As hurricane Rita nears Texas, I have read rumors that gas prices could hit five dollars a gallon. This is due to the fact that there are so many refineries in that area. Five per gallon is high, no doubt. Europeans are probably wondering what we are whining about, because they have been dealing with prices that high for years now. Still, Americans will continue to shell out the dollars to feed their Hummers and Armadas and such because they "have the right" to drive huge vehicles.
Did you ever notice how people avoid changing because they "have the right" to do as they please? Isn't that just a lame excuse for destructive behavior? Think about it. We may have the right to do a number of things, but does that make it right to do so? We have the right to use all the gasoline that we want, to throw out as much garbage as we want, to use as much electricity as we want....but is that what is best? Frankly, most people aren't going to change their ways until they are forced to by regulations or shortages, or until they see the results first hand.
I'm no liberal. I have no political affiliation whatsoever. I do look at facts, though. And the facts show that people are ruining this earth. Just look around. Look at the landfills. Look at the rainforests. Shoot, just walk down the street. And yet...people don't or won't change their habits. Maybe gas lines and five dollars a gallon isn't such a bad thing. Maybe some SUVs will see the scrap heap. Maybe mass transit will gain a foothold in places it hasn't before. And maybe...just maybe...people will stop thinking they have the right to be selfish.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Kids Today...
I was talking to my son the other day. He's a Junior in High School. As we spoke, I thought back to my time in high school. Oh sure, we had problems. It was 1982, and we dealt with things like drug use and alcohol use and such.
We like to tell our kids about how things were tougher "in our day". But as I compared my world back then with his world now, I realize that, in general, we didn't have it tougher. Granted, we didn't have all of the conveniences that are abundant today. We didn't have CD players or cell phones. But really...if you look back on your high school days if you were, say, pre-1985...you may be surprised.
Our kids are dealing with incredible pressures from schools to "be a success". In the eyes of the school, that means going on to a grand college or university and getting a high degree so that you can be a doctor or a lawyer or such. When I say incredible pressure, I mean it. These kids hear it several times a day in my son's high school. Add to that the fact that drug use is everywhere, pressure to be sexually active is everywhere, bad language, bullying and abuse is everywhere....incredible.
Frankly, I wonder what would happen if every kid became a doctor or a lawyer. Who's going to fix the plumbing? Who will build houses? Who will work in the dirty jobs?
So I ask you parents....are you pushing too hard to have a doctor or a lawyer in the family? Encourage your kid to do what he or she enjoys! Too many of us are stuck in jobs we hate, rather than doing what we want to do. Let your child thrive in their field of interest. Plumbers earn good money too!
Also, listen to your kids. Understand that the pressures they are facing are greater than what most of us faced. They are not adults yet. They need advice, they need encouragement, and they need a listening ear. Yes, they need limits too. Most of all...they need your time. Something they don't get during those hours they are asleep or in school. Nor do they get it when involved in myriads of after-school activities.
And start when they are young if you can. But even if they are already teens...just start.
We like to tell our kids about how things were tougher "in our day". But as I compared my world back then with his world now, I realize that, in general, we didn't have it tougher. Granted, we didn't have all of the conveniences that are abundant today. We didn't have CD players or cell phones. But really...if you look back on your high school days if you were, say, pre-1985...you may be surprised.
Our kids are dealing with incredible pressures from schools to "be a success". In the eyes of the school, that means going on to a grand college or university and getting a high degree so that you can be a doctor or a lawyer or such. When I say incredible pressure, I mean it. These kids hear it several times a day in my son's high school. Add to that the fact that drug use is everywhere, pressure to be sexually active is everywhere, bad language, bullying and abuse is everywhere....incredible.
Frankly, I wonder what would happen if every kid became a doctor or a lawyer. Who's going to fix the plumbing? Who will build houses? Who will work in the dirty jobs?
So I ask you parents....are you pushing too hard to have a doctor or a lawyer in the family? Encourage your kid to do what he or she enjoys! Too many of us are stuck in jobs we hate, rather than doing what we want to do. Let your child thrive in their field of interest. Plumbers earn good money too!
Also, listen to your kids. Understand that the pressures they are facing are greater than what most of us faced. They are not adults yet. They need advice, they need encouragement, and they need a listening ear. Yes, they need limits too. Most of all...they need your time. Something they don't get during those hours they are asleep or in school. Nor do they get it when involved in myriads of after-school activities.
And start when they are young if you can. But even if they are already teens...just start.
Friday, September 02, 2005
You Might Find...You Get What You Need
I've never been a fan of the Rolling Stones. I think Mick Jagger belongs in some sort of rehab clinic along with Keith Richards. That isn't the point of this blog, thank goodness.
They have a song that contains the lyrics, "you can't always get what you want...but sometimes...you get what you need."
As I went through my young adult years, I believed that, even if I didn't like it. However, I still had trouble accepting it, because so many times I got exactly what I didn't need, even if it was usually my own fault. Now, however, I have seen this happen too many times to ignore it.
As an example, once (several years ago) I didn't get a job I was applying for. I felt angry...upset...etc. However, shortly after that, my current job came through with a raise. If I had been offered the other job, I would have paid more for insurance, had fewer days off, and, it turns out, gotten less money. You just never know how these things will work.
Yesterday it happened again. I was up for a position that I didn't get. But this time, I remembered past lessons. As I analyzed my situation, I realized that this was for the best. I have a lot on my plate right now between homework, family responsibilities and other responsibilities. A six month wait is actually what's best right now.
Funny how these things work Once you look at things calmly and from a more detached viewpoint. The problem arises when your emotions get in the way and you take offense at a perceived slight.
Guess that's all part of being an adult, eh?
They have a song that contains the lyrics, "you can't always get what you want...but sometimes...you get what you need."
As I went through my young adult years, I believed that, even if I didn't like it. However, I still had trouble accepting it, because so many times I got exactly what I didn't need, even if it was usually my own fault. Now, however, I have seen this happen too many times to ignore it.
As an example, once (several years ago) I didn't get a job I was applying for. I felt angry...upset...etc. However, shortly after that, my current job came through with a raise. If I had been offered the other job, I would have paid more for insurance, had fewer days off, and, it turns out, gotten less money. You just never know how these things will work.
Yesterday it happened again. I was up for a position that I didn't get. But this time, I remembered past lessons. As I analyzed my situation, I realized that this was for the best. I have a lot on my plate right now between homework, family responsibilities and other responsibilities. A six month wait is actually what's best right now.
Funny how these things work Once you look at things calmly and from a more detached viewpoint. The problem arises when your emotions get in the way and you take offense at a perceived slight.
Guess that's all part of being an adult, eh?
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Human Tragedy Continues
The South hasn't seen such destruction since General Sherman went on his torching spree during the Civil War. As pictures continue to fill the screen, I have to wonder if this part of the country will ever truly recover.
I was looking over some political cartoons this morning at: http://cagle.msnbc.com/news/HurricaneKatrina/main.asp
The cartoons were divided between the hurricane itself, the oil companies price gouging, the human tragedy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, as I flipped over to the news sites such as CNN and MSNBC, I wasn't reading about the resilience that people are showing. Instead, I read about looters, arsonists and fighting at the SuperDome, people taking shots at helicopters, and a general breakdown of order. I understand that people are desperate, but do they think that these actions are going to get them help any sooner? In one case, someone took a shot at an evacuation helicopter at the SuperDome and they stopped all flights. Brilliant move, Mr. NRA. Instead of helping, you created more misery. Then, at another helicopter landing site at a hospital, people with clubs were crowding the landing spot. The pilot was so fearful that he broke off the landing, leaving people standing there. Again...brilliant.
I'm sure that we will be reading stories about bravery and endurance over the days ahead. It's just very sad that some idiots out there are creating even more heartache for the victims.
I was looking over some political cartoons this morning at: http://cagle.msnbc.com/news/HurricaneKatrina/main.asp
The cartoons were divided between the hurricane itself, the oil companies price gouging, the human tragedy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, as I flipped over to the news sites such as CNN and MSNBC, I wasn't reading about the resilience that people are showing. Instead, I read about looters, arsonists and fighting at the SuperDome, people taking shots at helicopters, and a general breakdown of order. I understand that people are desperate, but do they think that these actions are going to get them help any sooner? In one case, someone took a shot at an evacuation helicopter at the SuperDome and they stopped all flights. Brilliant move, Mr. NRA. Instead of helping, you created more misery. Then, at another helicopter landing site at a hospital, people with clubs were crowding the landing spot. The pilot was so fearful that he broke off the landing, leaving people standing there. Again...brilliant.
I'm sure that we will be reading stories about bravery and endurance over the days ahead. It's just very sad that some idiots out there are creating even more heartache for the victims.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Human Tragedy vs. Gas Prices
As I look at the latest pics from the South, I feel ridiculous worrying about gas hitting $4 a gallon. These folks have no cars to PUT gas into! They have no homes to return to and in some cases, they have lost family and friends. Four bucks a gallon? Big deal. I'll walk.
As for looters? Shame on you. In the midst of one of the biggest natural disasters this country has seen, you're stealing computers from Wal-Mart? I even read of a woman who had a bunch of laundry detergent she was stealing...and she doesn't even have a washing machine anymore. Tell me that human beings are growing closer to perfection due to evolution. Hah! I laugh in your face! This is just further proof that mankind is growing ever more imperfect as time goes by. Why aren't these looters spending their time trying to help their neighbor instead of stealing from their neighborhood? Why? Because they are interested in themselves, and noone else.
Perhaps that is one of the most glaring tragedies of all. In the face of heroic rescue efforts and people donating time and money to help those affected by this storm, there are still those people out there who show us the worst face of human beings.
I'll pay the $4 a gallon....and pray that we get our rain in manageable doses.
As for looters? Shame on you. In the midst of one of the biggest natural disasters this country has seen, you're stealing computers from Wal-Mart? I even read of a woman who had a bunch of laundry detergent she was stealing...and she doesn't even have a washing machine anymore. Tell me that human beings are growing closer to perfection due to evolution. Hah! I laugh in your face! This is just further proof that mankind is growing ever more imperfect as time goes by. Why aren't these looters spending their time trying to help their neighbor instead of stealing from their neighborhood? Why? Because they are interested in themselves, and noone else.
Perhaps that is one of the most glaring tragedies of all. In the face of heroic rescue efforts and people donating time and money to help those affected by this storm, there are still those people out there who show us the worst face of human beings.
I'll pay the $4 a gallon....and pray that we get our rain in manageable doses.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Crazy ... or Brave?
As I watched the continuing coverage of Hurricane Katrina last evening, I was struck by the news reporters from the various networks, standing out in the middle of the storm reporting what it felt like. Frankly, I thought they were nuts, but I couldn't turn away. It was amazing to see the power of nature in that way.
Still, I had to wonder if it wasn't a touch of hypocrisy, them telling people to evacuate and get to safety while they were standing outside with a wind gauge telling us what the gusts were reading. You know, guys, that's what the National Weather Service is for. We really don't need you putting yourselves in harm's way just to see that the rain is blowing parallel to the ground. Thus, my guilty feeling over actually watching the broadcasts.
Later, one network (CNN) was talking to one of their reporters by phone and she was in tears, describing hearing the voices of people screaming for help and being passed by. She had lost her composure badly. At this point, she was no longer a "talking head", but a stressed woman with feelings for her fellow human beings. But what did the anchor say to her and to the public? He started defending reporters, saying how they weren't crazy but were dedicated people! Come on, pal! Stop defending your profession while this woman is losing it! (Unbelievable.)
Latest report shows New Orleans 80% underwater, and over 80 dead in just one town in Mississippi. And this guy's defending his profession. Shut up and report.
Still, I had to wonder if it wasn't a touch of hypocrisy, them telling people to evacuate and get to safety while they were standing outside with a wind gauge telling us what the gusts were reading. You know, guys, that's what the National Weather Service is for. We really don't need you putting yourselves in harm's way just to see that the rain is blowing parallel to the ground. Thus, my guilty feeling over actually watching the broadcasts.
Later, one network (CNN) was talking to one of their reporters by phone and she was in tears, describing hearing the voices of people screaming for help and being passed by. She had lost her composure badly. At this point, she was no longer a "talking head", but a stressed woman with feelings for her fellow human beings. But what did the anchor say to her and to the public? He started defending reporters, saying how they weren't crazy but were dedicated people! Come on, pal! Stop defending your profession while this woman is losing it! (Unbelievable.)
Latest report shows New Orleans 80% underwater, and over 80 dead in just one town in Mississippi. And this guy's defending his profession. Shut up and report.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Oil woes
With the damage being caused by Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico, is anyone else changing their budgets to allow for higher fuel costs? Do it now, because prices are rising as I type.
Just think...if the oil companies hadn't been in league with auto manufacturers all these years, we might already be driving smaller, more fuel-efficient, or alternate fuel vehicles.
Greed is a terrible thing, isn't it?
Have fun at the pumps, folks. It won't be getting better anytime soon in this old system of things.
Just think...if the oil companies hadn't been in league with auto manufacturers all these years, we might already be driving smaller, more fuel-efficient, or alternate fuel vehicles.
Greed is a terrible thing, isn't it?
Have fun at the pumps, folks. It won't be getting better anytime soon in this old system of things.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Classes Start Monday
Well, I just opened up the synopsis for my English class that starts Monday. What have I gotten myself into? I knew it would be literature, I knew it would be a lot of writing...I guess that seeing it all down on paper is just a shock to the system.
I guess the question that I'm asking myself is this: What is the point of this class? I'm 41 years old, I support a family...what good will a class on literature do me? I guess the pat answer is that it will make me a more "rounded" person. The reality probably is a bit different. It is society trying to keep the idea of fine literature, and the ANALYSIS of fine literature alive. With so much of the population turning to quick blurbs on the internet, snippets on television, and single word sentences, we may be losing that spark of creativity that God has granted to us. We have the capacity to expound on a variety of subjects, and share a wealth of emotions. Once we lose that, we lose a bit more of the connection between one person and another.
I suppose this class isn't so useless after all.
I guess the question that I'm asking myself is this: What is the point of this class? I'm 41 years old, I support a family...what good will a class on literature do me? I guess the pat answer is that it will make me a more "rounded" person. The reality probably is a bit different. It is society trying to keep the idea of fine literature, and the ANALYSIS of fine literature alive. With so much of the population turning to quick blurbs on the internet, snippets on television, and single word sentences, we may be losing that spark of creativity that God has granted to us. We have the capacity to expound on a variety of subjects, and share a wealth of emotions. Once we lose that, we lose a bit more of the connection between one person and another.
I suppose this class isn't so useless after all.
Hurricane Warning
A hurricane is on its way to New Orleans. I was watching the coverage of the evacuation and listening to the talking heads giving the predictions of doom. It's hard to imagine what a category 5 hurricane is like, especially since I have lived in California all of my life. To think that by tomorrow, the entire city of New Orleans could be under 20 feet of water is a very sobering thought. Add to that the possibility of the loss of human life, the destruction of oil refineries and rigs, the disease that could follow, and you have a full-fledged disaster in the making.
It seems like there are more and more disasters, both natural and man-made, every year. If you have any doubt about what it portends, check your Bible. These are truly the last days. There is hope, however, because the Scriptures tell us that all of the pain and suffering will not be for eternity. A paradise is around the corner.
As Katrina hits, though, all we can do is hope that people have taken every precaution and have placed more value on their lives than on things left behind. And to those idiots who stand there by the sea walls and let the 20 foot waves break over them...well...life is a gift, and you morons are treating it like a disposable diaper. Sorry if that sounds harsh or unfeeling. I just value life, and I think that anyone who plays with it like that needs a swift kick in the backside. Unfortunately for them, that kick may be fatal, because Katrina may be the one administering the boot.
It seems like there are more and more disasters, both natural and man-made, every year. If you have any doubt about what it portends, check your Bible. These are truly the last days. There is hope, however, because the Scriptures tell us that all of the pain and suffering will not be for eternity. A paradise is around the corner.
As Katrina hits, though, all we can do is hope that people have taken every precaution and have placed more value on their lives than on things left behind. And to those idiots who stand there by the sea walls and let the 20 foot waves break over them...well...life is a gift, and you morons are treating it like a disposable diaper. Sorry if that sounds harsh or unfeeling. I just value life, and I think that anyone who plays with it like that needs a swift kick in the backside. Unfortunately for them, that kick may be fatal, because Katrina may be the one administering the boot.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Starting My Blog
You know...there are so many blogs out there. A lot of them deal with politics (which I need to avoid), and opinions (of which I have too many!)
So this blog will just be random thoughts and observations. Some of them will be mundane...others will be profound (yeah...right
). Still, I'll do my best.
That having been stated...I'll try to update this as I can. Don't expect perfection...there isn't anyone out there that can give it to you. Especially me!
Thus I say "Welcome" to you who dare to read this. Let's see how this goes.
Adam
So this blog will just be random thoughts and observations. Some of them will be mundane...others will be profound (yeah...right
). Still, I'll do my best.That having been stated...I'll try to update this as I can. Don't expect perfection...there isn't anyone out there that can give it to you. Especially me!
Thus I say "Welcome" to you who dare to read this. Let's see how this goes.
Adam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)