"I only got four minutes to save the world!" What could I do with 10?
The minutes are counting down. No matter how much stuff I get done in advance, when this moment gets here I'm always pressed for time. Unexpected stuff pops up, taking people places, doing errands for people, helping to guide the irresponsible back to the path of a tolerable existence.
And that's what's on tap for this morning. It makes me wonder, is your existence really hanging by the thread called me? So I have approximately 10 minutes till I'm off, like Superman, to the rescue.
In 10 minutes I could listen to a couple songs. But I'm writing this, although I could listen to songs at the same time. Except I'm not. I could go double check everything to make sure I'm really ready, except I think I am. I could read a couple pages of something, maybe a few verses of something to help guide my thinking. I've already done that, so I think I'm good to go.
The time's ticking down, except there's about five minutes left, more or less. It's still not too late to do something super productive in those five minutes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Obama's News Conference
What a difference there is between Barack Obama and George W. Bush!
Watching a news conference with Bush was unbearable and virtually impossible. Not only was he a dunce, but he had the media so cowed their docility was sickening.
With Obama, we have finally have a smart guy back in charge. And the press seemed to rise to the occasion, asking decent questions and not gotcha crap. They were intelligent questions and they got intelligent answers.
Whatever the Republicans are trying to pull, their usual ideology and bluster, when Obama starts talking, you know he makes sense and what some legitimate idea what he wants to do, and that it has a decent chance of being effective. Just ideological opposition isn't enough. The Republicans need to learn that.
I haven't been watching presidential press conferences in their entirety, but I saw the whole thing tonight. It was impressive.
Watching a news conference with Bush was unbearable and virtually impossible. Not only was he a dunce, but he had the media so cowed their docility was sickening.
With Obama, we have finally have a smart guy back in charge. And the press seemed to rise to the occasion, asking decent questions and not gotcha crap. They were intelligent questions and they got intelligent answers.
Whatever the Republicans are trying to pull, their usual ideology and bluster, when Obama starts talking, you know he makes sense and what some legitimate idea what he wants to do, and that it has a decent chance of being effective. Just ideological opposition isn't enough. The Republicans need to learn that.
I haven't been watching presidential press conferences in their entirety, but I saw the whole thing tonight. It was impressive.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Facebook Boredom
My whole family -- more or less -- has taken to Facebook. I'm seeing the arc of our usual involvement in things, which is gung ho at first, then petering off, then to the dumpster with it. That's obviously a common arc of interest, for most people I'd guess. It applies to TV shows. Whatever. Like Survivor, a show that once held us like a hypnotist, but did the same thing once too often. Or the old show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, that used up its 15 minutes in 10.
It makes me wonder what can persist. Maybe nothing. The arc is not the friend of persistence, but we're like sharks, moving on to the next prey, and always swimming. Speaking of swimming, I read today that some woman supposedly swam across the Atlantic Ocean. Except she had a boat and did 2100 miles in around 25 days. There sounds like something fishy there. Does that mean she jumped out of the boat and swam for an hour and got back on and rode the rest of the way. It said the most she swam was eight hours one day and the least was 21 minutes another day. So how you go that far without hitching a ride most of the way, it's beyond me.
Getting back to Facebook. What is there to it? It's boring on the face of it, not to be punning. I care what all these people are doing -- definitely, because they're my family. But some of it isn't interesting at all, such as whose birthdays they're adding to their calendar and all the invitations to add yourself to my family, join this cause, take this quiz, etc. I'm ignoring some of it. There's nothing really that I need to do, because it's going the way of the usual arc. Those who were posting plenty of things at first are posting less things now. It'll die.
It makes me wonder what can persist. Maybe nothing. The arc is not the friend of persistence, but we're like sharks, moving on to the next prey, and always swimming. Speaking of swimming, I read today that some woman supposedly swam across the Atlantic Ocean. Except she had a boat and did 2100 miles in around 25 days. There sounds like something fishy there. Does that mean she jumped out of the boat and swam for an hour and got back on and rode the rest of the way. It said the most she swam was eight hours one day and the least was 21 minutes another day. So how you go that far without hitching a ride most of the way, it's beyond me.
Getting back to Facebook. What is there to it? It's boring on the face of it, not to be punning. I care what all these people are doing -- definitely, because they're my family. But some of it isn't interesting at all, such as whose birthdays they're adding to their calendar and all the invitations to add yourself to my family, join this cause, take this quiz, etc. I'm ignoring some of it. There's nothing really that I need to do, because it's going the way of the usual arc. Those who were posting plenty of things at first are posting less things now. It'll die.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fear and Patheticness
How to lose your fear and patheticness in a few minutes.
What's that creeping vine that wiggles through your system, giving you gray hair and age spots? It must have a name. Adam gave names to all the animals. And while it's not technically an animal, it's separate enough in your mind to have a name. Let's not worry about the name. The experts have a name for it and they have a program for either losing it or cashing in on your inability to ever lose it.
Patheticness is what I'm calling it, although the spell checker doesn't seem to think that's a word. It says it all. Fear and P. But there's a flash of insight that's always waiting for you to say, vamoose, be gone, ye dog. It's kind of like forgetfulness, then there's a flash of memory. All down, creeping, crawling, nastiness of mental baggage, eye baggage, taking over, letting you have it. And it you don't want.
You just need to suddenly realize a few things. One, you're alive and there's no apologies needed. Two, there's not really any separation from you and life itself, whatever life itself is. Three, the way you see your life is the result of thought. Change your thinking to celebrate the moment instead of dreading it. Seize on little things of delight, delighting in everything. Four, know that mentally all things are possible. This doesn't take all night, it's right this minute. I might think I need to pray all night like a monk in an attic. But the answer to your prayer is as close as right this second.
What's that creeping vine that wiggles through your system, giving you gray hair and age spots? It must have a name. Adam gave names to all the animals. And while it's not technically an animal, it's separate enough in your mind to have a name. Let's not worry about the name. The experts have a name for it and they have a program for either losing it or cashing in on your inability to ever lose it.
Patheticness is what I'm calling it, although the spell checker doesn't seem to think that's a word. It says it all. Fear and P. But there's a flash of insight that's always waiting for you to say, vamoose, be gone, ye dog. It's kind of like forgetfulness, then there's a flash of memory. All down, creeping, crawling, nastiness of mental baggage, eye baggage, taking over, letting you have it. And it you don't want.
You just need to suddenly realize a few things. One, you're alive and there's no apologies needed. Two, there's not really any separation from you and life itself, whatever life itself is. Three, the way you see your life is the result of thought. Change your thinking to celebrate the moment instead of dreading it. Seize on little things of delight, delighting in everything. Four, know that mentally all things are possible. This doesn't take all night, it's right this minute. I might think I need to pray all night like a monk in an attic. But the answer to your prayer is as close as right this second.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Homemade Candles
I made four candles today. Someone gave me a kit, prearranged supplies in a box. I've had it a month and a half and decided today was the day.
It had four glasses, bigger than a votive, and enough soy wax for them. Four wicks, of course, and some coloring and scent.
It was not too much work, but a lot more work than just buying candles. It was enjoyable enough to do, and I hope they're OK. I might have messed them up a bit by setting them out in the cold. It looks like some of the wax pulled in. At least it looks like it through the smoked glass. Does wax do a shrinky dink thing when it gets cold? I don't know.
Technically they shouldn't be ready to burn till 9:00 p.m., but since they were out in the cold, maybe I'll try the first one a little earlier than that. Now I still need to do the clean up, scrape up any dripped wax, put the box in the recycling, and so forth.
I don't think I'll be doing much of this. But I'm tempted to get the stuff to make votive candles. I bought some recently and I'm not 100% pleased with them. It looks like there's two ways to get what you want, shop around or do it yourself. I'll probably shop around first.
It had four glasses, bigger than a votive, and enough soy wax for them. Four wicks, of course, and some coloring and scent.
It was not too much work, but a lot more work than just buying candles. It was enjoyable enough to do, and I hope they're OK. I might have messed them up a bit by setting them out in the cold. It looks like some of the wax pulled in. At least it looks like it through the smoked glass. Does wax do a shrinky dink thing when it gets cold? I don't know.
Technically they shouldn't be ready to burn till 9:00 p.m., but since they were out in the cold, maybe I'll try the first one a little earlier than that. Now I still need to do the clean up, scrape up any dripped wax, put the box in the recycling, and so forth.
I don't think I'll be doing much of this. But I'm tempted to get the stuff to make votive candles. I bought some recently and I'm not 100% pleased with them. It looks like there's two ways to get what you want, shop around or do it yourself. I'll probably shop around first.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
New Patriotism
Has anyone else noticed that it's suddenly patriotic again to criticize the president?
I seem to recall a time -- what was it, eight years or so -- when what the president said was sacrosanct. Little Fox scribes ran around etching it in marble and the rest of us were invited to bow down and scrape.
It would appear that patriotism has something to do with party and not the office.
In other news of idiocy, how about Andy Card being up in arms about whether people in the Obama administration wear a jacket in the Oval Office? This is idiocy. One, it's none of his business. Two, that's what he's worried about? The fact that Bush governed as a criminal for eight years was no concern, as long as he had a jacket on.
I seem to recall a time -- what was it, eight years or so -- when what the president said was sacrosanct. Little Fox scribes ran around etching it in marble and the rest of us were invited to bow down and scrape.
It would appear that patriotism has something to do with party and not the office.
In other news of idiocy, how about Andy Card being up in arms about whether people in the Obama administration wear a jacket in the Oval Office? This is idiocy. One, it's none of his business. Two, that's what he's worried about? The fact that Bush governed as a criminal for eight years was no concern, as long as he had a jacket on.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Harvey Larvae Here
Harvey Larvae, the friendly talking caterpillar, teaches about butterflies, courtesy of the Wikipedia entry on the subject:
"Simon, if you give me another chance," let me explain the origin of the Harvey Larvae persona. There's a building being built, and since it's being built in the dead of winter, they have it encased in plastic wrap with the workers busy inside ... soon to shed their cocoon ... and to bring forth ... another fast food restaurant!
Harvey is the perfect spokesmodel.
A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form.I have to go to Wiki, because, after all, what do I know about butterflies? Very little. They're great to watch in the summer though.
"Simon, if you give me another chance," let me explain the origin of the Harvey Larvae persona. There's a building being built, and since it's being built in the dead of winter, they have it encased in plastic wrap with the workers busy inside ... soon to shed their cocoon ... and to bring forth ... another fast food restaurant!
Harvey is the perfect spokesmodel.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Paying Taxes
Taxes probably get very complicated for guys at the level of Tom Daschle. But that's why you pay accountants and lawyers, to keep this stuff in line for you.
He's one of three who've been appointed to various spots in the Obama administration who've had troubles with taxes. At some point you have to say this is ridiculous stuff. Didn't we hear how vetted all these people were supposed to be? I know I looked at the application for jobs to the administration and it had various things you were supposed to disclose.
I definitely wouldn't want to be a guy at a high level like Daschle, then they find out a month after nominating me that I didn't disclose something very pertinent ... like I didn't pay my taxes! For crying out loud.
He's one of three who've been appointed to various spots in the Obama administration who've had troubles with taxes. At some point you have to say this is ridiculous stuff. Didn't we hear how vetted all these people were supposed to be? I know I looked at the application for jobs to the administration and it had various things you were supposed to disclose.
I definitely wouldn't want to be a guy at a high level like Daschle, then they find out a month after nominating me that I didn't disclose something very pertinent ... like I didn't pay my taxes! For crying out loud.
Monday, February 2, 2009
My Mind Is Just Hash Tonight
Just hash. I don't know what happened. I had a busy day. But I noticed the bags under my eyes were more pronounced. I feel tired, more so than I should.
I still have things to get accomplished, and it's a colder night. The dog needs to go out. She hates it when it's super cold. Smart dog, I hate it too. The cats need to be cleaned, their box. The dishes need to be done, how fun. The worst thing about doing dishes is the preliminary cleaning up, getting the muck out of the sink, emptying whatever liquids there may be, rinsing out cat food cans, just straightening up so the rest of the task will go better.
I could possibly make it to bed by 9 p.m., but I doubt it. I need to finish writing this ... la la la ...
I still have things to get accomplished, and it's a colder night. The dog needs to go out. She hates it when it's super cold. Smart dog, I hate it too. The cats need to be cleaned, their box. The dishes need to be done, how fun. The worst thing about doing dishes is the preliminary cleaning up, getting the muck out of the sink, emptying whatever liquids there may be, rinsing out cat food cans, just straightening up so the rest of the task will go better.
I could possibly make it to bed by 9 p.m., but I doubt it. I need to finish writing this ... la la la ...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Bad Days For Peanuts
The big peanut butter recall and scare of 2009 is upon us. I thought it was just a few things, like a few peanut butter crackers that were the problem. But it looks like it's a lot more widespread than that, beyond belief really.
I saw this diary at Daily Kos early this morning. Then I was at the grocery store in the peanut aisle and it came back to me, that all this stuff is tainted or potentially tainted. It has to be bad.
The diary at DK lists (I didn't count them) what looks like hundreds of things, including, brownies, cake, candy, cookies, crackers, donuts, fruits and vegetables, ice cream, peanuts, peanut butter, pet food, pre-packaged meals, snack bars, and snack mix.
Pet food?
Here's the pet food items on the diary's list:
Carolina Prime 2 Pack Hooves Peanut Butter Hooves
Carolina Prime 4" Rawhide Bone Peanut Rawhide
Carolina Prime 6" Beef Shank Peanut Butter Dog Bone
Carolina Prime 6" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter Rawhide
Carolina Prime Pet 2pk Hooves Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 4" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 6" Beef Shank Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 6" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 6" Healthy Hide Beef Shank Peanut Butter
Grreat Choice Extra Large Assorted
Grreat Choice Large Assorted
Grreat Choice Peanut Butter
Grreat Choice Small Assorted
Grreat Choice Small/Medium Assorted
Happy Tails Multi-flavored Dog Biscuits
Healthy-hide Deli-wrap Peanut Butter-Filled Rawhide dog treats
Salix Healthy-Hide-Deli Wrap 5" Peanut Butter Filled Rawhide
Shoppers Valu Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits
I saw this diary at Daily Kos early this morning. Then I was at the grocery store in the peanut aisle and it came back to me, that all this stuff is tainted or potentially tainted. It has to be bad.
The diary at DK lists (I didn't count them) what looks like hundreds of things, including, brownies, cake, candy, cookies, crackers, donuts, fruits and vegetables, ice cream, peanuts, peanut butter, pet food, pre-packaged meals, snack bars, and snack mix.
Pet food?
Here's the pet food items on the diary's list:
Carolina Prime 2 Pack Hooves Peanut Butter Hooves
Carolina Prime 4" Rawhide Bone Peanut Rawhide
Carolina Prime 6" Beef Shank Peanut Butter Dog Bone
Carolina Prime 6" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter Rawhide
Carolina Prime Pet 2pk Hooves Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 4" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 6" Beef Shank Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 6" Rawhide Bone Peanut Butter
Carolina Prime Pet 6" Healthy Hide Beef Shank Peanut Butter
Grreat Choice Extra Large Assorted
Grreat Choice Large Assorted
Grreat Choice Peanut Butter
Grreat Choice Small Assorted
Grreat Choice Small/Medium Assorted
Happy Tails Multi-flavored Dog Biscuits
Healthy-hide Deli-wrap Peanut Butter-Filled Rawhide dog treats
Salix Healthy-Hide-Deli Wrap 5" Peanut Butter Filled Rawhide
Shoppers Valu Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
