Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year!
My wish for everyone is to have a safe, healthy, and happy New Year. Value life, respect life, live life.l
Sunday, December 30, 2007
What a Croc!
I've made my feelings about Croc's clear. I think they're fine for little girls . . . even little boys. I can also see their attraction for women working in the garden or for going to the beach in that they're water-proof, unlike some sandals. I guess there's even a version for use in hospitals. Again, I can appreciate that.
But for men? Uh huh. No way. This was made perfectly clear to me when while on vacation in Door County I saw a man wearing them in a restaurant. What made it worse was that they were pink. I don't wan to offend so just let me say it looked very "un-manly".
Now, I don't have a problem with being unconventional. Be it a haircut or attire. I've also stated that I'm very comfortable with my feminine side. I don't have a need to look, feel, or exude manly. But there are certain things I don't do. The whole "metrosexual" thing . . . forget it. I won't go there.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I received a pair of Packer Croc's for Christmas from my wife! Bright green with yellow straps. She had her sister buy me some slipper Crocs! Well, forget the slippers. First, I don't wear slippers. Second, I'm not going to own two pairs of Crocs. But what about the Packer Crocs? Of course, my wife thinks this is the funniest thing . . . watching me accept a gift of Crocs!
It doesn't end there. She also got me two packages of Jibbitz . . . Croc charms, or buttons you use to decorate your Crocs. One package is a fairly cool Skull. The other are these little monsters . . . cute monsters. I don't think so.
So, now what? Do I demand she return them? She thinks I'm going to wear them to work on Fridays along with my Packer shirt. I have to admit, they're comfortable. I could see wearing them to the beach and fishing. I'm going to look like a dork, but it's like me to be different. But, to work? Good thing the football season is almost over.
Well, my love for my wife is greater than my pride. So, wear them, I will. There will be limits, and I'll have to complain about it from time to time, but I took the vow.
For better or for worse.
But for men? Uh huh. No way. This was made perfectly clear to me when while on vacation in Door County I saw a man wearing them in a restaurant. What made it worse was that they were pink. I don't wan to offend so just let me say it looked very "un-manly".
Now, I don't have a problem with being unconventional. Be it a haircut or attire. I've also stated that I'm very comfortable with my feminine side. I don't have a need to look, feel, or exude manly. But there are certain things I don't do. The whole "metrosexual" thing . . . forget it. I won't go there.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I received a pair of Packer Croc's for Christmas from my wife! Bright green with yellow straps. She had her sister buy me some slipper Crocs! Well, forget the slippers. First, I don't wear slippers. Second, I'm not going to own two pairs of Crocs. But what about the Packer Crocs? Of course, my wife thinks this is the funniest thing . . . watching me accept a gift of Crocs!
It doesn't end there. She also got me two packages of Jibbitz . . . Croc charms, or buttons you use to decorate your Crocs. One package is a fairly cool Skull. The other are these little monsters . . . cute monsters. I don't think so.
So, now what? Do I demand she return them? She thinks I'm going to wear them to work on Fridays along with my Packer shirt. I have to admit, they're comfortable. I could see wearing them to the beach and fishing. I'm going to look like a dork, but it's like me to be different. But, to work? Good thing the football season is almost over.
Well, my love for my wife is greater than my pride. So, wear them, I will. There will be limits, and I'll have to complain about it from time to time, but I took the vow.
For better or for worse.
Role model parent
I'm a bit neutral on Libby Lu. On the one hand, girls like play dress up and Libby Lu allows girls that opportunity. It's over the top, but from what I've seen, harmless fun. I'm sure there are those girls with parents who "go too far" with the make up and attire, but I think the majority of parents see it and do it as a fun thing. For me, it's just over priced. But I wouldn't not allow my daughter to go to a party held there.
I do understand those who are concerned with image that Libby Lu is trying to create. Make up and little skirts on little girls? I've read some parents comments calling what they do "pedophile bait". I think that's a bit harsh. As for the image thing, this is one of those areas of responsibility held by the parents.
Recently, Libby Lu sponsored an essay contest for a chance to win a make over and Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) tickets. A 6 year old from North Texas won the contest with an essay about her father dying in Iraq. It was obviously a moving essay as she beat out about 1,000 other entries to win. One problem, the story was a lie.
GARLAND, Texas - A North Texas mother made up a tragic story about a father dying in Iraq for an essay contest to win a Hannah Montana prize package.
But the company decided not to award Priscilla Ceballos' daughter with the contest's grand prize, Club Libby Lu CEO Mary Drolet said Saturday in a written statement.
"After awarding the grand prize, we unfortunately learned that the statements made in the essay were untrue," she said in the statement. "Club Libby Lu greatly values honestly and integrity. In order to uphold these values, we have decided to withdraw the award initially given to the Ceballos family."
On Friday, Ceballos told NBC 5 by telephone that it was a big misunderstanding. She said she made up the story to win the contest. No one asked her if the story was true, she said.
Her daughter had beat out more than 1,000 other Hannah Montana fans with the essay she wrote for the Club Libby Lu "Hannah Montana Rock Your Holidays Essay Contest."
"My daddy died this year in Iraq," the little girl wrote in the essay. "I am going to give mommy the Angel pendant that daddy put on mommy when she was having me. I had it in my jewelry box since that day. I love my mommy."
Ceballos told contest organizers her husband was killed April 17, 2007, while serving in Iraq.
Research done by NBC 5 revealed that only one U.S. soldier died on April 17 of this year, and it was not Jonathan Menjivar. Neighbors said the girl's father, a carpet cleaner, is alive and is not a soldier.
The mother's sister said the story was intended to be a Christmas story.
"It was supposed to be told like a Christmas story, a good Christmas story, basically," she said. "And that's what she wrote, a Christmas story. But she didn't know it had to be true or anything."
Good for Libby Lu. There's a couple of issues at play here. One, the winning at whatever the cost attitude. Second, what she lied about. I could understand enhancing a story to make it more interesting or more emotional. But to completely lie . . . and about a father dying in Iraq . . . that's deplorable. It's disrespectful, pathetic, and reprehensible. What a great message to send to your child. To use that issue to win a contest when there does exist children who have lost their fathers in Irag is about as low as one can get. There's a word for this kind of behavior . . .
Whore.
I do understand those who are concerned with image that Libby Lu is trying to create. Make up and little skirts on little girls? I've read some parents comments calling what they do "pedophile bait". I think that's a bit harsh. As for the image thing, this is one of those areas of responsibility held by the parents.
Recently, Libby Lu sponsored an essay contest for a chance to win a make over and Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) tickets. A 6 year old from North Texas won the contest with an essay about her father dying in Iraq. It was obviously a moving essay as she beat out about 1,000 other entries to win. One problem, the story was a lie.
GARLAND, Texas - A North Texas mother made up a tragic story about a father dying in Iraq for an essay contest to win a Hannah Montana prize package.
But the company decided not to award Priscilla Ceballos' daughter with the contest's grand prize, Club Libby Lu CEO Mary Drolet said Saturday in a written statement.
"After awarding the grand prize, we unfortunately learned that the statements made in the essay were untrue," she said in the statement. "Club Libby Lu greatly values honestly and integrity. In order to uphold these values, we have decided to withdraw the award initially given to the Ceballos family."
On Friday, Ceballos told NBC 5 by telephone that it was a big misunderstanding. She said she made up the story to win the contest. No one asked her if the story was true, she said.
Her daughter had beat out more than 1,000 other Hannah Montana fans with the essay she wrote for the Club Libby Lu "Hannah Montana Rock Your Holidays Essay Contest."
"My daddy died this year in Iraq," the little girl wrote in the essay. "I am going to give mommy the Angel pendant that daddy put on mommy when she was having me. I had it in my jewelry box since that day. I love my mommy."
Ceballos told contest organizers her husband was killed April 17, 2007, while serving in Iraq.
Research done by NBC 5 revealed that only one U.S. soldier died on April 17 of this year, and it was not Jonathan Menjivar. Neighbors said the girl's father, a carpet cleaner, is alive and is not a soldier.
The mother's sister said the story was intended to be a Christmas story.
"It was supposed to be told like a Christmas story, a good Christmas story, basically," she said. "And that's what she wrote, a Christmas story. But she didn't know it had to be true or anything."
Good for Libby Lu. There's a couple of issues at play here. One, the winning at whatever the cost attitude. Second, what she lied about. I could understand enhancing a story to make it more interesting or more emotional. But to completely lie . . . and about a father dying in Iraq . . . that's deplorable. It's disrespectful, pathetic, and reprehensible. What a great message to send to your child. To use that issue to win a contest when there does exist children who have lost their fathers in Irag is about as low as one can get. There's a word for this kind of behavior . . .
Whore.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
She's a genius . . . part 1001
My daughter of almost 8 sometimes uses a stapler for her projects. We have one. It's a POS. But, for light work it seemed to be fine. The last several times we've used it, though, it really wasn't working. It wouldn't shoot a staple. You had to open it, pound it a little, then maybe it would shoot a staple. Sure, I checked it over but I always chalked it up to being a cheap stapler.
Well, my daughter was trying to make a booklet the other day and was having the same problems with the stapler. She asked me to help her with it. Once again, I opened it, pounded it, and got it to shoot a couple of staples. Enough for her and her booklet. Afterward, I vowed to buy a new one.
A couple of minutes later my daughter comes up to me and says: "Daddy, I think I found the problem. There's a staple stuck." I was fairly certain she meant that there was a staple stuck in the opening of the stapler, as is often the case. She had the stapler open and showed me a staple stuck under the mechanism that pushed the staples forward via a spring. Sure enough, a closer look revealed just what she said. I was dumbfounded. I got out my leatherman and took the staple out. After which the stapler worked beautifully.
I couldn't help but tackle my girlie to the floor and give her about a hundred kisses, telling her all the while I thought she was a genius.
And thanked her for reminding me, yet again, that I am not.
Well, my daughter was trying to make a booklet the other day and was having the same problems with the stapler. She asked me to help her with it. Once again, I opened it, pounded it, and got it to shoot a couple of staples. Enough for her and her booklet. Afterward, I vowed to buy a new one.
A couple of minutes later my daughter comes up to me and says: "Daddy, I think I found the problem. There's a staple stuck." I was fairly certain she meant that there was a staple stuck in the opening of the stapler, as is often the case. She had the stapler open and showed me a staple stuck under the mechanism that pushed the staples forward via a spring. Sure enough, a closer look revealed just what she said. I was dumbfounded. I got out my leatherman and took the staple out. After which the stapler worked beautifully.
I couldn't help but tackle my girlie to the floor and give her about a hundred kisses, telling her all the while I thought she was a genius.
And thanked her for reminding me, yet again, that I am not.
Tree huggers, here's your guy!
Say what you will about the looming catastrophe facing the world as the pace of global heating and polar melting accelerates. There is a silver lining.
Look at a map of the US.
The area that will by completely inundated by the rising ocean—and not in a century but in the lifetime of my two cats—are the American southeast, including the most populated area of Texas, almost all of Florida, most of Louisiana, and half of Alabama and Mississippi, as well as goodly portions of eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. While the northeast will also see some coastal flooding, its geography is such that that aside from a few projecting sandbars like Long Island and Cape Cod, the land rises fairly quickly to well above sea level. Sure, Boston, New York and Philadelphia will be threatened, but these are geographically confined areas that could lend themselves to protection by Dutch-style dikes. The West Coast too tends to rise rapidly to well above sea level in most places. Only down in Southern California towards the San Diego area is the ground closer to sea level.
So what we see is that huge swaths of conservative America are set to face a biblical deluge in a few more presidential cycles.
Then there’s the matter of the Midwest, which climate experts say is likely to face a permanent condition of unprecedented drought, making the place largely unlivable, and certainly unfarmable. The agribusinesses and conservative farmers that have been growing corn and wheat may be able to stretch out this doomsday scenario by deep well drilling, but west of the Mississippi, the vast Ogallala Aquifer that has allowed for such irrigation is already being tapped out. It will not be replaced.
So again, we will see the decline and depopulation of the nation’s vast midsection—noted for its consistent conservatism. Only in the northernmost area, around the Great Lakes (which will be not so great anymore), and along the Canadian border, will there still be enough rain for farming and continued large population concentrations, but those regions, like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, are also more liberal in their politics.
Finally, in the Southwest, already parched and stiflingly hot, the rise in energy costs and the soaring temperatures will put an end to right-wing retirement communities like Phoenix, Tucson and Palm Springs. Already the Salton Sea is fading away and putting Palm Springs on notice that the good times are coming to an end. Another right-wing haven soon to be gone.
So the future political map of America is likely to look as different as the much shrunken geographical map, with much of the so-called “red” state region either gone or depopulated.
There is a poetic justice to this of course. It is conservatives who are giving us the candidates who steadfastly refuse to have the nation take steps that could slow the pace of climate change, so it is appropriate that they should bear the brunt of its impact.
The important thing is that we, on the higher ground both actually and figuratively, need to remember that, when they begin their historic migration from their doomed regions, we not give them the keys to the city. They certainly should be offered assistance in their time of need, but we need to keep a firm grip on our political systems, making sure that these guilty throngs who allowed the world to go to hell are gerrymandered into political impotence in their new homes.
There will be much work to be done to help the earth and its residents—human and non-human—survive this man-made catastrophe, and we can’t have these future refugee troglodytes, should their personal disasters still fail to make them recognize reality, mucking things up again.
It should be considered acceptable, in this stifling new world, to say, “Shut up. We told you this would happen.”
Do yourself a favor and go to www.thiscantbehappening.net. Very entertaining. Very enlightening . . . although not for reasons intended. Anyway, I love the comment about how it is that like evil people who don't know they're evil, stupid people don't realize they're stupid.
Look at a map of the US.
The area that will by completely inundated by the rising ocean—and not in a century but in the lifetime of my two cats—are the American southeast, including the most populated area of Texas, almost all of Florida, most of Louisiana, and half of Alabama and Mississippi, as well as goodly portions of eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. While the northeast will also see some coastal flooding, its geography is such that that aside from a few projecting sandbars like Long Island and Cape Cod, the land rises fairly quickly to well above sea level. Sure, Boston, New York and Philadelphia will be threatened, but these are geographically confined areas that could lend themselves to protection by Dutch-style dikes. The West Coast too tends to rise rapidly to well above sea level in most places. Only down in Southern California towards the San Diego area is the ground closer to sea level.
So what we see is that huge swaths of conservative America are set to face a biblical deluge in a few more presidential cycles.
Then there’s the matter of the Midwest, which climate experts say is likely to face a permanent condition of unprecedented drought, making the place largely unlivable, and certainly unfarmable. The agribusinesses and conservative farmers that have been growing corn and wheat may be able to stretch out this doomsday scenario by deep well drilling, but west of the Mississippi, the vast Ogallala Aquifer that has allowed for such irrigation is already being tapped out. It will not be replaced.
So again, we will see the decline and depopulation of the nation’s vast midsection—noted for its consistent conservatism. Only in the northernmost area, around the Great Lakes (which will be not so great anymore), and along the Canadian border, will there still be enough rain for farming and continued large population concentrations, but those regions, like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, are also more liberal in their politics.
Finally, in the Southwest, already parched and stiflingly hot, the rise in energy costs and the soaring temperatures will put an end to right-wing retirement communities like Phoenix, Tucson and Palm Springs. Already the Salton Sea is fading away and putting Palm Springs on notice that the good times are coming to an end. Another right-wing haven soon to be gone.
So the future political map of America is likely to look as different as the much shrunken geographical map, with much of the so-called “red” state region either gone or depopulated.
There is a poetic justice to this of course. It is conservatives who are giving us the candidates who steadfastly refuse to have the nation take steps that could slow the pace of climate change, so it is appropriate that they should bear the brunt of its impact.
The important thing is that we, on the higher ground both actually and figuratively, need to remember that, when they begin their historic migration from their doomed regions, we not give them the keys to the city. They certainly should be offered assistance in their time of need, but we need to keep a firm grip on our political systems, making sure that these guilty throngs who allowed the world to go to hell are gerrymandered into political impotence in their new homes.
There will be much work to be done to help the earth and its residents—human and non-human—survive this man-made catastrophe, and we can’t have these future refugee troglodytes, should their personal disasters still fail to make them recognize reality, mucking things up again.
It should be considered acceptable, in this stifling new world, to say, “Shut up. We told you this would happen.”
Do yourself a favor and go to www.thiscantbehappening.net. Very entertaining. Very enlightening . . . although not for reasons intended. Anyway, I love the comment about how it is that like evil people who don't know they're evil, stupid people don't realize they're stupid.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Winter Solstice
For those with seasonal anxieties, or any anxiety related to the lack of the sun, the days are now getting longer! Some years back I suffered with a bout of depression. I remember how (somewhat) happy I was when 12/21 finally came. I haven't had any problems since that time but do get a little anxious when I have to set the clocks back.
Christmas 2007 debrief
As it was last year, Amazon was "berry, berry gud to me". I don't mind crowds. What I do mind is spending an hour to park the car, and the stifling air inside many stores. Ordering things online also makes one thing very easy . . . hiding gifts. Since I have things shipped to me at work, it takes care of that one issue. Note to self, keep better track of potential gifts and start earlier. One thing didn't ship in time.
I decorate outside for Halloween. It's my thing. Jackie (da wife) takes care of Christmas inside the house. Typically, we both do decorations outside but the weather this year really made that impossible. So, note for next year . . . put up Christmas when you take down Halloween.
For some time now, Christmas comes and is gone in a flash. My wife was particularly busy at work this year. I had some health issues but isn't an excuse for not doing more to take advantage of the holiday. Breakfast with Santa at the Pfister was cancelled this year, and we didn't take in anything else. We didn't even get to CandyCane Lane this year. So, another note to self, plan more holiday activities to help extend the spirit. Also, make Jackie work less.
It's difficult to get things perfect for the holidays. For both me and my wife, it;s a busy time at work. Although, I generally don't have to work long hours or on the weekend as my wife does. I think it's important to know what things are going to be like and plan accordingly. We were very last minute with the house this year. Next year, I'd like to plan more in advance.
In spite of all of this, it was a good holiday. Having a child in the house makes Christmas special no matter what else. For my wife and I, we're lucky. Jamie is not very demanding, not wanting, patient, and has the spirit of Christmas in her where ever she is, whatever she is doing, and no matter how busy her parents are. She makes us proud.
Finally, I certainly send wishes for a good holiday season out to all of my friends, anyone who is reading this, the rest of the blog world, and to my family. Merry Christmas!
I decorate outside for Halloween. It's my thing. Jackie (da wife) takes care of Christmas inside the house. Typically, we both do decorations outside but the weather this year really made that impossible. So, note for next year . . . put up Christmas when you take down Halloween.
For some time now, Christmas comes and is gone in a flash. My wife was particularly busy at work this year. I had some health issues but isn't an excuse for not doing more to take advantage of the holiday. Breakfast with Santa at the Pfister was cancelled this year, and we didn't take in anything else. We didn't even get to CandyCane Lane this year. So, another note to self, plan more holiday activities to help extend the spirit. Also, make Jackie work less.
It's difficult to get things perfect for the holidays. For both me and my wife, it;s a busy time at work. Although, I generally don't have to work long hours or on the weekend as my wife does. I think it's important to know what things are going to be like and plan accordingly. We were very last minute with the house this year. Next year, I'd like to plan more in advance.
In spite of all of this, it was a good holiday. Having a child in the house makes Christmas special no matter what else. For my wife and I, we're lucky. Jamie is not very demanding, not wanting, patient, and has the spirit of Christmas in her where ever she is, whatever she is doing, and no matter how busy her parents are. She makes us proud.
Finally, I certainly send wishes for a good holiday season out to all of my friends, anyone who is reading this, the rest of the blog world, and to my family. Merry Christmas!
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 2
Local Issues.
The Bad certainly has to be the crime in Milwaukee. I know the numbers can be misleading but the fact remains we have a higher murder rate per capita than New York City. That's terrible. Yes, 90% of the murders that take place are bad people killing other bad people. But, that's still not good, and it raises the chances of innocent people getting caught in the crossfire. Plus, it just doesn't make out city look good and makes certain areas of the city very undesirable. While Mayor Barrett want to claim a renaissance is taking place, it perhaps isn't in the area he believes. The other frustrating about the situation is that the aldermen, the Mayor, and the Governor all want meeings and studies to be held rather than actually do something about the problem.
Runner ups in this category are the freeways (the city does not want expansion) and rail systems (the city does want to expand this).
The Ugly? Taxes. The Common Council raised our taxes . . . and wanted raises. The County Board raised our taxes . . . and wanted raises. The Mayor raises our taxes. MPS raised our taxes. MATC raised our taxes. Fees all over the place went up. The Governor raised our taxes. Thanks to Scott Walker and republicans at various levels of government things aren't worse than they are. People are leaving the state in droves, yet, with a slight increase in city population Mayor Barrett thinks we're undergoing a "renaissance".
Runner up: The weather. Global warming my butt. And snow plowing/removal. Atrocious so far.
The Good? This wasn't a very good year for the city of Milwaukee. Still, for my family this was a banner year. I'm sure every city has it's attractions. None compare to, of course, to that which is our lakefront and the many festivals held there. Wisconsin, in general, is a great place to take a vacation. Between the festivals, State Fair, our many lakes, Door County, our Zoo, and countless other places and activities, summer is anything but boring here. From the time my daughter ended school to the time she went back, almost every weekend had some fun activity. While Milwaukee may have it's problems, it's easy to get away from it all and forget about them for a bit.
The Bad certainly has to be the crime in Milwaukee. I know the numbers can be misleading but the fact remains we have a higher murder rate per capita than New York City. That's terrible. Yes, 90% of the murders that take place are bad people killing other bad people. But, that's still not good, and it raises the chances of innocent people getting caught in the crossfire. Plus, it just doesn't make out city look good and makes certain areas of the city very undesirable. While Mayor Barrett want to claim a renaissance is taking place, it perhaps isn't in the area he believes. The other frustrating about the situation is that the aldermen, the Mayor, and the Governor all want meeings and studies to be held rather than actually do something about the problem.
Runner ups in this category are the freeways (the city does not want expansion) and rail systems (the city does want to expand this).
The Ugly? Taxes. The Common Council raised our taxes . . . and wanted raises. The County Board raised our taxes . . . and wanted raises. The Mayor raises our taxes. MPS raised our taxes. MATC raised our taxes. Fees all over the place went up. The Governor raised our taxes. Thanks to Scott Walker and republicans at various levels of government things aren't worse than they are. People are leaving the state in droves, yet, with a slight increase in city population Mayor Barrett thinks we're undergoing a "renaissance".
Runner up: The weather. Global warming my butt. And snow plowing/removal. Atrocious so far.
The Good? This wasn't a very good year for the city of Milwaukee. Still, for my family this was a banner year. I'm sure every city has it's attractions. None compare to, of course, to that which is our lakefront and the many festivals held there. Wisconsin, in general, is a great place to take a vacation. Between the festivals, State Fair, our many lakes, Door County, our Zoo, and countless other places and activities, summer is anything but boring here. From the time my daughter ended school to the time she went back, almost every weekend had some fun activity. While Milwaukee may have it's problems, it's easy to get away from it all and forget about them for a bit.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Contacting Nickelodean
I for one don't want Nick to be doing any "special" on teenage pregnancy. I also cannot support a show who's main character
gets pregnant at 16 . . . by a 19 year old. I urge everyone who feels the same way to contact Nick:
Nickelodeon
1515 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10036
(212) 258-6000
There doesn't appear to be an email address for programming and such. Makes sense. I'm sure there would be thousands daily.
BTW, I do think the Hudgens incident is a little different. At the time the pictures were taken, she was a virtual nobody . . . she hadn't quite made it to stardom yet. Plus, there's simply a huge difference between nude pictures and sex . . . and pregnancy! While I think Disney was correct in letting Vanessa off the hook, I would have understood it had they "fired" her. Nickelodean needs to do the right thing and drop Jamie immediately.
gets pregnant at 16 . . . by a 19 year old. I urge everyone who feels the same way to contact Nick:
Nickelodeon
1515 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10036
(212) 258-6000
There doesn't appear to be an email address for programming and such. Makes sense. I'm sure there would be thousands daily.
BTW, I do think the Hudgens incident is a little different. At the time the pictures were taken, she was a virtual nobody . . . she hadn't quite made it to stardom yet. Plus, there's simply a huge difference between nude pictures and sex . . . and pregnancy! While I think Disney was correct in letting Vanessa off the hook, I would have understood it had they "fired" her. Nickelodean needs to do the right thing and drop Jamie immediately.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Global Foolishness, Part . . . 1537 or something
The most insistent article to date:
http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=f80a6386-802a-23ad-40c8-3c63dc2d02cb
I've blogged on this here and at other blogs. First, the notion of "consensus" was always in question. Two, the accuracy of the Algore fairy tale was always in question. Three, descent on the issue has grown, and includes former believers and scientists who were part of the IPCC panel. Four, obvious questions about water vapor, the sun, and the difference in satellite readings to ground readings were never answered. Five, while there might be a money trail for some deniers, there's a larger one for the alarmists. Six, some "facts" and "predictions" have already changed. The coldest year on record, the rise in sea level, the rise in temperature have all changed. Seven, environmentalists conveniently use global warming to answer both sides of an issue. Eight, the issue has risen to incredibly ridiculous levels with everything from farting cows, to exercising, to having babies, to divorce all contributing to the decline of the earth.
The debate is over. Mother Earth, 4.5 billion. Al Gore, 0. The earth wins.
http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=f80a6386-802a-23ad-40c8-3c63dc2d02cb
I've blogged on this here and at other blogs. First, the notion of "consensus" was always in question. Two, the accuracy of the Algore fairy tale was always in question. Three, descent on the issue has grown, and includes former believers and scientists who were part of the IPCC panel. Four, obvious questions about water vapor, the sun, and the difference in satellite readings to ground readings were never answered. Five, while there might be a money trail for some deniers, there's a larger one for the alarmists. Six, some "facts" and "predictions" have already changed. The coldest year on record, the rise in sea level, the rise in temperature have all changed. Seven, environmentalists conveniently use global warming to answer both sides of an issue. Eight, the issue has risen to incredibly ridiculous levels with everything from farting cows, to exercising, to having babies, to divorce all contributing to the decline of the earth.
The debate is over. Mother Earth, 4.5 billion. Al Gore, 0. The earth wins.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Zero tolerance equals zero brains
OCALA, Fla. -- A 10-year old Ocala girl brought her lunch to school and a small kitchen knife to cut it. She now faces a felony charge after being arrested. The school and the sheriff's office disagree on the reason for the arrest.
School officials say the 5th grader was brown-bagging it. She brought a piece of steak for her lunch, but she also brought a steak knife. That's when deputies were called. It happened in the cafeteria at Sunrise Elementary School. The 10-year-old used the knife to cut the meat.
"She did not use it inappropriately. She did not threaten anyone with it. She didn't pull it out and brandish it. Nothing of that nature," explained Marion County School Spokesman Kevin Christian.
But a couple of teachers took the utensil and called the sheriff. When deputies arrived, they were unable to get the child's parents on the phone, so they arrested her and took her to the county's juvenile assessment center.
"And we didn't handcuff her or treat her like a criminal. But, we took her to the assessment center to be assessed," said Capt. James Pogue, Marion County Sheriff's Office.
School officials said it doesn't matter what the knife was being used for. They said they had no choice.
"Anytime there's a weapon on campus, yes, we have to report it and we aggressively report it because we don't want to take any chances, regardless," Christian said.
But the sheriff's office said the extreme measures in what some may say was a harmless incident had to do with school policy, not theirs.
"But once we're notified, we have to take some type of action," Pogue explained.
The student now faces a felony charge for the possession of a weapon on school property and the principal suspended her for ten days. The parents of the girl could not be reached for comment. The sheriff's office has turned the case over to the State Attorney's Office.
How absolutely ridiculous. Here's another case where JUDGEMENT could have been used and the need to call the sheriff avoided. But, no. There will always be one person who will look at issues like this as black and white. This could have been handled discreetly. No. Now the school, the school board, and the sheriff all look like idiots.
School officials say the 5th grader was brown-bagging it. She brought a piece of steak for her lunch, but she also brought a steak knife. That's when deputies were called. It happened in the cafeteria at Sunrise Elementary School. The 10-year-old used the knife to cut the meat.
"She did not use it inappropriately. She did not threaten anyone with it. She didn't pull it out and brandish it. Nothing of that nature," explained Marion County School Spokesman Kevin Christian.
But a couple of teachers took the utensil and called the sheriff. When deputies arrived, they were unable to get the child's parents on the phone, so they arrested her and took her to the county's juvenile assessment center.
"And we didn't handcuff her or treat her like a criminal. But, we took her to the assessment center to be assessed," said Capt. James Pogue, Marion County Sheriff's Office.
School officials said it doesn't matter what the knife was being used for. They said they had no choice.
"Anytime there's a weapon on campus, yes, we have to report it and we aggressively report it because we don't want to take any chances, regardless," Christian said.
But the sheriff's office said the extreme measures in what some may say was a harmless incident had to do with school policy, not theirs.
"But once we're notified, we have to take some type of action," Pogue explained.
The student now faces a felony charge for the possession of a weapon on school property and the principal suspended her for ten days. The parents of the girl could not be reached for comment. The sheriff's office has turned the case over to the State Attorney's Office.
How absolutely ridiculous. Here's another case where JUDGEMENT could have been used and the need to call the sheriff avoided. But, no. There will always be one person who will look at issues like this as black and white. This could have been handled discreetly. No. Now the school, the school board, and the sheriff all look like idiots.
Stupid runs in the family
This is not 100% confirmed, but OK magazine is reporting that Jamie Lynn Spears, younger sister of Twitney, is pregnant! Jamie is 16 years old! She tells the magazine she met her beau in church. I guess that's so we don't think she's been scratching around trailer parks, or getting drunk at the nearest gin mill. Nah. Just screwing. A 19 year old. What's the biggie? She also says she's keeping the baby. As opposed to what? Throwing it out?
Good thing she's got a seasoned aunt to guide her through.
It's truly sad. The child wasn't given a choice, and doesn't stand a chance.
Good thing she's got a seasoned aunt to guide her through.
It's truly sad. The child wasn't given a choice, and doesn't stand a chance.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
RIP
My wife's friend passed away the other morning. While not exactly "comfortable" in the late stages of cancer, she was at home with her family and passed away peacefully in her sleep. From the time of her diagnosis, she gained two years of life. One more than was thought she had. She made full use of it. She was a good wife, mother, and friend. She was 45 years old and her daughter is 14. Much too young, much too soon.
She will be missed.
She will be missed.
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Good, Bad, and Ugly 1
National Issues:
I think the big issue this past year makes both the "bad" and "good" categories . . . global warming. More and more and more scientists are coming out against the hysteria and the alarmists. Yet, as goody as the hysteria is, the by product of some of this will be beneficial. Now, let's understand one thing, many people like to point out the "money trail" as it pertains to those who speak out as deniers. But, little is said about the huge money trail with relation to the "green" movement. Millions of dollars are readily available to those who feel it necessary to "study" man's impact on climate. Be it directly or through the study of some bug that appears to have been impacted by an unusually warm summer. Also, for as much as libs hate big companies, Al Gore is responsible for bringing millions in profits to anyone who can re-package a product and call it "green".
Still, there is good that will come of this. First, there's nothing wrong with cleaner air and water, less natural resource usage, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Hopefully, in less than a decade, our cars will be running on bio diesels. While I hope we don't adopt policies that cripple our industries, the by product of innovation is always . . . more innovation.
As far as the "ugly" goes . . . it has to go to the democratic congress. Low approval ratings, being pulled by the strings of the MoveOn.org crowd, accomplishing nothing, broken promises, poor leadership, witch hunt after witch hunt of investigations in to this, that, and everything . . . and now the most polarizing of candidates running for president.
Other issues of note have been immigration, the war, and very recently, the amount of mass shootings that have taken place.
I think the big issue this past year makes both the "bad" and "good" categories . . . global warming. More and more and more scientists are coming out against the hysteria and the alarmists. Yet, as goody as the hysteria is, the by product of some of this will be beneficial. Now, let's understand one thing, many people like to point out the "money trail" as it pertains to those who speak out as deniers. But, little is said about the huge money trail with relation to the "green" movement. Millions of dollars are readily available to those who feel it necessary to "study" man's impact on climate. Be it directly or through the study of some bug that appears to have been impacted by an unusually warm summer. Also, for as much as libs hate big companies, Al Gore is responsible for bringing millions in profits to anyone who can re-package a product and call it "green".
Still, there is good that will come of this. First, there's nothing wrong with cleaner air and water, less natural resource usage, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Hopefully, in less than a decade, our cars will be running on bio diesels. While I hope we don't adopt policies that cripple our industries, the by product of innovation is always . . . more innovation.
As far as the "ugly" goes . . . it has to go to the democratic congress. Low approval ratings, being pulled by the strings of the MoveOn.org crowd, accomplishing nothing, broken promises, poor leadership, witch hunt after witch hunt of investigations in to this, that, and everything . . . and now the most polarizing of candidates running for president.
Other issues of note have been immigration, the war, and very recently, the amount of mass shootings that have taken place.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
NFC North Champs
Sure, this was a game they were supposed to win. The Raiders ain't that good and the Packers were favored. But, this is an important game to have won. First, not only because they were supposed to, because it gave them the North title. Decisively. And with three games left! No waiting until the last game and hoping the Giants, Eagles, Minnesota, Rams, Seahawks, and Niners all lose so the Packers get a chance if they score more than 60 points in the game they're playing. This is nice. This is a luxury. They can virtually relax for the next few weeks knowing that they're already in. Now, I wouldn't sit anyone that isn't nursing an injury. But, I wouldn't play some players for the entire game either. Sure, there is a chance they could still get home field advantage. But, we're back to the old "they need certain things to happen" kind of situation. Plus, in the case of the Packers, I think home field advantage is a little over rated. Green Bay in January? Even many of the Packers don't necessarily want that.
Anyway, when you look at the likely playoff candidates, things look good for the Packers. Should the Cowboys finish as first seed and the Packers second, the Packers would get a first round bye, and wouldn't face the Cowboys again until the NFC championship. No one else looks to pose much of a threat. Of course, never say never.
Still, you can't help but be optimistic. Could they win the SuperBowl?
Remember . . . God is a Packer fan.
Anyway, when you look at the likely playoff candidates, things look good for the Packers. Should the Cowboys finish as first seed and the Packers second, the Packers would get a first round bye, and wouldn't face the Cowboys again until the NFC championship. No one else looks to pose much of a threat. Of course, never say never.
Still, you can't help but be optimistic. Could they win the SuperBowl?
Remember . . . God is a Packer fan.
Friday, December 07, 2007
The Good, the bad, and the ugly.
Over the next few weeks I'm going to post my thoughts on the good and the bad of various issues. I've decided to break it down as such: National Issues, Local Issues, Pop Culture, Technology, Health, and People. There really won't be a list as much as a commentary on each topic. Each category may contain sub categories of discussion. It will be one of those, end of the year things where we look back and comment on what was.
What the . . . ?
BELLEVUE, Neb., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Bellevue, Neb., police arrested a friend of the man who killed eight people at a mall after the man allegedly threatened someone who spoke ill of the shooter.
David Horvath, 17, allegedly threatened Shelby Harrington, for posting uncomplimentary statements about Horvath's best friend, Robert Hawkins, on the Internet, Shelby's father, Kevin Harrington said, the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald reported Friday.
Hawkins, 19, killed eight people and himself Wednesday at Westroads Mall.
"(Horvath) said, 'If you say anything else bad about Robbie, I will put a cap in your head,'" Harrington said.
Shelby Harrington, 16, recorded the threat on her cell phone, the World-Herald said.
She said Hawkins had threatened to kill her two weeks ago.
"He said 'I'm going to kill you, I am going to kill your family and I'm going to burn your house down,'" Shelby Harrington said.
Horvath was arrested on suspicion of making terroristic threats.
This is crazy. After what just happened, how can one know they're safe after receiving a threat like this? How do you prevent an incident? Hopefully, this douchebag will be locked up for a while.
David Horvath, 17, allegedly threatened Shelby Harrington, for posting uncomplimentary statements about Horvath's best friend, Robert Hawkins, on the Internet, Shelby's father, Kevin Harrington said, the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald reported Friday.
Hawkins, 19, killed eight people and himself Wednesday at Westroads Mall.
"(Horvath) said, 'If you say anything else bad about Robbie, I will put a cap in your head,'" Harrington said.
Shelby Harrington, 16, recorded the threat on her cell phone, the World-Herald said.
She said Hawkins had threatened to kill her two weeks ago.
"He said 'I'm going to kill you, I am going to kill your family and I'm going to burn your house down,'" Shelby Harrington said.
Horvath was arrested on suspicion of making terroristic threats.
This is crazy. After what just happened, how can one know they're safe after receiving a threat like this? How do you prevent an incident? Hopefully, this douchebag will be locked up for a while.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
So, what's the answer?
Once again, hurricane predictions were way off for this year. What I like about global warming alarmists, is that they can use global warming to answer both sides of a question. More hurricanes? Global warming. Fewer hurricanes? El Niño apparently is to blame . . . which some say is fueled, in part, by global warming. Of course.
Meanwhile, Maine and North Dakota are already breaking records with snowfall. But that's just the climate issue. Our energy needs are another issue.
What's ironic, is that the environmentalists don't seem to want to do anything practical about a solution to our energy needs. The fact is, we are where we are. We like our cars, ipods, cable TV, high speed internet, and all of the other things that make each decade more advanced than the previous. And it all takes energy to produce and/or operate. In Texas, a wind farm . . . a massive wind farm . . . is being challenged by environmentalists.
The federal suit, filed in U.S. Western District Court in Austin, said the turbines could kill untold numbers of migratory birds and damage the bay.
Personally, for what you get from wind turbines, I think they're a waste of space. Ted Kennedy doesn't want them in his backyard. For all I know there's merit to the Texas challenge. But that's not the point. If coal is bad, nuclear is bad, wind turbines kill birds and thus are bad, what's left? In Texas, several coal plants have been cancelled due to challenges by the environmentalist groups. Now this. What about solar energy? Well, it likely less efficient than wind energy, and it takes a lot of resources to manufacture. A process that includes strip mining for the materials needed for the cells. Not to mention production factories . . . not to mention storage cells containing lead and sulfuric acid . . . lots of and big storage cells . . . not to mention the space needed for the solar panels. Lots of space. Space that I'm sure would displace many species of living things.
So, solar is bad.
Life sucks. Energy, that is. Meanwhile, people complain about the high costs of gas and electricity. Well, it has to come from somewhere. But where?
Meanwhile, Maine and North Dakota are already breaking records with snowfall. But that's just the climate issue. Our energy needs are another issue.
What's ironic, is that the environmentalists don't seem to want to do anything practical about a solution to our energy needs. The fact is, we are where we are. We like our cars, ipods, cable TV, high speed internet, and all of the other things that make each decade more advanced than the previous. And it all takes energy to produce and/or operate. In Texas, a wind farm . . . a massive wind farm . . . is being challenged by environmentalists.
The federal suit, filed in U.S. Western District Court in Austin, said the turbines could kill untold numbers of migratory birds and damage the bay.
Personally, for what you get from wind turbines, I think they're a waste of space. Ted Kennedy doesn't want them in his backyard. For all I know there's merit to the Texas challenge. But that's not the point. If coal is bad, nuclear is bad, wind turbines kill birds and thus are bad, what's left? In Texas, several coal plants have been cancelled due to challenges by the environmentalist groups. Now this. What about solar energy? Well, it likely less efficient than wind energy, and it takes a lot of resources to manufacture. A process that includes strip mining for the materials needed for the cells. Not to mention production factories . . . not to mention storage cells containing lead and sulfuric acid . . . lots of and big storage cells . . . not to mention the space needed for the solar panels. Lots of space. Space that I'm sure would displace many species of living things.
So, solar is bad.
Life sucks. Energy, that is. Meanwhile, people complain about the high costs of gas and electricity. Well, it has to come from somewhere. But where?
Global foolishness
Well, you can marry, but you shouldn't have kids. We need to stick a cork in many an animal's butt to keep them from farting. And, you shouldn't exercise. All these things contribute to global warming. What's next? Divorce.
WASHINGTON - Divorce can be bad for the environment. In countries around the world divorce rates have been rising, and each time a family dissolves the result is two new households.
"A married household actually uses resources more efficiently than a divorced household," said Jianguo Liu, an ecologist at Michigan State University whose analysis of the environmental impact of divorce appears in this week's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The whole article is here:
http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20071204/ap_on_sc/divorce_environment.html
Maybe one of the divorced occupies a space that was previously occupied? Nah.
So, there you have it. If you've been divorced, you're contributing to the decline of the earth.
WASHINGTON - Divorce can be bad for the environment. In countries around the world divorce rates have been rising, and each time a family dissolves the result is two new households.
"A married household actually uses resources more efficiently than a divorced household," said Jianguo Liu, an ecologist at Michigan State University whose analysis of the environmental impact of divorce appears in this week's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The whole article is here:
http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20071204/ap_on_sc/divorce_environment.html
Maybe one of the divorced occupies a space that was previously occupied? Nah.
So, there you have it. If you've been divorced, you're contributing to the decline of the earth.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Not the only one.
From jsonline:
Fast-changing weather conditions foiled Milwaukee public works officials' plans to deal with the weekend's snow and ice, Public Works Commissioner Jeff Mantes said today.
Nonetheless, Mantes added, "We do sincerely apologize to our good citizens who have been unintentionally inconvenienced by our efforts... The citizens expect a good job."
Earlier today, aldermen lashed out at Mantes' department, blasting its weekend snow-plowing efforts as the worst in decades. At a City Hall news conference, Aldermen Terry Witkowski, Joe Dudzik and Bob Donovan said they and all of their Common Council colleagues had been inundated with calls from constituents complaining about the plowing.
I'm happy to see Mantes respond accordingly. With the temps a bit higher, plows should have an easier time keeping the roads clear and cleaning up what they missed.
Fast-changing weather conditions foiled Milwaukee public works officials' plans to deal with the weekend's snow and ice, Public Works Commissioner Jeff Mantes said today.
Nonetheless, Mantes added, "We do sincerely apologize to our good citizens who have been unintentionally inconvenienced by our efforts... The citizens expect a good job."
Earlier today, aldermen lashed out at Mantes' department, blasting its weekend snow-plowing efforts as the worst in decades. At a City Hall news conference, Aldermen Terry Witkowski, Joe Dudzik and Bob Donovan said they and all of their Common Council colleagues had been inundated with calls from constituents complaining about the plowing.
I'm happy to see Mantes respond accordingly. With the temps a bit higher, plows should have an easier time keeping the roads clear and cleaning up what they missed.
In touch not out of touch
This is wrong. Very wrong.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/vogue_daily/story/story.asp?stid=48910
I've always admitted to being in touch with my feminine side, but this? Men wearing Croc's is bad enough.
What's next?
http://www.vogue.co.uk/vogue_daily/story/story.asp?stid=48910
I've always admitted to being in touch with my feminine side, but this? Men wearing Croc's is bad enough.
What's next?
How much snow fell?
If you were to look outside, or more specifically, drive the streets, you'd think it was February and we've been dumped on all winter long. The plowing is the worst I've ever seen. My dad was a supervisor in Milwaukee's public works so I have a bit of an insight here. Salting is bad, clean up is bad, all the side streets are terrible. Even the main streets aren't well plowed to the curbs. And this is the first snow! If you live in the city, I encourage you to contact your alderman and complain. I have. I thought the city did pretty well last year. If this is any indication, it's going to be a long winter.
One more thing . . .
I haven't heard a lot of talk about it . . . but, the onside kick attempt by the Packers was a thing of beauty! It didn't work, though, as the ball hit one of our player's arm before it traveled 10 yards. Still and all, a beautifully executed play!
Also (OK, that's two things), Greg Jennings is not only a good receiver, but he's also one of the best at run after catch (RAC yards). He's really a smooth runner. Quick and quick to change direction. I wish the Packers would incorporate a wide out screen for him.
Also (OK, that's two things), Greg Jennings is not only a good receiver, but he's also one of the best at run after catch (RAC yards). He's really a smooth runner. Quick and quick to change direction. I wish the Packers would incorporate a wide out screen for him.
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