Winter is finally here, and it should be spring by now. A blizzard is pounding West Central Wisconsin and most of Minnesota as I type this. At work, it is just me and two other people who managed to brave it to come in. 6 inches have already fallen, underlayed by ice....and it is still going strong with 40 mph winds.
I hate winter.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Jackson Loses Playground
Pediphiles and litigious parents will have to hunt elsewhere for the time being. Michael Jackson's neverland ranch has been ordered to cease operations for of all things...failure to pay wages & insurance.
I guess watching the unnatural stream of young boys visiting a middle-aged recluse on a self-funded childrens park/compound was acceptable...until it no longer paid.
I guess watching the unnatural stream of young boys visiting a middle-aged recluse on a self-funded childrens park/compound was acceptable...until it no longer paid.
Friday
Ahhh...the sweet smell of a Friday in the spring. Kind of gives you hope doesn't it?
Jodi is evidently enjoying her trip to see Susan in Seattle. She has called a couple of times to check in. I am planning a marathon house cleaning session on Sunday so things are done when she gets home Monday. She always says "just don't leave the sink full of dirty dishes" when she goes on trips, but I know she appreciates more.
My parents are making their way home from Florida as I type this. They stay for 3-4 months in the winter to escape the Wisconsin cold and snow. It will be good to see them again. I have no plans but to clean and do my friggin taxes this weekend. I know, you can't believe what an incredibly exciting life I have...me neither. There are some new books and new music coming from Barnes & Noble today, so maybe I will get a chance to start one of them this weekend.
Jodi is evidently enjoying her trip to see Susan in Seattle. She has called a couple of times to check in. I am planning a marathon house cleaning session on Sunday so things are done when she gets home Monday. She always says "just don't leave the sink full of dirty dishes" when she goes on trips, but I know she appreciates more.
My parents are making their way home from Florida as I type this. They stay for 3-4 months in the winter to escape the Wisconsin cold and snow. It will be good to see them again. I have no plans but to clean and do my friggin taxes this weekend. I know, you can't believe what an incredibly exciting life I have...me neither. There are some new books and new music coming from Barnes & Noble today, so maybe I will get a chance to start one of them this weekend.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Is Post 9/11 Diplomacy Dead?
President Chirac's announcement of Nuclear retaliation if France were to be targeted with terrorist attacks should bring into question the efficacy of diplomacy in the post 9/11 world. France has evidently come to the (correct) realization that the legacy of the Treaty of Westphalia...diplomacy, is no longer a useful tool in Nation State interactions involving non-Western powers. Diplomatic negotiations provide only limited results even between subscribing Western Nations when dealing with each other. The leadup to the Iraq invasion will stand in history as a failure of Western diplomatic methods between European partners no matter whose side you were on. Diplomatic efforts fair much worse in Middle Eastern countries, where it is generally ineffective.
The current Iranian nuke scare is the foremost example. Middle Eastern countries; with their history of caliphates, kingdoms and tribal warring, still seem incapable of grasping the rudimentary concepts of diplomacy that have been the gold standard of Western Nations for centuries. Sure it did not always work amongst us, but the talks continued until the spears or bombs flew..and often for some time afterwards. During this process, there was at least a chance that the two sides might see eye to eye eventually. Diplomatic negotiations are successful if, and only if, one side can convince the other of the strength or correctness of it's argument. Compromises, where possible, were par for the course. But the process is balanced on the tenet that all sides were listening to each other, and capable of making rational decisions based on correct information. Currently, Western powers cannot convince Iran of why it is impossible for them to be a nuclear state. Our argument is valid, and it's conclusion universally accepted, but Iran is not listening. Viable compromises have been offered, plans laid out and solutions proposed...to no avail. Iran seems bent on ushering in the blood relative of diplomacy, armed conflict, for the sake of pride alone. It is a remnant of their Ancient culture, peculiar in this day and age to Middle Eastern countries and those still floundering in the Communist manifesto. It must be remembered that rationality prevailed in preventing a nuclear exchange between the United States and The Soviet Union. This was possible because Russia's history was one of diplomatic participation up to the Communist revolution. The idea was revived with difficulty...but it eventually carried the day. I fear this change impossible in Iran, and elsewhere in the Middle East. Sadly, the outcome cannot be good for anyone.
Chirac has now apparently "given up" on the process of diplomacy with Middle Eastern states. In a certain sense, he has actually revived (as has Bush) the long lost aspect of diplomacy which holds Nation States responsible for actions of their citizens. His announcement is an attempt to return to this precept, and dispense with the proven useless act of Western style diplomacy in relation to such countries.
Diplomacy will now be carried out in the form of a threat...a very big one. Choose to ignore it at your own peril, because there will not be discussions if the line is crossed. It is a long overdue sign of frustration in attempting to negotiate with those who will not listen.
The current Iranian nuke scare is the foremost example. Middle Eastern countries; with their history of caliphates, kingdoms and tribal warring, still seem incapable of grasping the rudimentary concepts of diplomacy that have been the gold standard of Western Nations for centuries. Sure it did not always work amongst us, but the talks continued until the spears or bombs flew..and often for some time afterwards. During this process, there was at least a chance that the two sides might see eye to eye eventually. Diplomatic negotiations are successful if, and only if, one side can convince the other of the strength or correctness of it's argument. Compromises, where possible, were par for the course. But the process is balanced on the tenet that all sides were listening to each other, and capable of making rational decisions based on correct information. Currently, Western powers cannot convince Iran of why it is impossible for them to be a nuclear state. Our argument is valid, and it's conclusion universally accepted, but Iran is not listening. Viable compromises have been offered, plans laid out and solutions proposed...to no avail. Iran seems bent on ushering in the blood relative of diplomacy, armed conflict, for the sake of pride alone. It is a remnant of their Ancient culture, peculiar in this day and age to Middle Eastern countries and those still floundering in the Communist manifesto. It must be remembered that rationality prevailed in preventing a nuclear exchange between the United States and The Soviet Union. This was possible because Russia's history was one of diplomatic participation up to the Communist revolution. The idea was revived with difficulty...but it eventually carried the day. I fear this change impossible in Iran, and elsewhere in the Middle East. Sadly, the outcome cannot be good for anyone.
Chirac has now apparently "given up" on the process of diplomacy with Middle Eastern states. In a certain sense, he has actually revived (as has Bush) the long lost aspect of diplomacy which holds Nation States responsible for actions of their citizens. His announcement is an attempt to return to this precept, and dispense with the proven useless act of Western style diplomacy in relation to such countries.
Diplomacy will now be carried out in the form of a threat...a very big one. Choose to ignore it at your own peril, because there will not be discussions if the line is crossed. It is a long overdue sign of frustration in attempting to negotiate with those who will not listen.
Lottery Mania
It's been said millions of times, "If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is....."(fill in the blank with your own deluded vision).
If I won, the fourth thing I would do is track down a case of 1982 Cheval Blanc Bordeaux, fly immediately to where it was located, pay whatever it took to get it, and drink a bottle right on the spot. I'd give one to Jefe too, because he would be there with me.
In case you are wondering, the first three things I would do would be:
1. Shit my pants
2. Call my Attorney & Accountant to hear them shit their pants in unison
3. Disconnect my phone and unlist my number
In reality, I would probably be doing all 4 things simultaneously.
If I won, the fourth thing I would do is track down a case of 1982 Cheval Blanc Bordeaux, fly immediately to where it was located, pay whatever it took to get it, and drink a bottle right on the spot. I'd give one to Jefe too, because he would be there with me.
In case you are wondering, the first three things I would do would be:
1. Shit my pants
2. Call my Attorney & Accountant to hear them shit their pants in unison
3. Disconnect my phone and unlist my number
In reality, I would probably be doing all 4 things simultaneously.
Be Careful DHL!
I finally found an Internet wine shop with the 2003 Cantonella Cervoles Costers del Segre IN STOCK. Miracles do happen I guess. K & L wine merchants is the place, and it has been rated the #1 Internet wine shop by Wine Spectator and Money magazine. I guess we'll see how it goes with this trial shipment. The shopping experience was excellent, and I don't think $53.00 was too bad for a case of wine next day delivery from CA to WI. I also ordered some of the 92 rated 2003 Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica for an incredible $11/bottle! SWEET!
If you have not yet discovered the absolute beauty and value of Spanish red wines, run..don't walk, to your nearest juice monger and ask to see what all the fuss is about. You won't be dissapointed.
If you have not yet discovered the absolute beauty and value of Spanish red wines, run..don't walk, to your nearest juice monger and ask to see what all the fuss is about. You won't be dissapointed.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Paging Simon Wiesenthal
I guess the idea of stimulating your students is old fashioned today. Curious that this story should pop up now due to the fact that I had a discussion with a teacher the other night about this very debate. Not the Bush = Hitler one, but the idea of teachers being restrained from deviating outside Administration policies and thinking for themselves. It was interesting to say the least. During our discussion, she indicated her frustration with coworkers and the forced curriculum for failing to encourage critical thinking skills in those they taught. "Education has become a business...nothing more" she said. How right she is in my opinion. Businesses have rules. Businesses have schedules, doctrine, and single mindedness of purpose that really are not conducive to free critical thinking. A teachers job has therefore become a "chapters are sales goals" mentalilty where success is measured in how far into the syllabus you can get in the allotted time.
Much more superficially, I happen to agree with Mr. Bennish in his rhetorical point of view. As a dedicated student of Military and World History, I know that the argument is at least valid. Bush's propaganda is nearly identical to the platform of the early Nazi movement in it's delivery and dogma. Appeals for action in the name of a greater good, promises of solutions designed for the betterment of Citizen's lives, protection from those that wish to harm us, and the consensus of being backed by God in these undertakings are ALL components of both Bush and Hitler. It is a fact...live with it and let's talk about it from a point of view of how far it might be taken. It is clearly propaganda designed to reiterate the deeply held beliefs of the Party, whichever one you choose; and it's purpose is to mitigate or to re-enforce the mood of the populous. Mr. Bennish clearly stopped short of the huge difference between Hitler and Bush because there is no rationale for comparison in the area of actionable support for said propaganda. George Bush is not advocating and formulating a plan for the ethnic cleansing of 8 million people. He is not BLAMING terrorists and Muslims for U.S. domestic woes, as Hitler singled out the Jews for Germany's. He has no fetish for reclaiming long lost lands, or for reunification of master races and nationalities as did Hitler. Mr. Bennish is clearly exposing what is the truth in the dogma and delivery of historical propaganda in order that his students get a larger picture of the shaping of the World Politic. Critical thinking would allow his students to take that lesson wherever the so desired. They MIGHT then ask themselves "where might this lead?" What might be the cost? What are my duties as a US Citizen in evaluating this leadership and it's direction? There is no "contrary position" to the process of critical thinking. Balancing the content would have dictated that Mr. Bennish portray the normal state of affairs of dullard lemmings. His goal was simply to fire the thought process beyond regurgitation of fact and the study of theory to get to underlying processes not always called on by the average Citizen.
Much more superficially, I happen to agree with Mr. Bennish in his rhetorical point of view. As a dedicated student of Military and World History, I know that the argument is at least valid. Bush's propaganda is nearly identical to the platform of the early Nazi movement in it's delivery and dogma. Appeals for action in the name of a greater good, promises of solutions designed for the betterment of Citizen's lives, protection from those that wish to harm us, and the consensus of being backed by God in these undertakings are ALL components of both Bush and Hitler. It is a fact...live with it and let's talk about it from a point of view of how far it might be taken. It is clearly propaganda designed to reiterate the deeply held beliefs of the Party, whichever one you choose; and it's purpose is to mitigate or to re-enforce the mood of the populous. Mr. Bennish clearly stopped short of the huge difference between Hitler and Bush because there is no rationale for comparison in the area of actionable support for said propaganda. George Bush is not advocating and formulating a plan for the ethnic cleansing of 8 million people. He is not BLAMING terrorists and Muslims for U.S. domestic woes, as Hitler singled out the Jews for Germany's. He has no fetish for reclaiming long lost lands, or for reunification of master races and nationalities as did Hitler. Mr. Bennish is clearly exposing what is the truth in the dogma and delivery of historical propaganda in order that his students get a larger picture of the shaping of the World Politic. Critical thinking would allow his students to take that lesson wherever the so desired. They MIGHT then ask themselves "where might this lead?" What might be the cost? What are my duties as a US Citizen in evaluating this leadership and it's direction? There is no "contrary position" to the process of critical thinking. Balancing the content would have dictated that Mr. Bennish portray the normal state of affairs of dullard lemmings. His goal was simply to fire the thought process beyond regurgitation of fact and the study of theory to get to underlying processes not always called on by the average Citizen.
Monday, March 06, 2006
WTF?
Ok, so I'm perusing the "Answers" section of Yahoo! recently looking for the meaning of life and I am suddenly struck by a revelation: A cure for acne, hair loss, and dental disfigurement has been found while I was sleeping! How could I have missed such significant cosmetic advancements? I mean...come on kiddies, every single one of you is being represented by an Avatar that looks straight from the screen of A Saturday morning cartoon. No halitosis here thank you very much! Lazy eye...what the hell is that and wasn't it cured in windows 3.1 anyway? Can't you see from my Avatar that I have big, moist, comforting eyes that are even winking at you like I might find you attractive? No bloodshot "I had too much tequila last night" happening here.
Where is the outrage by the Youth of today against "The Man" for singlehandedly pigeon-holing them into such forced perfection? When I was a kid, we had to use actual PHOTOS...and we LIKED it! Raw realism..that's what it was all about. Where is the Avatar depicting severe scarring Acne? What about those Rosecea sufferers forced to represent themselves as Oil of Olay spokesmodels? Is there no one who battles for white teeth anymore, has a neck sporting a double chin, or a congenital birth mark squarely planted on their nose? Exema sufferers abandon the Net as early as 1987 by the looks of things.
Rise up normal people and revolt! Cast off the chains of animated oppression that's been sticking it to you for years with it's "perfect faces" and "selectable skin tones". Demand from the Avatar gods the realism you deserve when choosing to animate your likeness on the Net. We want sunburn! We want crowsfeet! Bring out the coldsores! Those shall be our rallying cries. Give us those scars from that terrible house fire you've been hiding from us all this time...WE WANT OUR INDENTITIES BACK!
Remember kids, you can't send your Avatar to a job interview...not yet anyway. You can sleep with your girlfriend's Avatar, but it will be vaguely unsatisfying, possibly messy, and definitely prone to lacerations. Get in touch with the REAL you now, before it's too late. Lets return the world to it's pimple ridden glory days by forcing ourselves to be...(gasp)....ourselves.
Where is the outrage by the Youth of today against "The Man" for singlehandedly pigeon-holing them into such forced perfection? When I was a kid, we had to use actual PHOTOS...and we LIKED it! Raw realism..that's what it was all about. Where is the Avatar depicting severe scarring Acne? What about those Rosecea sufferers forced to represent themselves as Oil of Olay spokesmodels? Is there no one who battles for white teeth anymore, has a neck sporting a double chin, or a congenital birth mark squarely planted on their nose? Exema sufferers abandon the Net as early as 1987 by the looks of things.
Rise up normal people and revolt! Cast off the chains of animated oppression that's been sticking it to you for years with it's "perfect faces" and "selectable skin tones". Demand from the Avatar gods the realism you deserve when choosing to animate your likeness on the Net. We want sunburn! We want crowsfeet! Bring out the coldsores! Those shall be our rallying cries. Give us those scars from that terrible house fire you've been hiding from us all this time...WE WANT OUR INDENTITIES BACK!
Remember kids, you can't send your Avatar to a job interview...not yet anyway. You can sleep with your girlfriend's Avatar, but it will be vaguely unsatisfying, possibly messy, and definitely prone to lacerations. Get in touch with the REAL you now, before it's too late. Lets return the world to it's pimple ridden glory days by forcing ourselves to be...(gasp)....ourselves.
Success!
The TV installation went even better than anticipated this weekend. There is nothing much too hard about setting up a new television...right? Well, when you're dealing with high definition feeds to a place you don't even have cable run to, it can get a little tricky. It took about 4 hours to run and hook up all the wires, install the pivoting mounting arm, ready the HD cable box, and get everything in sync. A few minor bugs later, we were enjoying high definition in the kitchen...but why?
Ask my wife. My kitchen now looks like a sports bar. I have no idea why she wanted a TV in the kitchen...she does not even cook (but I still love ya honey!) Now that it's done, I guess it will be kind of cool. I certainly never opposed the idea, so what can I say?
In any case, it gave Jeff and the two of us an excuse to get out for some vino and food. We had a great dinner at the Creamery and two great bottles of wine along with it. Upon our return, Jeff and I proceeded to make it completely through the campaign mode of Star Wars "Battlefront II" on the X Box by playing until 1:30 AM. When we got up Sunday, we made a pot of coffee and played through the "Galactic Conquest" mode of the same game. It was awesome spending time with Jeff for a couple of days with relatively little work to be done. In the recent past, if the two of us spent time over the weekend, chances are there was some serious construction duties going on. It was good to just relax.
Jodi is leaving for Seattle tomorrow for her week with Susan, and I need to get my tax stuff together. So the prospects are already not good for a fun week for me. We shall see.
Ask my wife. My kitchen now looks like a sports bar. I have no idea why she wanted a TV in the kitchen...she does not even cook (but I still love ya honey!) Now that it's done, I guess it will be kind of cool. I certainly never opposed the idea, so what can I say?
In any case, it gave Jeff and the two of us an excuse to get out for some vino and food. We had a great dinner at the Creamery and two great bottles of wine along with it. Upon our return, Jeff and I proceeded to make it completely through the campaign mode of Star Wars "Battlefront II" on the X Box by playing until 1:30 AM. When we got up Sunday, we made a pot of coffee and played through the "Galactic Conquest" mode of the same game. It was awesome spending time with Jeff for a couple of days with relatively little work to be done. In the recent past, if the two of us spent time over the weekend, chances are there was some serious construction duties going on. It was good to just relax.
Jodi is leaving for Seattle tomorrow for her week with Susan, and I need to get my tax stuff together. So the prospects are already not good for a fun week for me. We shall see.
Friday, March 03, 2006
More About Dogs
My wife and I have earned a place in local lore due to our experience with Hudson. Since Jodi is a Physical Therapist, dogs that need to receive some therapy have been referred to us for an informal consult. There are no facilities in the immediate area for any kind of canine therapy; and since Jodi has such a love for dogs, she often volunteers on the side to assess and care for injured dogs for free.
The latest "patient" is a 95 pound St. Bernard named Greta. Greta was hit by a car and left for dead at the end of her owners driveway. The A-hole that did it never stopped or even called. When she was found, she was taken post-haste to the Vet, where she was pronounced free of broken bones but in very bad shape. Greta was exhibiting signs of paralysis in one of her front and rear legs, and was unable to stand or move for a week after the incident. The Vet concluded the dog needed some therapy services...but as I said, there is not any around. The owners found out about our experience with immobile dogs and contacted Jodi for some advice. Jodi paid Greta a visit and did an evaluation, and has since been back many times for Greta's therapy sessions. Greta's family have three small children and one on the way. They were unsure of what to do with Greta due to her lack of mobility, and were going through the same agonizing decisions we faced so long ago. Jodi and I offered to be available to take care of Greta if they needed it because we know how hard it is to ask someone to come and lift your dog outside three times a day for potty breaks. This does not have to become a reason to put Greta down, though it very well might. Jodi and I even consulted with each other privately and agreed that if Greta was to be euthanized, we would offer to take her in before letting that happen. She is a great dog..and still just a pup.
Greta's progress seem to be moving slower than it should; and there was some inflammation around the lumbar spine area that was not showing signs of dissipating. After consulting with the Vet, it was discovered that X-Rays taken immediately after the accident did not encompass the rear quarters. Jodi suggested a new photos of the dog's rear be taken and the owners agreed. The new X-Rays showed a one fractured vertebrae,as well as a broken process off another one. This was the reason for Greta's problems and her slow recovery. Therapy was changed immediately to account for the danger of the broken bone...Jodi did not want to MAKE the dog paralyzed for good.
Greta is doing well and the bones are healing, and I think we have found some new friends in the process. It just goes to show how people make all the difference in the lives of animals if they just care a bit and take the time to show it
The latest "patient" is a 95 pound St. Bernard named Greta. Greta was hit by a car and left for dead at the end of her owners driveway. The A-hole that did it never stopped or even called. When she was found, she was taken post-haste to the Vet, where she was pronounced free of broken bones but in very bad shape. Greta was exhibiting signs of paralysis in one of her front and rear legs, and was unable to stand or move for a week after the incident. The Vet concluded the dog needed some therapy services...but as I said, there is not any around. The owners found out about our experience with immobile dogs and contacted Jodi for some advice. Jodi paid Greta a visit and did an evaluation, and has since been back many times for Greta's therapy sessions. Greta's family have three small children and one on the way. They were unsure of what to do with Greta due to her lack of mobility, and were going through the same agonizing decisions we faced so long ago. Jodi and I offered to be available to take care of Greta if they needed it because we know how hard it is to ask someone to come and lift your dog outside three times a day for potty breaks. This does not have to become a reason to put Greta down, though it very well might. Jodi and I even consulted with each other privately and agreed that if Greta was to be euthanized, we would offer to take her in before letting that happen. She is a great dog..and still just a pup.
Greta's progress seem to be moving slower than it should; and there was some inflammation around the lumbar spine area that was not showing signs of dissipating. After consulting with the Vet, it was discovered that X-Rays taken immediately after the accident did not encompass the rear quarters. Jodi suggested a new photos of the dog's rear be taken and the owners agreed. The new X-Rays showed a one fractured vertebrae,as well as a broken process off another one. This was the reason for Greta's problems and her slow recovery. Therapy was changed immediately to account for the danger of the broken bone...Jodi did not want to MAKE the dog paralyzed for good.
Greta is doing well and the bones are healing, and I think we have found some new friends in the process. It just goes to show how people make all the difference in the lives of animals if they just care a bit and take the time to show it
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