Anyone who is complaining about the gridlock in Washington D.C. right now needs to understand an important fact: it is the voters who put these folks in office.
But who put them up for election? The ones with the money, of course. One of the most vital aspects of any modern day campaign is the "war chest". Who has the most money for advertising? Who can spread the cash around?
It is like any advertising campaign for a product or service. A beverage can taste like malted battery acid, but if that company puts out clever and frequent advertising, and gets some important folks to say that the product is great, then people will buy. It is the crowd mentality at work.
Now, apply the same idea to elections. Whoever is the loudest; whoever puts the "product" out there; whoever gets the famous people to back them - that is who wins the election because of the crowd mentality.
On top of that, primary elections appeal to the most fervent of each political party, as the middle-of-the-road voters don't cast a ballot until the big elections. That's how you end up with candidates like Rick Perry and Michelle Bachman getting the attention that they get. It isn't that they will do what is best for everyone, but they are the ones who appeal to the extremists of their party.
Don't tell me that I have to vote to complain. My candidate is ignored in human elections, and I watch the news and wonder if the members of the U.S. Congress can even agree to discuss the thermostat level.
Money talks...advertising sells...and the voters end up choosing the lesser of two evils...or the greater. In any case, they get what someone else pays for.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tragedy in Reno
I have always had a problem with air shows. Oh, I like airplanes well enough (except when I am white knuckling my way through turbulence), and I think some of the old prop driven aircraft are amazing. But I have issues when planes traveling hundreds of miles per hour are flashing by grandstands of people. It is a recipe for disaster, and that recipe was served up in Reno last week.
Granted, accidents do happen. People are killed on highways every day. People slip and fall in their homes. But in general, society takes certain precautions to try to prevent such accidents. We have laws for seat belt use and for speed limits. We put rails on stairways and tell our kids not to run with scissors. And yet, we place grandstands alongside runways as modified aircraft go streaking by overhead, passing within feet of each other and the ground. Then we stare in shock as accident after accident takes place.
How about we use some common sense when it comes to air shows. You want to have air shows? Fine. Have them. Just keep them away from populated areas and make sure that the grandstands are quite a distance away from where the event is taking place. Trust me, the planes are in the sky, so people will be able to see them.
A number of people are dead in Reno, Nevada. I have friends in Reno, and am very glad that none of them were there that day watching this tragedy. I am sad, however, to think that this terrible event could have been averted; if only common sense ruled.
Granted, accidents do happen. People are killed on highways every day. People slip and fall in their homes. But in general, society takes certain precautions to try to prevent such accidents. We have laws for seat belt use and for speed limits. We put rails on stairways and tell our kids not to run with scissors. And yet, we place grandstands alongside runways as modified aircraft go streaking by overhead, passing within feet of each other and the ground. Then we stare in shock as accident after accident takes place.
How about we use some common sense when it comes to air shows. You want to have air shows? Fine. Have them. Just keep them away from populated areas and make sure that the grandstands are quite a distance away from where the event is taking place. Trust me, the planes are in the sky, so people will be able to see them.
A number of people are dead in Reno, Nevada. I have friends in Reno, and am very glad that none of them were there that day watching this tragedy. I am sad, however, to think that this terrible event could have been averted; if only common sense ruled.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Memory ... (Not from Cats)
I'm reading a book right now called "Moonwalking With Einstein". It's all about memory, and how human society has moved away from the need to memorize things internally.
It's really fascinating and quite true. In the days before books, humans had to memorize information that needed to be passed on. It was vital. Now, we trust that everything is available at a moment's notice, and because of that, we find that we memorize less, and our ability to memorize falters.
I have to present parts in French. What does that have to do with memory? Well, my ability to memorize anything except useless trivial information is bad; terrible, in fact. So, add to that the need to actually speak in French, and I find myself reading everything from the printed page rather than speaking extemporaneously. I hate that. And I hate that I have to search for every piece of info...every scripture...every magazine tidbit that I need instead of being able to recall it with ease.
Unfortunately, I have finished 70% of the book (according to my Kindle) and am no closer to improving my memory. Oh, I have learned a lot about how memory works and how there are some memory pros out there who compete in freakish contests of memory, but I haven't learned the tricks myself.
And yet I find myself meditating on the benefits of having a trained memory. Imagine being able to quote scripture (in English or French) with book, chapter, and verse as easily as you might order lunch. Imagine being able to give a 30 minute talk from memory, without looking at notes. Imagine remembering the name of the person you have met at work no fewer than 20 times. (Guilty..)
We live in a society where we value convenience, and are completely satisfied with having snippets of information spoon-fed to us rather than a deep understanding of a subject. We prefer 30 second bursts of info rather than an intense "digging into" a matter. I'm as guilty of this as anyone, as my ADD causes me to flit from one subject to another like a bee buzzing around a garden. It's annoying, and it causes me to worry about what my memory will be like in 20 years...heck, in 5 years!
The time has come. It is time to begin the search for memory. It is time to learn something extraordinarily useful. From never needing a shopping list, to not needing to consult my iPhone for someone's number, to remembering how long I've been married (kidding!!), the training of my memory seems to be a noble undertaking. So, after doing a bit more moonwalking with Doctor Albert, I think I'll get down to it. Mnemonics is something that requires effort. Maybe that effort will reward me in other ways. I just hope I remember to study.
It's really fascinating and quite true. In the days before books, humans had to memorize information that needed to be passed on. It was vital. Now, we trust that everything is available at a moment's notice, and because of that, we find that we memorize less, and our ability to memorize falters.
I have to present parts in French. What does that have to do with memory? Well, my ability to memorize anything except useless trivial information is bad; terrible, in fact. So, add to that the need to actually speak in French, and I find myself reading everything from the printed page rather than speaking extemporaneously. I hate that. And I hate that I have to search for every piece of info...every scripture...every magazine tidbit that I need instead of being able to recall it with ease.
Unfortunately, I have finished 70% of the book (according to my Kindle) and am no closer to improving my memory. Oh, I have learned a lot about how memory works and how there are some memory pros out there who compete in freakish contests of memory, but I haven't learned the tricks myself.
And yet I find myself meditating on the benefits of having a trained memory. Imagine being able to quote scripture (in English or French) with book, chapter, and verse as easily as you might order lunch. Imagine being able to give a 30 minute talk from memory, without looking at notes. Imagine remembering the name of the person you have met at work no fewer than 20 times. (Guilty..)
We live in a society where we value convenience, and are completely satisfied with having snippets of information spoon-fed to us rather than a deep understanding of a subject. We prefer 30 second bursts of info rather than an intense "digging into" a matter. I'm as guilty of this as anyone, as my ADD causes me to flit from one subject to another like a bee buzzing around a garden. It's annoying, and it causes me to worry about what my memory will be like in 20 years...heck, in 5 years!
The time has come. It is time to begin the search for memory. It is time to learn something extraordinarily useful. From never needing a shopping list, to not needing to consult my iPhone for someone's number, to remembering how long I've been married (kidding!!), the training of my memory seems to be a noble undertaking. So, after doing a bit more moonwalking with Doctor Albert, I think I'll get down to it. Mnemonics is something that requires effort. Maybe that effort will reward me in other ways. I just hope I remember to study.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Modern Movie Musicals
I admit it. I like musicals and am secure in my man-hood, so leave my man card alone. I'm a big fan of Gene Kelly - Singin' In The Rain is a masterpiece - and I could probably watch Gigi several times a month.
Recently, the cinema has touched a bit on a sort of rediscovery of musicals. There is a problem, however. Casting crews, in their infinite cluelessness, have decided to go with big name stars rather than people who can sing and/or dance. I can give you two examples in particular.
The Phantom of the Opera - I'm not a big fan of this musical. I think the lyrics are insipid and it harkens back to the Umbrellas of Cherbourg in that all of the dialog seems to be set to music...and I mean ALL of it. I can excuse that, as I did with the Umbrellas. What I cannot forgive, however, is that the folks responsible for casting thought that the title role of the Phantom could be handled by Gerard Butler, who readily admitted that - wait for it - he could not sing. "That's okay," they said. "We will teach you, because you look so darn good!" Alas, they could not teach him, and his singing was only a bit more pleasant than a jackhammer running non-stop when you have a migraine.
Mamma Mia! - I'm no ABBA fan, by any stretch. But when I saw this musical performed at our community center theater by the off-Broadway touring company, I had a great time. The singing was fantastic, the acting was great, and I found myself laughing frequently and smiling incessantly as I left the theater. Then came the film, and the overpowering sensation that I had just been sentenced by Dick Chaney to a fate worse than waterboarding. I won't go into too many details here, as my psychiatrist says it isn't healthy. In the name of all that is decent, who thought that Pierce Brosnan was a singer? His idea of making something better is to sing it louder. In reality, it just sounds as though the lion has reached the jugular of the poor antelope and is finishing it off in an agonizing fashion. Colin Firth? Really? Mister Darcy? Christine Baranski and Amanda Seyfreid were the only saving glories of this film, and they didn't do enough to pull it out of the pit that the casting directors ... well ... cast it into. (sorry about that)
What is the point of this tirade? Can't you guess? If you want to make a musical into a movie, for heaven's sake grab the actors who performed it successfully on stage! Or at least grab a performer who has proven their chops in the required skill set.
Now.... rumor has it that the next musical to be made into a movie is one of my favorites: Les Miserables. A fantastic musical with great songs, it could be magnificent. However, that depends on the cast. Two names have leaked out, and I'm torn.
First off is Anne Hathaway as Fantine. While not THE most important role in the musical, it is important. My question is: can she sing at all? I've never heard her, and Fantine's songs are meant to be extraordinarily powerful and moving. I just think that Anne may not be up to it, but I'm willing to wait and see.
The most important role, by far, is that of Jean Valjean. The rumor here gives me hope. The lead is to be played by an actor who has been very successful in film, extremely successful doing voices in animated film, and has been wildly successful as a ... here we go ... Broadway performer! That actor is: Hugh Jackman! Yes! Actor, singer, dancer...he moves with grace and can play a variety of roles, of which Jean Valjean could easily be one. Is his voice powerful enough? If it is strong enough to star in The Boy From Oz and Oklahoma!, I'm sure it is. Finally, someone has it right. Let's just hope that the other choices are as good.
Musicals can succeed. Just grab the actors and actresses who have shown the ability to carry a show on stage before you put it on film.
Recently, the cinema has touched a bit on a sort of rediscovery of musicals. There is a problem, however. Casting crews, in their infinite cluelessness, have decided to go with big name stars rather than people who can sing and/or dance. I can give you two examples in particular.
The Phantom of the Opera - I'm not a big fan of this musical. I think the lyrics are insipid and it harkens back to the Umbrellas of Cherbourg in that all of the dialog seems to be set to music...and I mean ALL of it. I can excuse that, as I did with the Umbrellas. What I cannot forgive, however, is that the folks responsible for casting thought that the title role of the Phantom could be handled by Gerard Butler, who readily admitted that - wait for it - he could not sing. "That's okay," they said. "We will teach you, because you look so darn good!" Alas, they could not teach him, and his singing was only a bit more pleasant than a jackhammer running non-stop when you have a migraine.
Mamma Mia! - I'm no ABBA fan, by any stretch. But when I saw this musical performed at our community center theater by the off-Broadway touring company, I had a great time. The singing was fantastic, the acting was great, and I found myself laughing frequently and smiling incessantly as I left the theater. Then came the film, and the overpowering sensation that I had just been sentenced by Dick Chaney to a fate worse than waterboarding. I won't go into too many details here, as my psychiatrist says it isn't healthy. In the name of all that is decent, who thought that Pierce Brosnan was a singer? His idea of making something better is to sing it louder. In reality, it just sounds as though the lion has reached the jugular of the poor antelope and is finishing it off in an agonizing fashion. Colin Firth? Really? Mister Darcy? Christine Baranski and Amanda Seyfreid were the only saving glories of this film, and they didn't do enough to pull it out of the pit that the casting directors ... well ... cast it into. (sorry about that)
What is the point of this tirade? Can't you guess? If you want to make a musical into a movie, for heaven's sake grab the actors who performed it successfully on stage! Or at least grab a performer who has proven their chops in the required skill set.
Now.... rumor has it that the next musical to be made into a movie is one of my favorites: Les Miserables. A fantastic musical with great songs, it could be magnificent. However, that depends on the cast. Two names have leaked out, and I'm torn.
First off is Anne Hathaway as Fantine. While not THE most important role in the musical, it is important. My question is: can she sing at all? I've never heard her, and Fantine's songs are meant to be extraordinarily powerful and moving. I just think that Anne may not be up to it, but I'm willing to wait and see.
The most important role, by far, is that of Jean Valjean. The rumor here gives me hope. The lead is to be played by an actor who has been very successful in film, extremely successful doing voices in animated film, and has been wildly successful as a ... here we go ... Broadway performer! That actor is: Hugh Jackman! Yes! Actor, singer, dancer...he moves with grace and can play a variety of roles, of which Jean Valjean could easily be one. Is his voice powerful enough? If it is strong enough to star in The Boy From Oz and Oklahoma!, I'm sure it is. Finally, someone has it right. Let's just hope that the other choices are as good.
Musicals can succeed. Just grab the actors and actresses who have shown the ability to carry a show on stage before you put it on film.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Guilty of Liking Kids Movies
I'm guilty. I admit it. These days I seem to prefer movies that are "made for kids". You'll notice the quotation marks. That's because the really good "kids" movies have a lot of stuff in there for the "used-to-be-kids" like me. There is so much crap out there that passes itself off as entertainment, but it all tends to look like sex, violence, and dirty jokes. What's left after you throw those into the bin are some pretty good kids films that entertain me every time I watch. I'd like to list a few for you here.
Cats Don't Dance: I included this one first for the sole reason that I watched it again yesterday. Anyone who has any knowledge of the heyday of Hollywood and the old MGM musicals will love this. Scott Bakula does the speaking and singing voice of Danny, the "song and dance cat". He is paired up with Jasmine Guy, who does the speaking voice of his love interest / antagonist Sawyer, and Natalie Cole does the singing voice. Interestingly, the dance routines relied on a very special technical adviser: Gene Kelly in the last bit of work he did before he died. This is just a joyful and fun movie that people should give a chance. I never get tired of it.
Flushed Away: Not going to go into as much detail on this one. Let's just say Hugh Jackman as a rat (watch for him deciding if he should wear a Wolverine costume at the beginning...HA!) who gets flushed down the toilet...hence the title. Toads, puns galore, and singing slugs. What more could you ask?
Others to watch without my detailed reviews:
The Emperor's New Groove
MegaMind
Cars
Shrek
Nonanimated
Support Your Local Sheriff (James Garner could do comedy...that's for sure)
There are certainly more to add...but it's Monday, and I don't have a lot of time. I may amend this list in the comments section, and readers (all 2 of you, I think), are welcome to add your own ideas.
Cats Don't Dance: I included this one first for the sole reason that I watched it again yesterday. Anyone who has any knowledge of the heyday of Hollywood and the old MGM musicals will love this. Scott Bakula does the speaking and singing voice of Danny, the "song and dance cat". He is paired up with Jasmine Guy, who does the speaking voice of his love interest / antagonist Sawyer, and Natalie Cole does the singing voice. Interestingly, the dance routines relied on a very special technical adviser: Gene Kelly in the last bit of work he did before he died. This is just a joyful and fun movie that people should give a chance. I never get tired of it.
Flushed Away: Not going to go into as much detail on this one. Let's just say Hugh Jackman as a rat (watch for him deciding if he should wear a Wolverine costume at the beginning...HA!) who gets flushed down the toilet...hence the title. Toads, puns galore, and singing slugs. What more could you ask?
Others to watch without my detailed reviews:
The Emperor's New Groove
MegaMind
Cars
Shrek
Nonanimated
Support Your Local Sheriff (James Garner could do comedy...that's for sure)
There are certainly more to add...but it's Monday, and I don't have a lot of time. I may amend this list in the comments section, and readers (all 2 of you, I think), are welcome to add your own ideas.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Apple (and Jobs) - Love it or Hate It
With the announcement of Steve Jobs' retirement from Apple, I thought it appropriate to discuss an observation I have made about Apple products: There is no middle ground.
I'll bet that if you asked 100 people their feelings about Apple products, there would only be about 5 that hover in the "no opinion" category. The rest would be either "love" or "hate". I think I can understand why.
For many years, Mac users had the image of being bearded, suspender-wearing "better than you" types who had the money to pay for what PC users claimed was a worse product. That was, of course, an image. How many schools had their first computer labs consist of all Apple products? Mine did.
Fast forward to what I like to call the "wholesale change in thinking". No, it wasn't the clamshell, bright-colored iBook laptop or the all-in-one iMac with no CD drive. What changed everything was the iPod. (That and iTunes.) How many people just HAD to have one once they became the be-all and end-all of mp3 players? No other player came close to the style, the ease of use, the ease of downloading, etc., etc. Once folks had their iPod, then the iMac or iBook wasn't that big a leap. As Microsoft released ever-buggier operating systems and the MacOS became sleeker and virtually uncrashable, the tide turned. Fast forward again to the introduction of the iPad. Honestly now...how many of you made jokes about the name when it was first announced? Honestly, I said! And yet...HP had to pull its version of the tablet after a bit more than a month because it just couldn't compare to the iPad2.
The tide has turned, and yet the battle goes on. But this time, the battle isn't between Microsoft and Apple. No, Microsoft has been virtually vanquished (which no one thought would happen). Instead, the new battle is Apple vs. Google. Who is winning? I have no idea, but the same "us vs. them" attitude is on display in this new battle. Apple users swear by their products, while Android users revile Apple. Frankly, I can see the positives in both systems. I'm an Apple user, and I really love how all of the products just simply work; no muss, no fuss...they just work together. That's what I like. My friend loves his Android products because he can customize them however he wants. That's cool. More power to him. Despite those differences, we are, indeed, friends.
Still...I see him leering over my iPad2. A year from now?
He will be assimilated...
I'll bet that if you asked 100 people their feelings about Apple products, there would only be about 5 that hover in the "no opinion" category. The rest would be either "love" or "hate". I think I can understand why.
For many years, Mac users had the image of being bearded, suspender-wearing "better than you" types who had the money to pay for what PC users claimed was a worse product. That was, of course, an image. How many schools had their first computer labs consist of all Apple products? Mine did.
Fast forward to what I like to call the "wholesale change in thinking". No, it wasn't the clamshell, bright-colored iBook laptop or the all-in-one iMac with no CD drive. What changed everything was the iPod. (That and iTunes.) How many people just HAD to have one once they became the be-all and end-all of mp3 players? No other player came close to the style, the ease of use, the ease of downloading, etc., etc. Once folks had their iPod, then the iMac or iBook wasn't that big a leap. As Microsoft released ever-buggier operating systems and the MacOS became sleeker and virtually uncrashable, the tide turned. Fast forward again to the introduction of the iPad. Honestly now...how many of you made jokes about the name when it was first announced? Honestly, I said! And yet...HP had to pull its version of the tablet after a bit more than a month because it just couldn't compare to the iPad2.
The tide has turned, and yet the battle goes on. But this time, the battle isn't between Microsoft and Apple. No, Microsoft has been virtually vanquished (which no one thought would happen). Instead, the new battle is Apple vs. Google. Who is winning? I have no idea, but the same "us vs. them" attitude is on display in this new battle. Apple users swear by their products, while Android users revile Apple. Frankly, I can see the positives in both systems. I'm an Apple user, and I really love how all of the products just simply work; no muss, no fuss...they just work together. That's what I like. My friend loves his Android products because he can customize them however he wants. That's cool. More power to him. Despite those differences, we are, indeed, friends.
Still...I see him leering over my iPad2. A year from now?
He will be assimilated...
Monday, August 22, 2011
Movies vs. Television: My Entertainment Dollars
As a typical resident of the United States, and not one of the upper 2% who have the vast majority of wealth, I have a limited budget for entertainment. And let's face it, there are literally hundreds of forms of recreation just begging (symbolically and literally) for my money. Some of this entertainment is not in my "moral wheelhouse", so we can discount that right off the bat. (Sorry strip clubs...you're out.) Other forms are not in my physical realm or in the realm that I consider sane, so things like bungee and BASE jumping are gone, too.
I have friends and relatives who go for rock climbing. Good for them. I'm sure it's jolly good exercise. I'll pass.
For the sake of this blog entry, I have decided to limit the fields of entertainment to two, with a surprise third entry at the end. Let's begin with the cinema or, to put it in normal language, the movies. There is a huge glut of films to choose from. Some of these are rated "R", and these fall out of my moral wheelhouse as well, so let's just eliminate those. What's left? Violence, sex, stupidity (see Hollywood Hot Tub for example), and children's films (which may also include violence, sex, and stupidity, but of a different sort). Frankly, the stuff out there right now doesn't thrill me. I have trouble laying out over $10 for something that isn't worth my time and effort to go see. Cars 2? Cute, but I can see that on DVD. I'm in no rush to go out to see it with a bunch of screaming kids. Captain America? Meh. I might see that on DVD, but it feels like another "super American soldier" kind of flick (see GI Joe). How about the new film, The Help? Chick flick, for sure. Brownie points from the wife if I go see it, but the man card goes right in the bin. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing it, but I find myself in the same boat with this one as others; I can watch it on DVD 4 months from now and be just as happy with my choice.
Let's move to television, then. Here's where I find some quality stuff that I like. Granted, there is crap out there, too. (Jersey Shore...take a bow...off a cliff) And yet, if you have read my blog before, you'll know that I sing the praises of shows like Doctor Who, Top Gear, Leverage, Eureka (r.i.p.), and Psych. Good fun, and well-written shows are worth it to me. And yet, I am paying Comcast / Xfinity / XMen / XRay about $150 per month for television and internet! I am beginning to doubt my sanity and conservative spending ways! This is why it is a choice between movies and television, and not choosing both of them. Television is no longer 3 channels plus UHF for free. It costs money - every month.
So here's the third option, and mock me if you will: video games. I know, I know...childish and wasteful of precious time. But aren't movies and television in the same category? Let' s imagine that one buys a PlayStation system for around $250. If you buy a game for $60, that seems like a lot of money. But ask yourself how many hours of play you can get for $60! You get 4 hours of bowling for the same price. 5 theater tickets run more than $60. Video games begin to seem like a bargain!
In the end, there is one final option: read a book. Some say that readers like Kindle have ruined the book industry. I disagree. If it makes reading convenient and enjoyable, so be it. Just make sure that authors get paid for their work. We can save a few trees while still getting people involved in good stories.
Just leave the Harlequin Romances alone.
I have friends and relatives who go for rock climbing. Good for them. I'm sure it's jolly good exercise. I'll pass.
For the sake of this blog entry, I have decided to limit the fields of entertainment to two, with a surprise third entry at the end. Let's begin with the cinema or, to put it in normal language, the movies. There is a huge glut of films to choose from. Some of these are rated "R", and these fall out of my moral wheelhouse as well, so let's just eliminate those. What's left? Violence, sex, stupidity (see Hollywood Hot Tub for example), and children's films (which may also include violence, sex, and stupidity, but of a different sort). Frankly, the stuff out there right now doesn't thrill me. I have trouble laying out over $10 for something that isn't worth my time and effort to go see. Cars 2? Cute, but I can see that on DVD. I'm in no rush to go out to see it with a bunch of screaming kids. Captain America? Meh. I might see that on DVD, but it feels like another "super American soldier" kind of flick (see GI Joe). How about the new film, The Help? Chick flick, for sure. Brownie points from the wife if I go see it, but the man card goes right in the bin. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing it, but I find myself in the same boat with this one as others; I can watch it on DVD 4 months from now and be just as happy with my choice.
Let's move to television, then. Here's where I find some quality stuff that I like. Granted, there is crap out there, too. (Jersey Shore...take a bow...off a cliff) And yet, if you have read my blog before, you'll know that I sing the praises of shows like Doctor Who, Top Gear, Leverage, Eureka (r.i.p.), and Psych. Good fun, and well-written shows are worth it to me. And yet, I am paying Comcast / Xfinity / XMen / XRay about $150 per month for television and internet! I am beginning to doubt my sanity and conservative spending ways! This is why it is a choice between movies and television, and not choosing both of them. Television is no longer 3 channels plus UHF for free. It costs money - every month.
So here's the third option, and mock me if you will: video games. I know, I know...childish and wasteful of precious time. But aren't movies and television in the same category? Let' s imagine that one buys a PlayStation system for around $250. If you buy a game for $60, that seems like a lot of money. But ask yourself how many hours of play you can get for $60! You get 4 hours of bowling for the same price. 5 theater tickets run more than $60. Video games begin to seem like a bargain!
In the end, there is one final option: read a book. Some say that readers like Kindle have ruined the book industry. I disagree. If it makes reading convenient and enjoyable, so be it. Just make sure that authors get paid for their work. We can save a few trees while still getting people involved in good stories.
Just leave the Harlequin Romances alone.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Who Made Compromise a Dirty Word?
As an outsider on matters political, I can only stare in wonder at the rubbish coming out of politicians mouths these days, especially on the right wing. A recent quote attributed to one Republican candidate is, "I don't compromise." And yet this candidate claims alliance with the ideals of the men who founded the United States. It's sad that history gets twisted and forgotten in the midst of political campaigns. If those same founders of the U.S. had not been willing to compromise, these candidates would probably not be running for office.
After the Articles of Confederation were accepted as the "law of the land", the U.S. floundered. These initial efforts gave quite a bit of power to the states rather than the Federal Government. As such, nothing was stable. The new country was left in a daze. It took compromise on all sides to create a new constitution. Yes, the same Constitution that the right wingers look to as the "be-all, end-all", even though they ignore it whenever convenient.
Today, the left looks weak as they try to compromise to get things done, and the right refuses. It is as though the past doesn't matter, and the Republicans want to keep trying to pound that square peg into the round hole until one or the other shatters. Relatively harmless when talking about a wooden block; dangerous when running a country.
Whenever I have to meet with others to make decisions as a group, the first thing we do is look to the rules to see what they say. Then, we discuss matters, allowing all sides to have their say. Finally, we decide, and the minority goes along with the decision of the majority, representing a united front. However, by the time the vote is taken, all sides have been heard, and all views are considered compared to the rules, the needs of the whole, and the wisest course to take. Things get done and compromise isn't seen as negative. We don't compromise when it comes to the standards we have to follow. We compromise when the views of others are taken into account as important.
Our rule book in this case is the Bible. We will not compromise on that. However, where there is room for discussion, we discuss.
Government officials, you have your rule books. If the rules need changing, there is a method in place for changing the rules. If they don't, then look to the best interests of everyone rather than just your "followers" and those that throw money at your campaign. The so-called leaders of this country are a laughing-stock for the rest of the world. The reason is simple: the vocal minority have made the word "compromise" synonymous with "surrender". It just isn't so.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Funny Stuff, and Another Annoyed Eureka Fan
There's nothing out there in the movies that stirs within me the desire to go out, fight the crowds, buy a ticket, and fight through the retching that comes with seeing some of the terrible films out there today. Thus, I turn to television and Netflix to provide me with light entertainment. I would like to touch on a few programs that have filled me with either a) whimsy and happiness, b) "meh", c) "blah", or d) sadness.
Let's start with one that produces some laughs, and that is the British series "The Thin Blue Line" starring Rowan Atkinson. A bit risque' at times (as much of British tv can be), but for those who only know Mr. Atkinson as Mr. Bean, it is well worth watching. He is the star, but the rest of the cast definitely adds to the show. It is well worth your time, as is the BlackAdder series.
Next, a "meh" goes to "Alphas". I really couldn't get into the series. I felt as though I was watching a dysfunctional mix of "Heroes" and "The A-Team". Sorry SyFy, but you didn't capture me with this one.
Here's a "blah" for you. It's a show that tries to pick up where M*A*S*H left off, but without the comedy, character development, or plot that makes it worth watching. It is called "Combat Hospital". My son likes it, but I've seen it a few times and I have to say that I would rather watch Alan Alda's later years in his series where he got all preachy. No...I didn't like those either, but that's the point.
Here comes the sad part. It has just been announced that the fantastic Eureka is being cancelled by SyFy. They say it is too expensive, but will allow the show to finish its fifth season and have a concluding episode. Once again, the station that used to be SciFi network has moved away from its initial demographic and chooses so-called reality programs and idiot tv instead of good, interesting, and imaginative plotlines, dialogue, and great acting. I tweeted one of the V-Ps of programming for USA Network - where the majority of excellent programs can be found these days - and asked him the chances of his network picking up the show. His response? Since both networks are owned by the same company, it isn't going to happen. Pity. It would have been great alongside Psych and Burn Notice. Eureka has been nothing short of excellent, and the actors, especially Colin Ferguson, have been top-notch. So, a big "bleah" to SyFy, who has canceled the only show I watch on their formerly good network, and a fond farewell to Eureka. Here's hoping that Colin Ferguson lands on his feet and gets another series that spotlights his enjoyable personality and talent.
One more thing...Top Gear and Doctor Who come back soon. Yay BBC America!
Let's start with one that produces some laughs, and that is the British series "The Thin Blue Line" starring Rowan Atkinson. A bit risque' at times (as much of British tv can be), but for those who only know Mr. Atkinson as Mr. Bean, it is well worth watching. He is the star, but the rest of the cast definitely adds to the show. It is well worth your time, as is the BlackAdder series.
Next, a "meh" goes to "Alphas". I really couldn't get into the series. I felt as though I was watching a dysfunctional mix of "Heroes" and "The A-Team". Sorry SyFy, but you didn't capture me with this one.
Here's a "blah" for you. It's a show that tries to pick up where M*A*S*H left off, but without the comedy, character development, or plot that makes it worth watching. It is called "Combat Hospital". My son likes it, but I've seen it a few times and I have to say that I would rather watch Alan Alda's later years in his series where he got all preachy. No...I didn't like those either, but that's the point.
Here comes the sad part. It has just been announced that the fantastic Eureka is being cancelled by SyFy. They say it is too expensive, but will allow the show to finish its fifth season and have a concluding episode. Once again, the station that used to be SciFi network has moved away from its initial demographic and chooses so-called reality programs and idiot tv instead of good, interesting, and imaginative plotlines, dialogue, and great acting. I tweeted one of the V-Ps of programming for USA Network - where the majority of excellent programs can be found these days - and asked him the chances of his network picking up the show. His response? Since both networks are owned by the same company, it isn't going to happen. Pity. It would have been great alongside Psych and Burn Notice. Eureka has been nothing short of excellent, and the actors, especially Colin Ferguson, have been top-notch. So, a big "bleah" to SyFy, who has canceled the only show I watch on their formerly good network, and a fond farewell to Eureka. Here's hoping that Colin Ferguson lands on his feet and gets another series that spotlights his enjoyable personality and talent.
One more thing...Top Gear and Doctor Who come back soon. Yay BBC America!
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
That's a Riot...but not funny.
A quick one today. I've been reading about the riots going on in London right now. It supposedly started because of a police officer shooting someone. It's understandable that someone would get upset about that, and if it was an unjustified shooting, then that should come out in court. But those people who are rioting right now are not doing it for that reason. Get real. They are doing it because they are a bunch of lawless thugs, trying to get something for nothing by taking advantage of the insanity and looting stores, or are just trying to be violent without much fear of recourse.
I'm all for freedoms; freedom of belief, freedom of speech, etc. I am not, however, a believer in the freedom to riot and commit violent acts.
It's one of those times where I look at the news, shake my head, and wonder why society would tolerate actions like this. Government officials who remain on vacation instead of taking action are committing a criminal act in their own right; it is called criminal negligence.
My new definitions: London Rioters - thugs and idiots who should be punished to the full extent of the law. British Politicians responsible for security - idiots who should be removed from their jobs immediately. British Police - brave and under-appreciated.
Final definition: Anyone who thinks the rioters have the right to do what they are doing - mouth-breather who should shut up and use his or her brains for a change.
I'm all for freedoms; freedom of belief, freedom of speech, etc. I am not, however, a believer in the freedom to riot and commit violent acts.
It's one of those times where I look at the news, shake my head, and wonder why society would tolerate actions like this. Government officials who remain on vacation instead of taking action are committing a criminal act in their own right; it is called criminal negligence.
My new definitions: London Rioters - thugs and idiots who should be punished to the full extent of the law. British Politicians responsible for security - idiots who should be removed from their jobs immediately. British Police - brave and under-appreciated.
Final definition: Anyone who thinks the rioters have the right to do what they are doing - mouth-breather who should shut up and use his or her brains for a change.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Flying the Friendly Skies...of Southwest?
I never post ahead of time when I have to travel; I'm neurotic that way. This last weekend, however, my family and I had to fly from Sacramento to Ontario, California, and I was not looking forward to the trip. There are just so many things that stink about air travel - parking, TSA agents getting familiar with body parts, long waits and delayed flights, crowded and uncomfortable planes, waiting for baggage, getting your rental car, etc., etc., etc., ad nauseum - that I had no hopes for a good trip.
Still, as negative and nasty as I can be, I have to give credit where it is due. And based on this trip, a lot of credit is due. I'll take it in chronological order, rather than best to worst.
1) Sacramento "International" Airport - Parking in the garage across from the Southwest terminal was a snap. Second floor of the parking garage, easy to get to the terminal. Nice.
2) Southwest Airlines check in - I had checked in online the day before, so when I got to the counter, I just had to plug in the confirmation number, check my bags (which didn't cost extra - thanks SWA), and head to security. Very fast, very neat, and they got me on my way without a hitch.
3) TSA. Yes....you read that right. The agents at the security checkpoint were professional and helpful. You know something? If you read the rules and cooperate, they appreciate it and things go quickly. It's the idiots who don't put their metal items in the bin or who whine and complain that make it bad for everyone. Yes, there are bad agents out there who seem to get a kick out of frisking babies, but on this trip, all was fast and professional. Nice job, folks.
4) Sac "International" food court...to a point. Nice selection, but does anyone else feel completely gouged by the time you pay for a small snack? Ouch.
5) Southwest gate and flight. So easy. Boarded on time. Got my seat. Got my beverage. Arrived on time. Got off quickly. What more do you want?
6) Ontario baggage claim. 15 minutes and out of there. Nice.
7) Budget Car Rental at Ontario International. Got a great deal on my rental car. Ended up with a pristine Toyota Camry that drove great and was perfect for our needs. At the counter and away to my hotel in about 15 minutes total. Again...nice.
8) Hampton Inn - Even though they didn't particularly choose to be so close to our meeting place...3 minute drive? Fantastic. Room was clean, free breakfast was very nice. Only complaints: thin walls, peanut-sized swimming pool, exercise room with no weights. And yet, I was there to sleep. I wasn't there for a spa package.
9) Tokai Sushi in Corona, CA - All you can eat for $22. They didn't limit you to 2 pieces at a time, either. Good food, plenty of it, nice wait staff. Made for a fun evening, even if they did have to wheel me out because I ate too much.
10) Budget Rental returns: Took 10 minutes with a friendly staff member. On our way in a hurry. Only complaint is that the signs in Ontario leading you to the rental return area stink. Get better signage, city of Ontario. And make it fast!
11) Southwest check-in again. See above.
12) TSA - Again...see above.
13) Southwest gate and flight....see above. Even pushed away from gate five minutes early!
14) Sac "International" baggage claim. Crowded, but well-organized. We were out of there in a shot.
Thumbs down to:
1) Ontario airport food selection. A small bag of Jelly Bellies...$5. A slice of Round Table Pizza: $9. A bunch of restaurants closed at 6:30 p.m. Leaving my money in my wallet: priceless.
And a thumbs-down to one aspect of the trip in particular:
1) Sac "International" Parking fees: Okay, let's see if I can make this make sense. The fee is $15 daily along with hourly if not a full day. Arrived around 6 pm Thursday. Picked up car around 9 pm Sunday. That makes...3 full days and about 3 hours. That should be about $45 plus a little more. My cost: $60. Really?? Sixty bucks?? My flight cost around that much. Shame on you guys. That's a bit ridiculous.
All in all, it was a surprisingly easy trip. Kudos to the above agencies and companies for making it so.
Still, as negative and nasty as I can be, I have to give credit where it is due. And based on this trip, a lot of credit is due. I'll take it in chronological order, rather than best to worst.
1) Sacramento "International" Airport - Parking in the garage across from the Southwest terminal was a snap. Second floor of the parking garage, easy to get to the terminal. Nice.
2) Southwest Airlines check in - I had checked in online the day before, so when I got to the counter, I just had to plug in the confirmation number, check my bags (which didn't cost extra - thanks SWA), and head to security. Very fast, very neat, and they got me on my way without a hitch.
3) TSA. Yes....you read that right. The agents at the security checkpoint were professional and helpful. You know something? If you read the rules and cooperate, they appreciate it and things go quickly. It's the idiots who don't put their metal items in the bin or who whine and complain that make it bad for everyone. Yes, there are bad agents out there who seem to get a kick out of frisking babies, but on this trip, all was fast and professional. Nice job, folks.
4) Sac "International" food court...to a point. Nice selection, but does anyone else feel completely gouged by the time you pay for a small snack? Ouch.
5) Southwest gate and flight. So easy. Boarded on time. Got my seat. Got my beverage. Arrived on time. Got off quickly. What more do you want?
6) Ontario baggage claim. 15 minutes and out of there. Nice.
7) Budget Car Rental at Ontario International. Got a great deal on my rental car. Ended up with a pristine Toyota Camry that drove great and was perfect for our needs. At the counter and away to my hotel in about 15 minutes total. Again...nice.
8) Hampton Inn - Even though they didn't particularly choose to be so close to our meeting place...3 minute drive? Fantastic. Room was clean, free breakfast was very nice. Only complaints: thin walls, peanut-sized swimming pool, exercise room with no weights. And yet, I was there to sleep. I wasn't there for a spa package.
9) Tokai Sushi in Corona, CA - All you can eat for $22. They didn't limit you to 2 pieces at a time, either. Good food, plenty of it, nice wait staff. Made for a fun evening, even if they did have to wheel me out because I ate too much.
10) Budget Rental returns: Took 10 minutes with a friendly staff member. On our way in a hurry. Only complaint is that the signs in Ontario leading you to the rental return area stink. Get better signage, city of Ontario. And make it fast!
11) Southwest check-in again. See above.
12) TSA - Again...see above.
13) Southwest gate and flight....see above. Even pushed away from gate five minutes early!
14) Sac "International" baggage claim. Crowded, but well-organized. We were out of there in a shot.
Thumbs down to:
1) Ontario airport food selection. A small bag of Jelly Bellies...$5. A slice of Round Table Pizza: $9. A bunch of restaurants closed at 6:30 p.m. Leaving my money in my wallet: priceless.
And a thumbs-down to one aspect of the trip in particular:
1) Sac "International" Parking fees: Okay, let's see if I can make this make sense. The fee is $15 daily along with hourly if not a full day. Arrived around 6 pm Thursday. Picked up car around 9 pm Sunday. That makes...3 full days and about 3 hours. That should be about $45 plus a little more. My cost: $60. Really?? Sixty bucks?? My flight cost around that much. Shame on you guys. That's a bit ridiculous.
All in all, it was a surprisingly easy trip. Kudos to the above agencies and companies for making it so.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
A Quickie for Today
This is just a quickie for all those who say that humans are not affecting the climate...really?
Do you really want to say that almost 7 billion (billion with a "b") human beings going about their daily lives using machinery, cars, exhaling, passing gas, etc., are not going to have some impact on the planet? Are you really saying that cutting down forests, draining rivers, and raising millions upon millions of cows, as well as paving everything in sight...doesn't change environments?
Hellloooo Southern U.S. and others!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14410932?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
To all of you...get a clue.
Do you really want to say that almost 7 billion (billion with a "b") human beings going about their daily lives using machinery, cars, exhaling, passing gas, etc., are not going to have some impact on the planet? Are you really saying that cutting down forests, draining rivers, and raising millions upon millions of cows, as well as paving everything in sight...doesn't change environments?
Hellloooo Southern U.S. and others!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14410932?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
To all of you...get a clue.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Does Something Smell Back East?
Ever wonder why people hate politicians? Me either.
Just look at all the posturing and hubbub in D.C. and you'll get a clear indication why people don't trust anyone in the government. And the funny thing is, in a year you'll see the same time of people elected or re-elected.
It's sad how extremes on each side of the table seem to control the entire room. I'm sure that the vast majority of people find their beliefs somewhere in the middle of the road. The problem is that the far right and the far left have the biggest mouths, and the deepest individual pockets, and thus get the most attention.
I'm right down the middle...in that I don't support either side or, indeed, any side. I am a-political. I'm also apoplectic, annoyed, and aggravated. I'm just wondering why there is even such a big discussion about who should pay what and what should be cut. Shouldn't we just follow the guidelines in the Scriptures? (Right wing so-called Bible Thumpers take note.)
The Bible always called for taking care of widows and orphans. You can look at either "testament" and see that for yourselves. That also extends to the poor, the sick, and the mentally ill. Therefore, those are the people that should always be cared for...regardless. In a prosperous land, it is ridiculous and rotten that anyone should have to do without the basic necessities of life.
Beyond that...divvy up the rest as you see fit. I don't care. But if you drive, you need to pay for roads. If you prefer some form of protection, you had better pay for police and fire departments. (Getting the picture yet?) And as for taxes...I'm cool with those. But everyone...and I mean everyone, need to pay their fair share. That includes big corporations and rich fat cats. No loopholes. Pay for play. (And if you can make the tax forms a bit easier to use...thank you very much in advance.)
None of this will ever happen, of course. People are just too self-centered and greedy to ever change. Electors will keep voting in the one who is the best liar, rather than the one best-suited. And I...I will keep praying and working for the best government of all. Which one? Do you really have to ask? (see Matthew...chapter 6...verse 10...in whatever translation you prefer.)
Just look at all the posturing and hubbub in D.C. and you'll get a clear indication why people don't trust anyone in the government. And the funny thing is, in a year you'll see the same time of people elected or re-elected.
It's sad how extremes on each side of the table seem to control the entire room. I'm sure that the vast majority of people find their beliefs somewhere in the middle of the road. The problem is that the far right and the far left have the biggest mouths, and the deepest individual pockets, and thus get the most attention.
I'm right down the middle...in that I don't support either side or, indeed, any side. I am a-political. I'm also apoplectic, annoyed, and aggravated. I'm just wondering why there is even such a big discussion about who should pay what and what should be cut. Shouldn't we just follow the guidelines in the Scriptures? (Right wing so-called Bible Thumpers take note.)
The Bible always called for taking care of widows and orphans. You can look at either "testament" and see that for yourselves. That also extends to the poor, the sick, and the mentally ill. Therefore, those are the people that should always be cared for...regardless. In a prosperous land, it is ridiculous and rotten that anyone should have to do without the basic necessities of life.
Beyond that...divvy up the rest as you see fit. I don't care. But if you drive, you need to pay for roads. If you prefer some form of protection, you had better pay for police and fire departments. (Getting the picture yet?) And as for taxes...I'm cool with those. But everyone...and I mean everyone, need to pay their fair share. That includes big corporations and rich fat cats. No loopholes. Pay for play. (And if you can make the tax forms a bit easier to use...thank you very much in advance.)
None of this will ever happen, of course. People are just too self-centered and greedy to ever change. Electors will keep voting in the one who is the best liar, rather than the one best-suited. And I...I will keep praying and working for the best government of all. Which one? Do you really have to ask? (see Matthew...chapter 6...verse 10...in whatever translation you prefer.)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A Whovian...Evermore
It used to be so uncool. In my younger days, friends and schoolmates would ask me what I liked on television. There would be the typical early '80s answers, but then I would pipe up with "Doctor Who". By far the majority would ask, "What the heck is that?" But I would watch episodes on our local PBS affiliate with Tom Baker as the toothy and bescarved Doctor, traipsing throughout time and space in a small blue box, outwitting rubbery fake-looking monsters and overacting evil-doers with panache and an offer of "jelly babies". The writing was always imaginative, though, and the Doctor and his companions were always fun.
Once the 7th actor to play the Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, left the air, there was a long gap in the program's existence until some folks in the U.S. tried a Doctor Who made-for-tv movie with Paul McGann as the Doctor. The movie wasn't great, but it was so wonderful to see the Doctor again that I didn't care. I taped (yes...taped) it and watched it many times.
Fast forward to 6 years ago, when the Doctor returned to the BBC, and Christopher Eccleston took on the role, and the show hasn't looked back. David Tenant and his somewhat out-of-place, enthusiastic cry of allons-y added a huge number of fans, both male and female. Finally, the newest and youngest actor to play the role, Matt Smith, along with Karen Gillan as companion Amy Pond (come along, Pond!) have moved the show into the stratosphere. At the most recent San Diego ComicCon, 6500 fans crowded a room to hear the two stars chat about the program. And that 6500 was standing room only. A coworker attended and loved it. ("She is so thin!")
The show, broadcast over BBC America, constantly draws huge numbers. A recent poll in England determined that the average British person's television show to watch is Doctor Who. The terms "sonic screwdriver", "regeneration", "TARDIS", and "fezzes are cool" are no longer met with blank stares 100 % of the time. Now it's closer to 60%, I suppose. Still, even though I hate the idea of being a "hipster" who loved Doctor Who before Doctor Who was cool, I am happy that I recognized the fun of the show long ago, and take pleasure at seeing each new incarnation of the Doctor. Being a Whovian isn't so strange anymore.
Now, grab yourself a bag of jelly babies, a banana ("bananas are good"), put on your fez or Stetson, and sit down in front of your telly and either grab the dvd for Doctor Who season 1 with Eccleston, or join in when the show returns in August. Old-timers like me will welcome you with open arms.
Even if, upon seeing the show for the first time, you will ask (as all companions and visitors do), "How is the TARDIS bigger on the inside than the outside?" You'll see...and you'll love it.
Once the 7th actor to play the Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, left the air, there was a long gap in the program's existence until some folks in the U.S. tried a Doctor Who made-for-tv movie with Paul McGann as the Doctor. The movie wasn't great, but it was so wonderful to see the Doctor again that I didn't care. I taped (yes...taped) it and watched it many times.
Fast forward to 6 years ago, when the Doctor returned to the BBC, and Christopher Eccleston took on the role, and the show hasn't looked back. David Tenant and his somewhat out-of-place, enthusiastic cry of allons-y added a huge number of fans, both male and female. Finally, the newest and youngest actor to play the role, Matt Smith, along with Karen Gillan as companion Amy Pond (come along, Pond!) have moved the show into the stratosphere. At the most recent San Diego ComicCon, 6500 fans crowded a room to hear the two stars chat about the program. And that 6500 was standing room only. A coworker attended and loved it. ("She is so thin!")
The show, broadcast over BBC America, constantly draws huge numbers. A recent poll in England determined that the average British person's television show to watch is Doctor Who. The terms "sonic screwdriver", "regeneration", "TARDIS", and "fezzes are cool" are no longer met with blank stares 100 % of the time. Now it's closer to 60%, I suppose. Still, even though I hate the idea of being a "hipster" who loved Doctor Who before Doctor Who was cool, I am happy that I recognized the fun of the show long ago, and take pleasure at seeing each new incarnation of the Doctor. Being a Whovian isn't so strange anymore.
Now, grab yourself a bag of jelly babies, a banana ("bananas are good"), put on your fez or Stetson, and sit down in front of your telly and either grab the dvd for Doctor Who season 1 with Eccleston, or join in when the show returns in August. Old-timers like me will welcome you with open arms.
Even if, upon seeing the show for the first time, you will ask (as all companions and visitors do), "How is the TARDIS bigger on the inside than the outside?" You'll see...and you'll love it.
Monday, July 25, 2011
What a Weekend
I had to ask myself a question: How do I look at the events of this weekend and find any semblance of sanity in the world? The answer? I can't.
Let's start with the worst of it all - Norway. The details are still coming out, but the gist is that a lunatic blew up a government building and the same lunatic, or a cohort, went to a youth camp and killed a large number of young people. His excuse seems to be that he was trying to alert everyone to the dangers of Islam. The dangers of Islam? When you shot a bunch of young people? Instead, what we see is the dangers of overreacting, hatred, guns, extremism, etc., etc.
It's amazing that anyone could try to justify such a reaction in their own mind. This guy thought that he was helping to wake up Norway to the dangers of a religion by killing people who weren't even of that religion. And yet, we see similar attitudes (although not taken to that level) in right wing fundamentalists, extreme left-wingers, zealots, and others. These folks should be asking themselves if they aren't a little bit wacko themselves. And Glenn Beck should be ashamed, as should his sponsors, for opening his big yap by saying that the youth camp in Norway "sounds a little like the Hitler youth". Really? These guys were training for antisemitism and concentration camps? Really? Why does anyone even listen to this moron?
Folks...this gunman is nuts. He thinks he has done a favor to the world. Instead, he has just proven the sickness that exists in the minds of extremists.
How about another story? Amy Winehouse. Is anyone shocked? I mean, are you really shocked that she died young? The woman may have had talent, but she was a walking billboard for the dangers of drug abuse. It is sad, and the people that enabled her drug habit should be ashamed and held accountable. But people, when you are checking TMZ for stories on drug abusing celebrities and drool over each tidbit of info that comes out, don't be surprised when they pop up dead on a regular basis. It's another example of the sickness pervading this world.
Finally, let's look at football and the U.S. government. Football...labor deal...arguing over billions...while how many people are unemployed? You people stink. Not because you are trying to make a living in the sports / entertainment industry, but because you lose sight of the big picture. People are suffering out there, and you are more concerned with getting your "fair share" of billions. That's sick.
Along with that, the Republicans and the Democrats are so focused on getting reelected by their extremist money-donating base of voters, that they don't see what they are doing to Joe Average who needs a job. Again I say...you people stink. Get off your ego trip and do what is right. Everyone...and I mean everyone...who has the means needs to pay their fair share. And it is disgusting that a single human being in this country should go hungry or go without medical care or a place to eat when CEOs and other muckity-mucks are raking in millions of dollars in salaries every year. Is their job tougher or more demanding than that of the guy trying to earn a living pulling weeds? I'm not saying they should be equal, but the government needs to remember that people are hurting, and that cutting the most needy never fixes the problem.
What's the point of all of the ranting THIS time? Go back and read the "model prayer", also known as the "Lord's prayer". You wonder why Jehovah's Witnesses go door to door telling people that God's Kingdom is the only solution that will work? Read the news from this weekend again. I dare you to ask that question.
Let's start with the worst of it all - Norway. The details are still coming out, but the gist is that a lunatic blew up a government building and the same lunatic, or a cohort, went to a youth camp and killed a large number of young people. His excuse seems to be that he was trying to alert everyone to the dangers of Islam. The dangers of Islam? When you shot a bunch of young people? Instead, what we see is the dangers of overreacting, hatred, guns, extremism, etc., etc.
It's amazing that anyone could try to justify such a reaction in their own mind. This guy thought that he was helping to wake up Norway to the dangers of a religion by killing people who weren't even of that religion. And yet, we see similar attitudes (although not taken to that level) in right wing fundamentalists, extreme left-wingers, zealots, and others. These folks should be asking themselves if they aren't a little bit wacko themselves. And Glenn Beck should be ashamed, as should his sponsors, for opening his big yap by saying that the youth camp in Norway "sounds a little like the Hitler youth". Really? These guys were training for antisemitism and concentration camps? Really? Why does anyone even listen to this moron?
Folks...this gunman is nuts. He thinks he has done a favor to the world. Instead, he has just proven the sickness that exists in the minds of extremists.
How about another story? Amy Winehouse. Is anyone shocked? I mean, are you really shocked that she died young? The woman may have had talent, but she was a walking billboard for the dangers of drug abuse. It is sad, and the people that enabled her drug habit should be ashamed and held accountable. But people, when you are checking TMZ for stories on drug abusing celebrities and drool over each tidbit of info that comes out, don't be surprised when they pop up dead on a regular basis. It's another example of the sickness pervading this world.
Finally, let's look at football and the U.S. government. Football...labor deal...arguing over billions...while how many people are unemployed? You people stink. Not because you are trying to make a living in the sports / entertainment industry, but because you lose sight of the big picture. People are suffering out there, and you are more concerned with getting your "fair share" of billions. That's sick.
Along with that, the Republicans and the Democrats are so focused on getting reelected by their extremist money-donating base of voters, that they don't see what they are doing to Joe Average who needs a job. Again I say...you people stink. Get off your ego trip and do what is right. Everyone...and I mean everyone...who has the means needs to pay their fair share. And it is disgusting that a single human being in this country should go hungry or go without medical care or a place to eat when CEOs and other muckity-mucks are raking in millions of dollars in salaries every year. Is their job tougher or more demanding than that of the guy trying to earn a living pulling weeds? I'm not saying they should be equal, but the government needs to remember that people are hurting, and that cutting the most needy never fixes the problem.
What's the point of all of the ranting THIS time? Go back and read the "model prayer", also known as the "Lord's prayer". You wonder why Jehovah's Witnesses go door to door telling people that God's Kingdom is the only solution that will work? Read the news from this weekend again. I dare you to ask that question.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Summertime Blues
The United States is currently sweltering under a massive heat wave. This meteorological misery is causing temperatures to feel like it is 115 degrees or more when you add the humidity. Roads are even buckling in some places due to the heat. (To those who don't believe that man can affect the environment adversely, I say "bleah"!)
Here in the Central Valley of California, we have dealt with late rains, relatively mild heat, and a strangely mild summer. What that means to most people is a more comfortable visit to the California State Fair, less sweating, and more drownings in local rivers because people are too stupid to take precautions against cold, fast currents.
What it means for me is that it is still too hot. I hate summer. I hate heat. I hate sweat. And I happen to live with two people who love the sun. I'll be calling the authorities on them soon to have them checked for insanity.
It also means higher utility bills, as I am one of those insane people willing to plop down an extra $50 or so a month to remain comfortable in my "man cave". Let other people fan themselves and perspire. I want air conditioning, and I want it now! Sadly, it also means that I am probably contributing to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. (Great! Now I have guilt! - Rex from Toy Story)
I'm not sure what point I'm trying to make here. Is it just for the purpose of blogging? Perhaps. But perhaps it is also to point out to all of those "sun worshipers" out there that not everyone likes the heat. It is also to send out an invitation to the following people:
River recreation folks who don't take precautions
People who go out for hours and hours in the sun without sunscreen
People who think that hot weather calls for riding motorcycles in t-shirts and shorts
The Darwin Awards are accepting applications.
Here in the Central Valley of California, we have dealt with late rains, relatively mild heat, and a strangely mild summer. What that means to most people is a more comfortable visit to the California State Fair, less sweating, and more drownings in local rivers because people are too stupid to take precautions against cold, fast currents.
What it means for me is that it is still too hot. I hate summer. I hate heat. I hate sweat. And I happen to live with two people who love the sun. I'll be calling the authorities on them soon to have them checked for insanity.
It also means higher utility bills, as I am one of those insane people willing to plop down an extra $50 or so a month to remain comfortable in my "man cave". Let other people fan themselves and perspire. I want air conditioning, and I want it now! Sadly, it also means that I am probably contributing to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. (Great! Now I have guilt! - Rex from Toy Story)
I'm not sure what point I'm trying to make here. Is it just for the purpose of blogging? Perhaps. But perhaps it is also to point out to all of those "sun worshipers" out there that not everyone likes the heat. It is also to send out an invitation to the following people:
River recreation folks who don't take precautions
People who go out for hours and hours in the sun without sunscreen
People who think that hot weather calls for riding motorcycles in t-shirts and shorts
The Darwin Awards are accepting applications.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Shows I Watch
It's been a little while since I discussed television shows, so now, without further ado (or further adon't) it my list of currently watched television shows. You may feel free to disagree with my choices, but you would be wrong.
Leverage: This season has started out a bit weakly, but the chemistry between the characters is still strong. I would like to contrast this show with another one that I immediately decided was not for me: Alphas. As I watched that show, I decided that I would rather have all of the characters violated by the TSA rather than root for them to succeed. The characters were all intensely dislikable, and thus an interesting concept landed with an overwhelming SPLAT.
Deadliest Catch: Why? Why? Why do I continue to watch this show? I hate reality shows, and this one is about crab fishing...every season. And yet, I watch. I watch, and I cannot resist. I will be petitioning the FCC to determine if this show is adding subliminal messages causing me to keep watching.
Top Gear: Do I really need to explain? I'm just waiting for season 17 to begin so that I can get my fix. If you haven't watched this on BBC America, you are a fool. I hereby assign you to do penance by watching either the Bachelorette or Basketball Wives for 3 hours straight. At which point, you will die. Or wish you were dead. Instead, watch Top Gear and be a very happy camper.
Burn Notice (with a caveat): This show is very close to jumping the shark. I am watching suspiciously, but something had better change. And soon.
Eureka: One of the most imaginative shows on the air....again. I just watched the first episode of the new season and it is still great. I just hated waiting so long for it to return. Where else could you find an artificially intelligent robot deputy wanting to marry a house endowed with artificial intelligence. What...she wasn't ready to settle down? On top of that, the Sheriff rode off with his injured robot deputy on the back of a horse to save the day and what do we hear? The deputy (Andy) yelling, "I'm on a horse!" Classic.
Doctor Who: On break until the end of summer. Nooooooooo!!! I need my fix!!! Now!!!
That's it for now. Other shows that make honorable mention are NCIS (on break), NCIS:LA (on break), Top Gear USA (need new presenters), and Psych (on break...otherwise it goes to near the top of the list!)
Don't like my choices? Let's debate! Oh...you lose.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Budget Battles
Does anyone really think that the people in charge of the government have people's best interests at heart? There they are...meeting and cajoling and meeting and digging in, and they can't come to any kind of agreement. Why is that?
The simple reason is that they are only interested in doing what gets them reelected. Period. They have to appeal to the most extreme end of their political base so that they get the fringe element, while hoping that those toward the center will choose them as the least harmful choice when election time arrives. In the end, though, it is Joe Lunchbox who gets the shaft.
It's funny. The Bible teaches us to pay to Caesar what is Caesar's, and that includes taxes. Yet the people that are elected to decide how the money is spent stops caring about those who are giving the money, unless of course you are talking about the top 1/2% of wage earners who give a big chunk to campaigns, or big companies that prop up this stupidity.
The model prayer in the Bible teaches us to pray for God's Kingdom to come. And yet there are those who think that humans can do the job. Take a look at the news this evening. I dare you to come back to me and believe that they can. But if you do watch the news, avoid Fox. They might be tapping your phone to see what you think about them.
The simple reason is that they are only interested in doing what gets them reelected. Period. They have to appeal to the most extreme end of their political base so that they get the fringe element, while hoping that those toward the center will choose them as the least harmful choice when election time arrives. In the end, though, it is Joe Lunchbox who gets the shaft.
It's funny. The Bible teaches us to pay to Caesar what is Caesar's, and that includes taxes. Yet the people that are elected to decide how the money is spent stops caring about those who are giving the money, unless of course you are talking about the top 1/2% of wage earners who give a big chunk to campaigns, or big companies that prop up this stupidity.
The model prayer in the Bible teaches us to pray for God's Kingdom to come. And yet there are those who think that humans can do the job. Take a look at the news this evening. I dare you to come back to me and believe that they can. But if you do watch the news, avoid Fox. They might be tapping your phone to see what you think about them.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
No Responses
I don't blame anyone but myself. I'd be shocked if anyone even looked at this blog more than once a month. Still, the offer still stands.
On other notes...here's a look at some of the topics that have caught my eye:
Rupert Murdoch: Come on now...is anyone REALLY surprised that this guy is a scumball? Really?
NFL Lockout: Lots of people making lots of money. Getting organized is important, but the rookie wage scale needs fixing. (See: Russell, JaMarcus) Also, they need to take care of the guys who are done with the game who can't even dress themselves or remember their families.
NBA Lockout: Two words will fix most of the problems: revenue sharing. Do you really want 4 teams each in NY, LA, and Chicago? That's where this is heading if small markets like Sacramento can't compete financially.
iPad 2: Got mine. Love it. Only complaints are that I can't afford 3G in addition to my iPhone (when do we get tethering??) and I really wish this "Flash" issue would get resolved.
Cars: (real cars...not the movie) Does anyone else think that the influx of boxes on wheels is ridiculous? I mean, come on...the Scion xB, the Nissan Cube, etc., etc. I really like small cars with some personality: e.g., Mini Cooper S, Fiat 500, or even the Ford Fiesta. You want boxes on wheels? Go back to the U.S. made cars of the 70s.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading.
On other notes...here's a look at some of the topics that have caught my eye:
Rupert Murdoch: Come on now...is anyone REALLY surprised that this guy is a scumball? Really?
NFL Lockout: Lots of people making lots of money. Getting organized is important, but the rookie wage scale needs fixing. (See: Russell, JaMarcus) Also, they need to take care of the guys who are done with the game who can't even dress themselves or remember their families.
NBA Lockout: Two words will fix most of the problems: revenue sharing. Do you really want 4 teams each in NY, LA, and Chicago? That's where this is heading if small markets like Sacramento can't compete financially.
iPad 2: Got mine. Love it. Only complaints are that I can't afford 3G in addition to my iPhone (when do we get tethering??) and I really wish this "Flash" issue would get resolved.
Cars: (real cars...not the movie) Does anyone else think that the influx of boxes on wheels is ridiculous? I mean, come on...the Scion xB, the Nissan Cube, etc., etc. I really like small cars with some personality: e.g., Mini Cooper S, Fiat 500, or even the Ford Fiesta. You want boxes on wheels? Go back to the U.S. made cars of the 70s.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
This Is It
I'm tired of this. I'm tired of starting to write...stopping for awhile...remembering that I have a blog...etc., etc.
How do I get myself excited about writing a blog? And more to the point, how do people decide what to write about?
I've been told that I am a decent writer, and I would really like to write a book. I tried to write a few chapters of the "France" book I had in mind, but it never really took off in my heart. I just couldn't get excited about it. So now I'm stumped.
I'm sarcastic, but I don't want to write a book sarcastically, as that would get annoying to readers, I think. I love the way that Douglas Adams wrote. There is no way that I could or would duplicate his style, and a series like "Hitchhiker's Guide" only comes along once in a lifetime. So what do I do?
I am pleased to note that in the past I have had upwards of 3 readers of my blog. Three! Count 'em! OK...I'm done counting already. But perhaps if those three would tell others, I could get some more people reading and I would be inclined to write more. I would also love it if I could get some brainstorming ideas of what would make a good book for my writing style.
So here is my challenge: anyone who is reading this post...please get another 2 people to read it. Then, I would like it if those folks would comment by either clicking on the "comment" link or by clicking on my profile and sending me an email. I would really be grateful for ... note the following ... useful comments.
Thanks in advance. I'm gone.
How do I get myself excited about writing a blog? And more to the point, how do people decide what to write about?
I've been told that I am a decent writer, and I would really like to write a book. I tried to write a few chapters of the "France" book I had in mind, but it never really took off in my heart. I just couldn't get excited about it. So now I'm stumped.
I'm sarcastic, but I don't want to write a book sarcastically, as that would get annoying to readers, I think. I love the way that Douglas Adams wrote. There is no way that I could or would duplicate his style, and a series like "Hitchhiker's Guide" only comes along once in a lifetime. So what do I do?
I am pleased to note that in the past I have had upwards of 3 readers of my blog. Three! Count 'em! OK...I'm done counting already. But perhaps if those three would tell others, I could get some more people reading and I would be inclined to write more. I would also love it if I could get some brainstorming ideas of what would make a good book for my writing style.
So here is my challenge: anyone who is reading this post...please get another 2 people to read it. Then, I would like it if those folks would comment by either clicking on the "comment" link or by clicking on my profile and sending me an email. I would really be grateful for ... note the following ... useful comments.
Thanks in advance. I'm gone.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Two Dreaded Words
There are all sorts of envelopes that you don't want to see when you open your mailbox. The return address is usually a dead giveaway: IRS, DMV, Franchise Tax Board. But sometimes those can be good things, such as refunds. Yes, that's rare, but it has happened in the past. Still, an envelope that never brings good news for me always shows the return address, "Jury Commissioner".
I hate jury duty. It isn't because I don't value the idea of having a trial by jury if my life ever took a turn in that direction. Frankly, I am pretty sure that I would rather be judged by twelve members of the general public rather than a single, or even a tribunal, of judges who may be bored, angry, unloved, or just plain mean. But that doesn't mean that jury duty is a joy. I hate the idea of arriving at the courthouse at 9 am, waiting for my name to be called (assuming that it DOES get called), and then sitting down and waiting some more for an Assistant D.A. or attorney for the defense tries to find out if I have preconceived ideas, relatives in law enforcement, or even post-nasal drip. Doesn't there seem to be a need for a better way? I mean, sometimes the trial gets postponed, dropped, settled, etc., before it even gets underway. And I have wasted my time going down there just to be told, "Never mind."
I have to report this Tuesday at 9 a.m. What can I bring? What can I do to occupy my mind until I am either seated or released? I could read a book. I could play with my phone until it dies. Maybe I could write letters. Let's see...return address....anything but Jury Commissioner.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Doctor Is In
I used to be a television addict. When I was young, you couldn't drag me away from television. But now, as I look back at what I used to watch, I shudder in shame. Certain shows just don't hold up with time. (See: animated series from the 80s.) However, some hold up quite well. Go back and watch some episodes of Night Court, Barney Miller, and the Benny Hill Show (a guilty pleasure, but he was an absolute genius with wordplay...even if you think the ladies in scanty clothing was sexist.)
So what do I think of television today? There is still some good stuff on, but I tend to be more selective. I don't watch much, even though from time to time I will look in on a series. Here is a list of some of the shows that I think are good, or even great:
NCIS (both series)
Castle
Mythbusters
Leverage
Eureka
Psych
Top Gear (Absolutely the show I can watch over and over again!)
And leading the pack for over 40 years on the air: Doctor Who.
I know, I'm a geek, right? Well, hear me out.
Doctor Who has been on the air a long time, with props and costumes ranging from the cheap to the silly in the old days of Tom Baker. Special effects have improved dramatically with the newest incarnation of the series, but two things have remained consistent throughout the run of the show: the writing and the Doctor.
The writing has been imaginative, clever, and thought-provoking. It never shies from staring down the bad in humanity, while still expressing hope for what can be good. It also takes us to worlds and times beyond imagining and throws in humor to boot. I love the work that has been done on this series. (Want a great episode? Look for "Blink". You'll never look at a statue the same way ever again!)
But despite the age of the series, it remains fresh thanks to the men who have played the title role throughout the years. In a bit of forethought that remains unrivaled in television, the writers of the early series thought that when the time came for a lead actor to leave the series, the series didn't need to end or even have a new actor try to play the role in the same way. Instead, the Doctor would regenerate, having the same memories but a different face and personality. So, we could have Tom Baker followed by Peter Davison and believe that either one is the Doctor.
Moving to our day, when David Tennant decided to leave the series, many thought it might be the end. Next to Tom Baker, Tennant was probably the most popular Doctor ever. The powers-that-be had the gall to choose the youngest man to ever play the role, Matt Smith. He is young, thin, rather goofy looking...and a fantastic choice to play the Doctor (Geronimo!)
If you have never watched the series, and want to understand it, it's fine to start with Christopher Eccleston (the first man to play the Doctor in the new series) and go from there. If you can get past your pre-conceived notions of what the show is, I'm sure that you will find it to be one of the best things on your television.
For me...my television viewing re-starts on Saturday, April 23, as the Doctor's TARDIS materializes in my television on BBC America. Allons-y!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
I Stink At This
OK. Did you ever get the feeling that your entire blog consists of apologies? That's all I seem to do. Still, if it means anything...I'm sorry. I've been very busy.
My topic of the day is the Sacramento Kings and the demise of the Maloof public image. For the longest time, the Maloof brothers, owners of the Sacramento Kings, swore up and down that the team was in Sacramento for the long haul; that they would never move the team. Then, the downhill slide began. The team started losing, the economy soured, the arena got old, the local government couldn't or wouldn't come up with a solution for a new arena...and the Maloofs forgot what made them popular owners.
These brothers began to think that they were the star attractions, making lame Carl's Jr. commercials and thinking they were the be-all and end-all of popularity. They stopped caring about their image with the fans and cared about their image of themselves. They wanted a new arena, but didn't act as though they wanted to help with the plans. Instead, they expected city leaders to hand a new arena to them on a platter. "Here are the keys, Misters Maloof. Enjoy your new playground."
Sadly, the public couldn't justify spending hundreds of millions of dollars of tax money on an arena while teachers were being laid off and thousands of people were losing their homes. What a surprise. Instead of being patient, enthusiastic, or even giving the impression that they cared, the Maloofs instead began losing money themselves; selling their beer distributorship, watching their casino start a slide into the negative category (losing money on a casino??), and putting a poor product on the floor in Sactown to save money. They experienced a new surprise there...fans stopped filling the seats.
Anyway, I digress. The Maloofs showed their final bit of scorn for the fans in Sacramento by not attending the final game of the season against their bitter rivals, the Lakers. Instead, they were winging their way to New York to try to convince the powers-that-be to let them move the team that they swore they would never move.
What is my point? I don't really know. I only feel scorn and disdain for the Maloofs right now. I feel they are cowards and liars. They think that being the worst team in a three team city will be better for them than being the only game in town in Sacramento. What a joke. Wait a few years, Anaheim, and the Maloofs will be moving somewhere else. They will act as though they are in Anaheim to stay, and that they have the best fans in the world. Then, the Pond will get older and the shine will wear off, fans will stop paying to see a third-rate product when they can see their beloved Lakers win and win again, and the Maloofs will have to find somewhere else to park their toy.
Well, begone miscreants! We still have hope for the future. Perhaps Kevin Johnson's plan to bring in financial angels will work. Maybe we will have another team to join the Sac State Hornets (the Sacramento Hornets?). But that just means that New Orleans - a city that has suffered more than any should ever have to - will lose their team. At least they have a Super Bowl championship. All Sacramento has right now of memories of being a jilted lover.
Joe and Gavin...you are the worst kind of cowards. Not just lying to a city, but not even daring to state your case to the fans, or say "thank you" on the last night of the season.
Just go away. I'm done with you and any teams that may have the misfortune of calling you owners.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Grandmother I'll Never Know
My Grandmother died in January in North Hollywood, California. That's sad. It's sadder still, because I never knew her.
As readers of this blog know, I am adopted. I hired a private investigator to help me to locate my natural mother. Fortunately, the clues and research I already compiled led to the discovery of my mother's address and phone number. The investigator contacted my mother, who quickly told the P.I. that she wanted no contact with me. The amazing thing was that she was at the home of her mother, my grandmother, who was not doing very well. My grandmother was 94 years old as of her last birthday. 94! That was incredible to me, and gave me hope that my genetics would help me to live a good, long life. Still, I had hope that if I wrote to my mother, she might at least agree to send me some information on my family, if for no other reason than tracing my family tree.
As you might already know, she refused and, in fact, didn't even answer my letter.
As I picked up my research again through Ancestry.com, I ran my grandmother's name through a search engine, hoping to pick up some other information. I did. I found a two-line obituary notice, stating that she had died about two weeks earlier.
I didn't know this woman. I don't know what she was like. I didn't know any stories that she might have kept in her memory about her ancestors, and what led her family here to the U.S. from Ireland and Scotland. And yet, I feel a profound sense of loss, precisely because I didn't get to know her.
It isn't the kind of mourning where you weep over someone that you knew and loved. It is just a knot in the pit of my stomach, and a bit of bitterness towards my natural mother who refused my overtures. I'm sure it is hard for her, and a bit shocking, to be contacted by the child you gave up for adoption 47 years before. But I told her that I didn't want a "relationship" of "mother and child". I just wanted to know where my ancestors are from. I just wanted to know a little of what kind of genetic material drives my personality. Perhaps I could find out a bit about my natural father. And perhaps I could have learned a bit from the woman who was born just before World War I began. Now I never will...and I will have the regret that I didn't start my search ten years earlier, which might have allowed me the time to make inroads and perhaps establish contact with my grandmother.
Goodbye, Mrs. P. I never knew you except through my family tree. And I am truly sorry for that.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Kitties are Gone
Life sometimes kicks you in the teeth. And sometimes, it's your own fault.
We had to send the kittens back to the rescue organization today. To make a long story short, Stig wasn't getting any better, the stench was making the other two folks in my household physically ill, and the vet bills were beginning to mount. Overall, it was a lose-lose situation.
How do I feel? Lousy.
I actually grew to love those kittens very quickly. Even though they drove me nuts, I understood that they were kittens, and certain behaviors were common to young kittens. The other members of the family had a harder time with that. Yet, when I think of Jezza sitting on my shoulder asleep, purring in my ear, my heart starts to break.
This is going to take some time to get over.
No pets. Ever again. I'm done. I just can't take the hurt.
We had to send the kittens back to the rescue organization today. To make a long story short, Stig wasn't getting any better, the stench was making the other two folks in my household physically ill, and the vet bills were beginning to mount. Overall, it was a lose-lose situation.
How do I feel? Lousy.
I actually grew to love those kittens very quickly. Even though they drove me nuts, I understood that they were kittens, and certain behaviors were common to young kittens. The other members of the family had a harder time with that. Yet, when I think of Jezza sitting on my shoulder asleep, purring in my ear, my heart starts to break.
This is going to take some time to get over.
No pets. Ever again. I'm done. I just can't take the hurt.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Latest...
Another quick note. Life is hectic right now, especially due to the continuing saga with Stig. He is no better after three antibiotic treatments. We are getting plenty of advise from plenty of people, including our vet, but nothing is helping. Frankly, the frustration level continues to reach dangerous levels. (Dangerous for my blood pressure and sanity.) We just cannot get his issues resolved, and on top of that, my allergy-based asthma seems to be cropping up. Within the next week we may hit a "make or break" situation, where things have to improve or we are going to have to look at getting rid of the cats. If that happens, we'll have to call it a very expensive mistake in judgment.
Please continue to be patient. My family and my congregation requirements take precedent over all other things (including blogging).
I wonder if sticking a cork up Stig's....no....never mind.
Please continue to be patient. My family and my congregation requirements take precedent over all other things (including blogging).
I wonder if sticking a cork up Stig's....no....never mind.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Delay of Game
Just a comment to let everyone know the reason for the delay of game in my promised posting.
The kittehs are adapting to live at Chez Moi, but Stiggy is still having some major digestion problems. He has been to the vet, received worming meds, been placed back on his original diet...and still no change. It's odd, because in all other respects, the Stig is an active, fun-loving kitteh. It's just the problems with...well...digestive releases in a gaseous and liquid form that are causing issues. So, between that, friends visiting from the East Coast, and trying to get things ready for next week (4 parts in two days...yikes!) that is causing my "procrastination".
I promise...things are coming. Kitteh stories....France stories...and other picture postcards...coming soon.
The kittehs are adapting to live at Chez Moi, but Stiggy is still having some major digestion problems. He has been to the vet, received worming meds, been placed back on his original diet...and still no change. It's odd, because in all other respects, the Stig is an active, fun-loving kitteh. It's just the problems with...well...digestive releases in a gaseous and liquid form that are causing issues. So, between that, friends visiting from the East Coast, and trying to get things ready for next week (4 parts in two days...yikes!) that is causing my "procrastination".
I promise...things are coming. Kitteh stories....France stories...and other picture postcards...coming soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)