The wind is blowing and, despite weather forecasts calling for it to diminish last night (wrong!) or this afternoon (so far, wrong!), I hope it dies down for the trick or treaters tonight. Ashley might get blown away! I think we can dress the kids warmly enough, but the wind.... And, I hope it is dry. Again, all the weather forecasts this AM (at least three radio stations) said it'd be dry today, yet, we've had rain off and on for the past two or more hours.
Karen and I took the kids up to Mott last nigh for the Halloween Party in the fieldhouse. Bopper and Ashley really enjoyed it, the face- and pumpkin- painting, the haunted house, the pizza and doughnuts. It was great seeing all of the kids dressed up, happy, running and smiling. Thanks to the Mott folks, esp the student groups and Public Safety, for putting on such a nice event!
Now, out to figure what costume I'm going to wear as I hand out the treats tonight.....
Saturday, October 31, 2009
????
If there are so many "great schools" (as designated in online Web sites), Blue Ribbon Schools, Exemplary Schools, etc. (go ahead, check them out), why are so many students still unable to write very well or do simple, basic math (you know, like count your change)? Just wondering....
Also, is it legal to make lane changes or turns without signals as long as one is on a cell phone or driving an SUV? Again, just wondering....
I see from an e-mail sent to me by a DC insider that the House health care bill is loaded with hidden "stuff," stuff that who knows who will see among the 1900 pages (and, after all, John Conyers asks who has the time to read all of it, esp without a lawyer). There are provisions that allow members of Congress to sign up for the national health care, er new bill, but don't require them to do so. There are provisions to require all to have health insurance in a few years or to pay a tax. There are provisions for employers to pay extra taxes if their health insurance is other than the national plan. Let's see if anyone is paying attention: one, the members of Congress who don't seem to get that the significant majority of US citizens, a key there "citizens," don't want this and, two, the voters who should take out their frustration, disgust at the polls. I doubt we'll see either. The NFL season is in its middle, while the NBA and NHL have started, not to mention the World Series and college football. Dancing with the Stars is nearing a champion and American Idol will start soon. You know, the really important stuff....
A great guest opinion in the newspaper this AM. Gov Jennie is "a nice lady, but a bad gov." Yep.
And I believe, were she allowed to run again, she'd be re-elected.
Teachers (esp the retired ones!) are taking a lot of flak recently, esp concerning the MI state budget. OK, admittedly, I am a retired teacher, spending almost 40 years in education. Maybe I am biased, but I also have a bit of a different perspective. I also think I am honest here, maybe wrong, but honest. First, I think Brooks Patterson is along the right path with a public employee 401K plan rather than the current retirement. Yeah, Yeah, I know I get that public pension right now, but I played under the rules that were provided me. Second, not all teachers deserve what they get. Oh, there are a lot of good ones out there, more than I sometimes seem willing to admit. They deserve everything they get and maybe more. But there are a lot out there who are a lot worse than people know. They are lazy, have no real degrees, don't know their subjects, have no standards, etc. They don't deserve much at all. The problem is identifying them. It's hard because incompetent, less than courageous administrators can't or won't identify them--partly because they themselves fit the above bleak picture. Third, many teachers in many districts (namely, the one I was in) accepted much lower pay than others to retain the benefits (the retirement pension for one). Give me the six-figure salary that others with my educational background (OK, a much less prominent one) in other industries have received and I wouldn't have needed the pension. What makes this a very difficult issue are two things. One is the number of teachers who aren't very good. Two is the waste that really does go on in schools (and I have cited a number of instances here over the months), waste that nobody wants to believe (after all, "it's for the kids!").
Also, is it legal to make lane changes or turns without signals as long as one is on a cell phone or driving an SUV? Again, just wondering....
I see from an e-mail sent to me by a DC insider that the House health care bill is loaded with hidden "stuff," stuff that who knows who will see among the 1900 pages (and, after all, John Conyers asks who has the time to read all of it, esp without a lawyer). There are provisions that allow members of Congress to sign up for the national health care, er new bill, but don't require them to do so. There are provisions to require all to have health insurance in a few years or to pay a tax. There are provisions for employers to pay extra taxes if their health insurance is other than the national plan. Let's see if anyone is paying attention: one, the members of Congress who don't seem to get that the significant majority of US citizens, a key there "citizens," don't want this and, two, the voters who should take out their frustration, disgust at the polls. I doubt we'll see either. The NFL season is in its middle, while the NBA and NHL have started, not to mention the World Series and college football. Dancing with the Stars is nearing a champion and American Idol will start soon. You know, the really important stuff....
A great guest opinion in the newspaper this AM. Gov Jennie is "a nice lady, but a bad gov." Yep.
And I believe, were she allowed to run again, she'd be re-elected.
Teachers (esp the retired ones!) are taking a lot of flak recently, esp concerning the MI state budget. OK, admittedly, I am a retired teacher, spending almost 40 years in education. Maybe I am biased, but I also have a bit of a different perspective. I also think I am honest here, maybe wrong, but honest. First, I think Brooks Patterson is along the right path with a public employee 401K plan rather than the current retirement. Yeah, Yeah, I know I get that public pension right now, but I played under the rules that were provided me. Second, not all teachers deserve what they get. Oh, there are a lot of good ones out there, more than I sometimes seem willing to admit. They deserve everything they get and maybe more. But there are a lot out there who are a lot worse than people know. They are lazy, have no real degrees, don't know their subjects, have no standards, etc. They don't deserve much at all. The problem is identifying them. It's hard because incompetent, less than courageous administrators can't or won't identify them--partly because they themselves fit the above bleak picture. Third, many teachers in many districts (namely, the one I was in) accepted much lower pay than others to retain the benefits (the retirement pension for one). Give me the six-figure salary that others with my educational background (OK, a much less prominent one) in other industries have received and I wouldn't have needed the pension. What makes this a very difficult issue are two things. One is the number of teachers who aren't very good. Two is the waste that really does go on in schools (and I have cited a number of instances here over the months), waste that nobody wants to believe (after all, "it's for the kids!").
Monday, October 26, 2009
Amherst Thoughts
From one of my Amherst professors, still teaching (since 1958!), William Pritchard:
An AC grad himself, he said, "I was opened up to the imaginative possibilities of argument and of talk and reading. It was an education in extending oneself in various ways." Precisely! Contrast this with the indoctrination, narrowness often found in education today.
Also, "When I read outside of class for an essay or a review, I find, again and again, something that I can use: formulatons or just something new discovered." From my own perspective as a teacher, yes, yes, yes!
"I'm mainly interested in helping students free themselves a bit and open up to a more complicated and refined kind of pleasure than they've perhaps experienced before. '...the grand elementary principle of pleasure by which we know and feel and live and move.'" Of course! Who will remember that the Magna Carta was signed in 1215 (don't ask how I remember!) or what happened in 12th C Africa? Very few, but, well, see the above....
And, my professors didn't employ "magic circles," group work, "icebreakers," or any of that other garbage that passes for educational/teaching methods today. My classes were lecture and seminar, always, always open for discussion. Sometimes I think they were wasted on a youthful me! But, I was "indoctrinated," with a love of learning and inquiry.
I was very fortunate and I thank my lucky stars (and professors) every day.
An AC grad himself, he said, "I was opened up to the imaginative possibilities of argument and of talk and reading. It was an education in extending oneself in various ways." Precisely! Contrast this with the indoctrination, narrowness often found in education today.
Also, "When I read outside of class for an essay or a review, I find, again and again, something that I can use: formulatons or just something new discovered." From my own perspective as a teacher, yes, yes, yes!
"I'm mainly interested in helping students free themselves a bit and open up to a more complicated and refined kind of pleasure than they've perhaps experienced before. '...the grand elementary principle of pleasure by which we know and feel and live and move.'" Of course! Who will remember that the Magna Carta was signed in 1215 (don't ask how I remember!) or what happened in 12th C Africa? Very few, but, well, see the above....
And, my professors didn't employ "magic circles," group work, "icebreakers," or any of that other garbage that passes for educational/teaching methods today. My classes were lecture and seminar, always, always open for discussion. Sometimes I think they were wasted on a youthful me! But, I was "indoctrinated," with a love of learning and inquiry.
I was very fortunate and I thank my lucky stars (and professors) every day.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Life is Good!
The colors of the leaves are nearing their peaks. That's somewhat surprising, since many seemed to change in late August!. This year's colors seem to been heavily gold, yellow, brown, with some reds and oranges. Of course, it might be a bit early. My brother was in Vermont a couple weeks ago and marveled at the colors there--yep, I remember Western Mass.
One night last week, as Ashley was thrashing and kicking while asleep, she burst into a giggle, a long giggle. Still sleeping, she was laughing very hard. I started to giggle a bit myself.
I also had Bopper laughing very hard a few times last week, so hard he had trouble catching his breath. It's good to see him laugh.
The Codester is always laughing, except when he is hungry or I'm not around. He has this devilish grin on his face, getting into something he shouldn't be getting into and then turning around to give me the big grin. That, and when he rests his hand/arm on my shoulder when I hold him...what is it the television commercials say, "priceless."
Reading a novel by Hal Higdon now, Marathon. It's about the final 72 hours before a major megamarathon, a fictional one, although, like many of the characters, thinly disguised. I am drawn to it because of the running link, but also the many plots/subplots and the characters. the characters are easy to id with ties to my own life (and, I suspect, many others' lives). So far, I am enjoying it a great deal.
Where does time go? I think I had one deadline on Fri, missed it. One was moved up from Dec 1 to Nov 1. Another is Oct 30.... Toss in midterms this week, Halloween, a visist from my favorite aunt and uncle this week, whew...do things ever slow?
One night last week, as Ashley was thrashing and kicking while asleep, she burst into a giggle, a long giggle. Still sleeping, she was laughing very hard. I started to giggle a bit myself.
I also had Bopper laughing very hard a few times last week, so hard he had trouble catching his breath. It's good to see him laugh.
The Codester is always laughing, except when he is hungry or I'm not around. He has this devilish grin on his face, getting into something he shouldn't be getting into and then turning around to give me the big grin. That, and when he rests his hand/arm on my shoulder when I hold him...what is it the television commercials say, "priceless."
Reading a novel by Hal Higdon now, Marathon. It's about the final 72 hours before a major megamarathon, a fictional one, although, like many of the characters, thinly disguised. I am drawn to it because of the running link, but also the many plots/subplots and the characters. the characters are easy to id with ties to my own life (and, I suspect, many others' lives). So far, I am enjoying it a great deal.
Where does time go? I think I had one deadline on Fri, missed it. One was moved up from Dec 1 to Nov 1. Another is Oct 30.... Toss in midterms this week, Halloween, a visist from my favorite aunt and uncle this week, whew...do things ever slow?
Friday, October 23, 2009
"You lie!"
It's been weeks since Congressman Joe Wilson's ill-advised outburst to the President's comments at a joint session of Congress. And, in that time, unless I missed it,nobody has debated the substance of Wilson's comments, only that they were disrespectful, rude, etc.
Isn't that just great!?!? It's terrible to be rude, but perfectly fine to lie (esp on a matter like this).
Yet another sign that the Apocalypse is nearly upon us.
Isn't that just great!?!? It's terrible to be rude, but perfectly fine to lie (esp on a matter like this).
Yet another sign that the Apocalypse is nearly upon us.
Fri Musings
Imagine a governor who sits on the sideline through much of a nasty budget crisis, one who wants to be known as "the education governor" (but who has never answered any of my letters and e-mails challenging her perceptions), coming in at the last minute to veto legislation depriving school districts of millions of dollars each. Some of the districts will lose more than $6 million! Go try to run any place with a cut that deep at the last minute. Is it blatantly transparent that this is a so-called "power play" to raise taxes? Is the Dem gov trying to emulate the hated John Engler, who outfoxed the Dems 15 years ago with Proposal A? The WSJ had it right when it surmised the other 49 states should watch Michigan to see how not to govern a state.
Speaking of the media.... How interesting that American newspapers, television, mags, etc. won't publish cartoons some Muslims might find offensive, yet are more than willing to publish info and opinions that give aid and comfort to enemies who kill Americans (soldiers and civilians).
I noted that, of the 83 Michigan counties, all but 5 have unemployment rates of more than 10%. Some cities, Pontiac, Highland Park are over 30% and several others, Flint, Detroit are very close. Yet, in Lansing, it's business as usual, the typical hand-wringing followed by inaction to change the structural faults in state government. I think one of the "structural" faults is the quality of people we keep sending to hold state public offices.
I read with interest a Walter Williams piece this AM. I almost chuckled out loud when he called most of the taxes levied on us "legal thievery." Ha Ha. I have asked for years, "What is it called when someone takes your money without your permission?" Of course, there are valid reasons for taxes, some taxes, far fewer than what are paid now, as Williams notes, too. But the pols have agendas, agendas that cost money. Those pols don't pay for them out of their own pockets, do they? So, they steal others' money, in the name of taxes. (BTW, I wonder how many of the 535 members of Congress live in houses that cost as little as mine???) I know the "community organizer" who now sits in the White House had his suburban Chi house worth more than 10 times mine--hmmm, I wonder why he didn't give more of his money to his "community." Oh, check and see how little, very little, he actually gave to charities, with a family net worth in the millions.
In the same vein, if government can force people to save for retirement (and, after all, what is Social Security? can you opt out of payments?), not to pay taxes for, say, protection, it can eventually force people to pay for other things, insurance, farmers' costs, bailouts of maladministered companies, other people's cars and houses, health insurance...the list is endless. Yet we sit and take it, all of it, smiling because government is going to take care of us. It's taking care of us, all right.
So, the government has been urging "everyone" to get the Swine Flu Shot, but then, because so many are looking to get the shots, there aren't enough to go around. The shots have to be rationed (hmmm, with health care on the legislative table, isn't that a scary thought???). I read that almost half of Americans aren't going to get shots. Well, I wonder why. No, I don't wonder, not at all. More and more people don't trust government, the media. How many times can "wolf!" be cried? Didn't more people die from the early flu shots than from the flu itself, back in the '70s? Then some gov't hack doctor claims the Swine Flu Shots have been tested more than other flu medicines. Hmmm, that's odd, seeing as the Swine Flu just appeared, not years, but months ago. What long-term effects could possibly have been monitored--there hasn't been a long-term????? Can you say "public option?"
From Lynn Cheney's book Telling the Truth (please, no comments about her husband, which seems to be de rigeur for dialogue nowadays: Before one can get "Obama is a bad President..." out of one's mouth, the response is "Yeah, but Bush..." as if Hitler was OK because Mao and Stalin....): "The name-calling and invective that my forays brought down on my head struck me as curious. Why didn't my opponents offer counterarguments to what I had to say? Why didn't they try to show where weak evidence had led mt to false conclusions or where a lack of knowledge had kept me from seeing the truth?" And, later, "...reasoned argument having been rejected as...[a] tool." Talk about nailing the public schools!!!!! She has, right there in a nutshell. Of course, the answer to her questions is "opponents" can't offer counterevidence; they can't debate or engage in contentious dialogue. And, they don't have to...because far too many teachers lack the courage, concern, knowledge to stand up to the idiocies being perpetrated. Too many teachers are like too many citizens--they don't really care.
Oh, I have a headache--not really, but I have a deadline that was just moved from Dec 1 to Nov 1.
Speaking of the media.... How interesting that American newspapers, television, mags, etc. won't publish cartoons some Muslims might find offensive, yet are more than willing to publish info and opinions that give aid and comfort to enemies who kill Americans (soldiers and civilians).
I noted that, of the 83 Michigan counties, all but 5 have unemployment rates of more than 10%. Some cities, Pontiac, Highland Park are over 30% and several others, Flint, Detroit are very close. Yet, in Lansing, it's business as usual, the typical hand-wringing followed by inaction to change the structural faults in state government. I think one of the "structural" faults is the quality of people we keep sending to hold state public offices.
I read with interest a Walter Williams piece this AM. I almost chuckled out loud when he called most of the taxes levied on us "legal thievery." Ha Ha. I have asked for years, "What is it called when someone takes your money without your permission?" Of course, there are valid reasons for taxes, some taxes, far fewer than what are paid now, as Williams notes, too. But the pols have agendas, agendas that cost money. Those pols don't pay for them out of their own pockets, do they? So, they steal others' money, in the name of taxes. (BTW, I wonder how many of the 535 members of Congress live in houses that cost as little as mine???) I know the "community organizer" who now sits in the White House had his suburban Chi house worth more than 10 times mine--hmmm, I wonder why he didn't give more of his money to his "community." Oh, check and see how little, very little, he actually gave to charities, with a family net worth in the millions.
In the same vein, if government can force people to save for retirement (and, after all, what is Social Security? can you opt out of payments?), not to pay taxes for, say, protection, it can eventually force people to pay for other things, insurance, farmers' costs, bailouts of maladministered companies, other people's cars and houses, health insurance...the list is endless. Yet we sit and take it, all of it, smiling because government is going to take care of us. It's taking care of us, all right.
So, the government has been urging "everyone" to get the Swine Flu Shot, but then, because so many are looking to get the shots, there aren't enough to go around. The shots have to be rationed (hmmm, with health care on the legislative table, isn't that a scary thought???). I read that almost half of Americans aren't going to get shots. Well, I wonder why. No, I don't wonder, not at all. More and more people don't trust government, the media. How many times can "wolf!" be cried? Didn't more people die from the early flu shots than from the flu itself, back in the '70s? Then some gov't hack doctor claims the Swine Flu Shots have been tested more than other flu medicines. Hmmm, that's odd, seeing as the Swine Flu just appeared, not years, but months ago. What long-term effects could possibly have been monitored--there hasn't been a long-term????? Can you say "public option?"
From Lynn Cheney's book Telling the Truth (please, no comments about her husband, which seems to be de rigeur for dialogue nowadays: Before one can get "Obama is a bad President..." out of one's mouth, the response is "Yeah, but Bush..." as if Hitler was OK because Mao and Stalin....): "The name-calling and invective that my forays brought down on my head struck me as curious. Why didn't my opponents offer counterarguments to what I had to say? Why didn't they try to show where weak evidence had led mt to false conclusions or where a lack of knowledge had kept me from seeing the truth?" And, later, "...reasoned argument having been rejected as...[a] tool." Talk about nailing the public schools!!!!! She has, right there in a nutshell. Of course, the answer to her questions is "opponents" can't offer counterevidence; they can't debate or engage in contentious dialogue. And, they don't have to...because far too many teachers lack the courage, concern, knowledge to stand up to the idiocies being perpetrated. Too many teachers are like too many citizens--they don't really care.
Oh, I have a headache--not really, but I have a deadline that was just moved from Dec 1 to Nov 1.
Appreciation
I know I took most of my college professors, esp at AC, for granted. I think once I started teaching myself, I did recognize the good grad school professors--and the bad ones. Particularly over the years, I have come to realize I had just outstanding teachers in college. They knew their material and knew how to present it (mostly lecture and seminar, but always engaging). They also were wonderful at devising questions, the art of inquiry. I have come to admire that, especially.
What brought this to mind (well, it's never far from my mind, but more so than normal) is the high regard I have for my current (let me emphasize current) colleagues, esp at Mott. The adjuncts/part-timers are knowledgable and enthusiastic. The two full-timers really know their stuff, how to present it, and really enjoy what they are doing (hey, I said that above!). Their enthusiasm is openly evident and, with students, I hope, contagious. I hope the students at Mott realize how lucky they are to have these instructors. If they pay attention, do their work, they can learn a lot.
What brought this to mind (well, it's never far from my mind, but more so than normal) is the high regard I have for my current (let me emphasize current) colleagues, esp at Mott. The adjuncts/part-timers are knowledgable and enthusiastic. The two full-timers really know their stuff, how to present it, and really enjoy what they are doing (hey, I said that above!). Their enthusiasm is openly evident and, with students, I hope, contagious. I hope the students at Mott realize how lucky they are to have these instructors. If they pay attention, do their work, they can learn a lot.
Cringing
I visibly cringed listening to a school superintendent on the radio say, "I'm doing good." Maybe I overreact, but it's like fingernails on a blackboard to my ears. Like I've maintained, not real college degrees....
And the fiasco at UM.... I read an article this AM about a rift, not real deep yet, but deepening, over the current fb coach and past/tradition. Apparently, what matters to most UM fans, former players, etc. is winning. I was somewhat heartened, but only somewhat, to read one or two former players talk about "the right way." I fear UM, for all of its arrogance, is becoming one with the other college programs.
BTW, doing things "the right way," the Jeffs go into this week's Little Three game with Wesleyan at 5-0. If I get back from Bopper's game in time, I will watch the Web cast. It really is very amazing that, with ratings in the top three liberal arts colleges nationally, year after year, AC (and, I must begrudgingly admit, Williams!) has such successful athletic teams. Football has fallen a bit over the past few decades, but not much. But basketball has a national championship with several other final four appearances, and hockey, wrestling, soccer, etc., both men's and women's teams, have earned national honors. And baseball is as good a program, over the years, as any. Cool. I am proud and very humbled by all of this.
And the fiasco at UM.... I read an article this AM about a rift, not real deep yet, but deepening, over the current fb coach and past/tradition. Apparently, what matters to most UM fans, former players, etc. is winning. I was somewhat heartened, but only somewhat, to read one or two former players talk about "the right way." I fear UM, for all of its arrogance, is becoming one with the other college programs.
BTW, doing things "the right way," the Jeffs go into this week's Little Three game with Wesleyan at 5-0. If I get back from Bopper's game in time, I will watch the Web cast. It really is very amazing that, with ratings in the top three liberal arts colleges nationally, year after year, AC (and, I must begrudgingly admit, Williams!) has such successful athletic teams. Football has fallen a bit over the past few decades, but not much. But basketball has a national championship with several other final four appearances, and hockey, wrestling, soccer, etc., both men's and women's teams, have earned national honors. And baseball is as good a program, over the years, as any. Cool. I am proud and very humbled by all of this.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Death Penalty Offenses
I know the arguments for and against capital punishment. I am swayed by them, on both sides. Where I am convinced, however, are the many recent sexual attacks and murders against children. I don't want to hear about these molesters'/murderers' problems--their home lives, their own molestations when they were younger, etc. What I want is for them to be executed. Torture is sometimes in my mind, too.
And don't give me that garbage about "If the state kills them, it will be just like the murderers." Oh, give me a break! There's a world of difference and, if it can't be seen, then we have no discussion. There are arguments, reasonable ones, against the death penalty. This isn't one of them.
But to attack kids...I have no compassion, none.
And don't give me that garbage about "If the state kills them, it will be just like the murderers." Oh, give me a break! There's a world of difference and, if it can't be seen, then we have no discussion. There are arguments, reasonable ones, against the death penalty. This isn't one of them.
But to attack kids...I have no compassion, none.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Free Press
Three runners died in the Free Press Half, not Full, Marathon. Two fell at just about the same place. One may have died from hitting his head on the pavement after falling. But, that is speculation awaiting autopsy results.
The naysayers have already started, the "dangers" of running, etc. One national blog has already encouraged comments with "Have Marathons Become More Dangerous?"
Of course they have. First, more people are running them. That inevitably increases the odds of people with health problems, hidden and otherwise, participating. Second, more people are running them without training properly. Some run them for charities (and I'm not at all criticizing that). Some run them because it's trendy. Some do not recognized the need for proper training. In a way, I suspect, the question is why more people don't have problems or die.
It's a long way to run, a real long way. The body is taxed, likely in ways it was not meant to be taxed. Certainly that's the case for most late 20th and early 21st Century bodies. The schools, in their typically Neanderthal reasoning, have increasingly ignored the importance of physical education. To wit, what is one of the first things to get the ziggy in the budget crunches? Activities for the youth of today more often include the boob tube, video games, etc., not out running through the neighborhood. Have you noticed the impromptu football, basketball, baseball, street hockey, etc. games in your neighborhood? I haven't either. Instead of having their kids mow the lawn, shovel the walks, etc., parents now have tractors and snow blowers (with their infernal noise!) or hire out the work to landscape contractors. And I'm as guilty as the next in not really watching what I eat. To me, a Double Stack at Wendy's is a needed treat once a week or so. How about that bowl of Oreos covered with milk? Raw cookie dough anyone?
Running and other more strenuous exercises aren't just for physical health. There are multitudes of reasons for them. (Check my recent online articles and blog.) There are mental aspects, social reasons, love of the outdoors, the quiet and solitude, the physical challenges and the competition (as distinct from the physical health aspects), and more. And, remember, the overwhelming evidence is that, despite the tragic episodes like yesterday, exercise like running is very, very beneficial. It helps not only the longevity of life, but its quality.
So, before we jump to any conclusions, let's wait for the autopsies. Condolences for the families, who must have been doubly shocked by the ironic circumstances of deaths during such healthy endeavors.
The naysayers have already started, the "dangers" of running, etc. One national blog has already encouraged comments with "Have Marathons Become More Dangerous?"
Of course they have. First, more people are running them. That inevitably increases the odds of people with health problems, hidden and otherwise, participating. Second, more people are running them without training properly. Some run them for charities (and I'm not at all criticizing that). Some run them because it's trendy. Some do not recognized the need for proper training. In a way, I suspect, the question is why more people don't have problems or die.
It's a long way to run, a real long way. The body is taxed, likely in ways it was not meant to be taxed. Certainly that's the case for most late 20th and early 21st Century bodies. The schools, in their typically Neanderthal reasoning, have increasingly ignored the importance of physical education. To wit, what is one of the first things to get the ziggy in the budget crunches? Activities for the youth of today more often include the boob tube, video games, etc., not out running through the neighborhood. Have you noticed the impromptu football, basketball, baseball, street hockey, etc. games in your neighborhood? I haven't either. Instead of having their kids mow the lawn, shovel the walks, etc., parents now have tractors and snow blowers (with their infernal noise!) or hire out the work to landscape contractors. And I'm as guilty as the next in not really watching what I eat. To me, a Double Stack at Wendy's is a needed treat once a week or so. How about that bowl of Oreos covered with milk? Raw cookie dough anyone?
Running and other more strenuous exercises aren't just for physical health. There are multitudes of reasons for them. (Check my recent online articles and blog.) There are mental aspects, social reasons, love of the outdoors, the quiet and solitude, the physical challenges and the competition (as distinct from the physical health aspects), and more. And, remember, the overwhelming evidence is that, despite the tragic episodes like yesterday, exercise like running is very, very beneficial. It helps not only the longevity of life, but its quality.
So, before we jump to any conclusions, let's wait for the autopsies. Condolences for the families, who must have been doubly shocked by the ironic circumstances of deaths during such healthy endeavors.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
More to Consider
Before we rush to judgment about the government doing any more for us, here is yet another thing to consider.
A 6-year old kid brought his Cub Scout fork, spoon, and knife set to school. He was probably all excited about eating his lunch. Instead, he was expelled, although I understand that is being reviewed and, I hope, rescinded. First, what is this "zero tolerance policy?" C'mon, can't common sense be the policy????? Second, all things considered, what are the odds of this kid doing any damage? Yeah, Yeah...it only takes once. Well, if that's so, why do we continue to allow 16- and 17-year olds to drive? They are, beyond question, those most like to have and to cause auto accidents and, after all, it only takes once. Third, unless these Cub Scout gadgets have changed a great deal from when I was a kid, the damage this kid might have done could also have been done with a pen or pencil, the safety scissors, etc.
Just like the Michigan mom who was threatened with prosecution for watching her neighbors' kids for an hour until they caught the school bus...she wasn't a licensed day care provider, seriously!....
This is government run amok!!!! We'd better be careful. Federally-run health care????
Once we let the genie out of the bottle.... Perhaps we already have????
A 6-year old kid brought his Cub Scout fork, spoon, and knife set to school. He was probably all excited about eating his lunch. Instead, he was expelled, although I understand that is being reviewed and, I hope, rescinded. First, what is this "zero tolerance policy?" C'mon, can't common sense be the policy????? Second, all things considered, what are the odds of this kid doing any damage? Yeah, Yeah...it only takes once. Well, if that's so, why do we continue to allow 16- and 17-year olds to drive? They are, beyond question, those most like to have and to cause auto accidents and, after all, it only takes once. Third, unless these Cub Scout gadgets have changed a great deal from when I was a kid, the damage this kid might have done could also have been done with a pen or pencil, the safety scissors, etc.
Just like the Michigan mom who was threatened with prosecution for watching her neighbors' kids for an hour until they caught the school bus...she wasn't a licensed day care provider, seriously!....
This is government run amok!!!! We'd better be careful. Federally-run health care????
Once we let the genie out of the bottle.... Perhaps we already have????
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"good?"
IN the newspaper yesterday, "The Lions played hard and good...." and "good-intentioned." Hmmmm.
Monday, October 12, 2009
????
Sometimes I question my own beliefs, opinions, esp in the face of contrary ones. I am often left to wonder if I am wrong or if other people are seriously naive. But, although successful diplomacy is certainly preferable to war (of course, we may differ on "successful"), for some people, "war is the answer." (See my earlier blog, last week I think.) Do some people not at all recognize there are some not-very-nice other people out there? Who do they think strap bombs on their kids? Who do they think beat women for having a beer? Who do they think put prices on the heads of certain authors? And so on.... How does one negotiate with these kinds of people? How does one take their words seriously?
I also wonder how some people live. That is, they are free to spout off whatever they want. They are able to take advantage of the weath of this nation to pursue whatever interests they want. Yet, they continually badmouth the US. Should we become like other countries? Of course we should strive for "a more perfect Union." But tearing down the rights and the wealth of the US isn't the way to become "more perfect." That is, unless Zimbabwe, the Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Red China are the models of perfection. How can these people live like they do, taking full advantage of what is here, then, well...then do and say what they do and say?
I've blogged about dishonest people before and I think also hypocrites. Again, it's easy to voice an opinion in a country that allows dissent. It's easy to rant and rave about the worse plight of others on the globe--but why don't these people give up their own creature comforts and donate all of the rest to the others on the globe? Can't one live in a $40,000 house, drive a clunker, take no vacations, etc. and then give $50K or more to others? Well, why not?
Isn't it great that those who take their ideas from Michael Moore rip on those who get their ideas from Glen Beck--and vice versa? While we stress passing the state-wide tests in the schools, we are failing to educate our future citizenry if this is what we've taken as our intellectual matter.
Interesting how a liberal columnist last week wrote about the "violence" of the right protests recently. Hmmmm. Maybe there was a bit, but compared to what--the Vietnam protests, for instance?
Walter Williams made just a great point in his column this AM. He wrote of the hundreds of millions of people who have been killed by nations that allowed the centralization of power in the 20th C. It's worth reading.
I also wonder how some people live. That is, they are free to spout off whatever they want. They are able to take advantage of the weath of this nation to pursue whatever interests they want. Yet, they continually badmouth the US. Should we become like other countries? Of course we should strive for "a more perfect Union." But tearing down the rights and the wealth of the US isn't the way to become "more perfect." That is, unless Zimbabwe, the Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Red China are the models of perfection. How can these people live like they do, taking full advantage of what is here, then, well...then do and say what they do and say?
I've blogged about dishonest people before and I think also hypocrites. Again, it's easy to voice an opinion in a country that allows dissent. It's easy to rant and rave about the worse plight of others on the globe--but why don't these people give up their own creature comforts and donate all of the rest to the others on the globe? Can't one live in a $40,000 house, drive a clunker, take no vacations, etc. and then give $50K or more to others? Well, why not?
Isn't it great that those who take their ideas from Michael Moore rip on those who get their ideas from Glen Beck--and vice versa? While we stress passing the state-wide tests in the schools, we are failing to educate our future citizenry if this is what we've taken as our intellectual matter.
Interesting how a liberal columnist last week wrote about the "violence" of the right protests recently. Hmmmm. Maybe there was a bit, but compared to what--the Vietnam protests, for instance?
Walter Williams made just a great point in his column this AM. He wrote of the hundreds of millions of people who have been killed by nations that allowed the centralization of power in the 20th C. It's worth reading.
The Apolcalypse
Yet another sure sign that the Apocalypse is nearly upon us:
A Facebook comment actually referred to Michael Moore's new movie, saying, "...that about says it all." So, Michael Moore is now the authority to which the dialogue stoops? Do people really believe what his movies portray? Do they really? (Yes, they do, as I know a couple who have continually referred to the Columbine and Cuban health movies to bolster their arguments.)
First, don't they see the hypocrisy? It's not hard to find. Second, don't they read the numerous newspaper articles (hardly "the vast right-wing conspiracy") that list his lies, er, mistakes. I know, I know--"But Bush...."
That and in this AM's newspaper, "The Lions played hard and good...."
A Facebook comment actually referred to Michael Moore's new movie, saying, "...that about says it all." So, Michael Moore is now the authority to which the dialogue stoops? Do people really believe what his movies portray? Do they really? (Yes, they do, as I know a couple who have continually referred to the Columbine and Cuban health movies to bolster their arguments.)
First, don't they see the hypocrisy? It's not hard to find. Second, don't they read the numerous newspaper articles (hardly "the vast right-wing conspiracy") that list his lies, er, mistakes. I know, I know--"But Bush...."
That and in this AM's newspaper, "The Lions played hard and good...."
Thoughts on an NFL Afternoon
Bopper had a chance to play at halftime of the Lions' game at Ford Field. It was in front of the "announced" sellout. His team, and the other, each had 8 plays to run, but I think the number was actually 14. Kids kept getting shuttled in and out so all could play about the same number of plays. He made a tackle for a loss! I don't know if he liked playing or the "tailgate" more? And he enjoyed the game because he is a Steelers' fan--or so he says. He was excited and that was nice.
Driving down the Lodge, I set the cruise at 70 the whole way from about 9 Mile to Bagley. I know, I know, the speed limit is 55, but that is the point. I passed, that whole way, five cars, one of which kept leap-frogging with me. This doesn't include the cars on the entrance ramps. The number who passed me? Had to be a couple hundred, if not more. Hmmmm.
The Old Michigan Theater bldg, now a parking structure of three stories, was the venue for the tailgate. Most of the parking spots were occupied. The kids enjoyed it. I was surprised at how many were interested in the "history" of the theater and the surrounding area. I started telling Bopper about the theater, pointing out the stage/screen area, the balcony that remained, the projection booth, loges, etc. He noticed the deco decor. He didn't run away from the "history lecture." Instead, over came another kid, then another, finally about half a dozen or so. Someone asked me what I was saying to them. That was pretty cool, too, that they were interested in the past, asking questions, while looking at the former theater. In a way, it was a shame, though, to think of the great past Detroit had while looking at the present.
I had never been to Ford Field, likely won't return except perhaps for something like this. It was a nice enough stadium. Prices were, of course, outrageous. I suppose our legislators never thought about the gouging when they gave tax money to pay for it. Nope, bet they never did. We were about a dozen rows from the very top. But, as my sister-in-law said, "Hey, you only paid $55 a ticket!" How silly of me. I know it was a "sellout," but from my visual calculations, there were about 5- to 7,000 not in attendance, that is, empty seats. I think a conservative estimate would put the Steelers'-Lions' fans at 50-50. I guess that's pretty pathetic. Some Steelers' fans behind us said they were the reason the Bengals' game a couple weeks ago was also a "sellout."
$55 a ticket? OK, I didn't mind paying for Karen's and mine. But the Lions made the kids and the coaches also buy tickets. In fact, I think they required a package of 200 tix to be sold in order for the kids to play. The cheap b*#@*#@! I don't mind profits, but this irks me. Too bad for the players, because I know they work pretty hard and played pretty hard yesterday, but I hope they lose all of their games. They can make all the money they can, but, except for special things like yesterday, they won't get mine--unless the legislators give away more of our money.
I wonder about those people who get all dressed up, not "dressed up" like in nice clothes, but faces painted, masks, etc. I think it's a bit silly to have those high-priced Lion (and Steeler) jerseys, but that's a personal thing, I guess. But adults painting their faces, wearing Lion costumes, with masks and helmets, etc.? I wonder how they are received at work this AM????
Also, for a while I thought I walked into a commercial and a football game broke out. It took forever to play the game. During the interminable breaks, players just mingled on the field, waiting. How many of them are those? Again, it must be the money and, again, they can do what they want, but I don't have to watch. The absurd happened when a Steeler dropped a pass and then, in frustration, kicked the ball. The official threw a flag for, get this, "DELAY OF GAME!" I roared--after all those time-out breaks and this guy gets a flag for another 5 seconds of delay. Also, do people really have that short of an attention span? Or what other reason is there for all the silly music being played? the big screen? How about singing the fight song after a score that puts you down 28-13?
I think the NFL is going to continue doing without me. And I'm sure that won't change things a bit.
Driving down the Lodge, I set the cruise at 70 the whole way from about 9 Mile to Bagley. I know, I know, the speed limit is 55, but that is the point. I passed, that whole way, five cars, one of which kept leap-frogging with me. This doesn't include the cars on the entrance ramps. The number who passed me? Had to be a couple hundred, if not more. Hmmmm.
The Old Michigan Theater bldg, now a parking structure of three stories, was the venue for the tailgate. Most of the parking spots were occupied. The kids enjoyed it. I was surprised at how many were interested in the "history" of the theater and the surrounding area. I started telling Bopper about the theater, pointing out the stage/screen area, the balcony that remained, the projection booth, loges, etc. He noticed the deco decor. He didn't run away from the "history lecture." Instead, over came another kid, then another, finally about half a dozen or so. Someone asked me what I was saying to them. That was pretty cool, too, that they were interested in the past, asking questions, while looking at the former theater. In a way, it was a shame, though, to think of the great past Detroit had while looking at the present.
I had never been to Ford Field, likely won't return except perhaps for something like this. It was a nice enough stadium. Prices were, of course, outrageous. I suppose our legislators never thought about the gouging when they gave tax money to pay for it. Nope, bet they never did. We were about a dozen rows from the very top. But, as my sister-in-law said, "Hey, you only paid $55 a ticket!" How silly of me. I know it was a "sellout," but from my visual calculations, there were about 5- to 7,000 not in attendance, that is, empty seats. I think a conservative estimate would put the Steelers'-Lions' fans at 50-50. I guess that's pretty pathetic. Some Steelers' fans behind us said they were the reason the Bengals' game a couple weeks ago was also a "sellout."
$55 a ticket? OK, I didn't mind paying for Karen's and mine. But the Lions made the kids and the coaches also buy tickets. In fact, I think they required a package of 200 tix to be sold in order for the kids to play. The cheap b*#@*#@! I don't mind profits, but this irks me. Too bad for the players, because I know they work pretty hard and played pretty hard yesterday, but I hope they lose all of their games. They can make all the money they can, but, except for special things like yesterday, they won't get mine--unless the legislators give away more of our money.
I wonder about those people who get all dressed up, not "dressed up" like in nice clothes, but faces painted, masks, etc. I think it's a bit silly to have those high-priced Lion (and Steeler) jerseys, but that's a personal thing, I guess. But adults painting their faces, wearing Lion costumes, with masks and helmets, etc.? I wonder how they are received at work this AM????
Also, for a while I thought I walked into a commercial and a football game broke out. It took forever to play the game. During the interminable breaks, players just mingled on the field, waiting. How many of them are those? Again, it must be the money and, again, they can do what they want, but I don't have to watch. The absurd happened when a Steeler dropped a pass and then, in frustration, kicked the ball. The official threw a flag for, get this, "DELAY OF GAME!" I roared--after all those time-out breaks and this guy gets a flag for another 5 seconds of delay. Also, do people really have that short of an attention span? Or what other reason is there for all the silly music being played? the big screen? How about singing the fight song after a score that puts you down 28-13?
I think the NFL is going to continue doing without me. And I'm sure that won't change things a bit.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Diplomacy?
I responded to a Facebook comment cheering BO's Nobel. One person replied something about war is only good for making the rich people richer and that diplomacy (apparently BO's forte) was preferable to war. Well, of course it is. Only fools would argue otherwise. Were it so simple.
The US Civil War was one of the nastiest conflicts. Bobby Lee said something about it's good that war is so horrible lest we grow too fond of it. Wm T. Sherman echoed that with "war is hell." (He didn't really say that in so many words, but it's close.) I don't know anyone who wants war. Yet, sometimes it can't be avoided.
First, this person/these people apparently don't realize that there are some not very nice people in the world. There always have been and always will be. To them, killing other people to get what they want isn't at all a problem. They'll do it. War is the answer.
Second, not all people and cultures deserve respect and acceptance. (How many times to I have to write that????) Yasir ("That's My Baby") Arafat won the Nobel, but how many lives is he responsible for? Should we "respect and accept" Yasir, despite the willingness he had to let others (certainly not him!) die? How much good did diplomacy (and the Nobel) do the Israelis as 12,000 rockets, fired from civilian launches, were fired into civilian areas? As the PLO was negotiating, the rockets flew. And when the Israelis respond in kind, taking out the rocket launchers in civilian areas, the "diplomats" are up in arms. The PLO continues to use diplomacy while launching these attacks; diplomacy is a cover. And the world buys it, just like it bought Chamberlain at Munich (he and Daladier were very popular, for a few months!).
Third, it's easy for us to say "war is not the answer." Let's let diplomacy work. OK, how long do we give it? Forever? How easy was it for the Poles, the Czechs, the Jews, the Belgians...to say that? How many Iraqi lives were lost in the war? How many Iraqi lives were spared because Sadaam wasn't there to murder them? (30,000 a year or more for almost three decades! And should we mention those raped, beaten, tortured?) Of course, slavery would have died out in the US eventually--10 or 20 or 30 or more years, no doubt. Was it worth losing 650,000 lives? I wonder what those who were emancipated, freed from the bondage of slavery would think about 10 or 20 or 30 or more years of slavery for themselves, their children, their grandchildren.
Fourth, is that the only reason to fight wars, so the rich can get richer? (To this replier's credit, she didn't say, "But Bush....") Yep, some people prosper from war. Some people prosper from war in ways other than economic--perhaps being liberated, keeping their freedom, etc.
Would have been better to continue to use diplomacy (that is, appease) Hitler than have WW2? Consider the lives that might have been saved. But also consider how you would have liked living under the thumb of Hitler. Would you have wanted a war to get rid of him?
The US Civil War was one of the nastiest conflicts. Bobby Lee said something about it's good that war is so horrible lest we grow too fond of it. Wm T. Sherman echoed that with "war is hell." (He didn't really say that in so many words, but it's close.) I don't know anyone who wants war. Yet, sometimes it can't be avoided.
First, this person/these people apparently don't realize that there are some not very nice people in the world. There always have been and always will be. To them, killing other people to get what they want isn't at all a problem. They'll do it. War is the answer.
Second, not all people and cultures deserve respect and acceptance. (How many times to I have to write that????) Yasir ("That's My Baby") Arafat won the Nobel, but how many lives is he responsible for? Should we "respect and accept" Yasir, despite the willingness he had to let others (certainly not him!) die? How much good did diplomacy (and the Nobel) do the Israelis as 12,000 rockets, fired from civilian launches, were fired into civilian areas? As the PLO was negotiating, the rockets flew. And when the Israelis respond in kind, taking out the rocket launchers in civilian areas, the "diplomats" are up in arms. The PLO continues to use diplomacy while launching these attacks; diplomacy is a cover. And the world buys it, just like it bought Chamberlain at Munich (he and Daladier were very popular, for a few months!).
Third, it's easy for us to say "war is not the answer." Let's let diplomacy work. OK, how long do we give it? Forever? How easy was it for the Poles, the Czechs, the Jews, the Belgians...to say that? How many Iraqi lives were lost in the war? How many Iraqi lives were spared because Sadaam wasn't there to murder them? (30,000 a year or more for almost three decades! And should we mention those raped, beaten, tortured?) Of course, slavery would have died out in the US eventually--10 or 20 or 30 or more years, no doubt. Was it worth losing 650,000 lives? I wonder what those who were emancipated, freed from the bondage of slavery would think about 10 or 20 or 30 or more years of slavery for themselves, their children, their grandchildren.
Fourth, is that the only reason to fight wars, so the rich can get richer? (To this replier's credit, she didn't say, "But Bush....") Yep, some people prosper from war. Some people prosper from war in ways other than economic--perhaps being liberated, keeping their freedom, etc.
Would have been better to continue to use diplomacy (that is, appease) Hitler than have WW2? Consider the lives that might have been saved. But also consider how you would have liked living under the thumb of Hitler. Would you have wanted a war to get rid of him?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Suspension/Shame
I guess we see where morality lies in professional sports and entertainment--yet again. And, apparently, most people go right along with all of this immorality.
The Tigers had an opportunity to send an important message to the rest of the country last weekend, but opted not to do so. Instead of suspending a player who should have been suspended for his conduct, esp in the heat of a pennant race, the Tigers played him in hopes of winning.
They didn't and perhaps poetic justice was served.
I would say shame on the Tigers' management, but I realize there is no such thing as shame out there.
Note this late night TV character. Now, I just heard this on the radio. I don't watch his show because I don't find him at all funny. So.... He has an affair, under circumstances that might well be akin to harassment (but not all parties have spoken up yet)--what is it called nowadays, according to the feminists, when a person in a subordinate position has sex with one with authority over that person? Hmmmm. Where is the feminist outcry? Ah, more hypocrisy, a la Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, et al. So, this guy makes some apology on air (boy, that'll boost ratings!) and, when he comes on stage the next time, he gets a standing ovation from the crowd. It would certainly serve everyone in that crowd just right if they came home one day to find their spouses had been having affairs. I really bet they'd have an ovation for that, too. Then, the late night character makes jokes about it in his monologue, with the crowd, the Neanderthals, laughing. I bet they'd really laugh if they discovered their own spouses having affairs! It's hilarious! Again, maybe they should feel the pain before they react so ignorantly. And, where are the cries from women for advertisers to boycott his show? Of course I know where they are. He wasn't sorry he had the affair(s)--or else he would have been the first to acknowledge it (them), right? He was sorry he was caught!
Yet more signs that the Apocalypse is nearly upon us!
The Tigers had an opportunity to send an important message to the rest of the country last weekend, but opted not to do so. Instead of suspending a player who should have been suspended for his conduct, esp in the heat of a pennant race, the Tigers played him in hopes of winning.
They didn't and perhaps poetic justice was served.
I would say shame on the Tigers' management, but I realize there is no such thing as shame out there.
Note this late night TV character. Now, I just heard this on the radio. I don't watch his show because I don't find him at all funny. So.... He has an affair, under circumstances that might well be akin to harassment (but not all parties have spoken up yet)--what is it called nowadays, according to the feminists, when a person in a subordinate position has sex with one with authority over that person? Hmmmm. Where is the feminist outcry? Ah, more hypocrisy, a la Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, et al. So, this guy makes some apology on air (boy, that'll boost ratings!) and, when he comes on stage the next time, he gets a standing ovation from the crowd. It would certainly serve everyone in that crowd just right if they came home one day to find their spouses had been having affairs. I really bet they'd have an ovation for that, too. Then, the late night character makes jokes about it in his monologue, with the crowd, the Neanderthals, laughing. I bet they'd really laugh if they discovered their own spouses having affairs! It's hilarious! Again, maybe they should feel the pain before they react so ignorantly. And, where are the cries from women for advertisers to boycott his show? Of course I know where they are. He wasn't sorry he had the affair(s)--or else he would have been the first to acknowledge it (them), right? He was sorry he was caught!
Yet more signs that the Apocalypse is nearly upon us!
The Nobel Peace Prize
Have some people no sense of shame, of self-respect? How else to react the the Nobel committee giving the Peace Prize to BO? Didn't they know/realize they would become laughingstocks to the majority of people? Of course, maybe they don't care??????
But, let's get serious. Even the left is left scratching its collective head. An Amherst classmate of mine, self-described as a "big Barry supporter," wrote, "I don't get it." A left-wing blogger wrote he thought he was reading The Onion! http://lefti.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-swear-i-thought-i-was-reading-onion.html
Where to start? Let's see, Algore, Yasir ("That's My Baby"), and now BO--I'll give, albeit only reluctantly so, you Carter. C'mon! Other than the money involved, who with any sense of self-dignity would accept such an ignominious award after what's been going on with it? It relates back to what I've blogged and written about--people who really deserve such accolades will now be looked upon with suspicion. Who can trust that someone who wins this award really has earned it?
BO was "nominated" two weeks after he was inaugurated. C'mon.... Even Saturday Night Live has made fun of BO for not doing anything yet. (It's really a pretty funny skit.) "I haven't done anything yet...."
Has the Nobel Peace Prize become irrelevant? Mother Teresa, Ralph Bunche, the American Red Cross, Amnesty International, etc. are tarnished and besmirched by this.
But, let's get serious. Even the left is left scratching its collective head. An Amherst classmate of mine, self-described as a "big Barry supporter," wrote, "I don't get it." A left-wing blogger wrote he thought he was reading The Onion! http://lefti.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-swear-i-thought-i-was-reading-onion.html
Where to start? Let's see, Algore, Yasir ("That's My Baby"), and now BO--I'll give, albeit only reluctantly so, you Carter. C'mon! Other than the money involved, who with any sense of self-dignity would accept such an ignominious award after what's been going on with it? It relates back to what I've blogged and written about--people who really deserve such accolades will now be looked upon with suspicion. Who can trust that someone who wins this award really has earned it?
BO was "nominated" two weeks after he was inaugurated. C'mon.... Even Saturday Night Live has made fun of BO for not doing anything yet. (It's really a pretty funny skit.) "I haven't done anything yet...."
Has the Nobel Peace Prize become irrelevant? Mother Teresa, Ralph Bunche, the American Red Cross, Amnesty International, etc. are tarnished and besmirched by this.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tigers/Twins
I actually watched most, but not all, of the game tonight. It was a tough loss of a dramatic game. But, for a post-season game (in reality, that's what it was), it was not played very well. That, I think, is typical of MLB, not just the Twins and Tigers.
First, let me repeat that it was an entertaining, dramatic game, very much so. That, no doubt, will please most viewers. I'm curious, however, if the "experts" tomorrow call this a "classic," "one for the ages," etc. But the mistakes on both sides, elementary mistakes, were glaring.
In the OF, with a one-run lead in extra innings, the absolute rule is let nothing by. So, what does the LF do? Tries to make a diving catch, allowing the tying run to get to 3B with zero outs. It was a cardinal sin. And the CF, backing up the play, takes just a terrible angle on the ball. Of course, he must have assumed the LF would play the ball the way it was supposed to have been played. What does the other team's LF do, with another absolute rule? He throws to a base where he had no chance of getting the runner, allowing the back-up runner to move up--eliminating any chance of a double play, tying the manager's hands, forcing a walk to a player who didn't deserve a walk. How about the runner on third who didn't tag up early enough and was nipped at the plate on a throw from the OF? (Was he really out or did the hand sneak in to the plate before the high tag on his back???) The rule, from at least high school on, is to return to the bag, with fewer than two outs, if the ball comes off the top of the bat. Apparently this rule wasn't learned and nearly cost the runner's team the game, the playoffs. And the other team? Well, with a man on 3B, bases loaded actually, a very high hopper goes to 2B. It was so high the 2B knows he can't get the DP, so he throws home--where he nails the runner from 3B on the force. How did he get thrown out so easily? The replay showed. First, he had a lousy lead. Second, and most important, he had a lousier break on the ball. The bases were loaded--he didn't need to hold up for anything, with the ball off the bottom of the bat. Again, the runner cost his team a run and a chance to play farther into the night. And there was more....
And what's with all these replacements--pinch runners, defensive replacements (well, he may have had a point there--last week, in very limited viewing, I saw three Tigers just butcher easy fly balls from outs into run-scoring hits; each was a very catchable ball), etc. So, when the pitchers couldn't hold the lead, there were .220 and .230 hitters trying to win the game. I guess the mgr can't be blamed; the guys replaced can't catch.
That said, again, it was an entertaining game. Perhaps it speaks to what our idea of excellence is. Mediocrity has become the standard. Note music and movies (inc. TV), inductions to the halls of fame, etc. Note how we pay millions of dollars to, well, OFs who can't catch the ball or run bases. Note how many schools you pass that have signs proclaiming them "School of Excellence," "Blue Ribbon School," etc. I think part of the problem is far too many people have never been exposed to excellence. I wonder how many noted the poor play tonight (for his part, the color guy on the broadcast was pretty good at picking up things, very good actually). How many teachers can demand rigor or quality when they don't know what rigorous, quality education is; they've never experienced it.
It's too bad the Tigers lost, but I'm a "bandwagon" fan anyway. I don't watch very often and have only been down to the new Tiger Stadium twice or three times, I think. I guess former Neb Senator Roman Hruska was right, when someone labeled him, "mediocre." He replied, "Yes, but mediocre people deserve representation, too."
Go Lions!!!!
First, let me repeat that it was an entertaining, dramatic game, very much so. That, no doubt, will please most viewers. I'm curious, however, if the "experts" tomorrow call this a "classic," "one for the ages," etc. But the mistakes on both sides, elementary mistakes, were glaring.
In the OF, with a one-run lead in extra innings, the absolute rule is let nothing by. So, what does the LF do? Tries to make a diving catch, allowing the tying run to get to 3B with zero outs. It was a cardinal sin. And the CF, backing up the play, takes just a terrible angle on the ball. Of course, he must have assumed the LF would play the ball the way it was supposed to have been played. What does the other team's LF do, with another absolute rule? He throws to a base where he had no chance of getting the runner, allowing the back-up runner to move up--eliminating any chance of a double play, tying the manager's hands, forcing a walk to a player who didn't deserve a walk. How about the runner on third who didn't tag up early enough and was nipped at the plate on a throw from the OF? (Was he really out or did the hand sneak in to the plate before the high tag on his back???) The rule, from at least high school on, is to return to the bag, with fewer than two outs, if the ball comes off the top of the bat. Apparently this rule wasn't learned and nearly cost the runner's team the game, the playoffs. And the other team? Well, with a man on 3B, bases loaded actually, a very high hopper goes to 2B. It was so high the 2B knows he can't get the DP, so he throws home--where he nails the runner from 3B on the force. How did he get thrown out so easily? The replay showed. First, he had a lousy lead. Second, and most important, he had a lousier break on the ball. The bases were loaded--he didn't need to hold up for anything, with the ball off the bottom of the bat. Again, the runner cost his team a run and a chance to play farther into the night. And there was more....
And what's with all these replacements--pinch runners, defensive replacements (well, he may have had a point there--last week, in very limited viewing, I saw three Tigers just butcher easy fly balls from outs into run-scoring hits; each was a very catchable ball), etc. So, when the pitchers couldn't hold the lead, there were .220 and .230 hitters trying to win the game. I guess the mgr can't be blamed; the guys replaced can't catch.
That said, again, it was an entertaining game. Perhaps it speaks to what our idea of excellence is. Mediocrity has become the standard. Note music and movies (inc. TV), inductions to the halls of fame, etc. Note how we pay millions of dollars to, well, OFs who can't catch the ball or run bases. Note how many schools you pass that have signs proclaiming them "School of Excellence," "Blue Ribbon School," etc. I think part of the problem is far too many people have never been exposed to excellence. I wonder how many noted the poor play tonight (for his part, the color guy on the broadcast was pretty good at picking up things, very good actually). How many teachers can demand rigor or quality when they don't know what rigorous, quality education is; they've never experienced it.
It's too bad the Tigers lost, but I'm a "bandwagon" fan anyway. I don't watch very often and have only been down to the new Tiger Stadium twice or three times, I think. I guess former Neb Senator Roman Hruska was right, when someone labeled him, "mediocre." He replied, "Yes, but mediocre people deserve representation, too."
Go Lions!!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Brooksie
The Brooksie Half Marathon is quickly becoming one of my favorite races. Granted, this is only the second year and it is very challenging, but I enjoyed it all. The hills are tough, quite tough, and one needs to train for them. But, it's a great challenge. How can one not like it?
I felt just great the entire race. I finished strong, but don't think I left anything out on the course. It might have been the best race I could have possibly run on this day.
I had three goals, two of which I met pretty handily. The third I likely would have also met, except for a trip to the porta-potty early on for gastro-intestinal difficulties (Chinese food last night!). It would also have likely placed me second in my age-group. I would never have caught the first-place guy, a good runner on whom I have about 50 lbs.
And, did this race advertise for terrific-looking women????? They were out en masse, as runners and spectators. I know, I know...what a sexist pig!
I'm very happy with my race. I look forward to next year's Brooksie.
I felt just great the entire race. I finished strong, but don't think I left anything out on the course. It might have been the best race I could have possibly run on this day.
I had three goals, two of which I met pretty handily. The third I likely would have also met, except for a trip to the porta-potty early on for gastro-intestinal difficulties (Chinese food last night!). It would also have likely placed me second in my age-group. I would never have caught the first-place guy, a good runner on whom I have about 50 lbs.
And, did this race advertise for terrific-looking women????? They were out en masse, as runners and spectators. I know, I know...what a sexist pig!
I'm very happy with my race. I look forward to next year's Brooksie.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Sat Musings
Bopper's team came close, at least closer, losing 24-18. The opponents scored on four long, long runs (60 yds or more), including 3 of them on 4th and long. Of course, Bopper's team scored on two long runs. He played all right, getting a bit better each week.
The Jeffs improved to 2-0 this afternoon with a 13-12 win over an inspired Bowdoin. I was surprised it was that close. Usually AC doesn't have much trouble with the Maine schools. I heard Trinity whupped Williams, coming from "way behind" to do so. Ah, that NESCAC...on any given week....
MSU beat UM in OT. Let's just say I'm glad, for a variety of reasons. If anyone's interested, I'd be glad to expound.
Grocery shopping this AM, I spent $31.62. Coupons and instore coupons netted savings of $58.72. And, I had some bottles and cans, since I hadn't shopped in a couple of weeks. Cut the coups, shop the sale items.... And this $31.62 included two boxes of Lil Debbie cupcakes, which I have never bought before, corn dogs for Bopper, which I rarely buy, and my once monthly honey. Take away those and my actual bill would have been under $20.
Great bumper sticker today, one all of our DC reps should see: "I Think--Therefore I'm...Dangerous!" Ha Ha. That's how the "anointed" perceive things.
Brooksie Half tomorrow AM. I am excited, thinking I have a good chance to meet each of my three goals. The only concern is my right leg, which seems to have a slightly pulled hammy and continued sore adductors. But, I figure they'll loosen once I start running. It's not like I'll be sprinting at any time. Still, 13.1 miles--the other day I was thinking: "You're going to run 13 miles in a race this Sun. Are you nuts?" Ha Ha. Yep, I am.
Phoeey's is still the best Chinese food I've ever had. K brought some home on her way back from Dbn. Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, Pork Fried Rice, and the Egg Rolls and Won Ton Zuppa! I even love the rolls! Yummmy!
I'm reading Lynn Cheney's book, finally, Telling the Truth. As one of my most astute buddies once said about another book, "If only 1/10 of it is true...." We'd better wake up soon or the future generations are doomed to a much pleasant lifestyle than we've enjoyed. Of course, most of us don't care. After all, we're willing to let gov't borrow on our kids' and grandkids' futures so we are "uncomfortable." I'd recommend Cheney's book if only to get a feel for what is happening before our very eyes. I think much of it can be skimmed.
I loved the article by Bill Press in today's OP. He said, "OK, ACORN has done some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the positive work it has done." I'm glad Press never lets me down. "OK, Hitler did some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the improvement he achieved in the employment rate of Ger during the Depression or in the self-concept (a key term in any conversation with any of the "anointed") of Germans after the loss of WW1." What a fool, a shill that Press guy is. No wonder his radio show is ranked 104th or something like that.
And remember, the Olympics for 2016 "has went to...." Ha Ha Ha.
Life is good...let's do what we can to make it good for others now and in the future.
The Jeffs improved to 2-0 this afternoon with a 13-12 win over an inspired Bowdoin. I was surprised it was that close. Usually AC doesn't have much trouble with the Maine schools. I heard Trinity whupped Williams, coming from "way behind" to do so. Ah, that NESCAC...on any given week....
MSU beat UM in OT. Let's just say I'm glad, for a variety of reasons. If anyone's interested, I'd be glad to expound.
Grocery shopping this AM, I spent $31.62. Coupons and instore coupons netted savings of $58.72. And, I had some bottles and cans, since I hadn't shopped in a couple of weeks. Cut the coups, shop the sale items.... And this $31.62 included two boxes of Lil Debbie cupcakes, which I have never bought before, corn dogs for Bopper, which I rarely buy, and my once monthly honey. Take away those and my actual bill would have been under $20.
Great bumper sticker today, one all of our DC reps should see: "I Think--Therefore I'm...Dangerous!" Ha Ha. That's how the "anointed" perceive things.
Brooksie Half tomorrow AM. I am excited, thinking I have a good chance to meet each of my three goals. The only concern is my right leg, which seems to have a slightly pulled hammy and continued sore adductors. But, I figure they'll loosen once I start running. It's not like I'll be sprinting at any time. Still, 13.1 miles--the other day I was thinking: "You're going to run 13 miles in a race this Sun. Are you nuts?" Ha Ha. Yep, I am.
Phoeey's is still the best Chinese food I've ever had. K brought some home on her way back from Dbn. Shrimp in Lobster Sauce, Pork Fried Rice, and the Egg Rolls and Won Ton Zuppa! I even love the rolls! Yummmy!
I'm reading Lynn Cheney's book, finally, Telling the Truth. As one of my most astute buddies once said about another book, "If only 1/10 of it is true...." We'd better wake up soon or the future generations are doomed to a much pleasant lifestyle than we've enjoyed. Of course, most of us don't care. After all, we're willing to let gov't borrow on our kids' and grandkids' futures so we are "uncomfortable." I'd recommend Cheney's book if only to get a feel for what is happening before our very eyes. I think much of it can be skimmed.
I loved the article by Bill Press in today's OP. He said, "OK, ACORN has done some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the positive work it has done." I'm glad Press never lets me down. "OK, Hitler did some nasty things. But let's not let that outweigh the improvement he achieved in the employment rate of Ger during the Depression or in the self-concept (a key term in any conversation with any of the "anointed") of Germans after the loss of WW1." What a fool, a shill that Press guy is. No wonder his radio show is ranked 104th or something like that.
And remember, the Olympics for 2016 "has went to...." Ha Ha Ha.
Life is good...let's do what we can to make it good for others now and in the future.
The Apocalypse
Yet another sign that the Apocalypse is upon us: The radio news this AM (I don't know the network or the announcer) said, about the Olympic bid, "[it] has went to...." Yep, it has.
I don't think this counts, but a guy on television, doing a football game commented, "mano eee mano." I always thought it was "mano a mano," but Latin's a dead language anyway, I guess.
I don't think this counts, but a guy on television, doing a football game commented, "mano eee mano." I always thought it was "mano a mano," but Latin's a dead language anyway, I guess.
Friday, October 2, 2009
School Bond Issue/Millage
Why I will likely vote against the upcoming bond issue for the local schools:
A local school was given free pencils (that is, free, at no cost!) by a local business. But, teachers complained that the pencils weren't good enough. So, they insisted that other pencils, Ticonderogas!, be purchased to the tune of $1000 or more. Remember, this is only one school. How many other schools or even this one did similar things with freebies? What do they care what they spend? It's not their money and, remember, "It's for the kids."
Reminds me of the incredible boondoggles I witnessed, such as the TV sets that were purchased at 4 or 5 times the cost that could be found at Ollie Fretter's, ABC Warehouse, etc. The justification was that it couldn't be assured that the cheaper sets (the exact same sets, just at another store) were safe (be careful with your own sets; they might not be safe!). And how many computers are at each school, sitting idle most of the time? I watched several teachers this week give tests on Scantrons--those aren't cheap. And, explain, exactly, how Scantrons are "for the kids!" Hey, aren't they supposed to be learning to write????
Can someone assure me that the boondoggle public pools and athletic facilities at the local high schools are revenue neutral, that is, they pay for themselves, instead of taking money from the general fund? Those, too, I suppose, were "for the kids." Certainly they weren't for administrators' ego-gratification, nope.
Too many teachers and administrators are too arrogant, thinking they are doing noble work (some, but too few, of them actually are!) and shouldn't be subjected to silly things like budgets. After all, it's not their money!
There are lots of ways to cut money without touching employees' salaries or benefits, but nobody will listen. It's easier to just call names, isolate (quarantine?), etc. There, then, is the reason I will likely vote against the upcoming school bond issue/millage. (And, I hope I get a call from someone in the district asking for my vote; I'd love to discuss it.)
A local school was given free pencils (that is, free, at no cost!) by a local business. But, teachers complained that the pencils weren't good enough. So, they insisted that other pencils, Ticonderogas!, be purchased to the tune of $1000 or more. Remember, this is only one school. How many other schools or even this one did similar things with freebies? What do they care what they spend? It's not their money and, remember, "It's for the kids."
Reminds me of the incredible boondoggles I witnessed, such as the TV sets that were purchased at 4 or 5 times the cost that could be found at Ollie Fretter's, ABC Warehouse, etc. The justification was that it couldn't be assured that the cheaper sets (the exact same sets, just at another store) were safe (be careful with your own sets; they might not be safe!). And how many computers are at each school, sitting idle most of the time? I watched several teachers this week give tests on Scantrons--those aren't cheap. And, explain, exactly, how Scantrons are "for the kids!" Hey, aren't they supposed to be learning to write????
Can someone assure me that the boondoggle public pools and athletic facilities at the local high schools are revenue neutral, that is, they pay for themselves, instead of taking money from the general fund? Those, too, I suppose, were "for the kids." Certainly they weren't for administrators' ego-gratification, nope.
Too many teachers and administrators are too arrogant, thinking they are doing noble work (some, but too few, of them actually are!) and shouldn't be subjected to silly things like budgets. After all, it's not their money!
There are lots of ways to cut money without touching employees' salaries or benefits, but nobody will listen. It's easier to just call names, isolate (quarantine?), etc. There, then, is the reason I will likely vote against the upcoming school bond issue/millage. (And, I hope I get a call from someone in the district asking for my vote; I'd love to discuss it.)
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