I am truly baffled by the current presidential election. Most particularly by the way Donald Trump has seemingly steam-rolled to the forefront of the Republican pack.
Everyone keeps saying it's because he's tapped into the "anger" of the Republican party. Well, the same can be said of Bernie Sanders for Democrats. But look at the difference. The anger of the right boils up into aggression against anything "other". Anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, anti-Islam, anti-gay, anti-Black, anti-women, anti-poor people. Are they actually for anything? Other than business, that is? The anger on the left is all about inclusivity. Pro-living wage, pro-equal rights, pro-fair taxes, pro-education access for all....
I mean, when your supporters are yelling to set people on fire because they're protesting at your rally, and you don't tell them to stop, what does that say? Or they beat a protester up, and a presidential nominee says "maybe he should have been roughed up"? What. The. Fuck.
This is not "passion". This is not "high energy". This is violence. This is mob rule.
What has happened to the Republican party? I used to be a Republican. I was raised in a Republican household. My parents and brother are Republicans. As a teen I was part of a Young Republicans group. My first votes were Republican. Now I'm embarrassed to even write that! How did it get hijacked into this festering morass of hatred and ideology that serves to impose a puritanical religious view on the rest of the country? That seems to be divorced from common-sense, practical fiscal policies to pro-business-no-matter-what? From utilizing scientific fact to demonizing it? What the hell happened?
I really wish one of my Republican friends or family would explain to me how voting for Trump just because he's a Republican, just because he's not Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders is smart? How does that work? How would he be a better president than Hillary Clinton? He says nothing. (Other than insults when challenged.) What will his policies be? What does he stand for? Other than kicking anyone and everything that isn't white and male to the curb? What business skills does he actually bring to the table? Bankruptcy? Making the same one real estate deal over and over and losing money? Consistently choosing inept business partners or partners that grow to dislike him and his business so much they seek to break contracts?
THAT is better than Clinton or Sanders?
Realistically, we know what Clinton is going to support. She's been in politics long enough. And with Congress as divided as it is, we know nothing much is going to happen. Sanders has been pretty vocal on what he wants to do. And with Congress as divided as it is, we know nothing much is going to happen.
So here's my challenge Republicans. How is Trump better than either Clinton or Sanders? And no name-calling (i.e., liar, criminal, socialist, communist). No Benghazi, either, or the email server. Substantive policy issues please. Can you do it?
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Free Speech, Choice, Responsibility
So there's this measles outbreak across 14 states that's causing a lot of talk about vaccinations again. Mostly because it was unvaccinated kids/people at the core of the outbreak. President Obama said during an interview on Superbowl Sunday that people should vaccinate their kids. Since next year is an election year, naturally the potential Republican candidates had to respond, and being anti-anything-Obama says, they're trotting out the whole "choice" view when it comes to vaccinations.
It's one of those topics where I used to be more torn between the views. I mean, forcing someone to vaccinate their child seems wrong. But we are now seeing the results of that with many childhood diseases making a resurgence in the United States. (Whooping cough, measles, etc). Where do we draw the line between one person's choice and the overall community?
Frankly in this instance I think it should be the overall health of the community, that trumps parental choice. Especially when you consider that most of that "choice" has been fueled by one debunked study linking autism and vaccines. Something that has been disproved time after time by the medical/scientific community. At the least, opt-out should be much more restricted, and should be allowed only after the parent has had a consultation with a medical doctor and given accurate, factual information. One state is doing this (I think California?) with good results in the near-term.
And then I shared an article on Facebook from one of the Republican candidates saying vaccines are linked to "mental disorders". How irresponsible in light of the current climate. So I commented that if I was a parent that lost my child to one of these preventable diseases because a parent doesn't vaccinate, I'd sue these people for their comments. To which my Dad replied you can't sue someone for free speech.
But is it protected free speech? When they have the weight of their position, etc, behind them. When they should know better. When they have resources to verify these issues before making statements. How about exercising some of that personal responsibility Republicans are always going on about and not make a statement that is inflammatory, and could cause potential harm to someone, even cost them their life? I mean, yelling "fire" in a crowded theater is free speech, right? But it's also not protected. Libel, slander, commercial speech restrictions...
And of course I could take this into the hypocrisy of these statements being made by Republicans about choice, when they are hell-bent on denying women any right to choose when it comes to our bodies. Or using "choice" to insert creationism/religion into school curriculum. Or using "choice" to limit other parent's choice by removing medically accurate sex ed from health curriculums. Instead of teaching it to their kid at home, or opting their kid out of that portion of the class, they seek to take it away from everyone else. But I'm digressing.
Free speech has limits. And I still say I'd sue the pants of these people if I lost a child because someone out there didn't get the vaccination or vaccinate their kid(s) because of what they said.
It's one of those topics where I used to be more torn between the views. I mean, forcing someone to vaccinate their child seems wrong. But we are now seeing the results of that with many childhood diseases making a resurgence in the United States. (Whooping cough, measles, etc). Where do we draw the line between one person's choice and the overall community?
Frankly in this instance I think it should be the overall health of the community, that trumps parental choice. Especially when you consider that most of that "choice" has been fueled by one debunked study linking autism and vaccines. Something that has been disproved time after time by the medical/scientific community. At the least, opt-out should be much more restricted, and should be allowed only after the parent has had a consultation with a medical doctor and given accurate, factual information. One state is doing this (I think California?) with good results in the near-term.
And then I shared an article on Facebook from one of the Republican candidates saying vaccines are linked to "mental disorders". How irresponsible in light of the current climate. So I commented that if I was a parent that lost my child to one of these preventable diseases because a parent doesn't vaccinate, I'd sue these people for their comments. To which my Dad replied you can't sue someone for free speech.
But is it protected free speech? When they have the weight of their position, etc, behind them. When they should know better. When they have resources to verify these issues before making statements. How about exercising some of that personal responsibility Republicans are always going on about and not make a statement that is inflammatory, and could cause potential harm to someone, even cost them their life? I mean, yelling "fire" in a crowded theater is free speech, right? But it's also not protected. Libel, slander, commercial speech restrictions...
And of course I could take this into the hypocrisy of these statements being made by Republicans about choice, when they are hell-bent on denying women any right to choose when it comes to our bodies. Or using "choice" to insert creationism/religion into school curriculum. Or using "choice" to limit other parent's choice by removing medically accurate sex ed from health curriculums. Instead of teaching it to their kid at home, or opting their kid out of that portion of the class, they seek to take it away from everyone else. But I'm digressing.
Free speech has limits. And I still say I'd sue the pants of these people if I lost a child because someone out there didn't get the vaccination or vaccinate their kid(s) because of what they said.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Blowing in the Wind
How is it that I can compose these really great blog posts in my head while driving to work, and then forget them completely by lunch time? We're talking 4 hours here! I can't even remember the topic. How pathetic is that?
I wonder if Si.ri takes memos. I know I can dictate a text to her. Hrm. I think I'll test this...Interesting. It works. At least for a few sentences. (Aside: I feel a bit awkward talking out loud to myself in my office, lol) I think I'll have to try that next time I get an idea in the car.
This is why I like using the treadmill. For some reason when I walk, it frees my mind to wander. I loved walking across campus from one class to the next or to the buss top when I was in college. It doesn't work if I have to do anything complicated like a workout routine, or it's more strenuous, like running, lol. Does anyone else experience this? They must. I'm not that unique, lol.
On another note, my god daughter Shirley had her 4th birthday yesterday. After the presents and pizza, we were eating ice cream cake. She was sitting next to me, and in the middle of everyone talking she says "Tia, I love you." How sweet is that? So adorable and made my day. That's the second time she's done that. It's remarkable to see how they grow and change and understand these concepts and emotions. :)
Reminds me of when my sister's oldest and I were playing some game, and she was half on the floor half hanging from my arms (we were either playing chase and I'd caught her, or I was spinning her, can't quite remember) but she looked up at me and said "You're great!" with lots of emphasis, lol. As my Aunt Nina (miss you lots) once told me, I'm a Pied Piper of Children. ;)
I wonder if Si.ri takes memos. I know I can dictate a text to her. Hrm. I think I'll test this...Interesting. It works. At least for a few sentences. (Aside: I feel a bit awkward talking out loud to myself in my office, lol) I think I'll have to try that next time I get an idea in the car.
This is why I like using the treadmill. For some reason when I walk, it frees my mind to wander. I loved walking across campus from one class to the next or to the buss top when I was in college. It doesn't work if I have to do anything complicated like a workout routine, or it's more strenuous, like running, lol. Does anyone else experience this? They must. I'm not that unique, lol.
On another note, my god daughter Shirley had her 4th birthday yesterday. After the presents and pizza, we were eating ice cream cake. She was sitting next to me, and in the middle of everyone talking she says "Tia, I love you." How sweet is that? So adorable and made my day. That's the second time she's done that. It's remarkable to see how they grow and change and understand these concepts and emotions. :)
Reminds me of when my sister's oldest and I were playing some game, and she was half on the floor half hanging from my arms (we were either playing chase and I'd caught her, or I was spinning her, can't quite remember) but she looked up at me and said "You're great!" with lots of emphasis, lol. As my Aunt Nina (miss you lots) once told me, I'm a Pied Piper of Children. ;)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Books that Suck You In
The book blurb reads
"For years Helen Knightly has given her life to others: to her haunted mother, to her enigmatic father, to her husband and now grown children. When she finally crosses a terrible boundary, her life comes rushing in at her in a way she never could have imagined. Unfolding over the next twenty-four hours, this searing, fast-paced novel explores the complex ties between mothers and daughters, wives and lovers, the meaning of devotion, and the line between love and hate. It is a challenging, moving, gripping story, written with the fluidity and strength of voice that only Alice Sebold can bring to the page."And even that doesn't even really begin to describe how this book pulls you in from the opening sentence and really just doesn't let you go. (The opening line is like a slap across the face in its bluntness.) It's a mess of emotions, mostly from the perspective of mother/daughter. Whether you hate your mother (I do not) or love her (I do) it's a hell of a book!
If you're not a fan of books that are more introspective than dialogue, or that flip easily from present to past, you might not enjoy the format. I like seeing how the past impacts on the present/future. The author does a good job of moving seamlessly between the events. One or two moments I thought "Whoa, bit crass/too much detail" but then, the protagonists life is essentially unraveling (as is she!) quite rapidly, so it's believable. I like how you're really seeing every other character through one person's eyes, and what little she does reveal is so telling about everyone else, and herself. How much alike mothers and daughters are, whether we recognize it or not, and the patterns/behaviors that repeat one to another.
I just want to say, if I ever, ever get like the protagonists mother (trying not to give too much away!), you have my permission to put me (and everyone else) out of my misery. [grimace]
Monday, February 3, 2014
The Passage of Time
It has been waaaay too long since I last blogged. When I do log in, I've been side-tracked with trying to pick a new layout and design. Nothing sticks, and I waste all my time. And then there's Facebook. Ah, Facebook. What an unbelievable time-sucking entity that is! Such little posts, so few words, such time lost, lol.
I want to start getting back to blogging. I like getting my thoughts out "on paper" so to speak. Helps more than keeping them inside my head.
Recently I fostered a Rat Terrier for the Humane Society of Cascade County, up near Great Falls. (My local HS says publicly that they do foster, but when you actually go there and volunteer to be a foster home, they don't). A sweet, timid 8 year old female. Half fell in love with her, and if I didn't already have my two, I would have kept her. It was a toss up, truly. But I had to be fair to her - she will do better without having 2 other dogs to compete with for my attention, and so will mine. Also, I am just not financially able to take care of another dog. Insurance for my two is already at around $900 per year in premiums (including annual deductible for Max' heart problem).
She's in a good home, and I think she is adjusting well from the conversations I've had with her new "mom". It will take time, though. She is already playing with the other dog, which is great. Leia never could get the hang of playing with Zena.
But I find myself suddenly missing Scully quite a bit. And I think it's because Zena reminded me of her in some ways, and giving Zena up has reminded me of the loss of Scully. I love Max & Leia, but there just isn't the same connection that I had with Scully and was starting to have with Zena. I don't know why. Maybe it's just in my mind because they don't have the same look as Scully/Zena. The physical characteristics. Who knows?
And it could also be because I find myself missing Peace Corps lately. The adventure, the differentness of life. It's too easy to get caught up in the insularness that is life in the US. Perhaps life everywhere if it's your culture, etc.
And perhaps it's just cabin fever. ;)
I want to start getting back to blogging. I like getting my thoughts out "on paper" so to speak. Helps more than keeping them inside my head.
Recently I fostered a Rat Terrier for the Humane Society of Cascade County, up near Great Falls. (My local HS says publicly that they do foster, but when you actually go there and volunteer to be a foster home, they don't). A sweet, timid 8 year old female. Half fell in love with her, and if I didn't already have my two, I would have kept her. It was a toss up, truly. But I had to be fair to her - she will do better without having 2 other dogs to compete with for my attention, and so will mine. Also, I am just not financially able to take care of another dog. Insurance for my two is already at around $900 per year in premiums (including annual deductible for Max' heart problem).
She's in a good home, and I think she is adjusting well from the conversations I've had with her new "mom". It will take time, though. She is already playing with the other dog, which is great. Leia never could get the hang of playing with Zena.
But I find myself suddenly missing Scully quite a bit. And I think it's because Zena reminded me of her in some ways, and giving Zena up has reminded me of the loss of Scully. I love Max & Leia, but there just isn't the same connection that I had with Scully and was starting to have with Zena. I don't know why. Maybe it's just in my mind because they don't have the same look as Scully/Zena. The physical characteristics. Who knows?
And it could also be because I find myself missing Peace Corps lately. The adventure, the differentness of life. It's too easy to get caught up in the insularness that is life in the US. Perhaps life everywhere if it's your culture, etc.
And perhaps it's just cabin fever. ;)
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
"I've got my head. I've lost my leopard!"
Two cheers for you if you know what that line's from. I've just spent a fun half hour or so, all because I spotted one of the new neighbor's dogs. It's some type of terrier and I've been trying to figure out what kind ever since they moved in. But it really reminds me of the dog in "Bringing Up Baby" (Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant) and the one in the Thin Man series with Myrna Loy. Apparently it's the same dog in both movies, and is a Wire Fox Terrier. He also plays the dog in "The Awful Truth" another gem of a movie, starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant.
So every time I see this dog, the refrain of "George", "George", "George", "George" through my mind, in alternating male female tones. Really, in Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant tones. And then I crack up. Because it's a really funny movie. Then I thought to myself, didn't I blog about this once upon a time? I thought I did, quoting one of the funnier bits of dialogue, that ends with the line "When a man is wrestling a leopard in the middle of a pond, he's in no position to run." But alas, I cannot find said post.
But I've had a fine time looking up quotes from the movie, and am queuing it up to watch. Just the quotes have me in stitches. Probably because I can hear them saying the words, in all their wonderful inflections. Like the one when Cary Grant is in a negligee, and the aunt finds him in her nieces apartment...
You have to watch the movie for the full effect, truly. Want some more quotes? Check out these links:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/quotes
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bringing_up_baby/quotes/
So every time I see this dog, the refrain of "George", "George", "George", "George" through my mind, in alternating male female tones. Really, in Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant tones. And then I crack up. Because it's a really funny movie. Then I thought to myself, didn't I blog about this once upon a time? I thought I did, quoting one of the funnier bits of dialogue, that ends with the line "When a man is wrestling a leopard in the middle of a pond, he's in no position to run." But alas, I cannot find said post.
But I've had a fine time looking up quotes from the movie, and am queuing it up to watch. Just the quotes have me in stitches. Probably because I can hear them saying the words, in all their wonderful inflections. Like the one when Cary Grant is in a negligee, and the aunt finds him in her nieces apartment...
Mrs. Random: Well who are you?
David Huxley: I don't know. I'm not quite myself today.
Mrs. Random: Well, you look perfectly idiotic in those clothes
David Huxley: These aren't *my* clothes.
Mrs. Random: Well, where *are* your clothes?
David Huxley: I've *lost* my clothes!
Mrs. Random: But why are you wearing *these* clothes?
David Huxley: Because I just went *GAY* all of a sudden! [jumps and waves his arms]
Mrs. Random: Now see here young man, stop this nonsense. What are you doing?
David Huxley: [now sitting on the stairs] I'm sitting in the middle of 42nd Street waiting for a bus.
You have to watch the movie for the full effect, truly. Want some more quotes? Check out these links:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/quotes
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bringing_up_baby/quotes/
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Feedback Best Left Off Facebook
This blog post deals with some thoughts I've had regarding the Zimmerman trial. Not exactly how I was going to address it, but my Dad was wanting feedback on a Facebook post, which was too long to post there, so I'm putting it here.
For one thing, you are minimizing what African Americans experience as racial profiling. "It happens to almost everyone" is not in fact truth. I am stunned that you would attempt to minimize the racism that African Americans, and Hispanics, frankly, face. But especially African Americans. It just boggles my mind.
What Trayvon was thinking doesn't matter. Whether he had pictures of marijuana or a gun or underage girls (duh, he was underage) on his phone, doesn't matter.Whether or not he had a reputation as a fighter, doesn't matter. Just like in a rape case how many people the victim has or hasn't slept with, doesn't matter. (Well, it's not supposed to!) It's trying to paint Trayvon as a criminal to justify Zimmerman's actions. Zimmerman had no way of knowing any of these things when he fixated on, followed, and ultimately killed Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman started the confrontation by following Trayvon. Doesn't matter if Trayvon threw the first punch. Zimmerman made a conscious decision to get out of his vehicle and follow Trayvon because of his suspicions. He also chose to take his gun with him.
His attitude can be seen based on his own statements in the 911 call. (I've listened to it - multiple versions - and read full transcripts). He thinks Trayvon is suspicious because he's walking in the rain, looking around; says he's on drugs or something.
Trayvon has noticed Zimmerman watching him in the car. When asked, Zimmerman says he thinks the "suspect" is in his late teens. He also says "These assholes, they always get away", then "Shit, he's running" (This is after he is told police are on the way, and while he's still in the car). Then he gets out of the car. You can kinda hear the door-open chime, as well as the sound of wind, etc, from walking. He also says something that sounds like "Fucking coons" or "punks" (depends on your ears & version). I heard "coons" the first time I ever heard the full 911 call. Which is why I sought out other audio versions and transcripts. I finally found one that someone had "analyzed" using different "euqalizers" - not sure who or how legit, and it sounded more like "punks". But it's your choice. Even going with "punks" it shows a state of mind not favorable to Zimmerman.
He's then asked if he's following, says yes, and is told "We don't need you to do that" to which Zimmerman replies "OK" and KEEPS FOLLOWING, eventually losing Trayvon. The dispatcher asks him to meet the police at a certain spot, to which he at first agrees, then says to have them call him when they get there so he can tell them where he's at. Does this indicate he has given up the "hunt"? Not to me. Tells me he is still going to look around for someone he's already decided is guilty. Someone he has already identified as a teen.
So. You're being stared at by some guy in a car while walking home one night. You stare right back to let him know you see him. Then you leave. Fast. He gets out of his car and chases you. Eventually you hide. He doesn't give up looking for you. You're a teenage boy, add in the fact that you're African American and the person following you is white (probably all you can really tell in the dark), and when he comes near you think you're discovered so you jump out on the defense and hit him. That's what I think happenend. He was scared, and fighting for HIS life. What does he know about this guy? Is the guy trying to beat him? Rob him? Rape him? All he knows is this white guy has been chasing him through the night.
I can't address the prosecutorial misconduct. It's iffy either way, since wasn't it the defense's expert that found the "secret" texts? (But I did just read an article on how easy it is for our phones to be hacked. Not saying his was. But ultimately, the judge ruled those were inadmissable.)
I looked up Florida's definitions of 2nd Degree Murder and Manslaughter, and they both seemed provable and proven to me. But I wasn't on the jury.
What frustrates me is a) white america disconting the racial aspects [because they are always there, I don't care what people say. Deep down, it's there.] and b) no personal responsibility on the part of Zimmerman, who chose to get out of his car armed and chase down a teenager in the dark, even knowing police were on the way. His reckless actions, especially as an adult (and someone with a minimum of training/education in law enforcement - ie, the class he took) who should have known better, caused the death of Trayvon Martin.
For one thing, you are minimizing what African Americans experience as racial profiling. "It happens to almost everyone" is not in fact truth. I am stunned that you would attempt to minimize the racism that African Americans, and Hispanics, frankly, face. But especially African Americans. It just boggles my mind.
What Trayvon was thinking doesn't matter. Whether he had pictures of marijuana or a gun or underage girls (duh, he was underage) on his phone, doesn't matter.Whether or not he had a reputation as a fighter, doesn't matter. Just like in a rape case how many people the victim has or hasn't slept with, doesn't matter. (Well, it's not supposed to!) It's trying to paint Trayvon as a criminal to justify Zimmerman's actions. Zimmerman had no way of knowing any of these things when he fixated on, followed, and ultimately killed Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman started the confrontation by following Trayvon. Doesn't matter if Trayvon threw the first punch. Zimmerman made a conscious decision to get out of his vehicle and follow Trayvon because of his suspicions. He also chose to take his gun with him.
His attitude can be seen based on his own statements in the 911 call. (I've listened to it - multiple versions - and read full transcripts). He thinks Trayvon is suspicious because he's walking in the rain, looking around; says he's on drugs or something.
Trayvon has noticed Zimmerman watching him in the car. When asked, Zimmerman says he thinks the "suspect" is in his late teens. He also says "These assholes, they always get away", then "Shit, he's running" (This is after he is told police are on the way, and while he's still in the car). Then he gets out of the car. You can kinda hear the door-open chime, as well as the sound of wind, etc, from walking. He also says something that sounds like "Fucking coons" or "punks" (depends on your ears & version). I heard "coons" the first time I ever heard the full 911 call. Which is why I sought out other audio versions and transcripts. I finally found one that someone had "analyzed" using different "euqalizers" - not sure who or how legit, and it sounded more like "punks". But it's your choice. Even going with "punks" it shows a state of mind not favorable to Zimmerman.
He's then asked if he's following, says yes, and is told "We don't need you to do that" to which Zimmerman replies "OK" and KEEPS FOLLOWING, eventually losing Trayvon. The dispatcher asks him to meet the police at a certain spot, to which he at first agrees, then says to have them call him when they get there so he can tell them where he's at. Does this indicate he has given up the "hunt"? Not to me. Tells me he is still going to look around for someone he's already decided is guilty. Someone he has already identified as a teen.
So. You're being stared at by some guy in a car while walking home one night. You stare right back to let him know you see him. Then you leave. Fast. He gets out of his car and chases you. Eventually you hide. He doesn't give up looking for you. You're a teenage boy, add in the fact that you're African American and the person following you is white (probably all you can really tell in the dark), and when he comes near you think you're discovered so you jump out on the defense and hit him. That's what I think happenend. He was scared, and fighting for HIS life. What does he know about this guy? Is the guy trying to beat him? Rob him? Rape him? All he knows is this white guy has been chasing him through the night.
I can't address the prosecutorial misconduct. It's iffy either way, since wasn't it the defense's expert that found the "secret" texts? (But I did just read an article on how easy it is for our phones to be hacked. Not saying his was. But ultimately, the judge ruled those were inadmissable.)
I looked up Florida's definitions of 2nd Degree Murder and Manslaughter, and they both seemed provable and proven to me. But I wasn't on the jury.
What frustrates me is a) white america disconting the racial aspects [because they are always there, I don't care what people say. Deep down, it's there.] and b) no personal responsibility on the part of Zimmerman, who chose to get out of his car armed and chase down a teenager in the dark, even knowing police were on the way. His reckless actions, especially as an adult (and someone with a minimum of training/education in law enforcement - ie, the class he took) who should have known better, caused the death of Trayvon Martin.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
It's interesting
It's interesting to me how people view things so differently. The same facts and information yet a different outcome. It's part of why I'm so fascinated with psychology and what makes people tick. Naturally, when politics get as heated up as they currently are, it's much easier to see these differences. Especially for me when I compare my father and myself, politically speaking.
I was raised in a Republican household. Yep. As a pre-teen/teen I was even part of a Young Republicans group. (I know. Shocker.) It was when I went to college that I started to move away from that belief system, and by the time I returned from the Peace Corps I was a solid independent.
Nowadays that really only leaves me the Democratic party as a source for viable candidates. Sad, but true. Especially since the Republican party has moved ever more rightward on both social AND economic issues. In my opinion, of course. :) It used to be that there were Republicans I could vote for, especially on local and state levels, because their positions were more moderate, and fiscal matters ruled over social matters. But now...those lines are blurred, and social matters are taking over when it actually comes down to implementation (especially on the state level for me, where campaigning on the economy equaled legislating histrionically - and ludicrously, in some cases - on social policy and mores once in office. To a lesser extent on the national level.)
And the spin is unbelievable. (Both sides.) I'm constantly checking news stories against Politifact and FactCheck, and others, although those are my main sources. Especially the first as it tends to update more often. Not as often when I read NPR news, but definitely on the others. I've stopped even trying to look at Fox News. My blood pressure couldn't deal with it. I don't check MSNBC either. It's almost as bad as Fox for partisanship.
Which brings me to an interesting survey I came across: "What You Know Depends on What You Watch" (http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2012/confirmed/final.pdf) My favorite quote is this one:
I really liked the part where it showed the effect of ideologically biased media on listeners/viewers of a different ideology. Liberal watching Fox, Conservative watching MSNBC.
No poll/survey can be 100% perfect, etc, and you have to look at the methodology. I thought this one was interesting and (only based on what I know) done well.
In case anyone is interested, these are my main sources: NPR radio/online; PBS; BBC International online/via PBS; ABC/CBS/NBC tv news; ABC news online; CNN online; the Economist online (sometimes print); WSJ online - limited access, and Brookings.edu. I used to watch the Sunday morning news shows, but the last 4 months or so can't seem to get up early enough (on at 6 & 7am for me!) Politifact.com and Factcheck.org are my main verification websites.
I was raised in a Republican household. Yep. As a pre-teen/teen I was even part of a Young Republicans group. (I know. Shocker.) It was when I went to college that I started to move away from that belief system, and by the time I returned from the Peace Corps I was a solid independent.
Nowadays that really only leaves me the Democratic party as a source for viable candidates. Sad, but true. Especially since the Republican party has moved ever more rightward on both social AND economic issues. In my opinion, of course. :) It used to be that there were Republicans I could vote for, especially on local and state levels, because their positions were more moderate, and fiscal matters ruled over social matters. But now...those lines are blurred, and social matters are taking over when it actually comes down to implementation (especially on the state level for me, where campaigning on the economy equaled legislating histrionically - and ludicrously, in some cases - on social policy and mores once in office. To a lesser extent on the national level.)
And the spin is unbelievable. (Both sides.) I'm constantly checking news stories against Politifact and FactCheck, and others, although those are my main sources. Especially the first as it tends to update more often. Not as often when I read NPR news, but definitely on the others. I've stopped even trying to look at Fox News. My blood pressure couldn't deal with it. I don't check MSNBC either. It's almost as bad as Fox for partisanship.
Which brings me to an interesting survey I came across: "What You Know Depends on What You Watch" (http://publicmind.fdu.edu/2012/confirmed/final.pdf) My favorite quote is this one:
"We expect that watching the news should help people learn, but the most popular of the national media sources – Fox, CNN, MSNBC – seem to be the least informative."Interestingly, people who watched only NPR news, tended to answer more questions (domestic and international) correctly than people who only watched Fox or CNN or MSNBC. Heh.
I really liked the part where it showed the effect of ideologically biased media on listeners/viewers of a different ideology. Liberal watching Fox, Conservative watching MSNBC.
No poll/survey can be 100% perfect, etc, and you have to look at the methodology. I thought this one was interesting and (only based on what I know) done well.
In case anyone is interested, these are my main sources: NPR radio/online; PBS; BBC International online/via PBS; ABC/CBS/NBC tv news; ABC news online; CNN online; the Economist online (sometimes print); WSJ online - limited access, and Brookings.edu. I used to watch the Sunday morning news shows, but the last 4 months or so can't seem to get up early enough (on at 6 & 7am for me!) Politifact.com and Factcheck.org are my main verification websites.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Too Much To Think About
I suppose that's why I haven't blogged in awhile. That, and Facebook takes up so much of my "spare" time. LOL. Pathetic, I know. But it's just so easy. Unfortunately, I can't really ramble on there. Although I do try!
My mind has been puzzling over multiple topics as usual. I can't seem to fix on any one area. Here's a list of books I currently have checked out of the library:
Those last two are fiction. The first three are not! I've also recently finished "Pity the Billionaire" by Thomas Frank, also non-fiction. That was a good read. If you could get past the side trip into a discussion of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" which I thought was too detailed, and a bit bizarre...
My mind has been puzzling over multiple topics as usual. I can't seem to fix on any one area. Here's a list of books I currently have checked out of the library:
- Founding Faith: Providence, Politics and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America
- Man's Search for Meaning
- No Bone Unturned: The adventures of a top Smithsonian Forensic Scientist
- The Night Circus: A Novel
- Deadly Decisions
Those last two are fiction. The first three are not! I've also recently finished "Pity the Billionaire" by Thomas Frank, also non-fiction. That was a good read. If you could get past the side trip into a discussion of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" which I thought was too detailed, and a bit bizarre...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Freed from the Shackles of Cable-Land
I have to admit, it was an easier transition to no cable TV than I thought it would be. A benefit I wasn't expecting is the reduction in stress by not having access to those pesky cable news networks. Nothing like no on-demand news to bring the old BP down. I've also noticed that the nightly news broadcasts are a lot more alike than not in how they present the news. Less noticeable skew and inflammatory rhetoric. That has been really nice. I tend to flip between ABC in the morning (I like George Stephanopolous) and CBS/NBC in the evenings. Although I do bounce between all 3 more in the morning when the commercials come on. I also am reading more from the Brookings Institute, the Economist, and NPR online in the evenings. Nice to actually have that time to get in depth on some of the issues.
The main topic now, of course, is who the Republicans will end up with to run against Obama. I'm glad that kook Bachman seems out of the running, and Rick Perry was (hopefully) just a flash in the pan. If you look deeper at his record in Texas, it's rather frightening what he'd want on a national level. And Herman Cain. OMG. What to say about this man. His attitude towards the poor/unemployed is just insulting. And uneducated. It tells me he would slash social programs designed to help keep people out of poverty, and to keep people from starving. But that's not what I want to talk about, as that tends to get very subjective very fast. ;)
It's his 9-9-9 plan that has my attention. First off, the way I calculate it looking at my taxes from this past year, I will end up paying more. How is this? Well, I won't be able to deduct mortgage interest. No charitable deductions, as I'm too poor to give enough to meet the threshold. There are no other deductions allowed under his plan. No standard deduction from what I can tell. So. By my calculations, I will pay more in taxes to the federal government. I will still be paying state taxes. Which could go up if entitlement program funding to the states is reduced or eliminated. But that's a supposition based on his statements and his website. Let's just go with known figures.
The main topic now, of course, is who the Republicans will end up with to run against Obama. I'm glad that kook Bachman seems out of the running, and Rick Perry was (hopefully) just a flash in the pan. If you look deeper at his record in Texas, it's rather frightening what he'd want on a national level. And Herman Cain. OMG. What to say about this man. His attitude towards the poor/unemployed is just insulting. And uneducated. It tells me he would slash social programs designed to help keep people out of poverty, and to keep people from starving. But that's not what I want to talk about, as that tends to get very subjective very fast. ;)
It's his 9-9-9 plan that has my attention. First off, the way I calculate it looking at my taxes from this past year, I will end up paying more. How is this? Well, I won't be able to deduct mortgage interest. No charitable deductions, as I'm too poor to give enough to meet the threshold. There are no other deductions allowed under his plan. No standard deduction from what I can tell. So. By my calculations, I will pay more in taxes to the federal government. I will still be paying state taxes. Which could go up if entitlement program funding to the states is reduced or eliminated. But that's a supposition based on his statements and his website. Let's just go with known figures.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Book Reading Demon
I have been doing a ton of reading the last few months. The majority of it from the library. Don't know why, but I'm finally out of that dry spell/slump I've been in. It also helps that I discovered a fabulous app for my iPhone - Bookcrawler. I can use it to scan barcodes to add in books, then categorize, indicate if I've read them, do I own them, rate them, enter comments, tags, etc. It's a sweet little app.
Recent reads are (In alphabetical order):
- The Autobiography of Mrs Tom Thumb (Melanie Bemjamin)
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Ransom Riggs, YA)
- The Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay (Beverly Jensen)
- Smokin' Seventeen (Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plum series)
- The Twisted Thread (Charlotte Bacon)
Since I just finished The Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay last night, I'm going to dicuss it here. Having read nothing from this author before, I ordered the book through ILL (Interlibrary loan). Overall it was an "eh" book, and could have been much better. The first 60 pages or so really had me wanting to read more. Enough so that I brought it to work to read at lunch. And then...then it started to change. Then I noticed a few things.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Weighing In
Only not talking body weight here. Just so much going on in the news, the world, I feel the need to comment. So I'm summarizing (hopefully!) instead of doing tons of posts.
New Poster Family for Why Abstinence-Only and No Sex Ed DOES NOT WORK: Sarah Palin's family. Seriously. First her daughter gets pregnant "out of wedlock". Now her son, married for two months, is going to be a father. Only thing, from the picture I saw this morning, his wife looks well over 2 months pregnant. Soooo.
Bachmann Migraines: I'm kinda split on this. I have sympathy as a migraine sufferer. Yet I know how they can take a person out of the loop for awhile. And even if you are "functioning" you don't always make the best decisions. Especially depending on the kinds of meds you're on! I don't like her anyway because I think she's absolutely nuts. But it does make me wonder, what would disqualify someone form running, for medical reasons? I mean, look at Cheney (VP), FDR. Is it physical or mental? Who decides? The public I guess. But there is so much medical misinformation out there.
Debt Ceiling Crisis: Wish the Republicans would tell the fanatics/tea party faction to take a flying leap. What they want would tank the economy- and increase unemployment. Wish the Democrats would tell the fanatics in their party to take a flying leap. What they want will tank the economy, albeit over a longer period of time.
Gang of 6 Plan: On the surface it sounds good. Compromise from both sides required. We have to tackle SS and Medicare. BUT we have to have tax reform, increase income. Cleaning up corporate - and other - loopholes would be great. Not thrilled with some of the suggestions, like keeping EIC and Child Tax Credit, but eliminating mortgage interest credit. Lowering top tax rates 35% to 29% without seeing an equivalent increase in income at that level from closing loopholes. They gotta go hand in hand, and should actually be more in my opinion than the reduction. From some reviews I've read on the Economist's website, it seems to me this one will help lower and higher income, and squeeze the middle. Being at the lower middle with no kids, no investments (capital gains, what's that?), and only mortgage interest deduction, this would increase my taxes.
Cut, Cap, & Balance: No dice. Really think this idea would hurt the economy quickly, put us back into recession, distract from what needs to be done, and not help in the long run. Hate the constitutional ammendment. Why do we need an amendment to tell us what we already know we have to do? It would also eliminate the government's ability to respond in economic downturns, emergencies (Katrina, anyone?), and so on. I really think the government should have that flexibility. Not to mention the wasted time and money when it won't get out of Congress and if by some miracle it does, it is facing almost certain veto. Why kick a dead horse? We also have got to raise revenues. Capping spending to such a low percentage of GDP when faced with an increasing burden in SS/Medicare, well, how's that supposed to work? Oh, that's right. No more ss, medicare, food stamps. If you're poor, you just don't work hard enough is what the right seems to say/feel. At least, that's how it comes across to me!
overview of debt ceiling plans
Taxes/No Taxes: No ifs, ands or buts about it we have got to have more revenue. Cutting spending alone isn't going to be enough. Especially if they cut willy-nilly and abruptly. Although I think increases in taxes (whether by closing loopholes, allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire, or adding new taxes) they should be phased in from the top down over several years to avoid great shock to the economy, and to avoid harming the poorest among us. I also think we desperately need tax reform. Refunds should be limited to how much you have paid in. If you paid X amount, that's the most you can get back. No getting back more than that. Then some of that savings can be used to shore up effective programs like food stamps (which are pathetic in the amount you can get, and actually have a better positive economic effect than many programs) and child health care programs. Which would hopefully help those on the bottom rung of the ladder that would be hurt by the refund cap.
Women are 51% of Population, 16.6% of Congress: What is up with that? I'm sorry, but men, be they white or black, don't truly represent me or my life. They can try, and some may do well. But I truly think men and women think and react differently. Having more of my view/perspective as a woman in Congress would be more beneficial to me! Read an interesting opinion piece yesterday(don't like the headline, but some of the discussion is thought-provoking).
Casey Anthony: Get over it people. She was found not-guilty of the murder so cut it out. Move on. GET A LIFE. And when is Nancy Grace going to get the pants sued off of her? Some of what she says seems like libel or slander to me. Wonder what the legal definition is? I truly wish CNN (and other news networks!) would stop pandering to this woman and having her on.
Murdoch & the Hacking Scandal: Well, duh. People are suprised at this? What the heck did they think was gonna happen with increasing monopolies in the media, and increasing partisanship, and increasing sensationalistic reporting. Just, duh! I think something needs to be done to break up these monopolies, and to require news to be fact-based, with no opinion or asides. Don't interpret, just report!!!! Anything that is opinion and interpretation needs to have a warning label, and something on the screen stating THIS IS JUST OUR OPINION/INTERPRETATION. PLEASE THINK FOR YOURSELF.
There's more rumbling around in my head, but that's all I can get out for now. :)
New Poster Family for Why Abstinence-Only and No Sex Ed DOES NOT WORK: Sarah Palin's family. Seriously. First her daughter gets pregnant "out of wedlock". Now her son, married for two months, is going to be a father. Only thing, from the picture I saw this morning, his wife looks well over 2 months pregnant. Soooo.
Bachmann Migraines: I'm kinda split on this. I have sympathy as a migraine sufferer. Yet I know how they can take a person out of the loop for awhile. And even if you are "functioning" you don't always make the best decisions. Especially depending on the kinds of meds you're on! I don't like her anyway because I think she's absolutely nuts. But it does make me wonder, what would disqualify someone form running, for medical reasons? I mean, look at Cheney (VP), FDR. Is it physical or mental? Who decides? The public I guess. But there is so much medical misinformation out there.
Debt Ceiling Crisis: Wish the Republicans would tell the fanatics/tea party faction to take a flying leap. What they want would tank the economy- and increase unemployment. Wish the Democrats would tell the fanatics in their party to take a flying leap. What they want will tank the economy, albeit over a longer period of time.
Gang of 6 Plan: On the surface it sounds good. Compromise from both sides required. We have to tackle SS and Medicare. BUT we have to have tax reform, increase income. Cleaning up corporate - and other - loopholes would be great. Not thrilled with some of the suggestions, like keeping EIC and Child Tax Credit, but eliminating mortgage interest credit. Lowering top tax rates 35% to 29% without seeing an equivalent increase in income at that level from closing loopholes. They gotta go hand in hand, and should actually be more in my opinion than the reduction. From some reviews I've read on the Economist's website, it seems to me this one will help lower and higher income, and squeeze the middle. Being at the lower middle with no kids, no investments (capital gains, what's that?), and only mortgage interest deduction, this would increase my taxes.
Cut, Cap, & Balance: No dice. Really think this idea would hurt the economy quickly, put us back into recession, distract from what needs to be done, and not help in the long run. Hate the constitutional ammendment. Why do we need an amendment to tell us what we already know we have to do? It would also eliminate the government's ability to respond in economic downturns, emergencies (Katrina, anyone?), and so on. I really think the government should have that flexibility. Not to mention the wasted time and money when it won't get out of Congress and if by some miracle it does, it is facing almost certain veto. Why kick a dead horse? We also have got to raise revenues. Capping spending to such a low percentage of GDP when faced with an increasing burden in SS/Medicare, well, how's that supposed to work? Oh, that's right. No more ss, medicare, food stamps. If you're poor, you just don't work hard enough is what the right seems to say/feel. At least, that's how it comes across to me!
overview of debt ceiling plans
Taxes/No Taxes: No ifs, ands or buts about it we have got to have more revenue. Cutting spending alone isn't going to be enough. Especially if they cut willy-nilly and abruptly. Although I think increases in taxes (whether by closing loopholes, allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire, or adding new taxes) they should be phased in from the top down over several years to avoid great shock to the economy, and to avoid harming the poorest among us. I also think we desperately need tax reform. Refunds should be limited to how much you have paid in. If you paid X amount, that's the most you can get back. No getting back more than that. Then some of that savings can be used to shore up effective programs like food stamps (which are pathetic in the amount you can get, and actually have a better positive economic effect than many programs) and child health care programs. Which would hopefully help those on the bottom rung of the ladder that would be hurt by the refund cap.
Women are 51% of Population, 16.6% of Congress: What is up with that? I'm sorry, but men, be they white or black, don't truly represent me or my life. They can try, and some may do well. But I truly think men and women think and react differently. Having more of my view/perspective as a woman in Congress would be more beneficial to me! Read an interesting opinion piece yesterday(don't like the headline, but some of the discussion is thought-provoking).
Casey Anthony: Get over it people. She was found not-guilty of the murder so cut it out. Move on. GET A LIFE. And when is Nancy Grace going to get the pants sued off of her? Some of what she says seems like libel or slander to me. Wonder what the legal definition is? I truly wish CNN (and other news networks!) would stop pandering to this woman and having her on.
Murdoch & the Hacking Scandal: Well, duh. People are suprised at this? What the heck did they think was gonna happen with increasing monopolies in the media, and increasing partisanship, and increasing sensationalistic reporting. Just, duh! I think something needs to be done to break up these monopolies, and to require news to be fact-based, with no opinion or asides. Don't interpret, just report!!!! Anything that is opinion and interpretation needs to have a warning label, and something on the screen stating THIS IS JUST OUR OPINION/INTERPRETATION. PLEASE THINK FOR YOURSELF.
There's more rumbling around in my head, but that's all I can get out for now. :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Review: A Discovery of Witches
So I read this book recently. It's a very large book. More of a tome. I'd been eyeing it at the bookstore, but wasn't willing to spend that much on a new author in hardback. And I must admit, the sheer size of it was intimidating.
A few weeks ago I saw it on one of the "new books" carts at the library, waiting to be reshelved. I took it as a sign, and grabbed it.
I almost didn't read it after noticing on the inside flap that it is the first book in a trilogy. All I could think was "It's book one and it's this big?"
I have to admit, it was very engaging at first. In a strange sort of way. I say strange, because the writing was heavy, ponderous, almost on the professorial level. Wich kind of fit, because the main character is actually a professor doing research. The premise is good, and different.
I don't know if any of this could be considered spoilers, so read on at your own peril.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Modern Living
So I got invited to my second birthday party for a dog last weekend. Yes, you read that correctly. The first party was a year ago, and really, I thought it was just a fluke, more of an in-family joke than a serious party. Although there were four-footed guests, and cake.
This recent party invite was from an acquaintance with whom I walk my dogs occasionally. I've invited her to my house for Thanksgiving, etc, because her family won't let her bring her dog to their house (I could care less - there're always dogs at my house from my extended family on holidays).
So here's the pickle I was in: to gift or not to gift? Ah, that was the question! Or questions:
Somehow I don't think Debrett's or Miss Manners address this situation. Or do they? From things I've seen on TV, I think the uber rich are more into this dog-party thing than us peons are. (Which could be changing!)
I finally settled on a $5 "fun pak" from Wal-Mart with dog toys in it. Which apparently was the correct choice, as everyone else brought gifts.
This recent party invite was from an acquaintance with whom I walk my dogs occasionally. I've invited her to my house for Thanksgiving, etc, because her family won't let her bring her dog to their house (I could care less - there're always dogs at my house from my extended family on holidays).
I took Leia, leaving Max home for several reasons, mainly because I didn't want to stress him out due to his heart condition. At least not until his meds arrive. (They are a special order - they have to actually compound the meds specifically for him because he's so little.)
So here's the pickle I was in: to gift or not to gift? Ah, that was the question! Or questions:
- Do I bring the dog a present?
- Or just bring the hostess a gift?
- Or maybe just bring a dish like for a pot luck?
Somehow I don't think Debrett's or Miss Manners address this situation. Or do they? From things I've seen on TV, I think the uber rich are more into this dog-party thing than us peons are. (Which could be changing!)
I finally settled on a $5 "fun pak" from Wal-Mart with dog toys in it. Which apparently was the correct choice, as everyone else brought gifts.
Ahh, the joys of modern living.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Cable Madness
It has been a crazy summer. My oldest niece spent the first two plus weeks of June visiting me. It was a whirlwind of fun. I'll be posting more on that as I get the pictures together for uploading.
After months of thinking about it, I finally decided to cancel my cable. It's just getting more and more expensive, and I only watch the same few channels. Unfortunately, none of those channels are available over the air (OTA). But I'll get to that. But here is what I've learned over the last week:
1) Going cable free is not as easy as you would think.
2) If you have a newer TV, ie, an HD ready TV, it probably has an internal digital tuner. If it does, you can just plug the rabbit ears (antenna) directly into the TV. And voila.
3) Okay, maybe not so voila. Don't forget to change the setting on your TV from Cable to Antenna/OTA.
4) And arranging those darn rabbit ears is tricky. Very tricky. Do what I didn't and go to www.antennaweb.org and www.tvfool.com to find out what channels you should be able to get, and what direction to point the antenna in.
So the first night I spent 4.5 hours (no exaggeration) rearranging my home theater system/DVD player and Wii trying to get a digital converter and the antenna added to the mix. I could not get everything to play well together. And when I was done (gave up) I only had 2 OTA channels: NBC and CBS or the CW. I had to get up and turn the tuning knob on the antenna one click to switch between CBS and the CW. Fun. Not. That was Friday starting out the long 4th of July weekend.
Amazingly I made it. Thanks to Netflix instant over the internet. I did hook the computer up, but its wireless is unbelievably slow so I need to get it actually wired. But I need another ethernet cable and am too lazy to go to the store yet.
Did some research after that, and realized my tv has a built-in tuner. So I was using the digital converter to convert a digital signal to analog to watch on my HDTV. And I'd also forgotten to change the TV setting from cable to antenna. Not my most stellar hour. Or hours.
Undid all the rearranging I did, got rid of the converter, changed the tv setting and pointed the rabbit ears correctly. Now I have all three networks, Fox, the CW, a barely viewable (but audible) PBS, and two religious channels I'd rather not have.
Still not sure how I'm going to last. I'm missing my morning CNN and Weather Channel more than I thought I would.
However, if I can get the computer hooked up correctly, I can watch new episodes online after they air. Not that I'm following any new shows. Just "In Plain Sight" on USA. Which I know I can watch online. Still working on a solution for new episodes of "Dr Who". So. I am still feeling at a loss, even though I have the TV turned on the same amount of time as before. Just have to think about it a little more. And I did turn the radio on instead of TV the other night. Listened to music and played solitaire.
And I'm listening to music to go to sleep instead of TV. I need an alarm clock I can plug my iPod into. I already know which one I want. :) So here's to a cable free summer!
After months of thinking about it, I finally decided to cancel my cable. It's just getting more and more expensive, and I only watch the same few channels. Unfortunately, none of those channels are available over the air (OTA). But I'll get to that. But here is what I've learned over the last week:
1) Going cable free is not as easy as you would think.
2) If you have a newer TV, ie, an HD ready TV, it probably has an internal digital tuner. If it does, you can just plug the rabbit ears (antenna) directly into the TV. And voila.
3) Okay, maybe not so voila. Don't forget to change the setting on your TV from Cable to Antenna/OTA.
4) And arranging those darn rabbit ears is tricky. Very tricky. Do what I didn't and go to www.antennaweb.org and www.tvfool.com to find out what channels you should be able to get, and what direction to point the antenna in.
So the first night I spent 4.5 hours (no exaggeration) rearranging my home theater system/DVD player and Wii trying to get a digital converter and the antenna added to the mix. I could not get everything to play well together. And when I was done (gave up) I only had 2 OTA channels: NBC and CBS or the CW. I had to get up and turn the tuning knob on the antenna one click to switch between CBS and the CW. Fun. Not. That was Friday starting out the long 4th of July weekend.
Amazingly I made it. Thanks to Netflix instant over the internet. I did hook the computer up, but its wireless is unbelievably slow so I need to get it actually wired. But I need another ethernet cable and am too lazy to go to the store yet.
Did some research after that, and realized my tv has a built-in tuner. So I was using the digital converter to convert a digital signal to analog to watch on my HDTV. And I'd also forgotten to change the TV setting from cable to antenna. Not my most stellar hour. Or hours.
Undid all the rearranging I did, got rid of the converter, changed the tv setting and pointed the rabbit ears correctly. Now I have all three networks, Fox, the CW, a barely viewable (but audible) PBS, and two religious channels I'd rather not have.
Still not sure how I'm going to last. I'm missing my morning CNN and Weather Channel more than I thought I would.
However, if I can get the computer hooked up correctly, I can watch new episodes online after they air. Not that I'm following any new shows. Just "In Plain Sight" on USA. Which I know I can watch online. Still working on a solution for new episodes of "Dr Who". So. I am still feeling at a loss, even though I have the TV turned on the same amount of time as before. Just have to think about it a little more. And I did turn the radio on instead of TV the other night. Listened to music and played solitaire.
And I'm listening to music to go to sleep instead of TV. I need an alarm clock I can plug my iPod into. I already know which one I want. :) So here's to a cable free summer!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Experiences
Watching a commercial for the Kind.le last night, I was struck with a sense of sadness. Although wistfulness might be more accurate. Stylistically appealing and positive, the commercial ends with the tag line "The book is back."
As much as I love my gadgets, I'm still primarily a hard copy reader. I'll take the physical book over the ebook any day. (Although I do have many of my favorites in both versions!)
What struck me about the commercial, is what is being lost in this switch to the electronic format. Books and libraries and bookstores have always been such a large part of my life. To this day, the trip to the library or to the bookstore is filled with a sense of youth and joy and expectation. The discovery, the wonder of rooms full of books. The endless, overwhelming possibilities.
How I remember those summer days when friends and I would bicycle to the library. I remember the Florida heat and humidity and daytime stillness almost as if I'm there now. That blast of cool air as we entered the quiet of the library. Running my fingers along the spines of the books as I hunted for the next one that would whisk me away. Then, finally, the excitement of finding it, the satisfaction in pulling it off the shelf.
As much as I love my gadgets, I'm still primarily a hard copy reader. I'll take the physical book over the ebook any day. (Although I do have many of my favorites in both versions!)
What struck me about the commercial, is what is being lost in this switch to the electronic format. Books and libraries and bookstores have always been such a large part of my life. To this day, the trip to the library or to the bookstore is filled with a sense of youth and joy and expectation. The discovery, the wonder of rooms full of books. The endless, overwhelming possibilities.
How I remember those summer days when friends and I would bicycle to the library. I remember the Florida heat and humidity and daytime stillness almost as if I'm there now. That blast of cool air as we entered the quiet of the library. Running my fingers along the spines of the books as I hunted for the next one that would whisk me away. Then, finally, the excitement of finding it, the satisfaction in pulling it off the shelf.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Why I Will Never Buy...
...A Jeep Liberty.
I really don't like this vehicle at all. Good thing it's a rental! I have a few basic issues that may have been corrected on later models, if there are any. I'm not sure what year the rental is. It is a Trail Rated Limited Edition, automatic transmission, and is quite fancy. So here are my reasons, in no particular order.
- No handle above the driver's door - big issue for a short person. Need that to help haul myself up into the driver's seat.
- No step to assist short people get into the driver's seat. (I haven't checked the other doors.
- This thing is a tank; a giant lumbering ox.
- Rocks way too much in the wind. Feels top heavy.
- Did I mention this thing is a tank? Very hard to negotiate parking lots and parking spaces. Don't try to park between two other vehicles. Even if they are parked perfectly in their spots. It just is not going to happen. (Backing out is an issue too!)
- To reach the gas pedal with more than my toes, I have to sit way too close to the steering wheel. To get most of my foot on the pedal without feeling like I'm stretching and about to slide off the seat, I have to sit even closer. If that air bag ever deploys it will most likely kill me. To be fair, this is an issue I have with most vehicles as I am short. However, this one seems worse than most others I have driven. Even our company van.
- Silver knobs/plates on top of shift mechanisms are stupid. They reflect sunlight that no visors can block, usually straight into the driver's eyes (or corner thereof). Again, not just an issue with this vehicle, and probably not a problem for taller drivers.
And my number one reason I'll never buy this vehicle?
- Where the dash and middle console meet, it slopes down at an angle toward the gas pedal. Making it wider at its base. In order to use the gas pedal, I have to angle my foot to the right. Leaving my leg - and knee - feeling twisted the entire time I am driving. It sucks. Perhaps a taller person would not have this problem; I don't know. All I know is my knee hurts.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Twenty Three Years Isn't a Bad Record
This past Saturday I had my first auto accident. No one was hurt; although my car did suffer some damage.
I was driving to a rock climbing comp about 4 hours away, with my little and her mom in the car. For once, we actually left on time, with 5 hours until the comp started. A Spring snow storm had come through the night before, but the roads were great. Until we got about 1.5 hours from here, and got onto the interstate.
The roads didn't look bad; just like there was snow on them. I was going the speed limit when I decided to move into the left lane because it was clear and the right lane had snow. As soon as we changed lanes, I felt the car start to slide. I turned the wheel a bit to the right to keep us in our lane and from going into the median and then oncoming traffic. Not sure if that was a mistake as we went into a spin. At least I knew enough not to slam on the brakes, and just went with the spin. Because by that point I couldn't do much. At least we didn't roll! The whole thing was surreal.
I was driving to a rock climbing comp about 4 hours away, with my little and her mom in the car. For once, we actually left on time, with 5 hours until the comp started. A Spring snow storm had come through the night before, but the roads were great. Until we got about 1.5 hours from here, and got onto the interstate.
The roads didn't look bad; just like there was snow on them. I was going the speed limit when I decided to move into the left lane because it was clear and the right lane had snow. As soon as we changed lanes, I felt the car start to slide. I turned the wheel a bit to the right to keep us in our lane and from going into the median and then oncoming traffic. Not sure if that was a mistake as we went into a spin. At least I knew enough not to slam on the brakes, and just went with the spin. Because by that point I couldn't do much. At least we didn't roll! The whole thing was surreal.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Plus Side of Insomnia
I've been having a tough time sleeping lately. Falling asleep is no problem, staying asleep is. Even with the CPAP for the sleep apnea. Of course, that could be part of the issue itself. Either type of mask I wear has been causing me to break out in eczema right around the nose. It's pretty embarassing, as some days it is so bad I look like a junkie. ;( Finally getting that under control, but it makes wearing the mask at night irritating.
Anyway. I've been waking up around 1am-2am just about every night. Dogs love it because they get to go outside. To get back to sleep, I put the TV on for background noise, with the sleep timer. Our local "government" channel (not PBS) usually has clips of ballets and operas, etc, at that time of night. So it's relaxing go to sleep music.
The other night, they had something else on. Some guy dressed up as Thomas Jefferson was speaking before a crowd. Turns out it was the last 20 minutes of a presentation from 2001. But it was fabulous. I stayed up for the credits and wrote the guys name down. It's Clay Jenkins, and he does what is called the Jefferson Hour.
Long story longer, I've subscribed to the podcast (first one ever for me). Have about five downloaded to my iPod so far. Was listening to one last week, titled "Civility" (show 904). Imagine my surprise when about 20 to 25 minutes into it, he started discussing the very thing I posted about last!
If you have time (and the interest) I recommend listening. It's pretty interesting. At least to this history buff, and self- professed geek. ;)
Anyway. I've been waking up around 1am-2am just about every night. Dogs love it because they get to go outside. To get back to sleep, I put the TV on for background noise, with the sleep timer. Our local "government" channel (not PBS) usually has clips of ballets and operas, etc, at that time of night. So it's relaxing go to sleep music.
The other night, they had something else on. Some guy dressed up as Thomas Jefferson was speaking before a crowd. Turns out it was the last 20 minutes of a presentation from 2001. But it was fabulous. I stayed up for the credits and wrote the guys name down. It's Clay Jenkins, and he does what is called the Jefferson Hour.
Long story longer, I've subscribed to the podcast (first one ever for me). Have about five downloaded to my iPod so far. Was listening to one last week, titled "Civility" (show 904). Imagine my surprise when about 20 to 25 minutes into it, he started discussing the very thing I posted about last!
If you have time (and the interest) I recommend listening. It's pretty interesting. At least to this history buff, and self- professed geek. ;)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It's all about the words
Apparently the iPad has negatively affected my blogging. That, and work. I'm too lazy now to break out my laptop at home - it takes half a lifetime (okay, ten minutes or so) to turn on, and I'm too paranoid about fires while I'm at work to leave it on full-time. It's too time consuming to type a blog post using the on-screen keyboard of the iPad. It's also been busy at work, with no breaks to blog during. I've also been making a concerted effort to leave my desk for lunch. So. Until I get a wireless keyboard for the iPad at home, posting will continue to be sporadic.
Words have really been on my mind lately. Anyone who's known me for a long time will recognize that I've always been a word person. I love words. It's why I'm fairly good at crossword puzzles. (Hey, I'm up to Wednesday on the NYT puzzles!!!) I love the sound of them, the feel of them, the weight of them as I move them around in my head. I know I don't measure my words as carefully as I should a lot of the time. It's so easy not too in this fast-paced, hectic sound bite we live in.
However, this is something that is really starting to bother me. Especially since our state legislative session has been in full swing. Whether it's what they themselves are saying, or the words in the bills, or the articles and online comments...words have been flying around like crazy. Big words; and I'm not talking syllables. Yet no one seems to be measuring them. No one seems to be weighing them. No one seems to be sounding or feeling them out first.
Words have really been on my mind lately. Anyone who's known me for a long time will recognize that I've always been a word person. I love words. It's why I'm fairly good at crossword puzzles. (Hey, I'm up to Wednesday on the NYT puzzles!!!) I love the sound of them, the feel of them, the weight of them as I move them around in my head. I know I don't measure my words as carefully as I should a lot of the time. It's so easy not too in this fast-paced, hectic sound bite we live in.
However, this is something that is really starting to bother me. Especially since our state legislative session has been in full swing. Whether it's what they themselves are saying, or the words in the bills, or the articles and online comments...words have been flying around like crazy. Big words; and I'm not talking syllables. Yet no one seems to be measuring them. No one seems to be weighing them. No one seems to be sounding or feeling them out first.
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