My final thoughts for 2008.
On Executive pay and parachutes. I would love to see a salary cap but that is really nothing that could be made into law. We have a hard enough time passing minimum wage laws that provides for a living above the poverty line how could we pass a law that restricts how much a person can earn.
What we can do is change the climate that promotes these excessive packages.
First reinstate the tax cuts for the rich. Next add more tax penalties and tax these large packages and salaries , close loopholes and limits on tax shelters. If you make so much that after giving to charities and paying all your bills, all your Yacht or private plane and crew expenses and your three mansions, you still have to shelter your left over money or find some way to avoid paying taxes you just make to much period...
3rd Provide tax breaks to companies who instead of supporting and paying these excessive executive packages and salaries divert or use these funds back into the company to further cover expenses including healthcare, pensions or retirement plans and employee salaries. I am amazed that the Airlines and Auto Industry as well as others complain that they have to cover all these pensions or provide insurance and are struggling to cover their funding but at the same time funds are there to pay the executives those needed millions they are so short on.
We have created and allowed the climate of greed to run rampant. Taxing the greed is probably the best way to curb it. White collar crimes also need to be prosecuted. They are doing just as much if not more to destroy the economy. Just because someone is rich, a sports figure, celebrety or politician should not give them any more priveledges that the middle classs have.
Bailouts... We as taxpayers are footing the bailout. If the banks that took the money don't want to open credit. Take the money back. They have no problem being part of the problem that caused this mess and continue to escalate it by ramping up interest rates to credit card holders, (The next sub prime bubble to burst).
If they only want to take the money but don't want to be part of the solution, take the money back and let them fail. People want to refinance and consolidate and get back on foot. The banks are preventing this and maintaining the environment to cause more failures and defaults to happen.
I Hope this next years sessions and the shift in controls can start doing things to shift us back into the great world leader and great economy that created this country.
Dec 31, 2008
Dec 12, 2008
Greed Oink Part 2
Ok, so the help package to bail out the Big 3 Auto companies did not pass. Why must the UAW see a cut in pay to save the companies with this bailout. Oh I forgot they are only blue collar middle class.
The Wall Street bailout did not require any cut in pay for those workers or the CEOs.
Tell me why in a bailout package telling the UAW workers they have to take a cut in pay is there a pay provision, which would give federal judges a raise of almost $5,000, Members of Congress, however, who presently make $169,300 a year, will automatically receive a raise of almost $5,000 on Jan. 1. But they are not cutting their pay either. Funny how this barely made it in the news and was never really mentioned together with the bailout not passing.
Here is a noble idea. Have congress make it into law that every worker in the US get a 2.8% COLA raise every year just like they automatically get or vote themselves to receive every year. While at it, give everyone the same health and benefit packages they get as well. And raise the minimum wage. Do all that and unions can deal with workplace issues and grievances.
Double standards keep getting in the way of getting our country and Economy on track. We still have to protect the rich folks. Now we have the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC Pyramid scam that bilked up to $50 Bln and he may only have to do several years and pay a couple million in fines. Here we go again I see another bailout coming to recover another $50 Bln lost to greedy CEOs and White Collar rip offs.
The Wall Street bailout did not require any cut in pay for those workers or the CEOs.
Tell me why in a bailout package telling the UAW workers they have to take a cut in pay is there a pay provision, which would give federal judges a raise of almost $5,000, Members of Congress, however, who presently make $169,300 a year, will automatically receive a raise of almost $5,000 on Jan. 1. But they are not cutting their pay either. Funny how this barely made it in the news and was never really mentioned together with the bailout not passing.
Here is a noble idea. Have congress make it into law that every worker in the US get a 2.8% COLA raise every year just like they automatically get or vote themselves to receive every year. While at it, give everyone the same health and benefit packages they get as well. And raise the minimum wage. Do all that and unions can deal with workplace issues and grievances.
Double standards keep getting in the way of getting our country and Economy on track. We still have to protect the rich folks. Now we have the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC Pyramid scam that bilked up to $50 Bln and he may only have to do several years and pay a couple million in fines. Here we go again I see another bailout coming to recover another $50 Bln lost to greedy CEOs and White Collar rip offs.
Nov 21, 2008
GREED --- OINK
I am so tired of the bashing of middle class america, the american worker and Unions being as the reason for all this economic mess. The unions have driven the wages for workers since they came in. Non unionized workers recieve benefits to stay competetive with unionized workers. Without them we all would still be working in sweat shops and jobs like those before unions came into play. They have benefited everyone though many would like to argue against unions.
Unfortunately for most of the american work force they are also employed by publicly held companies. The main objective of a publicly held company is to pay profits to the stock holders.
The biggest wrench that is constantly complained about is having to pay fror health insurance and pensions. If they did not have to pay these there would be much more profits. But where do profits go to? It seems that they all go to the stockholders dividends and CEOs and not back into the company to reduce costs or to pay the health care and pensions.
The big banks keep on increasing interest rates knowing full well that it may cause a customer to default. Last I heard they have been pushing increases to 34%APR just because you pay the minimum amounts. And the banks CEOs take in some of the highest compensation packages.
Health Care Companies may make enough profits to give the CEO 42 million that could be invested into the company for lower costs for the customer. Com on Banks stop the greed grab and be a real bank.
It is interesting Forbes Special Report on CEO compensation that was published in may 2007 states
"The chief executives of America's 500 biggest companies got a collective 38% pay raise last year, to $7.5 billion. That's an average $15.2 million apiece."
So Don't give me that bullshit story you can't afford to pay your workers a salary, Healthcare or retirement package. Show everyone that Reaganomics and the Trickle down Theory works.
Instead of hoarding this $7.5 Billion why don't you see what happens when CEO's go back to a realistic pay and invest this excess back into the company, healthcare and pensions.
I bet there would still be profits to the pay the dividends, The workers will have money to spend
Healthcare would be more affordable and it would stimulate the economy.
There is so much the companies can do and the government need not do anything. It all comes down to greed and corrupt practices or are they willing to clean up their act and share their glutttony on their own.
Many companies spend so much lobbying to protect their pricing and bad practices instead of making changes that benefit society.
Big 3 bailout you are included and part of the problem. How much can your Executive compensation packages go to save your companies? How much have you been spending to lobby against improving gas mileage, 12 Million in the past year? What world do you live in thinking the future depends on $45,000, 10 mpg Hummers. We need affordable, economical, safe family cars. We need to be looking at alternative fuels and break ties with the oil industry. Can you do it? I hope so if you want to be bailed out.
Government - You have your part to play in all this too.
Close the loop holes, Make it more profitable to keep the manufacturing and business on USA soil. Maybe Coorporate taxes could be less if all the loopholes were plugged up and offshoring was penalized. And quite working and being bought out by big busiess and lobbyist and work for and listen to the voters. Lets start seeing things trickle Up.
A good source of information on the CEO Pay .
The AFL CIO 2008 Executive PayWatch
Unfortunately for most of the american work force they are also employed by publicly held companies. The main objective of a publicly held company is to pay profits to the stock holders.
The biggest wrench that is constantly complained about is having to pay fror health insurance and pensions. If they did not have to pay these there would be much more profits. But where do profits go to? It seems that they all go to the stockholders dividends and CEOs and not back into the company to reduce costs or to pay the health care and pensions.
The big banks keep on increasing interest rates knowing full well that it may cause a customer to default. Last I heard they have been pushing increases to 34%APR just because you pay the minimum amounts. And the banks CEOs take in some of the highest compensation packages.
Health Care Companies may make enough profits to give the CEO 42 million that could be invested into the company for lower costs for the customer. Com on Banks stop the greed grab and be a real bank.
It is interesting Forbes Special Report on CEO compensation that was published in may 2007 states
"The chief executives of America's 500 biggest companies got a collective 38% pay raise last year, to $7.5 billion. That's an average $15.2 million apiece."
So Don't give me that bullshit story you can't afford to pay your workers a salary, Healthcare or retirement package. Show everyone that Reaganomics and the Trickle down Theory works.
Instead of hoarding this $7.5 Billion why don't you see what happens when CEO's go back to a realistic pay and invest this excess back into the company, healthcare and pensions.
I bet there would still be profits to the pay the dividends, The workers will have money to spend
Healthcare would be more affordable and it would stimulate the economy.
There is so much the companies can do and the government need not do anything. It all comes down to greed and corrupt practices or are they willing to clean up their act and share their glutttony on their own.
Many companies spend so much lobbying to protect their pricing and bad practices instead of making changes that benefit society.
Big 3 bailout you are included and part of the problem. How much can your Executive compensation packages go to save your companies? How much have you been spending to lobby against improving gas mileage, 12 Million in the past year? What world do you live in thinking the future depends on $45,000, 10 mpg Hummers. We need affordable, economical, safe family cars. We need to be looking at alternative fuels and break ties with the oil industry. Can you do it? I hope so if you want to be bailed out.
Government - You have your part to play in all this too.
Close the loop holes, Make it more profitable to keep the manufacturing and business on USA soil. Maybe Coorporate taxes could be less if all the loopholes were plugged up and offshoring was penalized. And quite working and being bought out by big busiess and lobbyist and work for and listen to the voters. Lets start seeing things trickle Up.
A good source of information on the CEO Pay .
The AFL CIO 2008 Executive PayWatch
Nov 15, 2008
The Confederacy Lost
Ok all of you GOP folks, it's time to get over it the South lost a long time ago. The confederacy is over as are plantations with slaves. Its no wonder that members of the KKK, Fanatic religous Zealots, greedy Executives, Assault weapon owners are all supporters of the GOP. They are still trying to keep the confederacy alive and the GOP stands for everything they cherish. You may want to look at this as you try to move on and rebuild your party. The country voted and they showed you they are tired of what you represent and how you operate.
Economic bailouts? Heres an idea. All these people with golden parachutes and compensation packages should divert it back into the companies. They have to figure out ways to keep it and not get taxed on it anyway and there is no way they can use it all, It is way more than they can spend in a year. Say an executive had an extra $300,000 due to these compensations to blow a year and the company has 300 employees. He could give each of those employees another $1000. I am sure 300 spending $1000 would stimulate the economy much more than one big purchase of $300,000 or sheltering and hoarding it. Perhaps they could turn these obscene compensations into funding healthcare for their employees so their employees can afford to spend money in the economy. What if all the executives at all the companies across the country did this? Come on GOP and Fat greedy executives its your turn to step up to the plate instead of letting the government and middle class bail you out.
No I guess that would be a bad idea. Lets keep these billions locked up out of circulation and in the pockets of the richest 1 % instead of forcing it to trickle down to those that make them the richest 1%. Let's not do anything to help out our workforce or economy. I am greedy and it is all mine. Ohh, And Let them keep their Semi Automatic Assault rifles to protect it.
Go GOP.... You rock -not.
Economic bailouts? Heres an idea. All these people with golden parachutes and compensation packages should divert it back into the companies. They have to figure out ways to keep it and not get taxed on it anyway and there is no way they can use it all, It is way more than they can spend in a year. Say an executive had an extra $300,000 due to these compensations to blow a year and the company has 300 employees. He could give each of those employees another $1000. I am sure 300 spending $1000 would stimulate the economy much more than one big purchase of $300,000 or sheltering and hoarding it. Perhaps they could turn these obscene compensations into funding healthcare for their employees so their employees can afford to spend money in the economy. What if all the executives at all the companies across the country did this? Come on GOP and Fat greedy executives its your turn to step up to the plate instead of letting the government and middle class bail you out.
No I guess that would be a bad idea. Lets keep these billions locked up out of circulation and in the pockets of the richest 1 % instead of forcing it to trickle down to those that make them the richest 1%. Let's not do anything to help out our workforce or economy. I am greedy and it is all mine. Ohh, And Let them keep their Semi Automatic Assault rifles to protect it.
Go GOP.... You rock -not.
Nov 7, 2008
Sami Heritage
I have gotten back into my genealogy research after away from it for a bit.
I added some Youtube clips from the Resource Center For The Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
My heritage includes the Sami and Reindeer herding so this web site is of great interest to me.
Resource Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was established by an order of the Norwegian government. The centre is located in Guovdageaidnu-Kautokeino, in Finnmark county.
The resource centre shall increase information about the rights of Saami and other indigenous peoples.
I added some Youtube clips from the Resource Center For The Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
My heritage includes the Sami and Reindeer herding so this web site is of great interest to me.
Resource Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was established by an order of the Norwegian government. The centre is located in Guovdageaidnu-Kautokeino, in Finnmark county.
The resource centre shall increase information about the rights of Saami and other indigenous peoples.
Nov 5, 2008
Obama Won
I, like many my age have had the opportunity to witness some great moments in History. Through the TV I was there when the Kennedy’s and King were assassinated. I remember watching the Apollo Missions, the landing and walk on the moon as well as the Challenger explosion. I was there when the Twins won the World Series. I watched the Twin Towers fall and the start of the war in Iraq.
Last night I and the rest of the world witnessed Obama win the Election. I have voted and watched all the other elections since Carter but they were all about as exceptional as the traditional changing of the guards. Even Bush stealing the election with the Florida votes didn’t pare to what happened last night.
Grant Park was filled with a vast melting pot of sexes, races, ages and economic groups. Everyone from gang bangers to Celebrities was there and all were celebrating that hope and change had arrived. That level and dimension of emotion and hope I have never before witnessed or experienced in my life. What we saw at Grant Park was repeated throughout the USA and the world. Last night the USA and the rest of the world witnessed and cheered on a new beginning taking its first step.
It was more than an election and a new president being voted in. Last night it felt like the world changed and I was proud to be an American and part of the change. It was History once again being made in front of my eyes.
Let’s keep that change and hope alive and rolling!
Last night I and the rest of the world witnessed Obama win the Election. I have voted and watched all the other elections since Carter but they were all about as exceptional as the traditional changing of the guards. Even Bush stealing the election with the Florida votes didn’t pare to what happened last night.
Grant Park was filled with a vast melting pot of sexes, races, ages and economic groups. Everyone from gang bangers to Celebrities was there and all were celebrating that hope and change had arrived. That level and dimension of emotion and hope I have never before witnessed or experienced in my life. What we saw at Grant Park was repeated throughout the USA and the world. Last night the USA and the rest of the world witnessed and cheered on a new beginning taking its first step.
It was more than an election and a new president being voted in. Last night it felt like the world changed and I was proud to be an American and part of the change. It was History once again being made in front of my eyes.
Let’s keep that change and hope alive and rolling!
Sep 15, 2008
GPS Monitoring Warning
If you are on probation and forced to wear a GPS monitoring system be warned.
Any malfunction of your equipment is considered a violation of your terms of probation. This includes any malfunction caused by power outages, storms or weather conditions that interfere with GPS signal and every other reason that may cause the GPS to malfunction.
Do hope that your PO officer is not on a family picknik or watching a football game. If you interfere with his free time by intruding with a GPS malfunction all he or she needs to do is call and have a warrant for your arrest issued.
It does not matter if you are following the rules of your probation and in your home as directed.
The PO officer is not required to validate the malfunction, especially if they are in the middle of a football game.
That is exactly how it worked for a close friend of mine who was put on GPS monitoring under the supervision of Anoka County earlier this year. Over the 4th of July Weekend his GPS malfunctioned and this week was given 1 year in prison. He was at home following all rules of his release when his again GPS malfunctioned. This was about the 40th time it had malfunctioned.
Hell -the PO officer was not even required to show up for the hearing to explain the events to justify his issueing an arrest warrant.
So just plan on going back to prison if you are stuck with GPS monitoring. You are screwed and you are not given the Due process of the law. Welcome to the police state.
Another example of the same type of GPS malfunction problem is now playing out in Connecticut.
Any malfunction of your equipment is considered a violation of your terms of probation. This includes any malfunction caused by power outages, storms or weather conditions that interfere with GPS signal and every other reason that may cause the GPS to malfunction.
Do hope that your PO officer is not on a family picknik or watching a football game. If you interfere with his free time by intruding with a GPS malfunction all he or she needs to do is call and have a warrant for your arrest issued.
It does not matter if you are following the rules of your probation and in your home as directed.
The PO officer is not required to validate the malfunction, especially if they are in the middle of a football game.
That is exactly how it worked for a close friend of mine who was put on GPS monitoring under the supervision of Anoka County earlier this year. Over the 4th of July Weekend his GPS malfunctioned and this week was given 1 year in prison. He was at home following all rules of his release when his again GPS malfunctioned. This was about the 40th time it had malfunctioned.
Hell -the PO officer was not even required to show up for the hearing to explain the events to justify his issueing an arrest warrant.
So just plan on going back to prison if you are stuck with GPS monitoring. You are screwed and you are not given the Due process of the law. Welcome to the police state.
Another example of the same type of GPS malfunction problem is now playing out in Connecticut.
Aug 28, 2008
Foods I have Eaten
From DOA and The Floating Lush
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects yuck
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal double yuck
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill no way
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
101 . LUTEFISK Of course this is on the list
I could not bold or strike some of these - I just don't know what they are!!
I did have to add number 101 to this list. I don't know how anyone could have left Lutefisk off this list.
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal double yuck
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
101 . LUTEFISK Of course this is on the list
I could not bold or strike some of these - I just don't know what they are!!
I did have to add number 101 to this list. I don't know how anyone could have left Lutefisk off this list.
Jul 31, 2008
Gas Prices
Aaagh, It drives me nuts!!!!
A couple weeks ago we were paying in my area $3.89 a gallon. The SemGroup bankruptcy, congress looking at speculators, Changes in demand all seem to take a hit on the prices.
Over the past two weeks the price per barrel dropped about $27. A barrel produces about 30 gallons of gas, so that comes in about $.90 a gallon. During time period the price of gas dropped $.40 a gallon.
The other day the market rallied and price per barrel jumped $4.58 or about $.15 per gallon but the Cost of gas took a one day jump of $.20 form $3.49 to $3.69 The increase should have brought the price to about $3.64, Fairly close to what it went up to.
So if the cost per barrel is pretty close to what the increase in gas prices are why don't the gas prices drop the same way? Even with the spike the other day prices would be at about $3.15 if they followed the same downward pricing structering as used for upward pricing.
Anyways it will only drive me nuts, dribble down price drops and spike increases.
A couple weeks ago we were paying in my area $3.89 a gallon. The SemGroup bankruptcy, congress looking at speculators, Changes in demand all seem to take a hit on the prices.
Over the past two weeks the price per barrel dropped about $27. A barrel produces about 30 gallons of gas, so that comes in about $.90 a gallon. During time period the price of gas dropped $.40 a gallon.
The other day the market rallied and price per barrel jumped $4.58 or about $.15 per gallon but the Cost of gas took a one day jump of $.20 form $3.49 to $3.69 The increase should have brought the price to about $3.64, Fairly close to what it went up to.
So if the cost per barrel is pretty close to what the increase in gas prices are why don't the gas prices drop the same way? Even with the spike the other day prices would be at about $3.15 if they followed the same downward pricing structering as used for upward pricing.
Anyways it will only drive me nuts, dribble down price drops and spike increases.
Jun 30, 2008
Take a kid fishing
Have you ever gone to an art museum and looked at a Chuck Close self Portrait and marveled at the sweat and whiskers painted into the portrait and wonder how he did it?
Have you ever sat down and listened to Adagio in G-Minor by Tomaso Albinoni and imagined a World War 1 dogfight in the clouds between the Luftwaffe and the British.
Have you ever sat down and read Pincher Martin by William Golding and imagined his struggle to survive on the island?
Have you every sat on bench and just looked at a scene and contemplated how to paint or photograph what you are seeing?
Have you ever gone to the library to research something that you saw or heard about that intrigued you?
Chances are if you are under 25 the odds are pretty high for you to say NO. I say that because we no longer teach the young to think, to be creative or install a desire to want to learn or read. Schools kill Music and Art Programs in budgets in order to add technology We focus everything now on what the technology and the internet can provide but we do not teach how to use it. We have been hearing about "No Child Left Behind" and closing the "Technology Gaps". It is only recently that studies are coming out that show how much the technology is dumbing down the upcoming generations. Social networking including Myspace, Facebook, Cell phones, Texting, Electronic gaming and computers are starting to be shown as the source of the decline in literacy rates of the young.
Games may teach motor skills, spatial or judgment skills but very few improve language or communication skills. Most games are mostly sound effects and music and little to no language content. Those that do have communication between players is communication on the level of the game and minimal. You’re character will get killed off if you are too distracted talking or typing.
Social networking allows users to stay within and never leave an all inclusive comfort world. It is a world at the fingertips 24/7 that provides all that is desired or fills the interests needs and peer support and friends. There is no need to venture out of the comfort zone. RSS feeds, Twiiter, Facebook/ Myspace and many of the Web 2.0 tools provide the users with everything that meets their interest and in essence isolate themselves from stimulus that is out of their interest. Viral Videos, Nike shoes, Ipod downloads, and news of Britney outweigh reading “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the News or following current Events.
The young may be Tech Savvy but they are also are becomeing increasingly functionally illiterate in reading writing and communication skills as they grow. The lack of skills are showing up more and more in the job market and college campuses and general everyday life in the adult world. Studies are now showing that college students are entering college with a conversation literacy rate barely higher than that of a pre school level book. Employers can't get workers that understand how to perform the job, read or follow instructions.
Schools and society have come to depend on technology as the source of learning and not a tool. Proper reading, writing, math and cognitive skills are not being taught or instilled but assumed they will be learned online.
We need to make sure the young have the tools for a first life before worrying about Second Life and all the WEB 2.0 tools and technologies. We are their future and they are ours.
Have you ever sat down and listened to Adagio in G-Minor by Tomaso Albinoni and imagined a World War 1 dogfight in the clouds between the Luftwaffe and the British.
Have you ever sat down and read Pincher Martin by William Golding and imagined his struggle to survive on the island?
Have you every sat on bench and just looked at a scene and contemplated how to paint or photograph what you are seeing?
Have you ever gone to the library to research something that you saw or heard about that intrigued you?
Chances are if you are under 25 the odds are pretty high for you to say NO. I say that because we no longer teach the young to think, to be creative or install a desire to want to learn or read. Schools kill Music and Art Programs in budgets in order to add technology We focus everything now on what the technology and the internet can provide but we do not teach how to use it. We have been hearing about "No Child Left Behind" and closing the "Technology Gaps". It is only recently that studies are coming out that show how much the technology is dumbing down the upcoming generations. Social networking including Myspace, Facebook, Cell phones, Texting, Electronic gaming and computers are starting to be shown as the source of the decline in literacy rates of the young.
Games may teach motor skills, spatial or judgment skills but very few improve language or communication skills. Most games are mostly sound effects and music and little to no language content. Those that do have communication between players is communication on the level of the game and minimal. You’re character will get killed off if you are too distracted talking or typing.
Social networking allows users to stay within and never leave an all inclusive comfort world. It is a world at the fingertips 24/7 that provides all that is desired or fills the interests needs and peer support and friends. There is no need to venture out of the comfort zone. RSS feeds, Twiiter, Facebook/ Myspace and many of the Web 2.0 tools provide the users with everything that meets their interest and in essence isolate themselves from stimulus that is out of their interest. Viral Videos, Nike shoes, Ipod downloads, and news of Britney outweigh reading “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the News or following current Events.
The young may be Tech Savvy but they are also are becomeing increasingly functionally illiterate in reading writing and communication skills as they grow. The lack of skills are showing up more and more in the job market and college campuses and general everyday life in the adult world. Studies are now showing that college students are entering college with a conversation literacy rate barely higher than that of a pre school level book. Employers can't get workers that understand how to perform the job, read or follow instructions.
Schools and society have come to depend on technology as the source of learning and not a tool. Proper reading, writing, math and cognitive skills are not being taught or instilled but assumed they will be learned online.
We need to make sure the young have the tools for a first life before worrying about Second Life and all the WEB 2.0 tools and technologies. We are their future and they are ours.
Jun 15, 2008
Is Google Making us Stoopid?
Atlantic Monthly magazine has a cover title in the July /August 2008 issue titled "Is Google Making us Stupid?" I found the article an interesting and thought provoking read. I read the article in the printed magazine not online, I have to admit my mind kept wandering, scanning ahead and I had trouble reading every line word for word with out becoming somehow distracted. The significance of this statement will be realized by reading the article.
Oh - Yes my spelling error is intentional.
Oh - Yes my spelling error is intentional.
May 27, 2008
Right Brained libraries?
I am currently reading A whole new mind : why right-brainers will rule the future. It is a very interesting concept that he argues in this book. The world has seen different phases. The agricultural age, the Industrial revolution, and the Information age that we are now in the ends of. As the ages and technologies progressed, Left brained or Critical thinking skills were the main needs and where right brained or creativity thinking once nonexistant has slowly been accepted or become a key player.
Now as the technology and information age wanes. Left brain Thinking such as engineering accounting, banking and virtually all industry can be done on computers and the Internet by anybody anywhere in the world on any computer. The new emerging phase needs and will demand right brain or crative thinking.
Putting this all in the perspective of the libraries and WEB 2.0 or future versions I have to ask. If all the library services are pushed more and more online. If all the reference and information services and resources and databases can be outsourced from India or China or be completely accessed online. Outside of becoming a subscription portal, what will the library become especially as print materials become more expensive or phased out for electronic versions. Web 2.0 only enhances this movement of the information to a global service.
When I started in the library over 20 years ago the theme was "Books and a whole lot more."
I think this still stand true and perhaps even more so now. It is the creative or right brain thinking that is needed to figure out or design what this really implies in the libraries emerging role as more and more of its traditional left Brain roles can now be performed or accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world.
Now as the technology and information age wanes. Left brain Thinking such as engineering accounting, banking and virtually all industry can be done on computers and the Internet by anybody anywhere in the world on any computer. The new emerging phase needs and will demand right brain or crative thinking.
Putting this all in the perspective of the libraries and WEB 2.0 or future versions I have to ask. If all the library services are pushed more and more online. If all the reference and information services and resources and databases can be outsourced from India or China or be completely accessed online. Outside of becoming a subscription portal, what will the library become especially as print materials become more expensive or phased out for electronic versions. Web 2.0 only enhances this movement of the information to a global service.
When I started in the library over 20 years ago the theme was "Books and a whole lot more."
I think this still stand true and perhaps even more so now. It is the creative or right brain thinking that is needed to figure out or design what this really implies in the libraries emerging role as more and more of its traditional left Brain roles can now be performed or accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world.
May 23, 2008
My take on all the Global Warming issues
It does not really matter to me if Global warming is scientifically or factually proven or disproved.
We, as the residents of this only world we have need to take care of and preserve what we have. And if it turns out by doing so we are also protecting the climate all the better.
Even if human interaction is proven to not have any impact on our climate it is not saying it is OK to continue polluting and raping our planet.
So quite bickering about if Global Warming is real or not and do what you can to preserve what we have and clean up our messes we have created.
If we continue to treat it like it is of no consequence who are we to blame if air quality everywhere ends up as it is in Bejing. What will that do to the climate and what will it take to fix if it gets to that point.
We, as the residents of this only world we have need to take care of and preserve what we have. And if it turns out by doing so we are also protecting the climate all the better.
Even if human interaction is proven to not have any impact on our climate it is not saying it is OK to continue polluting and raping our planet.
So quite bickering about if Global Warming is real or not and do what you can to preserve what we have and clean up our messes we have created.
If we continue to treat it like it is of no consequence who are we to blame if air quality everywhere ends up as it is in Bejing. What will that do to the climate and what will it take to fix if it gets to that point.
Gas Prices
$3.85 a gallon gas. Come on already, what is the deal anyway.
Prices go up because of hurricanes or reports there might be one. It goes up because it might get cold. It might get warm, Because people might drive or might not.
The Inventories or supplies might be going down or disrupted.
What ever they can speculate they do but they say it's not the speculators that are driving it up.
Refineries and production have not been increased in 30 years but its not the oill companies fault the prices are going up. Hell! they have had to buy back stocks instead of investinng or expanding in their production. They have to pay all the CEOs millions in salaries and keep the stockholders happy. OOPS That’s right, I forgot they are buying up all their own stock. Sure they have been trying to drill in Alaska and other areas and the Government has blocked that. How hard have they tried to get the OK to expand refineries. Oh I forgot they are only running at 80% to 85% capacity anyway and they were even able to cut back to increase profit margines recently so they must not need more refinery capacity to keep up supply.
Thank god its not the Oil Companies or the Governments fault the prices keep going up.
Stockpile levels seem to keep going down but the reserves are not supppsed to be tapped and until recently have been continuously added to. The reserves should be increasing or at least staying level since they are not supposed to be getting tapped. Maybe I am getting stockpiles and reserves mixed up or am I.
But I am sure this has nothing to do with the prices going up.
Just a thought and I am probably wrong, but could this all have anything to with rampant GREED everywhere?
Nah!That would be too far fetched of a conclusion.
Prices go up because of hurricanes or reports there might be one. It goes up because it might get cold. It might get warm, Because people might drive or might not.
The Inventories or supplies might be going down or disrupted.
What ever they can speculate they do but they say it's not the speculators that are driving it up.
Refineries and production have not been increased in 30 years but its not the oill companies fault the prices are going up. Hell! they have had to buy back stocks instead of investinng or expanding in their production. They have to pay all the CEOs millions in salaries and keep the stockholders happy. OOPS That’s right, I forgot they are buying up all their own stock. Sure they have been trying to drill in Alaska and other areas and the Government has blocked that. How hard have they tried to get the OK to expand refineries. Oh I forgot they are only running at 80% to 85% capacity anyway and they were even able to cut back to increase profit margines recently so they must not need more refinery capacity to keep up supply.
Thank god its not the Oil Companies or the Governments fault the prices keep going up.
Stockpile levels seem to keep going down but the reserves are not supppsed to be tapped and until recently have been continuously added to. The reserves should be increasing or at least staying level since they are not supposed to be getting tapped. Maybe I am getting stockpiles and reserves mixed up or am I.
But I am sure this has nothing to do with the prices going up.
Just a thought and I am probably wrong, but could this all have anything to with rampant GREED everywhere?
Nah!That would be too far fetched of a conclusion.
May 17, 2008
Library Experiences
Because of a temporary loss of my home Internet access, My fiancee and I have become customers at our local library for our internet needs. My fiancee has also been using the library and Internet for school research and online testing for her college classes.
The library we use is the main library in a different system than the one I work for.
The restrictions regarding time usage and guest passes as well as general policies are much more relaxed in the system I work for. I often get exasperated that the children, teens and many adults would rather get a guest pass instead of remembering their card or getting one. At least they are coming in and using the libray.
The library I have been using will not give a guest pass without an ID showing you are out of area otherwise you must use a library card. No exceptions. I have no idea what they do with new residents or those that refuse to or can't have a card. I guess they just can't use the library.
They use Cybrarian which is the same system we used at one time for computer reservations. Because of an hour long timed test was to be taken by my fiancee, she asked the reference staff if she can have her time extended a short amount to allow her to finish. She was told no. I don't know if this function has been disabled or if the staff just were unwilling to accomadate but Cybrarian does have this function available . Because of the hour Limits in place she was not able to take her exam.
I returned some books and was going to renew the remaining items. I was unable to renew my fiancee's materials. I had the library card number but missing a number on the pin so I was not able to log on. Staff at the desk refused to renew or verify numbers unless I had her actual card or books in hand. Yes I am aware of privacy Issues, But they wouldn't even go into her record and let me tell them what titles to renew.
My first visit was very exasperating. I finally had to ask a librarian why all the web addresses I typed in did not work and I had to find them using Google. No Instructions were posted at stations. It turns out that you have to type in the address leaving out all the http://www/ otherwise it delivers an invalid address. And every few minutes a box pops up asking me if I was still there and if I wish to continue. Arrrgh, Every time those come up I was in the middle of typing something or inputing something into a form.
Obviously it can't detect I am on and using the computer.
The reference desk? Where is it? Hidden way in back out of the way , not front and center. It's Like a service counter at a department store off in the back area of the building. I did not notice much in the way of phone calls or the Librarians out and about much helping customers. But then again the place was almost always pretty empty the times I visited. Did I say this was the main area library?
Another obsevation I noticed right off on my first visit was the reserve pick-up area while getting a card. It had perhaps 100 items being held. I swear on any given day we have close to 10000 items waiting to be picked up. We had to give up the manned check out station years ago because the library was just to busy to dedicate staff to sit at the check out station, its nice to see they still can afford this service.
I really dislike using that library and I dislike saying it even more. I am sure what I felt is also felt many of my neighbors who have to use that library system. I am sure that is why it is always empty and underused.
So even though customers take advantage or abuse our more relaxed or accomadating policies where I work I would much prefer them to the restrictive ones I have encountered.
I am sure that also has a lot to do with why we are always busy and often a noisy and sometimes chaotic place to be in, we are not an empty echo chamber.
It is a customer friendly, family friendly library and we encourage the use and accomadate the customers needs. I much prefer the hustle and bustle of a place everyone wants to use and a place where staff, facilities and policies accomadate that use.
The library we use is the main library in a different system than the one I work for.
The restrictions regarding time usage and guest passes as well as general policies are much more relaxed in the system I work for. I often get exasperated that the children, teens and many adults would rather get a guest pass instead of remembering their card or getting one. At least they are coming in and using the libray.
The library I have been using will not give a guest pass without an ID showing you are out of area otherwise you must use a library card. No exceptions. I have no idea what they do with new residents or those that refuse to or can't have a card. I guess they just can't use the library.
They use Cybrarian which is the same system we used at one time for computer reservations. Because of an hour long timed test was to be taken by my fiancee, she asked the reference staff if she can have her time extended a short amount to allow her to finish. She was told no. I don't know if this function has been disabled or if the staff just were unwilling to accomadate but Cybrarian does have this function available . Because of the hour Limits in place she was not able to take her exam.
I returned some books and was going to renew the remaining items. I was unable to renew my fiancee's materials. I had the library card number but missing a number on the pin so I was not able to log on. Staff at the desk refused to renew or verify numbers unless I had her actual card or books in hand. Yes I am aware of privacy Issues, But they wouldn't even go into her record and let me tell them what titles to renew.
My first visit was very exasperating. I finally had to ask a librarian why all the web addresses I typed in did not work and I had to find them using Google. No Instructions were posted at stations. It turns out that you have to type in the address leaving out all the http://www/ otherwise it delivers an invalid address. And every few minutes a box pops up asking me if I was still there and if I wish to continue. Arrrgh, Every time those come up I was in the middle of typing something or inputing something into a form.
Obviously it can't detect I am on and using the computer.
The reference desk? Where is it? Hidden way in back out of the way , not front and center. It's Like a service counter at a department store off in the back area of the building. I did not notice much in the way of phone calls or the Librarians out and about much helping customers. But then again the place was almost always pretty empty the times I visited. Did I say this was the main area library?
Another obsevation I noticed right off on my first visit was the reserve pick-up area while getting a card. It had perhaps 100 items being held. I swear on any given day we have close to 10000 items waiting to be picked up. We had to give up the manned check out station years ago because the library was just to busy to dedicate staff to sit at the check out station, its nice to see they still can afford this service.
I really dislike using that library and I dislike saying it even more. I am sure what I felt is also felt many of my neighbors who have to use that library system. I am sure that is why it is always empty and underused.
So even though customers take advantage or abuse our more relaxed or accomadating policies where I work I would much prefer them to the restrictive ones I have encountered.
I am sure that also has a lot to do with why we are always busy and often a noisy and sometimes chaotic place to be in, we are not an empty echo chamber.
It is a customer friendly, family friendly library and we encourage the use and accomadate the customers needs. I much prefer the hustle and bustle of a place everyone wants to use and a place where staff, facilities and policies accomadate that use.
Mar 26, 2008
Weirdness
A person who seems to be traveling everywhere on a one person vigil against National Black Microwave abuse oppression, Moron Microwave technology, Lipstick Fungus offenses and Street fungus abuse made her way through our building the other day and handed out her materials.
After a quick WTF? I googled the terms and quickly found a blog tracking her. I created a link on my blog to see what is new.
After a quick WTF? I googled the terms and quickly found a blog tracking her. I created a link on my blog to see what is new.
Mar 22, 2008
You Have Meddled With the Laws of Nature
In the 1976 movie Network, Howard Beale, the mad prophet of the airwaves told everyone after preaching the truth in his show ” Get up out of your chairs, go to the window and yell out I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any longer”.
Now in 2008 I find myself thinking similar thoughts.
“Get up off your computer. Shut off your cell phone. Go out and do something totally unfamiliar to you. Say Hello to a stranger, Make a friend in person. Draw a picture, paint a painting.
Go down to the basement and make a birdhouse out of the scraps of wood sitting around.
Find some way to use your mind instead of letting the computer mindlessly do it all for you.
Don’t worry about checking all your RSS feeds and Emails. Don’t worry if you have more unknown friends added to your MySpace account. Don’t worry if you are 20 points away from the next level in Runescape. Don’t worry about creating a second life. They will always be there to come back to when you are ready to waste your time on them.
Just go out there and do something to enhance or develop your first life.
Sure there are many great uses for all these Web 2.0 tools, but they are only tools and some are just toys. Knowing about them and when and how to use them is great. Knowing when to let go or not use them is the key.
I can see how these can make a person more dependant on the computer wasting valuable time on things that never made any difference to them before they found out about them. Just because you know that you can have every interest piped to you does it really make you more informed or just more a slave to the computer.
Since doing the 23 things I myself have found myself wasting much more time checking up on all my new accounts and other blogs instead of doing anything productive or creative. Learn how to make the computer and technology work as tools to enhance your life, don’t become a slave to it. Your life won’t fall apart without the computer. Learning how to think and create without one could be the most valuable WEB 2.0 tool out there.
Now in 2008 I find myself thinking similar thoughts.
“Get up off your computer. Shut off your cell phone. Go out and do something totally unfamiliar to you. Say Hello to a stranger, Make a friend in person. Draw a picture, paint a painting.
Go down to the basement and make a birdhouse out of the scraps of wood sitting around.
Find some way to use your mind instead of letting the computer mindlessly do it all for you.
Don’t worry about checking all your RSS feeds and Emails. Don’t worry if you have more unknown friends added to your MySpace account. Don’t worry if you are 20 points away from the next level in Runescape. Don’t worry about creating a second life. They will always be there to come back to when you are ready to waste your time on them.
Just go out there and do something to enhance or develop your first life.
Sure there are many great uses for all these Web 2.0 tools, but they are only tools and some are just toys. Knowing about them and when and how to use them is great. Knowing when to let go or not use them is the key.
I can see how these can make a person more dependant on the computer wasting valuable time on things that never made any difference to them before they found out about them. Just because you know that you can have every interest piped to you does it really make you more informed or just more a slave to the computer.
Since doing the 23 things I myself have found myself wasting much more time checking up on all my new accounts and other blogs instead of doing anything productive or creative. Learn how to make the computer and technology work as tools to enhance your life, don’t become a slave to it. Your life won’t fall apart without the computer. Learning how to think and create without one could be the most valuable WEB 2.0 tool out there.
Feb 28, 2008
Another aside thought
I am looking forward to reading this book when it arrives.
The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age stupifies Young Americans and Jeopardizes our Future (Or, Don't Trust Anyone Under 30) by Professor Mark Bauerlein.
I have felt for a long time that the dependancy on Technology is changing society in drastic ways, some good, some bad. The home computers and probably cell phones now have more computing power than what was used to send the Apollo to the moon. The dependance on this power envelopes now every part of life from creativity, communication, analytical and computational skills, shopping and recreation. Kids no longer ride their bicycles around, hang out at the local swimming pool and play kick the can. They live at a computer screen playing Runestone or doing My Space. The computers are used to cut and paste or edit an image. No one picks up a paint brush or charcoal pencil to sketch something right from their mind.
The computer gives answers without doing the reasoning or thinking, The answers are taken as fact without researching or validating them.
I think that too much is being lost with the dependency of computers. 10 years ago we were able to work around and think out and solve a problem. I can't tell how many times I have witnessed the hysteria when the computers are down and the stores have to close, you can't do your banking, you can't book an airline ticket or check your bids on EBAY or worse yet you can't get on to MYspace or Email. Everything just shuts down including thinking and creatively thinking or manually working around the problems or even finding something else to do while the technology is down. There is the disparity where those that do not have computers or know how to use them are now forced to do so. Employment applications, Fafsa, Health Insurance claims, Immigration papers, the list goes on and on are all done via the computer now and many of those requireing these resources do not have the means to use them. To top it all they are told to go to the library for the resources and support.
We need to incorporate technology into our lives and education but not blindly depend on it. Print materials need to be retained to compliment electronic mediums not be replaced by electronic mediums. A diverse population needs to be helped not just those that are computer literate. Natural human skills need to be retained and nurtured and not replaced by a computer.
Web 2.0 is great but it is already moving into 3.0 or beyond and many are still in pre web or 1.0 and as we advance on we have to educate and provide resources for everyone not just those that are ahead in the curves. We have to balance technology with traditional resources. How we use technology is just as important as knowing when or how not to use it. The physical world has so many things to learn from, I hope the Cyber World does not replace it with a holodeck.
The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age stupifies Young Americans and Jeopardizes our Future (Or, Don't Trust Anyone Under 30) by Professor Mark Bauerlein.
I have felt for a long time that the dependancy on Technology is changing society in drastic ways, some good, some bad. The home computers and probably cell phones now have more computing power than what was used to send the Apollo to the moon. The dependance on this power envelopes now every part of life from creativity, communication, analytical and computational skills, shopping and recreation. Kids no longer ride their bicycles around, hang out at the local swimming pool and play kick the can. They live at a computer screen playing Runestone or doing My Space. The computers are used to cut and paste or edit an image. No one picks up a paint brush or charcoal pencil to sketch something right from their mind.
The computer gives answers without doing the reasoning or thinking, The answers are taken as fact without researching or validating them.
I think that too much is being lost with the dependency of computers. 10 years ago we were able to work around and think out and solve a problem. I can't tell how many times I have witnessed the hysteria when the computers are down and the stores have to close, you can't do your banking, you can't book an airline ticket or check your bids on EBAY or worse yet you can't get on to MYspace or Email. Everything just shuts down including thinking and creatively thinking or manually working around the problems or even finding something else to do while the technology is down. There is the disparity where those that do not have computers or know how to use them are now forced to do so. Employment applications, Fafsa, Health Insurance claims, Immigration papers, the list goes on and on are all done via the computer now and many of those requireing these resources do not have the means to use them. To top it all they are told to go to the library for the resources and support.
We need to incorporate technology into our lives and education but not blindly depend on it. Print materials need to be retained to compliment electronic mediums not be replaced by electronic mediums. A diverse population needs to be helped not just those that are computer literate. Natural human skills need to be retained and nurtured and not replaced by a computer.
Web 2.0 is great but it is already moving into 3.0 or beyond and many are still in pre web or 1.0 and as we advance on we have to educate and provide resources for everyone not just those that are ahead in the curves. We have to balance technology with traditional resources. How we use technology is just as important as knowing when or how not to use it. The physical world has so many things to learn from, I hope the Cyber World does not replace it with a holodeck.
Jan 29, 2008
Jan 27, 2008
Elbe River 1
Elbe River 1
Originally uploaded by scowrat
This photo was taken from a bus while traveling from Prague, Czech Republic to Dresden Germany in October 2002
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)