...was the statement of a student who said he only checked his Facebook page between classes! So what's addicted? Checking it often DURING class? I would assume so.
There's even a commercial on TV where a girl is shown breaking up with her boyfriend via a text message, and updating her Facebook page at the same time, while seated across from him at a table at an outdoor cafe. It's a commercial for a cell phone company.
Do we really need to be in touch with everybody and everything on a minute-to-minute basis? How do you sleep? Oh, I forgot, some of these people sleep with their phones under their pillows. How restful a night's sleep can that be if a friend has insomnia and thinks you should be awake too?
How much will insurance companies be paying for carpal tunel syndrome operations in a couple years? If they were smart, the policies would add wording that says it's not covered if caused by texting. They should start today...Day 53!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Another "DUH" moment...
Heard recently that truckers who are hauling "dangerous cargo (e.g. dynamite)" are to be banned from texting while driving. Really??? Really!!!
EVERYONE should be banned from texting while driving. It's akin to reading a book, while driving. Just makes no sense! You're more than a little distracted, and regardless of the size of the vehicle, it's a weapon!
This is truly a "duh" moment on Day 52!
EVERYONE should be banned from texting while driving. It's akin to reading a book, while driving. Just makes no sense! You're more than a little distracted, and regardless of the size of the vehicle, it's a weapon!
This is truly a "duh" moment on Day 52!
Censorship in school, yet again!
In today's local newspaper there was a Letter-to-the-Editor condoning censorship of books that some of the local grade school and/or high school teachers wanted their children to read. I'm sorry, I didn't catch the grade and/or name of the book(s) to put those names here (which can be researched.) You KNOW people are going to read ANY banned books! Banning them just makes them more popular!
The Letter-to-the-Editor was written by a college professor!
The second half of the letter deplored the teaching of sex education in the classroom, when it referred to how one might get AIDS, and such things as oral sex. Now, in this instance, I believe the students were 8th graders. Since I was once in 8th grade, I'm pretty sure that the students already know, or think they know, as much or more than they're given credit for! This is just the teachers setting the facts straight!
His children are home-schooled. Wonder how much they WON'T know when they get to college! Might be quite the shock!
To elaborate more on "banning books", let me say that this is not a new concept. I grew up in the era of Hawaii by James Michener being banned in college! Lady Chatterly's Lover, by D.H. Lawrence, was also banned. Of course I read Hawaii, and could find nothing objectionable, except for perhaps descriptions of native women, but it was in an historical context, and not in a sexual context. Hey folks, remember sneaking peeks at National Geographic???!!
As far as Lady Chatterly's Lover is concerned, by the time I finally found a copy to read, I was really baffled as to why that was banned. Nothing that I can remember, was at all questionable. Maybe I got the abridged version? I do remember it was boring!
Oh, lest I forget, he also admonished the fact that "evolution" is being taught in school! YIKES!!! I guess all those anthropologists, and paleontologists are just wrong...as of Day 51!
The Letter-to-the-Editor was written by a college professor!
The second half of the letter deplored the teaching of sex education in the classroom, when it referred to how one might get AIDS, and such things as oral sex. Now, in this instance, I believe the students were 8th graders. Since I was once in 8th grade, I'm pretty sure that the students already know, or think they know, as much or more than they're given credit for! This is just the teachers setting the facts straight!
His children are home-schooled. Wonder how much they WON'T know when they get to college! Might be quite the shock!
To elaborate more on "banning books", let me say that this is not a new concept. I grew up in the era of Hawaii by James Michener being banned in college! Lady Chatterly's Lover, by D.H. Lawrence, was also banned. Of course I read Hawaii, and could find nothing objectionable, except for perhaps descriptions of native women, but it was in an historical context, and not in a sexual context. Hey folks, remember sneaking peeks at National Geographic???!!
As far as Lady Chatterly's Lover is concerned, by the time I finally found a copy to read, I was really baffled as to why that was banned. Nothing that I can remember, was at all questionable. Maybe I got the abridged version? I do remember it was boring!
Oh, lest I forget, he also admonished the fact that "evolution" is being taught in school! YIKES!!! I guess all those anthropologists, and paleontologists are just wrong...as of Day 51!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
I hate election years! Which is about every year!
...the TV ads, the telemarketing-type phone calls, the lies and innuendos...
The only apolitical time, in my opinion, is between the election for president, and the day he or she gets inaugurated. As soon as the new president is in office, the fights begin to get the "other party" in power in either the house or senate. Right after that is the fight to either retain the current president, or get a new one.
National security, horrific events (e.g. a plane crash) or natural disasters are the only things that can usurp the political crap.
These days everyone has the "best" ideas on getting the economy improved, getting the war ended, getting more jobs for the jobless, helping folks with bad mortgages, but no one wants to tell just how they intend to accomplish this, lest the opposing party steal their ideas. Non-partisan my a**.
Talk about a "hugh tax increase" is just that...talk. Bush and his handlers knew what he was doing when he put those tax cuts in place, with an expiration date. They probably knew the democrats would be in power when the tax cuts expired, and to let them expire would make the dems look bad. And if the republicans were still in power, they would just keep voting the tax cuts in, and they'd look like veritable Gods to the masses. The dems are now talking about just letting the tax cuts expire on the people who make over $250,000 a year, which is about 2%? John Boehner, a republican, gets to call it a HUGE tax increase. So who's really doing what's best for the country?
I don't have the answers as of Day 50!
The only apolitical time, in my opinion, is between the election for president, and the day he or she gets inaugurated. As soon as the new president is in office, the fights begin to get the "other party" in power in either the house or senate. Right after that is the fight to either retain the current president, or get a new one.
National security, horrific events (e.g. a plane crash) or natural disasters are the only things that can usurp the political crap.
These days everyone has the "best" ideas on getting the economy improved, getting the war ended, getting more jobs for the jobless, helping folks with bad mortgages, but no one wants to tell just how they intend to accomplish this, lest the opposing party steal their ideas. Non-partisan my a**.
Talk about a "hugh tax increase" is just that...talk. Bush and his handlers knew what he was doing when he put those tax cuts in place, with an expiration date. They probably knew the democrats would be in power when the tax cuts expired, and to let them expire would make the dems look bad. And if the republicans were still in power, they would just keep voting the tax cuts in, and they'd look like veritable Gods to the masses. The dems are now talking about just letting the tax cuts expire on the people who make over $250,000 a year, which is about 2%? John Boehner, a republican, gets to call it a HUGE tax increase. So who's really doing what's best for the country?
I don't have the answers as of Day 50!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dave Barry got it right...
Sorry Andy, but I have to quote someone else here. Someone I admire just as much...Dave Barry. The quote mentioned was a short blurb in the classified pages of our local newspaper. The quote was about "SUVs."
Dave is quoted as saying "Admit it, sport-utility vehicle owners! It's shaped a little differently, but it's a station wagon! And you do not drive it across rivers! You drive it across the Wal-Mart parking lot!"
So true! The majority of them are 4WD (four-wheel drive) or AWD (all-wheel drive) which means you should not get stuck in most places. A foot of snow should not deter you. However, I did work with someone who called in because his Chevy Blazer (forerunner to the SUV) was stuck, in less than 6 inches of snow, in his driveway. I think this was an excuse to not come to work. I have seen some SUV owners "stuck" because they were not able to figure out either how to get out of a snow drift, or didn't want to try for fear of "tearing up the vehicle."
Since I married a Jeep freak, for the past 30+ years, I've had 4WD in my life. I know what it can and cannot do, and the "cannots" are few. One very important fact to remember, for those new SUV drivers, is that NOTHING works on ice. And we have plenty of ice storms in this part of the country. As far as snow goes, you can get out of tough places, but careful driving is still the MOST IMPORTANT when driving, regardless of 2WD or 4WD. Four-wheel drive just means you'll get stuck further off the road.
Since you thought you needed an SUV, learn how to use those station wagons the way they're supposed to be used! With winter coming, those are my thoughts on Day 49!
Dave is quoted as saying "Admit it, sport-utility vehicle owners! It's shaped a little differently, but it's a station wagon! And you do not drive it across rivers! You drive it across the Wal-Mart parking lot!"
So true! The majority of them are 4WD (four-wheel drive) or AWD (all-wheel drive) which means you should not get stuck in most places. A foot of snow should not deter you. However, I did work with someone who called in because his Chevy Blazer (forerunner to the SUV) was stuck, in less than 6 inches of snow, in his driveway. I think this was an excuse to not come to work. I have seen some SUV owners "stuck" because they were not able to figure out either how to get out of a snow drift, or didn't want to try for fear of "tearing up the vehicle."
Since I married a Jeep freak, for the past 30+ years, I've had 4WD in my life. I know what it can and cannot do, and the "cannots" are few. One very important fact to remember, for those new SUV drivers, is that NOTHING works on ice. And we have plenty of ice storms in this part of the country. As far as snow goes, you can get out of tough places, but careful driving is still the MOST IMPORTANT when driving, regardless of 2WD or 4WD. Four-wheel drive just means you'll get stuck further off the road.
Since you thought you needed an SUV, learn how to use those station wagons the way they're supposed to be used! With winter coming, those are my thoughts on Day 49!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Mosquito bites
Everyone gets them. Most of the time, we never even see the biter. We just wake up with a new welt and/or itch! Did you know only the females bite? Something to ponder, for sure!
Anyway, since I've been unemployed for the better part of 6 months now, I've taken to wearing sandals much of the time. If I ever do find meaningful work, it's going to be hard to put shoes and socks back on...I think...
So, my bare tootsies have come under the attack of a mosquito. I was driving this morning, and one of my toes began to itch! How annoying is that? I can't pick my foot up (it was my right, or gas pedal, foot.) I thought of pulling over to scratch it. I tried wiggling my sandal to help in the scratching process. Didn't work. Ever notice how this can cloud all your other judgement?
Thankfully, I was just in town traffic, going to get my morning cappuchino, so I didn;'t have far to go before I was going to make a stop. If I were on the highway I would've pulled over. That's how I started this Day 48!
Anyway, since I've been unemployed for the better part of 6 months now, I've taken to wearing sandals much of the time. If I ever do find meaningful work, it's going to be hard to put shoes and socks back on...I think...
So, my bare tootsies have come under the attack of a mosquito. I was driving this morning, and one of my toes began to itch! How annoying is that? I can't pick my foot up (it was my right, or gas pedal, foot.) I thought of pulling over to scratch it. I tried wiggling my sandal to help in the scratching process. Didn't work. Ever notice how this can cloud all your other judgement?
Thankfully, I was just in town traffic, going to get my morning cappuchino, so I didn;'t have far to go before I was going to make a stop. If I were on the highway I would've pulled over. That's how I started this Day 48!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Good old days...part I
On another blog, people were reminiscing about the good old days. Now this is WAY different if you're over 30, or 40, or 50!!! In the past few years, everything new yesterday, has become passe today!
The first topic I want to cover is gasoline. The prices may seem "stable" these days, fluctuating between $2.25 and $2.75 a gallon. Too high for some of us who remember the "good old days" but still better than the rise to almost $4.00 a gallon, at least in SW Missouri. I know there were states that did top that and more.
But what about the good old days. Well, when I was in high school, gas was (...drum roll...) 25 cents a gallon! And this was in the city of Chicago! When I went out with my friends on the weekend, and we chipped in for gas, a dollar (or 25 cents from each of us) would fill up the tank and we could go all night. My best friend, who drove, as most of us did not even have cars, drove a VW bus! What fond memories of piling everyone in and taking off for the lake (Michigan) or other favorite haunts (Rush Street and Old Town.)
This is just the first of many fond memories I intend to put here, starting with Day 47!
The first topic I want to cover is gasoline. The prices may seem "stable" these days, fluctuating between $2.25 and $2.75 a gallon. Too high for some of us who remember the "good old days" but still better than the rise to almost $4.00 a gallon, at least in SW Missouri. I know there were states that did top that and more.
But what about the good old days. Well, when I was in high school, gas was (...drum roll...) 25 cents a gallon! And this was in the city of Chicago! When I went out with my friends on the weekend, and we chipped in for gas, a dollar (or 25 cents from each of us) would fill up the tank and we could go all night. My best friend, who drove, as most of us did not even have cars, drove a VW bus! What fond memories of piling everyone in and taking off for the lake (Michigan) or other favorite haunts (Rush Street and Old Town.)
This is just the first of many fond memories I intend to put here, starting with Day 47!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Grammar police...
We're everywhere and we cannot keep up the pace, making corrections!
The computer is partly responsible. There are no proof-readers any more, so we assume the words on the printed page are correct. The problem is that the words may be spelled corretly, but they're not the proper words for the sentence.
Examples would be "they're or their, or there." Or "where and wear."
Then there is the improper use of verbs with present and past tenses. This is more common with the spoken word, as opposed to the printed word.
Examples might be saying "we was going..." as opposed to "we were going..." Another one would be "she don't..." as opposed to "she doesn't..." I have even heard these come out of the mouths of educated people. One person was a teacher. If the teachers cannot talk, how do we assume the children will learn proper english?
In the first verb, was should be grouped with a singular noun or pronoun He, she, it was. In the second example, think about how the "contraction" would sound, within the sentence, if called out. Say "she do not." Sounds awkward, right? Again, don't should be used in plural situations, such as they, or we.
Keeping the home fires burning for proper english...on Day 46!
The computer is partly responsible. There are no proof-readers any more, so we assume the words on the printed page are correct. The problem is that the words may be spelled corretly, but they're not the proper words for the sentence.
Examples would be "they're or their, or there." Or "where and wear."
Then there is the improper use of verbs with present and past tenses. This is more common with the spoken word, as opposed to the printed word.
Examples might be saying "we was going..." as opposed to "we were going..." Another one would be "she don't..." as opposed to "she doesn't..." I have even heard these come out of the mouths of educated people. One person was a teacher. If the teachers cannot talk, how do we assume the children will learn proper english?
In the first verb, was should be grouped with a singular noun or pronoun He, she, it was. In the second example, think about how the "contraction" would sound, within the sentence, if called out. Say "she do not." Sounds awkward, right? Again, don't should be used in plural situations, such as they, or we.
Keeping the home fires burning for proper english...on Day 46!
Does your turn signal work...?
...then why aren't you using it? And NOT after you're already into the turn!
Do you think we're all mind readers, and we know when and where you're going to turn?
Did your car pass inspection last time? Did they try your turn signals?
Do you have a phone in one hand, and you're gripping the steering wheel with the other, and so cannot "activate" the turn signal?
Did the turn signal break and you haven't had time to get it fixed properly?
Do you even know how to use "hand signals" to indicate which way you're turning?
Did you skip Driver's Ed? Did you bother to read the booklet?
Do you want to be involved in a rear end collision, when it's YOUR rear end?
Well, do you?
I'm using mine regularly, and from now on I want you to, starting on Day 45!
Do you think we're all mind readers, and we know when and where you're going to turn?
Did your car pass inspection last time? Did they try your turn signals?
Do you have a phone in one hand, and you're gripping the steering wheel with the other, and so cannot "activate" the turn signal?
Did the turn signal break and you haven't had time to get it fixed properly?
Do you even know how to use "hand signals" to indicate which way you're turning?
Did you skip Driver's Ed? Did you bother to read the booklet?
Do you want to be involved in a rear end collision, when it's YOUR rear end?
Well, do you?
I'm using mine regularly, and from now on I want you to, starting on Day 45!
Jib Jab...the website
In my opinion, JibJab is the funniest, and most clever, website I've ever been to. They have extremely cute videos on all sorts of American life. And with some of the videos, you can insert a picture of someone you know, so it appears as though they are part of the video. Extremely clever, and quite thought provoking. Don't know is Andy has ever seen this, but I'm sure he'd love it! I cannot get enough of it.
Those are my thoughts on Day 44!
Those are my thoughts on Day 44!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Side effects!
Watch the TV ads for new drugs on the market! Listen closely!
Last night I saw an ad for a drug to be used when your current anti-depressant isn't enough to keep you on that "even keel" we all wish we had. I question the number of people even using these mind-altering drugs, but that's another story. Back to the topic at hand...there appears to be more time spend talking about the side effects than the actual efficacy of the drug! Of course the drug is touted in loud tones, about how helpful it could be. Then they practically mumble about the side effects. PLURAL! MANY!
One of which is "thoughts of suicide!" I thought being on an "even keel" should STOP any thoughts of doing yourself harm. I thought that's what these drugs were for? I'm not sure how to address this seeming contradiction of usefulness.
I'm happy to say I'm drug free on Day 43!
Last night I saw an ad for a drug to be used when your current anti-depressant isn't enough to keep you on that "even keel" we all wish we had. I question the number of people even using these mind-altering drugs, but that's another story. Back to the topic at hand...there appears to be more time spend talking about the side effects than the actual efficacy of the drug! Of course the drug is touted in loud tones, about how helpful it could be. Then they practically mumble about the side effects. PLURAL! MANY!
One of which is "thoughts of suicide!" I thought being on an "even keel" should STOP any thoughts of doing yourself harm. I thought that's what these drugs were for? I'm not sure how to address this seeming contradiction of usefulness.
I'm happy to say I'm drug free on Day 43!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Music, music everywhere...
Listening to Andy last week, I can appreciate where he was coming from regarding the plethora of new musicians and singers out there that few of us have heard of. And yes, I suppose it is a sign of age, but then again I never did listen to the rock and roll stations very much. I've always been more of a classical and jazz person.
I have to say, that I do watch American Idol, and usually agreed with Simon Cowell on his critiques. I also think that many of today's pop stars would never make it on Idol. Too many of the hot stars have gimmicks that propel them into the limelight. The girls want to emulate them, the guys want to get the girls that look like them.
Then there's the Justin Bieber phenomenon. I guess he sings well enough, and I can surely see if I were a young teenager, I'd have his posters on all my bedroom walls. But then I read that he has an autobiography out. WHAT? How much "life" can a 16-year-old have lived? His life probably isn't even a fifth over...
Getting back to Idol, I've never been a Madonna fan, and I sincerely doubt, that if she came on with makeup on to disguise her, she'd never get a second audition. I also wonder about Lady Gaga, or Britney Spears, and even "young" old Justin.
I read about some "rock stars" that have passed away for various reasons, at an early age. Every time I click on the item, I've never heard of the group, much less the individual. I guess that could be more of a help than a hindrance, as they're not likely to get hassled by me for an autograph or a picture, while walking down the street. My ignorance might be their bliss, this Day 42!
I have to say, that I do watch American Idol, and usually agreed with Simon Cowell on his critiques. I also think that many of today's pop stars would never make it on Idol. Too many of the hot stars have gimmicks that propel them into the limelight. The girls want to emulate them, the guys want to get the girls that look like them.
Then there's the Justin Bieber phenomenon. I guess he sings well enough, and I can surely see if I were a young teenager, I'd have his posters on all my bedroom walls. But then I read that he has an autobiography out. WHAT? How much "life" can a 16-year-old have lived? His life probably isn't even a fifth over...
Getting back to Idol, I've never been a Madonna fan, and I sincerely doubt, that if she came on with makeup on to disguise her, she'd never get a second audition. I also wonder about Lady Gaga, or Britney Spears, and even "young" old Justin.
I read about some "rock stars" that have passed away for various reasons, at an early age. Every time I click on the item, I've never heard of the group, much less the individual. I guess that could be more of a help than a hindrance, as they're not likely to get hassled by me for an autograph or a picture, while walking down the street. My ignorance might be their bliss, this Day 42!
Sirens have a purpose...listen up!
I was waiting at a light to change when I heard an ambulance siren. It's amazing how many people seem to think "Oh, they can get through," and don't stop or move out of the way. Worse are the people who don't even seem to hear the sirens, and they can be very loud. Worse is the horn that emergency vehicles have when reaching an intersection. If you cannot hear them, you're either technically deaf, or you need a hearing test immediately, because they WILL drown out your boombox radio!
But there are also other sirens that we have a penchant to ignore. In our small town we have a tornado siren. Amazingly the sound can travel quite far! We had a tornado warning the other night, WHILE we were meeting at a place with a tornado shelter, and people started saying that they should get in their cars and go home to avoid the tornado. HUH???
So when hearing a siren, slow down, pull over, and let the emergency vehicle go by. And there may be MORE THAN ONE VEHICLE! And if it's a tornado warning siren, STAY INDOORS in a safe place. DON'T go outside and look for it, or worse yet, try to out run it. It may be the last sound you hear.
Stay safe! That's all I've got on Day 41!
But there are also other sirens that we have a penchant to ignore. In our small town we have a tornado siren. Amazingly the sound can travel quite far! We had a tornado warning the other night, WHILE we were meeting at a place with a tornado shelter, and people started saying that they should get in their cars and go home to avoid the tornado. HUH???
So when hearing a siren, slow down, pull over, and let the emergency vehicle go by. And there may be MORE THAN ONE VEHICLE! And if it's a tornado warning siren, STAY INDOORS in a safe place. DON'T go outside and look for it, or worse yet, try to out run it. It may be the last sound you hear.
Stay safe! That's all I've got on Day 41!
I'm NOT sorry...
If I had a nickel for every time someone says "I'm sorry" when they do something that should require the response of "excuse me" or "pardon me" I wouldn't even be worried about my unemployment check arriving!
Think about it. Someone jostles you in a department store, accidentally of course. They say "I'm sorry." Sorry for what? Sorry you bumped into me? I know you didn't do it on purpose. A simple "excuse me" would sound SOOOOO much better, to me anyway.
Another example...you cut between me and a person I'm talking to, because I'm taking up too much room, and you can't get through. Again, you say "sorry." Sorry for what? That I'm standing and blocking your way? Why not a "pardon me" or a strong "excuse me" while thinking silently that I'm an ass for blocking your path. I'm the "sorry" one when I'm obstructing you.
Sorry indicates you think what you did, or who you are is wretched and inferior. So I guess if you have a complex, then you're a "sorry" person, but excuse yourself, when you butt in front of me in line. I'll understand and accept that a lot better, than "sorry" on Day 40!
Think about it. Someone jostles you in a department store, accidentally of course. They say "I'm sorry." Sorry for what? Sorry you bumped into me? I know you didn't do it on purpose. A simple "excuse me" would sound SOOOOO much better, to me anyway.
Another example...you cut between me and a person I'm talking to, because I'm taking up too much room, and you can't get through. Again, you say "sorry." Sorry for what? That I'm standing and blocking your way? Why not a "pardon me" or a strong "excuse me" while thinking silently that I'm an ass for blocking your path. I'm the "sorry" one when I'm obstructing you.
Sorry indicates you think what you did, or who you are is wretched and inferior. So I guess if you have a complex, then you're a "sorry" person, but excuse yourself, when you butt in front of me in line. I'll understand and accept that a lot better, than "sorry" on Day 40!
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