Thursday, October 30, 2008
At Home today
Parent-Teacher conferences for the boys, so stayed home as well. Which was good because Daniel now has an ear infection today, had to take him to the Dr. Plus going to do the Early Voting thing this afternoon.
At Home today
Parent-Teacher conferences for the boys, so stayed home as well. Which was good because Daniel now has an ear infection today, had to take him to the Dr. Plus going to do the Early Voting thing this afternoon.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Star Wars Pocket Models
Star Wars Pocket Models
Star Wars Pocketmodel Trading Card Game - Wizkids
This is the game that I have been playing with James lately. As games go it is not super sophisticated, but it is fun, and there is enough strategy to keep me interested while James just like to blow up my ships.
Build Instructions :: Star Wars Pocketmodel TCG
Here's an example of building an X-Wing, which is quite cool. This is just an example.
Build Instructions :: Star Wars Pocketmodel TCG
This is the Republic Gunship, we also have a large version of the same thing that is for displays, and also can be used for teaching.
There are times that I feel bad playing with James, because Daniel doesn't get to play, but he is only 3, and just isn't ready for something this complex yet. But James and I so far have had fun. I started playing a basic, stripped down set of rules, and I have gradually added more rules. Hopefully this weekend I will get the chance to play some more and finish out the basic rules.
I am contemplating creating a scenario: Blow up the Death Star! We have a goodly number of X-Wings and Y-Wings and Tie Fighters. So I just have to write the correct rules for gun emplacements, then we would have all we need to recreate the epic battle from Episode IV. But that won't happen for a little while longer, I need to get James' knowledge of the game down pat first, so game play comes as second nature. Right now he has a tendency to forget basics still, and has to be reminded.
Useful tips
Google Smarter
(or, Google More Smartly, if you're smart with grammar)
Illustration by Jason Lee
It's only a matter of time before you can upload the entire Internet to your brain. Until that glorious day, these tricks will save you some keystrokes.
Get good sources. Add "site:edu" or "site:gov" to limit your search to school or government domains. To target specific sites, type, say, "neutrino site:Harvard.edu."
Convert currency and units. Easy: "12 parsecs in light years" or "12 dollars in euros," for example.
Check your stocks. Take a deep breath, then enter a ticker symbol to see a real-time quote.
Narrow by file type. To find PowerPoints, Excel spreadsheets, or books scanned into PDFs, add "filetype:ppt" (or any other extension) to your query.
Search ranges. Use two periods between two numbers, like "Wii $200..$300."
Expect flight delays. Type in the airline, then your flight number.
Define yourself. To get the definition for a word, just type the word define: followed by the word. Include the colon and space.
(or, Google More Smartly, if you're smart with grammar)
Illustration by Jason Lee
It's only a matter of time before you can upload the entire Internet to your brain. Until that glorious day, these tricks will save you some keystrokes.
Get good sources. Add "site:edu" or "site:gov" to limit your search to school or government domains. To target specific sites, type, say, "neutrino site:Harvard.edu."
Convert currency and units. Easy: "12 parsecs in light years" or "12 dollars in euros," for example.
Check your stocks. Take a deep breath, then enter a ticker symbol to see a real-time quote.
Narrow by file type. To find PowerPoints, Excel spreadsheets, or books scanned into PDFs, add "filetype:ppt" (or any other extension) to your query.
Search ranges. Use two periods between two numbers, like "Wii $200..$300."
Expect flight delays. Type in the airline, then your flight number.
Define yourself. To get the definition for a word, just type the word define: followed by the word. Include the colon and space.
538, best pure poll results
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/
This is an excellent site for an accurate summation of all of the many many political polls out there. It is even endorsed by the Freakonomics guys for methodology.
This is an excellent site for an accurate summation of all of the many many political polls out there. It is even endorsed by the Freakonomics guys for methodology.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Another Blog
So I am considering dividing my attentions and starting s separate blog for politics, current events etc, and keep this one for family stuff, what do you all think?
Cool new gadget
This allows me to post quick thoughts from my iGoogle page. Which will save me time with the short links.
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
A day late because I wanted Emily's Birthday post to have a day to itself. So, overall a nice, relaxing weekend, which was good because Emily was getting over her ear infection, and Kim caught the same cold I am recovering from. James continues to surprise me. And a realization about something we have to do differently for James.
Yes it was a house full of grumpy sick folks. Emily was better after a day of rest on Thursday and gradually more rest over the weekend. Then poor Kim caught the cold, and I thought I was past it, only to have it hit me with one final blow. But we are all getting better, last night everyone stayed in their own beds the whole night, and everyone got a decent nights rest.
So James has a pretty good amount of money in the bank that he can spend, from birthday's, Christmas, chores, Easter etc. So on Saturday we went to the store to pick up a present for his friend's birthday party, and I told James that he could spend some of that money, and he has enough to get pretty much anything he saw in the toy area. But he chose not to buy anything, he said he wanted to keep saving! This from a 7 year old! It's just odd I don't know where he gets it from. Kim & I are generally pretty frugal, but we're not cheap by any stretch. Now there may have been some confusion in his mind, he thought he had to have the money with him, the next day when I explained that we could buy what he wanted, and then transfer the money out of his bank account he was a little more willing to spend, but still only a little, preferring to save the better amount of his money.
On Sunday James and Daniel went to a friend's birthday party, where they appeared to have fun. But afterwards we got treated to another of James' fits of complaining that no one wants to play with him or do what he wants to do. And it got me thinking, Kim & I are just going to have put forth more effort towards having James' school friends over to the house, and his going to their houses. Because while he is good for short spurts with other kids, he tends to get to this point where he wants to do something, and they don't. So I think that what is needed is just some more time one on one with the other kids, away from the comfort zone of family and Jon Del. So he will learn the all important skills of give and take when playing with other kids.
A day late because I wanted Emily's Birthday post to have a day to itself. So, overall a nice, relaxing weekend, which was good because Emily was getting over her ear infection, and Kim caught the same cold I am recovering from. James continues to surprise me. And a realization about something we have to do differently for James.
Yes it was a house full of grumpy sick folks. Emily was better after a day of rest on Thursday and gradually more rest over the weekend. Then poor Kim caught the cold, and I thought I was past it, only to have it hit me with one final blow. But we are all getting better, last night everyone stayed in their own beds the whole night, and everyone got a decent nights rest.
So James has a pretty good amount of money in the bank that he can spend, from birthday's, Christmas, chores, Easter etc. So on Saturday we went to the store to pick up a present for his friend's birthday party, and I told James that he could spend some of that money, and he has enough to get pretty much anything he saw in the toy area. But he chose not to buy anything, he said he wanted to keep saving! This from a 7 year old! It's just odd I don't know where he gets it from. Kim & I are generally pretty frugal, but we're not cheap by any stretch. Now there may have been some confusion in his mind, he thought he had to have the money with him, the next day when I explained that we could buy what he wanted, and then transfer the money out of his bank account he was a little more willing to spend, but still only a little, preferring to save the better amount of his money.
On Sunday James and Daniel went to a friend's birthday party, where they appeared to have fun. But afterwards we got treated to another of James' fits of complaining that no one wants to play with him or do what he wants to do. And it got me thinking, Kim & I are just going to have put forth more effort towards having James' school friends over to the house, and his going to their houses. Because while he is good for short spurts with other kids, he tends to get to this point where he wants to do something, and they don't. So I think that what is needed is just some more time one on one with the other kids, away from the comfort zone of family and Jon Del. So he will learn the all important skills of give and take when playing with other kids.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Happy Birthday Emily!
Happy Birthday Emily
To my little Girl, 1 year old today!
You are a joy and a wonder, and such a wonderful part of my wonderful family.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Musing on different things today. Stayed home yesterday as Emily got another ear infection and I had to take her to the Dr. Back at work today, trying to catch up on the Internet boards. James and I have been learning to play the Star Wars pocket model card game, and having some fun with it.
There appears to be a genetic weakness in my kids on this ear infection thing. James had a few, although he is especially susceptible to strep throat. But Daniel kept getting ear infections, eventually having to get tubes put in. And this is 3 for Emily in 4 months, so as the Dr. said, if she gets another one too soon it may mean tubes for her as well. No fun. Poor Emily was just miserable yesterday, she would try to sleep, and wake up after 20-30 minutes crying, then try to get back to sleep. The longest she napped was the hour or so I had her laying on my chest while I slept. But she actually slept most of the night last night, and was in a much better mood this morning.
So I spend a lot of time arguing politics on the Gamers Haven site. And my primary opponent is a vehement libertarian, often arguing with him is like trying to convince a dog to act like a cat. But it is entertaining most of the time. And taking a day off means a whole days worth of arguments to catch up on and refute.
I came across great article today which goes a long way toward refuting this whole pile of crap that the McCain campaign is spouting about Obama being a socialist. The reality is that a graduated tax system is not socialist, and it is in fact a foundation of our economic system. What some people seem to forget is that programs like the New Deal, and many of the regulations that were dropped during the Reagan-Bush Era Republican administrations were there to 'save' Capitalism from itself, a fact that even Alan Greenspan has been forced to concede on some level.
So my friend Rob gave me some Promo packs for this Star Wars game. Initially I was going to hand them out in the goody bags for James' birthday, but Kim thought that wasn't a good idea so we kept them. So he and I have been punching out the ships and I watched the instructional video on their web site. So I decided to teach him the basic rules, and we have been having fun playing it. Now it is time to make the rules more complex, and possibly pick up a regular starter set. It's a fun little diversion for me, and James seems to really dig it.
Musing on different things today. Stayed home yesterday as Emily got another ear infection and I had to take her to the Dr. Back at work today, trying to catch up on the Internet boards. James and I have been learning to play the Star Wars pocket model card game, and having some fun with it.
There appears to be a genetic weakness in my kids on this ear infection thing. James had a few, although he is especially susceptible to strep throat. But Daniel kept getting ear infections, eventually having to get tubes put in. And this is 3 for Emily in 4 months, so as the Dr. said, if she gets another one too soon it may mean tubes for her as well. No fun. Poor Emily was just miserable yesterday, she would try to sleep, and wake up after 20-30 minutes crying, then try to get back to sleep. The longest she napped was the hour or so I had her laying on my chest while I slept. But she actually slept most of the night last night, and was in a much better mood this morning.
So I spend a lot of time arguing politics on the Gamers Haven site. And my primary opponent is a vehement libertarian, often arguing with him is like trying to convince a dog to act like a cat. But it is entertaining most of the time. And taking a day off means a whole days worth of arguments to catch up on and refute.
I came across great article today which goes a long way toward refuting this whole pile of crap that the McCain campaign is spouting about Obama being a socialist. The reality is that a graduated tax system is not socialist, and it is in fact a foundation of our economic system. What some people seem to forget is that programs like the New Deal, and many of the regulations that were dropped during the Reagan-Bush Era Republican administrations were there to 'save' Capitalism from itself, a fact that even Alan Greenspan has been forced to concede on some level.
So my friend Rob gave me some Promo packs for this Star Wars game. Initially I was going to hand them out in the goody bags for James' birthday, but Kim thought that wasn't a good idea so we kept them. So he and I have been punching out the ships and I watched the instructional video on their web site. So I decided to teach him the basic rules, and we have been having fun playing it. Now it is time to make the rules more complex, and possibly pick up a regular starter set. It's a fun little diversion for me, and James seems to really dig it.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Consequences of Defeat
This is an interesting, well written article.
And I have to say the best part of it is reading this is all of the 'horrible consequences' to the Republican party as a result of an Obama election. While I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch, I think that this article is one of the most convincing arguments to vote for Obama I have read.
And I have to say the best part of it is reading this is all of the 'horrible consequences' to the Republican party as a result of an Obama election. While I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch, I think that this article is one of the most convincing arguments to vote for Obama I have read.
An Electoral challenge
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So on the Gamers Haven forum, where I spend a lot of time discussing politics I received this challenge today (or at least I perceived it as a challenge): "It's kinda Sad Mike... watching people like you, people who have bought the wad of BS that this guy, and really the entire system is selling..." So in response I broke down the reasons why I am supporting Obama, here they are:
Here's the thing Jim, back in the Spring, I wasn't sure who I wanted to win the Democratic nomination, all I knew is that I didn't want another 4 years of the Republicans. So I went to the web sites, and read up on the proposed policies of the various candidates, and came away thinking that Obama's policies hewed closer to what I want to see happen than the other Dimmycrats. THen when it was clear that it was Obama v. McCain I did the same thing on the issues that a) were most important to me and b) I understood the most about. And it was pretty damn clear that for me there was no way that McCain's policies were no where close to what I wanted.
So I studied the facts as best I could and that was a big part of my decision. Now I have studied politics a lot (BA in poli sci in fact) and therefore I know that the stated policies of a candidate are like the old saying about how every battle plan looks good until you run into the enemy (or something like that). So I know that Obama will not get everything he wants, and that everything is subjeect to change (biggest single mistake in modern political history is George I stating "no new taxes" when there was no way he could see what the future could hold). So policies weren't necessarily the only factor in my choice.
I know that when the rubber meets the road the President doesn't have as much power as people seem to think. And that if things go bad, in 2 years he could be hamstrung like Clinton was in 94. And that is where I think Obama is better suited because of his apparent flexibility and ability to make a rational choice and change his policies if necessary.
The third factor the 'vision thing' or 'bully pulpit'. The President can set a tone, and really effect the national mood. Modern Presidents who were good (or great) at this were Reagan, Kennedy, FDR, and Clinton to a certain degree. And I think that Obama would be a game changer in this role.
Fourth is the chance to fulfill 'The Dream'. Yeah it's not exactly like MLK stated it, but it's the closest we have come. And as a child of Beat generation, semi-hippies who spent most of his formative years in "hippy schools" this really means something to me, it may not mean as much to you or other people but it does to me.
And last, Change, slice it any way you like, McCain's policies just wouldn't be that different from George II's. He may do a better job then George, but the general direction will be the same. And I honestly think that this country needs to go in a different direction.
And thanks Jim for forcing me to break it down like this, it was instructional.
So on the Gamers Haven forum, where I spend a lot of time discussing politics I received this challenge today (or at least I perceived it as a challenge): "It's kinda Sad Mike... watching people like you, people who have bought the wad of BS that this guy, and really the entire system is selling..." So in response I broke down the reasons why I am supporting Obama, here they are:
Here's the thing Jim, back in the Spring, I wasn't sure who I wanted to win the Democratic nomination, all I knew is that I didn't want another 4 years of the Republicans. So I went to the web sites, and read up on the proposed policies of the various candidates, and came away thinking that Obama's policies hewed closer to what I want to see happen than the other Dimmycrats. THen when it was clear that it was Obama v. McCain I did the same thing on the issues that a) were most important to me and b) I understood the most about. And it was pretty damn clear that for me there was no way that McCain's policies were no where close to what I wanted.
So I studied the facts as best I could and that was a big part of my decision. Now I have studied politics a lot (BA in poli sci in fact) and therefore I know that the stated policies of a candidate are like the old saying about how every battle plan looks good until you run into the enemy (or something like that). So I know that Obama will not get everything he wants, and that everything is subjeect to change (biggest single mistake in modern political history is George I stating "no new taxes" when there was no way he could see what the future could hold). So policies weren't necessarily the only factor in my choice.
I know that when the rubber meets the road the President doesn't have as much power as people seem to think. And that if things go bad, in 2 years he could be hamstrung like Clinton was in 94. And that is where I think Obama is better suited because of his apparent flexibility and ability to make a rational choice and change his policies if necessary.
The third factor the 'vision thing' or 'bully pulpit'. The President can set a tone, and really effect the national mood. Modern Presidents who were good (or great) at this were Reagan, Kennedy, FDR, and Clinton to a certain degree. And I think that Obama would be a game changer in this role.
Fourth is the chance to fulfill 'The Dream'. Yeah it's not exactly like MLK stated it, but it's the closest we have come. And as a child of Beat generation, semi-hippies who spent most of his formative years in "hippy schools" this really means something to me, it may not mean as much to you or other people but it does to me.
And last, Change, slice it any way you like, McCain's policies just wouldn't be that different from George II's. He may do a better job then George, but the general direction will be the same. And I honestly think that this country needs to go in a different direction.
And thanks Jim for forcing me to break it down like this, it was instructional.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A new low in the campaign
[URL="http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1008/RNC_raises_specter_of_911_attacks.html?showall"]A new low...[/URL]
And McCain has publicly stated that he is proud of this flier.
Really, why don't they just come out and start pointing the finger at Obama and shout "the damn uppity n*****r, he's gonna let the muslims come in our country and kill your unborn babies, and burn down all of your churches"? There really is no excuse for this, I don't care how you slice it and try to legitimize it.
And McCain has publicly stated that he is proud of this flier.
Really, why don't they just come out and start pointing the finger at Obama and shout "the damn uppity n*****r, he's gonna let the muslims come in our country and kill your unborn babies, and burn down all of your churches"? There really is no excuse for this, I don't care how you slice it and try to legitimize it.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Well we had a good weekend. Despite not getting as much rest as I would have liked, and contracting a cold, it still went well. James finished off another season of outdoor soccer with a couple more assists. James' birthday party went very well. And on Sunday I got to relax, watch some football, and try to get better. I am moving past the dreadful news of last week as well.
So James had a good final game, lots of energy and running to the ball. He had a few good shots on goal, unfortunately the goalie just managed to get in front of them. But he did get some assists from sideline throw in's though. So he got his medal, and had a good time, and I think he is looking forward to some time off from sports, and a return to soccer with indoor soccer in the spring.
James' birthday party went very well. James even commented it was his best birthday ever (although with a sample of 7 to work from that's not a lot to choose from). Justin put on an excellent show as a Jedi apprentice (thanks again Justin). Kim did a good job with the cake decoration. And James enjoyed all of his presents. So overall a good time for everyone, especially the birthday boy.
Amazingly enough I had (for me so far) a perfect football week end. I watched the end of the CU K-State game, with CU just managing to hold on to a 1 point win. Then of all things I got to watch the Rams demolish the Cowboys, a totally unexpected treat. So if the Broncos blow it tonight in New England it's OK.
So I found out the name of Earl's lawyer and from what I was able to find out from a paralegal friend of mine who works in Denver, they are a well respected firm. So I can rest assured that he will at least be well represented. Again I don't want him to get off easy or anything like that, but I also don't want him to get railroaded either.
And to top it off Obama picked up a good endorsement this weekend from Colin Powell. Which is also big for him. I think he just has to keep up the rope a dope now, eat the rest of the time off the clock until election day.
Well we had a good weekend. Despite not getting as much rest as I would have liked, and contracting a cold, it still went well. James finished off another season of outdoor soccer with a couple more assists. James' birthday party went very well. And on Sunday I got to relax, watch some football, and try to get better. I am moving past the dreadful news of last week as well.
So James had a good final game, lots of energy and running to the ball. He had a few good shots on goal, unfortunately the goalie just managed to get in front of them. But he did get some assists from sideline throw in's though. So he got his medal, and had a good time, and I think he is looking forward to some time off from sports, and a return to soccer with indoor soccer in the spring.
James' birthday party went very well. James even commented it was his best birthday ever (although with a sample of 7 to work from that's not a lot to choose from). Justin put on an excellent show as a Jedi apprentice (thanks again Justin). Kim did a good job with the cake decoration. And James enjoyed all of his presents. So overall a good time for everyone, especially the birthday boy.
Amazingly enough I had (for me so far) a perfect football week end. I watched the end of the CU K-State game, with CU just managing to hold on to a 1 point win. Then of all things I got to watch the Rams demolish the Cowboys, a totally unexpected treat. So if the Broncos blow it tonight in New England it's OK.
So I found out the name of Earl's lawyer and from what I was able to find out from a paralegal friend of mine who works in Denver, they are a well respected firm. So I can rest assured that he will at least be well represented. Again I don't want him to get off easy or anything like that, but I also don't want him to get railroaded either.
And to top it off Obama picked up a good endorsement this weekend from Colin Powell. Which is also big for him. I think he just has to keep up the rope a dope now, eat the rest of the time off the clock until election day.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Open letter to Earl
Dear Earl,
I want to let you know that as a friend I support you. I don't support your actions, I support you as a person. I can honestly say I have no idea what all the circumstances were that led you down the path that you took.
I have thought and thought and attempted to imagine what you are going through and all I can say is that you must now feel that you are in a dark, dark place. And it probably feels like there is no escape.
I think there is a way out of that place if you want out though. And while I can't show you the way I can say that there are people who will support you and help you when you are ready to leave that place.
I want to let you know that as a friend I support you. I don't support your actions, I support you as a person. I can honestly say I have no idea what all the circumstances were that led you down the path that you took.
I have thought and thought and attempted to imagine what you are going through and all I can say is that you must now feel that you are in a dark, dark place. And it probably feels like there is no escape.
I think there is a way out of that place if you want out though. And while I can't show you the way I can say that there are people who will support you and help you when you are ready to leave that place.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How the CSS community is helping me deal
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So, with all of this mess with Earl, it has really brought home what a tight knit community the CSS alums are. The timing was actually interesting because there was an alum organized mini-reunion over the weekend, organized mainly by folks who just reunited via Facebook.
So now with all this news, the folks on Facebook are helping as far as a semi-support group. And a way to disseminate information. In fact I heard the news via a posted link from a CSS person on Facebook.
One of the hardest parts of all this is trying to explain how this affects me to my wife. The reason being that my wife went to a large public school which had no where near the sense of community that CSS has. And so if this happened to someone she went to school with it would be more of a short term shock, but not like someone in the family did this, which really is what this feels like on some level for a lot of us.
So there is the old saw about how tragedy bringing people closer together. I can only imagine that something like this will bring an already tight group even closer.
So, with all of this mess with Earl, it has really brought home what a tight knit community the CSS alums are. The timing was actually interesting because there was an alum organized mini-reunion over the weekend, organized mainly by folks who just reunited via Facebook.
So now with all this news, the folks on Facebook are helping as far as a semi-support group. And a way to disseminate information. In fact I heard the news via a posted link from a CSS person on Facebook.
One of the hardest parts of all this is trying to explain how this affects me to my wife. The reason being that my wife went to a large public school which had no where near the sense of community that CSS has. And so if this happened to someone she went to school with it would be more of a short term shock, but not like someone in the family did this, which really is what this feels like on some level for a lot of us.
So there is the old saw about how tragedy bringing people closer together. I can only imagine that something like this will bring an already tight group even closer.
More Earl Ryan
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So I have sort of recovered from the big shock, the hard part now is helping others get through it. I think that the most important thing that I can do now is talk/write through my thoughts, and encourage other people to do the same. Either by commenting here, or on Facebook. I agree with the official line from CSS that we don't share anything private about Earl or the school or family. This is a sounding board for people to just their their thoughts about the Earl we knew/know. And a place to leave general thoughts about what happened.
Probably the biggest thing I have taken away from this is a reaffirmation of my belief in strong gun control laws, and a belief in the old Lynyrd Skynyrd song about handguns: Mr. Saturday Night Special. So share your thoughts, feelings ideas, pretty much anything is welcome. Feel free to be angry with Earl, I know that is one of the feelings I have, but please keep the comments civil.
So I have sort of recovered from the big shock, the hard part now is helping others get through it. I think that the most important thing that I can do now is talk/write through my thoughts, and encourage other people to do the same. Either by commenting here, or on Facebook. I agree with the official line from CSS that we don't share anything private about Earl or the school or family. This is a sounding board for people to just their their thoughts about the Earl we knew/know. And a place to leave general thoughts about what happened.
Probably the biggest thing I have taken away from this is a reaffirmation of my belief in strong gun control laws, and a belief in the old Lynyrd Skynyrd song about handguns: Mr. Saturday Night Special. So share your thoughts, feelings ideas, pretty much anything is welcome. Feel free to be angry with Earl, I know that is one of the feelings I have, but please keep the comments civil.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Earl Ryan
Earl Ryan
So I just found out about this roughly an hour ago. I went to school with Earl from 8th grade (he was a year behind me) until I graduated. And I kept up with him for the first couple of years after graduation. And I just reconnected with him via Facebook in the last year. My memories of Earl are never of someone even remotely violent. In fact of the group of us that were closest he was probably the least violent and most unlikely to ever expect something like this to happen.
This is just so tragic and sad I am kind of a mess, I spoke with Kernan, had a good talk with him but he's not someone who is going to cause me to lose it. I am avoiding talking to anyone who might provoke that reaction for at least a while. For now I will keep links posted, and try to keep Facebook appearances going.
News clips on Earl
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/13/suspect-toddler-shooting-makes-court-appearance-to/
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10713405
http://www.examiner.com/Subject-Earl_Ryan.html
The Big Sort
How the Big Sort and similar approaches are changing the political landscape. And some thoughts on reversing the change.
http://www.thebigsort.com/home.php
This really introduces the idea. That like has moved to like. Politically, culturally, religiously etc. It is a fascinating idea, and they do an excellent job of breaking it down, and backing it up.
http://zipskinny.com/
This is a very interesting web site, with some very interesting information. It really breaks things down, and while it can lead to people following the trend of the moving where similar people are. It also might help people who want to move somewhere 'different'.
The thing is that this Big Sort can lead to the kind of self feeding, single issue, one party system that we saw in the old 'Solid South'. And single party politics is bad for a community in the long run. Because it leads to demagoguery. When everyone pretty much agrees on the issues it falls to smaller issues and character issues, and in the Old South the tendency of politicians to "out N*****r each other'. And while it is hoped that race isn't the same calling card it once was, there are other simplistic hot button issues that could be treated the same way. We see this here in El Paso county with Doug Bruce and his anti-tax demagoguery.
So what can be done, if anything, about this? I think that one of Obama's ideas, that of national service for College tuition credit, might help. While it might not force some integration of the wealthier folk it would help with young people who use this as an opportunity to get an education. And along the way there would be a chance to see and become a part of different communities. I know that I feel richer having lived in the South for 3 years (2 in Mississippi, 1 in North Carolina). Even though I returned to my home town, that exposure broadened my horizons, exposing me to people different (and not so different) from what I saw at home. For the 'Greatest generation' there was military service, both in WW 2 and later Korea. Even if people returned to their home towns, they had still seen things, places and people that they were never going to be exposed to at home. And this encouraged a sense of diversity in thought.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Happy Birthday James
Dear James,
Have a happy happy birthday. While all my children are equal in my eyes, Jimmy is still my first child, and will always occupy that special place in my heart.
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Another good, relaxing weekend. James had his double header soccer game combined with picture day Saturday, in the cold and the rain. But the rest of Saturday was a chance to hang out, watch a little football, get some pictures up on the Picasa site, watch a couple of movies. Sunday we got a few things done around the house, and I sat down with James to teach him the basics of Warhammer 40K. It was fun teaching him the basics and letting him see what all those figures are for. Some excitement then disappointment from the weekend football but overall not too bad, doing a good job so far of not letting the bug get me.
So I posted some pictures from this fall's season games on the Picasa site. James had a god time Saturday, if more than a little cold. I moved Daniel and Emily to the car after the first game, and spent the second game watching from the fence. But we got the pictures done and James seemed to have a good time, which is what it's all about.
I was glad to start managing some pictures again, I am a little behind. I am learning the basics of editing on the Mac, although I do need some better photo editing software than the basic iphoto. I am gradually moving the pictures over there, and plan to convert some other things to the iMac. I did finally get Connie's computer ready to take to her. Maybe the weekend at the end of October, since I have a 4 day weekend, I can get the computer and desk over to her (and out of hour hosue).
So last week with my birthday funds I bought the latest (fifth) edition of Warhammer 40K, a table top miniatures game. I used to play a lot of table top games but have basically been in retirement for about 3-4 years. But James is at an age now where he can grasp the fundamentals of the game so I can start teaching him and use that as an excuse to take some time to paint again.
And last I was proud of myself in not getting too carried away with the football this weekend. Not letting any game take over my life. And even while watching the Broncos blow a perfectly winnable game I didn't let it get to me. Once the game was over, it was over. Having something else to do while watching the game, like painting, helped out immensely.
Another good, relaxing weekend. James had his double header soccer game combined with picture day Saturday, in the cold and the rain. But the rest of Saturday was a chance to hang out, watch a little football, get some pictures up on the Picasa site, watch a couple of movies. Sunday we got a few things done around the house, and I sat down with James to teach him the basics of Warhammer 40K. It was fun teaching him the basics and letting him see what all those figures are for. Some excitement then disappointment from the weekend football but overall not too bad, doing a good job so far of not letting the bug get me.
So I posted some pictures from this fall's season games on the Picasa site. James had a god time Saturday, if more than a little cold. I moved Daniel and Emily to the car after the first game, and spent the second game watching from the fence. But we got the pictures done and James seemed to have a good time, which is what it's all about.
I was glad to start managing some pictures again, I am a little behind. I am learning the basics of editing on the Mac, although I do need some better photo editing software than the basic iphoto. I am gradually moving the pictures over there, and plan to convert some other things to the iMac. I did finally get Connie's computer ready to take to her. Maybe the weekend at the end of October, since I have a 4 day weekend, I can get the computer and desk over to her (and out of hour hosue).
So last week with my birthday funds I bought the latest (fifth) edition of Warhammer 40K, a table top miniatures game. I used to play a lot of table top games but have basically been in retirement for about 3-4 years. But James is at an age now where he can grasp the fundamentals of the game so I can start teaching him and use that as an excuse to take some time to paint again.
And last I was proud of myself in not getting too carried away with the football this weekend. Not letting any game take over my life. And even while watching the Broncos blow a perfectly winnable game I didn't let it get to me. Once the game was over, it was over. Having something else to do while watching the game, like painting, helped out immensely.
Friday, October 10, 2008
These kinds of stories really do worry me
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
THere is nothing like economic hardship to encourage and foster extreme politics. This is a golden truth. When I spoke last week about the 1873 Panic and Depression that led to some really nasty stuff, especially in Europe with the Russian Pogroms for example. And of course the classic case of the rise of Hitler and Mussolini in the wake of the Great Depression. And America has never been immune. From the rise of the Klan in the South, and the rebirth of the Klan in the early years of the Great Depression and another rebirth in the 1970's.
So when I read stories like this, I get worried. I worry that in the face of economic hard ship, and the ease of hate speech and bigotry in the age of the blogosphere and talk radio that this election could spin out of control. One of the absolute biggest fears in the talk of electing an African-American was his becoming a target. That another James Earl Ray could take his shot.
And to be honest the Right doesn't have a monopoly here. Say something extreme happens, and McCain does get elected amidst a 2000 like scandal. I would not be sruprised to see some seriously outraged crowds and possible riots whipped up by leftist speakers and bloggers.
My point is first a warning to the (few) readers I have to watch for the tone of these speakers, try to keep the rhetoric toned down as much as possible. And also be vigilant against those who would follow this rhetoric to it's logical conclusion.
There are some people and articles our there who are trying to explain away things like what happened at the above rally as just people voicing their friustrations. To which I reply with 2 things: first, the people of the South who put on their Klan robes, or the Russian mobs during the pogroms or the Germans at the Nuremberg rallies were also giving voice to their frustrations. Second, it isn't always the content of what you say but how you say it. When someone tries to downplay the speakers at the McCain rallies who make a point of including Obama's middle name (Hussein), they aren't just saying it like a middle name, they are making the point this this man 'isn't one of us', and that's easy enough with just about any last or middle name beyond standard names like Smith or Jones.
THere is nothing like economic hardship to encourage and foster extreme politics. This is a golden truth. When I spoke last week about the 1873 Panic and Depression that led to some really nasty stuff, especially in Europe with the Russian Pogroms for example. And of course the classic case of the rise of Hitler and Mussolini in the wake of the Great Depression. And America has never been immune. From the rise of the Klan in the South, and the rebirth of the Klan in the early years of the Great Depression and another rebirth in the 1970's.
So when I read stories like this, I get worried. I worry that in the face of economic hard ship, and the ease of hate speech and bigotry in the age of the blogosphere and talk radio that this election could spin out of control. One of the absolute biggest fears in the talk of electing an African-American was his becoming a target. That another James Earl Ray could take his shot.
And to be honest the Right doesn't have a monopoly here. Say something extreme happens, and McCain does get elected amidst a 2000 like scandal. I would not be sruprised to see some seriously outraged crowds and possible riots whipped up by leftist speakers and bloggers.
My point is first a warning to the (few) readers I have to watch for the tone of these speakers, try to keep the rhetoric toned down as much as possible. And also be vigilant against those who would follow this rhetoric to it's logical conclusion.
There are some people and articles our there who are trying to explain away things like what happened at the above rally as just people voicing their friustrations. To which I reply with 2 things: first, the people of the South who put on their Klan robes, or the Russian mobs during the pogroms or the Germans at the Nuremberg rallies were also giving voice to their frustrations. Second, it isn't always the content of what you say but how you say it. When someone tries to downplay the speakers at the McCain rallies who make a point of including Obama's middle name (Hussein), they aren't just saying it like a middle name, they are making the point this this man 'isn't one of us', and that's easy enough with just about any last or middle name beyond standard names like Smith or Jones.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Facet Neurotomy
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So I saw the Dr. yesterday for a follow up regarding my neck, after the X-Ray and MRI. And they told me that what I have is degenerative arthritis in the facet joints in my neck. Which caanot be cured on its own. However there is a procedure that they can perform to minimize or remove the pain for a temporary period of time. Then if I undergo some extensive rehab and muscle building in that area after the procedure the pain should become a thing of the past.
Here is an article on the procedure: Facet Neurotomy. From a rudimentary google search this morning this is not some oddball procedure, they have been doing it for 20 years now with success. So it looks like the way to go.
So I saw the Dr. yesterday for a follow up regarding my neck, after the X-Ray and MRI. And they told me that what I have is degenerative arthritis in the facet joints in my neck. Which caanot be cured on its own. However there is a procedure that they can perform to minimize or remove the pain for a temporary period of time. Then if I undergo some extensive rehab and muscle building in that area after the procedure the pain should become a thing of the past.
Here is an article on the procedure: Facet Neurotomy. From a rudimentary google search this morning this is not some oddball procedure, they have been doing it for 20 years now with success. So it looks like the way to go.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The campaign gets ugly
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So this week the McCain campaign went nuclear in its attempts to stay viable and competitive. From Palin going into full blown attack mode with her comments about Obama hanging around with terrorists and anti-American preachers. And McCain backs her up every time someone questions him. It really is disgusting, this type of campaign is one of the reasons I left the Republican Party back in 1992.
So the Obama campaign first threw the Keating story back into public view as a kind of he said she said counter fire exercise. And you knew they had been saving it all this time in case the McCain camp went this direction. Then Obama himself went high road with comments about how crazy it is to be focusing on stuff like this at a time when the economy is imploding. And I am sure he will take the same tack tonight in the debate.
The best counter I saw last night was from Keith Olberman on MSNBC. When he pointed out that Palin’s husband is a member of the Alaska Independence Party, whose ideology is no less reprehensible than anything Rev. Wright or Bill Ayers have ever espoused. And that she engaged in a laying on of hands in her church from a minister who has chased women out of his town claiming they were witches. It really is a case of the pot trying to call the stainless steel cook ware black.
.
So this week the McCain campaign went nuclear in its attempts to stay viable and competitive. From Palin going into full blown attack mode with her comments about Obama hanging around with terrorists and anti-American preachers. And McCain backs her up every time someone questions him. It really is disgusting, this type of campaign is one of the reasons I left the Republican Party back in 1992.
So the Obama campaign first threw the Keating story back into public view as a kind of he said she said counter fire exercise. And you knew they had been saving it all this time in case the McCain camp went this direction. Then Obama himself went high road with comments about how crazy it is to be focusing on stuff like this at a time when the economy is imploding. And I am sure he will take the same tack tonight in the debate.
The best counter I saw last night was from Keith Olberman on MSNBC. When he pointed out that Palin’s husband is a member of the Alaska Independence Party, whose ideology is no less reprehensible than anything Rev. Wright or Bill Ayers have ever espoused. And that she engaged in a laying on of hands in her church from a minister who has chased women out of his town claiming they were witches. It really is a case of the pot trying to call the stainless steel cook ware black.
.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
This week
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
I will not be posting this coming week. The outgoing Customer service manager and incoming Customer service manager will be in the office this week. And therefore we have to drastically cut back on the browsing in the office. So in order to keep things o the QT I will toe the line for a week.
So this weekend was pretty good. Friday night was a relaxed evening at home for the me & the boys while Kim had her night out with Connie. Saturday was James' soccer game. He played goalie in the first half and let a couple slip past him. But he made up for it by scoring 2 excellent ones and assisting on another in the second half. Then it was home for a relaxing day at home. I just tried to hang out and keep the house semi-picked up ahead of the kids.
Today we had my birthday party. It was a good time, I had a chance to talk and eat some good food (mostly prepared by myself). Watched the second half of the Bronco game. Got some nice cards and gifts, thanks to all who came and brought gifts.
So I am hoping to do some more TV reviews this fall once the election news settles down. Kim & I have enjoyed introducing ourselves to House and catching up on Heroes. So we have lots of shows to talk about and review. So for those of you tired of election news and occasional sports news I will be talking about something different.
Well time to go for now. Have a good week, hope the debate goes well for Obama this week. And that economic news starts to improve.
I will not be posting this coming week. The outgoing Customer service manager and incoming Customer service manager will be in the office this week. And therefore we have to drastically cut back on the browsing in the office. So in order to keep things o the QT I will toe the line for a week.
So this weekend was pretty good. Friday night was a relaxed evening at home for the me & the boys while Kim had her night out with Connie. Saturday was James' soccer game. He played goalie in the first half and let a couple slip past him. But he made up for it by scoring 2 excellent ones and assisting on another in the second half. Then it was home for a relaxing day at home. I just tried to hang out and keep the house semi-picked up ahead of the kids.
Today we had my birthday party. It was a good time, I had a chance to talk and eat some good food (mostly prepared by myself). Watched the second half of the Bronco game. Got some nice cards and gifts, thanks to all who came and brought gifts.
So I am hoping to do some more TV reviews this fall once the election news settles down. Kim & I have enjoyed introducing ourselves to House and catching up on Heroes. So we have lots of shows to talk about and review. So for those of you tired of election news and occasional sports news I will be talking about something different.
Well time to go for now. Have a good week, hope the debate goes well for Obama this week. And that economic news starts to improve.
Friday, October 3, 2008
How this financial crisis and this election signify the end of an era
Financial Panic
How our current crisis is not 1929, it's 1873. So I read this article yesterday:
http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?id=477k3d8mh2wmtpc4b6h07p4hy9z83x18
Which is an excellent summation of the point.
And it clicked for me why I feel so much more comfortable with my understanding of the current financial problems. And why it worries me so much. Because when I was in college I focused a lot of attention on the Populist party, and the general concept of populism.
Here's a decent summation of the history of the Populist Party:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populist_Party_(United_States)
Simplistic narrative of how the Populists originated from the Panic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populist_Party_(United_States)
Simplistic narrative of how the Populists originated from the Panic
The thing is that the party developed many of it's founding ideals as a result of the Panic of 1873 and resulting Depression. And what caused the Panic and Depression was a contraction in the money supply and contraction of credit. Which is really an explanation of what the worst case scenarios we have been hearing in response to the current financial crisis.
Now I don't know if the recently passed bail out bill will stave things off. I certainly hope so. I do know that I trust Obama to take a closer look at this and come up with good working solutions to the recession far more than I trust McCain.
One of the interesting side effects of the Panic of 1873 and resulting Depression was the effect it had on politics. Not only did it lay the seeds of the Populist Party. More immediately it spelled doom for the Republican Administration, ending Reconstruction, and resulting in the return of the Democratic Party to power.
Which leads to this article, and my next point:
Which basically points out how all of this, the Panic, the recession, the bail out, is all a testimony of how the political culture and speaking points of the country are finally moving away from the Reagan Revolution talking points. And I think that is true, I think this election is marking the end a political era in this country. Sometimes it take a major historic change to really change the fundamentals of politics.
I am going to talk in real broad strokes here but here's my thinking:
The Panic of 1873 and resulting Depression, coupled with widespread government corruption, the influence of the Gilded Age Robber Barons and a public tiring of the Reconstruction led to a major change away from the Republican Party specifically and generally away from the influences of the Civil War.
The Great Depression of 1929-1939, led to an end of the Business comes first era of Republican politics and the advent of the New Deal Democrats, typified by a confluence of organized labor, social liberalism and big government.
Watergate, Vietnam, Oil Crisis of 1973, Malaise and Iran Hostage Crisis all resulted in the shattering of the above era. Reagan is the Icon of this era, when even a Democratic President stood for lowered government spending and regulation.
And last you have the 2 wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with the Financial Crisis providing the impetus away from the era of less government and back to people looking to government to resurrect the economy and also to some extent the culture and political discourse.
The above is just very broad strokes, there's a lot in there. But I think it is a decent framework to hang on for why we are seeing such a change in this election. The influences of the digital age are really bearing fruit. The Obama organization really shows how politics can and will change with the rapid technological advances. And it is not insignificant that the likely symbol of this will be a man of mixed race, fulfilling 50 years of racial promise, of a country and culture finally moving beyond race as an issue.
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