Our chore board is back, it came back earlier this week after a miserable weekend cleaning Dominic's room. His room smelled of rotten food and bodily fluids. After two days of cleaning and a day of shampooing and deodorizing the carpets it's much better. Before we head into the holiday vacation is a good time to start it back up anyway. Each night I check to make sure the items the kids had to do are done and erase those chores and add more. They each get two chores a day. (It's hard to work around 3 hours of gymnastics) But two chores, it seems, are easily accomplished. We've been doing okay. Only Ainsley had a backup of work on her bad day earlier this week, the chores roll over to the next day so instead of just two chores to do she ended up with three. It's incentive to do their chores, if they don't keep up with them they'll pile up. (much like life). The chores are pretty simple. Clean bathrooms, Empty or Load the dishwasher, Dust the TV or Piano, Pick up a room, Vacuum a room, Laundry... etc. I plan them appropriately, a simple one with a more difficult one.
For an extra incentive, we've had the goal of family games every night. If they get their homework done, reading done, and have finished their chores, all before 8:00 we get to play a game. Last night we played UNO, it's so fun now that all of the kids are old enough to read numbers, colors and match. It opens up a lot of family activities for us. We've only had two game nights this week, it is tough to get the work done with the extra activities we do. But, having them ending up rare is probably a good thing. They have to do the chore regardless of reward.
Winter Break will be a test, holidays and illness always throw the white board off. Those are the events that shut down our routine. Sometimes it could be an unplanned night out that destroys the board. We'll see how it goes.
Ainsley has been doing well with her morning plan. But, she has not really been tested yet. Every morning this week has been a 2 hour delay. We won't face that challenge until January it seems.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Ainsley's Bad Morning
Today was one of the worst days I've had with Ainsley. Ainsley, like me, does not DO mornings. She's grouchy, slow, and miserable to be around. Ya, you heard me right, Ainsley is miserable to be around. Sure she has that warm loving smile and contagious laugh, in the evening and at night. But mornings, they can just go away! Normally, her grumpiness only causes us to be a few minutes late. We've never been late enough to warrant a note from me to explain the tardiness. Today (a 2 hour late snow day) she was tantrum city. As soon as I woke up and asked her to get ready for school the screaming started, "I don't want to wear that, I haven't eaten yet, I don't want to wear that, I don't know where that is . . . "
Finally, 5 minutes till the bell rings, we all got in the car. This is after a spanking and a silent tantrum. We drove to the school. Chloe got out. Ainsley just sat there. "Get out Ainsley!" I said. Ainsley did not respond. "What is wrong Ainsley, use words." Ainsley then throws a noisy screaming tantrum about not eating and being hungry. I offered the solution of eating part of her lunch. She did not want to do that so I said, "fine" and then headed home. Then for the next two hours it was a severe screaming/stomping tantrum about wanting to go to school. I went upstairs calmed her down with a cool cloth, asked her to eat her lunch, and then get a big glass of milk. As soon as she was done she came to me and we talked about the grumpy morning issue and she and I decided we needed a plan.
We both signed it and she is very proud of it. She ran it up to her room and put it next to her bed. She asked me to set up an alarm clock to go off at 7:45.
After school lunch was over we happily got bundled up, loaded in the car, and headed out to school. Hopefully this sticks. She is the number 1 reason we're tardy in the morning. (I'm number 2, maybe I need a contract too!)
Finally, 5 minutes till the bell rings, we all got in the car. This is after a spanking and a silent tantrum. We drove to the school. Chloe got out. Ainsley just sat there. "Get out Ainsley!" I said. Ainsley did not respond. "What is wrong Ainsley, use words." Ainsley then throws a noisy screaming tantrum about not eating and being hungry. I offered the solution of eating part of her lunch. She did not want to do that so I said, "fine" and then headed home. Then for the next two hours it was a severe screaming/stomping tantrum about wanting to go to school. I went upstairs calmed her down with a cool cloth, asked her to eat her lunch, and then get a big glass of milk. As soon as she was done she came to me and we talked about the grumpy morning issue and she and I decided we needed a plan.
Ainsley's Good Morning Plan
1. Go to sleep on time! So I get enough sleep.
2. Pick out my clothes and lay them out the night before.
3. Wake up at 7:45 am, so I have enough time to get ready.
4. Eat Breakfast!!! This will help with the grumps.
5. Avoid TV and Kitties, they slow me down.
6. Help Mom make lunch the night before.
7. Put my coat and bag in the same spot every day.
We both signed it and she is very proud of it. She ran it up to her room and put it next to her bed. She asked me to set up an alarm clock to go off at 7:45.
After school lunch was over we happily got bundled up, loaded in the car, and headed out to school. Hopefully this sticks. She is the number 1 reason we're tardy in the morning. (I'm number 2, maybe I need a contract too!)
Monday, December 08, 2008
End of the Beginning
Today was the end of the beginning. Of school, that is. Yup, I'm all finished with English 101. I guess third time is a charm. It went a lot smoother this time than it did in 97' Actually, I'm glad that I waited until now to retake it this last time. Being a bit older really made concentrating on studying a whole lot easier. The class went well, I got high grades on my essays, and I think I actually learned quite a bit. I'm even fretting about how high my grade is going to be even though it is going to be an A (I'd love it to be 4.0). I've never done that, I was always content with getting a C in high school. My Art 110 went well too, again very high grades all quarter. I do have to say that I worked a whole lot harder at Art than I expected to. There is a lot more reading and studying involved than I think students realize. Don't take Art 110 just to get an elective out of the way easily, it is harder than it sounds.
Hopefully this means I can contribute to the blog a bit more for the next few weeks, that is, before Math 95, Design 1, and Intro to Internet Technology start up in January. Kenny has promised me personal math tutoring, if not from him, from one of the many math inclined friends we have. I have my fingers crossed that if I apply myself like I did in English, it will be a breeze.
Hopefully this means I can contribute to the blog a bit more for the next few weeks, that is, before Math 95, Design 1, and Intro to Internet Technology start up in January. Kenny has promised me personal math tutoring, if not from him, from one of the many math inclined friends we have. I have my fingers crossed that if I apply myself like I did in English, it will be a breeze.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Erin's Goldsworthy Project
In my Intro to Art Class we are currently studying sculpture. My assignment for the holiday weekend was to go out into nature and create a sculpture with only natural materials much like pieces by the Artist/Sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. I invited my brother and his wife for company and enlisted the help of Ainsley. We went out to Bateman's Island and at the first fork in the path we created a fairly tall structure out of nothing but sticks. There were quite a few walkers out that passed us during the creative process, all of which had good comments to say about the tower and about how neat it was that we were all working together.
I'd invite you all to go for a walk down there and see it but it is not permanent so with the next wind storm or mob of destructive children it will probably come down. So, instead, I have a video of it and some pictures. Enjoy!
Some Walkers and our Sculpture
Jared, Ainsley, and our Sculpture
The Dogs Again
Ainsley, Me, and Our Sculpture
Fallen Tree
Aunt Melody, Uncle Jared, and Ainsley
Reflection
Wye Park/Bateman's Island
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Right to Bear Arms on Campus
A difficult draft to write, how'd I do?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Americans are increasingly seeking legislation to quell fears and provide a sense of protection. A frightening majority of us seem to be willing to sacrifice portions of our liberties in order to perpetuate a false sense of security. However, there are some who are working to take back some of those liberties by challenging current state laws pertaining to gun-free-zones on college campuses. These laws contradict the 2nd amendment by stripping adult students of the right to bear arms even though the 14th amendment states that no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States. Some parents, students, school faculty, and legislators strongly believe that by allowing guns to even be present among students would be irresponsible. It is apparent that the population's fear of gun violence has enabled government to strip adult university students of their right to carry concealed pistols. All arguments against allowing adult citizens with concealed pistol permits to carry their guns onto campuses are based on unsubstantiated fears and stigma; in order to preserve our rights granted to us by the Constitution, it is necessary that gun free zones on the campuses of higher education be deemed unconstitutional.
The first argument for campus gun-free-zones is that by allowing guns onto campus armed crime rates will go up. John R. Lott and David B. Mustard studied United States statistics on crime rates and how the passing of right-to-carry concealed handgun laws affected those crime rates. While many citizens believe that more guns will contribute to more violence, statistically the evidence says otherwise. In their article, Lott and Mustard come to the conclusion that by allowing adult citizens with no history of criminal activity or problems with mental illness to carry concealed handguns, violent crime is deterred significantly and there is little change in the rate of accidental gun deaths. They go on to condone an increase in concealed handgun permits supported by evidence that suggests that concealed carry pistols are the most cost-effective solution to lowering crime rates. It provides a higher return than an increase in police force, increased incarceration rates, private security devices or special programs such as early educational intervention. (Lott/Mustard 64-65). Additionally, we can learn a lot from the observation of England who has recently enacted gun prohibition. In their article, “All The Way Down the Slippery Slope: Gun Prohibition in England and Some Lessons for Civil Liberties in America,” Joseph E. Olsen and David B. Kopel find that armed crime in Britain is higher now than it has been in at least two centuries. Armed crime is literally one hundred times more common than at the turn of the century when Britain had no weapons controls. Crime victimization surveys show that, per capita, assault in England and Wales occurs between two and three times more often than in the United States. These same surveys demonstrate that robbery occurs 1.4 times more, and burglary occurs 1.7 times more.(Olsen/Kopel 23) With this observation, the argument that guns actually reduce crime is substantiated.
A second argument for campus gun-free-zones is that the communal living conditions of college students is not conductive as a safe environment to posses a fire arm. While dormitories can be crowded, armed chaos in campus dorms is highly unlikely. Concealed pistol licenses are only issued to citizens who are at least 21 years of age and can pass a background check for felonies and mental illness. (RCW 9.41.060) By examining “The Population Profile of the United States,” released by the U.S. Census Bureau for the year 2000, we can see that 15 million students were enrolled in college, 10 million of which were under the age of 25. This leaves 6 million students that are older than 25 or approximately 37% of all college students.(U.S. Census 8-3) Another 2000 Census release addresses the “Population in Group Quarters by Type, Sex and Age for the United States.” Surprisingly the total number of students living in college dormitories is only 2,064,130 just 7.5% of all students enrolled in college. Most students over the age of 21 choose to live off campus in apartments or houses. Only 13.8% of the small percentage of total students housed in campus dormitories are over the age of 21. (U.S. Census) Of that minute amount, the assumption can be made that an even smaller number of those adults would choose to obtain a concealed pistol license. Simple accommodations could be made for the few adults that wish to flex their second amendment right in a dormitory. Accommodations such as a pistol safe bolted to the floor, personal door locks, and appropriate roommate assignments are small concessions to make for a very small minority of students.
A third argument for gun-free-campuses is that if concealed weapons are allowed, the general population of students and educators would experience anxiety and fear that may stifle academic expression. This argument is based on the fear of a hypothetical situation, it is one that is riddled throughout U.S. history. Racial discrimination planted the seed of gun control legislation in America. White Americans were afraid to even think about what might happen if guns were in the hands of black Americans. White citizens assumed that if black citizens owned guns the fear of being shot at would keep them from being able to walk the street or let their white children play in the yard. With his paper, The Racist Roots of Gun Control, Clayton Cramer examines this dark lineage to present day. Cramers concern is that the reasons behind gun control among black citizens in the past are the same reasons for gun control among law-abiding citizens today. An argument supporting gun prohibition in the past was that African American citizens were too violent and too untrustworthy to be allowed weapons. Today, the same argument supports gun control law that treats law abiding citizens the same way, as untrustworthy children that need guidance from the government. (Cramer). At 18, citizens are legally considered adults. They have the ability to marry without consent of a parent, buy cigarettes, gamble, vote, join the military, and most carry a drivers license enabling them to operate a 2000 to 3000lb piece of machinery up to 70mph on highways. We have reserved the special responsibility of drinking and carrying a concealed pistol for those that have reached the age of 21. If there are issues with the maturity of gun owners, perhaps we need to re-evaluate the age of majority.
In conclusion, there are many law abiding adult citizens attending universities today. It is absurd that all college students are labeled as untrustworthy, potential criminals. The government, along with university staff have taken it upon themselves to act loco parentis even for adult students who are responsible, legally recognized adults. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Those that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Gun-free-zone laws have given American citizens a false sense of security; we need to re-examine our willingness to sacrifice liberties for perceived safety.
[1205]
Works Cited
------------------------------------------------------------------
Americans are increasingly seeking legislation to quell fears and provide a sense of protection. A frightening majority of us seem to be willing to sacrifice portions of our liberties in order to perpetuate a false sense of security. However, there are some who are working to take back some of those liberties by challenging current state laws pertaining to gun-free-zones on college campuses. These laws contradict the 2nd amendment by stripping adult students of the right to bear arms even though the 14th amendment states that no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States. Some parents, students, school faculty, and legislators strongly believe that by allowing guns to even be present among students would be irresponsible. It is apparent that the population's fear of gun violence has enabled government to strip adult university students of their right to carry concealed pistols. All arguments against allowing adult citizens with concealed pistol permits to carry their guns onto campuses are based on unsubstantiated fears and stigma; in order to preserve our rights granted to us by the Constitution, it is necessary that gun free zones on the campuses of higher education be deemed unconstitutional.
The first argument for campus gun-free-zones is that by allowing guns onto campus armed crime rates will go up. John R. Lott and David B. Mustard studied United States statistics on crime rates and how the passing of right-to-carry concealed handgun laws affected those crime rates. While many citizens believe that more guns will contribute to more violence, statistically the evidence says otherwise. In their article, Lott and Mustard come to the conclusion that by allowing adult citizens with no history of criminal activity or problems with mental illness to carry concealed handguns, violent crime is deterred significantly and there is little change in the rate of accidental gun deaths. They go on to condone an increase in concealed handgun permits supported by evidence that suggests that concealed carry pistols are the most cost-effective solution to lowering crime rates. It provides a higher return than an increase in police force, increased incarceration rates, private security devices or special programs such as early educational intervention. (Lott/Mustard 64-65). Additionally, we can learn a lot from the observation of England who has recently enacted gun prohibition. In their article, “All The Way Down the Slippery Slope: Gun Prohibition in England and Some Lessons for Civil Liberties in America,” Joseph E. Olsen and David B. Kopel find that armed crime in Britain is higher now than it has been in at least two centuries. Armed crime is literally one hundred times more common than at the turn of the century when Britain had no weapons controls. Crime victimization surveys show that, per capita, assault in England and Wales occurs between two and three times more often than in the United States. These same surveys demonstrate that robbery occurs 1.4 times more, and burglary occurs 1.7 times more.(Olsen/Kopel 23) With this observation, the argument that guns actually reduce crime is substantiated.
A second argument for campus gun-free-zones is that the communal living conditions of college students is not conductive as a safe environment to posses a fire arm. While dormitories can be crowded, armed chaos in campus dorms is highly unlikely. Concealed pistol licenses are only issued to citizens who are at least 21 years of age and can pass a background check for felonies and mental illness. (RCW 9.41.060) By examining “The Population Profile of the United States,” released by the U.S. Census Bureau for the year 2000, we can see that 15 million students were enrolled in college, 10 million of which were under the age of 25. This leaves 6 million students that are older than 25 or approximately 37% of all college students.(U.S. Census 8-3) Another 2000 Census release addresses the “Population in Group Quarters by Type, Sex and Age for the United States.” Surprisingly the total number of students living in college dormitories is only 2,064,130 just 7.5% of all students enrolled in college. Most students over the age of 21 choose to live off campus in apartments or houses. Only 13.8% of the small percentage of total students housed in campus dormitories are over the age of 21. (U.S. Census) Of that minute amount, the assumption can be made that an even smaller number of those adults would choose to obtain a concealed pistol license. Simple accommodations could be made for the few adults that wish to flex their second amendment right in a dormitory. Accommodations such as a pistol safe bolted to the floor, personal door locks, and appropriate roommate assignments are small concessions to make for a very small minority of students.
A third argument for gun-free-campuses is that if concealed weapons are allowed, the general population of students and educators would experience anxiety and fear that may stifle academic expression. This argument is based on the fear of a hypothetical situation, it is one that is riddled throughout U.S. history. Racial discrimination planted the seed of gun control legislation in America. White Americans were afraid to even think about what might happen if guns were in the hands of black Americans. White citizens assumed that if black citizens owned guns the fear of being shot at would keep them from being able to walk the street or let their white children play in the yard. With his paper, The Racist Roots of Gun Control, Clayton Cramer examines this dark lineage to present day. Cramers concern is that the reasons behind gun control among black citizens in the past are the same reasons for gun control among law-abiding citizens today. An argument supporting gun prohibition in the past was that African American citizens were too violent and too untrustworthy to be allowed weapons. Today, the same argument supports gun control law that treats law abiding citizens the same way, as untrustworthy children that need guidance from the government. (Cramer). At 18, citizens are legally considered adults. They have the ability to marry without consent of a parent, buy cigarettes, gamble, vote, join the military, and most carry a drivers license enabling them to operate a 2000 to 3000lb piece of machinery up to 70mph on highways. We have reserved the special responsibility of drinking and carrying a concealed pistol for those that have reached the age of 21. If there are issues with the maturity of gun owners, perhaps we need to re-evaluate the age of majority.
In conclusion, there are many law abiding adult citizens attending universities today. It is absurd that all college students are labeled as untrustworthy, potential criminals. The government, along with university staff have taken it upon themselves to act loco parentis even for adult students who are responsible, legally recognized adults. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Those that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Gun-free-zone laws have given American citizens a false sense of security; we need to re-examine our willingness to sacrifice liberties for perceived safety.
[1205]
- "Concealed Pistol License - Application - Fee." RCW 9.41.070. Washington State
Legislature. 13 Nov. 2008
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.070. - Cramer, Clayton E. "The Racist Roots of Gun Control." Kan.J.L. & Pub. Pol'y (1995).
13 Nov. 2008 http://www.constitution.org/cmt/cramer/racist_roots.htm. - Lott, John R., and David B. Mustard. "Crime, Deterrence, and Right-to-Carry
Concealed Handguns." Journal of Legal Studies XXVI (1997): 64-65.
13 Nov. 2008 http://homepage.usask.ca/~sta575/cdn-firearms/lott/lott.pdf. - Olson, Joseph E., and David B. Kopel. "All the Way Down the Slippery Slope:
Gun Prohibition in England and Some Lessons for Civil Liberties in
America." Hamline Law Review (1999): 23.13 Nov. 2008
http://www.gunsite.com/journal/okslip.html. - Population in Group Quarters by Type, Sex and Age, for the United States:
1990 and 2000 . U.S. Census. 10 Nov. 2003. 13 Nov. 2008
http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t26/index.html. - Scholars of all Ages: School Enrollment, 2000 . U.S. Census Bureau,
2000. 8-3. Population Profile of the United States. 13 Nov. 2008
www.census.gov/population/www/pop-profile/profile2000.html/chap08-1.pdf.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Left 4 Dead
I'm feeling better about my classes now that I'm in the home stretch. I have an essay due next week, but I'm ahead a bit so we went to a LAN party today sponsored by one of Ken's co-workers. Unfortunately the turn out was very sparse, but we still had a good time. We played Team Fortress 2 most of the day. It was much more enjoyable this year because all you experienced players didn't show up to kick my ass. I think I actually got a chance to figure out how to play the game this time around. My little macbook did a great job with it. It ran fine all day. Left 4 Dead is available next week and we all got to play a demo today. It was fantastic. Zombies coming at us left and right, amazing graphics, and great cooperative play. Killing those zombies was so much fun, I'm sure that Left 4 Dead will be my time sink for next year. We didn't get a chance to play it at PAX, it was at least a 2 hour wait for a 20 minute demo. A friend of mine that played it at PAX said it was way worth the wait and it was the best game at PAX, I have to say that it was pretty awesome, I'm sure (now) that he was right.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Seeing Double
It's still early and I'm already seeing double. I usually don't have this problem until at least 1 or 2 in the morning. I am working on a research paper, it involves a LOT of reading. At least I'm doing a lot of reading, I don't know how much my peers are reading. Perhaps I've gone overboard. I really enjoy the studies, but sometimes I get so wrapped up in the work that it causes insomnia. I try to sleep, but my mind is on overdrive, and I can't shut it up. In order to try to wind down, I get out of bed, head downstairs, and continue to read. I read until I start to see double. Until I'm practically dreaming between lines of text. Then I know I can probably get some shut eye. I have the same problem with my art class as well. When I am excited about art projects my mind is so busy on dreaming up the projects that I can't do my book studies. So, it seems, it's one or the other. Either being creative with dreaming up art projects or studying. One or the other grabs my attention and holds on. It really makes multitasking or managing my study time difficult. It's almost impossible to stop my train of thought in order to slip some new book work in.
I've been ignoring my free writing, blogging, and any other recreational writing. I am obsessed with my current studies. I find that I don't put the fun stuff very high on my list of priorities when I have a lot of other, more formal writing due. It's probably not a very good thing. I do have to turn in a bunch of timed journal writing at the end of the quarter, I'm not very far into that work. I have less than half of the minimum required finished. I wish I could just set the timer and do blog entries and then just give Mr. Abbott the link to my blog. I might make more of an effort to do those graded blog entries :)
I have company tomorrow night. I was hoping that a deadline would encourage me to clean the house. I have one more day, good god I hope I can get it clean tomorrow.
Time to drink some sleepy time tea and try to get some shut eye.
I've been ignoring my free writing, blogging, and any other recreational writing. I am obsessed with my current studies. I find that I don't put the fun stuff very high on my list of priorities when I have a lot of other, more formal writing due. It's probably not a very good thing. I do have to turn in a bunch of timed journal writing at the end of the quarter, I'm not very far into that work. I have less than half of the minimum required finished. I wish I could just set the timer and do blog entries and then just give Mr. Abbott the link to my blog. I might make more of an effort to do those graded blog entries :)
I have company tomorrow night. I was hoping that a deadline would encourage me to clean the house. I have one more day, good god I hope I can get it clean tomorrow.
Time to drink some sleepy time tea and try to get some shut eye.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Halloween (for the big people)
We went to two great parties this year. It was nice because they were not on the same night, usually we only get to stay for just a portion of each party. This year though, we stayed for the whole shebang with each one. My typical safe bubble of friends were not at at the Cowley party, it was great though because I was "forced" to associate with, god forbid, new people. I've been going to this party for 4 years now and I actually talked to a lot of people for the first time this year. We were able to stay at each party without worrying about traveling mid drink, that allowed me to get completely inebriated.
Kenny and I cleaned up with awards for our costumes, guess the number of candies in the jar, and cookie design (I know there are pictures out there somewhere). I beat Evan for the first time in the cookie making contest. He may want you to believe that he just "decided" not to come. In all reality, I took him out. I couldn't stand the thought of losing to him yet another year.
I got completely shitfaced at Ken and Joan's Halloween bash. Drinks with more tequila than mix are always my friend. I even was okay the next day, just had to remember to load up on water consumption after midnight. (Again, there are pictures out there. Hopefully with my shirt down.)
I had a great time at both shindigs, I hope that the parties are split up again next year. It really made the parties way more enjoyable, even with one way early and one the day after.
Kenny and I cleaned up with awards for our costumes, guess the number of candies in the jar, and cookie design (I know there are pictures out there somewhere). I beat Evan for the first time in the cookie making contest. He may want you to believe that he just "decided" not to come. In all reality, I took him out. I couldn't stand the thought of losing to him yet another year.
I got completely shitfaced at Ken and Joan's Halloween bash. Drinks with more tequila than mix are always my friend. I even was okay the next day, just had to remember to load up on water consumption after midnight. (Again, there are pictures out there. Hopefully with my shirt down.)
I had a great time at both shindigs, I hope that the parties are split up again next year. It really made the parties way more enjoyable, even with one way early and one the day after.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Halloween 2008
The kids had a great time this year. I usually spend the whole month of October on Halloween costumes, but this year I only spent a few hours the night before putting costumes together. Something about not having any free time this fall really impacted my costume building time. Luckily the kids asked for pretty simple to make costumes this year. Ainsley was 4 arms from Ben 10. That required the altering of a sweat shirt with a bit of felt and some hot glue and adding some additional arms to the sides. Nic was a goomba from the Super Paper Mario, specifically the one with the pith helmet. Another easy sweat shirt mod with felt and hot glue. His helmet is actually a Halloween candy cauldron with an aluminum foil doinky glued to the top. Piece of cake! Chloe, thankfully, agreed to be nice to mom this year and went as a pretty witch. A dress up dress and a hat from Walmart was all that was required.
Who says hours of work need to be put into cute Halloween costumes.
Who says hours of work need to be put into cute Halloween costumes.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What Is This "Land Line" You Speak Of?
Well, we did it. We now have a physical connection to the internet. We thought we were rid of nasty cables and cords, we were wrong. For the sake of saving money and increasing speed, we now have a DSL/phone package from Qwest. It has been about 5 years since we have owned a land line. It kinda feels like a step back, but with the move from tivo to the mac mini we needed faster, more reliable speeds to the internet. That way, when we're streaming Pushing Daisies, we can watch the whole show without buffering interruption. It also made sense to add phone service to always have an emergency phone available. Chloe is 8 and I'm leaving her at home while I run to drop Ainsley or Nic off at activities now, a home phone is essential.
I've not mentioned our tivo abandonment before. It was extremely tough to get off the tivo fanboy wagon. I love tivo dearly. But the time has come to move on. We noticed that we were watching most of our television content off the internet anyway, Hulu... Joost... "other means". And knowing we could see HD quality local stuff over the air, it was time to take the next step and cancel our $60 dish network package and move to free TV. I have to say TV has never been so beautiful. PBS cartoons come in crystal clear over the air (which the Mac records for us) and John Stewart looks great streaming off of Hulu. It's been a good move.
Tivo is not completely forgotten. He will be moved to our bedroom where the Mac will forward shows to him so that we can watch our recorded content upstairs.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Cats and Dogs, Living Together, Mass Hysteria!
While I was doing my homework here on the bed, Malcolm was laying next to me napping. Sonic walked over me and up on Malcolm's side and curled up in a little ball to join him for the afternoon nap. It was definitely too adorable to pass up, I just wish I had a camera with me. The macbook webcam did okay, kinda weird that the image is mirrored. Anyway, enjoy the cuteness!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Political SPAM is Painful
Recently, much attention has been focused on the swing voter. These are voters who have not yet made a decision on who they would like to have as president of the United States. In an effort to swing these undecided Americans to one side or the other, huge email campaigns have been initiated by political activists to grab the hearts and fool the minds of unsuspecting voters.
Like many of you out there, I have been bombarded with political propaganda from friends on both sides of the political map. In general, I find that there is very little information in the emails. Most of it is emotional imagery that is very powerful. I find, more often than not, that all the information that is presented by the activists are either red herrings or contrary to fact. I'm always am cautious of long "informative" emails that use a lot of description and "personal stories". Especially ones that use bold lettering or colored fonts. But, it seems, that those are the emails that compel people to click the forward button.
One example of propaganda from the Democrat side sent to me by my friend.
Boy democrats are weenies. What a luke warm piece of propaganda. This is one of the few things I have that isn't just "Palin is a dummy. I don't like her, you shouldn't either". Anyway, crime IS high in Alaska. It is hard to compare the crime statistics of Alaska with anywhere else in the US. It is dark and cold most of the time in Alaska. There are more men than women, and most of the work force is comprised of blue collar workers. The cards are stacked for a bit more crime per capita than other states in the US. I'm confident that the statistics would not of been better had anyone else been in her position.
I'm sure if McCain were ahead in the polls right now, I'd be getting a lot juicier bunk from my liberal friends. But the Obamacans are feeling pretty confident. So, most of the scary stuff is coming from my conservative friends this election season. Like this horrific example.
The fonts in this one are BOLD and colored in RED and BLUE!
Right away I feel upset when I see this. It clearly displays to me the racial hate and bigotry that is apparently in the hearts of some Americans.
This email propagates a lot of incorrect information. The sheep guilty of forwarding this monster don't consider the fact that Obama is NOT Muslim, that mainstream Muslims are peaceful, and that anyone, even a Muslim, has a right to run and be elected to the office of the President. Did the person forwarding this email not notice that all of the text on the picket signs are exactly the same. The same "sharpie", the same font. This picture is obviously photoshopped. This piece of hate propaganda was forwarded to me by a Christian relative. She should of asked herself "What would Jesus do?" when she got this one. He would of marked it SPAM and deleted it from his mail box.
If I was an evil person, I would conjure up some pictures of Christian extremist groups doing exactly the same things pictured in the photo's above. It would be a true representation of Americans because all American Christians believe the same things that White Supremacists and The KKK believe, right? (you can tell this piece of work really got to me)
--------------------------
Like many of you out there, I have been bombarded with political propaganda from friends on both sides of the political map. In general, I find that there is very little information in the emails. Most of it is emotional imagery that is very powerful. I find, more often than not, that all the information that is presented by the activists are either red herrings or contrary to fact. I'm always am cautious of long "informative" emails that use a lot of description and "personal stories". Especially ones that use bold lettering or colored fonts. But, it seems, that those are the emails that compel people to click the forward button.
One example of propaganda from the Democrat side sent to me by my friend.
Shown below is the Wasilla town hall where Sarah Palin spent most of her elected career.
Palin casts herself in the role of a reformer and claims to be strong against corruption and criminality. No doubt she is sincere in this, but the public has a right to know how successful she has been. In 1996, her last year as mayor, the police department reported 242 cases of larceny, 96 cases of assault, 56 for burglary, 113 for shoplifting, 116 for outstanding warrants, 3 for sexual assault, 6 for weapons, 42 for drugs; not to mention 454 motor vehicle accidents. There are 63 registered sex offenders in Wasilla, an astonishing number for a city this small. See http://www.city-data.com/so/so-Wasilla-Alaska.html and http://www.idcide.com/citydata/ak/wasilla.htm and http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=103These figures, showed no improvement during Sarah Palin's years as mayor.
And just how big is this mighty metropolis whose citizens don't drive very well and suffers from the scourge of criminality? It is, (gulp!) all of 8,000 residents, the population was even less during the time she was mayor. The amount of crime reported in Wasilla is wildly disproportionate to its’ size. So what is going on in that tiny burg? If Sarah Palin couldn't clean this city up where are her bragging rights as a reformer?
Palin supporters among the evangelical churches would be shocked to learn that thievery ran riot in Wasilla with her at the helm. They might even begin to ask some very uncomfortable questions of John McCain. The question that they would ask the most is: “With all the talent available to the Republican Party, why on earth would he select this nobody from nowhere?”
Boy democrats are weenies. What a luke warm piece of propaganda. This is one of the few things I have that isn't just "Palin is a dummy. I don't like her, you shouldn't either". Anyway, crime IS high in Alaska. It is hard to compare the crime statistics of Alaska with anywhere else in the US. It is dark and cold most of the time in Alaska. There are more men than women, and most of the work force is comprised of blue collar workers. The cards are stacked for a bit more crime per capita than other states in the US. I'm confident that the statistics would not of been better had anyone else been in her position.
I'm sure if McCain were ahead in the polls right now, I'd be getting a lot juicier bunk from my liberal friends. But the Obamacans are feeling pretty confident. So, most of the scary stuff is coming from my conservative friends this election season. Like this horrific example.
These pictures are of Muslims marching through the streets of London during their recent 'Religion of Peace' Demonstra tion.
Why would anyone think that we should be at war with such nice, peaceful Muslims? Americans need to know - You need to forward this one to everyone! These Pictures tell it all! Muslims have stated that England will be the first country they take over!
These are pictures not shown on American TV or in American Newspapers (as they might help Bush's war on terror), but were forwarded by a Canadian Friend who thought Americans ought to know!
And Americans are actually considering electing the democrat presidential candidate, Barack Obama, who said in his book, Audacity Of Hope: 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'
The fonts in this one are BOLD and colored in RED and BLUE!
Right away I feel upset when I see this. It clearly displays to me the racial hate and bigotry that is apparently in the hearts of some Americans.
This email propagates a lot of incorrect information. The sheep guilty of forwarding this monster don't consider the fact that Obama is NOT Muslim, that mainstream Muslims are peaceful, and that anyone, even a Muslim, has a right to run and be elected to the office of the President. Did the person forwarding this email not notice that all of the text on the picket signs are exactly the same. The same "sharpie", the same font. This picture is obviously photoshopped. This piece of hate propaganda was forwarded to me by a Christian relative. She should of asked herself "What would Jesus do?" when she got this one. He would of marked it SPAM and deleted it from his mail box.
If I was an evil person, I would conjure up some pictures of Christian extremist groups doing exactly the same things pictured in the photo's above. It would be a true representation of Americans because all American Christians believe the same things that White Supremacists and The KKK believe, right? (you can tell this piece of work really got to me)
Anyway, the hope is that these jabs will make it easier for undecided people to go with their gut. It's a "Vote for me is a vote against the other guy" approach. This approach directs attention away from any argument of substance, and takes community discussion away from the actual political agendas. (It's easier to repeat rhetoric than to discuss the economy)
So, please recognize that emails that seem longwinded, emotionally involved, and suck you into a perceived situation are almost always SPAM. The best thing to do in these cases is to drag your cursor over the "mark as SPAM" check box and click. Then proceed to delete the plague from your email box.
Also, please use your head when you vote. Don't let emotional grab nabbers suck you into illogical thinking. Turn off the TV commercial, turn off the radio ad, grab your voter pamphlet, and read. Then make a decision not biased by emotionally charged propaganda.
So, please recognize that emails that seem longwinded, emotionally involved, and suck you into a perceived situation are almost always SPAM. The best thing to do in these cases is to drag your cursor over the "mark as SPAM" check box and click. Then proceed to delete the plague from your email box.
Also, please use your head when you vote. Don't let emotional grab nabbers suck you into illogical thinking. Turn off the TV commercial, turn off the radio ad, grab your voter pamphlet, and read. Then make a decision not biased by emotionally charged propaganda.
--------------------------
BTW The actual quote from Obama is from page 261 and is as follows: "Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
-Obama is saying that he is not for internment camps.
-Obama is saying that he is not for internment camps.
I hope you're not for them either.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Loaded Week
This last week was my busiest week yet. I had a test on Monday on chapter 3 in Art, was told that we would have a quiz on Tuesday on chapter 4. I had that draft for English due on Wednesday and a ton of reading left to do for that class too. I sometimes wish we had at least a few weeks notice on some things. It's very hard to manage my time with the family and homework without some notice. If I knew we were going right into chapter 4, I would of made more of an effort to find time to read it over the weekend. I put so much weight on the test that was on Monday that I put all my study effort into that one thing.
We're doing a lot of studio work in Art now to help cement visual element definitions into our brains. It's lots of fun using so many different mediums, and exploring so many different visual elements. I'll have to scan some of my work in before Monday (that's when we're mounting them to larger boards) and share them with you all. I have one piece that I titled flying bacon.
I am pretty confident that I'm doing well in my classes. I just fret to no end over little things.
We're doing a lot of studio work in Art now to help cement visual element definitions into our brains. It's lots of fun using so many different mediums, and exploring so many different visual elements. I'll have to scan some of my work in before Monday (that's when we're mounting them to larger boards) and share them with you all. I have one piece that I titled flying bacon.
I am pretty confident that I'm doing well in my classes. I just fret to no end over little things.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
SAB
Well here's my most recent assignment for English. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do this one, and I was surprised when it didn't take me hours to complete it. Please read it, edit it, whatever. Let me know if you understand my thesis, and if it makes sense. Thanks...
Extraordinary Ride
Here I am. Sitting in my boring little house, in my boring little chair, staring at my boring little computer, and thinking about how ho hum my little life is. I reach for a magazine and flip through it. Right away a magnificent advertisement catches my eye. In it I see a monstrously powerful 4X4 sport utility vehicle trudging through some faraway, secluded jungle. The glossy black paint on the hood is covered with the excitement of mud splats that were thrown upon it by wheels that are triumphing over the slippery terrain. Bold lettering across the image directs my attention to notice that the vehicle is “BEAUTIFUL IN UGLY SITUATIONS”. The marketing people for Land Rover work to pull me into this perceived world. They attempt to make me feel that if I buy a Land Rover, I too will become an explorer and go off road in the jungle.
While the generalized Dilbert stereotype of evil marketing director may not be appropriate for every advertiser, many of the more successful ones find that weasel words work. Humans are visually sensitive beings, and emotional imagery presented to us through pictures or language can be very swaying. Many companies take advantage of our emotions, and use deceiving language that compel us to buy their products even if we don't need or want them at all. The team of marketing mustela at Land Rover have excelled at using many weasel tools in an attempt to do just that.
After the powerful image of off road excitement pulls the reader in to examine the ad, the eye is drawn to the smaller images and text bordering the page. At the top left of the page is a small picture of a rugged looking man. Readers are compelled to think that this is the kind of person who owns a Land Rover. He is in below freezing conditions, bundled up in a lot of mountain climbing gear, and has scruffy but short beard. He is an icon of strength under extraordinary conditions. After reading a caption in a space cell next to his portrait, readers then know that he is “Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the greatest of living explorers (from the Guinness Book of World Records ᵀᴹ)”. The weasel marketing team has introduced an authority on exploring extraordinary terrain. If consumers don't analyze the information on the explorer they may assume that he had used the vehicle to achieve his “greatest of living explorers” title. However, information is presented that informs more inquisitive readers that Sir Ranulph Fiennes, indeed, did all his exploring by foot. The information wants us to believe that the Land Rover is LIKE Sir Ranulph Fiennes. This is a false analogy, the Land Rover is neither a man nor does it traverse mountain ranges by foot. This authority on exploring serves as a double weasel whammy.
In the bottom left corner of the page is another image of a rugged Land Rover, this time forging through a wheel well high flood. The photo draws the imagination into another perceived world, again in a jungle like setting. This image provides the false perception that the Land Rover will take owners anywhere and get them out of any tough situation. In another strategically placed space cell the text reads, “This isn't the end of the world. But you can see it from here.” Here advertisers use weasel words to make potential customers feel like adventure is right at hand (if they buy a Land Rover). The ad team presents a hypothesis contrary to fact. No matter what someone uses their Land Rover for, they will not be able to see the end of the world.
The minute text goes on to sell readers on a patented Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system without explaining to them what exactly a Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system is. It sure sounds good doesn't it? But without definition the words are meaningless. While readers contemplate exactly what a Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system is, they can take comfort knowing that it will, at the very least, help Land Rover owners out of the most extraordinary situations. The weasel word help is used here to make it clear that there is no guarantee that if Land Rover owners get in an extraordinary situation the Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system will get them out of trouble, but it will “help” them out, whatever that means.
A general conclusion after looking at the entire ad is that the whole thing is a hypothesis contrary to fact. Most Land Rover owners, especially the ones that will read this ad in Domingo magazine (a home decorating magazine), will never find themselves in these extraordinary situations. Most Land Rover owners enjoy the luxury of paved roads, dry conditions, and otherwise ordinary terrain. The idea that by simply purchasing a Land Rover, consumers will transform from having a boring, urban life to having an adventurous life of an explorer is non sequitur. Some Land Rover owners may have their vehicles around to use as farm equipment, or perhaps transportation for some weekend sport (i.e. boating or hunting). But generally Land Rovers are driven to WalMart on diaper runs, and make the guys in the carpool feel cool on their way to the office.
The weasel words of advertising are pretty obvious in this ad. There is no doubt that the imagery of this beautiful, but tough Land Rover will appeal to those longing for escape from the mundane. With this ad, the image of a rugged, beautiful, and dependable Land Rover has been embedded in the subconscious minds of thousands of readers. The advertisers performed for their management, and probably sold more than a few vehicles. The weasels did their weasel job, and the fallacious imagery of instant adventure with a Land Rover was just an extraordinary ride.
Here I am. Sitting in my boring little house, in my boring little chair, staring at my boring little computer, and thinking about how ho hum my little life is. I reach for a magazine and flip through it. Right away a magnificent advertisement catches my eye. In it I see a monstrously powerful 4X4 sport utility vehicle trudging through some faraway, secluded jungle. The glossy black paint on the hood is covered with the excitement of mud splats that were thrown upon it by wheels that are triumphing over the slippery terrain. Bold lettering across the image directs my attention to notice that the vehicle is “BEAUTIFUL IN UGLY SITUATIONS”. The marketing people for Land Rover work to pull me into this perceived world. They attempt to make me feel that if I buy a Land Rover, I too will become an explorer and go off road in the jungle.
While the generalized Dilbert stereotype of evil marketing director may not be appropriate for every advertiser, many of the more successful ones find that weasel words work. Humans are visually sensitive beings, and emotional imagery presented to us through pictures or language can be very swaying. Many companies take advantage of our emotions, and use deceiving language that compel us to buy their products even if we don't need or want them at all. The team of marketing mustela at Land Rover have excelled at using many weasel tools in an attempt to do just that.
After the powerful image of off road excitement pulls the reader in to examine the ad, the eye is drawn to the smaller images and text bordering the page. At the top left of the page is a small picture of a rugged looking man. Readers are compelled to think that this is the kind of person who owns a Land Rover. He is in below freezing conditions, bundled up in a lot of mountain climbing gear, and has scruffy but short beard. He is an icon of strength under extraordinary conditions. After reading a caption in a space cell next to his portrait, readers then know that he is “Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the greatest of living explorers (from the Guinness Book of World Records ᵀᴹ)”. The weasel marketing team has introduced an authority on exploring extraordinary terrain. If consumers don't analyze the information on the explorer they may assume that he had used the vehicle to achieve his “greatest of living explorers” title. However, information is presented that informs more inquisitive readers that Sir Ranulph Fiennes, indeed, did all his exploring by foot. The information wants us to believe that the Land Rover is LIKE Sir Ranulph Fiennes. This is a false analogy, the Land Rover is neither a man nor does it traverse mountain ranges by foot. This authority on exploring serves as a double weasel whammy.
In the bottom left corner of the page is another image of a rugged Land Rover, this time forging through a wheel well high flood. The photo draws the imagination into another perceived world, again in a jungle like setting. This image provides the false perception that the Land Rover will take owners anywhere and get them out of any tough situation. In another strategically placed space cell the text reads, “This isn't the end of the world. But you can see it from here.” Here advertisers use weasel words to make potential customers feel like adventure is right at hand (if they buy a Land Rover). The ad team presents a hypothesis contrary to fact. No matter what someone uses their Land Rover for, they will not be able to see the end of the world.
The minute text goes on to sell readers on a patented Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system without explaining to them what exactly a Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system is. It sure sounds good doesn't it? But without definition the words are meaningless. While readers contemplate exactly what a Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system is, they can take comfort knowing that it will, at the very least, help Land Rover owners out of the most extraordinary situations. The weasel word help is used here to make it clear that there is no guarantee that if Land Rover owners get in an extraordinary situation the Terrain Responseᵀᴹ system will get them out of trouble, but it will “help” them out, whatever that means.
A general conclusion after looking at the entire ad is that the whole thing is a hypothesis contrary to fact. Most Land Rover owners, especially the ones that will read this ad in Domingo magazine (a home decorating magazine), will never find themselves in these extraordinary situations. Most Land Rover owners enjoy the luxury of paved roads, dry conditions, and otherwise ordinary terrain. The idea that by simply purchasing a Land Rover, consumers will transform from having a boring, urban life to having an adventurous life of an explorer is non sequitur. Some Land Rover owners may have their vehicles around to use as farm equipment, or perhaps transportation for some weekend sport (i.e. boating or hunting). But generally Land Rovers are driven to WalMart on diaper runs, and make the guys in the carpool feel cool on their way to the office.
The weasel words of advertising are pretty obvious in this ad. There is no doubt that the imagery of this beautiful, but tough Land Rover will appeal to those longing for escape from the mundane. With this ad, the image of a rugged, beautiful, and dependable Land Rover has been embedded in the subconscious minds of thousands of readers. The advertisers performed for their management, and probably sold more than a few vehicles. The weasels did their weasel job, and the fallacious imagery of instant adventure with a Land Rover was just an extraordinary ride.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
$5,000 For Health Insurance and Other Capitalist Ideas for the Picture Perfect America
Every year I have gotten a pretty decent sum of money back from the government at tax time. Especially lately during the Bush tax breaks. I have to admit these sums are nice. We've been able to "help the economy" by purchasing material things such as items for our back yard. My tax money is there, in my grass, my fence, my bricks, and other garden stuff.
NONE of it is in a bank... Extra money, if there was any, was spent on consumables or debt.
I know I'm not alone. People take their tax money, and even with the best intentions of what will be done with it, spend it. It may sit in a savings account for a few months. Just to give the feeling of saving something. But, eventually that money is spent. Thats what most middle class people do with "surplus" it's extra money. Free money. Even though we know it's not. How can we possibly leave that money untouched when we're paying down our mortgage, and using overdraft accounts for food.
If my very poor sister-in-law and brother received a $5,000.00 tax credit, I'm not necessarily sure that that money would be spent on health insurance. It most likely would be spent on more immediate needs. Needs like food, power and gas.
What I'm saying is, tax breaks are great to prompt Americans to spend. Giving them checks to buy health insurance or to invest in retirement is fool hearted. When Grandma gets her check "for investing" she's going to use it to buy groceries and pay someone to cut her lawn before the city fines her for letting it go.
Another thing, at one time a single income was all that was necessary to pay a mortgage or rent. But, because of beneficial social changes, ie... feminist movements and women moving in to the workplace, many homes became dual income. Bankers and landlords quickly figured that they could get more money out of renters/homebuyers and raised the bar on the price of having a place to live. ("if most families are dual income I can charge double"-Evil Landlord) If every American is guaranteed $5,000.00 from Senator McCain, that will send a quick message to insurance providers that every American family can "afford" $5,000.00 worth of health care coverage, this raises the bar. Unregulated, after a few years "insurance" prices will go up and the 5,000 will turn into 8,000 and so on. Government will act and raise the value of this 'insurance' rebate and the insurance fat cats will be chuckling at their unregulated source of wealth. ("If every American gets 5,000 for insurance, I can charge at least that much and they will pay. Oh, I'm going to be so rich." - Evil Insurance Fat Cat)
Actually, from the sound of it, McCain and Obama have the same HC plan. Though they would never admit that so clearly. Both basically give out checks to everyone on "the plan", both have options to buy into any insurance group the want (or can afford), both allow for crossing state lines to look for other companies. I have a strong inclination to think that Obama's plan includes more regulation, which if it heads this way, I hope there is a lot of regulation.
By the way, I'm for socialized healthcare. Many other capitalist countries have successful socialist healthcare programs. I'm not so arrogant that I can't say that there are good examples out there, why can't we find a solution to our crisis. And just because we are looking toward socializing healthcare doesn't mean that government is going to have a say in who we see or what is covered. Though, it is guaranteed that who we see or what is covered will happen with a privately led program. That's the way it is already, look at your Group Health plan.
Frontline info on 5 capitalist countries with socialized healthcare. This is some great information. The televised episode was even better.
------------------
"...But, at the end of the day, my friend, I have to tell you again, and you know what it's like to serve, and you know what it's like to sacrifice, but we can never allow a second Holocaust to take place." --McCain
I have one word to say to that, Darfur. Darfur McCain, Darfur.
NONE of it is in a bank... Extra money, if there was any, was spent on consumables or debt.
I know I'm not alone. People take their tax money, and even with the best intentions of what will be done with it, spend it. It may sit in a savings account for a few months. Just to give the feeling of saving something. But, eventually that money is spent. Thats what most middle class people do with "surplus" it's extra money. Free money. Even though we know it's not. How can we possibly leave that money untouched when we're paying down our mortgage, and using overdraft accounts for food.
If my very poor sister-in-law and brother received a $5,000.00 tax credit, I'm not necessarily sure that that money would be spent on health insurance. It most likely would be spent on more immediate needs. Needs like food, power and gas.
What I'm saying is, tax breaks are great to prompt Americans to spend. Giving them checks to buy health insurance or to invest in retirement is fool hearted. When Grandma gets her check "for investing" she's going to use it to buy groceries and pay someone to cut her lawn before the city fines her for letting it go.
Another thing, at one time a single income was all that was necessary to pay a mortgage or rent. But, because of beneficial social changes, ie... feminist movements and women moving in to the workplace, many homes became dual income. Bankers and landlords quickly figured that they could get more money out of renters/homebuyers and raised the bar on the price of having a place to live. ("if most families are dual income I can charge double"-Evil Landlord) If every American is guaranteed $5,000.00 from Senator McCain, that will send a quick message to insurance providers that every American family can "afford" $5,000.00 worth of health care coverage, this raises the bar. Unregulated, after a few years "insurance" prices will go up and the 5,000 will turn into 8,000 and so on. Government will act and raise the value of this 'insurance' rebate and the insurance fat cats will be chuckling at their unregulated source of wealth. ("If every American gets 5,000 for insurance, I can charge at least that much and they will pay. Oh, I'm going to be so rich." - Evil Insurance Fat Cat)
Actually, from the sound of it, McCain and Obama have the same HC plan. Though they would never admit that so clearly. Both basically give out checks to everyone on "the plan", both have options to buy into any insurance group the want (or can afford), both allow for crossing state lines to look for other companies. I have a strong inclination to think that Obama's plan includes more regulation, which if it heads this way, I hope there is a lot of regulation.
By the way, I'm for socialized healthcare. Many other capitalist countries have successful socialist healthcare programs. I'm not so arrogant that I can't say that there are good examples out there, why can't we find a solution to our crisis. And just because we are looking toward socializing healthcare doesn't mean that government is going to have a say in who we see or what is covered. Though, it is guaranteed that who we see or what is covered will happen with a privately led program. That's the way it is already, look at your Group Health plan.
Frontline info on 5 capitalist countries with socialized healthcare. This is some great information. The televised episode was even better.
------------------
"...But, at the end of the day, my friend, I have to tell you again, and you know what it's like to serve, and you know what it's like to sacrifice, but we can never allow a second Holocaust to take place." --McCain
I have one word to say to that, Darfur. Darfur McCain, Darfur.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Russian Woman with Child
My latest drawing for Art 110. It's not an "how to" class. There is no class time devoted to art instruction. We do, however, have take home projects where we just do our best. We can use any medium, and we draw it as good or as crappy as we can. I figure If I'm going to put effort into something, it should at least look nice enough to keep. Anyway, this is my first art class since 7th grade. That was in 92' if you were wondering. I'm pretty happy with my drawing.
The assignment was to take an image from current news and 're draw' it on an 8x10 sheet or larger. I found this picture of a Russian woman with her child taken shortly after the issue in Georgia. I used chalk on drawing paper.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Precious Days Off
Today is the first day of my 3 day weekend. A luxury I get going to CBC. Also, it is the only weekday that the kids don't have any gymnastics. Friday is a precious day off. Not that I don't have homework, or studying to do. But, I don't have to get in the car, and drive anywhere. I could pay attention to the neglected housework, or I could have a fun day in with Dominic. Today is wonderful. I love today!
We have tickets to the cavalcade of bands. It'll be the first time I've been since I was in high school. So, on my second precious day off we have a fun trip to edgar brown stadium to see/hear the bands duke it out. Chloe has a fun rafting trip to go to, and Ainsley and Dominic will join us in the marching band fun. It should turn out to be a great day.
Sunday, will be a nice quiet day. Maybe I'll find time to catch up on a few chores. I'll definitely be doing some drawing for my art class. I have to take a picture from the news and "copy" it onto a 8 X 10 piece of paper. I'll get some time to myself and enjoy another precious day off.
Can you tell? I really hate driving around everywhere. I hope you enjoy your precious days off too.
We have tickets to the cavalcade of bands. It'll be the first time I've been since I was in high school. So, on my second precious day off we have a fun trip to edgar brown stadium to see/hear the bands duke it out. Chloe has a fun rafting trip to go to, and Ainsley and Dominic will join us in the marching band fun. It should turn out to be a great day.
Sunday, will be a nice quiet day. Maybe I'll find time to catch up on a few chores. I'll definitely be doing some drawing for my art class. I have to take a picture from the news and "copy" it onto a 8 X 10 piece of paper. I'll get some time to myself and enjoy another precious day off.
Can you tell? I really hate driving around everywhere. I hope you enjoy your precious days off too.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Writing
I've been journaling, free writing, and studying so much. But, I seem to have lost the time to blog. I hate posts like this :)
I have considered posting my journal entries that I have to do for my class. After consideration though, not only are my journal entries left open ended (we write for 10 minutes and stop), but many are hand written. Typing out hand written, open ended journal entries doesn't sound very fun. That and my audience is different. Most of my blog posts are written to people that generally know who I am. My journal entries are written to people who could care less.
My free writing I could post... or at least the results of my free writing. We'll see.
Other than making me tired all the time, school is going well. I feel like the know-it-all in art class... I think I'm the only one who read the assigned chapter. I actually have to tell myself to not answer questions and give the rest of the class a chance. But I have a feeling that even the art majors expect this course to be an easy A. I just am really motivated and I don't even want to chance getting a poor grade. I think paying out of pocket, the same amount of money you spend on feeding your family for a month, really changes your perspective on how important reading a chapter is.
As you can probably tell from my blogging, grammar is not my high point. I took a small grammar diagnostic and only got 53% right. I hope this teacher can teach because I've got to fix some fatal error patterns in the next few months. Luckily, it seems that all my class points are not weighted on grammar. Hopefully I can flub my way through. I was well prepared for my essay last Thursday. I had my 20 word outline and I believe that I was well organized. I fear that I didn't make the word count though. I have to keep telling myself that the essay wasn't graded, it was a diagnostic to see where I am and how far I have to go. I just put so much work into the preparation that I'm really let down by the shortfall. I think I pre-wrote that essay 4 times.
So, ya, I'm really worried all the time now. I over study for things and I freak out about in class writing. I think that is basically why I'm not blogging anymore. I'm afraid that all my posts would be about freaking out for some test or not feeling prepared for something in class. You don't want to read about that.
I'll try to get my mind on other things... for your benefit. :)
I have considered posting my journal entries that I have to do for my class. After consideration though, not only are my journal entries left open ended (we write for 10 minutes and stop), but many are hand written. Typing out hand written, open ended journal entries doesn't sound very fun. That and my audience is different. Most of my blog posts are written to people that generally know who I am. My journal entries are written to people who could care less.
My free writing I could post... or at least the results of my free writing. We'll see.
Other than making me tired all the time, school is going well. I feel like the know-it-all in art class... I think I'm the only one who read the assigned chapter. I actually have to tell myself to not answer questions and give the rest of the class a chance. But I have a feeling that even the art majors expect this course to be an easy A. I just am really motivated and I don't even want to chance getting a poor grade. I think paying out of pocket, the same amount of money you spend on feeding your family for a month, really changes your perspective on how important reading a chapter is.
As you can probably tell from my blogging, grammar is not my high point. I took a small grammar diagnostic and only got 53% right. I hope this teacher can teach because I've got to fix some fatal error patterns in the next few months. Luckily, it seems that all my class points are not weighted on grammar. Hopefully I can flub my way through. I was well prepared for my essay last Thursday. I had my 20 word outline and I believe that I was well organized. I fear that I didn't make the word count though. I have to keep telling myself that the essay wasn't graded, it was a diagnostic to see where I am and how far I have to go. I just put so much work into the preparation that I'm really let down by the shortfall. I think I pre-wrote that essay 4 times.
So, ya, I'm really worried all the time now. I over study for things and I freak out about in class writing. I think that is basically why I'm not blogging anymore. I'm afraid that all my posts would be about freaking out for some test or not feeling prepared for something in class. You don't want to read about that.
I'll try to get my mind on other things... for your benefit. :)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Rigamarole
I'm overwhelmed, not with school, with going. Going here. Going there. Going everywhere. I hate driving, and I seem to be doing an awful lot of it recently. Drive the kids to school, drive Nic to sitter, drive to school, drive to get NIc, drive to pick kids up from school, drive to gymnastics, drive to gymnastics again and any other errands that have to be done throughout the day. I'm not sure soccer mom is really the correct term, but taxi driver may be appropriate.
There isn't much time to do much of anything between destination points. I'm not sure how I'll manage chores each day. For now, it seems that the crockpot will be my new best friend and the kids will have a bit more responsibility making sure the dishes get done each night. Tonight we're having taco soup, a wonderfully simple concoction of beans, tomatoes, corn, ground beef and taco seasoning. Toss it all in the crockpot in the morning and as that one TV guy would say, "fix it and forget it". It allows me the benefit of doing my 5 hours worth of homework without worrying about what to put in the kids bellies.
So, a large portion of my English class is based on journaling and increasing my wpm in free writing. Let me just say that I am so completely happy that I started doing this blog years ago. I have confidence that it has given me a slight edge over my classmates. Which, being one of the older "kids" in class, is a much better feeling than that of being out of touch. One of the other "more experienced" students in my class has expressed many times that she is too old and has forgotten everything. I on the other hand feel like I'm already ahead of my peers and my life experiences have actually prepared me better than my high school ever did. Again, my first diagnostic is on Thursday. We'll see if my confidence bubble is popped then.
If that doesn't do it, surely Math 98 will.
There isn't much time to do much of anything between destination points. I'm not sure how I'll manage chores each day. For now, it seems that the crockpot will be my new best friend and the kids will have a bit more responsibility making sure the dishes get done each night. Tonight we're having taco soup, a wonderfully simple concoction of beans, tomatoes, corn, ground beef and taco seasoning. Toss it all in the crockpot in the morning and as that one TV guy would say, "fix it and forget it". It allows me the benefit of doing my 5 hours worth of homework without worrying about what to put in the kids bellies.
So, a large portion of my English class is based on journaling and increasing my wpm in free writing. Let me just say that I am so completely happy that I started doing this blog years ago. I have confidence that it has given me a slight edge over my classmates. Which, being one of the older "kids" in class, is a much better feeling than that of being out of touch. One of the other "more experienced" students in my class has expressed many times that she is too old and has forgotten everything. I on the other hand feel like I'm already ahead of my peers and my life experiences have actually prepared me better than my high school ever did. Again, my first diagnostic is on Thursday. We'll see if my confidence bubble is popped then.
If that doesn't do it, surely Math 98 will.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Shear Madness
It's been a busy, busy time. I spent all of last week beating myself up cleaning the house. I spent a lot of time shopping for thrift store treasures such as white sheets, glass jars and other mad scientist-y things. I stayed up late on Friday decorating, baking cakes and more cleaning. On Saturday Morning, (you guessed it) more cleaning, more decorating and more party prep. Kenny kindly took the kids to perform their gymnastics routine at The Sausage Fest in Richland. I heard it was wet, cold and slippery. Kids were sliding around all over the place.
The party went fabulously. Kids had an amazingly fun, crazy time. Party lasted for 3 hours. I'd post awesome pictures but my camera is gone somewhere. Perhaps a happy, heavenly place or more likely buried in a wad of smelly urine soaked clothing under some bed. I saw cameras around, surely I'll get pictures of the party from some anonymous mommy.
We had a gun design contest, an animal design contest, we played with Mentos and Coke and we experimented with dry ice bubbles. Everyone had a great time, parents included.
I had a day to recover. I'm not joking when I say recover. I was incredibly sore the next day. I felt like I had been hit by a train. I'm not sure if it was just the party or the immense amount of cleaning I had done or the combination of both. But, I was super sore and super tired.
Then today was my first day of school. Art 110 and English 101, they both seem like good classes with good teachers. Art seems right up my alley, I may even resurect the back yard foundry that is sitting in the corner of my garage. The english teacher is very politically incorrect and sarcastic, my favorite kind of guy. Hopefully I'll do much better this time around. I'll find out Thursday after my first in class writing diagnostic.
I read the first chapter of my English Text... 'A blog is a place where writers can write down their thoughts freely and share them with others.' :) That's a good sign, right?
The party went fabulously. Kids had an amazingly fun, crazy time. Party lasted for 3 hours. I'd post awesome pictures but my camera is gone somewhere. Perhaps a happy, heavenly place or more likely buried in a wad of smelly urine soaked clothing under some bed. I saw cameras around, surely I'll get pictures of the party from some anonymous mommy.
We had a gun design contest, an animal design contest, we played with Mentos and Coke and we experimented with dry ice bubbles. Everyone had a great time, parents included.
I had a day to recover. I'm not joking when I say recover. I was incredibly sore the next day. I felt like I had been hit by a train. I'm not sure if it was just the party or the immense amount of cleaning I had done or the combination of both. But, I was super sore and super tired.
Then today was my first day of school. Art 110 and English 101, they both seem like good classes with good teachers. Art seems right up my alley, I may even resurect the back yard foundry that is sitting in the corner of my garage. The english teacher is very politically incorrect and sarcastic, my favorite kind of guy. Hopefully I'll do much better this time around. I'll find out Thursday after my first in class writing diagnostic.
I read the first chapter of my English Text... 'A blog is a place where writers can write down their thoughts freely and share them with others.' :) That's a good sign, right?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Mad Scientist Party
We're in the midst of planning for Chloe's mad scientist birthday party. We're collecting parts for a mad scientist gun building competition. I need more tube like things and some radar looking things. I'll be picking up some hot glue guns soon so the kids have some gun adhesive to hold everything together. I'm really excited to see what kind of laser beams and shrink rays they come up with.
Kenny and I built a Van de Graaff generator on Sunday. It worked for a bit but now it doesn't work... we'll need to work on it more this week.
I'm getting jars ready for body part preservation, it should be a great decoration.
I've ordered test tubes, beakers and some Erlenmeyer flasks for evil effects.
My friend Rachel is going thrift store shopping with me Thursday to buy stuffed animals, I plan on dissecting them and building creatures like hippobears and ponymonkeys. They're going to decorate the genetic engineering corner where the kids get to design their own monstrosities.
September birthdays are great for mad scientist parties, all the halloween stores are open now and there is an endless supply of body parts, rats and caution tape.
Ainsley tells me she wanted a mad scientist birthday first and Chloe stole her idea... So I suppose I'll have to keep my eye out after halloween for clearance body parts.
Chloe reminds me everyday how many days are left till her party. I feel the time slipping. I don't even have invites out yet. I was experimenting with invisible inks but I think that I'm just going to type something up instead.
I have to find some hidden motivation to clean, I'm sure it will hit me... I just hope it comes before the night before the party.
Kenny and I built a Van de Graaff generator on Sunday. It worked for a bit but now it doesn't work... we'll need to work on it more this week.
I'm getting jars ready for body part preservation, it should be a great decoration.
I've ordered test tubes, beakers and some Erlenmeyer flasks for evil effects.
My friend Rachel is going thrift store shopping with me Thursday to buy stuffed animals, I plan on dissecting them and building creatures like hippobears and ponymonkeys. They're going to decorate the genetic engineering corner where the kids get to design their own monstrosities.
September birthdays are great for mad scientist parties, all the halloween stores are open now and there is an endless supply of body parts, rats and caution tape.
Ainsley tells me she wanted a mad scientist birthday first and Chloe stole her idea... So I suppose I'll have to keep my eye out after halloween for clearance body parts.
Chloe reminds me everyday how many days are left till her party. I feel the time slipping. I don't even have invites out yet. I was experimenting with invisible inks but I think that I'm just going to type something up instead.
I have to find some hidden motivation to clean, I'm sure it will hit me... I just hope it comes before the night before the party.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Enough Already
So, I know you must be tired of reading about my awesome PAX experience but Kenny and I were watching PAX coverage on G4's XPlay and we saw ourselves
Ya, I'm mostly covered up by the post (especially in this clip) portions of me were visible occasionally. Morgan Webb asked us not to look at the camera so we politely kept on playing Resistance.
Ya, I'm mostly covered up by the post (especially in this clip) portions of me were visible occasionally. Morgan Webb asked us not to look at the camera so we politely kept on playing Resistance.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Geeks and Games
So our PAX experience has come to an end. It was well worth it, it was a blast.
Highlights include seeing/playing not yet released games like Starcraft II, Spore, Rockband II, and WarHammer online. Seeing geek celebrities like Will Wheaton and Felicia Day. And hearing some nerd bands like Jon Coulton, Freeze Pops and The One Ups.
Talks that we made it to, TellTale Games Talk... GuildWars Talk... Spore Talk (probably 3000+ people at the spore talk, it was amazing).
Things we missed... All the board game tournaments, Settlers of Catan, Munchkin and Puerto Rico were ones that we were especially sad we missed. All the Video Game tournaments:P and all the Penny Arcade Talks. The Left 4 Dead booth always had a 2-3 hour line, I really wish I could of seen that game, from what I heard, Valve didn't disappoint.
Things we'll do differently next year: TAKE MORE FRIENDS. Everyone had a herd, except for Kenny and I. We convinced my brother and sister in law to come with us on the last day. But we definitely want to get more people to drive up here with us and party. Plan out talks and tournaments that we attend better. Now that we are aware that every talk involves a line, we can be more prepared to make it to more things. It did feel like this PAX was our intro PAX. There was just so much to take in, it was overwhelming. The sheer amount of people that attended was overwhelming. Every event was packed, every hall and room was used all weekend for all hours of the day. Here's some highlight pictures... I did get some clips of the singers but you could probably google: Jon Coulton PAX 08 concert and get much better samples :) Enjoy
Highlights include seeing/playing not yet released games like Starcraft II, Spore, Rockband II, and WarHammer online. Seeing geek celebrities like Will Wheaton and Felicia Day. And hearing some nerd bands like Jon Coulton, Freeze Pops and The One Ups.
Talks that we made it to, TellTale Games Talk... GuildWars Talk... Spore Talk (probably 3000+ people at the spore talk, it was amazing).
Things we missed... All the board game tournaments, Settlers of Catan, Munchkin and Puerto Rico were ones that we were especially sad we missed. All the Video Game tournaments:P and all the Penny Arcade Talks. The Left 4 Dead booth always had a 2-3 hour line, I really wish I could of seen that game, from what I heard, Valve didn't disappoint.
Things we'll do differently next year: TAKE MORE FRIENDS. Everyone had a herd, except for Kenny and I. We convinced my brother and sister in law to come with us on the last day. But we definitely want to get more people to drive up here with us and party. Plan out talks and tournaments that we attend better. Now that we are aware that every talk involves a line, we can be more prepared to make it to more things. It did feel like this PAX was our intro PAX. There was just so much to take in, it was overwhelming. The sheer amount of people that attended was overwhelming. Every event was packed, every hall and room was used all weekend for all hours of the day. Here's some highlight pictures... I did get some clips of the singers but you could probably google: Jon Coulton PAX 08 concert and get much better samples :) Enjoy
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Voila, Mini Meat Balls
Today was the first day of school. Everyone sprung out of bed before the alarm clock this morning and got ready on their own. The kids have been begging for oatmeal all month, so, I promised a special oatmeal breakfast for the first day of school. That's what we had.
I made a few things ahead of time for lunch this weekend and froze them. Some mini meatballs, some chicken veggie yakisoba and some onigiri (plain and smoked salmon). The girls asked for the meatballs for lunch so that's what I packed along with some yogurt, carrots and a shaped hardboiled egg. Kenny got the Yakisoba, meatballs and salami, cottage cheese and pineapples, and orange sections.
They sure looked good. Anyway, I'm always surprised at how quickly they go together. I think I'm going to make some lasagna rolls to stuff in the freezer today.
I made a few things ahead of time for lunch this weekend and froze them. Some mini meatballs, some chicken veggie yakisoba and some onigiri (plain and smoked salmon). The girls asked for the meatballs for lunch so that's what I packed along with some yogurt, carrots and a shaped hardboiled egg. Kenny got the Yakisoba, meatballs and salami, cottage cheese and pineapples, and orange sections.
They sure looked good. Anyway, I'm always surprised at how quickly they go together. I think I'm going to make some lasagna rolls to stuff in the freezer today.
Monday, August 25, 2008
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Three Little Kittens
The three little kittens
were taken from their momma
and they began to cry
I got a call from Kenny this morning... "I saw a little mound of kittens on the side of the road just up the street from the house"
So, I went to check it out and sure enough a block up the street on the sidewalk was a closely huddled pile of 3 kittens. As soon as I got out of the truck they started to wobble over to me to see what I was up to. With momma no where to be found and the kittens in such an obviously odd place, it was apparent that as soon as these little babies were old enough to not "need" their mother, their family decided to drop them off on the corner.
I scooped them up and brought the babies home in a box. The first thing I did was call my mom and get info on POPPs but soon realized that all the POPPS volunteers were at their day jobs. I had to just leave messages. POPPs is extreamly short on foster homes right now. There have been several "raids" lately of homes with 40+ animals and they're pretty overwhelmed. So, I'm pretty sure I'll be fostering 3 little kittens for a few months.
I needed to feed them, and they're pretty small so I called my vet and they had me come in for a free visit with a tech to get ages and sexes. Two girls and a boy... my kids thought that was just wonderful. The tech figures that they are about 5 to 6 weeks old. Then she said that their bellies were very round which suggested intestinal parasites (worms) and they were missing hair which suggested ringworm (skin fungus). *Heavy sigh* how much for a vet visit, I need to get those things taken care of if they're going to be staying with us. 55.00 per cat! *UGH* I told the tech that that was too much for my act of kindness today. She went and spoke with the vet and they let me take all the kittens in for the price of 1. That I could do.
So, now the little dears have been treated for worms and ear mites and their ringworm medicine is on the way. Luckily they've been in the box so I don't have to decon my house and the kids changed their clothes and washed their hands a million times. But mostly they've been pretty good about not messing with the cats. The vet showed them the "germs" under the special light and I told them if they got the germs, it'd make their hair fall out :). A wrestlers website says to use Selsun Blue shampoo for general washing to prevent the spread of the fungus, I guess wrestlers have to worry about ringworm.
The vet commented on how mild mannered they are. I have to admit they're very sweet, well behaved little ones. No fussing or whining. And they're litter box trained (a very nice surprise for me)
The Dog:
Even though they're quarantined to the downstairs bathroom for the next few weeks, Malcolm knows that they're in there. He's being remarkably calm with them in the house. After the excitement of "kittens in the house" wore off he's just laying around with the rest of the family. Maybe having to have them in the house, but segregated to their own little room is a good way to wean on to having a cat.
So, I think we'll keep one (I had a little trouble with mice earlier this summer, it'd be nice to have a kitty around) But the other two definitely need to be adopted out.
I'll get pictures up soon...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
PAX is Soon!
Getting excited... PAX is soon... can't wait to go to Seattle for a weekend of nerdy fun away from the kids. I'm going to completely geek out to Jon Coulton. Can't wait to see all the new game previews. Are there any booths in particular anyone wants me to visit for them? Anyone wanna come with us and party?
Monday, August 18, 2008
A Week and a Day
Hooray, it's almost time to ship the kids off to school. If anything I just crave a schedule. The hours just seem to drift around when we don't have school to keep track of time. I'm always forgetting what day it is and I usually am in some sort of time vortex, causing me to take the kids to the few appoinments they do have, late.
Having stuff to do, like school or work, really makes getting out of bed a lot easier. It's hell dragging ones self out of bed in the morning without a sense of purpose for the day. Recently, I wake up, sit at the computer and just wait 8 hours for Kenny to get home before doing anything, sounds exciting eh? Pretty soon I'll have to plan lunches, help kids with homework and walk the kids home from school. It'll be nice to have the kids back on a schedule too. They, too, don't really know how to keep busy during the summer. If they had free reign over the place, they'd just sit around and eat all day. They can't wait to see all their friends again, and meet their new teachers.
Anyway, just something like 8 days left and I'm sooo happy!
BTW, Chloe has informed me that she wants a Dr. Horrible birthday party with mad scientist activities and cake. Way to be creative girl, that sounds like a fun party!
Having stuff to do, like school or work, really makes getting out of bed a lot easier. It's hell dragging ones self out of bed in the morning without a sense of purpose for the day. Recently, I wake up, sit at the computer and just wait 8 hours for Kenny to get home before doing anything, sounds exciting eh? Pretty soon I'll have to plan lunches, help kids with homework and walk the kids home from school. It'll be nice to have the kids back on a schedule too. They, too, don't really know how to keep busy during the summer. If they had free reign over the place, they'd just sit around and eat all day. They can't wait to see all their friends again, and meet their new teachers.
Anyway, just something like 8 days left and I'm sooo happy!
BTW, Chloe has informed me that she wants a Dr. Horrible birthday party with mad scientist activities and cake. Way to be creative girl, that sounds like a fun party!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Twitter, Facebook and Blogger, Oh MY!
Have to say, as far a social networks go, old BBS doors were probably my first. Being able to play door games on a local BBS gave me the opportunity to socialize with other local geeks. I could chat with old, fat admins and play games with my friends like LORD.
I tried Orkut long ago, I loved it... but it seemed to hit the US like wildfire. As soon as people logged in tried it, thought it was neat, the fire quickly burned out and no one logged in again. I held on to my account for a while hoping something would spur it back to life. But, alas, only in Brazil does anyone use the (similar to facebook) application.
Guild Wars was a great place to get together with friends and chat it up and catch up on what was going on. And there was a sense of community within our guild and with anyone that wanted to join us. But, people got too busy and at least my gw's community has flat lined.
I started a Blogger page to share and document my life. I love it. Blog posts are great, they should take about five minutes to post, a minute to read and they should give enough insight to be interesting to a reader.
Myspace alluded me for a long time. The hideous pages with flashy, blinky crap all over them did well to keep me away. But, eventually my high school reunion rolled around and I started a myspace page because that's what my class was using to keep track of everyone. You'll be happy to know I deleted my Myspace page.
I have avoided Twitter for a long time as well. I joined finally to see why it's better than a status message on any IM client. Well, it's still a status messenger. But, one reason to use Twitter, would be to read back logs of someones status. I guess it is important to know that someone went to the restroom 4 hours ago or that I was feeling grouchy yesterday afternoon. I think the reason I have enjoyed it is because I can follow "celebrities". I know when Leo Laporte is on StickCam and when Cali Lewis posted a new geekbrief and when Veronica Belmont loses at Settlers of Catan. Granted, they usually just post a link to their blogs... I should just put those links on my home page and check them first.
I also avoided FaceBook for a long time, figuring it was just a cleaner version myspace. When a friend finally showed it to me, it looked more like a bloated twitter page. I started an account at some prodding of friends. I have to say that it is a fun way to waste time. Though with blogger I read all my friends blogs, everyday (even if they don't update). With facebook, I hardly can see the "tweets" and they're mostly very superficial. Other than pictures, most of the personal content is very shallow, with nothing of interest to make me read the microblogs. I enjoy playing the little games... but it's really old school bbs-ish, nothing really new and fantastic.
I've only had it for a day or two, still trying to really figure out the draw to twitter and facebook. I'm sure one day it'll just hit me :)
I tried Orkut long ago, I loved it... but it seemed to hit the US like wildfire. As soon as people logged in tried it, thought it was neat, the fire quickly burned out and no one logged in again. I held on to my account for a while hoping something would spur it back to life. But, alas, only in Brazil does anyone use the (similar to facebook) application.
Guild Wars was a great place to get together with friends and chat it up and catch up on what was going on. And there was a sense of community within our guild and with anyone that wanted to join us. But, people got too busy and at least my gw's community has flat lined.
I started a Blogger page to share and document my life. I love it. Blog posts are great, they should take about five minutes to post, a minute to read and they should give enough insight to be interesting to a reader.
Myspace alluded me for a long time. The hideous pages with flashy, blinky crap all over them did well to keep me away. But, eventually my high school reunion rolled around and I started a myspace page because that's what my class was using to keep track of everyone. You'll be happy to know I deleted my Myspace page.
I have avoided Twitter for a long time as well. I joined finally to see why it's better than a status message on any IM client. Well, it's still a status messenger. But, one reason to use Twitter, would be to read back logs of someones status. I guess it is important to know that someone went to the restroom 4 hours ago or that I was feeling grouchy yesterday afternoon. I think the reason I have enjoyed it is because I can follow "celebrities". I know when Leo Laporte is on StickCam and when Cali Lewis posted a new geekbrief and when Veronica Belmont loses at Settlers of Catan. Granted, they usually just post a link to their blogs... I should just put those links on my home page and check them first.
I also avoided FaceBook for a long time, figuring it was just a cleaner version myspace. When a friend finally showed it to me, it looked more like a bloated twitter page. I started an account at some prodding of friends. I have to say that it is a fun way to waste time. Though with blogger I read all my friends blogs, everyday (even if they don't update). With facebook, I hardly can see the "tweets" and they're mostly very superficial. Other than pictures, most of the personal content is very shallow, with nothing of interest to make me read the microblogs. I enjoy playing the little games... but it's really old school bbs-ish, nothing really new and fantastic.
I've only had it for a day or two, still trying to really figure out the draw to twitter and facebook. I'm sure one day it'll just hit me :)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Strongbad's Wii Debut (Day-Butt as Strongbad would say)
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People finally released for the Wii. Not only is the main game play reminiscent of all the best Sierra Games (look at dirt, "that is the softest dirt I've ever seen, not that I go around all the time studying dirt"), it is also a hodgepodge of some cool old school style arcade shorts.
I found it immensely entertaining and strongly recommend it for any cool and attractive people. It is, you know, Strong Bad. And it cost only 10 bucks from the Wii Store, so I hope you understand that it is NOT like Zelda. But, just to have Strong Bad check his email and discuss beating the snot out of HomeStar is worth the 10 bucks.
Jugga Jigga Wugga
If you like HomeStar Runner check it out!
I found it immensely entertaining and strongly recommend it for any cool and attractive people. It is, you know, Strong Bad. And it cost only 10 bucks from the Wii Store, so I hope you understand that it is NOT like Zelda. But, just to have Strong Bad check his email and discuss beating the snot out of HomeStar is worth the 10 bucks.
Jugga Jigga Wugga
If you like HomeStar Runner check it out!
Monday, August 11, 2008
School Clothes Shopping
So, yesterday was the first time to the Mall for clothes for me since Old Navy opened.
I'm not a shopper... at least I never have enjoyed it. It's an expensive past time, and I'm usually not happy with the clothes available. (Once I was solicited a store card at a dept store. I declined it, "I won't sign up for your card until you go back to normal waist pants." She said, "All of our customers want low rise" I just informed her that I wouldn't be getting their card anytime soon.)
If I go to a department store, which is what I'm used to, I shop in the women's clothing department. I will buy clothes there, because I'm a grown up, and then be frustrated for the next year because the smallest womens sizes drape on me like garbage bags. I'm constantly being asked if I've lost weight. Why else would I wear clothes so much bigger than my size?
On the flip side of this delema If I go shopping in the teen section, I can find pants in my waist size. Hooray. But, for some reason skinny people must all be 6' tall because they always are about 5'' too long. And all the clothes are skanky teen clothes. I was telling my mom yesterday that there is no "in between" anymore. It's either uber conservative and granny style or skanky bimbo.
My super skinny, tiny sister-in-law came to visit awhile back and I noticed that she had super skinny pants, but the cuffs didn't drag on the floor. She said, "American Eagle". I've always assumed that American Eagle was where skanky teens shopped but my SIL made them look nice. They must not be all that bad. I was suprised that most of the shoppers there were adult women and not all of the clothes were skanky :) I came away with a load of new clothes, expensive, but fitting clothes.
All but one pair of pants worked. I'll have to take them back. I got home and tried everything on. These particular pants were crazy low rise (IMO). All low rise pants need a warning label on them... WARNING THESE PANTS MAY CAUSE SEVERE PLUMBERS CRACK!
I did dive into some skank and I picked up a mini skirt. Never owned one before, I figured it'd be fun. Kenny likes it :)
I'm not a shopper... at least I never have enjoyed it. It's an expensive past time, and I'm usually not happy with the clothes available. (Once I was solicited a store card at a dept store. I declined it, "I won't sign up for your card until you go back to normal waist pants." She said, "All of our customers want low rise" I just informed her that I wouldn't be getting their card anytime soon.)
If I go to a department store, which is what I'm used to, I shop in the women's clothing department. I will buy clothes there, because I'm a grown up, and then be frustrated for the next year because the smallest womens sizes drape on me like garbage bags. I'm constantly being asked if I've lost weight. Why else would I wear clothes so much bigger than my size?
On the flip side of this delema If I go shopping in the teen section, I can find pants in my waist size. Hooray. But, for some reason skinny people must all be 6' tall because they always are about 5'' too long. And all the clothes are skanky teen clothes. I was telling my mom yesterday that there is no "in between" anymore. It's either uber conservative and granny style or skanky bimbo.
My super skinny, tiny sister-in-law came to visit awhile back and I noticed that she had super skinny pants, but the cuffs didn't drag on the floor. She said, "American Eagle". I've always assumed that American Eagle was where skanky teens shopped but my SIL made them look nice. They must not be all that bad. I was suprised that most of the shoppers there were adult women and not all of the clothes were skanky :) I came away with a load of new clothes, expensive, but fitting clothes.
All but one pair of pants worked. I'll have to take them back. I got home and tried everything on. These particular pants were crazy low rise (IMO). All low rise pants need a warning label on them... WARNING THESE PANTS MAY CAUSE SEVERE PLUMBERS CRACK!
I did dive into some skank and I picked up a mini skirt. Never owned one before, I figured it'd be fun. Kenny likes it :)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
House Looks Clean, At Least the Parts Guests See
So, the downstairs got clean today (with the exception of the laundry room). We had a little party to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics... While we were at it we tried to watch Dr. Horrible, but it was pretty loud in here. Guests did stop occasionally and say, "Wow, Neil Patrick Harris is singing". If you've not seen it yet, check it out on Hulu. Even with the upstairs a stinky disaster area the house is cleaner than it's been in a long time.
It's 2am and I'm having trouble sleeping. Kenny is out like a light so no fun night time action there. I've made myself a little screwdriver and hope that puts me to sleep. I'm feeling a bit drowsy already.
The opening ceremony was pretty frickin' awesome. I can't imagine that the next country to vi for the Olympics will be able to beat the amount of money and energy spent on this Olympic ceremony. A LED screen floor used to help tell the history of China in dramatic arts was pretty spectacular. And a scrim topping the coliseum was used as a giant movie screen (eat your heart out imax).
Wow, I'm getting the sleepy eyes quickly now. Guess my nighttime cocktail worked.
Anyway, the ceremony was spectacular. Not sure it was worth the ba-gillion commercials the networks showed to help pay for the access to the
Olympics. But it was pretty cool.
Fading quickly... must go to bed before my eyes shut for the night.
Maybe I'll get the kids rooms clean this weekend. It'd be nice to have the house fairly organized before school starts. A purging of junk would be nice. I could stand to toss a lot of crap. (You still up for a yard sale Shayla?) I still have to do some school shopping. I have to make sure Ainsley has some clothes. I already picked up a few jeans for Chloe at Burlington Coat Factory, I think she is set.
I'll have to buy me some school stuff too. It's so exciting. Kenny has been so supportive. It's nice that he has the time to do so. I meet with a counselor on Monday. Hopefully the academic probation won't prevent me from opting out of intro to micro computers. We'll see, I think my options are going to be very limited until I clear that up. So, I know I'll at least be starting out with English 101. I bet my books aren't any good anymore and I'll have to get a new edition of them, doh!
Eyes starting to cross... ttyl.
It's 2am and I'm having trouble sleeping. Kenny is out like a light so no fun night time action there. I've made myself a little screwdriver and hope that puts me to sleep. I'm feeling a bit drowsy already.
The opening ceremony was pretty frickin' awesome. I can't imagine that the next country to vi for the Olympics will be able to beat the amount of money and energy spent on this Olympic ceremony. A LED screen floor used to help tell the history of China in dramatic arts was pretty spectacular. And a scrim topping the coliseum was used as a giant movie screen (eat your heart out imax).
Wow, I'm getting the sleepy eyes quickly now. Guess my nighttime cocktail worked.
Anyway, the ceremony was spectacular. Not sure it was worth the ba-gillion commercials the networks showed to help pay for the access to the
Olympics. But it was pretty cool.
Fading quickly... must go to bed before my eyes shut for the night.
Maybe I'll get the kids rooms clean this weekend. It'd be nice to have the house fairly organized before school starts. A purging of junk would be nice. I could stand to toss a lot of crap. (You still up for a yard sale Shayla?) I still have to do some school shopping. I have to make sure Ainsley has some clothes. I already picked up a few jeans for Chloe at Burlington Coat Factory, I think she is set.
I'll have to buy me some school stuff too. It's so exciting. Kenny has been so supportive. It's nice that he has the time to do so. I meet with a counselor on Monday. Hopefully the academic probation won't prevent me from opting out of intro to micro computers. We'll see, I think my options are going to be very limited until I clear that up. So, I know I'll at least be starting out with English 101. I bet my books aren't any good anymore and I'll have to get a new edition of them, doh!
Eyes starting to cross... ttyl.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Shriveled Up and Weedy
So, My back yard is so neglected. The poor plants are all shriveled up, except for the thriving weeds. The grass is a bit on the dry side but it will survive. The poor garden supplied a few tomatoes a few cucumbers and a carrot here and there, but as far a being a production machine... it's more like a death patch. Even the hardy tomatoes are screaming for a break from the sun.
I'm not sure how to go about improving the quality of "life" back there. It's so exposed to the weather that July/August it's is just miserable for the plants and miserable for me. I was thinking of building a shade structure over the garden... I bet the veggies would be happy, I know I would be. But then I'd have to maintain the shade structure. The garden fence has been a bit of a pain, the lattice panels pop out with any serious wind and I'm too much of a weenie to fix it.
Anyway, I'm just complaining. It's easier than actually doing something to fix the problems. I really hate weather over 75/80 degrees, it really makes doing anything outside suck.
I'm not sure how to go about improving the quality of "life" back there. It's so exposed to the weather that July/August it's is just miserable for the plants and miserable for me. I was thinking of building a shade structure over the garden... I bet the veggies would be happy, I know I would be. But then I'd have to maintain the shade structure. The garden fence has been a bit of a pain, the lattice panels pop out with any serious wind and I'm too much of a weenie to fix it.
Anyway, I'm just complaining. It's easier than actually doing something to fix the problems. I really hate weather over 75/80 degrees, it really makes doing anything outside suck.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Party Time
My house is a disaster... a pit of despair... a trash heap!
That means it's party time. The only good reason I ever have to clean my house. Planned visitors.
So, anyone up for a BBQ? a game night? a Wii party?
That means it's party time. The only good reason I ever have to clean my house. Planned visitors.
So, anyone up for a BBQ? a game night? a Wii party?
Monday, August 04, 2008
Lets Do That Again
I went to the college today and enrolled there so I can start in September. I'm pretty excited, the girls will be in school full day next year and I'll get a chance to get back on a track that I de-railed from 9 years ago.
I meet with an admissions advisor next week to pin down my plans, but I've declared computer science as my degree. It's the only thing that's been constant throughout my life. No matter what I am doing or interested in, I always have had a foot in nerdy computer stuff. I am a diletantte though so decisions like this are always hard.
I am on academic probation, yikes! I guess dropping out of school mid term wasn't such a good idea. That 0 for English 101 really hurt.
I meet with an admissions advisor next week to pin down my plans, but I've declared computer science as my degree. It's the only thing that's been constant throughout my life. No matter what I am doing or interested in, I always have had a foot in nerdy computer stuff. I am a diletantte though so decisions like this are always hard.
I am on academic probation, yikes! I guess dropping out of school mid term wasn't such a good idea. That 0 for English 101 really hurt.
I Swear, I Do Get Sleep
Busy, busy, busy... I knew this week was going to be busy.
I've had two births. Both births were very interesting (from my point of view). One the placenta didn't dislodge on it own, mom was bleeding heavily and the placenta had to be manually removed. Mom had a good birth, baby is healthy and after the placenta was removed and a dose of pictocin was administered the bleeding stopped. The second was a beautiful birth and I have a great story to share.
It's been a year since I started "officially" being a labor support person. I've seen, many peaceful un-touched births. I've helped a mother go all the way through labor and then helped her decide that she needed a cesarean. I convinced a mom she needed an epidural at the beginning of her labor and helped her have a happy birth memory even though it didn't happen the way she wanted it to. At a homebirth, I've seen a 9lb baby with shoulder distocia pulled from a mother (using the gaskins maneuver) not moving and with a 0 apgar and then recesitated by the CNM. I've seen episiotomies and hymenectomies. I've helped mom's deal with uterine flushing and treatment for toxemia. I have seen a few tears one of which was third degree and required transport for a surgeons hand. I have had many students, all of which, have thanked me for the class even when their births didn't go as planned but because they were able to feel like they were a part of their birth experience and not simply something that birth happened to. It's been a very interesting year in my life.
I've had two births. Both births were very interesting (from my point of view). One the placenta didn't dislodge on it own, mom was bleeding heavily and the placenta had to be manually removed. Mom had a good birth, baby is healthy and after the placenta was removed and a dose of pictocin was administered the bleeding stopped. The second was a beautiful birth and I have a great story to share.
I wear many hats. One of a HypnoBirthing Practitioner, one of a Doula and one of a Midwife Assistant. Sometimes all of them blur together, other times they are very separate jobs. I was hired to be a Doula at a home birth attended by the Midwife I work with. It guaranteed mom a constant companion throughout the birth and the Midwife had to hire another assistant.
Mom had latent labor all week long (41wks) and was eager for birth to start but knew that the baby would come on his own time. I got the call while I was out to a movie with my family, her contractions were much stronger and more frequent than they had been all week and she was hopeful that it would be the day. I left the movie and arrived at her house almost immediately after the Midwife had checked her. She was happy to hear that she was 9cm and the baby would be there soon. She was coping well, quietly focused on what her body was doing and smiling between contractions. I prepared the birthing tub for her and she climbed in. She remained quiet and focused during the next hour. She breathed through each contraction and showed no signs of severe discomfort.
She then quietly said, "I think the baby is ready to come now". The Midwife reached down to see if she could feel crowning and I have to say she got all excited, because she did. She asked mom if she could turn on the lights so that dad and "helpers" could see something amazing. Mom was fine and relaxed and agreed. We all looked down and there was the baby's head, already out, and en caul. Mom had one more gentle nudge and breathed the baby out. The Midwife slid the caul off the baby's head and is preserving it for the family to keep. The baby was so happy, alert and bright eyed. Mom was radient, had minimal bleeding and was taking a shower less than 2 hours after the birth.
It's been a year since I started "officially" being a labor support person. I've seen, many peaceful un-touched births. I've helped a mother go all the way through labor and then helped her decide that she needed a cesarean. I convinced a mom she needed an epidural at the beginning of her labor and helped her have a happy birth memory even though it didn't happen the way she wanted it to. At a homebirth, I've seen a 9lb baby with shoulder distocia pulled from a mother (using the gaskins maneuver) not moving and with a 0 apgar and then recesitated by the CNM. I've seen episiotomies and hymenectomies. I've helped mom's deal with uterine flushing and treatment for toxemia. I have seen a few tears one of which was third degree and required transport for a surgeons hand. I have had many students, all of which, have thanked me for the class even when their births didn't go as planned but because they were able to feel like they were a part of their birth experience and not simply something that birth happened to. It's been a very interesting year in my life.
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