With the loss of the levy in N-O, much (some reports are 80%) are underwater.
Sad. Very sad.
I've seen a couple of floods (the Ohio does grow larger than its banks, usually in the spring), but the Kartina really did a number, with assistance from the storm surge.
One graphic on Fox showed the levies were all that stood from the normal water from the the Mississippi River and the Gulf from totally swamping out the city. Massive pumps kept the water at bay and the city dry. Reports coming in say many of the pumps are inop.
For anybody reading this, please, PLEASE, contribute as you can. Money, goods, or even time would be a great help.
God bless you all in the new Big Muddy - our hearts, hopes, and prayers are with you.
* * * UPDATE * * * (9/7/05)
so far, there's been about $.5 Billion collected for the relief effort so far. And some say people have no heart...
BTW - this is not FEMA or other sources. This is lemonade stands, bake sales, passing the (hat, firefighters boot, coffee can, etc), and every other effort. Pennies add up to nickels, to quarters, to dollars, to thousands, to millions, etc...
8/29/2005
*DING-DONG* - School's in session
Today (in Central Maryland) is back to school day. As the song goes, "Its the most wonderful time of the year..."
Daughter is thrilled. She made the comment yesterday that "summer vacation was boring - I want to do something fun." Ah, how about going to work for dad?
For about 2 1/2 months, they all have had a break. Its a pre-idleness mindset that when the school year starts, the goal is to get to 'summer vacation.' Yet, they mostly sit on the stoop, front porches, or run the street oblivious. I mean, oblivious to the real world happening beyond their eyesight.
How things will change when they turn in the books for an employee badge, nametag, or other ID for work.
Its amazing to remember that when you're young, you can't wait to be a teen. When you hit the teens, you can't wait for the 20's. When they hit, you can't wait for the 30's. And, on unitl the time comes full circle and you wish you were six again. This hit me while on summer vacation.
I guess my apprehention is with the schools themselves. I don't think its being a school, instead of what they teach (or, how they do it).
Personally, I think they spend too much time on ancillary things (ecology, recycling, ect) instead of important subjects (how credit works, checkbook balancing, job skills, citizenship, ect).
I know some of these things are parents subjects to teach, how about a little more help from the NEA, instead of 'lifestyle/culture/sexual awareness', 'neutral' holidays, and the host of other utterances. I know they're kids (and very impressionable - 'malleable clay' one teacher told me), but indoctrination is for cults - education is for growing minds.
And, for Pete's sake, watch out for the kids. Here in MD, we have pedestrian laws and its amazing how many drivers disregard the crosswalks and are all but obivious to all except for their cellphones and Starbucks. Small children + speeding car = disaster...
Daughter is thrilled. She made the comment yesterday that "summer vacation was boring - I want to do something fun." Ah, how about going to work for dad?
For about 2 1/2 months, they all have had a break. Its a pre-idleness mindset that when the school year starts, the goal is to get to 'summer vacation.' Yet, they mostly sit on the stoop, front porches, or run the street oblivious. I mean, oblivious to the real world happening beyond their eyesight.
How things will change when they turn in the books for an employee badge, nametag, or other ID for work.
Its amazing to remember that when you're young, you can't wait to be a teen. When you hit the teens, you can't wait for the 20's. When they hit, you can't wait for the 30's. And, on unitl the time comes full circle and you wish you were six again. This hit me while on summer vacation.
I guess my apprehention is with the schools themselves. I don't think its being a school, instead of what they teach (or, how they do it).
Personally, I think they spend too much time on ancillary things (ecology, recycling, ect) instead of important subjects (how credit works, checkbook balancing, job skills, citizenship, ect).
I know some of these things are parents subjects to teach, how about a little more help from the NEA, instead of 'lifestyle/culture/sexual awareness', 'neutral' holidays, and the host of other utterances. I know they're kids (and very impressionable - 'malleable clay' one teacher told me), but indoctrination is for cults - education is for growing minds.
And, for Pete's sake, watch out for the kids. Here in MD, we have pedestrian laws and its amazing how many drivers disregard the crosswalks and are all but obivious to all except for their cellphones and Starbucks. Small children + speeding car = disaster...
8/26/2005
The week that was
Rough week, as they go.
Co-worker was on vacation (thought she'd used up all her time by now - wrong, I see) and left the fort for my sidekick and me. Not too bad, but I get to see her site, since we really don't go up there much anymore.
Scary.
The site is in prep for shutting down. Moral within the Users is low, and its an air of doom. But, all is not lost.
Its sad so see people you've known for years loose their jobs. In the lust for the all-mighty buck, the bean counters and those too far removed from the actual running of the business. And, besides the perceived savings, they have no gauge on the real, actual costs.
For one, the 'planned' move of the operations to the new, receiving site is not going too well. Little things like, knowledge transfer, 'know-how, and even the specific areas of knowledge have posed difficult.
For one, how do you maintain a sense of loyalty when you know its a countdown? Sure, you can offer $$$ to entice retention, but the future and a solid income are also important. The job market is okay, but in no ways certain.
And, with the movement of the knowledge to greener pastures, the know-how and finesse to use it leaves too. On the average, most of them have been doing the job for over 15 years. Some would argue that its just answering phones, data processing, and maintaining insurance policies, but its the specific knowledge that has retained many of them for those 15+ years. And, that's the 'young' staff....
Many remember doing it long hand with paper files instead of computer access. That, people, is longevity...
I got to talk with a few of them today. Many are quickly approaching retirement, so, it won't impact them too greatly. But, the younger ones (50 (-) and lower) are (and have a right to be) scared. With the job force young, moble, and really beholding to the almighty greenback, its no wonder they're viewed with the same awe as dino bones.
And, sitting with them, I mused that the 20 year/gold watch era is gone in the US. I listened some time ago on the radio while going to work that the current generation can expect to work 6-10 careers in their lifetime, with no continuation of one into another. I bet such considerations as pensions are pretty ancient concepts, now, too.
Its no wonder why I've begun to feel rather old.... I'm not close, but, I can feel the clock ticking...
I wish my friends well in all their endeavors. And, the bean counters to live in interesting times. I guess when you have money, friends are ancillary....
Co-worker was on vacation (thought she'd used up all her time by now - wrong, I see) and left the fort for my sidekick and me. Not too bad, but I get to see her site, since we really don't go up there much anymore.
Scary.
The site is in prep for shutting down. Moral within the Users is low, and its an air of doom. But, all is not lost.
Its sad so see people you've known for years loose their jobs. In the lust for the all-mighty buck, the bean counters and those too far removed from the actual running of the business. And, besides the perceived savings, they have no gauge on the real, actual costs.
For one, the 'planned' move of the operations to the new, receiving site is not going too well. Little things like, knowledge transfer, 'know-how, and even the specific areas of knowledge have posed difficult.
For one, how do you maintain a sense of loyalty when you know its a countdown? Sure, you can offer $$$ to entice retention, but the future and a solid income are also important. The job market is okay, but in no ways certain.
And, with the movement of the knowledge to greener pastures, the know-how and finesse to use it leaves too. On the average, most of them have been doing the job for over 15 years. Some would argue that its just answering phones, data processing, and maintaining insurance policies, but its the specific knowledge that has retained many of them for those 15+ years. And, that's the 'young' staff....
Many remember doing it long hand with paper files instead of computer access. That, people, is longevity...
I got to talk with a few of them today. Many are quickly approaching retirement, so, it won't impact them too greatly. But, the younger ones (50 (-) and lower) are (and have a right to be) scared. With the job force young, moble, and really beholding to the almighty greenback, its no wonder they're viewed with the same awe as dino bones.
And, sitting with them, I mused that the 20 year/gold watch era is gone in the US. I listened some time ago on the radio while going to work that the current generation can expect to work 6-10 careers in their lifetime, with no continuation of one into another. I bet such considerations as pensions are pretty ancient concepts, now, too.
Its no wonder why I've begun to feel rather old.... I'm not close, but, I can feel the clock ticking...
I wish my friends well in all their endeavors. And, the bean counters to live in interesting times. I guess when you have money, friends are ancillary....
8/25/2005
8/24/2005
Michael Moore - Caloric POW
If you get a chance, check out Iowahawk.... I wish I could blog like him...
8/23/2005
A little of this, a little of that...
Over the past week (well, 10 days) the family took posession of a Compaq R4000 laptop to replace the aged Compaq E500 . All I can say is 'WOW'. Large screen, fast processor, good vid card, and could even be called a desktop replacement.
The Wife's comments? "MINE!"
The verdict? Two snaps with an 'around the world'.. :^)
And, if you have spare time (heh), head on over to the guys at Wesnoth . They have a free computer game (some may call it strategy) that is quite nice for a freebie. Its currently at version .95, but fully functional. Hat tip to Iron Duke for reomending...
And, lastly, please, PLEASE support the troops. I was one once and know the hardships, hazzards, and the hurdles these gals/guys face. War is never pretty, war is not 'fun', but a moment of kindness (send a letter, box, cookies, buy a soldier a cup of coffee, coke, sandwich, or even a kind word in passing) will leave a lasting impression.
The Wife's comments? "MINE!"
The verdict? Two snaps with an 'around the world'.. :^)
And, if you have spare time (heh), head on over to the guys at Wesnoth . They have a free computer game (some may call it strategy) that is quite nice for a freebie. Its currently at version .95, but fully functional. Hat tip to Iron Duke for reomending...
And, lastly, please, PLEASE support the troops. I was one once and know the hardships, hazzards, and the hurdles these gals/guys face. War is never pretty, war is not 'fun', but a moment of kindness (send a letter, box, cookies, buy a soldier a cup of coffee, coke, sandwich, or even a kind word in passing) will leave a lasting impression.
8/10/2005
Fat and loathing in the US of A
I don't want to get off on a rant here, but, why WOULD anybody order a Diet Coke at McD's???? Does that quallify as an oxymoron?
I stood in line at the Clown Shack for an AM fix, since I was too lazy to fix breakfast on my own. Now, I know I'm no fly-weight, but the guy in front of me looks about 400, about 5-8, and leaning on the counter. He orders a big breakfast (pancakes, sausage, and hashbrowns), large soda, egg mcmuffin, and another hashbrown. He looks back at me and comments "Hope this holds me over until lunch"
Only though I had was boy, it'd be a miricle if his blood fat level isn't quad-digits...
And, I felt bad for ordering my own egg mcmuffin, I left off the cheese...
Its no wonder we're a fat culture moving to the blubber and whale stage. With the loading of fast food biz's on every corner of Main Street USA, its no wonder every town has one paramedic for every 250 souls. I took it as a bad sign when I saw a casket company open in town and displayed "easy finance plans available" in the window.
I've looked out side and marveled at the kids and how they played. With a soda in one hand and a bag of Utz chips in the other. And, I got odd memories from my childhood.
Gosh, I remember Mrs. Cross yelling at me that my mom called and I had to get home for dinner. And, that was waaaay across town from my home. And, I marveled at how my mom knew I was about there. My daughter asked me what I did as a kid while on vacation. I started out by saying we played in the back yard, rode our bikes, built forts and tree houses, dug foxholes and played with our Marx guns, took hikes in the woods, swam in the local river, and, just did boy stuff.
She asked, "No, I mean, what video games did you play."
Its hard to relate to the kids today that my first TV WAS black and white (not McCarthy/Jackson tune), had about 4 stations PC (Pre-cable) and cartoons were only on saturday AM's. Frankly, fun was were we made it, but it generally wasn't at home, since mom found *things* for you to do if you were about.
With the Internet, Nintendo, Gameboy, XBOX, PS, laptops, Cable TV (pushing 500 channels), and the other *conviences*, its no wonder today's kids are the inverse of the famine images from Africa. Heck, I longed for something to do becides draw and read books on rainy days. Now, the kids whine that Spongebob is only on for 2 hours at a pop, and, they've watched the DVD's "a Million times". And, they'er probally right...
Add to it the moble lifestyle (cars with DVD players, laptops, multi-capable cellphones, etc), it only adds to the glutony and the seditary lifestyle.
I doubt that any of us could *rough it* like the pioneers and cowboys of te 19th Century did. I mean, how can anybody cook with anything becides a microwave? And, you're playing a Russian roulette game with fresh meat, when there is a good packaged meal in the freezer case. The mind bogles.
How do we fix it? Well, as parents, we need to become parents. We need to LIMIT TV, computer, movie, Nintendo, and whatnot. We need to inforce the table rule, meaning, we need to consume our food AT THE TABLE, not infront of the tube (except for movie nite and popcorn - there has to be a few exceptions). We need to get off our duffs, into the $100 sports shoes, and, make them move. Bike riding, hiking, strolling, heck, even walking for a time period (I think the FDA's recomendation for 1hr a day is a tad too much, but YMMV). Trade the heavy sugared beverages for, heck, water. Lemon juice inside it is actually pretty good, and adds needed electrolytes.
We're never gonna totally get rid of all the conviences. But, we do have to learn that they enrich a life, not make one. And, life is not The Sims, WWW.whatever.com, and the 45min cellphone call while driving. What life is about is getting the most out of it, not having the most toys. Though, my six year old may disagree....
And, when you're walking, remember the 4 footed kids too who need a leash. Walking is good for the whole family. But, please, curb them or bring a baggie. I clean up enough poop without adding to it.
'Course thats just my opinion, I could be walking the dog..
I stood in line at the Clown Shack for an AM fix, since I was too lazy to fix breakfast on my own. Now, I know I'm no fly-weight, but the guy in front of me looks about 400, about 5-8, and leaning on the counter. He orders a big breakfast (pancakes, sausage, and hashbrowns), large soda, egg mcmuffin, and another hashbrown. He looks back at me and comments "Hope this holds me over until lunch"
Only though I had was boy, it'd be a miricle if his blood fat level isn't quad-digits...
And, I felt bad for ordering my own egg mcmuffin, I left off the cheese...
Its no wonder we're a fat culture moving to the blubber and whale stage. With the loading of fast food biz's on every corner of Main Street USA, its no wonder every town has one paramedic for every 250 souls. I took it as a bad sign when I saw a casket company open in town and displayed "easy finance plans available" in the window.
I've looked out side and marveled at the kids and how they played. With a soda in one hand and a bag of Utz chips in the other. And, I got odd memories from my childhood.
Gosh, I remember Mrs. Cross yelling at me that my mom called and I had to get home for dinner. And, that was waaaay across town from my home. And, I marveled at how my mom knew I was about there. My daughter asked me what I did as a kid while on vacation. I started out by saying we played in the back yard, rode our bikes, built forts and tree houses, dug foxholes and played with our Marx guns, took hikes in the woods, swam in the local river, and, just did boy stuff.
She asked, "No, I mean, what video games did you play."
Its hard to relate to the kids today that my first TV WAS black and white (not McCarthy/Jackson tune), had about 4 stations PC (Pre-cable) and cartoons were only on saturday AM's. Frankly, fun was were we made it, but it generally wasn't at home, since mom found *things* for you to do if you were about.
With the Internet, Nintendo, Gameboy, XBOX, PS
Add to it the moble lifestyle (cars with DVD players, laptops, multi-capable cellphones, etc), it only adds to the glutony and the seditary lifestyle.
I doubt that any of us could *rough it* like the pioneers and cowboys of te 19th Century did. I mean, how can anybody cook with anything becides a microwave? And, you're playing a Russian roulette game with fresh meat, when there is a good packaged meal in the freezer case. The mind bogles.
How do we fix it? Well, as parents, we need to become parents. We need to LIMIT TV, computer, movie, Nintendo, and whatnot. We need to inforce the table rule, meaning, we need to consume our food AT THE TABLE, not infront of the tube (except for movie nite and popcorn - there has to be a few exceptions). We need to get off our duffs, into the $100 sports shoes, and, make them move. Bike riding, hiking, strolling, heck, even walking for a time period (I think the FDA's recomendation for 1hr a day is a tad too much, but YMMV). Trade the heavy sugared beverages for, heck, water. Lemon juice inside it is actually pretty good, and adds needed electrolytes.
We're never gonna totally get rid of all the conviences. But, we do have to learn that they enrich a life, not make one. And, life is not The Sims, WWW.whatever.com, and the 45min cellphone call while driving. What life is about is getting the most out of it, not having the most toys. Though, my six year old may disagree....
And, when you're walking, remember the 4 footed kids too who need a leash. Walking is good for the whole family. But, please, curb them or bring a baggie. I clean up enough poop without adding to it.
'Course thats just my opinion, I could be walking the dog..
8/09/2005
Vacation survival
I've been back from vacation for 2 days and I have never felt soooo drained.
Vacation was good. Got to spend time with the inlaws (actually, a good thing...), do some shopping, and see the older bro. We don't visit much, due to time, I guess....
Pittsburgh was sweltering. Temps above 95, high humidity, and oppressive like a Cuban traffic cop. But, home is home.
I got to see the Pirates play, and have come to reason that the '79 team must have used alot of the team's good luck, because they suck worse than a Hoover. At least you can clean up with a Hoover...
All in all, vacation was good, but not long enough. Now, to win the lottery, and go on perminate vacation... =)
Vacation was good. Got to spend time with the inlaws (actually, a good thing...), do some shopping, and see the older bro. We don't visit much, due to time, I guess....
Pittsburgh was sweltering. Temps above 95, high humidity, and oppressive like a Cuban traffic cop. But, home is home.
I got to see the Pirates play, and have come to reason that the '79 team must have used alot of the team's good luck, because they suck worse than a Hoover. At least you can clean up with a Hoover...
All in all, vacation was good, but not long enough. Now, to win the lottery, and go on perminate vacation... =)
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