, and wait your turn. Once everyone who used legal means to enter the country are processed, we'll deal with your application. That part of the presentation was questioned by callers who contacted the radio station. Big O was talking to a mostly minority audience, so he may have singed the re-election bridge, but he has 3+ years and an infrastructure re-building stimulus package to help him smoothe out the ruffled feathers, especially if the majority of the new hires are minorities.
I am impressed with Pres. O's command of the material he presents, as well as his repetition of the rhetoric that got him elected. I'm personally not impressed with the fall-back position of blaming the predecessor, instead of accepting what's in the past and focusing on the present so we can move into a better future, but it's fairly typical when a politician is taking heat in the media to blame, blame, blame. He is charismatic, he is accessible, he is selling politics and economic theory to a country that was pretty much politically deaf, dumb and stupid a short year ago, which is no little accomplishment.
As one female caller explained to the radio audience, "He knows what we need to hear," and he sells it in a "down home come to Jesus meeting" style that audiences seem to enjoy.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Photo Op
Yesterday morning, I explored the color splashes in the front yard. The sun was just peeking over the mountains to the east, so the light in the background highlighted the colorful blossoms. I keep my camera handy, so plucked it out of the case, went outside, and found that my screen was a black and white abstract! There is no viewing option, just the flat screen, and without being able to see what I wanted to photograph, I went back inside.Drat.
I spent an hour searching on-line for a replacement camera and came across the highly-rated Canon ELPH series, a bit pricier than some choices, but worth checking out. Basically, these little gems fall between $150 and $225; of course, my goal was the lower end of that spectrum. Of the retailers who carry the cameras, Wal-Mart topped the list with the lowest price, so I left early for office hours and stopped at W-M on my way to work.
Yep, the ELPH SD1100 IS, regularly priced at $179.99, was $144, so I bought it. It's really small, but has big features and lots of functionality. I'm not too sure about the "battery pack" aspect as W-M usually carries them, but didn't have one to go with me. I did buy a 4GB flash memory card as the camera takes both still and moving pictures. I like to use an adaptor and go directly off the memory card, rather than installing more useless software on my aging computer.
I now have a Kodak digital camera that takes great pictures -- but no LCD display -- and don't know what to do with it. I have added it to the drawer where all the other no longer in use cameras await their fate, but don't know what to do with any of them as well. I've added another charger and cords to the already much too large pile of that sort of thing, and don't know what to do with any of it!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Quality Counts
One of the most frustrating educational challenges is the process of making students improve as a result of experiencing new content, accepting new instruction, and developing new knowledge. My experience shows me that far too many students recycle what worked for them in high school, most especially classroom behavior, educational expectations, and essays.
Yes, essays. You would be amazed how many college-level compositions cannot make it past a basic 3-paragraph, 5-sentences each basic high school essay. The concept of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation providing the foundation for written communication is totally foreign to far too many college attendees. "Focus on the topic" is an overwhelming challenge because most students only know how to write about themselves and their (sometimes painfully) limited knowledge and/or experience.
Sometimes, it's a matter of personal safety for a student to recycle past successes, especially if a beloved high school teacher emotionally supported students with comments that valued their self-esteem, rather than the quality of the written communication. I am continually amazed at how many "straight A" students are attending college, especially when I read essays. Handing back a college essay with the comment "empty content" is anathema to building self-esteem; explaining that all those words in all those sentences don't add up to much more than one meaningful sentence can downright devastate a college student and send him/her to the Office of Student Services for a quick drop-the-course response.
It takes guts and sheer determination to learn to write content-rich, well- researched, important essays. College is not for whimps.
However, there is rich reward when students put their ego (and cell phones) into their backpacks and take out their "I'm here to learn" equipment, such as notetaking supplies, writing utensils, and completed assignments. It's surprising how interesting, engaging, and challenging college courses can be when students come prepared to be part of the process, rather than observers. Essays, in particular, can grow from a good thesis statement to an excellent examination of an important idea based on solid research and insight when that is both the expectation and the goal of the writing process.
The lamenting wail of "but I did what you told me" falls by the wayside in college, as simply doing homework is only one step in the learning process. More importantly, can you discuss the concepts/issues, both orally and in writing, and create understanding for the listener/reader? Can you demonstrate to anyone that you know that about which you are writing? discussing? thinking? Telling anyone what you know means nothing; demonstrating knowledge means everything.
Across the disciplines enrollments have plummeted as students wait for the classes to meet their needs, rather than stepping up and fulfilling the expectations of the course content. The old saw, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" has been reworked to "when the going gets tough, the student drops the class."
My goal is to hear the sweet chant of "I'm going to learn this; I'm going to do this; whatever it takes," rather than the whiney wail of "This is too hard!" College is all about quality, a commodity that is in short supply this semester.
Yes, essays. You would be amazed how many college-level compositions cannot make it past a basic 3-paragraph, 5-sentences each basic high school essay. The concept of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation providing the foundation for written communication is totally foreign to far too many college attendees. "Focus on the topic" is an overwhelming challenge because most students only know how to write about themselves and their (sometimes painfully) limited knowledge and/or experience.
Sometimes, it's a matter of personal safety for a student to recycle past successes, especially if a beloved high school teacher emotionally supported students with comments that valued their self-esteem, rather than the quality of the written communication. I am continually amazed at how many "straight A" students are attending college, especially when I read essays. Handing back a college essay with the comment "empty content" is anathema to building self-esteem; explaining that all those words in all those sentences don't add up to much more than one meaningful sentence can downright devastate a college student and send him/her to the Office of Student Services for a quick drop-the-course response.
It takes guts and sheer determination to learn to write content-rich, well- researched, important essays. College is not for whimps.
However, there is rich reward when students put their ego (and cell phones) into their backpacks and take out their "I'm here to learn" equipment, such as notetaking supplies, writing utensils, and completed assignments. It's surprising how interesting, engaging, and challenging college courses can be when students come prepared to be part of the process, rather than observers. Essays, in particular, can grow from a good thesis statement to an excellent examination of an important idea based on solid research and insight when that is both the expectation and the goal of the writing process.
The lamenting wail of "but I did what you told me" falls by the wayside in college, as simply doing homework is only one step in the learning process. More importantly, can you discuss the concepts/issues, both orally and in writing, and create understanding for the listener/reader? Can you demonstrate to anyone that you know that about which you are writing? discussing? thinking? Telling anyone what you know means nothing; demonstrating knowledge means everything.
Across the disciplines enrollments have plummeted as students wait for the classes to meet their needs, rather than stepping up and fulfilling the expectations of the course content. The old saw, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" has been reworked to "when the going gets tough, the student drops the class."
My goal is to hear the sweet chant of "I'm going to learn this; I'm going to do this; whatever it takes," rather than the whiney wail of "This is too hard!" College is all about quality, a commodity that is in short supply this semester.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
America Works!
It's totally depressing to turn on the TV and hear about how awful life is these days, especially when it doesn't seem all that bad in most areas. Sure, people who were financially irresponsible have a high price to pay for their self-destructive living choices, but far more people live within their means than live well beyond them. According to what the media reports, 90% of Americans are current on their mortgages, while only 10% have gone into foreclosure. How come we always hear it the other way around, as if the 10% dictate what the 90% are going to do?
We hear the horror stories of people who run up $50k, $100k, $250k on credit cards and we are afraid to use our cards because we don't want that to happen to us. It won't: there will always be the 10% that flaunt the rules, that live beyond their means, that run themselves so far into debt that it isn't likely they will ever pay off what they owe. These people used to go to debtor's prison and their relatives had to pay off their debts. We don't do that these days: we provide them with excuses, blame the credit card companies, and bail them out! They walk away scot free, while those of us who pay our debt are stuck paying for theirs.
And how's that working for us?
America is the sum of all its parts, and it's better than the little pieces the media uses to justify the scare tactics. We've been through tough times before, but it's the people who bring us back, who have faith in hard work and commitment to their institutions, their communities, their neighborhoods. Wall Street and financial corporations aren't going to solve the current financial situation: the people are going to do that, one mortgage payment at a time, one savings account deposit at a time, one cut-up credit card at a time.
There is no quick fix, but there is a can-do attitude that needs to start working its way to the surface to replace "the sky is falling" mentality that is affecting all of us in every facet of our lives.
What I'd like to see is one day, perhaps July 3, become a national America Works day, wherein all citizens step outside their worries and show the world that we can get the job done. We could work block-by-block in the neighborhoods to pick up, patch, and paint, putting a new, fresh face on our homes. There is no reason for anyone to live in an apartment building covered in gang graffitti because it's not up to "someone" to remove it: it's up to us.
We could go to the parks, the lakesides, the seashores, the roadways and clean them up, removing the trash and the weeds so when we leave our homes for our jobs, shopping, or pleasure, we see that America Works and maintains what it has.
We could go into the business districts and wash all the windows, clean the sidewalks, repair the cracked concrete walkways, plant flowers, bring back the feeling of pride that used to be reflected in our communities, in our hometowns.
We could send the bills for the supplies and equipment to the President for payment, showing him that America Works, if we're given a chance to do so. Rather than pouring money into financial systems that are broken, give it to the American people to make a difference where it matters to them: in their homes, in their neighborhoods, in their communities.
Stop assessing blame and start assigning success. Once we get it all cleaned up and presentable, we can keep it that way: just give us a chance to show you what we can do when America Works.
And then, on July 4, we can truly appreciate the fruits of our labors, knowing that America Works, in a celebration of our nation's great beginnings. We built this country, so we can rebuild it. We can do this, but it takes each of us believing that we can to make it happen.
Tomorrow, open a savings account: take $20 to the bank and open a savings account. Then next week, go to the bank again: take $20 and deposit it into that savings account. Do this every week for a year: invest in yourself and in our future because once you have a stake in our future, you'll work to see that there is one.
We hear the horror stories of people who run up $50k, $100k, $250k on credit cards and we are afraid to use our cards because we don't want that to happen to us. It won't: there will always be the 10% that flaunt the rules, that live beyond their means, that run themselves so far into debt that it isn't likely they will ever pay off what they owe. These people used to go to debtor's prison and their relatives had to pay off their debts. We don't do that these days: we provide them with excuses, blame the credit card companies, and bail them out! They walk away scot free, while those of us who pay our debt are stuck paying for theirs.
And how's that working for us?
America is the sum of all its parts, and it's better than the little pieces the media uses to justify the scare tactics. We've been through tough times before, but it's the people who bring us back, who have faith in hard work and commitment to their institutions, their communities, their neighborhoods. Wall Street and financial corporations aren't going to solve the current financial situation: the people are going to do that, one mortgage payment at a time, one savings account deposit at a time, one cut-up credit card at a time.
There is no quick fix, but there is a can-do attitude that needs to start working its way to the surface to replace "the sky is falling" mentality that is affecting all of us in every facet of our lives.
What I'd like to see is one day, perhaps July 3, become a national America Works day, wherein all citizens step outside their worries and show the world that we can get the job done. We could work block-by-block in the neighborhoods to pick up, patch, and paint, putting a new, fresh face on our homes. There is no reason for anyone to live in an apartment building covered in gang graffitti because it's not up to "someone" to remove it: it's up to us.
We could go to the parks, the lakesides, the seashores, the roadways and clean them up, removing the trash and the weeds so when we leave our homes for our jobs, shopping, or pleasure, we see that America Works and maintains what it has.
We could go into the business districts and wash all the windows, clean the sidewalks, repair the cracked concrete walkways, plant flowers, bring back the feeling of pride that used to be reflected in our communities, in our hometowns.
We could send the bills for the supplies and equipment to the President for payment, showing him that America Works, if we're given a chance to do so. Rather than pouring money into financial systems that are broken, give it to the American people to make a difference where it matters to them: in their homes, in their neighborhoods, in their communities.
Stop assessing blame and start assigning success. Once we get it all cleaned up and presentable, we can keep it that way: just give us a chance to show you what we can do when America Works.
And then, on July 4, we can truly appreciate the fruits of our labors, knowing that America Works, in a celebration of our nation's great beginnings. We built this country, so we can rebuild it. We can do this, but it takes each of us believing that we can to make it happen.
Tomorrow, open a savings account: take $20 to the bank and open a savings account. Then next week, go to the bank again: take $20 and deposit it into that savings account. Do this every week for a year: invest in yourself and in our future because once you have a stake in our future, you'll work to see that there is one.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Perhaps You Should Look Twice
Ahh, the sheer joy of purchasing a hardcover when a favorite author publishes a new novel. This one, Don't Look Twice, by Andrew Gross, was read from cover-to-cover before I put it down. Although Gross's big break came from co-authoring with James Patterson, I was disappointed to see that disclaimer is still on the cover of his third me-only book.
Perhaps it's 30+ years of doing my job, but I always find the misprints. Family and friends know that when I pass a book along, it will be marked. Although I am always optimistic, I cannot recall the last time I read a book without making a mark, a sure sign that our standards aren't what they used to be when it comes to publishing.
The first printing error is hanging the M at the end of one line and finishing the orales at the beginning of the next (p 104). Next, there is "A vase of hydrangeas in a vase" (p 215), which is probably some new decorating thing, putting one vase of flowers inside another vase, and who am I to criticize? Finally, and this one is so silly, if one character is going to quote another, why change fucking to lucking? "The sight of leaving him there. Broken. In tears. Why couldn't you just take the lucking job?" (p 309). The changing of the spelling makes a poignant moment humorous, which destroys the moment completely.
Of course, I could rant and rave about the consistent use of the common misspelling of all right into alright throughout the book, but that offends some of us and is not even on the radar for the majority of readers. Sure, alright is accepted, but that's only because it's so often misspelled that most people have given up ever seeing the correct spelling. Doesn't make it right; just makes it expedient.
I was going to send an email to the publisher (HarperCollins) to suggest that corrections be made before the next printing, but I couldn't find an email contact address. I also thought I'd drop a line to the author, but couldn't find him, either. The TrackAuthor feature is a long list of individuals who have personal web pages about an author, and it's by their name, not the author's name. Nothing like a whole lot of useless information to deter actual contact with companies.
So, HarperCollins Publishing and/or Andrew Gross, there are a few printing errors that could be corrected before you republish Don't Look Twice. The chorus of so what? who cares? is ringing in my ears.
Perhaps it's 30+ years of doing my job, but I always find the misprints. Family and friends know that when I pass a book along, it will be marked. Although I am always optimistic, I cannot recall the last time I read a book without making a mark, a sure sign that our standards aren't what they used to be when it comes to publishing.
The first printing error is hanging the M at the end of one line and finishing the orales at the beginning of the next (p 104). Next, there is "A vase of hydrangeas in a vase" (p 215), which is probably some new decorating thing, putting one vase of flowers inside another vase, and who am I to criticize? Finally, and this one is so silly, if one character is going to quote another, why change fucking to lucking? "The sight of leaving him there. Broken. In tears. Why couldn't you just take the lucking job?" (p 309). The changing of the spelling makes a poignant moment humorous, which destroys the moment completely.
Of course, I could rant and rave about the consistent use of the common misspelling of all right into alright throughout the book, but that offends some of us and is not even on the radar for the majority of readers. Sure, alright is accepted, but that's only because it's so often misspelled that most people have given up ever seeing the correct spelling. Doesn't make it right; just makes it expedient.
I was going to send an email to the publisher (HarperCollins) to suggest that corrections be made before the next printing, but I couldn't find an email contact address. I also thought I'd drop a line to the author, but couldn't find him, either. The TrackAuthor feature is a long list of individuals who have personal web pages about an author, and it's by their name, not the author's name. Nothing like a whole lot of useless information to deter actual contact with companies.
So, HarperCollins Publishing and/or Andrew Gross, there are a few printing errors that could be corrected before you republish Don't Look Twice. The chorus of so what? who cares? is ringing in my ears.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Don't Wanna .. Wah, wah, wah
Ever have one of those days when you just don't wanna? It doesn't matter what, you don't wanna to do, go, talk, whatever.
That's my today. Part of it is the wind, which has been blowing forever. The way the house sits, it's between two fairly large mountains that form a funnel coming from the west and there's nothing to stop the wind all the way to Texas. Once the on-shore/off- shore whatever way the prevailing wind is blowing starts, it just will not stop!
Give me some rain and I'm happy; I put up with the sun, but have to avoid the summer desert sun as it burns me within a few minutes. I'm not really thrilled with clouds unless it's wintery out as clouds + humidity = yuck. But keep the damned wind away from me!
I HATE THE WIND.
I just paid a lot of money to have both windshields replaced, which should be an annual event for desert-dwellers but, because my deductible is $500, that's exactly what it costs out-of-pocket to replace the glass, which I can only afford every other year. Already both windshields are pitted from blowing sand, the truck worse than the car because that's what I drive to work three times a week.
And forget cleaning when it's windy: I can't clean often enough to keep the dirt outside, especially with Mia going in and out. Grady's spending two days a week with us, and he brings in his fair share of the desert, too. If I close off the doggy door, I simply have to get up and down several times an hour because if it's open, they stay inside, but if I close it -- they want to go outside again, and again, and again.
Yeah, I have a class tonight, but I'm just not that into it today. The students are working on development of position papers in pairs, one on each side of an issue, which they will then use to write the solution paper, so they are busier than I am right now. Tonight, we'll take a look at the drafts and see if they have the gist of the assignment before writing the final drafts. I've already heard via email that several of them changed their issues, which is not an option I presented.
Usually, it's all about them; today, I'd like it to be all about me.
That's my today. Part of it is the wind, which has been blowing forever. The way the house sits, it's between two fairly large mountains that form a funnel coming from the west and there's nothing to stop the wind all the way to Texas. Once the on-shore/off- shore whatever way the prevailing wind is blowing starts, it just will not stop!
Give me some rain and I'm happy; I put up with the sun, but have to avoid the summer desert sun as it burns me within a few minutes. I'm not really thrilled with clouds unless it's wintery out as clouds + humidity = yuck. But keep the damned wind away from me!
I HATE THE WIND.
I just paid a lot of money to have both windshields replaced, which should be an annual event for desert-dwellers but, because my deductible is $500, that's exactly what it costs out-of-pocket to replace the glass, which I can only afford every other year. Already both windshields are pitted from blowing sand, the truck worse than the car because that's what I drive to work three times a week.
And forget cleaning when it's windy: I can't clean often enough to keep the dirt outside, especially with Mia going in and out. Grady's spending two days a week with us, and he brings in his fair share of the desert, too. If I close off the doggy door, I simply have to get up and down several times an hour because if it's open, they stay inside, but if I close it -- they want to go outside again, and again, and again.
Yeah, I have a class tonight, but I'm just not that into it today. The students are working on development of position papers in pairs, one on each side of an issue, which they will then use to write the solution paper, so they are busier than I am right now. Tonight, we'll take a look at the drafts and see if they have the gist of the assignment before writing the final drafts. I've already heard via email that several of them changed their issues, which is not an option I presented.
Usually, it's all about them; today, I'd like it to be all about me.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Reader's Discretion Advised
Wow, never thought I'd say this, but ... whether it's Josh Turner's sexy, deep basso profundo assuring me that there's "No Rush" or singing "Your Man," I'm kinda horny for the first time in a R-E-A-L-L-Y long time!
I could sit for hours and listen to Josh Turner sing just about anything, but when he growls that "there's no rush, no rush ... we've got forever baby," I realize that I don't have forever anymore: I have right now, but who knows about a little bit later?
If you've never listened to "Your Man," you have no idea what you are missing! A glass of wine, the lights down low, and Josh singing that he's "been thinkin' 'bout this all day long" ... and the mood is just there.
Yeah, that mood.
Sigh.
I could sit for hours and listen to Josh Turner sing just about anything, but when he growls that "there's no rush, no rush ... we've got forever baby," I realize that I don't have forever anymore: I have right now, but who knows about a little bit later?
If you've never listened to "Your Man," you have no idea what you are missing! A glass of wine, the lights down low, and Josh singing that he's "been thinkin' 'bout this all day long" ... and the mood is just there.
Yeah, that mood.
Sigh.
Friday, March 6, 2009
R U F-ing KIDDING ME?
I drove to K-Mart down the street to pick up a couple of items and parked outside the door to the "GardenShop." I and a male customer headed for the door at the same time, only to find it locked, which happens a whole lot more often than it should.
At the main entrance at the other end of the parking lot, I encountered the first of three official employees in their K-Mart shirts, ID tags prominently displayed. To each I asked the same question: why don't you put a closed sign on the locked door directing customers to the main entrance?
All three of them gave me the same answer: because we can't.
To each of the three I gave the same reply: give me a piece of card stock, a black marker, and some adhesive tape. I'll take care of the problem for you.
Each of the three sort of chuckled and walked away. So did I: there are too many stores for me to spend my budget in a store that cannot even indicate when one of only two entrances to the store is locked.
Unemployment is what? 10%? I could double that figure just with the totally incompetent people I encounter during my once-weekly shopping day!
At the main entrance at the other end of the parking lot, I encountered the first of three official employees in their K-Mart shirts, ID tags prominently displayed. To each I asked the same question: why don't you put a closed sign on the locked door directing customers to the main entrance?
All three of them gave me the same answer: because we can't.
To each of the three I gave the same reply: give me a piece of card stock, a black marker, and some adhesive tape. I'll take care of the problem for you.
Each of the three sort of chuckled and walked away. So did I: there are too many stores for me to spend my budget in a store that cannot even indicate when one of only two entrances to the store is locked.
Unemployment is what? 10%? I could double that figure just with the totally incompetent people I encounter during my once-weekly shopping day!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
EMTs
One of my favorite students started coming toward me, and he didn't look ... right. He could barely walk, listing to the side, his arm hanging, drool was spilling over his lips and his eyes had a vacant look I've seen before: he was having a stroke. He tried to talk as he fell to the ground, but was almost incomprehensible. He did say, "I don't feel so good."
I called 9-1-1, explained that I had a medical emergency, described the symptoms, and provided directions to the classroom. The student directed me to call someone on his cell phone, which I did, trying to tell them that there was a medical emergency without totally freaking them out in the process.
Long story short, I ended class and everyone else went happily on their early way home. The student was transported, with his family members worriedly following behind the ambulance. The student had a stroke last Fall, when he was also one of my students, but that event happened at home, not in my classroom.
I usually take these kinds of things in stride, but after calling 9-1-1 last week for a female student who was not doing so well (it was diagnosed as a panic attack and she returned to finish the class), I'm beginning to feel just a tiny bit unnerved! Honest, I'm not that hard on students. Really. It's just coincidence!
I called 9-1-1, explained that I had a medical emergency, described the symptoms, and provided directions to the classroom. The student directed me to call someone on his cell phone, which I did, trying to tell them that there was a medical emergency without totally freaking them out in the process.
Long story short, I ended class and everyone else went happily on their early way home. The student was transported, with his family members worriedly following behind the ambulance. The student had a stroke last Fall, when he was also one of my students, but that event happened at home, not in my classroom.
I usually take these kinds of things in stride, but after calling 9-1-1 last week for a female student who was not doing so well (it was diagnosed as a panic attack and she returned to finish the class), I'm beginning to feel just a tiny bit unnerved! Honest, I'm not that hard on students. Really. It's just coincidence!
Diversion
It isn't working for the Dems/President to attack the Republicans, especially Rush Limbaugh, who simply ignores the rules of polite politics while dragging his own drummer along for the ride, so society needs something else to divert the focus from the economic stimulus that isn't and the debate about whether approximately 8000 "personal pet projects" in the bill are -- or are not -- earmarks. The Dems say "we make the spending decisions," while the Repubs flail about and try to get anyone to look past the public persona of the first African-American President of the United States of America and DO SOMETHING to stop this runaway spending train.
What better way to create a diversion than to recreate the war between the sexes with the vicious debate about whether Jason was just being a guy (he's just not that into her) or the girls are making way too much out of this whole breaking up in public thing.
I'm going to weigh in on the side of the guys: I do not want a man who does not want me. That's a deal-breaker for me, and I'd rather know that before I start making the happily-ever-after plans. I don't care why he doesn't want a relationship with me; the fact that he doesn't is enough information.
Okay, so I know that attitude doesn't play to the media, which likes to stir the pot until it boils dry, but I'd also take out the 8000 pieces of pork from the stimulus package so the people know that we are taking this situation seriously and really looking at OTHER ways to get the economy moving again. We've thrown enough money at the problem to know that isn't working, so let's think outside the box and dare to be different. Heck, let's send every American citizen/taxpayer a check for $5000 and let 'em spend it however they want: it makes about as much sense as what's being enacted.
As for Jason and Molly, enjoy it while you can because once the drama fades into the future, you're going to be stuck with each other. Jason's wandering eye may light on another beautiful flower, and he'll have to try her nectar too, but I'm sure he'll be quite contrite as he explains to Molly that he has feelings for another woman, he's a total shit for hurting her, and she really deserves better. I'm not sure he can pull off a TV event for breaking her heart, but she'll get the message.
Yeah, she thinks that this is what she wants, so let her have him. Live and learn.
What better way to create a diversion than to recreate the war between the sexes with the vicious debate about whether Jason was just being a guy (he's just not that into her) or the girls are making way too much out of this whole breaking up in public thing.
I'm going to weigh in on the side of the guys: I do not want a man who does not want me. That's a deal-breaker for me, and I'd rather know that before I start making the happily-ever-after plans. I don't care why he doesn't want a relationship with me; the fact that he doesn't is enough information.
Okay, so I know that attitude doesn't play to the media, which likes to stir the pot until it boils dry, but I'd also take out the 8000 pieces of pork from the stimulus package so the people know that we are taking this situation seriously and really looking at OTHER ways to get the economy moving again. We've thrown enough money at the problem to know that isn't working, so let's think outside the box and dare to be different. Heck, let's send every American citizen/taxpayer a check for $5000 and let 'em spend it however they want: it makes about as much sense as what's being enacted.
As for Jason and Molly, enjoy it while you can because once the drama fades into the future, you're going to be stuck with each other. Jason's wandering eye may light on another beautiful flower, and he'll have to try her nectar too, but I'm sure he'll be quite contrite as he explains to Molly that he has feelings for another woman, he's a total shit for hurting her, and she really deserves better. I'm not sure he can pull off a TV event for breaking her heart, but she'll get the message.
Yeah, she thinks that this is what she wants, so let her have him. Live and learn.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Who Knew?
It's hard to decide what earth-shaking event is more noteworthy: Jason, the Bachelor, walked away from his first true love when he realized that his second true love is really his first true love! Wow. The courage it takes to be real on a reality show, especially with the audience sitting right there and witnessing history in the making.
And, almost as important as Jason's completely inexplicable actions in an historical ending to the 8th season of The Bachelor, today is Square Root Day: you know 03 03 09.
Totally, completely surreal. Mindbloggling. Amazing. Just when I had finally stepped away from the financial crisis, along come more numbers to weigh me down, push the depression button -- oops, that's right! We aren't using that word.
Sorry.
I can only hope that life will continue for Jason, for Missy/Molly, and for the mathies who have finally been able to publicly shout out to the world that YES, the lessons on square roots do apply in real life: we just had to wait for it, wait for it, wait for it.
And, almost as important as Jason's completely inexplicable actions in an historical ending to the 8th season of The Bachelor, today is Square Root Day: you know 03 03 09.
Totally, completely surreal. Mindbloggling. Amazing. Just when I had finally stepped away from the financial crisis, along come more numbers to weigh me down, push the depression button -- oops, that's right! We aren't using that word.
Sorry.
I can only hope that life will continue for Jason, for Missy/Molly, and for the mathies who have finally been able to publicly shout out to the world that YES, the lessons on square roots do apply in real life: we just had to wait for it, wait for it, wait for it.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
An Eco-Friendly Economy
Have you noticed that the economy has lost its luster since the buzzword "robust" has fallen out of use? It's bad that the economy is fluctuating and failing, but it's worse that it's no longer robust. Robust is such a ... robust ... word for a society that insists that what we name something is what it is.
Take "Benifer," for example, a totally robust coupling until it wasn't, but when the "Ben" part moved on to graze in other pastures, his choices were limited in that the combining had to be perfect for the gossip shows and headlines. Thank God he was able to find another "ifer" to complete his life, although I noticed that "Benifer" wasn't as totally cute the second time around. The first "ifer" morphed into J-Lo, but when she hooked up with Marc, they nixed being either "Marco" or "Marlo," so some of the fun is missing from messing with them.
We've discovered that neither "recession" nor "depression" work as those terms have been around too long and aren't catchy enough; besides, those terms scare the shit out of people who know what they mean and that can't be good for the economy. I've toyed with some popular terms, "recyle," "repurpose" and "reposition," and I think that sending up the "repurposing our economy" flag may draw a few salutes because it is sort of positive, but nothing to match the robustness of a "robust economy."
And, since this President's platform is change we can believe in, "recycling the economy" simply won't do at all.
I kinda like "instant economy," based on the Pelosi model of fix it NOW or never. A cute play on a popular movie could be "Millionaire Slumdog Economy," putting the burden of getting us out of this mess on the backs of the upper crust of taxpayers, who will soon find out what it's like to live like the folks in Middle [income tax bracket] America. I tried to make "eco-nomics" work, but that's too confusing because that's like "economics," instead of like "eco," as in "eco-friendly economics."
Wow. Wait a minute; wait a minute. This may be it, the naming of the new economy: "eco-friendly." Yeah, it works for the green aspect, so we could talk about our "economic footprint," and that's totally hot, right? And by saying it's "eco-friendly," it's not so scary, so people won't like totally freak out. And I can see the public service ads: Today's economy is eco-friendly: what has your economy done to support you today?
This is totally going to work. It's not quite as robust as "robust," but I think it's going to hook the younger crowd. I mean, we can like do designer T-shirts and have all the stars like wear them, we can create an "eco-friendly" attitude so it's cool to use food stamps at the organic grocery store, wear thrift store chic, start climbing the corporate ladder at the unemployment office, you know -- the whole package. We can stimulate the economy by pushing a new "Unlimited Charge Card" concept, based on the bail-out model, so the consumers access the billions thrown at the failing businesses but don't have to worry about paying off the balance every month. It'll be eco-friendly to buy big, buy American, buy on credit again.
We'll turn this economy thing around with a new attitude that focuses on "Just Say Charge It" in the new eco-friendly economy. We'll get the money out of the savings accounts and into the marketplace. We'll relieve the world's anxiety by a conspicuous display of conspicuous American consumption, and all the money markets will know that America is back and stronger than ever. What a jump-start for Far East manufacturing and technology, as well as the stock markets.
And picture the Kennedy touch, the huge billboard in Times Square, with a picture of President Obama and the totally tomorrow take on the past: "Ask not what you can do for the economy, but what the economy can do for you!"
I can so market this idea. This is not only a smoking hot deal-maker, but it's also a career opportunity! This will work so I don't have to.
Take "Benifer," for example, a totally robust coupling until it wasn't, but when the "Ben" part moved on to graze in other pastures, his choices were limited in that the combining had to be perfect for the gossip shows and headlines. Thank God he was able to find another "ifer" to complete his life, although I noticed that "Benifer" wasn't as totally cute the second time around. The first "ifer" morphed into J-Lo, but when she hooked up with Marc, they nixed being either "Marco" or "Marlo," so some of the fun is missing from messing with them.
We've discovered that neither "recession" nor "depression" work as those terms have been around too long and aren't catchy enough; besides, those terms scare the shit out of people who know what they mean and that can't be good for the economy. I've toyed with some popular terms, "recyle," "repurpose" and "reposition," and I think that sending up the "repurposing our economy" flag may draw a few salutes because it is sort of positive, but nothing to match the robustness of a "robust economy."
And, since this President's platform is change we can believe in, "recycling the economy" simply won't do at all.
I kinda like "instant economy," based on the Pelosi model of fix it NOW or never. A cute play on a popular movie could be "Millionaire Slumdog Economy," putting the burden of getting us out of this mess on the backs of the upper crust of taxpayers, who will soon find out what it's like to live like the folks in Middle [income tax bracket] America. I tried to make "eco-nomics" work, but that's too confusing because that's like "economics," instead of like "eco," as in "eco-friendly economics."
Wow. Wait a minute; wait a minute. This may be it, the naming of the new economy: "eco-friendly." Yeah, it works for the green aspect, so we could talk about our "economic footprint," and that's totally hot, right? And by saying it's "eco-friendly," it's not so scary, so people won't like totally freak out. And I can see the public service ads: Today's economy is eco-friendly: what has your economy done to support you today?
This is totally going to work. It's not quite as robust as "robust," but I think it's going to hook the younger crowd. I mean, we can like do designer T-shirts and have all the stars like wear them, we can create an "eco-friendly" attitude so it's cool to use food stamps at the organic grocery store, wear thrift store chic, start climbing the corporate ladder at the unemployment office, you know -- the whole package. We can stimulate the economy by pushing a new "Unlimited Charge Card" concept, based on the bail-out model, so the consumers access the billions thrown at the failing businesses but don't have to worry about paying off the balance every month. It'll be eco-friendly to buy big, buy American, buy on credit again.
We'll turn this economy thing around with a new attitude that focuses on "Just Say Charge It" in the new eco-friendly economy. We'll get the money out of the savings accounts and into the marketplace. We'll relieve the world's anxiety by a conspicuous display of conspicuous American consumption, and all the money markets will know that America is back and stronger than ever. What a jump-start for Far East manufacturing and technology, as well as the stock markets.
And picture the Kennedy touch, the huge billboard in Times Square, with a picture of President Obama and the totally tomorrow take on the past: "Ask not what you can do for the economy, but what the economy can do for you!"
I can so market this idea. This is not only a smoking hot deal-maker, but it's also a career opportunity! This will work so I don't have to.
Monday, March 2, 2009
And While I'm At It,
I remember why I prefer long hair: the upkeep is so much easier! I don't like the hair standing on end thing when I wake up, nor the top flop as the day goes on and the curl falls out, nor the choppy look of the endless layers.
I knew going into the haircut that I would not like it, but the alternative wasn't working either, so what are you gonna do? I'll grow this out a bit and reshape it before giving up on short hair altogether, but I can tell you that I knew I didn't want short hair when I cut it, and I haven't changed my mind since.
I knew going into the haircut that I would not like it, but the alternative wasn't working either, so what are you gonna do? I'll grow this out a bit and reshape it before giving up on short hair altogether, but I can tell you that I knew I didn't want short hair when I cut it, and I haven't changed my mind since.
Dog Tired
Don't get me wrong: I love my dog. However, right now I don't much like her.
Mia has an annoying trait (perhaps common to dogs) that as soon as I put in the panel lock for the doggie door and then fall asleep, she wants to go back outside. There are bells on the slider where the doggie door is, so she rings the bells to let me know she wants out. I go back to bed because her stays outside can be minutes or hours, depending on whatever it depends upon for a dog. When I hear her come back inside, I get up again and secure the doggie door.
Some nights, such as last night, it's a constant in 'n out! Finally, about 3:30 am, I gave up and stayed awake as it was just easier. The problem with that solution is that once I was really awake and in no danger of going back to sleep, Mia flopped onto her bed and fell asleep quite soundly, requiring no more trips outside. Of course, I have a class tonight that goes from 6-9 pm, so if I don't find time to take a short nap, I'll never make it through my very long day.
And to think I found raising children a challenge.
Mia has an annoying trait (perhaps common to dogs) that as soon as I put in the panel lock for the doggie door and then fall asleep, she wants to go back outside. There are bells on the slider where the doggie door is, so she rings the bells to let me know she wants out. I go back to bed because her stays outside can be minutes or hours, depending on whatever it depends upon for a dog. When I hear her come back inside, I get up again and secure the doggie door.
Some nights, such as last night, it's a constant in 'n out! Finally, about 3:30 am, I gave up and stayed awake as it was just easier. The problem with that solution is that once I was really awake and in no danger of going back to sleep, Mia flopped onto her bed and fell asleep quite soundly, requiring no more trips outside. Of course, I have a class tonight that goes from 6-9 pm, so if I don't find time to take a short nap, I'll never make it through my very long day.
And to think I found raising children a challenge.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
OPA!
This weekend is the annual Greek Festival at the desert's Greek Orthodox Church. There is no parking available to accommodate the thousands and thousands of people who attend the festival (estimates this year 10K over the two-day event), and the event has pretty much outgrown the church parking lot where it's set up. Thus, for several blocks surrounding the church cars are parked wherever they want, including bumper to bumper, which means no one can leave until everyone leaves.
There we were, belly to buttocks in a line down the sidewalk, weaving our way past the $2 admittance chute and into the food line -- because that's why the people are there: the food. Around the perimeter are booths featuring far too many "made in China" pieces of jewelry that no one buys because it has nothing to do with Greece. One booth has OPA aprons, but at $15 each, a canvas apron from the local crafts shop stamped with the word "opa" seems a bit pricey, even if it does come in Mediterranean blue with white stamping. There are lots of tables and chairs, some of which have shade umbrellas, and with today's event sweltering under temps in the low 90's, if you weren't in shade, you were burning your winter-white skin.
I had a dessert, something custardy in philo pastry drizzled with honey, and a gyro, both of which were delicious. My friend and I walked the booth-lined perimeter, but saw nothing we could not live without. Ralph Waite, a local resident, was there and boy, does he look O-L-D! He wasn't doing anything: he was just there. A band played Greek music and some guests did the Greek line dances, and then we finished our food and left.
That's it: dessert in the desert, Greek style.
There we were, belly to buttocks in a line down the sidewalk, weaving our way past the $2 admittance chute and into the food line -- because that's why the people are there: the food. Around the perimeter are booths featuring far too many "made in China" pieces of jewelry that no one buys because it has nothing to do with Greece. One booth has OPA aprons, but at $15 each, a canvas apron from the local crafts shop stamped with the word "opa" seems a bit pricey, even if it does come in Mediterranean blue with white stamping. There are lots of tables and chairs, some of which have shade umbrellas, and with today's event sweltering under temps in the low 90's, if you weren't in shade, you were burning your winter-white skin.
I had a dessert, something custardy in philo pastry drizzled with honey, and a gyro, both of which were delicious. My friend and I walked the booth-lined perimeter, but saw nothing we could not live without. Ralph Waite, a local resident, was there and boy, does he look O-L-D! He wasn't doing anything: he was just there. A band played Greek music and some guests did the Greek line dances, and then we finished our food and left.
That's it: dessert in the desert, Greek style.
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