The Naughty List
I remember when I was a kid that Santa's poor list management skill was enough to shake my faith in Christmas. Us kids, we all knew who was naughty and who was nice. We knew who should get the presents and who should get the sticks and lumps of coal. But Santa seemed to be so easily duped. In fact, the naughtier kids always seemed to get the best stuff. And boast the most.
Our parents would chide us about being nice and not naughty so that Santa would bring us presents. But when we got back to school after Christmas everyone seemed to have made the nice list, no matter how bad. In fact, it seemed the already overindulged spoiled brats and bullies got rewarded best!
It sends a message...
Hence another of our societal disparities. We say that Santa knows who's naughty or nice and will only reward the nice kids. Then, in action he rewards naughty as well...
Christmas Discipline...
My Mom complains that my Dad is the hardest person to get Christmas gifts for. When asked to give suggestions or put up a Christmas gift hint list, my Dad responds with a very short list of things like "A healthy family" or "Peace on Earth". Very much in the spirit of Christmas, but not exactly helpful for the commercial adventure that Christmas has become.
But in reality my Mom is much harder to get gifts for. You see, my Mom practices one of the Christmas cardinal sins. She is notorious for buying things for herself while Christmas shopping. Especially if it is "a bargain". Anything that might be a candidate for her Christmas list gets bought... If we find a good Christmas gift for Mom, there is always the risk that she already has it. We can't even hint about something or she'll go looking. So gifts for Mom are tough.
I've been told I'm tough to get gifts for too. I don't fully understand it since I can always come up with lots of ideas for what to get for myself. But I'll admit that some of the items on my Christmas list may seem a bit steep with things like the 427 AC Cobra and M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. But at least I've resisted the alluring urge to get something I want during holiday sales and will instead put it on my list.
There is a simple unwritten rule about discretionary purchases around Christmas if you expect any gifts at all. It is: wait until after Christmas. If you don't need it before Christmas and don't get it for Christmas then you can always get it after Christmas if you must. I know this can be a real trial for the "deferred self-gratification" challenged.
Normally my dear wife adheres to the rule, but this year she committed the sin. She wanted an iPod for Christmas. She put it on her list. The 2nd generation ones are pretty amazing. I had my Apple employee connection all set and was figuring out which one to get when my wife told me she saw them on sale and was going to go get one for herself. Hints that she shouldn't be getting things from her Christmas hint list for herself just before Christmas only resulted in her changing her list. Two weeks before Christmas. Grrr. So nix on the iPod and on to plan B ... stick and coal?
Hmmm, maybe I shouldn't wait on that 427 AC Cobra...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope all the USA'ers reading this had a Happy Thanksgiving. As we all know it is a time to give thanks for what we have. Health, relations, comforts, good living. I doubt my petition to rename it to Thanksgotten will make it far. But I hope you have all gotten lots to be thankful for in the past years.
Finally, a Hybrid Commuter
I actually saw a hybrid car with the HOV access stickers in the commuter lane with more than one person in it. A first for me! I figured the hybrid access thing was a political ploy (still do). I've never seen one in the commuter lane with more than one person before.
Click here to find the government MPG ratings for your car(s).
Holiday Gift Ideas
I ran across 2 gift ideas that are true winners for that hard to buy for person. Guaranteed surprises that will get noticed...
The first is the High Definition DVD video of hours of logs burning in the fireplace. Yes, it is now available in HD! If someone doles out the couple grand for the HD player and TV, then it might as well double as a fireplace. And from what I hear the HD setups put out enough heat that some people might even be fooled.
The second and I'm not making this up, is a toilet paper holder that mounts on the wall in your bathroom. What makes this one unique is that it has a built in docking station for your iPod. They didn't actually have one set up and playing at the store, so I don't know how good the sound is, but how can any audiophile resist. Just think of the accompaniments!
The amazing thing to me is thinking how many of these will actually get bought. Ah, the motivation of holiday shopping desperation. Have you run across any wonderful goodies out there?
I hope all the USA'ers reading this had a Happy Thanksgiving. As we all know it is a time to give thanks for what we have. Health, relations, comforts, good living. I doubt my petition to rename it to Thanksgotten will make it far. But I hope you have all gotten lots to be thankful for in the past years.
Finally, a Hybrid Commuter
I actually saw a hybrid car with the HOV access stickers in the commuter lane with more than one person in it. A first for me! I figured the hybrid access thing was a political ploy (still do). I've never seen one in the commuter lane with more than one person before.
Click here to find the government MPG ratings for your car(s).
Holiday Gift Ideas
I ran across 2 gift ideas that are true winners for that hard to buy for person. Guaranteed surprises that will get noticed...
The first is the High Definition DVD video of hours of logs burning in the fireplace. Yes, it is now available in HD! If someone doles out the couple grand for the HD player and TV, then it might as well double as a fireplace. And from what I hear the HD setups put out enough heat that some people might even be fooled.
The second and I'm not making this up, is a toilet paper holder that mounts on the wall in your bathroom. What makes this one unique is that it has a built in docking station for your iPod. They didn't actually have one set up and playing at the store, so I don't know how good the sound is, but how can any audiophile resist. Just think of the accompaniments!
The amazing thing to me is thinking how many of these will actually get bought. Ah, the motivation of holiday shopping desperation. Have you run across any wonderful goodies out there?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Red Lights Taunt Me So
They do! Those red traffic lights taunt me! I am frequently faced with a moral dilemma. After all, which is smarter? The traffic light or me? But it is not good to entertain such thoughts.
You see, it wasn't always so. There was a time when I was well conditioned not to question the authority of the light. Admittedly, It wasn't the safest conditioning. I subscribed, as many people do, to the interpretation so aptly voiced by Jeff Bridges in the movie Starman. After gunning it through a light, Bridges who plays an alien who learns to drive by observing others says "Red means stop; green means go; and yellow means go very, very fast!"
What pushed me over the edge was ... "the malicious light from hell". Long ago, between my house and the apartment my fiance lived at was a light that would default to red in the direction I had to take. Even with no other traffic in sight in any direction it would be red until I had fully stopped and waited for it to cycle. But that's not the worst of it. I had a 4X4 pickup truck with alloy wheels and good ground clearance. When I stopped at that light in that truck it would ignore me. I tried moving the truck over different areas where I thought the vehicle sensors were. Other cars had no problem. But to shorten the story, one night after sitting for over 10 minutes with no traffic I decided the red light was malicious and with nobody around to see drove through.
So now I question the authority of the light. Not as one of those scoff-laws who barely brakes as they make a right turn through their red light. I still believe in the purpose of the light to safely regulate traffic and can spare some patience in spite of their ineptness. The problem is that I know I'm smarter and more observant than the lights are! And so they taunt me...
They do! Those red traffic lights taunt me! I am frequently faced with a moral dilemma. After all, which is smarter? The traffic light or me? But it is not good to entertain such thoughts.
You see, it wasn't always so. There was a time when I was well conditioned not to question the authority of the light. Admittedly, It wasn't the safest conditioning. I subscribed, as many people do, to the interpretation so aptly voiced by Jeff Bridges in the movie Starman. After gunning it through a light, Bridges who plays an alien who learns to drive by observing others says "Red means stop; green means go; and yellow means go very, very fast!"
What pushed me over the edge was ... "the malicious light from hell". Long ago, between my house and the apartment my fiance lived at was a light that would default to red in the direction I had to take. Even with no other traffic in sight in any direction it would be red until I had fully stopped and waited for it to cycle. But that's not the worst of it. I had a 4X4 pickup truck with alloy wheels and good ground clearance. When I stopped at that light in that truck it would ignore me. I tried moving the truck over different areas where I thought the vehicle sensors were. Other cars had no problem. But to shorten the story, one night after sitting for over 10 minutes with no traffic I decided the red light was malicious and with nobody around to see drove through.
So now I question the authority of the light. Not as one of those scoff-laws who barely brakes as they make a right turn through their red light. I still believe in the purpose of the light to safely regulate traffic and can spare some patience in spite of their ineptness. The problem is that I know I'm smarter and more observant than the lights are! And so they taunt me...
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A Kinder and Gentler Neighbor
Following the example of our great President, George W. Bush, I have decided that I need to be a "kinder and gentler neighbor". Similar to the "kinder and gentler nation" his father's Whitehouse Bio advocated. His fine examples make good sense to me. His actions make sense too. Peace through superior firepower and pre-emptive security actions.
My neighbors are terrorists, I know it. There are all the tell-tale signs. They are secretive and rarely participate in neighborhood functions. We must stop them before they carry out the acts they are secretly plotting against us. I know that they have stashes of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Sure, they may call them pest control and cleaning chemicals, but we all know that they are just hiding these dangerous WMDs before using them on us. I also have it on good authority that they have aluminum and other materials commonly used in the construction of nuclear bombs, missiles and other assault weapons. They must be stopped before it is too late.
So, are you with me in fighting terrorism? Or against me! We would be heroes to our country! I am sure we will find at least as many WMDs at my neighbors house as we did in Iraq. It is our moral imperative to rescue my neighbors from their dire situation, right?
But they are neighbors and we do abhor violence. So we must first act in good faith. But with firm resolve. First we will inform them that they have a limited amount of time to turn over all of their WMDs and their plans for deployment. If they deny them or are unwilling to turn them over, then in the name of stopping terrorists everywhere we must invade, imprison them and restore peace to their household. I would say two dozen combat troops and an air strike or two would be enough to remove this continuing threat!
Only then can we have true peace!
Following the example of our great President, George W. Bush, I have decided that I need to be a "kinder and gentler neighbor". Similar to the "kinder and gentler nation" his father's Whitehouse Bio advocated. His fine examples make good sense to me. His actions make sense too. Peace through superior firepower and pre-emptive security actions.
My neighbors are terrorists, I know it. There are all the tell-tale signs. They are secretive and rarely participate in neighborhood functions. We must stop them before they carry out the acts they are secretly plotting against us. I know that they have stashes of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Sure, they may call them pest control and cleaning chemicals, but we all know that they are just hiding these dangerous WMDs before using them on us. I also have it on good authority that they have aluminum and other materials commonly used in the construction of nuclear bombs, missiles and other assault weapons. They must be stopped before it is too late.
So, are you with me in fighting terrorism? Or against me! We would be heroes to our country! I am sure we will find at least as many WMDs at my neighbors house as we did in Iraq. It is our moral imperative to rescue my neighbors from their dire situation, right?
But they are neighbors and we do abhor violence. So we must first act in good faith. But with firm resolve. First we will inform them that they have a limited amount of time to turn over all of their WMDs and their plans for deployment. If they deny them or are unwilling to turn them over, then in the name of stopping terrorists everywhere we must invade, imprison them and restore peace to their household. I would say two dozen combat troops and an air strike or two would be enough to remove this continuing threat!
Only then can we have true peace!
Monday, August 28, 2006
What Would You Do ... Part 2
Okay, if you haven't read the previous blog, please do.
That poor kitten crouched in the middle of the expressway. It didn't have the best of fortunes to be there, but it did have some luck. Every vehicle that passed over it straddled it and had enough clearance to miss it. Other vehicles were going around it. But it was clear it was burning through those 9 lives quickly.
Three things went quickly through my mind. First, since the kitten was staying in one place my guess was that it had been hit. Second, with dozens of other vehicles around I figured that some cat lover would stop for it. Third, I remembered all of the stories of the many people who get hit each year trying to corral or help animals on the road.
So again, what would you do? Rescue the kitten which was probably hurt? Let nature take its course? Hope somebody else would do it?
By that point I was pretty well committed to making my right turn and the shoulder wasn't suitable for pulling over, so I made the turn. I figured that somebody would stop, but I also figured that they might need a hand. I knew that I could use one if I stopped ... so when it was safely convenient I made a u-turn and headed back. From the left turn lane to get back on the expressway I could see that the kitten was still there. Nobody had stopped and the next bunch of cars were on the way. Again, that kitten was lucky that nobody hit it. It stayed where it was. There were cars that changed lanes to avoid it, but nobody stopped. With nobody behind me I turned onto the expressway, which had a good sized dirt median. When I got up to the kitten in the opposite lanes I pulled onto the median. I saw that the kitten was in a crouch there and watching me. It had been hit and I could see its tail was in bad shape. Again, what to do...? At that point there was no traffic coming towards the kitten, so I got out, popped the trunk and grabbed a blanket. I figured the blanket could either go under the kitten, if it was willing or over it if it wasn't. Still no traffic ... I started towards the kitten and when I was about 6 feet from it, it took off. Across the median strip and the other 3 lanes and into the shrubbery on that side of the road. Thankfully there was no traffic in those lanes at the time. It ran quickly, but somewhat sideways so my guess is one of the hind legs was broken too. I retreated to my car on the median. When all was clear I drove to the shoulder, got out, and searched the area where the cat had disappeared. I could not find the kitten. I can only hope it hadn't used up all its luck and found its way to rescue...
I guess what stands out the most for me in this experience is the almost surreal events and that while many people saw the kitten nobody else stopped to help. Food for thought at the HotBlog stand...
Okay, if you haven't read the previous blog, please do.
That poor kitten crouched in the middle of the expressway. It didn't have the best of fortunes to be there, but it did have some luck. Every vehicle that passed over it straddled it and had enough clearance to miss it. Other vehicles were going around it. But it was clear it was burning through those 9 lives quickly.
Three things went quickly through my mind. First, since the kitten was staying in one place my guess was that it had been hit. Second, with dozens of other vehicles around I figured that some cat lover would stop for it. Third, I remembered all of the stories of the many people who get hit each year trying to corral or help animals on the road.
So again, what would you do? Rescue the kitten which was probably hurt? Let nature take its course? Hope somebody else would do it?
By that point I was pretty well committed to making my right turn and the shoulder wasn't suitable for pulling over, so I made the turn. I figured that somebody would stop, but I also figured that they might need a hand. I knew that I could use one if I stopped ... so when it was safely convenient I made a u-turn and headed back. From the left turn lane to get back on the expressway I could see that the kitten was still there. Nobody had stopped and the next bunch of cars were on the way. Again, that kitten was lucky that nobody hit it. It stayed where it was. There were cars that changed lanes to avoid it, but nobody stopped. With nobody behind me I turned onto the expressway, which had a good sized dirt median. When I got up to the kitten in the opposite lanes I pulled onto the median. I saw that the kitten was in a crouch there and watching me. It had been hit and I could see its tail was in bad shape. Again, what to do...? At that point there was no traffic coming towards the kitten, so I got out, popped the trunk and grabbed a blanket. I figured the blanket could either go under the kitten, if it was willing or over it if it wasn't. Still no traffic ... I started towards the kitten and when I was about 6 feet from it, it took off. Across the median strip and the other 3 lanes and into the shrubbery on that side of the road. Thankfully there was no traffic in those lanes at the time. It ran quickly, but somewhat sideways so my guess is one of the hind legs was broken too. I retreated to my car on the median. When all was clear I drove to the shoulder, got out, and searched the area where the cat had disappeared. I could not find the kitten. I can only hope it hadn't used up all its luck and found its way to rescue...
I guess what stands out the most for me in this experience is the almost surreal events and that while many people saw the kitten nobody else stopped to help. Food for thought at the HotBlog stand...
Friday, August 18, 2006
What Would You Do?
I had something happen today that was just like it was out of one of those psychological profiling exams. Very surreal...
You're driving down an expressway. The road in your direction is three lanes wide and you are in traffic in the rightmost lane planning to make a right turn ahead. There is a car in the center lane a couple of car lengths ahead of yours and far ahead of it you see something in the middle of their lane. From a distance it looks dark and unmoving, like a bunched piece of cloth. As the car in the center lane passes over it, you see it scurry to the very center of that lane and the car passes over it without hitting it. You see that it is a crouched kitten, very much alive. What do you do...?
I think I'll let you ponder and weigh in before I tell you what happened after.
I had something happen today that was just like it was out of one of those psychological profiling exams. Very surreal...
You're driving down an expressway. The road in your direction is three lanes wide and you are in traffic in the rightmost lane planning to make a right turn ahead. There is a car in the center lane a couple of car lengths ahead of yours and far ahead of it you see something in the middle of their lane. From a distance it looks dark and unmoving, like a bunched piece of cloth. As the car in the center lane passes over it, you see it scurry to the very center of that lane and the car passes over it without hitting it. You see that it is a crouched kitten, very much alive. What do you do...?
I think I'll let you ponder and weigh in before I tell you what happened after.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The Way I See It
I've always had a penchant for inspirational, motivational and thought provoking musings. My dear wife brought to my attention that Starbucks has them printed on their cups hidden under their insulated cupholder thingy. Starbucks also has some of them online. Now while some of them qualify as brain-farts more than as wisdom, there are some that stand out. A recent one that had me nodding is:
I've always had a penchant for inspirational, motivational and thought provoking musings. My dear wife brought to my attention that Starbucks has them printed on their cups hidden under their insulated cupholder thingy. Starbucks also has some of them online. Now while some of them qualify as brain-farts more than as wisdom, there are some that stand out. A recent one that had me nodding is:
Recipe for happiness: an insatiable curiosity, a joy of discovery, quick to forgive, hold no grudges, love without condition, stay loyal to the death, see the best and ignore the rest – wow, we can learn a lot from man’s best friend! (#89, Nick Bollettieri, Tennis Coach)
Monday, August 07, 2006
When Dads Need to Grow Up...
There is a degree of tyranny inherent in being a father. Or else the kids would have constant pillow fights on the sofa and ice cream sundaes for most meals. Imagine total kid anarchy. But in a happy family, that tyranny has to be a benevolent tyranny. A rule by tough love and encouragement, not a selfish tyranny. Not a rule by intimidation, fear, oppression or degradation. In the end it makes the difference between becoming a respected Dad or a despised Dad.
Recently my dear wife was talking with her nut-case Mom on the phone and had to correct her about something. Now my dear wife isn't known for sparing the hammer when driving a point, even with a bent nail like her Mom. But this didn't seem like such a big deal. But her nut-case Mom likes to take things personally and do stupid things because of it. The next day, my dear wife got a call on her cell phone from her Dad. He vented with all the diplomatic tact of a foul mouthed 8 year old having a temper tantrum. I give him credit for 8 only because a 4 year old doesn't know so many bad words. He called my wife to chew her out for upsetting her Mom so much, for aggravating her health problems and went on to say a lot of stuff that any parent would regret saying. I got all of this second hand, because I was the next phone call my wife made. She was understandably upset from what I can only describe as a verbally abusive rant. If her Dad meant to communicate anything other than abuse and degredation, he sure botched it up bigtime. Unforgivable ... Grandpa needs to grow up.
Scorched earth diplomacy has no place in a family setting...
Now I know family living can be tumultuous. Remember, I have 6 brothers and sisters. Here with my wife and family I've had to step in occasionally when my dear wife becomes overly agitated because the kids are driving her nuts. God grant us the strength to be better parents than ours...
There is a degree of tyranny inherent in being a father. Or else the kids would have constant pillow fights on the sofa and ice cream sundaes for most meals. Imagine total kid anarchy. But in a happy family, that tyranny has to be a benevolent tyranny. A rule by tough love and encouragement, not a selfish tyranny. Not a rule by intimidation, fear, oppression or degradation. In the end it makes the difference between becoming a respected Dad or a despised Dad.
Recently my dear wife was talking with her nut-case Mom on the phone and had to correct her about something. Now my dear wife isn't known for sparing the hammer when driving a point, even with a bent nail like her Mom. But this didn't seem like such a big deal. But her nut-case Mom likes to take things personally and do stupid things because of it. The next day, my dear wife got a call on her cell phone from her Dad. He vented with all the diplomatic tact of a foul mouthed 8 year old having a temper tantrum. I give him credit for 8 only because a 4 year old doesn't know so many bad words. He called my wife to chew her out for upsetting her Mom so much, for aggravating her health problems and went on to say a lot of stuff that any parent would regret saying. I got all of this second hand, because I was the next phone call my wife made. She was understandably upset from what I can only describe as a verbally abusive rant. If her Dad meant to communicate anything other than abuse and degredation, he sure botched it up bigtime. Unforgivable ... Grandpa needs to grow up.
Scorched earth diplomacy has no place in a family setting...
Now I know family living can be tumultuous. Remember, I have 6 brothers and sisters. Here with my wife and family I've had to step in occasionally when my dear wife becomes overly agitated because the kids are driving her nuts. God grant us the strength to be better parents than ours...
Monday, July 31, 2006
Who Wants to Be a Superhero?
They must have read my mind. Talk about superpowers. After I posted my previous blog lamenting the decline of the old-style superhero, what do I find? In my email I have an advertisement from scifi.com about a show called Who Wants to Be a Superhero? that is showing later that same day. Featuring comic book legend Stan Lee. So of course I had to watch it... Honestly, I did not know about this show until after writing the blog.
If you didn't see it, I'd say it is definitely a contender for campiest wanna-be reality show of the season. And I consider many of that genre to ooze campiness... They started out with 11 contestants and one spy who all looked like they were fresh from a Comic-Con costume contest. Each had a superhero name and persona. Then they put them into a "reality show" style setting. They introduce each character (and boy, are some of them characters) and start putting them through various tests so that they can be eliminated one by one. Tests that are complete with twists and ulterior motives. The final superhero standing will get their character immortalized in a Stan Lee comic book.
All else aside, the show really showed promise. The thing it lacked is a budget and production. So if you like cheap campy entertainment, give it a try.
Underlying the show is the question "what does it take to be a superhero". Each test is supposed to expose some aspect of being a superhero as defined by Stan "the man". Once again they must have read my mind. Or maybe it is thought control on their part, because through Stan Lee (who has developed or written for such classics as Spider-man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Daredevil and the X-Men) they are focusing on aspects of what I called the old-style superhero. It isn't about being the flashiest or having the most super powers. More often it was the humility and humanity that defines a hero.
Oh ... the show has another redeeming quality. Some great ideas for Halloween costumes... Enjoy!
They must have read my mind. Talk about superpowers. After I posted my previous blog lamenting the decline of the old-style superhero, what do I find? In my email I have an advertisement from scifi.com about a show called Who Wants to Be a Superhero? that is showing later that same day. Featuring comic book legend Stan Lee. So of course I had to watch it... Honestly, I did not know about this show until after writing the blog.
If you didn't see it, I'd say it is definitely a contender for campiest wanna-be reality show of the season. And I consider many of that genre to ooze campiness... They started out with 11 contestants and one spy who all looked like they were fresh from a Comic-Con costume contest. Each had a superhero name and persona. Then they put them into a "reality show" style setting. They introduce each character (and boy, are some of them characters) and start putting them through various tests so that they can be eliminated one by one. Tests that are complete with twists and ulterior motives. The final superhero standing will get their character immortalized in a Stan Lee comic book.
All else aside, the show really showed promise. The thing it lacked is a budget and production. So if you like cheap campy entertainment, give it a try.
Underlying the show is the question "what does it take to be a superhero". Each test is supposed to expose some aspect of being a superhero as defined by Stan "the man". Once again they must have read my mind. Or maybe it is thought control on their part, because through Stan Lee (who has developed or written for such classics as Spider-man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Daredevil and the X-Men) they are focusing on aspects of what I called the old-style superhero. It isn't about being the flashiest or having the most super powers. More often it was the humility and humanity that defines a hero.
Oh ... the show has another redeeming quality. Some great ideas for Halloween costumes... Enjoy!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Modern Superzeros
I miss the old style superheros. You know ... the ones who were motivated by virtue and "what was right". The everyday man and woman who was a hero in the truer sense of the word even before considering their super abilities. Special abilities that were generally kept well hidden and suppressed unless needed. It seems that a superhero nowaday has to be vindictive or conflicted and badder than the bad guys. Flashy, with incredible super powers, but tormented in some way.
Then there are the abundant antiheros. There seems to be plenty of bad guys who are demi-heros in that they beat the other bad guys or aliens or monsters and by doing so present some hidden and suppressed virtue. Like vampires that fight against vampires... Or societal rebels who fight the bad inherent in business, politics and civilization. Criminals with a "noble" cause.
Now I'm not saying we have to get rid of the new ones. Some of them are very entertaining. I rather enjoyed when Batman went from brawling with the bad guys as a whizy gadget toting brainiac to becoming the vigilante "dark knight", even though it sacrificed a lot of the common humanity, intrigue and slapstick from the original. Oh, but would someone please give the new Superman some relationship counseling before they torque him and Lois's affairs up even further...
So what I guess I'm trying to say is that while our superheros and our good guy vs bad guy portrayals have gotten more complex and diverse, I miss the simple superhero who was inherently good and beat the bad guys because they were virtuous, not because of some dark twisted psychological reason...
I miss the old style superheros. You know ... the ones who were motivated by virtue and "what was right". The everyday man and woman who was a hero in the truer sense of the word even before considering their super abilities. Special abilities that were generally kept well hidden and suppressed unless needed. It seems that a superhero nowaday has to be vindictive or conflicted and badder than the bad guys. Flashy, with incredible super powers, but tormented in some way.
Then there are the abundant antiheros. There seems to be plenty of bad guys who are demi-heros in that they beat the other bad guys or aliens or monsters and by doing so present some hidden and suppressed virtue. Like vampires that fight against vampires... Or societal rebels who fight the bad inherent in business, politics and civilization. Criminals with a "noble" cause.
Now I'm not saying we have to get rid of the new ones. Some of them are very entertaining. I rather enjoyed when Batman went from brawling with the bad guys as a whizy gadget toting brainiac to becoming the vigilante "dark knight", even though it sacrificed a lot of the common humanity, intrigue and slapstick from the original. Oh, but would someone please give the new Superman some relationship counseling before they torque him and Lois's affairs up even further...
So what I guess I'm trying to say is that while our superheros and our good guy vs bad guy portrayals have gotten more complex and diverse, I miss the simple superhero who was inherently good and beat the bad guys because they were virtuous, not because of some dark twisted psychological reason...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
You Can't Argue With An A+ ... Or Can You?
My eldest daughter completed 4th grade and one of the subjects she had some trouble with is science. So when she brought home her final science test from the last week of school with an A+ I was more than impressed. She is proud that she got 98% and so am I. An A+! I remember that pinnacle grade being for perfect scores or the best in the class, so I asked "Did anyone else get an A+?". My daughter named off a couple of kids including one who "got 105%". Okay, a little under a quarter of the class got A+ ... I am used to the idea of extra credit problems and self esteem boosters and grade inflation. So I asked "Did everyone get good grades?". "Well, not everyone" was her reply. Apparently there were B's and C's and so-and-so "got an F". I repeated "She got an F" with a bit of an inquisitive tone. My daughter's reply was "She got an F, but she said she tried her best". There was that handy delusional excuse for failure again. I knew that if so-and-so indeed tried her best and failed it would be proof she needed remedial classes. But I left it with "If she really did her best and studied would she have gotten an F?". My daughters thoughtful reply was "Well ... um ... no". And no, you can't argue with an A+ ... even with grade dilution, it is the best.
I got an A+ in a college course. I got every point on every assignment and test. I aced the class with a perfect score and was pleasantly surprised when the professor reported my grade as an A+. Unfortunately those were the days when an A+ counted the same as an A (4.0 GPA) and my final transcript showed it as an A. But I remember. An A+ is its own reward!
My eldest daughter completed 4th grade and one of the subjects she had some trouble with is science. So when she brought home her final science test from the last week of school with an A+ I was more than impressed. She is proud that she got 98% and so am I. An A+! I remember that pinnacle grade being for perfect scores or the best in the class, so I asked "Did anyone else get an A+?". My daughter named off a couple of kids including one who "got 105%". Okay, a little under a quarter of the class got A+ ... I am used to the idea of extra credit problems and self esteem boosters and grade inflation. So I asked "Did everyone get good grades?". "Well, not everyone" was her reply. Apparently there were B's and C's and so-and-so "got an F". I repeated "She got an F" with a bit of an inquisitive tone. My daughter's reply was "She got an F, but she said she tried her best". There was that handy delusional excuse for failure again. I knew that if so-and-so indeed tried her best and failed it would be proof she needed remedial classes. But I left it with "If she really did her best and studied would she have gotten an F?". My daughters thoughtful reply was "Well ... um ... no". And no, you can't argue with an A+ ... even with grade dilution, it is the best.
I got an A+ in a college course. I got every point on every assignment and test. I aced the class with a perfect score and was pleasantly surprised when the professor reported my grade as an A+. Unfortunately those were the days when an A+ counted the same as an A (4.0 GPA) and my final transcript showed it as an A. But I remember. An A+ is its own reward!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Little League Season is Over
Both of my daughters played little league baseball this season on the same team. It was the second year playing ball for my eldest daughter and first year for my youngest. They were the only two girls on their team of ten players.
Early in the season the coach had to quit for medical reasons (doctor's orders), the assistant coach got saddled with more than he could handle and a couple other dads, my wife and I started helping out with practices. A lot more than I planned.
It was a joy working with the kids and watching them improve. When they were engaged, working with them was wonderful. The challenge was keeping a couple of the kids engaged. The ones who would goof around, wouldn't listen and wouldn't follow direction. But alas, this was grade school little league and I had to remind myself that these were 8 through 10 year olds, even when some were showing the maturity level of 5 year olds... Those couple of kids were also the ones who gave up easily. But we couldn't kick them off the team. Not allowed.
The final game was very telling ... it would decide if our team would take second place or third of the 4 teams in the division. We had one player more than the other team, so when we were fielding we had to bench one player. A different player each inning. The other team was up first and our team held them to one run. An excellent start. But then we were up and they held us to no runs. At the start of the 2nd inning, we had 3 kids who didn't want to get off the bench to field. How do you deal with that? When our coach told 2 of them to take their positions on the field you might as well have put "hit balls here" signs on them. It just wasn't fair to the other kids who were still trying their best. Needless to say, that inning didn't go so well and the team effort fell apart. The losers attitude became contagious. By the end of the 4th inning there was no hope of winning and our team didn't even want to get back on the field. We surrendered the game...
Oh ... but we can't call them losers. Or quitters. Even the ones who give up easily. We can only encourage them. While I understand the power of positive reinforcement, I also question the delusional thinking it can inspire. These kids know when they do well or not. But we tell them they "tried", "did their best" and try to make it OK. Then sometime in the future the realities of life sorts things out and with luck those who strive go on to great things and those who give up go on to be ... critics, hecklers and victims... No, I wouldn't call any of them losers. But I would make them face where they quit or gave up.
I saw so much talent and potential in these kids that it was a shame to see the season end like this. But every end brings lessons and every new beginning brings chances to do better. I did recognize glimmers of greatness in these kids. The question become how do you get some of them to recognize it.
My eldest daughter is going on to a different school next year and says she won't play baseball there. But I get the feeling that her final decision will depend on her new friends and the situation. She might just play again. It'll be her choice. My younger daughter is already enthusiastically saying that yes, she will be on a team again next year. So I guess I'd better set aside some practice time for the summer.
In that final game, our team scored 5 runs in total. 4 of those runs were scored by my daughters. Even when I could see that they were giving up, they turned it around and tried again. Even with the loss, that is something to be proud of.
Both of my daughters played little league baseball this season on the same team. It was the second year playing ball for my eldest daughter and first year for my youngest. They were the only two girls on their team of ten players.
Early in the season the coach had to quit for medical reasons (doctor's orders), the assistant coach got saddled with more than he could handle and a couple other dads, my wife and I started helping out with practices. A lot more than I planned.
It was a joy working with the kids and watching them improve. When they were engaged, working with them was wonderful. The challenge was keeping a couple of the kids engaged. The ones who would goof around, wouldn't listen and wouldn't follow direction. But alas, this was grade school little league and I had to remind myself that these were 8 through 10 year olds, even when some were showing the maturity level of 5 year olds... Those couple of kids were also the ones who gave up easily. But we couldn't kick them off the team. Not allowed.
The final game was very telling ... it would decide if our team would take second place or third of the 4 teams in the division. We had one player more than the other team, so when we were fielding we had to bench one player. A different player each inning. The other team was up first and our team held them to one run. An excellent start. But then we were up and they held us to no runs. At the start of the 2nd inning, we had 3 kids who didn't want to get off the bench to field. How do you deal with that? When our coach told 2 of them to take their positions on the field you might as well have put "hit balls here" signs on them. It just wasn't fair to the other kids who were still trying their best. Needless to say, that inning didn't go so well and the team effort fell apart. The losers attitude became contagious. By the end of the 4th inning there was no hope of winning and our team didn't even want to get back on the field. We surrendered the game...
Oh ... but we can't call them losers. Or quitters. Even the ones who give up easily. We can only encourage them. While I understand the power of positive reinforcement, I also question the delusional thinking it can inspire. These kids know when they do well or not. But we tell them they "tried", "did their best" and try to make it OK. Then sometime in the future the realities of life sorts things out and with luck those who strive go on to great things and those who give up go on to be ... critics, hecklers and victims... No, I wouldn't call any of them losers. But I would make them face where they quit or gave up.
I saw so much talent and potential in these kids that it was a shame to see the season end like this. But every end brings lessons and every new beginning brings chances to do better. I did recognize glimmers of greatness in these kids. The question become how do you get some of them to recognize it.
My eldest daughter is going on to a different school next year and says she won't play baseball there. But I get the feeling that her final decision will depend on her new friends and the situation. She might just play again. It'll be her choice. My younger daughter is already enthusiastically saying that yes, she will be on a team again next year. So I guess I'd better set aside some practice time for the summer.
In that final game, our team scored 5 runs in total. 4 of those runs were scored by my daughters. Even when I could see that they were giving up, they turned it around and tried again. Even with the loss, that is something to be proud of.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Motivation Part Two - Be Careful What You Wish For
So here it is almost a week after my daughter's getting up early for a field trip. A week older and a week wiser. Well, older anyways.
The day after the early rising, my elder daughter was up early once again. Of my 2 daughters she is the one that will wake up and actually be functional. My younger daughter will briefly sit up in a daze before nodding off and snuggling back in. So in an ironic twist, on that next morning I had my elder daughter jumping on my bed saying "Daddy, time to get up. Get up, get ready, get dressed"... That was about 20 minutes before my alarm was set to go off.Using her desire to get to school early for free time with her friends worked! Note: Be careful what I wish. I was now the turtle being prodded out of bed early.
Well, the day after that was a little more normal. I got to sleep until my alarm sounded, but once again I was coaxed by my daughters. Both of them this time. It was TGI Friday after all. An especially fun morning. But after that the weekend was the usual sleep in.
Since then all it's taken is a bit of "should we get to school early for morning free time" to get them to school with time to spare.
Family Life Education
Last night I went to "Parent Information Night". My 4th grade daughter will soon be having a one hour "Puberty Lesson" at her school. My daughter relayed what she understands it will be. "The boys go off and learn about boy things and the girls learn about their period".
Thinking back to my 4th grade sex ed ... wait a second! There wasn't any! My sex ed at school wasn't until 6th grade. And I remember the banter over mine being the first grade school class to get that. Now it is a 4th grade topic? So how relevant is it for a 9 -10 year old to be educated about sex? Apparently with all the chemicals and stuff we eat nowadays kids are maturing earlier. Many girls are getting their periods at age 8. I think somebody needs to lighten up on some of those chemicals.
So us parents were told about how the special teachers will be explaining body changes, body functions, and preparing the kids for what to expect but would not really broach the S-E-X topic. No talk about intercourse and such. We were given and shown some of the materials. There was some confusion when they included some of the "5th grade" materials too. We were asked if there was anything we were uncomfortable about. Boy, did that open things up! First of all, my assessment is that dealing with this over the next 8 years or so will be uncomfortable. Nothing is going to fix that. So it is better to face the changes questions as they come naturally. Don't force topics but don't avoid them. But at that point I didn't have to say anything. The room was filled with mostly Moms voicing concerns about ... everything.
So, why was I, a dad with 2 daughters even there? Well ... as an aspiring "understanding Dad" I am also interested in knowing what is ahead. I know that most of my dealings on these matters will be "you should go talk with your mom". But I wanted to know what they were going to be told so I could be ready for the inevitable changes and questions too.
Plus, as one of the teachers said "They talk about it. They already know more than you think"...
Howdy GW!
I heard a radio snippet of President Bush asking for moderation on the illegal immigrants issue. Something about how the United States was formed by immigrants who were given a new chance... Thanks for reading my blog, George! Did you catch my other suggestions about Mexico?
So here it is almost a week after my daughter's getting up early for a field trip. A week older and a week wiser. Well, older anyways.
The day after the early rising, my elder daughter was up early once again. Of my 2 daughters she is the one that will wake up and actually be functional. My younger daughter will briefly sit up in a daze before nodding off and snuggling back in. So in an ironic twist, on that next morning I had my elder daughter jumping on my bed saying "Daddy, time to get up. Get up, get ready, get dressed"... That was about 20 minutes before my alarm was set to go off.
Well, the day after that was a little more normal. I got to sleep until my alarm sounded, but once again I was coaxed by my daughters. Both of them this time. It was TGI Friday after all. An especially fun morning. But after that the weekend was the usual sleep in.
Since then all it's taken is a bit of "should we get to school early for morning free time" to get them to school with time to spare.
Family Life Education
Last night I went to "Parent Information Night". My 4th grade daughter will soon be having a one hour "Puberty Lesson" at her school. My daughter relayed what she understands it will be. "The boys go off and learn about boy things and the girls learn about their period".
Thinking back to my 4th grade sex ed ... wait a second! There wasn't any! My sex ed at school wasn't until 6th grade. And I remember the banter over mine being the first grade school class to get that. Now it is a 4th grade topic? So how relevant is it for a 9 -10 year old to be educated about sex? Apparently with all the chemicals and stuff we eat nowadays kids are maturing earlier. Many girls are getting their periods at age 8. I think somebody needs to lighten up on some of those chemicals.
So us parents were told about how the special teachers will be explaining body changes, body functions, and preparing the kids for what to expect but would not really broach the S-E-X topic. No talk about intercourse and such. We were given and shown some of the materials. There was some confusion when they included some of the "5th grade" materials too. We were asked if there was anything we were uncomfortable about. Boy, did that open things up! First of all, my assessment is that dealing with this over the next 8 years or so will be uncomfortable. Nothing is going to fix that. So it is better to face the changes questions as they come naturally. Don't force topics but don't avoid them. But at that point I didn't have to say anything. The room was filled with mostly Moms voicing concerns about ... everything.
So, why was I, a dad with 2 daughters even there? Well ... as an aspiring "understanding Dad" I am also interested in knowing what is ahead. I know that most of my dealings on these matters will be "you should go talk with your mom". But I wanted to know what they were going to be told so I could be ready for the inevitable changes and questions too.
Plus, as one of the teachers said "They talk about it. They already know more than you think"...
Howdy GW!
I heard a radio snippet of President Bush asking for moderation on the illegal immigrants issue. Something about how the United States was formed by immigrants who were given a new chance... Thanks for reading my blog, George! Did you catch my other suggestions about Mexico?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Motivational Cuteness
Results reflect upon the true motivators...
On normal school days trying to get my 2 girls up and going is like herding turtles. Okay, what kid leaps out of bed rushing to get ready for a day of school? I know I didn't. About a week ago, after repeatedly urging them along and scolding them for goofing around while they were supposed to be ready, my oldest daughter nonchalantly says "Daddy, can we get to school earlier so we have more time with our friends before class". Eureka, they figured out a sure way of putting Dad over the edge. Yes, I was rather loud as I told her "We WOULD be at school earlier if WE didn't have to wait for YOU fooling around every morning".
And now the part about motivators...
This morning they were up and getting dressed as soon as their alarm went off. They got their clothes ready the night before and were dressed and done making their own lunches before I made it to the kitchen. They even had an eggo toasted and ready for me! The older daughter was urging and helping the younger one along. Was it because I had threatened them with something? No. Was it because I promised them something? No. It was because my older daughter had a school field trip that she had to be at school early for or they'd leave without her. And was she ever motivated! When we got to school they were just unlocking the gates.
Now I know I can't expect a field trip every day. But I did see the remarkable difference between today's preparations and those from just yesterday. So I will keep at the usual threatening and punishment. "If you aren't dressed and ready to go by 7:30 then you will go to bed early tonight." I will keep up the praising. "Good job, we got to school on time." But the best motivation is from making the motives thiers. "What time do you want to get to school so you have time with your friends before class?" "I know we can make it to school by 7:45 if we don't fool around." Now if only those motives would work as good as a field trip did...
Results reflect upon the true motivators...
On normal school days trying to get my 2 girls up and going is like herding turtles. Okay, what kid leaps out of bed rushing to get ready for a day of school? I know I didn't. About a week ago, after repeatedly urging them along and scolding them for goofing around while they were supposed to be ready, my oldest daughter nonchalantly says "Daddy, can we get to school earlier so we have more time with our friends before class". Eureka, they figured out a sure way of putting Dad over the edge. Yes, I was rather loud as I told her "We WOULD be at school earlier if WE didn't have to wait for YOU fooling around every morning".
And now the part about motivators...
This morning they were up and getting dressed as soon as their alarm went off. They got their clothes ready the night before and were dressed and done making their own lunches before I made it to the kitchen. They even had an eggo toasted and ready for me! The older daughter was urging and helping the younger one along. Was it because I had threatened them with something? No. Was it because I promised them something? No. It was because my older daughter had a school field trip that she had to be at school early for or they'd leave without her. And was she ever motivated! When we got to school they were just unlocking the gates.
Now I know I can't expect a field trip every day. But I did see the remarkable difference between today's preparations and those from just yesterday. So I will keep at the usual threatening and punishment. "If you aren't dressed and ready to go by 7:30 then you will go to bed early tonight." I will keep up the praising. "Good job, we got to school on time." But the best motivation is from making the motives thiers. "What time do you want to get to school so you have time with your friends before class?" "I know we can make it to school by 7:45 if we don't fool around." Now if only those motives would work as good as a field trip did...
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Ballot Deja Vu
The California state primary election is coming up. There are several special measures to vote on. That's nothing new. But aren't these the same things we voted on last time?
Apparently so... The same old causes in new guises. Tried and trued noble causes. Schools, libraries, health care, public transit. Which leaves me with questions: If these things are so direly important, why aren't they fully funded under the existing budgets? Why do we keep being hit up with special measures for funding? Measures that are supposed to do the same things that previous special bonds or tax increases were supposed to do? Well ... because we're gullible and it works. If you look past the noble causes, you can see the behavioral and financial motivators that drive these measures to pass.
The people who profit from their passing are putting up millions to get the word out about all the benefits these measures will bring. Heck, they stand to make much more than their millions back. There is no such profit for those who oppose them and much less money is spent in opposition. Plus, nobody wants to be branded as opposing noble causes. Against better education? It would be much different if we were voting on all the special interest pork that are fully funded in the budget.
My favorite so far is prop 82, which I have renamed the "tax the rich, preschool the poor..." measure. It would levy an additional 1.7% tax on individuals making over $400,000 or couples making over $800,000. The estimates $2+ billion this would raise would go for new preschool programs. "Provides a high-quality preschool education for every four-year old in California"...
What could be more noble? Heck, that's only an additional $6,800 if you make the $400,000 threshold, right? Only about 0.6% of all Californians would qualify to pay this tax (next year). That tells me right now that it has a high likelihood of passing...
Well, the opposition also makes good points which I will paraphrase as "why do we want to give $2+ billion more to increase the same school bureaucracy that is responsible for the "troubled" K-12 system? To do the same with preschool?" California ranks 45th out of 50 states in reading. Will getting the projected 4 to 5% increase in preschool enrollment really do that much to fix this? The crux of their argument is that the money would be better spent elsewhere, like K-12 grade classrooms and teachers. Also worth mentioning is that this program would put existing private preschools at a significant cost disadvantage.
I'll just stand by my first question as I read deeper into the proposals. I find that the more I understand them the more likely I am to vote against. If the causes were as noble and important as they sound at face value, they would be fully funded by the current budget...
...As always, vote wisely!
The California state primary election is coming up. There are several special measures to vote on. That's nothing new. But aren't these the same things we voted on last time?
Apparently so... The same old causes in new guises. Tried and trued noble causes. Schools, libraries, health care, public transit. Which leaves me with questions: If these things are so direly important, why aren't they fully funded under the existing budgets? Why do we keep being hit up with special measures for funding? Measures that are supposed to do the same things that previous special bonds or tax increases were supposed to do? Well ... because we're gullible and it works. If you look past the noble causes, you can see the behavioral and financial motivators that drive these measures to pass.
The people who profit from their passing are putting up millions to get the word out about all the benefits these measures will bring. Heck, they stand to make much more than their millions back. There is no such profit for those who oppose them and much less money is spent in opposition. Plus, nobody wants to be branded as opposing noble causes. Against better education? It would be much different if we were voting on all the special interest pork that are fully funded in the budget.
My favorite so far is prop 82, which I have renamed the "tax the rich, preschool the poor..." measure. It would levy an additional 1.7% tax on individuals making over $400,000 or couples making over $800,000. The estimates $2+ billion this would raise would go for new preschool programs. "Provides a high-quality preschool education for every four-year old in California"...
What could be more noble? Heck, that's only an additional $6,800 if you make the $400,000 threshold, right? Only about 0.6% of all Californians would qualify to pay this tax (next year). That tells me right now that it has a high likelihood of passing...
Well, the opposition also makes good points which I will paraphrase as "why do we want to give $2+ billion more to increase the same school bureaucracy that is responsible for the "troubled" K-12 system? To do the same with preschool?" California ranks 45th out of 50 states in reading. Will getting the projected 4 to 5% increase in preschool enrollment really do that much to fix this? The crux of their argument is that the money would be better spent elsewhere, like K-12 grade classrooms and teachers. Also worth mentioning is that this program would put existing private preschools at a significant cost disadvantage.
I'll just stand by my first question as I read deeper into the proposals. I find that the more I understand them the more likely I am to vote against. If the causes were as noble and important as they sound at face value, they would be fully funded by the current budget...
...As always, vote wisely!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Illegal Immigrants
I have taken on a role as contrarian in the illegal immigration debate. Looking beyond the hoopla, the demonstrations and controversy ... I see illegal immigration as a symptom of bigger problems. You won't fix illegal immigration without fixing the problems that cause it.
So, when someone faults illegal immigrants for the problems they create for us here, I have to argue. Not that there aren't problems. I point out that it is nothing new. In the USA where most people are decendants of immigrants, if we kicked out everyone whose trouble maker ancestors came over the borders and didn't get permission from the people already here, the vast majority of Americans would be sent packing. It seems ironic that a nation predominantly formed by uncontrolled immigration might soon be putting up "trespassers are felons" signs. For most of us, our ancestors were also uninvited opportunists seeking a better life.
Likewise, when someone starts the arguments about how we benefit from illegal immigrant labor, I let them have it back. What? They take jobs that nobody else wants? Wait a second. Says who? My friends and I used to rely on those "unskilled" jobs growing up. Many High School and College kids do.
I know a number of contractors and entrepreneurs that hire illegal workers. They have to because their competition does. To get jobs they have to be among the lowest bidders. If they hire regular workers the compensation, taxes, and benefits cost considerably more than paying someone "under the table" or through an intermediary. They all have contacts who arrange for the cheap workers they need so they can plead ignorance. So when they bid on a job they know that they are not at a considerable disadvantage because they do what everyone else is doing. Hire cheap day workers and don't question their status. The problem isn't that they can't find people willing to do the work, the problem is they can't find people legally willing to do the work cheap enough.
Also, the "contribution" argument is countered by the "burden" argument. Illegal immigrants create a burden for social services like law enforcement, health services, public works, charitable services, etc just like everyone else. Whether they "contribute" or not. We end up paying for it because they can't or won't. They come here for the opportunities and quality of living, which puts a burden on that quality of living.
Also, it is hard to make a case for benefiting from sweat and sub-class labor without recognizing the social injustices...
So, what is the solution? May I suggest the following...
I have taken on a role as contrarian in the illegal immigration debate. Looking beyond the hoopla, the demonstrations and controversy ... I see illegal immigration as a symptom of bigger problems. You won't fix illegal immigration without fixing the problems that cause it.
So, when someone faults illegal immigrants for the problems they create for us here, I have to argue. Not that there aren't problems. I point out that it is nothing new. In the USA where most people are decendants of immigrants, if we kicked out everyone whose trouble maker ancestors came over the borders and didn't get permission from the people already here, the vast majority of Americans would be sent packing. It seems ironic that a nation predominantly formed by uncontrolled immigration might soon be putting up "trespassers are felons" signs. For most of us, our ancestors were also uninvited opportunists seeking a better life.
Likewise, when someone starts the arguments about how we benefit from illegal immigrant labor, I let them have it back. What? They take jobs that nobody else wants? Wait a second. Says who? My friends and I used to rely on those "unskilled" jobs growing up. Many High School and College kids do.
I know a number of contractors and entrepreneurs that hire illegal workers. They have to because their competition does. To get jobs they have to be among the lowest bidders. If they hire regular workers the compensation, taxes, and benefits cost considerably more than paying someone "under the table" or through an intermediary. They all have contacts who arrange for the cheap workers they need so they can plead ignorance. So when they bid on a job they know that they are not at a considerable disadvantage because they do what everyone else is doing. Hire cheap day workers and don't question their status. The problem isn't that they can't find people willing to do the work, the problem is they can't find people legally willing to do the work cheap enough.
Also, the "contribution" argument is countered by the "burden" argument. Illegal immigrants create a burden for social services like law enforcement, health services, public works, charitable services, etc just like everyone else. Whether they "contribute" or not. We end up paying for it because they can't or won't. They come here for the opportunities and quality of living, which puts a burden on that quality of living.
Also, it is hard to make a case for benefiting from sweat and sub-class labor without recognizing the social injustices...
So, what is the solution? May I suggest the following...
- Forget about rounding up the millions of illegal immigrants. Turn them over to the IRS (U.S. Department in charge of taxation). Make them endure tax hell like the rest of us. Give them tax forms to fill out. Can't understand the forms? That's OK, most PhDs can't either. Audit them. Make them want to flee the country again.
- Invade Mexico, make it the 51st State and get rid of the border altogether. Another personal favorite, although Draconian. Unfortunately we just can't invade other countries to fix their part of our problem. Ummm, well ...unless maybe they're non-allied countries in the Middle East... But then if that worked we'd probably have to do the same all the way down South America.
- Even better, declare war on Mexico, invade, and as soon as they acknowledge it surrender unconditionally. That's right, let them deal with uniting the countries. I'm sure our schmuck politicians and theirs would have something worked out in no time. Then we could do the same to Canada...
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Swimsuit Shopping VS Dental Visit
A recent UPI article cited an Illinois study where 52 percent of females polled said they would rather have dental surgery than shop for a bathing suit. I believe I can safely say that my dear wife falls on the majority side. But in the article I found an interviewee's quote to be ironically funny. A Nordstroms shopper was quoted as saying "It's the fact that we no longer have the bodies of 18-year-olds, and bathing suits accentuate every flaw you have." I was rolling. Why so funny? Because that shopper obviously hasn't seen the 18 year olds around here.
Both of my dear daughters (much younger than 18) are due for new suits, and this creates the opportunity for another survey. Would you rather have dental surgery than take your young daughter shopping for a bathing suit? They seem excited about shopping for new ones, it's Mom that might prefer having teeth pulled...
Fools is as Fools Does
Nothing is Foolproof, because fools can be so ingenious
In a previous job one of my outspoken, socially challenged coworkers had a phrase he liked to use. He'd say "I don't have to suffer fools". This was somewhat amusing, because it was clear to the rest of us that he had to suffer himself. But he had many anecdotal examples supporting the idea. He had a good point. Why should we be expected to suffer because of others foolish actions.
The examples are endless. My dear wife and I relate them to each other almost daily. Driving, shopping, at work, at the kids school. I could write pages....
So how much should we suffer fools? How much precious time or effort should we be willing to give up? Often these fools take advantage of tolerance. But then too, when do we need to recognize that we ourselves just might be the fools.
DVRs, the Jury Says:
Digital Video Recorders are both wonderful things and dangerous things. Wonderful because of their capabilities. Dangerous because they further encourage video addictions. Yes, these wonderful marvels of technology help the TV suck the life out of you!
It is great being able to rewind during a show when you aren't quite sure you heard the dialogue. Or pause the play for a potty break. The best feature has got to be the ability to buffer shows and then skip the commercials. You can regain 10-15 minutes of each hour just with that.
The DVR even lets you record shows to watch later. But this is where we start hitting the danger. Our DVR has a recording capacity of 60 hours that just begs to be used. At last, we can record all those shows at odd times we wanted to watch and view them later. But there's the problem. When is later? Instead of reclaiming your life, it pulls you further in. Especially after we record one of those marathon sessions of some show series and find ourselves with a dozen episodes of something that we now have to watch.
I have a friend who has 3 Tivo DVRs in his house. Between his wife and kids, he complains he can never find room to store his shows on any of them. But then he also told me about a feature they have. Once you record a show the Tivo will record similar shows for you automatically, if you have room. And it "does a good job at it"... It's downright scary!
My wife is slowly filling up the capacity. This brings me to another limitation. We have a home network and plenty of disk space on another computer. Unfortunately there is no way to offload from the DVR onto anything else (without hacking the box). I know they do this so that people can't freely distribute copyrighted shows, but it would sure be nice to keep a personal library of certain shows that we can't get elsewhere or on DVD. Without hacking or upgrading the disk in the DVR.
Overall, a DVR is a "nice to have". But it encourages TV compulsion and all the bad things that go with it. If you don't have time to watch all the stuff you've recorded, it's a good thing!
Gasoline Prices
I saw gas for over $3.50 a gallon today. The premium grade. That's still cheap compared to other countries, but has people around here whining.
I use technical analysis software and methods in trading stocks on the stock exchange. I've found technical analysis of changing prices good for looking at and predicting price trends and underlying buying/selling pressures. So when I look at the recent price trend for gasoline, I can't help but think about it like any other commodity price driven by buy and sell and market influences...
For all the whining, I still don't see people giving up driving to save gas. Using alternative energy only shifts demand to other sources. Efficiency can only help so much and is negated if it leads to more travel. The newest batch of hybrids have lower overall fuel efficiency than some non-hybrid cars... So demand is still strong, supply is limited and could become more so.
I have to ask myself, would gasoline make a good investment? Would I buy it now to sell in a month? Probably not. But as a longer term investment I would be tempted. And that is foretelling about what I expect...
A recent UPI article cited an Illinois study where 52 percent of females polled said they would rather have dental surgery than shop for a bathing suit. I believe I can safely say that my dear wife falls on the majority side. But in the article I found an interviewee's quote to be ironically funny. A Nordstroms shopper was quoted as saying "It's the fact that we no longer have the bodies of 18-year-olds, and bathing suits accentuate every flaw you have." I was rolling. Why so funny? Because that shopper obviously hasn't seen the 18 year olds around here.
Both of my dear daughters (much younger than 18) are due for new suits, and this creates the opportunity for another survey. Would you rather have dental surgery than take your young daughter shopping for a bathing suit? They seem excited about shopping for new ones, it's Mom that might prefer having teeth pulled...
Fools is as Fools Does
Nothing is Foolproof, because fools can be so ingenious
In a previous job one of my outspoken, socially challenged coworkers had a phrase he liked to use. He'd say "I don't have to suffer fools". This was somewhat amusing, because it was clear to the rest of us that he had to suffer himself. But he had many anecdotal examples supporting the idea. He had a good point. Why should we be expected to suffer because of others foolish actions.
The examples are endless. My dear wife and I relate them to each other almost daily. Driving, shopping, at work, at the kids school. I could write pages....
So how much should we suffer fools? How much precious time or effort should we be willing to give up? Often these fools take advantage of tolerance. But then too, when do we need to recognize that we ourselves just might be the fools.
DVRs, the Jury Says:
Digital Video Recorders are both wonderful things and dangerous things. Wonderful because of their capabilities. Dangerous because they further encourage video addictions. Yes, these wonderful marvels of technology help the TV suck the life out of you!
It is great being able to rewind during a show when you aren't quite sure you heard the dialogue. Or pause the play for a potty break. The best feature has got to be the ability to buffer shows and then skip the commercials. You can regain 10-15 minutes of each hour just with that.
The DVR even lets you record shows to watch later. But this is where we start hitting the danger. Our DVR has a recording capacity of 60 hours that just begs to be used. At last, we can record all those shows at odd times we wanted to watch and view them later. But there's the problem. When is later? Instead of reclaiming your life, it pulls you further in. Especially after we record one of those marathon sessions of some show series and find ourselves with a dozen episodes of something that we now have to watch.
I have a friend who has 3 Tivo DVRs in his house. Between his wife and kids, he complains he can never find room to store his shows on any of them. But then he also told me about a feature they have. Once you record a show the Tivo will record similar shows for you automatically, if you have room. And it "does a good job at it"... It's downright scary!
My wife is slowly filling up the capacity. This brings me to another limitation. We have a home network and plenty of disk space on another computer. Unfortunately there is no way to offload from the DVR onto anything else (without hacking the box). I know they do this so that people can't freely distribute copyrighted shows, but it would sure be nice to keep a personal library of certain shows that we can't get elsewhere or on DVD. Without hacking or upgrading the disk in the DVR.
Overall, a DVR is a "nice to have". But it encourages TV compulsion and all the bad things that go with it. If you don't have time to watch all the stuff you've recorded, it's a good thing!
Gasoline Prices
I saw gas for over $3.50 a gallon today. The premium grade. That's still cheap compared to other countries, but has people around here whining.
I use technical analysis software and methods in trading stocks on the stock exchange. I've found technical analysis of changing prices good for looking at and predicting price trends and underlying buying/selling pressures. So when I look at the recent price trend for gasoline, I can't help but think about it like any other commodity price driven by buy and sell and market influences...
For all the whining, I still don't see people giving up driving to save gas. Using alternative energy only shifts demand to other sources. Efficiency can only help so much and is negated if it leads to more travel. The newest batch of hybrids have lower overall fuel efficiency than some non-hybrid cars... So demand is still strong, supply is limited and could become more so.
I have to ask myself, would gasoline make a good investment? Would I buy it now to sell in a month? Probably not. But as a longer term investment I would be tempted. And that is foretelling about what I expect...
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentines Day! Wikipedia has an interesting history of Valentines Day (also called Singles Awareness Day). From Saint Valentines, Cupid and other origins through modern day and other parts of the world.
Happy Valentines day to my dear wife ... the love of my life.
Suspension of Disbelief
Modern television and movie producers often rely on a suspension of disbelief. We accept things on the screen that in real life would seem absurd. We accept it for the sake of the storyline. Is it just me, or have we gotten desensitized to the point they now expect us to accept the overly absurd? And I don't mean in just science fiction or fantasy shows. Many shows on TV or in theaters today can be entertaining to watch just from the snark-fest potential. They are so overly contrived that you can have fun guessing what the next absurd thing to happen will be ... and sometimes you're right (or you come up with something better than they did).
Akin to this is the writers stretching for a reaction. I don't know how many times I've overheard my dear wife watching TV exclaim something like "How can they do this?" to some plot twist or contrived plot device. My answer? "The writers do this so you'll react and say "how can they do this?". Pretty good, aren't they?". Mostly through unexpected twists and heinous acts...
If they did what we expected we wouldn't watch for long. It is amazing what we've come to expect.
Thanks a Lot, Danish Assholes
We are getting a lesson in the downside to freedom of speech. While we accept that freedom of speech does not include the freedom to threaten, advocate harm or cause damage, we also accept that freedom of speech means "you do not have the right to not be offended". Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend, but not harm.
For anyone not familiar with the recent situation, in September a Danish newspaper published caricatures of the prophet Muhammad that Muslims find offensive. Rather tame, as far as caricatures go. Protected by modern notions of freedom of speech and expression. But something the Muslims find unforgivable. These have since been republished in roughly 40 other western countries in publications citing the noble protection of "freedom of speech". These include republication in the United States and United Kingdom.
Only about 2% of Denmark's population is Muslim, so the Dane's are fairly safe and smug in publishing their portrayals of someone else's prophet. Unfortunately there are other countries with much higher percentages of Muslims who are taking it as a religious affront and demonstrating, protesting and committing acts of violence. Since there aren't that many Danish targets out there, the majority of destruction is to American and British property with the usual "Death to America" rhetoric.
So, we have the Danes offending the Muslims, whose religion bans any images of religious prophets (including Jesus) as being sacrilegious. The Muslims protest. Other nations republish the offensive drawings and fuel the dispute. The Muslims take it out on the most convenient targets. Will this escalate to become another "holy" versus "freedom" war? Repressive self-censorship vs insensitive freedom of speech? Let's try to figure our way out of this one...
Happy Valentines Day! Wikipedia has an interesting history of Valentines Day (also called Singles Awareness Day). From Saint Valentines, Cupid and other origins through modern day and other parts of the world.
Happy Valentines day to my dear wife ... the love of my life.
Suspension of Disbelief
Modern television and movie producers often rely on a suspension of disbelief. We accept things on the screen that in real life would seem absurd. We accept it for the sake of the storyline. Is it just me, or have we gotten desensitized to the point they now expect us to accept the overly absurd? And I don't mean in just science fiction or fantasy shows. Many shows on TV or in theaters today can be entertaining to watch just from the snark-fest potential. They are so overly contrived that you can have fun guessing what the next absurd thing to happen will be ... and sometimes you're right (or you come up with something better than they did).
Akin to this is the writers stretching for a reaction. I don't know how many times I've overheard my dear wife watching TV exclaim something like "How can they do this?" to some plot twist or contrived plot device. My answer? "The writers do this so you'll react and say "how can they do this?". Pretty good, aren't they?". Mostly through unexpected twists and heinous acts...
If they did what we expected we wouldn't watch for long. It is amazing what we've come to expect.
Thanks a Lot, Danish Assholes
We are getting a lesson in the downside to freedom of speech. While we accept that freedom of speech does not include the freedom to threaten, advocate harm or cause damage, we also accept that freedom of speech means "you do not have the right to not be offended". Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend, but not harm.
For anyone not familiar with the recent situation, in September a Danish newspaper published caricatures of the prophet Muhammad that Muslims find offensive. Rather tame, as far as caricatures go. Protected by modern notions of freedom of speech and expression. But something the Muslims find unforgivable. These have since been republished in roughly 40 other western countries in publications citing the noble protection of "freedom of speech". These include republication in the United States and United Kingdom.
Only about 2% of Denmark's population is Muslim, so the Dane's are fairly safe and smug in publishing their portrayals of someone else's prophet. Unfortunately there are other countries with much higher percentages of Muslims who are taking it as a religious affront and demonstrating, protesting and committing acts of violence. Since there aren't that many Danish targets out there, the majority of destruction is to American and British property with the usual "Death to America" rhetoric.
So, we have the Danes offending the Muslims, whose religion bans any images of religious prophets (including Jesus) as being sacrilegious. The Muslims protest. Other nations republish the offensive drawings and fuel the dispute. The Muslims take it out on the most convenient targets. Will this escalate to become another "holy" versus "freedom" war? Repressive self-censorship vs insensitive freedom of speech? Let's try to figure our way out of this one...
Monday, February 13, 2006
The Parking Space Dilemma
The observation at hand: regular parking spaces versus compact parking spaces.
"Compact" just seems to mean the parking spaces are smaller. Supposedly to fit more, smaller cars. But there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on usage. I've seen larger vehicles parked in compact spaces with wheels on the lines, sometimes touching both sides. There is nothing to say they can't use the spaces. Usually the regular spaces get filled up (often with smaller cars) and there is nowhere else to park. Sometimes I see cars parked over a line, taking up more than one space. This actually makes sense to me. A compact space really means a larger vehicle won't fit well and so should take up more than one space. After all, who wants a tight squeeze. But this seemingly defeats the purpose of having compact spaces in the first place.
So which is it? Larger vehicles are out of luck if the space says compact? They should squeeze in however they can? Or they should overlap into the neighboring spaces? Either way seems nutty... My observation is that the full size spaces fill up first regardless of vehicle size. Probably because of having more room to get in or out of the car and less chances of paint dings.
We have a compact car and a compact pickup truck. The compact spaces can be a bit of a tight fit for the pickup. Especially tight if one of those large SUVs park in the next space.
Dick Cheney Shoots Man
That was the initial headline I saw for the story of the Vice President's hunting accident at a quail ranch last weekend. Where he accidentally shot another hunter with his shotgun. That headline isn't evident today, but you can find tamer titled, more complete versions like this one at USA Today. The story has lit up the blogsphere with a lot of humorous treatment and I won't attempt to come up with better jokes here. Yep, too easy a target even for me.
So why did it take almost 24 hours to get reported? From Political Cortex, a less mainstream site: "So, what we have is an event shrouded in secrecy for almost 24 hours which, when disclosed, was accompanied by a fawning statement by a Bush apparatchik exonerating Cheney from any and all blame and/or liability. Thus, this appears to be yet another example of the Bush administration attempting to manipulate the press and perhaps hide the truth. What really happened on that ranch yesterday? Who the heck knows? What we do know is that, regardless of what actually happened, the administration spin-doctors immediately jumped in and crafted a story that put Cheney in the best possible light. And the 'traditional media' reported that story without any skepticism whatsoever."
Hmmm. A day to sync their stories and they couldn't figure out a way to blame it on terrorist quail?
Valentines Day Approaches
Late last week my eldest daughter took initiative and started making her own Valentines cards to give to her classmates. She cut and folded paper. She drew and colored pictures on them. She hand wrote notes and names. She lined them up, inspected and embellished. Then the cards went with cellophane wrap made to hold a handful of candies. Very industrious and personal. My youngest daughter went with the more traditional method of waiting for the weekend, buying everything and writing the names on. Both girls made nicely decorated Valentines boxes to collect cards in. Good job girls! I expect they will both have wonderful Valentines Days.
The observation at hand: regular parking spaces versus compact parking spaces.
"Compact" just seems to mean the parking spaces are smaller. Supposedly to fit more, smaller cars. But there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on usage. I've seen larger vehicles parked in compact spaces with wheels on the lines, sometimes touching both sides. There is nothing to say they can't use the spaces. Usually the regular spaces get filled up (often with smaller cars) and there is nowhere else to park. Sometimes I see cars parked over a line, taking up more than one space. This actually makes sense to me. A compact space really means a larger vehicle won't fit well and so should take up more than one space. After all, who wants a tight squeeze. But this seemingly defeats the purpose of having compact spaces in the first place.
So which is it? Larger vehicles are out of luck if the space says compact? They should squeeze in however they can? Or they should overlap into the neighboring spaces? Either way seems nutty... My observation is that the full size spaces fill up first regardless of vehicle size. Probably because of having more room to get in or out of the car and less chances of paint dings.
We have a compact car and a compact pickup truck. The compact spaces can be a bit of a tight fit for the pickup. Especially tight if one of those large SUVs park in the next space.
Dick Cheney Shoots Man
That was the initial headline I saw for the story of the Vice President's hunting accident at a quail ranch last weekend. Where he accidentally shot another hunter with his shotgun. That headline isn't evident today, but you can find tamer titled, more complete versions like this one at USA Today. The story has lit up the blogsphere with a lot of humorous treatment and I won't attempt to come up with better jokes here. Yep, too easy a target even for me.
So why did it take almost 24 hours to get reported? From Political Cortex, a less mainstream site: "So, what we have is an event shrouded in secrecy for almost 24 hours which, when disclosed, was accompanied by a fawning statement by a Bush apparatchik exonerating Cheney from any and all blame and/or liability. Thus, this appears to be yet another example of the Bush administration attempting to manipulate the press and perhaps hide the truth. What really happened on that ranch yesterday? Who the heck knows? What we do know is that, regardless of what actually happened, the administration spin-doctors immediately jumped in and crafted a story that put Cheney in the best possible light. And the 'traditional media' reported that story without any skepticism whatsoever."
Hmmm. A day to sync their stories and they couldn't figure out a way to blame it on terrorist quail?
Valentines Day Approaches
Late last week my eldest daughter took initiative and started making her own Valentines cards to give to her classmates. She cut and folded paper. She drew and colored pictures on them. She hand wrote notes and names. She lined them up, inspected and embellished. Then the cards went with cellophane wrap made to hold a handful of candies. Very industrious and personal. My youngest daughter went with the more traditional method of waiting for the weekend, buying everything and writing the names on. Both girls made nicely decorated Valentines boxes to collect cards in. Good job girls! I expect they will both have wonderful Valentines Days.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Valentines Day Grinch
Some of you may notice a recurring lament in my blogs. How the "deeper meaning" of otherwise worthy days has been hijacked by merchandising and how people sell out.
My dear wife seems to think I've given up on Valentines day. She may be right ... I may be joining her in that. Or we just might need a visit from the Valentines Day Grinch.
From the guys' perspective it is quite clear Valentines day is a commercial set-up. Valentines card - check, the $50+ bouquet already starting to wilt - check, fancy chocolates - check, diamond heart jewelry - well, you really want to show your love, don't you? But then you know that it's the woman at the office who gets the most extravagant bouquet delivered to her that is the most loved, right? These are contests the jewelers and florists love! After all, what guy wants to be guilted for skimping on those obvious shows..? Gift cards, spa and salon gifts, silver, gold, crystal tokens ... the checkli$t for ways guys can "show" that a woman is "worth it" is long.
Why do some women live for those "desperate housewife" moments? "Oh looky what I got from my guy ... let's see yours ... is that it ... oh dear ...". Should the spirit of Valentines Day be measured by showiness and indulgences?
Then there is the Valentines evening out. Or in. A romantic evening. Dancing, drinking, dining, whatever you both enjoy. With your sweetheart. With an emphasis on romance. Or at least that's the idea.
In reality the set-up for Valentines Day is more than just commercial. There are a lot of social "measuring up" expectations set around Valentines Day. All it takes is one "aw-shit" to wipe out days of prep and romantic endeavor. Just one "sorry miss, but we're out of that dish" and tailspin. No pressure, eh guys?
On the gals side, things work a bit different. Instead of the pressure to spend on things for their guy, they spend on things for themselves - for their guy. Lingerie, clothing and embellishments to look and feel romantic - for their guy. No pressure, eh gals? Just look at all those Valentines specials! After all, what guy doesn't want to be seen with his sexy sweetheart. Well, me ... apparently.
So maybe I do need to become the Valentines Grinch and swoop down to remove all those traipsings and glittery showpieces that are used to represent Valentines Day. So that, like the Whos in Whoville, Valentines Day can be turned over to those who know and remember that hugs, giggles, snuggles and the romantic spirit of Valentines Day are much more precious. Back to the innocent times when "be my valentine" was more than candy decoration. Reminding the world that having affection for someone really isn't measured by number of flowers, jewelry, public displays or the loudness of the cash register ka-ching.
Some of you may notice a recurring lament in my blogs. How the "deeper meaning" of otherwise worthy days has been hijacked by merchandising and how people sell out.
My dear wife seems to think I've given up on Valentines day. She may be right ... I may be joining her in that. Or we just might need a visit from the Valentines Day Grinch.
From the guys' perspective it is quite clear Valentines day is a commercial set-up. Valentines card - check, the $50+ bouquet already starting to wilt - check, fancy chocolates - check, diamond heart jewelry - well, you really want to show your love, don't you? But then you know that it's the woman at the office who gets the most extravagant bouquet delivered to her that is the most loved, right? These are contests the jewelers and florists love! After all, what guy wants to be guilted for skimping on those obvious shows..? Gift cards, spa and salon gifts, silver, gold, crystal tokens ... the checkli$t for ways guys can "show" that a woman is "worth it" is long.
Why do some women live for those "desperate housewife" moments? "Oh looky what I got from my guy ... let's see yours ... is that it ... oh dear ...". Should the spirit of Valentines Day be measured by showiness and indulgences?
Then there is the Valentines evening out. Or in. A romantic evening. Dancing, drinking, dining, whatever you both enjoy. With your sweetheart. With an emphasis on romance. Or at least that's the idea.
In reality the set-up for Valentines Day is more than just commercial. There are a lot of social "measuring up" expectations set around Valentines Day. All it takes is one "aw-shit" to wipe out days of prep and romantic endeavor. Just one "sorry miss, but we're out of that dish" and tailspin. No pressure, eh guys?
On the gals side, things work a bit different. Instead of the pressure to spend on things for their guy, they spend on things for themselves - for their guy. Lingerie, clothing and embellishments to look and feel romantic - for their guy. No pressure, eh gals? Just look at all those Valentines specials! After all, what guy doesn't want to be seen with his sexy sweetheart. Well, me ... apparently.
So maybe I do need to become the Valentines Grinch and swoop down to remove all those traipsings and glittery showpieces that are used to represent Valentines Day. So that, like the Whos in Whoville, Valentines Day can be turned over to those who know and remember that hugs, giggles, snuggles and the romantic spirit of Valentines Day are much more precious. Back to the innocent times when "be my valentine" was more than candy decoration. Reminding the world that having affection for someone really isn't measured by number of flowers, jewelry, public displays or the loudness of the cash register ka-ching.
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