Earlier this week I posted a list of joyful things. One was shooting stars/meteors. Two nights ago I viewed a "big one," (Can you say that on television?), a long, wide streaking meteor. It might well have been part of the Perseids or Leonids, whichever meteor shower is visible this week. And, to make it cooler, Bopper, in another car a couple miles away, heading home, too, saw it!
Wed AM, out running, a deer crossed my path, maybe only 20-30 yards in front of me. I kept running, smile on my face. Following the first was a second, then a third, then.... There were nine of them, all leaping through the snow, over and down a hill, across the road and up and over a hill. How cool! But, as a note of interest, they are not at all "cute." In fact, up close they are pretty ugly, fur all matted, not particularly bright/shiny, etc. But, still, cool to see so many.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Fri AM Thoughts
Ah, back to some semblance of normalcy (a word invented by Warren Harding or his campaign writers--look before 1920 and you'll not find it in a dictionary; you'll final norm, normal, normality, normalness, but not normalcy--but it's a nice word), hectic normalcy as usual (is that redundant?).
Bopper and Ash are asleep, as is Matt. The Codester will be over in a few hours (it's early). Lots to catch up on.
The funeral is over--what a week! I understand the need for different people to grieve in different ways. I'll never understand why they need to grieve they way they do at funerals. And, despite understanding, I don't have to like it. I detest funerals, even more so as mine is closing in, I guess. And I still don't like hugs and handshakes, not at all. Yuck.
I guess there are only a few explanations for the ways our DC legislators have been acting in recent weeks. They could be stupid, not understanding the clear message sent to them in Nov. That's a strong possibility. They could be ideological, with the arrogance that comes from knowing they are right and we are wrong. They could be vengeful, getting us for what we did in Nov. My guess it's one of the first two, maybe a combination. Whenever I hear the words "bipartisan" or "compromise," I cringe. I immediately think of "sell-out." One never compromises on one's principals. For instance...
Have you seen the contents of this "tax cut extension bill?" Even the title is misleading, very misleading. What part of "no more spending" has so soon been forgotten? What part of "quit borrowing" against the future has so soon been forgotten? It's a terrible bill in many ways and, no, that neither party is happy with it doesn't mean it's good. It stinks, adding to the deficit, encouraging undesirable behaviors, etc.
Why the "tax the inheritance of the rich" screaming, esp from Pelosi? Talk about a hypocrite! The inheritance tax isn't on income, but on wealth. There's a difference. Consider a family farm or business that has been handed down from father to son, father to son, father to son...perhaps for generations. Take a farm, just to take something. Do you know how much farm equipment costs? Several pieces of it, tractors, harvesters, balers, etc. can run into millions of dollars. Toss in the price/value of land and, if say a dairy ranch, the animals like cows. If a son inherits this from his father, after working it with dad for decades, he's received no money, none, just the farm that has been in his family, where he's worked. The ding-a-lings in DC want to tax that farm--its equipment, land, animals, etc. So, to pay the tax, for which the inheritor has received no money, the farmer has to sell some of his stuff (isn't that a great word, too!?!?). It's utterly ridiculous, if not worse.
Oh, well, off to run and blow off some of this steam--it's about 20 degrees warmer this AM that several other AMs this week.
Out...
Bopper and Ash are asleep, as is Matt. The Codester will be over in a few hours (it's early). Lots to catch up on.
The funeral is over--what a week! I understand the need for different people to grieve in different ways. I'll never understand why they need to grieve they way they do at funerals. And, despite understanding, I don't have to like it. I detest funerals, even more so as mine is closing in, I guess. And I still don't like hugs and handshakes, not at all. Yuck.
I guess there are only a few explanations for the ways our DC legislators have been acting in recent weeks. They could be stupid, not understanding the clear message sent to them in Nov. That's a strong possibility. They could be ideological, with the arrogance that comes from knowing they are right and we are wrong. They could be vengeful, getting us for what we did in Nov. My guess it's one of the first two, maybe a combination. Whenever I hear the words "bipartisan" or "compromise," I cringe. I immediately think of "sell-out." One never compromises on one's principals. For instance...
Have you seen the contents of this "tax cut extension bill?" Even the title is misleading, very misleading. What part of "no more spending" has so soon been forgotten? What part of "quit borrowing" against the future has so soon been forgotten? It's a terrible bill in many ways and, no, that neither party is happy with it doesn't mean it's good. It stinks, adding to the deficit, encouraging undesirable behaviors, etc.
Why the "tax the inheritance of the rich" screaming, esp from Pelosi? Talk about a hypocrite! The inheritance tax isn't on income, but on wealth. There's a difference. Consider a family farm or business that has been handed down from father to son, father to son, father to son...perhaps for generations. Take a farm, just to take something. Do you know how much farm equipment costs? Several pieces of it, tractors, harvesters, balers, etc. can run into millions of dollars. Toss in the price/value of land and, if say a dairy ranch, the animals like cows. If a son inherits this from his father, after working it with dad for decades, he's received no money, none, just the farm that has been in his family, where he's worked. The ding-a-lings in DC want to tax that farm--its equipment, land, animals, etc. So, to pay the tax, for which the inheritor has received no money, the farmer has to sell some of his stuff (isn't that a great word, too!?!?). It's utterly ridiculous, if not worse.
Oh, well, off to run and blow off some of this steam--it's about 20 degrees warmer this AM that several other AMs this week.
Out...
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Joys
1. Watching a rising Venus out of the east in the wee hours of the AM.
2. For that matter, seeing a meteor shower light up the skies.
3. That special cup of tea with honey that doesn't seem to come every morning.
4. Picking nose hairs.
5. Watching my grandkids intensity at work or play.
6. Reading a newspaper, not on the computer, but spread out on the dining room table every AM.
7. Finding a good glob of belly button lint.
8. Seeing more beauty in more women than I ever have before.
9. Riding my bike, not like the racers, but like a kid.
10. Giving a lecture on Lincoln.
11. Eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, dunking it in milk.
12. Recalling my kids' athletic contests and games.
13. Just sitting and holding my grandkids, especially when they lay their heads on my chest.
14. Shoveling snow in the dark and quiet of an evening or early AM.
15. Hearing from old friends who seem to have disappeared for a while.
16. Watching hypocrites squirm when caught in their own hypocrisy.
17. Seeing smiles on kids' faces.
18. Finishing a difficult puzzle: crossword, Kakuro, Soduku, etc.
19. Having leisurely lunches with good friends.20. Listening to long time favorite recording artists do their things.
21. Finding a new joy.
22. Coming across a song that brings back memories.
23. Chuckling at numbers 4 and 7 and not being embarrassed.
2. For that matter, seeing a meteor shower light up the skies.
3. That special cup of tea with honey that doesn't seem to come every morning.
4. Picking nose hairs.
5. Watching my grandkids intensity at work or play.
6. Reading a newspaper, not on the computer, but spread out on the dining room table every AM.
7. Finding a good glob of belly button lint.
8. Seeing more beauty in more women than I ever have before.
9. Riding my bike, not like the racers, but like a kid.
10. Giving a lecture on Lincoln.
11. Eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, dunking it in milk.
12. Recalling my kids' athletic contests and games.
13. Just sitting and holding my grandkids, especially when they lay their heads on my chest.
14. Shoveling snow in the dark and quiet of an evening or early AM.
15. Hearing from old friends who seem to have disappeared for a while.
16. Watching hypocrites squirm when caught in their own hypocrisy.
17. Seeing smiles on kids' faces.
18. Finishing a difficult puzzle: crossword, Kakuro, Soduku, etc.
19. Having leisurely lunches with good friends.20. Listening to long time favorite recording artists do their things.
21. Finding a new joy.
22. Coming across a song that brings back memories.
23. Chuckling at numbers 4 and 7 and not being embarrassed.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Round One
Fri AM and this AM were prelims; they don't count.
But the 2010-11 Snow Shoveling Season has officially started. Round One was this evening. I think I won the first round, but by a close decision. I did shovel about an inch of sloppy, slushy stuff this AM before heading into Dearborn. I was a bit worried that, when we'd get home, that we'd have a lot more sloppy stuff. But, the temps dipped and only a few places, at the bottom of the 5-6", were slushy. The rest was pretty fluffy.
The wind was blowing and temps have dropped into the teens, but, until near the end, it was quiet and peaceful. Only one car interrupted the solitude--the kid next door returning from a Sun eve basketball practice. (What coach would have his high school kids out driving in stuff like this--with police requests to stay home unless unavoidable--for a single practice? Just asking.) Then, the guy next door fired up his put-put snow blower, ruining the peace and quiet. It might have been worth the 10 minutes of noise since he had his wife utilizing the shovel while he had the machine!
So, in all, it took about an hour. I was pretty "schweaty" upon entering the house, but not as tired/wiped out as I might have been or expected to be. All in all, it was a good evening of shoveling, reminding me why I enjoy it so much.
I'm looking forward to Round Two!
But the 2010-11 Snow Shoveling Season has officially started. Round One was this evening. I think I won the first round, but by a close decision. I did shovel about an inch of sloppy, slushy stuff this AM before heading into Dearborn. I was a bit worried that, when we'd get home, that we'd have a lot more sloppy stuff. But, the temps dipped and only a few places, at the bottom of the 5-6", were slushy. The rest was pretty fluffy.
The wind was blowing and temps have dropped into the teens, but, until near the end, it was quiet and peaceful. Only one car interrupted the solitude--the kid next door returning from a Sun eve basketball practice. (What coach would have his high school kids out driving in stuff like this--with police requests to stay home unless unavoidable--for a single practice? Just asking.) Then, the guy next door fired up his put-put snow blower, ruining the peace and quiet. It might have been worth the 10 minutes of noise since he had his wife utilizing the shovel while he had the machine!
So, in all, it took about an hour. I was pretty "schweaty" upon entering the house, but not as tired/wiped out as I might have been or expected to be. All in all, it was a good evening of shoveling, reminding me why I enjoy it so much.
I'm looking forward to Round Two!
Friday, December 10, 2010
A New DC?
It sure doesn't look like it. This tax bill to extend the current tax rates (it's not a tax cut!) symbolizes that those in DC still don't get it. We only hear from the Lamestream media about the extension of current income rates and unemployment benefits, the death tax (hey, hasn't that money already been taxed once or twice or...?), and the small cut in payroll taxes.
Why isn't there more about the continued earmarks, such as the de facto financial aid given NASCAR? How about some notice of the help given to Puerto Rican rum? Yep, the DC bobbleheads are still stuck on spending. After all, it's not their money!
I got a kick out of a lib reporter's column the other day. The name escapes me right now. But she was harping on the negativity, the anger in DC now--you know, after the election! So, Americans let their voices be known in Nov and now it's all about vitriol. But, when they voiced their opinion in the election in 2008, it was all "kumbaya?" What a fool! Do these writers have relatives who hire them?
Out for a LaBatts.
Why isn't there more about the continued earmarks, such as the de facto financial aid given NASCAR? How about some notice of the help given to Puerto Rican rum? Yep, the DC bobbleheads are still stuck on spending. After all, it's not their money!
I got a kick out of a lib reporter's column the other day. The name escapes me right now. But she was harping on the negativity, the anger in DC now--you know, after the election! So, Americans let their voices be known in Nov and now it's all about vitriol. But, when they voiced their opinion in the election in 2008, it was all "kumbaya?" What a fool! Do these writers have relatives who hire them?
Out for a LaBatts.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Education
Does the news on the state of education in the US ever get better?
Yesterday results from yet another study were published. US students, of 34 nations studied, finished in the middle of the pack. They did their worst in math and science, but were also pretty pathetic in writing/reading. As usual, history isn't important enough to be tested, but I'd assume American students would do poorly in that, too. Oh, everyone, even the Sec of Ed (yet another bomb of an appointee by Obama), chimed in on the deplorability, the dangers, etc. of the results. And, yes, we hear the same old cries for "reform!" "We need to change our ways about learning and teaching!" It seems to me we did "change our ways," about 35 years ago--and the results are still looking us in the face. "Change our ways" in education has become a profitable industry, but it has been counterproductive. Maybe it's time to finally listen to people who haven't captured anyone's ear yet, those whose ideas are "old-fashioned," "anachronistic," "out-of-date," etc.
And, closely related, was the news coming out of Detroit that a Wayne Co judge ruled that Bob Bobb doesn't have much authority to enact needed reforms in the Detroit schools. She ruled in favor of the school board, which has done such a bang-up job (yes, that's sarcastic, to the nth degree!). Apparently, according to this judge, Bob Bobb is not qualified to run the schools, to instituted reforms such as more reading and writing, summer school, extended days, etc. I guess, as she noted, that's because he has a real college degree, not one in "education," like the "experts." This judge needs to start paying attention. She needs to get a reality check. It's the "experts" with their fake "education degrees" who have caused most of the deplorable state of education, in Detroit and elsewhere. I certainly would hate having to argue a case before a simple-minded judge like that. When will people learn that those with "education degrees" know the least about quality education and the rigor it requires? I guess, with what is going on in the schools now, the answer is "Never."
On a personal note, I have been taken aback the past few classes. I have had several students come after class and say, in effect, "Thank you," in those words or close to them. To each I replied, "Thanks for what?" And they say, "For today's lecture (or class)." It felt good to hear those words, but even more, I am humbled. Yet, I also know that, in my previous tenure as a teacher, I was treated by those who should have known better (administrators, who else?) as a "piece of mung." And, with some current inside info, the education circus around here continues unabated.
Why so often (and see above) am I reminded of Mark Twain's words? "In the first place God created idiots. That was for practice. Then he created school boards."
Yesterday results from yet another study were published. US students, of 34 nations studied, finished in the middle of the pack. They did their worst in math and science, but were also pretty pathetic in writing/reading. As usual, history isn't important enough to be tested, but I'd assume American students would do poorly in that, too. Oh, everyone, even the Sec of Ed (yet another bomb of an appointee by Obama), chimed in on the deplorability, the dangers, etc. of the results. And, yes, we hear the same old cries for "reform!" "We need to change our ways about learning and teaching!" It seems to me we did "change our ways," about 35 years ago--and the results are still looking us in the face. "Change our ways" in education has become a profitable industry, but it has been counterproductive. Maybe it's time to finally listen to people who haven't captured anyone's ear yet, those whose ideas are "old-fashioned," "anachronistic," "out-of-date," etc.
And, closely related, was the news coming out of Detroit that a Wayne Co judge ruled that Bob Bobb doesn't have much authority to enact needed reforms in the Detroit schools. She ruled in favor of the school board, which has done such a bang-up job (yes, that's sarcastic, to the nth degree!). Apparently, according to this judge, Bob Bobb is not qualified to run the schools, to instituted reforms such as more reading and writing, summer school, extended days, etc. I guess, as she noted, that's because he has a real college degree, not one in "education," like the "experts." This judge needs to start paying attention. She needs to get a reality check. It's the "experts" with their fake "education degrees" who have caused most of the deplorable state of education, in Detroit and elsewhere. I certainly would hate having to argue a case before a simple-minded judge like that. When will people learn that those with "education degrees" know the least about quality education and the rigor it requires? I guess, with what is going on in the schools now, the answer is "Never."
On a personal note, I have been taken aback the past few classes. I have had several students come after class and say, in effect, "Thank you," in those words or close to them. To each I replied, "Thanks for what?" And they say, "For today's lecture (or class)." It felt good to hear those words, but even more, I am humbled. Yet, I also know that, in my previous tenure as a teacher, I was treated by those who should have known better (administrators, who else?) as a "piece of mung." And, with some current inside info, the education circus around here continues unabated.
Why so often (and see above) am I reminded of Mark Twain's words? "In the first place God created idiots. That was for practice. Then he created school boards."
WikiLeaks
Like almost everyone, I was initially concerned over the WikiLeaks. How irresponsible! How devastating! How dangerous! Well, after reading an article by Vasko Kohlmayer I've had second thoughts. We should have been alerted when the self-anointed elites, namely Obama and H Clinton, took off after Assange and his "leaks."
What "dangers" are really posed by them? Can it be those with whom we negotiate are naive enough not to know what we really think of them? Can it be no diplomat thinks others of his kind are devious, dishonest even?
WikiLeaks reveals more about the incompetence, dishonesty, self-centeredness, and self-serving natures of our leaders. They are exposed for what they are, not much of it good.
Maybe it's time we all reconsidered both WikiLeaks and those we so blindly elect to lead us--and consider where they have and continue to lead us.
What "dangers" are really posed by them? Can it be those with whom we negotiate are naive enough not to know what we really think of them? Can it be no diplomat thinks others of his kind are devious, dishonest even?
WikiLeaks reveals more about the incompetence, dishonesty, self-centeredness, and self-serving natures of our leaders. They are exposed for what they are, not much of it good.
Maybe it's time we all reconsidered both WikiLeaks and those we so blindly elect to lead us--and consider where they have and continue to lead us.
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