What kind of health care system we may have.
Health care dollar costs rhetoric heats up presenting a dilemma for some. Increasingly articles on the topic are published such as this recent one “The Cost Conundrum” by Aatul Gawande in the June 1st New Yorker. Thanks to Bob Frank who infrequently writes at “Eclectic World” for bringing it to my attention. The article is lengthy but filled with specifics and an overall view of the attitudes and influences that are being brought to bear on health care quality and costs in America today. The author cautions what kind of health care system we may have. Your time will be well spent reading Mr. Gawande’s article as he describes what specific towns can “…teach us about health care.”
Mr. Gawande begins by investigating health services in a certain Texas community he describes as being “…one of the most expensive health-care markets in the country.” He provides the dollar figures Medicare spent there in 2006 as being “…fifteen thousand dollars per enrollee…almost twice the national average.” Another well known Texas city spends half as much. What could account for this difference? You might be surprised what he learned.
Mayo Clinic in Grand Junction, Colorado, operations are also presented where he reports medical problems went down and quality went up. He adds, “…costs ended up lower than just about anywhere else in the United States.” He names communities from Danville, Pennsylvania through Wisconsin, Salt Lake City to Northern California utilizing similar operational approaches as Mayo who demonstrate comparable results.
Arguments from both the expensive and the least expensive systems proponents are not immune to the negative features of each approach their opponents cite. Both supporting groups agree we all want quality care and at the lowest cost especially knowing that overall we have runaway health care costs whose payment we cannot sustain. But what kind of system do we want? How do we get that system and are there sacrifices?
Our present mishmash of public and private medical insurance systems while trying to deliver quality care to meet patients needs is also being expected to maximize the individual provider’s reimbursement rate, Mr. Gawande writes. I’ve certainly experienced and been aware of some of the pressures that can be brought to bear in that regard. There can be a bit of a conflict between providing quality health care and income generation for some. Restrictions are instituted, corners are cut. I want to stress that many in the medical and related professions have resisted all that as have I.
I remember only too well years ago when service cuts were being made. Medical practitioners were admonished to refocus from merely providing quality care to additionally focus on the financial aspects of their work to augment declining income. Insurers and practitioners honed those business skills. Some business people took over medical groups dictating their own orientation. Medical people did become business people, too, with varying priorities in the quality/financial arena.
Mr. Gawande’s article illustrates various aspects of combining desired quality health care with a business orientation. He contends a team approach for quality care and revenue generating such as the Mayo Clinic’s system is more likely to provide us a viable health care plan.
Health care’s providers as well as consumers – that’s us – must adjust our thinking to realities Gwande documents including the whole idea that “more is better.” Seems in medical care as well as other areas of life that concept is not necessarily true. Maybe, we should all keep in mind seeking all the medical tests or procedures known to be available for any given problem is not always the better part of wisdom.
Doctors order most tests because they need to know the results which will effect a patient’s treatment. That's certainly why I recommend some procedures and medical consults. Physicians are also often pressured by patients and/or family members to provide tests for personal reassurance. Also, like it or not, given this sue happy society in which we live, the wise medical practitioner may need the occasional documenting test to justify his or her actions when treating unclear ever-changing medical complications, especially when coping with contentious individuals.
Mr. Gawande examines a broader picture here relative to just what kind of health care system we want. He views the issues as far more critical than whether or not we have a single-payer system, a public-insurance option or the mix of private and public as we have now. To best understand the stakes he describes you must read his article. His account is very readable, revealing the thought processes at work with the health care doctors and administrators he describes as presenting representative attitudes prevailing throughout the medical world in our country.
Many of us have spoken out loudly and clearly that a single-payer system is desired. Some have cited systems such as exist in Canada and Great Britain as models. I can endorse those models only if the major weaknesses of those systems are corrected in any such system we might adopt here:
1. provision for timely delivery of services,
2. provision for only specified short term duration treatment waits for a special group of medical diagnoses not directly life-threatening.
I definitely want our nation to have a system in which everyone receives health care. I also think functional sensory or augmentative systems are essential basic needs for each individual. What that means is:
1. people need dental care, teeth (artificial or otherwise) so they can eat and talk intelligibly.
2. people need vision care, glasses so they can see.
3. people vitally need to be able to hear, aids if they choose, so they can understand.
Augmentative communication systems are vital for many that are not always readily available.
We need to closely track what our current leaders are doing relative to the insurance system adopted for us. We definitely must have some action. Frankly, I believe we all deserve an insurance system at least as good as what we provide our Congressional Representatives and Senators. They’re all better equipped financially to pay for their own insurance and medical bills if they had to than most of us. Given their failure for so many years to resolve our health care system problem we cannot avoid the truth before us that they just aren’t performing well in their jobs. Now is the time to hold their feet to the flame on the health care system issue.
We won’t be remiss if we communicate our views by whatever means is at our disposal to those we’ve placed in office to carry out our wishes.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Auto Mourning -- Chrysler
I’m in mourning for America’s auto industries major manufacturers, Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Major changes and bankruptcy are impacting Chrysler and GM. Ownership of Chrysler is now shared with an Italian company, Fiat. GM’s status is more uncertain as is their bankruptcy filing since they do not yet have a suitor to share ownership.
I feel some anger toward these auto industry companies because I believe their executives and boards of directors invited their own downfall by failure to plan car designs and environmental operational changes for the future. I also believe auto consumers must share a portion of the responsibility for their demise since they persisted in recent years buying large monstrosity gas guzzling vehicles reinforcing the auto manufacturers desire to please them.
Vehicles my family has owned in long years past have not always been the most gas efficient, but we did come to recognize the nation and world's conservation environmental needs long before these auto companies apparently were willing to do. We certainly didn’t welcome the most egregious offending vehicles of the past ten years or so. Had we been young with younger children/youth and their athletic, and dancing teams to transport hither and yon, perhaps we might have succumbed to the lure of some of those large bus and truck-like transportation units. I do realize some of them are more efficient then certain regular autos we see driving about, but each of us will have to assess our own transportation system versus polluting concerns. We clearly must adapt now to changes, either willingly or otherwise, given our country’s economic state and the environmental issues facing our nation and planet.
I recall some of the very first automobiles I owned, the thrill and sense of pride I felt purchasing my very first car. Most importantly to me was the feeling of independence that owning a car gave me. I could go anywhere, anytime, on my own.
The day came when I could finally afford my first car -- used, of course. My choice was made following the trusted recommendations of a family member mechanic who had performed repairs on all the major auto company brands. He concluded Chrysler products would hold up best and be the easiest for a mechanic to repair, so I gave serious consideration to his advice. Today's auto repairs are quite different and I've since owned other auto brands.
That first car was special as the first of many experiences in our life tend to be. Somehow, in a manner I’ve long since forgotten, I became aware of a 4 door blue Chrysler sedan, a 1950 New Yorker, I think. In retrospect, I long ago realized that was hardly the kind of car a single girl in her mid-twenties needed. But I was assured by my mechanic the car was in good operating condition and was a good value for the price. Also influencing my purchasing decision was that the car was my favorite blue color. Another attraction was the Chrysler had an early version of the automatic transmission. All I had to do was let up on the gas pedal and adjust the stick shift on the steering wheel each time I wanted to shift gears -- a coordination that wasn’t difficult to learn.
This semi-automatic gear shift was quite an improvement over older model cars with a straight stick gear shift on the floor. That old way of shifting gears required the driver to use one foot pressing to the floor a clutch pedal in coordination with a gear shift by hand, then slowly releasing that foot pedal clutch while pressing the gas pedal with the other foot for just the right acceleration. Poor coordination resulted in jerky forward or backward car movement or maybe even stalling the motor. Many a driver became frustrated or enraged other drivers with erratic car motion trying to develop their driving abilities.
Beginning drivers and good versus poor drivers using these older standard car transmissions were judged klutzes or pros by their ability to perform this coordinating driving skill smoothly. Most drivers, including me, had their share of jerking, stalling driving moments. Getting stuck in slow traffic, or worst of all having to stop going up a hill offered it’s own challenges to keep the car motor going, then resume momentum when traffic started again. I became quite good at driving smoothly with standard transmission cars, but relished my Chrysler's semi-automatic automotive advance.
Here’s an interesting look at Chrysler cars from 1950-1959 provided by John MacDonald.
I hope our nation’s automotive industry becomes independently strong in the future providing the type of transportation needed in our nation and the world.
I feel some anger toward these auto industry companies because I believe their executives and boards of directors invited their own downfall by failure to plan car designs and environmental operational changes for the future. I also believe auto consumers must share a portion of the responsibility for their demise since they persisted in recent years buying large monstrosity gas guzzling vehicles reinforcing the auto manufacturers desire to please them.
Vehicles my family has owned in long years past have not always been the most gas efficient, but we did come to recognize the nation and world's conservation environmental needs long before these auto companies apparently were willing to do. We certainly didn’t welcome the most egregious offending vehicles of the past ten years or so. Had we been young with younger children/youth and their athletic, and dancing teams to transport hither and yon, perhaps we might have succumbed to the lure of some of those large bus and truck-like transportation units. I do realize some of them are more efficient then certain regular autos we see driving about, but each of us will have to assess our own transportation system versus polluting concerns. We clearly must adapt now to changes, either willingly or otherwise, given our country’s economic state and the environmental issues facing our nation and planet.
I recall some of the very first automobiles I owned, the thrill and sense of pride I felt purchasing my very first car. Most importantly to me was the feeling of independence that owning a car gave me. I could go anywhere, anytime, on my own.
The day came when I could finally afford my first car -- used, of course. My choice was made following the trusted recommendations of a family member mechanic who had performed repairs on all the major auto company brands. He concluded Chrysler products would hold up best and be the easiest for a mechanic to repair, so I gave serious consideration to his advice. Today's auto repairs are quite different and I've since owned other auto brands.
That first car was special as the first of many experiences in our life tend to be. Somehow, in a manner I’ve long since forgotten, I became aware of a 4 door blue Chrysler sedan, a 1950 New Yorker, I think. In retrospect, I long ago realized that was hardly the kind of car a single girl in her mid-twenties needed. But I was assured by my mechanic the car was in good operating condition and was a good value for the price. Also influencing my purchasing decision was that the car was my favorite blue color. Another attraction was the Chrysler had an early version of the automatic transmission. All I had to do was let up on the gas pedal and adjust the stick shift on the steering wheel each time I wanted to shift gears -- a coordination that wasn’t difficult to learn.
This semi-automatic gear shift was quite an improvement over older model cars with a straight stick gear shift on the floor. That old way of shifting gears required the driver to use one foot pressing to the floor a clutch pedal in coordination with a gear shift by hand, then slowly releasing that foot pedal clutch while pressing the gas pedal with the other foot for just the right acceleration. Poor coordination resulted in jerky forward or backward car movement or maybe even stalling the motor. Many a driver became frustrated or enraged other drivers with erratic car motion trying to develop their driving abilities.
Beginning drivers and good versus poor drivers using these older standard car transmissions were judged klutzes or pros by their ability to perform this coordinating driving skill smoothly. Most drivers, including me, had their share of jerking, stalling driving moments. Getting stuck in slow traffic, or worst of all having to stop going up a hill offered it’s own challenges to keep the car motor going, then resume momentum when traffic started again. I became quite good at driving smoothly with standard transmission cars, but relished my Chrysler's semi-automatic automotive advance.
Here’s an interesting look at Chrysler cars from 1950-1959 provided by John MacDonald.
I hope our nation’s automotive industry becomes independently strong in the future providing the type of transportation needed in our nation and the world.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Minimalist Communication
Text‘nTwitterTwitzer
The time has come to recognize that communication is completely evolving to a minimalist state. Traditional phone calls as we’ve known them during which individuals actually talk back and forth with one another are becoming, and in some instances have already become, obsolete. Wouldn’t you know this situation occurs at a time within our country, and in some cases all over the world, when the long distance phone calls can be made at no extra charge.
Much of my life these distant calls cost a premium. If you made such a call for pleasure everyone in the household took turns talking so you could get your moneys worth. Usually the long distance phone call was placed only in an emergency situation – generally because somebody had died. When you stop to think about it, that was a little late then to be calling.
I first became aware this minimalist communication evolution was beginning to occur a number of years ago. Movie makers began shortening most of their films lengths to two hours duration to accommodate television programming time periods. They began to cut out parts of longer movies. Gone have been the films whose story was best told with content that could extend beyond that two hour limit by even five minutes, much less an hour or more. Some movies would be better if compacted into fifteen minutes, frankly, but I usually don’t watch that type anyway. There are also movies whose plot might benefit from being stretched out past that arbitrary couple of hours.
Movies are not alone in experiencing this trend toward brevity in all things. Stage theatre has given way to two act productions from three. Often those two acts are filled with lots of scenes. The long traditional three act play exists now only in the resurrection of classic productions from yesteryear. Many of those are being adapted and shortened in the process.
This time/content compression trend continues to expand. Soon long blogging essays may well become relics of the past, giving way to a combination of text messaging, twittering, and whatever new scheme is created. I’m no authority on either texting or twittering. I confess I only recently tried texting once and have never twittered. Well, maybe I twittered in my younger days, but I think we called it something else that had nothing whatsoever to do with typing alphabet letters and words.
My recent effort at text messaging occurred because someone sent me a text message requiring a reply. I had never read any texting directions in my book of cell phone operation instructions. The book was supposed to be a ‘how to’ manual, so I was at some disadvantage replying appropriately. My cell phone had so many features on it beyond those for my immediate needs, I figured it could take forever to learn all of them at once, especially when I saw the size of that manual – longer than some novels. I mostly add phone feature skills to my repertoire gradually, one by one, through trial and error. So it would be with texting.
There was a slight hitch as I fumbled with the cell phone, because I could never be sure which of the three alphabet letters above the keyboard number I selected would show up in my message. It surely did create some strange but interesting words. The recipient of my reply and I still laugh at the convoluted twisted spelling of her name which she now uses as an alias. I realized that must be how some people come up with the name they give their newborns today, ‘cause there sure are some strange names I’ve encountered.
Texting, as I understand it, involves a lot of abbreviations and phonetic spelling of words. So, we’d get something like: i c u r dun. LOLFOTFL – Then, guess you just type these short little ditties, or longer if you like, back and forth with whoever you’re texting with.
Twittering, I’m told, places a 140 letter/symbol limit on the length of the message. FWIW the preceding sentence is composed of about half the specified number of letters/symbols allowed. (This last sentence is too long to complete the other half of the allowed message length.)
So, you see that short Twitter paragraph of two sentences above is TOO-OOO LONNGGG!
If blogging posts are going to evolve to Texting and Twittering criteria, I’m wondering if I should start trying to adapt my pieces now with these simple rules:
1. Use abbreviations, phonetic spellings only
2. Message is limited to 140 letter/symbols
3. Remember KISS
Here’s my piece for today:
Im sare 4 gm, krislr wrkrs. Y duz r tax mune go 2 biznes, banks, wal strt, naht foks?
Y do progrms tax kts hrt pur, old, sik, disabld, retird? Whn wil al hav helth kar?
(Note: my Word automatic spell corrector is going nuts with these last two lines I typed.)
If Text ‘n Twitter 140 words/symbols isn’t long enough for you, check out this link for Twitzer, then you can Text’nTwitterTwitzer, or Text’nTT. (Twitzer is a Firefox extension: http://shorttext.com/twitzer.aspx)
The time has come to recognize that communication is completely evolving to a minimalist state. Traditional phone calls as we’ve known them during which individuals actually talk back and forth with one another are becoming, and in some instances have already become, obsolete. Wouldn’t you know this situation occurs at a time within our country, and in some cases all over the world, when the long distance phone calls can be made at no extra charge.
Much of my life these distant calls cost a premium. If you made such a call for pleasure everyone in the household took turns talking so you could get your moneys worth. Usually the long distance phone call was placed only in an emergency situation – generally because somebody had died. When you stop to think about it, that was a little late then to be calling.
I first became aware this minimalist communication evolution was beginning to occur a number of years ago. Movie makers began shortening most of their films lengths to two hours duration to accommodate television programming time periods. They began to cut out parts of longer movies. Gone have been the films whose story was best told with content that could extend beyond that two hour limit by even five minutes, much less an hour or more. Some movies would be better if compacted into fifteen minutes, frankly, but I usually don’t watch that type anyway. There are also movies whose plot might benefit from being stretched out past that arbitrary couple of hours.
Movies are not alone in experiencing this trend toward brevity in all things. Stage theatre has given way to two act productions from three. Often those two acts are filled with lots of scenes. The long traditional three act play exists now only in the resurrection of classic productions from yesteryear. Many of those are being adapted and shortened in the process.
This time/content compression trend continues to expand. Soon long blogging essays may well become relics of the past, giving way to a combination of text messaging, twittering, and whatever new scheme is created. I’m no authority on either texting or twittering. I confess I only recently tried texting once and have never twittered. Well, maybe I twittered in my younger days, but I think we called it something else that had nothing whatsoever to do with typing alphabet letters and words.
My recent effort at text messaging occurred because someone sent me a text message requiring a reply. I had never read any texting directions in my book of cell phone operation instructions. The book was supposed to be a ‘how to’ manual, so I was at some disadvantage replying appropriately. My cell phone had so many features on it beyond those for my immediate needs, I figured it could take forever to learn all of them at once, especially when I saw the size of that manual – longer than some novels. I mostly add phone feature skills to my repertoire gradually, one by one, through trial and error. So it would be with texting.
There was a slight hitch as I fumbled with the cell phone, because I could never be sure which of the three alphabet letters above the keyboard number I selected would show up in my message. It surely did create some strange but interesting words. The recipient of my reply and I still laugh at the convoluted twisted spelling of her name which she now uses as an alias. I realized that must be how some people come up with the name they give their newborns today, ‘cause there sure are some strange names I’ve encountered.
Texting, as I understand it, involves a lot of abbreviations and phonetic spelling of words. So, we’d get something like: i c u r dun. LOLFOTFL – Then, guess you just type these short little ditties, or longer if you like, back and forth with whoever you’re texting with.
Twittering, I’m told, places a 140 letter/symbol limit on the length of the message. FWIW the preceding sentence is composed of about half the specified number of letters/symbols allowed. (This last sentence is too long to complete the other half of the allowed message length.)
So, you see that short Twitter paragraph of two sentences above is TOO-OOO LONNGGG!
If blogging posts are going to evolve to Texting and Twittering criteria, I’m wondering if I should start trying to adapt my pieces now with these simple rules:
1. Use abbreviations, phonetic spellings only
2. Message is limited to 140 letter/symbols
3. Remember KISS
Here’s my piece for today:
Im sare 4 gm, krislr wrkrs. Y duz r tax mune go 2 biznes, banks, wal strt, naht foks?
Y do progrms tax kts hrt pur, old, sik, disabld, retird? Whn wil al hav helth kar?
(Note: my Word automatic spell corrector is going nuts with these last two lines I typed.)
If Text ‘n Twitter 140 words/symbols isn’t long enough for you, check out this link for Twitzer, then you can Text’nTwitterTwitzer, or Text’nTT. (Twitzer is a Firefox extension: http://shorttext.com/twitzer.aspx)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Hawaii Lantern Festival 10th Anniversary
Reflection on the original Memorial Day,as May 30th approaches, leads my thoughts to the recent Hawaiian Lantern Festival’s 10th Anniversary, May 25, 2009, that was also our current Memorial Day. Extensive videos of this year’s Festival can be viewed now at this KGMB link.
The 2009 Lantern Festival “Streaming Video” will be aired by television station KGMB 9 on May 30th, and again in early June.
Memorial Day commemoration for most of my life occurred on May 30th, but a few years ago the date was moved to the last Monday of the month in order to provide a long three day weekend. I’ve sometimes wondered if this change has resulted in many people gradually forgetting the true significance of this special day as they focus more on that day off work and social activities. I do respect the new date, and wrote a brief post here, but the 30th still automatically enters my mind as Memorial Day even though I know the legal date is past.
I recall as a small girl selling Buddy Poppies for the American Legion to raise funds for the Veterans. I was so proud the year I received the most contributions for I had an older loved one fighting in a foreign land during WWII at the time and this made me feel as though I was helping in some small way. My family member returned home safely from that war, but many did not. They join our ancestors who are remembered in the Hawaiian Lantern Festival that occurs on the new Memorial Day (25th this year) as I now commemorate the 30th date, too.
Another loved family member first acquainted me with the significance of the Hawaiian Lantern Festival in May 2007. Subsequently, I wrote a piece here including:
“The Hawaii Lantern Festival is in progress as I write this. I imagine the evening with darkness falling, the lanterns slowly floating out to sea honoring the spirit of those no longer living. On this particular evening, for our family, the names of loved ones, so recently with us in body and spirit, will be launched from the shoreline to ebb seaward.”
A 2007 Festival video was not available at that time but now is from YouTube:
The 2009 Lantern Festival “Streaming Video” will be aired by television station KGMB 9 on May 30th, and again in early June.
Memorial Day commemoration for most of my life occurred on May 30th, but a few years ago the date was moved to the last Monday of the month in order to provide a long three day weekend. I’ve sometimes wondered if this change has resulted in many people gradually forgetting the true significance of this special day as they focus more on that day off work and social activities. I do respect the new date, and wrote a brief post here, but the 30th still automatically enters my mind as Memorial Day even though I know the legal date is past.
I recall as a small girl selling Buddy Poppies for the American Legion to raise funds for the Veterans. I was so proud the year I received the most contributions for I had an older loved one fighting in a foreign land during WWII at the time and this made me feel as though I was helping in some small way. My family member returned home safely from that war, but many did not. They join our ancestors who are remembered in the Hawaiian Lantern Festival that occurs on the new Memorial Day (25th this year) as I now commemorate the 30th date, too.
Another loved family member first acquainted me with the significance of the Hawaiian Lantern Festival in May 2007. Subsequently, I wrote a piece here including:
“The Hawaii Lantern Festival is in progress as I write this. I imagine the evening with darkness falling, the lanterns slowly floating out to sea honoring the spirit of those no longer living. On this particular evening, for our family, the names of loved ones, so recently with us in body and spirit, will be launched from the shoreline to ebb seaward.”
A 2007 Festival video was not available at that time but now is from YouTube:
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Remembrance '09
On this Memorial Day we remember the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.
This Taps Buglers at Arlington National Cemetery YouTube video (about 4 mins. duration) concludes with sounds, pictures and words that always bring tears to my eyes. I always think of how each of those individuals lives might have been different had they lived, as would the lives of so many others.
I long for peace with freedom.
This Taps Buglers at Arlington National Cemetery YouTube video (about 4 mins. duration) concludes with sounds, pictures and words that always bring tears to my eyes. I always think of how each of those individuals lives might have been different had they lived, as would the lives of so many others.
I long for peace with freedom.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Movie Title Coincidence
“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”
Coincidentally just before I published my previous post, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," I discovered an older movie with the same title prominently displayed at my favorite video rental store. I noted Italian cast names I immediately recognized -- Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni; director, Vittorio De Sica. Prominent film producer Carlos Ponti had earlier discovered Loren,promoted her career,then later married her after divorcing his wife. Ponti’s and Loren’s marriage was not recognized in Italy and by the Catholic Church creating international news headlines in the Sixties. A few years later he married her again in France where the marriage was recognized.
This Italian color movie was originally released to theaters in 1963 ultimately catapulting Loren and Mastroianni onto the European and American movie scene. Awards were received and also notoriety for one Loren visually sensuous striptease scene considered quite risqué at the time. The year was significant in my love life, so I wasn’t giving much attention to movies. I don’t recall ever seeing this movie until now, though I do remember the Italian marriage controversy.
I viewed this color DVD movie and enjoyed the humor this past weekend. I was most intrigued with seeing these then-young actors at the beginning of careers that resulted in each of them appearing in some classic movies later for which they are better known as is their director. Here’s the movie's recap from my point of view.
This light comedy consists of three short stories in Italian language with English subtitles. The New York Times reviewer, Bosley Crowther, writes “…the title Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow has absolutely no relation to the film…” with which I disagree. Perhaps he has no historical reference for the temperament and prevailing attitudes during the times represented in each of the stories. Certainly the movie isn't resoundingly heavy and deep for analysis, but I see a variety of associations to the title though I mention only a few here.
The first story occurs “Yesterday” when women’s primary function is to bring many children into the world. Loren’s character is busy doing this, trying to tweak her husband’s waning participation as he becomes increasingly physically exhausted with each addition to their growing brood. She has good reason for wanting to remain pregnant in order to avoid going to jail for a few months due to an infraction of the law.
Next is “Today’s” story (1963) reflecting the materialistic attitude building then in various societies of the world. Loren’s very affluent character drives a Rolls Royce and casually wears a fur coat she nonchalantly literally tosses and drags around. Her wealthy husband is out of the country on business. She openly pursues and casually flaunts a developing relationship with a man of lesser means, Mastroianni's character. He is incredulous that she doesn't exhibit a bit more discretion. Social mores of the time are changing to more liberal freedoms for some women. We do learn the depth of Loren’s character and what she truly believes based on her actions when there is an incident with the Rolls at the stories end.
The final story, “Tomorrow,” showcases Loren’s character as a high class call girl. She’s the truly sexually liberated woman seeking independence and self-sufficiency but not immediate marriage. Mastroianni’s character is one of her regulars who visits whenever he’s able to plot a trip to her city for his father’s business. She flirts with a young man intensely attracted to her who is visiting his grandparents apartment. Their outdoor patio adjoins Loren’s. She is startled to discover he’s a seminary student preparing for priesthood’s celibate life. Ultimately these characters lives become enmeshed trying to preserve his chastity. Mastroianni’s character becomes increasingly frustrated he’s not receiving attention he desires. This is the story containing the scene that aroused so much notoriety when Loren seductively strips down to a skimpy black bra and panties. Here’s a somewhat fuzzy YouTube link.
Coincidentally just before I published my previous post, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," I discovered an older movie with the same title prominently displayed at my favorite video rental store. I noted Italian cast names I immediately recognized -- Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni; director, Vittorio De Sica. Prominent film producer Carlos Ponti had earlier discovered Loren,promoted her career,then later married her after divorcing his wife. Ponti’s and Loren’s marriage was not recognized in Italy and by the Catholic Church creating international news headlines in the Sixties. A few years later he married her again in France where the marriage was recognized.
This Italian color movie was originally released to theaters in 1963 ultimately catapulting Loren and Mastroianni onto the European and American movie scene. Awards were received and also notoriety for one Loren visually sensuous striptease scene considered quite risqué at the time. The year was significant in my love life, so I wasn’t giving much attention to movies. I don’t recall ever seeing this movie until now, though I do remember the Italian marriage controversy.
I viewed this color DVD movie and enjoyed the humor this past weekend. I was most intrigued with seeing these then-young actors at the beginning of careers that resulted in each of them appearing in some classic movies later for which they are better known as is their director. Here’s the movie's recap from my point of view.
This light comedy consists of three short stories in Italian language with English subtitles. The New York Times reviewer, Bosley Crowther, writes “…the title Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow has absolutely no relation to the film…” with which I disagree. Perhaps he has no historical reference for the temperament and prevailing attitudes during the times represented in each of the stories. Certainly the movie isn't resoundingly heavy and deep for analysis, but I see a variety of associations to the title though I mention only a few here.
The first story occurs “Yesterday” when women’s primary function is to bring many children into the world. Loren’s character is busy doing this, trying to tweak her husband’s waning participation as he becomes increasingly physically exhausted with each addition to their growing brood. She has good reason for wanting to remain pregnant in order to avoid going to jail for a few months due to an infraction of the law.
Next is “Today’s” story (1963) reflecting the materialistic attitude building then in various societies of the world. Loren’s very affluent character drives a Rolls Royce and casually wears a fur coat she nonchalantly literally tosses and drags around. Her wealthy husband is out of the country on business. She openly pursues and casually flaunts a developing relationship with a man of lesser means, Mastroianni's character. He is incredulous that she doesn't exhibit a bit more discretion. Social mores of the time are changing to more liberal freedoms for some women. We do learn the depth of Loren’s character and what she truly believes based on her actions when there is an incident with the Rolls at the stories end.
The final story, “Tomorrow,” showcases Loren’s character as a high class call girl. She’s the truly sexually liberated woman seeking independence and self-sufficiency but not immediate marriage. Mastroianni’s character is one of her regulars who visits whenever he’s able to plot a trip to her city for his father’s business. She flirts with a young man intensely attracted to her who is visiting his grandparents apartment. Their outdoor patio adjoins Loren’s. She is startled to discover he’s a seminary student preparing for priesthood’s celibate life. Ultimately these characters lives become enmeshed trying to preserve his chastity. Mastroianni’s character becomes increasingly frustrated he’s not receiving attention he desires. This is the story containing the scene that aroused so much notoriety when Loren seductively strips down to a skimpy black bra and panties. Here’s a somewhat fuzzy YouTube link.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Two days ago my Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow bushes were in full bloom covered with a multitude of blossoms in lavender shades joined by white flowers. Their airy fragrance was light and delightful. Two of the three plants I had rooted from the original bush. They have since grown considerably taller than my over mid-five feet height.
I went outside this morning to take the flowers pictures only to discover they had reached the end of their blooming season this year. The pictures that follow are among the few remaining lavender blooms though the white blossoms remain as the last flowers. Perhaps the flowers condition is appropriate for this particular piece.
You may note the flower bushes name is the theme of this blog – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. At the end is a poem by an unknown author with the same title as the bushes. I’ve enjoyed reading the poem through the years – Along The Way.
Yesterday …..
Hard to believe the time that has passed since my husband of almost 43 years died. That unexpected occurrence sometimes seems to have happened yesterday, which it actually did three years ago. Other times that day seems to have been long ago, enveloped in an unreal world. I’ve intentionally wanted to avoid giving undo reference to the day in the following years, but the date unconsciously resonates in my mind. Unbidden memories of our life together have trickled forth into my consciousness. I recall now the busyness of my activities after his death beginning that morning and continuing well into the evening hours.
I must have set the pattern then, since for the next year or so I kept myself so occupied variously I often became over-involved and driven. I could sometimes feel a burden of guilt if I did not perform certain aspects of my self-imposed new activities that I thought I should. In retrospect I was rather like the squirrel I recall from my childhood. He was a neighbor’s pet allowed to exercise periodically in a caged large wheel he turned at an increasing rate as he ran in place faster and faster. I wonder if that handsome red squirrel with the elegantly fluffy tail was aware he wasn’t going anywhere? Or, maybe he knew, and he was going somewhere -- in his mind.
In my case, after long hours, days, weeks of absorbing perpetual CD music at home, I had periods of time when I immersed myself in reading. I spent exorbitant amounts of time with the computer, much of it in the blogosphere and some with some of you.
I thought I was coping quite well and very much in control of my situation – except I wasn’t taking care of much day to day business. I could always do those things another day, I thought. Inadvertently I allowed some personal business to slide past which had not occurred before. Somehow such matters seemed so insignificant and unimportant any more, yet I knew they were. This was the time to cater to my whims I had concluded. I did, maybe, over-indulge myself. Considering some of the alternatives I considered, dabbled with and could have adopted, perhaps everything I was choosing to do despite how imperfect an answer was the better choice.
My plans had for so many years been influenced by necessary considerations for my life companion and suddenly, in an instant, that was no longer true. I took classes. I was mentally and emotionally prime to attach myself to a project that was fresh and held promise for the future as I became immersed in computer related activities.
So much of what I did had a sense of urgency component for me to accomplish whatever it was, now. Yet I often spoke of patience. Still I recognized changes I desired even for myself were probably long term evolutions. I had such contradictory thoughts that occasionally were at war within myself. Words I used describing my state of being were often what I wanted to be the case, but the words did not make it so. This was likely a reflection of my strong belief in the power of words within me -- the messages I gave myself and others – an honest effort to convince myself all was well.
I functioned as though new friendships needed to be cemented now, since time had come to have a very limiting finite quality for me. By contrast I talked of living to one hundred years of age. On some level I recognized what I was doing. On the day to day level all I did seemed quite rational and logical to me.
For months I was restless in my own home. I would reach a point where I just had to leave the house. In fact, I often left the premises for many hours of the day into the night. Had I lived near a lake some sunset hours or moonlit nights I would likely have sought a boat to embrace me while rocking ever so gently on a calm water’s surface.
I was tempted at times to drive in the car and just keep going to some unknown destination, but quelled that impulse with the belief I must return home for the beginning of each new day. I wished I knew a private pilot with whom I could fly away just for awhile. I thought about trying to make one’s acquaintance by visiting one of the two nearby small local airports hoping I’d be offered a flight. Years past my husband and I sometimes ate at one of their restaurants, watched the touch and goes, the air traffic, and remembered our mid-west flying years.
I wanted to be alone with my thoughts, but there were erratic inconsistent limits to my tolerance of the uncommonly quiet of my own home. I could be loading the dishwasher, making the bed, reading the newspaper or performing a multitude of other ordinary tasks. An indefinable feeling would subtly spread through my body much like during early spring after a winter’s freeze when a maple tree’s life-giving juices, having been confined, gradually begin to flow from the trunk toward the barren branches.
I became uneasy not knowing how or why the restlessness started since my mind would be engaged with matters unrelated to my loss. The escalating feeling resulted in my sensing I needed to leave the house. Ironically, on other occasions when I was away from home, often driving purposefully in the car, I had an overwhelming sense I no longer wanted to finish my planned schedule and I must go home.
Sometimes I would spend excessive time in a book store’s big leather cushioned chair. Strangely, I could enjoy being alone in the semi-quiet of the crowd there. Ultimately I did not mind my quiet periodically interrupted when one of the friendly young clerks became casually attentive. I was surprised to eventually learn he was a musician about to embark on a short tour with a successful newly re-formed Indie/Pop/Rock Band. More memories of my husband’s music life were stimulated.
I sought out live jazz performances here and elsewhere,sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. Finally, I discovered I had a saturation point listening to numerous jazz groups performing in those various locations. I settled into attending less frequent performances focusing on one particular talented group with an equally gifted female vocalist. I added other music genres from folk to classical with much in between at concerts I shared with friends, old and new.
Today …..
Those erratic days became weeks that turned into months, then years. Along The Way – I have become content. My solitude is not only comfortable but welcome.
Tomorrow …..
I don’t know what tomorrow holds for me, but I look forward with great anticipation to that future day by day.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
There are two days in every week that we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we've said - yesterday is gone!
The other day we shouldn't worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our control.
Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, live one day at a time!
Author Unknown
I went outside this morning to take the flowers pictures only to discover they had reached the end of their blooming season this year. The pictures that follow are among the few remaining lavender blooms though the white blossoms remain as the last flowers. Perhaps the flowers condition is appropriate for this particular piece.
You may note the flower bushes name is the theme of this blog – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. At the end is a poem by an unknown author with the same title as the bushes. I’ve enjoyed reading the poem through the years – Along The Way.
Yesterday …..
Hard to believe the time that has passed since my husband of almost 43 years died. That unexpected occurrence sometimes seems to have happened yesterday, which it actually did three years ago. Other times that day seems to have been long ago, enveloped in an unreal world. I’ve intentionally wanted to avoid giving undo reference to the day in the following years, but the date unconsciously resonates in my mind. Unbidden memories of our life together have trickled forth into my consciousness. I recall now the busyness of my activities after his death beginning that morning and continuing well into the evening hours.
I must have set the pattern then, since for the next year or so I kept myself so occupied variously I often became over-involved and driven. I could sometimes feel a burden of guilt if I did not perform certain aspects of my self-imposed new activities that I thought I should. In retrospect I was rather like the squirrel I recall from my childhood. He was a neighbor’s pet allowed to exercise periodically in a caged large wheel he turned at an increasing rate as he ran in place faster and faster. I wonder if that handsome red squirrel with the elegantly fluffy tail was aware he wasn’t going anywhere? Or, maybe he knew, and he was going somewhere -- in his mind.
In my case, after long hours, days, weeks of absorbing perpetual CD music at home, I had periods of time when I immersed myself in reading. I spent exorbitant amounts of time with the computer, much of it in the blogosphere and some with some of you.
I thought I was coping quite well and very much in control of my situation – except I wasn’t taking care of much day to day business. I could always do those things another day, I thought. Inadvertently I allowed some personal business to slide past which had not occurred before. Somehow such matters seemed so insignificant and unimportant any more, yet I knew they were. This was the time to cater to my whims I had concluded. I did, maybe, over-indulge myself. Considering some of the alternatives I considered, dabbled with and could have adopted, perhaps everything I was choosing to do despite how imperfect an answer was the better choice.
My plans had for so many years been influenced by necessary considerations for my life companion and suddenly, in an instant, that was no longer true. I took classes. I was mentally and emotionally prime to attach myself to a project that was fresh and held promise for the future as I became immersed in computer related activities.
So much of what I did had a sense of urgency component for me to accomplish whatever it was, now. Yet I often spoke of patience. Still I recognized changes I desired even for myself were probably long term evolutions. I had such contradictory thoughts that occasionally were at war within myself. Words I used describing my state of being were often what I wanted to be the case, but the words did not make it so. This was likely a reflection of my strong belief in the power of words within me -- the messages I gave myself and others – an honest effort to convince myself all was well.
I functioned as though new friendships needed to be cemented now, since time had come to have a very limiting finite quality for me. By contrast I talked of living to one hundred years of age. On some level I recognized what I was doing. On the day to day level all I did seemed quite rational and logical to me.
For months I was restless in my own home. I would reach a point where I just had to leave the house. In fact, I often left the premises for many hours of the day into the night. Had I lived near a lake some sunset hours or moonlit nights I would likely have sought a boat to embrace me while rocking ever so gently on a calm water’s surface.
I was tempted at times to drive in the car and just keep going to some unknown destination, but quelled that impulse with the belief I must return home for the beginning of each new day. I wished I knew a private pilot with whom I could fly away just for awhile. I thought about trying to make one’s acquaintance by visiting one of the two nearby small local airports hoping I’d be offered a flight. Years past my husband and I sometimes ate at one of their restaurants, watched the touch and goes, the air traffic, and remembered our mid-west flying years.
I wanted to be alone with my thoughts, but there were erratic inconsistent limits to my tolerance of the uncommonly quiet of my own home. I could be loading the dishwasher, making the bed, reading the newspaper or performing a multitude of other ordinary tasks. An indefinable feeling would subtly spread through my body much like during early spring after a winter’s freeze when a maple tree’s life-giving juices, having been confined, gradually begin to flow from the trunk toward the barren branches.
I became uneasy not knowing how or why the restlessness started since my mind would be engaged with matters unrelated to my loss. The escalating feeling resulted in my sensing I needed to leave the house. Ironically, on other occasions when I was away from home, often driving purposefully in the car, I had an overwhelming sense I no longer wanted to finish my planned schedule and I must go home.
Sometimes I would spend excessive time in a book store’s big leather cushioned chair. Strangely, I could enjoy being alone in the semi-quiet of the crowd there. Ultimately I did not mind my quiet periodically interrupted when one of the friendly young clerks became casually attentive. I was surprised to eventually learn he was a musician about to embark on a short tour with a successful newly re-formed Indie/Pop/Rock Band. More memories of my husband’s music life were stimulated.
I sought out live jazz performances here and elsewhere,sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. Finally, I discovered I had a saturation point listening to numerous jazz groups performing in those various locations. I settled into attending less frequent performances focusing on one particular talented group with an equally gifted female vocalist. I added other music genres from folk to classical with much in between at concerts I shared with friends, old and new.
Today …..
Those erratic days became weeks that turned into months, then years. Along The Way – I have become content. My solitude is not only comfortable but welcome.
Tomorrow …..
I don’t know what tomorrow holds for me, but I look forward with great anticipation to that future day by day.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
There are two days in every week that we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we've said - yesterday is gone!
The other day we shouldn't worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our control.
Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, live one day at a time!
Author Unknown
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Memories of Mother
Memories come to mind of my Mother born into the predominantly agrarian nineteenth century and her transition into the twentieth century industrial world. I wrote about some of her world last year on May 11th in “Mother’s Day Thoughts.”
These days when so many experience difficulties encountered as a consequence of a nation and world economic upheaval unlike any in my lifetime, I often wonder what my mother would have to say on the subject. She had become a young married woman during the twenties heydays preceding the Great Depression. I recall her descriptions of a none too easy early married life that evolved into a more prosperous existence in later years as occurs with many couples.
She said the hardships during that financial downturn did not directly adversely affect our family. They occurred before I was born later in her life. Our immunity to severe hardship was primarily because my father’s work was associated with the newspaper business. Newspapers were the primary source of news, so were in much demand by almost everyone regardless of their financial situation. In fact, two of the most prominent state newspapers were vying for his services.
Radio was just beginning with unprecedented broadcasting power thanks to Powell Crosley and the ultimate “Nation’s Station” WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio.
There was no TV yet, much less computers and the Internet of today. Newspapers were a primary source listing employment opportunities for those seeking work. People placed ads to sell belongings so they could raise some desperately needed cash while others with limited cash sought bargain prices as they needed these items but had little cash themselves. Everyone wanted to subscribe or at least access a newspaper. This is hardly the situation that exists today in the newspaper business.
During the Depression my mother continued to be active in her womens religious group. They devoted themselves to helping others in need, an activity in which she engaged for many of those years and throughout her lifetime when she was able.
A few years after I was born our fortunes changed and my mother became a single parent in a time when a woman raising a family alone had a very difficult time. My immediate family had never lived extravagantly, but as I entered my early childhood years I was absorbing from my mother the lessons of needing to be even more practical and frugal.
She was a remarkable woman who in her later years in the face of adversity when she became legally blind and limited in visual activities created unique hooked rugs that became unexpectedly desired by others. This is a one-of-a-kind small rectangular throw rug which she experimented hooking before her vision deteriorated even further necessitating larger different geometric patterning. My photography does not do the colors justice. My mother would be amused the tips of my shoes appear.
My mother had an amazingly optimistic and positive attitude toward life. She made multiple transitions and adaptations to her varying circumstances. I marvel at how well she coped as she lived happily independently most of her remaining almost 90 years. I miss her.
These days when so many experience difficulties encountered as a consequence of a nation and world economic upheaval unlike any in my lifetime, I often wonder what my mother would have to say on the subject. She had become a young married woman during the twenties heydays preceding the Great Depression. I recall her descriptions of a none too easy early married life that evolved into a more prosperous existence in later years as occurs with many couples.
She said the hardships during that financial downturn did not directly adversely affect our family. They occurred before I was born later in her life. Our immunity to severe hardship was primarily because my father’s work was associated with the newspaper business. Newspapers were the primary source of news, so were in much demand by almost everyone regardless of their financial situation. In fact, two of the most prominent state newspapers were vying for his services.
Radio was just beginning with unprecedented broadcasting power thanks to Powell Crosley and the ultimate “Nation’s Station” WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio.
There was no TV yet, much less computers and the Internet of today. Newspapers were a primary source listing employment opportunities for those seeking work. People placed ads to sell belongings so they could raise some desperately needed cash while others with limited cash sought bargain prices as they needed these items but had little cash themselves. Everyone wanted to subscribe or at least access a newspaper. This is hardly the situation that exists today in the newspaper business.
During the Depression my mother continued to be active in her womens religious group. They devoted themselves to helping others in need, an activity in which she engaged for many of those years and throughout her lifetime when she was able.
A few years after I was born our fortunes changed and my mother became a single parent in a time when a woman raising a family alone had a very difficult time. My immediate family had never lived extravagantly, but as I entered my early childhood years I was absorbing from my mother the lessons of needing to be even more practical and frugal.
She was a remarkable woman who in her later years in the face of adversity when she became legally blind and limited in visual activities created unique hooked rugs that became unexpectedly desired by others. This is a one-of-a-kind small rectangular throw rug which she experimented hooking before her vision deteriorated even further necessitating larger different geometric patterning. My photography does not do the colors justice. My mother would be amused the tips of my shoes appear.
My mother had an amazingly optimistic and positive attitude toward life. She made multiple transitions and adaptations to her varying circumstances. I marvel at how well she coped as she lived happily independently most of her remaining almost 90 years. I miss her.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Propagating Remote Control Units
(BTW everything is not as it appears in the photo.)
Following-up on the theme of some of my previous posts the past two months . . . .
One other tech change at my house especially pleasing to me occurred when the many remotes required to operate my television, recording and playback units were consolidated on to one universal remote. The addition of the digital converter box suddenly made me realize just how many of these remote gadgets had to be used for various functions. I wondered, where had all these remote control units come from? Similar to people, they seem to exist in all shapes and sizes. Confronted with so many I imagined when no one was around a covert coupling had occurred creating another remote unit. I have been assured this fantasy did not occur but still I wonder.
When the remote consolidation process began I watched with great trepidation when two remote control units were placed end to end, buttons were pushed and occasional light flashes could be seen. This additional similarity with human beings seemed uncanny. Perhaps, contrary to what I had been told, this was how remotes propagated and I would end up with even more units, not just the single one? No doubt others have been subjected to remote control propagation in their household and have had to cope with my same problem. I continued to experience some anxiety while observing this procedure, wondering what might occur. I was greatly relieved when the transfer process completed and I could see there were no additional remotes. Gloriously my need to use so many remote control units actually diminished in number.
I am concerned that one remote has assumed rather over-sized proportions as you can see and this isn’t trick photography. What are the implications of this and what does that portend for the future? Perhaps I need to install a secretive video system throughout the house just to keep track of what those remotes are doing. Maybe I should just take their batteries away.
Still an escalating number of batteries still seem to be required despite my remote consolidation process since other energy using gadgets keep invading my home. Imagine if more people shared my home bringing their own devices how many additional batteries and remotes there would be. Now that I think about it, as I get older maybe I should have more batteries. Life often seems to increasingly be filled with my trying to keep charged. So, make of that what you will.
Why doesn’t some engineering tech genius invent a small inexpensive portable solar unit for various size rechargeable batteries? I want a unit I can periodically set outside on a sunny day to fully charge, then have at the ready to recharge my various batteries as needed. Someday … maybe sooner than I realize … this will be possible. Someone somewhere is probably working on such a solar battery as I write this. Or, maybe such a charger and battery has already been invented and I simply haven’t learned about it.
Following-up on the theme of some of my previous posts the past two months . . . .
One other tech change at my house especially pleasing to me occurred when the many remotes required to operate my television, recording and playback units were consolidated on to one universal remote. The addition of the digital converter box suddenly made me realize just how many of these remote gadgets had to be used for various functions. I wondered, where had all these remote control units come from? Similar to people, they seem to exist in all shapes and sizes. Confronted with so many I imagined when no one was around a covert coupling had occurred creating another remote unit. I have been assured this fantasy did not occur but still I wonder.
When the remote consolidation process began I watched with great trepidation when two remote control units were placed end to end, buttons were pushed and occasional light flashes could be seen. This additional similarity with human beings seemed uncanny. Perhaps, contrary to what I had been told, this was how remotes propagated and I would end up with even more units, not just the single one? No doubt others have been subjected to remote control propagation in their household and have had to cope with my same problem. I continued to experience some anxiety while observing this procedure, wondering what might occur. I was greatly relieved when the transfer process completed and I could see there were no additional remotes. Gloriously my need to use so many remote control units actually diminished in number.
I am concerned that one remote has assumed rather over-sized proportions as you can see and this isn’t trick photography. What are the implications of this and what does that portend for the future? Perhaps I need to install a secretive video system throughout the house just to keep track of what those remotes are doing. Maybe I should just take their batteries away.
Still an escalating number of batteries still seem to be required despite my remote consolidation process since other energy using gadgets keep invading my home. Imagine if more people shared my home bringing their own devices how many additional batteries and remotes there would be. Now that I think about it, as I get older maybe I should have more batteries. Life often seems to increasingly be filled with my trying to keep charged. So, make of that what you will.
Why doesn’t some engineering tech genius invent a small inexpensive portable solar unit for various size rechargeable batteries? I want a unit I can periodically set outside on a sunny day to fully charge, then have at the ready to recharge my various batteries as needed. Someday … maybe sooner than I realize … this will be possible. Someone somewhere is probably working on such a solar battery as I write this. Or, maybe such a charger and battery has already been invented and I simply haven’t learned about it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Economic Pain/Movie/Cuba Story and Americas
Local Economics
Film -- "State of Play"
Cuba Story Recalled
Americas -- Continent
Time has slipped right past leaving my blogging behind. Coincidentally my work load lightened just in time to allow me to throw myself wholeheartedly into preparing my income tax. The task becomes easier and faster every year since I first took over this project a few years ago. That job completed I've been interested in what is happening with the business economics in my community.
I noticed one of the major car dealerships has changed dramatically again. Some time ago ownership changed from selling a U.S. brand to be replaced by foreign company models. Now, the block long car lot is empty, the buildings vacant. Then, there was the announcement a company that owns major Southern California high end shopping centers is filing for bankruptcy. A couple of the centers are The Galleria, South Coast Plaza for anyone familiar with the area. Reportedly they will not close.
My part time rehab work has come to a screeching halt as I read in the paper there is a nationwide overall decline in need for health care services. There has always been a fluctuation throughout the year in services needed so maybe this is just one of those slow times.
I also learned at one local branch of a national bank the institution had a period of time in March when their customers with mortgage loans could refinance with no points or closing costs to obtain a reduced interest percentage rate charged. I think there was one problem with that offer. Far too many customers were never made aware of this opportunity, including some who even worked at that bank. That failure to disclose seems a bit strange to me. I wonder if other banks across the country are doing the same? Expect this bank didn't really want to reduce rates for many customers.
My Borders bookstore is trimming their offerings by eliminating selling CDs and DVDs, but so far seems to be surviving otherwise. I realize they are also affected by the general changes with purchasing transitioning to the Internet.
I've rewarded myself by taking time to enjoy some movies. I appreciate having a reduced rate for special showings at our relatively new local theater. The most recent movie I enjoyed was "State of Play"
(trailer link.) Any movie with Helen Mirren catches my attention though she is not the star in this intriguing thriller starring Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. I was reminded of recent years government figures romantic liaisons with ensuing disastrous consequences and the challenges facing newspapers efforts to survive as the plot unfolded. At least one critic I read faulted the movie for those all too obvious story aspects, but I didn't find them objectionable. I simply wanted to be entertained and I was.
Meanwhile on the national and international arena all sorts of changes are evolving. Am delighted to see our President focusing attention on Central and South America. Certainly the issue of our relationship with Cuba has been long overdue for review.
Whenever I think of Cuba I am reminded of a young woman I met years ago when I returned to college. Several years after graduation she unexpectedly contacted me relative to further professional activities. The result had a positive indirect profound effect on my continuing career. We had no further contact after that and I no longer even recall her name, much less where she lives.
Earlier she had told me a story of her youthful actions primarily motivated by the relationship she had with a young man strongly opposed to our Government's actions banning American citizens traveling to Cuba. As she told me her story I could recall their student group was front page news with pictures in print and on broadcast media for weeks those many long years ago.
I don't intend to discuss that historical periods political issues pros and cons, but national and international opinions and feelings ran high on the topic. She spoke of being one person in a small group of young people who defied our Government's ban on travel to Cuba and visited there. She reported meeting Fidel Castro early in his ruling career and playing ping pong with him. Their student groups visit was not a very popular act with many in the U.S. at the time. She described repercussions these young students experienced when they returned home to the U.S. and some she perceived for many years after.
Several years ago in an hour long drive home from a more distant airport than a closer one which I prefer to use, a young college student was the only other passenger in the van. She said she was majoring in International Studies and had a specific interest in all the countries south of our border. She appeared to be of European descent so I was intrigued that she would care about these countries our nation has all too often given meager attention. She soon realized I shared her interest and concern. Her conversation became quite passionate as she spoke of the importance of these countries and the value of our nations relationships with theirs.
I wonder what these two women think of the efforts of our new President? I especially hope the latter young college student who would now be an upper classman, or graduate student, has pursued her dream of someday being in a position to facilitate the cohesiveness of all the nations on our continent, north and south that benefits us all.
Film -- "State of Play"
Cuba Story Recalled
Americas -- Continent
Time has slipped right past leaving my blogging behind. Coincidentally my work load lightened just in time to allow me to throw myself wholeheartedly into preparing my income tax. The task becomes easier and faster every year since I first took over this project a few years ago. That job completed I've been interested in what is happening with the business economics in my community.
I noticed one of the major car dealerships has changed dramatically again. Some time ago ownership changed from selling a U.S. brand to be replaced by foreign company models. Now, the block long car lot is empty, the buildings vacant. Then, there was the announcement a company that owns major Southern California high end shopping centers is filing for bankruptcy. A couple of the centers are The Galleria, South Coast Plaza for anyone familiar with the area. Reportedly they will not close.
My part time rehab work has come to a screeching halt as I read in the paper there is a nationwide overall decline in need for health care services. There has always been a fluctuation throughout the year in services needed so maybe this is just one of those slow times.
I also learned at one local branch of a national bank the institution had a period of time in March when their customers with mortgage loans could refinance with no points or closing costs to obtain a reduced interest percentage rate charged. I think there was one problem with that offer. Far too many customers were never made aware of this opportunity, including some who even worked at that bank. That failure to disclose seems a bit strange to me. I wonder if other banks across the country are doing the same? Expect this bank didn't really want to reduce rates for many customers.
My Borders bookstore is trimming their offerings by eliminating selling CDs and DVDs, but so far seems to be surviving otherwise. I realize they are also affected by the general changes with purchasing transitioning to the Internet.
I've rewarded myself by taking time to enjoy some movies. I appreciate having a reduced rate for special showings at our relatively new local theater. The most recent movie I enjoyed was "State of Play"
(trailer link.) Any movie with Helen Mirren catches my attention though she is not the star in this intriguing thriller starring Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. I was reminded of recent years government figures romantic liaisons with ensuing disastrous consequences and the challenges facing newspapers efforts to survive as the plot unfolded. At least one critic I read faulted the movie for those all too obvious story aspects, but I didn't find them objectionable. I simply wanted to be entertained and I was.
Meanwhile on the national and international arena all sorts of changes are evolving. Am delighted to see our President focusing attention on Central and South America. Certainly the issue of our relationship with Cuba has been long overdue for review.
Whenever I think of Cuba I am reminded of a young woman I met years ago when I returned to college. Several years after graduation she unexpectedly contacted me relative to further professional activities. The result had a positive indirect profound effect on my continuing career. We had no further contact after that and I no longer even recall her name, much less where she lives.
Earlier she had told me a story of her youthful actions primarily motivated by the relationship she had with a young man strongly opposed to our Government's actions banning American citizens traveling to Cuba. As she told me her story I could recall their student group was front page news with pictures in print and on broadcast media for weeks those many long years ago.
I don't intend to discuss that historical periods political issues pros and cons, but national and international opinions and feelings ran high on the topic. She spoke of being one person in a small group of young people who defied our Government's ban on travel to Cuba and visited there. She reported meeting Fidel Castro early in his ruling career and playing ping pong with him. Their student groups visit was not a very popular act with many in the U.S. at the time. She described repercussions these young students experienced when they returned home to the U.S. and some she perceived for many years after.
Several years ago in an hour long drive home from a more distant airport than a closer one which I prefer to use, a young college student was the only other passenger in the van. She said she was majoring in International Studies and had a specific interest in all the countries south of our border. She appeared to be of European descent so I was intrigued that she would care about these countries our nation has all too often given meager attention. She soon realized I shared her interest and concern. Her conversation became quite passionate as she spoke of the importance of these countries and the value of our nations relationships with theirs.
I wonder what these two women think of the efforts of our new President? I especially hope the latter young college student who would now be an upper classman, or graduate student, has pursued her dream of someday being in a position to facilitate the cohesiveness of all the nations on our continent, north and south that benefits us all.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Reeling from Digital Converter Box
Technology changes for me continue in addition to my new laptop computer adventures (beginning with previously described “Tech – Unintended Consequences,” followed by some frustrations described in “Technological Mysteries.”) Now I have been confronted with converting to digital television and combating propagating remote control units.
My analog television has been up dated with the addition of a digital converter box. This installation enables me to expand my reception to over seventy high definition television channels from less than twenty analog stations. I receive most all local TV digital channel broadcasts now. When the switch from analog to digital TV finally happens, presently scheduled for June 12, 2009, I’m ready to receive even more should there be additional digital broadcast channels and stations.
If anyone reading this who doesn’t have cable service or a high definition television (HDTV) hasn’t yet prepared for this change, you need to visit this digital TV government website, order a discount coupon ($40 value.) Allow several weeks for coupon receipt, then purchase and install a digital converter box available where you buy electronics i.e Best Buy, Costco, Sears, Radio Shack to name a few stores. Maybe there is someone in your community who is unable to obtain a discount coupon to whom you could donate yours if you don’t use it. I’ll write about coupon donation another time.
My previously existing roof antenna installed for analog reception when we moved here over a quarter century ago has required no adjustments. My younger TV accepts all the television stations digital broadcast signals I received in analog and a combination of many additional channels plus a few new stations now. Digital television programming with just my converter box is clearly a dynamic process as more channels and stations may be offered in the future.
An independent commercial station, “This,” has recently added a movie channel featuring classic movies and more current stars’ early movies. A listing of U.S. stations is on this Wikipedia link. I’m enjoying spontaneously being able to enjoy this entertainment fare when I’m in the mood for such film viewing.
Here are a couple examples of recent film offerings: “The Woman in the Window,” a 1945 film noir starring Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett with Raymond Massey, directed by Fritz Lang. Later film fare starred a youthful actor John Travolta in the 1981 thriller “Blow Out” with Dennis Franz, and John Lithgow, written and directed by Brian De Palma.
A couple of the traditional local affiliate major commercial networks offer additional channels including constantly updated local/national weather and news. In some ways I prefer their offerings to what I’ve seen on cable’s Weather Channel when I’ve visited Midwest and east coast cable households.
A few of these digital TV channels cater to our diverse Los Angeles, California area cultures by offering programming in a multi-variety of foreign languages. I’ve identified Spanish, Armenian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese languages so far. Those channels sometimes feature English, too, or English captions. I understand some non-English speakers in other countries have acquired English by watching American movies captioned in their language. It occurs to me these stations might offer an opportunity to familiarize myself with some other languages. Maybe I could even learn a few words and phrases in languages other than English.
Perhaps someday I’ll succumb to a cable television subscription, but so many of their programming basic stations don’t interest me. Often additional channels I might want must be purchased extra in addition to accepting so many of those unwanted basic stations. I realize I currently receive a few stations in which I have little interest, but so far they all come to me free over the airwaves we citizens own. I really have all the programs I have time to see now, anyway.
My analog television has been up dated with the addition of a digital converter box. This installation enables me to expand my reception to over seventy high definition television channels from less than twenty analog stations. I receive most all local TV digital channel broadcasts now. When the switch from analog to digital TV finally happens, presently scheduled for June 12, 2009, I’m ready to receive even more should there be additional digital broadcast channels and stations.
If anyone reading this who doesn’t have cable service or a high definition television (HDTV) hasn’t yet prepared for this change, you need to visit this digital TV government website, order a discount coupon ($40 value.) Allow several weeks for coupon receipt, then purchase and install a digital converter box available where you buy electronics i.e Best Buy, Costco, Sears, Radio Shack to name a few stores. Maybe there is someone in your community who is unable to obtain a discount coupon to whom you could donate yours if you don’t use it. I’ll write about coupon donation another time.
My previously existing roof antenna installed for analog reception when we moved here over a quarter century ago has required no adjustments. My younger TV accepts all the television stations digital broadcast signals I received in analog and a combination of many additional channels plus a few new stations now. Digital television programming with just my converter box is clearly a dynamic process as more channels and stations may be offered in the future.
An independent commercial station, “This,” has recently added a movie channel featuring classic movies and more current stars’ early movies. A listing of U.S. stations is on this Wikipedia link. I’m enjoying spontaneously being able to enjoy this entertainment fare when I’m in the mood for such film viewing.
Here are a couple examples of recent film offerings: “The Woman in the Window,” a 1945 film noir starring Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett with Raymond Massey, directed by Fritz Lang. Later film fare starred a youthful actor John Travolta in the 1981 thriller “Blow Out” with Dennis Franz, and John Lithgow, written and directed by Brian De Palma.
A couple of the traditional local affiliate major commercial networks offer additional channels including constantly updated local/national weather and news. In some ways I prefer their offerings to what I’ve seen on cable’s Weather Channel when I’ve visited Midwest and east coast cable households.
A few of these digital TV channels cater to our diverse Los Angeles, California area cultures by offering programming in a multi-variety of foreign languages. I’ve identified Spanish, Armenian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese languages so far. Those channels sometimes feature English, too, or English captions. I understand some non-English speakers in other countries have acquired English by watching American movies captioned in their language. It occurs to me these stations might offer an opportunity to familiarize myself with some other languages. Maybe I could even learn a few words and phrases in languages other than English.
Perhaps someday I’ll succumb to a cable television subscription, but so many of their programming basic stations don’t interest me. Often additional channels I might want must be purchased extra in addition to accepting so many of those unwanted basic stations. I realize I currently receive a few stations in which I have little interest, but so far they all come to me free over the airwaves we citizens own. I really have all the programs I have time to see now, anyway.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Technological Mysteries
I'm really disappointed that having purchased a new laptop computer I don't have a manual of any sort such as came with my digital camera so I can independently figure out and understand some basic technological symbols. I need a blueprint that shows all the slots and pictures on each side of this computer, then explains what they are, what they mean and how they can be used -- labels them.
Facing my laptop on the right hand side is a small rectangular solid silver square that may or may not push in and do something, but I'm not going to push it to find out.
Next are what I'm pretty certain are USB ports into which:
- the first port has the cord that controls the keyboard which works for either my laptop or the desktop -- or maybe it's not for the keyboard.
-the second port connects to my printer, I think.
There's a little round solid chrome circle, but I don't know if it is anything or does anything.
Next is a square open hole that's irregular and jagged across the bottom, so something interesting must go in there, but it's empty now.
Then there is a small open elongated horizontal circle for who knows what.
Next comes the light that's showing my computer is on and next to it is the cord connection to my electric power source, I believe.
Tonight I wanted to perform some downloading/uploading functions for a blog piece I thought I’d post here. Instead this is what I’m posting.
I encountered some problems trying to get to a usable USB portal. I risked making some disconnections and moving of cords and still was unable to accomplish my goal. After trying a number of actions, I discovered a function was lost despite my having putting everything back like it was. So, I decided to just write my own little personal guide for my computer, then send it to my tech guru and get all these laptop computer holes labeled for my permanent future reference. Continuing the exploration of the external features on my new laptop…..
Facing the left side of my computer the first thing I see is a really long open elongated horizontal circle for who knows what.
Then there's one of those small solid chrome squares that may or may not be something.
Next there is a USB port into which a "Logitech" thing with a real cute little hieroglyphic on it is inserted. I recall having explained to me what that was and to remove it when I want to use the laptop as a portable unit (it’s hooked up to power, now.) I just don’t remember what it does though I thought sure at the time that I would. Guess there just were too many other operational things to think about and lots of other technological experiences have gone on in the meantime, too. I think I know what it is, but I'm not sure, so I'm not about to remove it since I want to stay connected to electrical power, much less move it into the portal next to it to see if I can get the card reader in the portal it currently occupies.
So, situated beside that Logitech thing is the USB port (I think) I mentioned above. I can't get my card reader in there because it doesn't seem to fit. I think I need to turn the card reader over, but that means the memory card protrudes and there isn't room with the Logitech thing beside it.
Next comes an opening about the same size of the USB portal I described above, but this hole is rather irregularly shaped for who knows what to be inserted.
Beside that empty hole is another empty hole that is square and accommodates some other unknown connection for something I guess I don’t have.
Next comes a longgg rectangular opening filled with a solid indentation in the center of which is a somewhat shorter but long horizontal solid chrome piece that protrudes to line up with the outer edge of that external longgg rectangular opening. Now that center piece looks like it could be something that has been inserted, or it may just be a permanent fixture that may or may not be something that can be pushed to do something or other.
Finally, we have an odd-shaped rectangle with rounded sides that is longer horizontally across the top than at the bottom. That hole is filled solid with a slightly smaller chrome button-like piece which has three horizontal rows of 5 or 6 teeny tiny holes as though it's designed to have some sort of plug inserted for what must be something really special.
I have observed that a lot of these holes on both sides of the computer have hieroglyphics, picture codes or symbols created so the simple-minded who can't read and understand written technological materials can, perhaps, decipher these pictures. Unfortunately, I don't have the code to know what the pictures mean. There are even some alphabet letters, but all of these and the pictures are so small, that even if I knew what they meant, I can barely see them with my reading glasses, a magnifying glass and a high powered flashlight.
Yes, I am frustrated, but I've grown accustomed to being in this state with computers. That said, I'm sure my operating skills will all soon become more refined and I'll move on to the next technological aggravation. Actually I experience my "computering" as quite challenging, but when I'm tired, it's late and I haven't been able to accomplish what I wanted, despite starting early to allow for the unexpected, I feel like jettisoning everything. I won't, of course.
I had occasion this past weekend to examine a notebook computer. I didn’t like the keyboard on that older unit, but I surely did like the little gem's light weight and size. Hmmm! Maybe some of the newer units are improved. On the other hand, I hadn’t encountered this laptop problem yet, so I didn’t think to see just how many different size holes and connections there were to deal with on the notebook. Surely there won’t be as many to master as on the larger laptop. I'm sure I'll eventually learn some of the pictograph's meanings. Hmmm! Maybe, sometime in the future I should put a notebook computer on my wish list – after I figure out how to operate this laptop better.
I'm going to bed now before I lose my cool, pull all the plugs on this tech equipment and dump it in a box in the garage for the next hazardous waste disposal collection.
Facing my laptop on the right hand side is a small rectangular solid silver square that may or may not push in and do something, but I'm not going to push it to find out.
Next are what I'm pretty certain are USB ports into which:
- the first port has the cord that controls the keyboard which works for either my laptop or the desktop -- or maybe it's not for the keyboard.
-the second port connects to my printer, I think.
There's a little round solid chrome circle, but I don't know if it is anything or does anything.
Next is a square open hole that's irregular and jagged across the bottom, so something interesting must go in there, but it's empty now.
Then there is a small open elongated horizontal circle for who knows what.
Next comes the light that's showing my computer is on and next to it is the cord connection to my electric power source, I believe.
Tonight I wanted to perform some downloading/uploading functions for a blog piece I thought I’d post here. Instead this is what I’m posting.
I encountered some problems trying to get to a usable USB portal. I risked making some disconnections and moving of cords and still was unable to accomplish my goal. After trying a number of actions, I discovered a function was lost despite my having putting everything back like it was. So, I decided to just write my own little personal guide for my computer, then send it to my tech guru and get all these laptop computer holes labeled for my permanent future reference. Continuing the exploration of the external features on my new laptop…..
Facing the left side of my computer the first thing I see is a really long open elongated horizontal circle for who knows what.
Then there's one of those small solid chrome squares that may or may not be something.
Next there is a USB port into which a "Logitech" thing with a real cute little hieroglyphic on it is inserted. I recall having explained to me what that was and to remove it when I want to use the laptop as a portable unit (it’s hooked up to power, now.) I just don’t remember what it does though I thought sure at the time that I would. Guess there just were too many other operational things to think about and lots of other technological experiences have gone on in the meantime, too. I think I know what it is, but I'm not sure, so I'm not about to remove it since I want to stay connected to electrical power, much less move it into the portal next to it to see if I can get the card reader in the portal it currently occupies.
So, situated beside that Logitech thing is the USB port (I think) I mentioned above. I can't get my card reader in there because it doesn't seem to fit. I think I need to turn the card reader over, but that means the memory card protrudes and there isn't room with the Logitech thing beside it.
Next comes an opening about the same size of the USB portal I described above, but this hole is rather irregularly shaped for who knows what to be inserted.
Beside that empty hole is another empty hole that is square and accommodates some other unknown connection for something I guess I don’t have.
Next comes a longgg rectangular opening filled with a solid indentation in the center of which is a somewhat shorter but long horizontal solid chrome piece that protrudes to line up with the outer edge of that external longgg rectangular opening. Now that center piece looks like it could be something that has been inserted, or it may just be a permanent fixture that may or may not be something that can be pushed to do something or other.
Finally, we have an odd-shaped rectangle with rounded sides that is longer horizontally across the top than at the bottom. That hole is filled solid with a slightly smaller chrome button-like piece which has three horizontal rows of 5 or 6 teeny tiny holes as though it's designed to have some sort of plug inserted for what must be something really special.
I have observed that a lot of these holes on both sides of the computer have hieroglyphics, picture codes or symbols created so the simple-minded who can't read and understand written technological materials can, perhaps, decipher these pictures. Unfortunately, I don't have the code to know what the pictures mean. There are even some alphabet letters, but all of these and the pictures are so small, that even if I knew what they meant, I can barely see them with my reading glasses, a magnifying glass and a high powered flashlight.
Yes, I am frustrated, but I've grown accustomed to being in this state with computers. That said, I'm sure my operating skills will all soon become more refined and I'll move on to the next technological aggravation. Actually I experience my "computering" as quite challenging, but when I'm tired, it's late and I haven't been able to accomplish what I wanted, despite starting early to allow for the unexpected, I feel like jettisoning everything. I won't, of course.
I had occasion this past weekend to examine a notebook computer. I didn’t like the keyboard on that older unit, but I surely did like the little gem's light weight and size. Hmmm! Maybe some of the newer units are improved. On the other hand, I hadn’t encountered this laptop problem yet, so I didn’t think to see just how many different size holes and connections there were to deal with on the notebook. Surely there won’t be as many to master as on the larger laptop. I'm sure I'll eventually learn some of the pictograph's meanings. Hmmm! Maybe, sometime in the future I should put a notebook computer on my wish list – after I figure out how to operate this laptop better.
I'm going to bed now before I lose my cool, pull all the plugs on this tech equipment and dump it in a box in the garage for the next hazardous waste disposal collection.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Morally and Ethically Impaired
I propose we establish a categorical term for individuals evidencing morally and ethically impaired behavior. We can refer to them by the acronym “MEI,” pronounced “me,” that ironically reflects their primary orientation.
MEIs have not been formally identified as a subculture in our nation, but they have increasingly come to the forefront. Recently, their actions have so blatantly adversely affected our financial world that I think we need to acknowledge and formally recognize this group’s existence, so we can provide the attention they deserve.
MEIs tend to secretiveness, deceit and exploitation of other human beings so can be difficult to expose. Their morals and ethics are self-oriented and directed toward only themselves, plus a selected few others with whom they are emotionally entangled or whose favor they curry. MEIs really do not care what happens to the rest of us, rather like sociopaths.
In recent years, unlike any other era in our lifetime, circumstances are forcing these MEIs into the spotlight of public scrutiny. We need to take note of who they are and aggressively seek to identify others like them. I want them held accountable publicly and professionally. Furthermore, I want some restitution from their undeserved financial gains as individuals, companies and financial institutions.
We need to initiate some behavioral changes in these MEIs. I’d like to believe this group is beginning to have trouble thriving during these difficult times. Perhaps they’re having serious adjustment problems since we are more frequently condemning their MEI behaviors. I think it’s increasingly obvious that if we do not intervene with these individuals our own lives will continue to be seriously disrupted as will our nation’s and the world’s economy.
I’ve pondered whether a MEI education process could succeed and just how to undertake such a therapeutic intervention. I’ve wondered if MEIs would respond to a story such as The Nation of Moresville, a morality tale I thought of writing. The story would start like this. Once upon a time there was a nation populated by people who constantly wanted more – more food, more possessions and more money. Some of their number were willing to acquire more in any way possible without regard for moral and ethical considerations. Well, I think we all could easily write how that story unfolds.
I would want MEIs to know that through the years not everyone became obsessed with those pursuits, though admit clearly some of us have. I would strongly emphasize that we’re all finally reaping the consequences of these behaviors in one way or another regardless of whether or not we were irrationally and excessively materialistic. I would want them to reflect on their own behaviors.
Also, I would want to provide MEIs graphic specific examples stressing that for some the current financial crisis results are severe as the unemployed ranks grow, people lose their homes, and young people see their dreams of college evaporate. Visiting homes where refrigerators are bare and many other necessities of life are absent from the lives of young and old might register with some MEIs. I would like to believe this exposure might have some positive benefits.
Such true life situations have been on TV and in the news, but despite this exposure, it seems many of these fellow countrypersons are deaf, dumb and blind to the economic state of our country and even the world. These are the MEIs, some of whom are literally giving us all the finger while simultaneously pleading for us to save their companies, then gleefully accepting our tax monies while skimming huge bites for bonuses.
I’m sorely tempted to write for the MEIs about how morality, ethics and greed have intertwined to threaten the financial stability of not just our nation but the world, but I doubt they would read it. If only I could force each of them to write on that topic. Wiser heads and better writers than I are busily exploring these issues with powerful eloquent words that pinpoint the issues. At best, anything I might say would simply echo what so many others are expressing. Yet, I cannot resist making note of my anger, frustration and sadness that so many individuals have betrayed basic human values.
There are only so many of others reactionary accounts I can make time to read, much less write about. I derive little pleasure in reading the same basic complaints everywhere as they become depressingly enraging, but I believe it’s important that we each state our objections. Our written voices must be an ongoing ripple that contributes to a tidal wave creating a tsunami that allows our views to be known. Hopefully, many ears and eyes in a position to take corrective actions will receive our messages and rectify the situation.
Our Congressional Representatives and Senators and other key government administration figures need to be ongoing recipients of our views. We must continue pressuring and demanding – accountability, Accountability, ACCOUNTABILITY!
Just when I think the most gross individual exploitations have been exposed, another story emerges. I greet each new week with great apprehension, wondering what next and how many more MEIs will surface?
I think of the Savings and Loan Crisis many years ago, then there was Enron and the MEIs there. Years later, closer to home I recall more MEIs and the monies stolen from California via the electrical grids – how little our government did to correct that inequity. The words still ring in my ears from one of the morally bankrupt electrical grid workers whose company (probably his own wallet, too) financially benefited from out of control destructive forest fires. He was recorded gleefully shouting “Burn, baby, burn,” though these fires endangered lives in addition to power lines. I guess you know where I hope he will spend any afterlife if he believes in such, or maybe he could have a taste of hardship here and now. Perhaps some MEIs from all of those groups and the current individuals surfacing need to share a few life difficulties with him.
Meanwhile, I’m not convinced our government is loaning my tax money to some of these MEIs at a rate designed to maximize the U.S. Treasury’s return over that of those doing the borrowing. I want some accountability on that issue, too.
MEIs have not been formally identified as a subculture in our nation, but they have increasingly come to the forefront. Recently, their actions have so blatantly adversely affected our financial world that I think we need to acknowledge and formally recognize this group’s existence, so we can provide the attention they deserve.
MEIs tend to secretiveness, deceit and exploitation of other human beings so can be difficult to expose. Their morals and ethics are self-oriented and directed toward only themselves, plus a selected few others with whom they are emotionally entangled or whose favor they curry. MEIs really do not care what happens to the rest of us, rather like sociopaths.
In recent years, unlike any other era in our lifetime, circumstances are forcing these MEIs into the spotlight of public scrutiny. We need to take note of who they are and aggressively seek to identify others like them. I want them held accountable publicly and professionally. Furthermore, I want some restitution from their undeserved financial gains as individuals, companies and financial institutions.
We need to initiate some behavioral changes in these MEIs. I’d like to believe this group is beginning to have trouble thriving during these difficult times. Perhaps they’re having serious adjustment problems since we are more frequently condemning their MEI behaviors. I think it’s increasingly obvious that if we do not intervene with these individuals our own lives will continue to be seriously disrupted as will our nation’s and the world’s economy.
I’ve pondered whether a MEI education process could succeed and just how to undertake such a therapeutic intervention. I’ve wondered if MEIs would respond to a story such as The Nation of Moresville, a morality tale I thought of writing. The story would start like this. Once upon a time there was a nation populated by people who constantly wanted more – more food, more possessions and more money. Some of their number were willing to acquire more in any way possible without regard for moral and ethical considerations. Well, I think we all could easily write how that story unfolds.
I would want MEIs to know that through the years not everyone became obsessed with those pursuits, though admit clearly some of us have. I would strongly emphasize that we’re all finally reaping the consequences of these behaviors in one way or another regardless of whether or not we were irrationally and excessively materialistic. I would want them to reflect on their own behaviors.
Also, I would want to provide MEIs graphic specific examples stressing that for some the current financial crisis results are severe as the unemployed ranks grow, people lose their homes, and young people see their dreams of college evaporate. Visiting homes where refrigerators are bare and many other necessities of life are absent from the lives of young and old might register with some MEIs. I would like to believe this exposure might have some positive benefits.
Such true life situations have been on TV and in the news, but despite this exposure, it seems many of these fellow countrypersons are deaf, dumb and blind to the economic state of our country and even the world. These are the MEIs, some of whom are literally giving us all the finger while simultaneously pleading for us to save their companies, then gleefully accepting our tax monies while skimming huge bites for bonuses.
I’m sorely tempted to write for the MEIs about how morality, ethics and greed have intertwined to threaten the financial stability of not just our nation but the world, but I doubt they would read it. If only I could force each of them to write on that topic. Wiser heads and better writers than I are busily exploring these issues with powerful eloquent words that pinpoint the issues. At best, anything I might say would simply echo what so many others are expressing. Yet, I cannot resist making note of my anger, frustration and sadness that so many individuals have betrayed basic human values.
There are only so many of others reactionary accounts I can make time to read, much less write about. I derive little pleasure in reading the same basic complaints everywhere as they become depressingly enraging, but I believe it’s important that we each state our objections. Our written voices must be an ongoing ripple that contributes to a tidal wave creating a tsunami that allows our views to be known. Hopefully, many ears and eyes in a position to take corrective actions will receive our messages and rectify the situation.
Our Congressional Representatives and Senators and other key government administration figures need to be ongoing recipients of our views. We must continue pressuring and demanding – accountability, Accountability, ACCOUNTABILITY!
Just when I think the most gross individual exploitations have been exposed, another story emerges. I greet each new week with great apprehension, wondering what next and how many more MEIs will surface?
I think of the Savings and Loan Crisis many years ago, then there was Enron and the MEIs there. Years later, closer to home I recall more MEIs and the monies stolen from California via the electrical grids – how little our government did to correct that inequity. The words still ring in my ears from one of the morally bankrupt electrical grid workers whose company (probably his own wallet, too) financially benefited from out of control destructive forest fires. He was recorded gleefully shouting “Burn, baby, burn,” though these fires endangered lives in addition to power lines. I guess you know where I hope he will spend any afterlife if he believes in such, or maybe he could have a taste of hardship here and now. Perhaps some MEIs from all of those groups and the current individuals surfacing need to share a few life difficulties with him.
Meanwhile, I’m not convinced our government is loaning my tax money to some of these MEIs at a rate designed to maximize the U.S. Treasury’s return over that of those doing the borrowing. I want some accountability on that issue, too.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tech - Unintended Consequences
Lots of tech changes for me, family visits, and activities with friends partially account for the lapse in new posts here. I have a new laptop computer. A wireless setup I’ve long desired is now operative and I’ve changed Internet Service Providers. Hopefully, Internet connectivity problems that have plagued this blog for many months have ceased or, at least, won’t occur as they have in the past. I’ve also changed my phone package but will keep my land line and can now make free local toll calls and long distance calls anywhere in the fifty U.S. States and Canada. My cell phone continues to allow me free calls with other same provider subscribers.
I elected to finally purchase a new computer when family members began cautioning me that my older desktop computer was giving signals it might crash at any time. So I, finally, hastily copied my hard drive for back up. Incidentally, sometimes I, too, have noted symptoms that could be interpreted that I was crashing. If anyone has any suggestions about how I might back up my bodies hard drive, please let me know. Actually, my hard drive has gone a little soft, but I’m doing the best I can. I’m already taking vitamins, but think I read recently that’s a waste of time and money.
On a more important note, when my son and his wife visited from out of state, they delivered my new laptop computer I had earlier arranged to be sent to him for special programming. One feature I now have that I didn’t have previously allows me to give him control of my computer. This should simplify trouble shooting and other assistance I might need in the future. Once he arrived, he made certain I have a secure wireless system here at home. He also cleaned/scrubbed the hard drive on my old desktop (or however you describe that sort of refurbishing.) The old desktop functions more efficiently, so I’ll be able to continue using it on a limited basis in addition to my laptop. I plan to download a free Word-like program there later since I have Word on the laptop.
I didn’t work while family members were here, so when they made an overnight San Diego trip, I went along part way and visited friends of mine, excitedly taking my laptop. While there I received a beginning crash course in Excel courtesy of the husband. Later, the wife and I excitedly perched side by side on the sofa with our laptops, joking that this must be how modern day friends interact. I realize now that activity is out of date, as we should be twittering on our cell phones. Also, I keep getting invites to Facebook and other social networks, but can hardly keep up writing my blog so haven’t accepted any.
The technological togetherness of my friends and I began a night the three of us will long remember. A simple act of connecting my laptop to their wireless network somehow went awry. Suddenly, their laptop and desktop computers had relinquished control of their system to my laptop. For some reason my friends weren’t too happy about this! Since one of them had engineered this unintentional event, my conscience was clear and I was guilt-free.
In addition to my laptop having control of their computers personal and other information, I was now the sole operator of their large screen HDTV’s new spectacular Apple audio and video system. Colorful detailed family photos and travel scenes sailing across the screen had mesmerized us only moments earlier as we anticipated more viewing delights. We hadn’t even gotten around to exploring all the other features including some from the Internet that were available through their new system
When their efforts to undo this inadvertent technological power transfer were unsuccessful I was held hostage as they threatened I could not leave their premises with my laptop. I determined to keep my cell phone secreted in the event I might need to SOS my son to come rescue me. I didn’t think they would resort to violence, but one never knows in hostage situations. Finally we had to resort to phoning their tech savvy son who had assisted their initial setting up of the system they operated with their computers and one television remote. I thought about how much we require others with whom to trouble shoot in order to use all our new electronic gadgets and technology.
Despite their sons long distance efforts, ultimately, we resorted to calling help, which you may not be surprised to hear connected us to India. Indian technical workers finally determined they could resolve our problem. Unfortunately, my friends free service plan expired a few days earlier. I think it seems often the case that service, sooner or later, is usually needed but only after such contracts expire. The tech rep said, not unexpectedly, that now service charges would apply to reverse this convoluted mix of user names, passwords and secret codes to resolve our dilemma.
After brief deliberation, my friends selected another short term service contract. The tech experts successfully provided the instructions restoring appropriate computer control to each of us and putting the television system operation again under my friends control only. My laptop was now impotent and unable to control their operations, but could access their wireless Internet system which is all we wanted in the first place. Our friendship was saved. Violence was avoided.
We were exhausted, noted the hour was after midnight and commiserated with each other that this was not how we had planned to spend our evening. Furthermore, we had expected to retire much earlier in the evening to be well rested for the next days schedule when they had plans and I would be returning home -- “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an ‘men Gang aft agley…” (Robert Burns.)
Throughout those hours some waiting time between transfers to various technical consultants allowed small talk with the tech service guru. In one instance my friends mentioned the Indian home city of one of their immediate family members relatives. I was reminded of what a small world we’ve come to inhabit in my lifetime; how our families and friends encompass an interesting variety of nationalities, and social groups.
I thought about how my friends family is an absolutely wonderful fascinating blend of several varied cultures, a fact incidental to the caring and affection all feel toward one another. How lucky I am to have such friends, to know their family, I realize. I also recalled when some years earlier my friends told me of unexpectedly being subjected to covert exclusionary discrimination following a workplace social situation when they casually mentioned one of them was of minority heritage. I thought again, that still today, we human beings inhabiting this world still have much to learn with a need for acceptance and tolerance toward all.
On a less serious note, I’ve since spent another weekend with them. This time we celebrated the wife’s earlier in the week birthday. The event reminded her that she had moved slightly past that landmark classic retirement age. I gained a new experience as she shared her new birthday gift. In fact, they were merciless challenging someone older in age, such as me, to battle my way through competitive Wii Sports with them. We tackled only bowling and a bit of baseball – I kept striking out, but was a wicked pitcher. Beginners luck did apply, much as in my real life sports experience. I’m glad to report I emerged from the games with my pride intact and my physical being uninjured.
I elected to finally purchase a new computer when family members began cautioning me that my older desktop computer was giving signals it might crash at any time. So I, finally, hastily copied my hard drive for back up. Incidentally, sometimes I, too, have noted symptoms that could be interpreted that I was crashing. If anyone has any suggestions about how I might back up my bodies hard drive, please let me know. Actually, my hard drive has gone a little soft, but I’m doing the best I can. I’m already taking vitamins, but think I read recently that’s a waste of time and money.
On a more important note, when my son and his wife visited from out of state, they delivered my new laptop computer I had earlier arranged to be sent to him for special programming. One feature I now have that I didn’t have previously allows me to give him control of my computer. This should simplify trouble shooting and other assistance I might need in the future. Once he arrived, he made certain I have a secure wireless system here at home. He also cleaned/scrubbed the hard drive on my old desktop (or however you describe that sort of refurbishing.) The old desktop functions more efficiently, so I’ll be able to continue using it on a limited basis in addition to my laptop. I plan to download a free Word-like program there later since I have Word on the laptop.
I didn’t work while family members were here, so when they made an overnight San Diego trip, I went along part way and visited friends of mine, excitedly taking my laptop. While there I received a beginning crash course in Excel courtesy of the husband. Later, the wife and I excitedly perched side by side on the sofa with our laptops, joking that this must be how modern day friends interact. I realize now that activity is out of date, as we should be twittering on our cell phones. Also, I keep getting invites to Facebook and other social networks, but can hardly keep up writing my blog so haven’t accepted any.
The technological togetherness of my friends and I began a night the three of us will long remember. A simple act of connecting my laptop to their wireless network somehow went awry. Suddenly, their laptop and desktop computers had relinquished control of their system to my laptop. For some reason my friends weren’t too happy about this! Since one of them had engineered this unintentional event, my conscience was clear and I was guilt-free.
In addition to my laptop having control of their computers personal and other information, I was now the sole operator of their large screen HDTV’s new spectacular Apple audio and video system. Colorful detailed family photos and travel scenes sailing across the screen had mesmerized us only moments earlier as we anticipated more viewing delights. We hadn’t even gotten around to exploring all the other features including some from the Internet that were available through their new system
When their efforts to undo this inadvertent technological power transfer were unsuccessful I was held hostage as they threatened I could not leave their premises with my laptop. I determined to keep my cell phone secreted in the event I might need to SOS my son to come rescue me. I didn’t think they would resort to violence, but one never knows in hostage situations. Finally we had to resort to phoning their tech savvy son who had assisted their initial setting up of the system they operated with their computers and one television remote. I thought about how much we require others with whom to trouble shoot in order to use all our new electronic gadgets and technology.
Despite their sons long distance efforts, ultimately, we resorted to calling help, which you may not be surprised to hear connected us to India. Indian technical workers finally determined they could resolve our problem. Unfortunately, my friends free service plan expired a few days earlier. I think it seems often the case that service, sooner or later, is usually needed but only after such contracts expire. The tech rep said, not unexpectedly, that now service charges would apply to reverse this convoluted mix of user names, passwords and secret codes to resolve our dilemma.
After brief deliberation, my friends selected another short term service contract. The tech experts successfully provided the instructions restoring appropriate computer control to each of us and putting the television system operation again under my friends control only. My laptop was now impotent and unable to control their operations, but could access their wireless Internet system which is all we wanted in the first place. Our friendship was saved. Violence was avoided.
We were exhausted, noted the hour was after midnight and commiserated with each other that this was not how we had planned to spend our evening. Furthermore, we had expected to retire much earlier in the evening to be well rested for the next days schedule when they had plans and I would be returning home -- “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an ‘men Gang aft agley…” (Robert Burns.)
Throughout those hours some waiting time between transfers to various technical consultants allowed small talk with the tech service guru. In one instance my friends mentioned the Indian home city of one of their immediate family members relatives. I was reminded of what a small world we’ve come to inhabit in my lifetime; how our families and friends encompass an interesting variety of nationalities, and social groups.
I thought about how my friends family is an absolutely wonderful fascinating blend of several varied cultures, a fact incidental to the caring and affection all feel toward one another. How lucky I am to have such friends, to know their family, I realize. I also recalled when some years earlier my friends told me of unexpectedly being subjected to covert exclusionary discrimination following a workplace social situation when they casually mentioned one of them was of minority heritage. I thought again, that still today, we human beings inhabiting this world still have much to learn with a need for acceptance and tolerance toward all.
On a less serious note, I’ve since spent another weekend with them. This time we celebrated the wife’s earlier in the week birthday. The event reminded her that she had moved slightly past that landmark classic retirement age. I gained a new experience as she shared her new birthday gift. In fact, they were merciless challenging someone older in age, such as me, to battle my way through competitive Wii Sports with them. We tackled only bowling and a bit of baseball – I kept striking out, but was a wicked pitcher. Beginners luck did apply, much as in my real life sports experience. I’m glad to report I emerged from the games with my pride intact and my physical being uninjured.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bloggers Meet Outside Virtual World
The other day I met in person, Bob Frank, who writes at "Eclectic World." He was previously known to me only in the blogosphere. This was the first time either of us had ever met another blogger as a result of our only contact having occurred through blogging. We both probably had various anticipatory feelings. I was in my own hometown, at a restaurant with known faces, so was quite at ease being in a familiar setting. My thoughts did marvel that I was actually engaged in meeting another blogger in person, since I had expressed reservations about ever doing so when I first began blogging.
I entered the restaurant to surprisingly find every table filled, but knew to look for Bob and his friend. We had no pre-arranged signal, but as I began gazing around the room they must have observed my searching manner and their waving hands quickly caught my attention. Fortunately, as we exchanged greetings we quickly established we each were who the other thought we were. Bob's friend soon left our company for the local library, a convenient block away, to use the computer. Before relating more about our meeting, I want to give you some background.
Early in 2005, having just received my first desktop computer a few months earlier, I became aware of "blogs," and undertook to determine what exactly they were. I read various blogs, but soon discovered "Time Goes By" (TGB) by blogger Ronni Bennett. Her exceptional writing and blog content captured my attention. I began to read her more frequently, then gradually explored TGB blog links to other bloggers, now known as Elderbloggers,
Contrary to the prevailing attitudes of fear and mistrust of the Internet I encountered from most others in my bricks and mortar community, my blogging activities led me to conclude I could have a positive experience in the blogosphere. My young adult children supported my interest and curiosity as they supplemented information I might need to best navigate safely on the Internet. I gradually determined exercising common sense and due diligence in the blogosphere could yield information, pleasurable fun and even new "virtual" friends. Ultimately, I embraced the suggestion that blogging offered special benefits, including to the elder population, and made communicating this message to others my mission.
Blogging beneficiaries, I realized, can include those who are separated from loved ones and friends; those who may have lived longer than their family members and friends but are now alone; and those with limitations preventing their usual community socialization. These are just some types of individuals I recall reading Ronni Bennett describe as potential bloggers. When I unexpectedly became a new widow I developed an added interest in blogging. Coupled with my awareness of some of the needs of the primarily older population with which I worked and my special interest in language and communication, promoting blogging ideas especially resonated with me.
I had long been dedicated to the value and importance of communication and had thought even then of ways in which to facilitate this for others. I now became a strong advocate for blogging. Regretfully, these past few years I have met with little genuine adoption of elderblogging locally, or at least I'm unaware of any who have joined our blogging community as a result of my promotion.
One of my disappointments on this self-adopted project during these years has been encountering the continued prevalence of those same blogging-as-dangerous false perceptions held by others since I first began blogging, despite my extensive efforts to demonstrate otherwise – and I do mean extensive in terms of time I have expended and education I've provided others. I became doubly dedicated to this goal following my husband's death, to the exclusion of some other matters requiring my attention. This activity may have been healthy by serving as a distraction from my situation. Whatever -- I've since concluded that if I hadn't been focusing on elderblogging promotion, I likely would have found something else to avoid taking personal actions I needed to be taking.
I extended myself in this elder blogging promotion effort on a personal level in full knowledge, given the suspicious attitudes toward blogging I encountered, that doing so could adversely affect my professional credibility with some, though I tried to carefully differentiate between the personal and the professional. Fortunately, so far, I have experienced no evidence of negative effects in attitude toward me professionally. On a personal level I experience from some others an indulgent somewhat subtle jocular reaction conveying one of superior tolerance toward what they regard as my idiosyncratic behavior and possible poor judgment with regard to my actually blogging.
Not because of the attitudes I encounter, but I have since stopped deliberate blogging promotion after several years directly trying to facilitate interest and adoption of blogging in some elder settings. I am sure most know by now I offer my support should they ever wish to pursue the matter. I have detected in others an increasing awareness and acknowledgment that blogging might be an interesting respectable activity as they note more and more traditional broadcast news and print media personalities promoting their own blogs.
Yet recently, I had a conversation with an intelligent professional person I've known for years who has periodically expressed interest in my blogging experience. The person has previously requested my assistance locating my blog and others to read. Yet, what I heard expressed was vague language, again, about the threats and dangers lurking in the blogosphere. When pressed for specifics, the stories of the few exploited by the press were cited as justification to condemn all blogging. My hope for eventual support from this person and others to facilitate aspects of blogging in one prime elder setting clearly is still not present. In another, where I had some success, any plans are on an indeterminate time line hold given the current economic situation.
While I didn't discuss the above with Bob, we did note a shared lack of interest in blogging for a variety of reasons by so many with whom we individually interact in our separate lives and locales.
Returning to the story of my entry into the blogosphere, what precipitated my first blog comment months before I started my own blog, and why it's significant to my choosing to actually meet another blogger .....
I was reading TGB's November 2005 post "The Nature of Blog Friends" and comments about meeting other bloggers in person as a consequence of contact through blogging. I was suddenly strongly motivated to make a comment. I still was apprehensive about having my name on the Internet, so I quickly contrived a blog name under which I could post. I felt some concern that in order even to do that, I did have to input into the system verification of my email address, but trusted the information would remain confidential as promised.
I wrote my first blog comment basically expressing reservations about ever meeting another blogger in person:
"I feel some reticence when it comes to security and privacy issues. Additionally, I believe I could be quite content to limit contact to just through blogs."
Three years plus have passed since then. My thoughts and beliefs have evolved through increased knowledge and experience. I've written many comments on numerous blogs, exchanged private email with a few bloggers, and even spoken by phone with another. I felt pleased a year ago to be invited to meet in person with another Southern California blogger whose blog's personal memoir writings and professional photos I enjoy. I have been unable to arrange that visit due to personal scheduling complications, but still look forward to doing so in the future if the offer continues to be extended after all this time.
Meanwhile, this past week, upon learning a blogger, Bob, from the Midwest Great Lakes area would possibly be near my community, I expressed interest and willingness to meet in person with him should his schedule allow this meeting. Accommodatingly and coincidentally, my work schedule modulated so I had the necessary flexibility to adjust to his uncertain travel time schedule so we could meet.
My first contact with Bob a year or two ago occurred after I re-visited "Ageless Project" and on a whim thought I'd randomly contact bloggers listed there with my same birth year. His blog is one I've since enjoyed reading when he periodically publishes. We've commented on each others blogs, and exchanged short infrequent but occasional emails. He wrote reassuringly of having successfully filled his personal life after major life changes. I've found this to be encouraging that I, too, could continue on life's journey fulfilling my own new life. So, when we recently actually met we had this limited but significant background as one facet of our known lives.
So, one day this past week between rain storms (known here as "California sunshine,") we shared coffee and conversation for an hour or two, though I truly lost track of time, at a casual restaurant where my communities locals and visitors congregate. I enjoyed meeting him and his travel buddy. Our nearby local library provided needed computer access for his friend while we talked, and later for him. I was quite comfortable and at ease the entire time. To some extent I sensed Bob was someone I already knew by virtue of our prior contact through blogging. I felt no awkwardness with the conversation that flowed rapidly.
We could easily reference previously exchanged information much as friends might, expand on other matters we might have only briefly mentioned before and introduce new topics. I learned of some of Bob's special service activities and other interests shared with a long time friend who wasn't on this trip, and his family as we skipped from topic to topic. There seemed hardly time to explore specific accounts of his most recent outdoors activities that had drawn him and his friend to Southern California. Perhaps he'll write about them, if he has time, once he returns home, but his trip is far from over yet.
When we parted I had the sense that we could easily have continued talking longer about a variety of subjects. Our shared time was short since he and his travel companion needed to be on their way. More heavy rain storms were coming from the coast. Further up the West Coast where Bob was headed they needed to drive through elevated passes where snow was predicted as low as the 3000 ft level. I knew often that highway had to be closed in such circumstances, so time was of the essence for them to travel through before sundown or snow intensified.
Meeting Bob was a delightful experience as was the brief contact I had with his travel friend. I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet in person. I have no doubt that bloggers can meet outside the blogosphere's virtual world and enjoy friendship.
I entered the restaurant to surprisingly find every table filled, but knew to look for Bob and his friend. We had no pre-arranged signal, but as I began gazing around the room they must have observed my searching manner and their waving hands quickly caught my attention. Fortunately, as we exchanged greetings we quickly established we each were who the other thought we were. Bob's friend soon left our company for the local library, a convenient block away, to use the computer. Before relating more about our meeting, I want to give you some background.
Early in 2005, having just received my first desktop computer a few months earlier, I became aware of "blogs," and undertook to determine what exactly they were. I read various blogs, but soon discovered "Time Goes By" (TGB) by blogger Ronni Bennett. Her exceptional writing and blog content captured my attention. I began to read her more frequently, then gradually explored TGB blog links to other bloggers, now known as Elderbloggers,
Contrary to the prevailing attitudes of fear and mistrust of the Internet I encountered from most others in my bricks and mortar community, my blogging activities led me to conclude I could have a positive experience in the blogosphere. My young adult children supported my interest and curiosity as they supplemented information I might need to best navigate safely on the Internet. I gradually determined exercising common sense and due diligence in the blogosphere could yield information, pleasurable fun and even new "virtual" friends. Ultimately, I embraced the suggestion that blogging offered special benefits, including to the elder population, and made communicating this message to others my mission.
Blogging beneficiaries, I realized, can include those who are separated from loved ones and friends; those who may have lived longer than their family members and friends but are now alone; and those with limitations preventing their usual community socialization. These are just some types of individuals I recall reading Ronni Bennett describe as potential bloggers. When I unexpectedly became a new widow I developed an added interest in blogging. Coupled with my awareness of some of the needs of the primarily older population with which I worked and my special interest in language and communication, promoting blogging ideas especially resonated with me.
I had long been dedicated to the value and importance of communication and had thought even then of ways in which to facilitate this for others. I now became a strong advocate for blogging. Regretfully, these past few years I have met with little genuine adoption of elderblogging locally, or at least I'm unaware of any who have joined our blogging community as a result of my promotion.
One of my disappointments on this self-adopted project during these years has been encountering the continued prevalence of those same blogging-as-dangerous false perceptions held by others since I first began blogging, despite my extensive efforts to demonstrate otherwise – and I do mean extensive in terms of time I have expended and education I've provided others. I became doubly dedicated to this goal following my husband's death, to the exclusion of some other matters requiring my attention. This activity may have been healthy by serving as a distraction from my situation. Whatever -- I've since concluded that if I hadn't been focusing on elderblogging promotion, I likely would have found something else to avoid taking personal actions I needed to be taking.
I extended myself in this elder blogging promotion effort on a personal level in full knowledge, given the suspicious attitudes toward blogging I encountered, that doing so could adversely affect my professional credibility with some, though I tried to carefully differentiate between the personal and the professional. Fortunately, so far, I have experienced no evidence of negative effects in attitude toward me professionally. On a personal level I experience from some others an indulgent somewhat subtle jocular reaction conveying one of superior tolerance toward what they regard as my idiosyncratic behavior and possible poor judgment with regard to my actually blogging.
Not because of the attitudes I encounter, but I have since stopped deliberate blogging promotion after several years directly trying to facilitate interest and adoption of blogging in some elder settings. I am sure most know by now I offer my support should they ever wish to pursue the matter. I have detected in others an increasing awareness and acknowledgment that blogging might be an interesting respectable activity as they note more and more traditional broadcast news and print media personalities promoting their own blogs.
Yet recently, I had a conversation with an intelligent professional person I've known for years who has periodically expressed interest in my blogging experience. The person has previously requested my assistance locating my blog and others to read. Yet, what I heard expressed was vague language, again, about the threats and dangers lurking in the blogosphere. When pressed for specifics, the stories of the few exploited by the press were cited as justification to condemn all blogging. My hope for eventual support from this person and others to facilitate aspects of blogging in one prime elder setting clearly is still not present. In another, where I had some success, any plans are on an indeterminate time line hold given the current economic situation.
While I didn't discuss the above with Bob, we did note a shared lack of interest in blogging for a variety of reasons by so many with whom we individually interact in our separate lives and locales.
Returning to the story of my entry into the blogosphere, what precipitated my first blog comment months before I started my own blog, and why it's significant to my choosing to actually meet another blogger .....
I was reading TGB's November 2005 post "The Nature of Blog Friends" and comments about meeting other bloggers in person as a consequence of contact through blogging. I was suddenly strongly motivated to make a comment. I still was apprehensive about having my name on the Internet, so I quickly contrived a blog name under which I could post. I felt some concern that in order even to do that, I did have to input into the system verification of my email address, but trusted the information would remain confidential as promised.
I wrote my first blog comment basically expressing reservations about ever meeting another blogger in person:
"I feel some reticence when it comes to security and privacy issues. Additionally, I believe I could be quite content to limit contact to just through blogs."
Three years plus have passed since then. My thoughts and beliefs have evolved through increased knowledge and experience. I've written many comments on numerous blogs, exchanged private email with a few bloggers, and even spoken by phone with another. I felt pleased a year ago to be invited to meet in person with another Southern California blogger whose blog's personal memoir writings and professional photos I enjoy. I have been unable to arrange that visit due to personal scheduling complications, but still look forward to doing so in the future if the offer continues to be extended after all this time.
Meanwhile, this past week, upon learning a blogger, Bob, from the Midwest Great Lakes area would possibly be near my community, I expressed interest and willingness to meet in person with him should his schedule allow this meeting. Accommodatingly and coincidentally, my work schedule modulated so I had the necessary flexibility to adjust to his uncertain travel time schedule so we could meet.
My first contact with Bob a year or two ago occurred after I re-visited "Ageless Project" and on a whim thought I'd randomly contact bloggers listed there with my same birth year. His blog is one I've since enjoyed reading when he periodically publishes. We've commented on each others blogs, and exchanged short infrequent but occasional emails. He wrote reassuringly of having successfully filled his personal life after major life changes. I've found this to be encouraging that I, too, could continue on life's journey fulfilling my own new life. So, when we recently actually met we had this limited but significant background as one facet of our known lives.
So, one day this past week between rain storms (known here as "California sunshine,") we shared coffee and conversation for an hour or two, though I truly lost track of time, at a casual restaurant where my communities locals and visitors congregate. I enjoyed meeting him and his travel buddy. Our nearby local library provided needed computer access for his friend while we talked, and later for him. I was quite comfortable and at ease the entire time. To some extent I sensed Bob was someone I already knew by virtue of our prior contact through blogging. I felt no awkwardness with the conversation that flowed rapidly.
We could easily reference previously exchanged information much as friends might, expand on other matters we might have only briefly mentioned before and introduce new topics. I learned of some of Bob's special service activities and other interests shared with a long time friend who wasn't on this trip, and his family as we skipped from topic to topic. There seemed hardly time to explore specific accounts of his most recent outdoors activities that had drawn him and his friend to Southern California. Perhaps he'll write about them, if he has time, once he returns home, but his trip is far from over yet.
When we parted I had the sense that we could easily have continued talking longer about a variety of subjects. Our shared time was short since he and his travel companion needed to be on their way. More heavy rain storms were coming from the coast. Further up the West Coast where Bob was headed they needed to drive through elevated passes where snow was predicted as low as the 3000 ft level. I knew often that highway had to be closed in such circumstances, so time was of the essence for them to travel through before sundown or snow intensified.
Meeting Bob was a delightful experience as was the brief contact I had with his travel friend. I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet in person. I have no doubt that bloggers can meet outside the blogosphere's virtual world and enjoy friendship.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Rose Parade 2009 Finale
Our Rose Parade's pictures and videos now conclude after the January opening account entitled Rose Parade 2009 Anticipation, then Rose Parade 2009 Part II, followed by the preceding Rose Parade 2009 Part III. More unique flower covered floats and spectacular marching bands came our way on Pasadena's Colorado Blvd.
"Believe in Music" emphasizes the proven benefits of playing music in their float's message from NAMM (International Music Products Assn.,) Sesame Workshop and Music For All. We caught sight of familiar Sesame Street characters including Big Bird and original cast member, Bob McGrath. Joining the group later was Oscar the Grouch peering from his trash can abode.
"Bands of America Honor Band" supported by the same groups above brings together more than 300 highly talented students from 200 high schools for this opportunity to march in the Rose Parade led by Indianapolis, Indiana Band Director, George Parks.
"Entertaining Dreams for a Century" celebrates Roseville, California's Centennial with a nearly life-size replica of a 1909 Union Pacific engine that made a historic trip from that city to Sacramento. This is their first Rose Parade float. They include tribute to their Indian community, nature and spectacular environment at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
"The Making of an Epic" pays tribute to Hollywood's Golden Era courtesy of the longest running float entrant for the 56th year by FTD.
Puebla, Mexico's Aguilas Doradas Marching Band with Director, Profesor Luis Alberto Mendoza Gomez is considered one of the best in Mexico. The 200 strong members wear elaborate gold eagle helmets with their signature blue, white and gold uniforms.
"Surf City USA" from the City of Huntington Beach features a family riding a huge ocean wave. The surfer was partially hidden from us due to the trees, so we had to wait until the Blvd. corner was rounded to fully appreciate the float.
Liberty High School Grenadier Band, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Directed by Gregory MacGill has performed in London, throughout the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Their uniform includes Royal Stewart tartan imported from Scotland for the bagpipers' kilts and majorettes' skirts.
There were 89 Rose Parade entries listed in the official program. I haven't shown all the parade photos we took, nor were we even able to take pictures of all the floats and bands, especially toward the parade's end. My daughter's own photo shots were often hampered by a lady in front of us who frequently and suddenly raised her arm high in a constant 180 degree wave to everyone in the parade. Entry 67 of the Grenadier Band above was our last photo or video, so there were many more memorable sights and sounds we didn't record.
You can access Tournament of Roses 2009 highlights from the Parade.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association awarded twenty-four trophies. You can view photos of each 2009 award winner when you scroll down to the link "Begin."
A Few More Personal Comments and Observations.....
If there is a specific float for which someone desires to know what decorative vegetation, flowers, seeds, etc. were used, I can provide some information from my official Rose Parade Program. Leave your request in a comment or send an email to the "Contact Joared" address noted on this blog home page.
I have read reports the Rose Parade officials limited participant entry numbers to fewer in number than in past years. This was allegedly due to adjustments made to accommodate shortened television coverage time, especially during a time when commercial sponsorships lessen and our economy undergoes challenges.
There was no parade route viewer space to spare anywhere I looked. Many onlookers had camped out overnight along both sides of the parade route. There were crowds up and down the Boulevards with several people deep standing and others seated in stands such as those across the street from us.
The right side of the parade route often seems to be catered to by float performers since that's the location of television cameras at the parade's start.
The five and a half miles distance down Colorado and Sierra Madre Blvds. took its toll on those paraders on foot, including most of the marching bands. Their parade-beginning straight column lines we saw on the TV rebroadcast we watched after lunch, and returning home, were a contrast to the somewhat wavy horizontal lines we observed live when the marchers reached us just before their final turn onto Sierra Madre Blvd.
I noted at our end of the parade the animal-droppings-cleanup-scoopers I observed on television previous years were nowhere to be seen, but maybe they were just wherever the cameras were. We assumed this scooper brigade was either lacking in number to reach our part of the parade route, were all "scooped out," or erroneously concluded the animals, at least one of the horses, had no further business to unload. That assumption would have been wrong!
We watched with great apprehension as marchers with their eyes straight ahead sometimes "cut their foot" (a phrase whose meaning I recall learning in a farm's barnyard shared by cattle and horses.) Viewers in the parade stands could only sympathize from afar with each unfortunate marcher's plight. Later, further down the route we noticed an empty tennis shoe laying in the street and thought that individual's motivation must be strong to part with his or her shoe.
Sights I hadn't recalled seeing in previous years television viewing, but saw and heard in person, included a multitude of law enforcement vehicles driving by at the end of the parade. Emergency trucks and flatbeds followed bearing the names of more such businesses than I ever knew existed. Drivers of all of them were waving and sounding their horns creating a deafening cacophony of sound saying "Look at me!" I thought the auditory assault would never end. The vehicles were needed to transport all the floats to and from the parade as well as be available should they need to rescue any float breakdowns along the route. (We weren't aware of any such SOS needs.) By this time the stands were emptying and we were headed to our bus parked directly behind the stands, happy to have the noisy sounding horns muffled when we climbed aboard, then rode home.
Attending the 2009 Rose Parade was an enjoyable fun stress-free experience. We knew some people have their own camper or rent one they park overnight, but we appreciated not doing any driving for this event. I had splurged in the summer when we made our reservations and purchased inexpensive cushioned bleacher seats with backs, a very worthwhile investment I highly recommend.
We did learn of alternative ways we might be able to attend the Rose Parade in the future. We could drive part way, walk some short distances, use Metrolink/Metrorail, possibly independently reserve seats located in bleachers toward the beginning of the parade route near the television stands.
You may visit www.tournamentofroses.com for the latest official news as preparation begins for the 2010 Rose Parade.
"Believe in Music" emphasizes the proven benefits of playing music in their float's message from NAMM (International Music Products Assn.,) Sesame Workshop and Music For All. We caught sight of familiar Sesame Street characters including Big Bird and original cast member, Bob McGrath. Joining the group later was Oscar the Grouch peering from his trash can abode.
"Bands of America Honor Band" supported by the same groups above brings together more than 300 highly talented students from 200 high schools for this opportunity to march in the Rose Parade led by Indianapolis, Indiana Band Director, George Parks.
"Entertaining Dreams for a Century" celebrates Roseville, California's Centennial with a nearly life-size replica of a 1909 Union Pacific engine that made a historic trip from that city to Sacramento. This is their first Rose Parade float. They include tribute to their Indian community, nature and spectacular environment at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
"The Making of an Epic" pays tribute to Hollywood's Golden Era courtesy of the longest running float entrant for the 56th year by FTD.
Puebla, Mexico's Aguilas Doradas Marching Band with Director, Profesor Luis Alberto Mendoza Gomez is considered one of the best in Mexico. The 200 strong members wear elaborate gold eagle helmets with their signature blue, white and gold uniforms.
"Surf City USA" from the City of Huntington Beach features a family riding a huge ocean wave. The surfer was partially hidden from us due to the trees, so we had to wait until the Blvd. corner was rounded to fully appreciate the float.
Liberty High School Grenadier Band, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Directed by Gregory MacGill has performed in London, throughout the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Their uniform includes Royal Stewart tartan imported from Scotland for the bagpipers' kilts and majorettes' skirts.
There were 89 Rose Parade entries listed in the official program. I haven't shown all the parade photos we took, nor were we even able to take pictures of all the floats and bands, especially toward the parade's end. My daughter's own photo shots were often hampered by a lady in front of us who frequently and suddenly raised her arm high in a constant 180 degree wave to everyone in the parade. Entry 67 of the Grenadier Band above was our last photo or video, so there were many more memorable sights and sounds we didn't record.
You can access Tournament of Roses 2009 highlights from the Parade.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association awarded twenty-four trophies. You can view photos of each 2009 award winner when you scroll down to the link "Begin."
A Few More Personal Comments and Observations.....
If there is a specific float for which someone desires to know what decorative vegetation, flowers, seeds, etc. were used, I can provide some information from my official Rose Parade Program. Leave your request in a comment or send an email to the "Contact Joared" address noted on this blog home page.
I have read reports the Rose Parade officials limited participant entry numbers to fewer in number than in past years. This was allegedly due to adjustments made to accommodate shortened television coverage time, especially during a time when commercial sponsorships lessen and our economy undergoes challenges.
There was no parade route viewer space to spare anywhere I looked. Many onlookers had camped out overnight along both sides of the parade route. There were crowds up and down the Boulevards with several people deep standing and others seated in stands such as those across the street from us.
The right side of the parade route often seems to be catered to by float performers since that's the location of television cameras at the parade's start.
The five and a half miles distance down Colorado and Sierra Madre Blvds. took its toll on those paraders on foot, including most of the marching bands. Their parade-beginning straight column lines we saw on the TV rebroadcast we watched after lunch, and returning home, were a contrast to the somewhat wavy horizontal lines we observed live when the marchers reached us just before their final turn onto Sierra Madre Blvd.
I noted at our end of the parade the animal-droppings-cleanup-scoopers I observed on television previous years were nowhere to be seen, but maybe they were just wherever the cameras were. We assumed this scooper brigade was either lacking in number to reach our part of the parade route, were all "scooped out," or erroneously concluded the animals, at least one of the horses, had no further business to unload. That assumption would have been wrong!
We watched with great apprehension as marchers with their eyes straight ahead sometimes "cut their foot" (a phrase whose meaning I recall learning in a farm's barnyard shared by cattle and horses.) Viewers in the parade stands could only sympathize from afar with each unfortunate marcher's plight. Later, further down the route we noticed an empty tennis shoe laying in the street and thought that individual's motivation must be strong to part with his or her shoe.
Sights I hadn't recalled seeing in previous years television viewing, but saw and heard in person, included a multitude of law enforcement vehicles driving by at the end of the parade. Emergency trucks and flatbeds followed bearing the names of more such businesses than I ever knew existed. Drivers of all of them were waving and sounding their horns creating a deafening cacophony of sound saying "Look at me!" I thought the auditory assault would never end. The vehicles were needed to transport all the floats to and from the parade as well as be available should they need to rescue any float breakdowns along the route. (We weren't aware of any such SOS needs.) By this time the stands were emptying and we were headed to our bus parked directly behind the stands, happy to have the noisy sounding horns muffled when we climbed aboard, then rode home.
Attending the 2009 Rose Parade was an enjoyable fun stress-free experience. We knew some people have their own camper or rent one they park overnight, but we appreciated not doing any driving for this event. I had splurged in the summer when we made our reservations and purchased inexpensive cushioned bleacher seats with backs, a very worthwhile investment I highly recommend.
We did learn of alternative ways we might be able to attend the Rose Parade in the future. We could drive part way, walk some short distances, use Metrolink/Metrorail, possibly independently reserve seats located in bleachers toward the beginning of the parade route near the television stands.
You may visit www.tournamentofroses.com for the latest official news as preparation begins for the 2010 Rose Parade.
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