Right now, as I write this entry, the President gives his 7th and final State of the Union. 7 more than he ever should have made.
Let's see how long it takes for him to mention September 11th.
9:16: Entrust Americans with homeownership?! Isn't that how this whole mess started in the first place?!
9:21: Junk medical lawsuits. Like the ones against Vioxx, for example?
9:22: Yes, no one can deny the results of No Child Left Behind. The result was it didn't work.
OK, I lasted until 9:25. I'm sorry folks, but I cannot take any more. Good night!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
The West Wing Redux
For Christmas, I received a copy of The West Wing Season 3. I remember recalling thinking of season 3 as one of the weakest seasons of this fine show, a season where it lost much of its momentum, only to grab that momentum back in season 4--with a vengeance.
I don't know what I could have been thinking.
Perhaps my recollection was blurred over the years. Perhaps I was disheartened by the somewhat disturbing exit of Season 2. Perhaps.
The 3 readers of this blog may or may not recall that I posted an entry near the season finale of the show listing my favorite moments of the show in no particular order. I don't have the energy to include a link to this post right now. Maybe later.
But season 3 has 2 episodes that are going to gain permanent entries on that list. Ironically, they are back to back.
They come in episodes 18 and 19.
Near the end of 18, the President calls Donna into the Oval Office and participates in a personal call to a favorite teacher of hers who was retiring after 40+ years. He does this while bringing up facts about her that impressed him greatly.
And near the end of 19, the President greets a black man, accompanied by his doctor son, who wrote a letter to FDR when he was 9, a fact that is discovered by his personal aide. The man, the son, and the aide, then enjoy a photo op and an extended conversation about FDR.
I'm not ashamed to say both of these moments reduced me to tears.
I now have a complete collection of the entire West Wing. One of these days, I'm gonna sit down and watch every episode, from beginning to end. Maybe when I retire.
And the reason I'll do it is because of moments like I detailed above.
I don't know what I could have been thinking.
Perhaps my recollection was blurred over the years. Perhaps I was disheartened by the somewhat disturbing exit of Season 2. Perhaps.
The 3 readers of this blog may or may not recall that I posted an entry near the season finale of the show listing my favorite moments of the show in no particular order. I don't have the energy to include a link to this post right now. Maybe later.
But season 3 has 2 episodes that are going to gain permanent entries on that list. Ironically, they are back to back.
They come in episodes 18 and 19.
Near the end of 18, the President calls Donna into the Oval Office and participates in a personal call to a favorite teacher of hers who was retiring after 40+ years. He does this while bringing up facts about her that impressed him greatly.
And near the end of 19, the President greets a black man, accompanied by his doctor son, who wrote a letter to FDR when he was 9, a fact that is discovered by his personal aide. The man, the son, and the aide, then enjoy a photo op and an extended conversation about FDR.
I'm not ashamed to say both of these moments reduced me to tears.
I now have a complete collection of the entire West Wing. One of these days, I'm gonna sit down and watch every episode, from beginning to end. Maybe when I retire.
And the reason I'll do it is because of moments like I detailed above.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Toe Warmers
This evening, after I returned home from work and dressed up to go outside and shovel the snow that fell yesterday, I was armed with a new tool.
Y'see, for Christmas, my sister gave me a package ofGrabber brand toe warmers .
And they were the nicest. Things. Ever.
These things, when removed from their packaging, undergo a chemical reaction that causes them to produce approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit of heat for about 5-6 hours. You use the adhesive on each one to apply it to the outside of your sock, on top and on the bottom of your foot. These things ensure that your feet feel warm for over 5 hours.
As a former Boy Scout, who has completed over 250 nights of camping, approximately a fifth of which happened during Ohio Winters, in tents (or sometimes with NO tents), I can safely tell you this: You can be wearing 5 layers of Thinsulate filled wool clothing on the rest of your body, but if your feet are cold, you will feel cold, no matter what temperature the rest of your body is at. There is NOTHING that feels worse than having cold feet. I speak this to you from bitter experience.
So I have to say that a product that can warm your feet up with no more effort than removing it from its packaging and applying it to your socks before putting them into your shoes HAS to rank among the top 100 of the Greatest Inventions of the World.
Seriously.
Y'see, for Christmas, my sister gave me a package of
And they were the nicest. Things. Ever.
These things, when removed from their packaging, undergo a chemical reaction that causes them to produce approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit of heat for about 5-6 hours. You use the adhesive on each one to apply it to the outside of your sock, on top and on the bottom of your foot. These things ensure that your feet feel warm for over 5 hours.
As a former Boy Scout, who has completed over 250 nights of camping, approximately a fifth of which happened during Ohio Winters, in tents (or sometimes with NO tents), I can safely tell you this: You can be wearing 5 layers of Thinsulate filled wool clothing on the rest of your body, but if your feet are cold, you will feel cold, no matter what temperature the rest of your body is at. There is NOTHING that feels worse than having cold feet. I speak this to you from bitter experience.
So I have to say that a product that can warm your feet up with no more effort than removing it from its packaging and applying it to your socks before putting them into your shoes HAS to rank among the top 100 of the Greatest Inventions of the World.
Seriously.
Monday, December 31, 2007
2007 in Review
Well folks, here we are again at the end of a year. And I’ve decided to bore you all once again with my best and worst for 2007. So, without further ado, here we go!
Best moment of 2007:
Welcoming my second nephew into the world. Welcome, little guy! We’ll try to keep the world in one piece until you’re old enough to take over.
Worst moment of 2007:
Seeing a well-liked boss leaving a post he had held for 12 years. Stupid voters. Not ALL Republicans are bad (just most of them!)
Best Sports moment of 2007:
OSU: 14
UM : 3
‘Nuff said
Worst Sports moment of 2007:
Florida: 41
OSU: 14
Again, ‘Nuff said
Best movie of 2007:
Transformers
Hearing the voice of the original Optimus Prime and hearing the familiar Sound of a Transformer after years nearly brought a tear to my eye. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was a close second.
Worst movie of 2007:
Ghost Rider
This movie nearly made me throw up in my mouth. Little tip folks: When the main character becomes a hero by SELLING HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL then it might be just a little too dark for the big screen. Not EVERY Marvel comic deserves to be made into a movie. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer was a close second.
Best new TV show of 2007:
I’ll let you know if I ever find one worth watching. Nothing so far. Seriously. If this is the best the writers can come up with, maybe they should STAY on strike!
TV show I will miss the most when it’s gone:
Scrubs. This show is one of the funniest, smartest, most thoughtful sitcoms I’ve ever seen. And you can count the number of sitcoms I’ve said that about on the fingers of one hand.
TV show I will miss the LEAST when it’s gone:
Far too many to list here!
New Year’s Resolution I’m most likely to keep:
Umm…can I get back to you on that? :)
New Year’s Resolution I’m LEAST likely to keep:
To write more often in this blog!
That’s all I’ve got for now. See everyone in 2008. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
Best moment of 2007:
Welcoming my second nephew into the world. Welcome, little guy! We’ll try to keep the world in one piece until you’re old enough to take over.
Worst moment of 2007:
Seeing a well-liked boss leaving a post he had held for 12 years. Stupid voters. Not ALL Republicans are bad (just most of them!)
Best Sports moment of 2007:
OSU: 14
UM : 3
‘Nuff said
Worst Sports moment of 2007:
Florida: 41
OSU: 14
Again, ‘Nuff said
Best movie of 2007:
Transformers
Hearing the voice of the original Optimus Prime and hearing the familiar Sound of a Transformer after years nearly brought a tear to my eye. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was a close second.
Worst movie of 2007:
Ghost Rider
This movie nearly made me throw up in my mouth. Little tip folks: When the main character becomes a hero by SELLING HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL then it might be just a little too dark for the big screen. Not EVERY Marvel comic deserves to be made into a movie. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer was a close second.
Best new TV show of 2007:
I’ll let you know if I ever find one worth watching. Nothing so far. Seriously. If this is the best the writers can come up with, maybe they should STAY on strike!
TV show I will miss the most when it’s gone:
Scrubs. This show is one of the funniest, smartest, most thoughtful sitcoms I’ve ever seen. And you can count the number of sitcoms I’ve said that about on the fingers of one hand.
TV show I will miss the LEAST when it’s gone:
Far too many to list here!
New Year’s Resolution I’m most likely to keep:
Umm…can I get back to you on that? :)
New Year’s Resolution I’m LEAST likely to keep:
To write more often in this blog!
That’s all I’ve got for now. See everyone in 2008. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas?
Two days ago, at work, I received a call from my father, who informed me that one of my best friends from High School (and for a long time thereafter) was found dead in his apartment. He apparently died from self-induced alcohol poisoning.
So. Here we are. 3 days away from Christmas. And I find out that a man who once was as close to me as a brother decided that his life wasn't worth living.
What goes through a person's mind when they reach such a state?
Oh, I've heard all the usual theories. It's a chemical imbalance. It's the time of the year. It's despair. It's any number of things.
I don't buy that.
This man and I were almost the same age. We both were unmarried. We both lived alone.
But he chose to end his life. Perhaps accidentally, perhaps on purpose. We may never know.
So why did he do it?
I think it's because he wanted to take the easy way out.
I know that someday someone who knew both of us may read this post and be very angry at me for saying that. I don't give a flying fuck. I'm seriously pissed off.
My daily life is miserable. I'm stuck in a dead-end job with little or no room for advancement. I'm 40 years old and I live alone except for a neurotic dog. I have little to be happy about.
But I keep going. Because I know that the people in my life would be miserable if I didn't. Like I am right now.
And I am mad at him for that.
It's irrational. It's insensitive. It's wrong on many levels. But it's how I feel.
And I hate myself for it.
And I hope that venting myself like this will help me get over it. And remember that this man was my best friend, and that I should be happy for the time we spent together, and for the many fond memories we created.
As a final word, let me say this: My friend, I will miss you. And although we drifted apart over the years, I treasured your friendship. I didn't have many friends in High school, and the fact that you chose to be my friend when you could have had many friends who were cooler makes me happy. May you find the peace in death that apparently eluded you in life. Goodbye.
So. Here we are. 3 days away from Christmas. And I find out that a man who once was as close to me as a brother decided that his life wasn't worth living.
What goes through a person's mind when they reach such a state?
Oh, I've heard all the usual theories. It's a chemical imbalance. It's the time of the year. It's despair. It's any number of things.
I don't buy that.
This man and I were almost the same age. We both were unmarried. We both lived alone.
But he chose to end his life. Perhaps accidentally, perhaps on purpose. We may never know.
So why did he do it?
I think it's because he wanted to take the easy way out.
I know that someday someone who knew both of us may read this post and be very angry at me for saying that. I don't give a flying fuck. I'm seriously pissed off.
My daily life is miserable. I'm stuck in a dead-end job with little or no room for advancement. I'm 40 years old and I live alone except for a neurotic dog. I have little to be happy about.
But I keep going. Because I know that the people in my life would be miserable if I didn't. Like I am right now.
And I am mad at him for that.
It's irrational. It's insensitive. It's wrong on many levels. But it's how I feel.
And I hate myself for it.
And I hope that venting myself like this will help me get over it. And remember that this man was my best friend, and that I should be happy for the time we spent together, and for the many fond memories we created.
As a final word, let me say this: My friend, I will miss you. And although we drifted apart over the years, I treasured your friendship. I didn't have many friends in High school, and the fact that you chose to be my friend when you could have had many friends who were cooler makes me happy. May you find the peace in death that apparently eluded you in life. Goodbye.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Burn On, Big River
I make no secret of the fact that I am a fan of Ohio State. You need only to look at the colors of the banner ads to the right of this post to see that. And I have little or no use for the NFL.
(By the way, I remind the 3 readers of this blog that any revenue I receive from clicks on the banner ads from this blog will be donated to the USO)
That being said, I am a fan of the Cleveland Browns. Throughout history, there has been NO city that has experienced the loss of its professional football team, only to gain ANOTHER NFL franchise, AND keep the name of the original. 3 cheers to Cleveland. This is a city that was immortalized in song by Randy Newman for being infamous for having the only river that actually caught on fire.
This is a city that has the Cleveland Indians. Another Major League franchise that has the dubious distinction of winning 3 games in the American League championship and then losing the last 4.
This is a city that allowed lobbyists to put an issue on the ballot that would've allowed a casino.
But this is also a city that has cleaned up its river to the point where it is no longer in danger of catching fire.
This is a city that was strong enough to regain an NFL franchise. With the same name.
And The Browns have kept themselves in Playoff contention for the season. With defense.
It will be poetio justice if the Browns manage to make the playoffs on the strength of their defense.
Offense wins games. Defense wins championships.
(By the way, I remind the 3 readers of this blog that any revenue I receive from clicks on the banner ads from this blog will be donated to the USO)
That being said, I am a fan of the Cleveland Browns. Throughout history, there has been NO city that has experienced the loss of its professional football team, only to gain ANOTHER NFL franchise, AND keep the name of the original. 3 cheers to Cleveland. This is a city that was immortalized in song by Randy Newman for being infamous for having the only river that actually caught on fire.
This is a city that has the Cleveland Indians. Another Major League franchise that has the dubious distinction of winning 3 games in the American League championship and then losing the last 4.
This is a city that allowed lobbyists to put an issue on the ballot that would've allowed a casino.
But this is also a city that has cleaned up its river to the point where it is no longer in danger of catching fire.
This is a city that was strong enough to regain an NFL franchise. With the same name.
And The Browns have kept themselves in Playoff contention for the season. With defense.
It will be poetio justice if the Browns manage to make the playoffs on the strength of their defense.
Offense wins games. Defense wins championships.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Another One.
So. There has been another random psycho shooting.
I picked up The Blade the following morning and saw that the story about it was sharing space with a story about a local refinery merging with another company.
Are we, as a country, so inured to random acts of gun violence that we believe such a story is no longer deserving of exclusive front page coverage?
If so, I fear for our future.
I picked up The Blade the following morning and saw that the story about it was sharing space with a story about a local refinery merging with another company.
Are we, as a country, so inured to random acts of gun violence that we believe such a story is no longer deserving of exclusive front page coverage?
If so, I fear for our future.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Go Sooners!
I am getting so sick of every sports talking head and their mothers saying Ohio State does not deserve the number 3 ranking they enjoy. Everyone complains about their "weak" schedule, because they played, among others, Youngstown, Akron, and Kent.
First of all, while none of these teams will ever be considered a college football powerhouse, you have to remember where OSU's coach is from: Before gaining the Buckeye coaching job, he was Coach at Youngstown. He is a product of Ohio, plain and simple. And he likes being able to give college football teams from Ohio the national attention (not to mention the money) they get when they play prestigious teams like Ohio State on national television.
Second, there is no such thing as a "weak" schedule when you play in the Big Ten Conference, particularly when you are leading the conference. Every team you play brings its A game to the field. It's no coincidence that 9 of the 11 Big Ten teams (yes, I know it makes no sense) have winning records, and that 10 of them are bowl-eligible.
Third, people make a lot of the fact that OSU lost to Illinois. Fact is, Illinois is a LOT better than many people give them credit for. I knew they would be good LAST year, when I saw their quarterback play. Mark my words: You will see this guy playing on Sundays in a couple of years (barring injury of course). And this year, when they got a good running back to go with him, they became great. They may very well win the Big Ten next year. It's no surprise Ron Zook was named Big Ten coach of the year.
So I will root for Oklahoma to beat Missouri tonight. And if they do, thus allowing OSU to sneak into the championship game through the back door, then I will be happy without any remorse. Maybe they'll get a chance to avenge their loss last January. If not, well, that's football.
Oh, and one other thing: Wherever the Buckeyes go for a bowl, about 50,000 loyal fans follow. Lord knows, New Orleans could certainly use the economic windfall they would receive from that!
First of all, while none of these teams will ever be considered a college football powerhouse, you have to remember where OSU's coach is from: Before gaining the Buckeye coaching job, he was Coach at Youngstown. He is a product of Ohio, plain and simple. And he likes being able to give college football teams from Ohio the national attention (not to mention the money) they get when they play prestigious teams like Ohio State on national television.
Second, there is no such thing as a "weak" schedule when you play in the Big Ten Conference, particularly when you are leading the conference. Every team you play brings its A game to the field. It's no coincidence that 9 of the 11 Big Ten teams (yes, I know it makes no sense) have winning records, and that 10 of them are bowl-eligible.
Third, people make a lot of the fact that OSU lost to Illinois. Fact is, Illinois is a LOT better than many people give them credit for. I knew they would be good LAST year, when I saw their quarterback play. Mark my words: You will see this guy playing on Sundays in a couple of years (barring injury of course). And this year, when they got a good running back to go with him, they became great. They may very well win the Big Ten next year. It's no surprise Ron Zook was named Big Ten coach of the year.
So I will root for Oklahoma to beat Missouri tonight. And if they do, thus allowing OSU to sneak into the championship game through the back door, then I will be happy without any remorse. Maybe they'll get a chance to avenge their loss last January. If not, well, that's football.
Oh, and one other thing: Wherever the Buckeyes go for a bowl, about 50,000 loyal fans follow. Lord knows, New Orleans could certainly use the economic windfall they would receive from that!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving
I realize I have been lackluster in my postings of late. I could laugh it off by saying I have been busy lately, but that would be a lie. The truth is that I am just lazy (this should come as no surprise to any of you the 3 readers of this blog!)
But, I would like to make a Thanksgiving post.
I am Thankful for:
1) My family. My father. My Sister. Her husband. My nephews. My cousins. My living Aunts and Uncles.
2) My Job. In this day and age, I am grateful to have a job that allows me to not have to moonlight to pay the bills. Almost.
3) My Dog. I adopted Minnie more than 4 years ago. I've never lacked for companionship since. Dogs offer us the only love in the world that is absolutely unconcditional.
4) My Friends. In this day and age, having people that will stand by you is a rare thing. It is to be treasured.
There are probably many more things, but these are what I came up with for this post.
As we head into this Christmas season, with the promise of the most turbulent election year in history ahead of us, it is good to remember that there are still a few things to be thankful for. I invite any reader of this post to add what you are thankful for in the comments. Thank you and God bless!
But, I would like to make a Thanksgiving post.
I am Thankful for:
1) My family. My father. My Sister. Her husband. My nephews. My cousins. My living Aunts and Uncles.
2) My Job. In this day and age, I am grateful to have a job that allows me to not have to moonlight to pay the bills. Almost.
3) My Dog. I adopted Minnie more than 4 years ago. I've never lacked for companionship since. Dogs offer us the only love in the world that is absolutely unconcditional.
4) My Friends. In this day and age, having people that will stand by you is a rare thing. It is to be treasured.
There are probably many more things, but these are what I came up with for this post.
As we head into this Christmas season, with the promise of the most turbulent election year in history ahead of us, it is good to remember that there are still a few things to be thankful for. I invite any reader of this post to add what you are thankful for in the comments. Thank you and God bless!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Buckeyes Fall
OK. So the Biting Illini beat the Buckeyes. Meh.
I knew it would happen.
Ohio State did not focus on this game. They were thinking about next week.
As a result, they lost.
And next week, the Ohio State/Michigan game has no significance, other than to prove which team is better.
As it should be.
I knew it would happen.
Ohio State did not focus on this game. They were thinking about next week.
As a result, they lost.
And next week, the Ohio State/Michigan game has no significance, other than to prove which team is better.
As it should be.
On, Wisconsin!
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, plunge right through that line.
Run the ball clear down the field, a touchdown sure this time.
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, fight on for her fame.
Fight, fellows, fight, fight, fight, we'll win this game.
Wisconsin 37
Michigan 21
11/10/07
Well done, Badgers!
Now if the Buckeyes can just beat them next week...
Monday, November 05, 2007
Script Writers: An Oxymoron
So. The Hollywood script writers are on strike. I have to say I'm of two minds about the whole thing.
On the one hand, as a union member, I sympathize with any union fighting big business. I also agree that TV studios are milking every last cent they can get from TV shows. It seems like a TV show doesn't even have to last a full season in order to be released on DVD. And then there's the full episodes available on the web. And every other trick Studios use to milk every last cent out of everything they produce.
But on the other hand, have you SEEN some of the new stuff coming out of Hollyweird lately?! Let's run down the lineup, shall we?
Cavemen: Possibly the dumbest show I've ever seen, created from a series of unfunny GEICO commercials. Whoever decided this show would be a good idea needs to be stabbed repeatedly in the heart with a rusty butterknife.
Journeyman: Let's see: A guy travels back in time to fix things that went wrong. I think I saw this show before. It was called Quantum Leap.
Life: A man is wrongfully accused of murder, gets out of prison, and works to clear his name while applying lessons learned in prison to his job as a policeman, meanwhile being clueless about certain aspects of modern life. I can't begin to count the number of shows this is ripping off, everything from The Pretender to The Fugitive.
Bionic Woman: The latest entry in the "Women are Powerful" genre. Look, there was a reason this show only lasted 2 seasons back in the '70's--It SUCKED! And the new show's not much better. This latest entry from the Women's Lib genre is following the same formula as the original, and it will likely meet the same fate.
Chuck: This show looked so dumb I didn't even watch it. I don't know what it's about, and I don't care.
There are probably many more that I'm forgetting, but I have to say that so far I haven't seen a single new fall show worth investing my time in. If this is the best that Hollywood writers can turn out, maybe they should stay on strike and make way for new talent. God knows they couldn't do any worse.
Meanwhile, if this strike lasts, we're condemned to a steady diet of Reality and Repeats. Thank God for my large collection of DVD's.
On the one hand, as a union member, I sympathize with any union fighting big business. I also agree that TV studios are milking every last cent they can get from TV shows. It seems like a TV show doesn't even have to last a full season in order to be released on DVD. And then there's the full episodes available on the web. And every other trick Studios use to milk every last cent out of everything they produce.
But on the other hand, have you SEEN some of the new stuff coming out of Hollyweird lately?! Let's run down the lineup, shall we?
Cavemen: Possibly the dumbest show I've ever seen, created from a series of unfunny GEICO commercials. Whoever decided this show would be a good idea needs to be stabbed repeatedly in the heart with a rusty butterknife.
Journeyman: Let's see: A guy travels back in time to fix things that went wrong. I think I saw this show before. It was called Quantum Leap.
Life: A man is wrongfully accused of murder, gets out of prison, and works to clear his name while applying lessons learned in prison to his job as a policeman, meanwhile being clueless about certain aspects of modern life. I can't begin to count the number of shows this is ripping off, everything from The Pretender to The Fugitive.
Bionic Woman: The latest entry in the "Women are Powerful" genre. Look, there was a reason this show only lasted 2 seasons back in the '70's--It SUCKED! And the new show's not much better. This latest entry from the Women's Lib genre is following the same formula as the original, and it will likely meet the same fate.
Chuck: This show looked so dumb I didn't even watch it. I don't know what it's about, and I don't care.
There are probably many more that I'm forgetting, but I have to say that so far I haven't seen a single new fall show worth investing my time in. If this is the best that Hollywood writers can turn out, maybe they should stay on strike and make way for new talent. God knows they couldn't do any worse.
Meanwhile, if this strike lasts, we're condemned to a steady diet of Reality and Repeats. Thank God for my large collection of DVD's.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Strike Two!
OK, so here we go again, folks!
UAW members working for Chrysler have walked off the job.
Most people in the know say this strike may last considerably longer than the one against GM.
And again, the power of the nation's most powerful union will again be put to the test.
This time, a much more powerful one.
Update (11:30 PM) The strike is over, almost as quickly as it began. I gotta wonder just who is blinking in these standoffs. I have to believe that after not one, but two called strikes, the auto companies are terrified that they do not want to face the massive production losses created by strikes. It wouldn't take more than a few weeks of no production to drive an American Auto manufacturer to desperation.
At least, that's what I hope.
UAW members working for Chrysler have walked off the job.
Most people in the know say this strike may last considerably longer than the one against GM.
And again, the power of the nation's most powerful union will again be put to the test.
This time, a much more powerful one.
Update (11:30 PM) The strike is over, almost as quickly as it began. I gotta wonder just who is blinking in these standoffs. I have to believe that after not one, but two called strikes, the auto companies are terrified that they do not want to face the massive production losses created by strikes. It wouldn't take more than a few weeks of no production to drive an American Auto manufacturer to desperation.
At least, that's what I hope.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Cavemen
The line between commercials and programming has officially been erased.
This fall, ABC debuts a new sitcom called "Cavemen", which involves characters created by the insurance company GEICO for a series of commercials.
First of all, the commercials weren't even that funny. Second, of all the boneheaded ideas the programming execs at ABC could have come up with, creating an entire series based on a group of about 5 un-funny commercials ranks right up there with New Coke in terms of bad business decisions.
I seriously hope this ridiculous series dies the quick but painful death it so richly deserves.
And that Big Business will learn that some lines should never be crossed.
This fall, ABC debuts a new sitcom called "Cavemen", which involves characters created by the insurance company GEICO for a series of commercials.
First of all, the commercials weren't even that funny. Second, of all the boneheaded ideas the programming execs at ABC could have come up with, creating an entire series based on a group of about 5 un-funny commercials ranks right up there with New Coke in terms of bad business decisions.
I seriously hope this ridiculous series dies the quick but painful death it so richly deserves.
And that Big Business will learn that some lines should never be crossed.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Shortest. Strike. Ever.
Yesterday, I posted an entry about the U.A.W. strike against GM.
Today, that strike ended as quickly as it began
I don't know who blinked, and I'm sure neither side will ever admit who it was.
But the dispute is over, pending ratification of the new agreement.
Today, I was introduced to the process of a contract negotiation. Y'see, I am a union steward.
And I gotta say this: Good God!
Any outsider with no experience can wonder why contract negotiations can take so long.
Anyone who has the slightest inkling of what goes on at the bargaining table would never question that.
I will never again accept a bargaining committee nomination.
Today, that strike ended as quickly as it began
I don't know who blinked, and I'm sure neither side will ever admit who it was.
But the dispute is over, pending ratification of the new agreement.
Today, I was introduced to the process of a contract negotiation. Y'see, I am a union steward.
And I gotta say this: Good God!
Any outsider with no experience can wonder why contract negotiations can take so long.
Anyone who has the slightest inkling of what goes on at the bargaining table would never question that.
I will never again accept a bargaining committee nomination.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
This is IT!
So. The strike is on.
Unless you've been living in a cave for the last day and a half, you know that the U.A.W. has gone on strike against GM. This strike will be the true test of whether organized labor has any real power left.
I don't claim to know all the details, but I know that the big issue separating the 2 sides of the bargaining table is--of course--health care. What a surprise.
The figure I've heard is that GM currently pays approximately $1300 per vehicle it manufactures to cover the costs of health care for its current and former employees. I can't imagine the other American automakers pay much less.
And that is the problem! American manufacturers are losing their competitive edge in every market due to the rising cost of health care in this country. And they seem to have NO problem with that.
I mean, if American business was at all serious about cutting their manufacturing costs, they would press the government to provide universal health care, thus removing a major cost of doing business. But there is no interest in doing that. They are more interested in buying politicians to give them more tax breaks while blaming workers for their financial woes.
So I will be interested to see how this strike turns out. The PR machines of both sides are in full-on attack mode. And, while the U.A.W. may be in the weaker position financially, they have the power of the people. Including me.
It remains to be seen how powerful that power is.
Unless you've been living in a cave for the last day and a half, you know that the U.A.W. has gone on strike against GM. This strike will be the true test of whether organized labor has any real power left.
I don't claim to know all the details, but I know that the big issue separating the 2 sides of the bargaining table is--of course--health care. What a surprise.
The figure I've heard is that GM currently pays approximately $1300 per vehicle it manufactures to cover the costs of health care for its current and former employees. I can't imagine the other American automakers pay much less.
And that is the problem! American manufacturers are losing their competitive edge in every market due to the rising cost of health care in this country. And they seem to have NO problem with that.
I mean, if American business was at all serious about cutting their manufacturing costs, they would press the government to provide universal health care, thus removing a major cost of doing business. But there is no interest in doing that. They are more interested in buying politicians to give them more tax breaks while blaming workers for their financial woes.
So I will be interested to see how this strike turns out. The PR machines of both sides are in full-on attack mode. And, while the U.A.W. may be in the weaker position financially, they have the power of the people. Including me.
It remains to be seen how powerful that power is.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Progress!
Progress?! I thought "major combat operations have ended" in Iraq!
Does this mean Bush lied? Surely not! He would never lie!
Would he?
(Thanks to
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Duck!
39-7
That was the score of last Saturday's Michigan-Oregon game
Oregon was the team with the 39, by the way.
Oregon's mascot is the Duck
Michigan dropped the game to Oregon.
The team that was supposed to have dominated the Big 11 has now lost its first 2 games of the season
On a smaller note, Ohio State's offense was rendered nearly useless by Akron.
Could there finally be a state of equity in College football?
Time will tell.
That was the score of last Saturday's Michigan-Oregon game
Oregon was the team with the 39, by the way.
Oregon's mascot is the Duck
Michigan dropped the game to Oregon.
The team that was supposed to have dominated the Big 11 has now lost its first 2 games of the season
On a smaller note, Ohio State's offense was rendered nearly useless by Akron.
Could there finally be a state of equity in College football?
Time will tell.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Labor Day
First, a brief history lesson:
But nowadays, what began as a federal Holiday created to honor the Organized labor movement has now, sadly, become something else entirely. About the only thing closed on Labor day any more is the government. Labor Unions, once a powerful force to be reckoned with, have been reduced to a shadow of their former selves, thanks to the actions of Wal-Mart and other corporate powers that work actively day in and day out to diminish the power of organized labor even further.
It was the power of organized labor that instituted the 40-hour work week, the child labor laws, and scores of other laws that forced businesses to treat their employees like people instead of assets to be used up and then disposed of. Corporate America has never forgotten that, and they have been working ever since to undo those changes. And they have time and an endless supply of money on their side.
So before you, the 3 readers of this blog, kick back and enjoy your barb-B-Q and beer, pause and take a minute to reflect what your life would be like without the laws Organized labor instituted. For one thing, you'd probably be working right now instead of reading this.
Then, count your blessings.
By the way, for those of you keeping score at home, this makes 3 posts in 3 days. That's a personal record for me!
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September. The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the "working man". It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many. Labor Day became a federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894. (source: Wikipedia.org)
But nowadays, what began as a federal Holiday created to honor the Organized labor movement has now, sadly, become something else entirely. About the only thing closed on Labor day any more is the government. Labor Unions, once a powerful force to be reckoned with, have been reduced to a shadow of their former selves, thanks to the actions of Wal-Mart and other corporate powers that work actively day in and day out to diminish the power of organized labor even further.
It was the power of organized labor that instituted the 40-hour work week, the child labor laws, and scores of other laws that forced businesses to treat their employees like people instead of assets to be used up and then disposed of. Corporate America has never forgotten that, and they have been working ever since to undo those changes. And they have time and an endless supply of money on their side.
So before you, the 3 readers of this blog, kick back and enjoy your barb-B-Q and beer, pause and take a minute to reflect what your life would be like without the laws Organized labor instituted. For one thing, you'd probably be working right now instead of reading this.
Then, count your blessings.
By the way, for those of you keeping score at home, this makes 3 posts in 3 days. That's a personal record for me!
Restoring My Faith
Yesterday, September 1st, I went shopping at the newly opened COSTCO wholesale store.
But when I went onto my pocket to pay for my purchases, I discovered that I had lost my money clip with all my cash in it. I had to visit the local ATM to get more cash to pay for my purchases.
After spending a day searching my house for it, I decided to call COSTCO on a hunch. I was informed that someond had found the clip and turned it in to the office.
I went back and retrieved it, and discovered that all the cash that was in it was still completely intact. I asked who had turned it in, only to discover that it had been returned by an anonymous employee, robbing me of any opportunity to financailly reward this good Samaritan.
This act of anonymous kindness has, at least temporarily, restored my faith in the human condition, and given me hope that there may be a slim chance that we as a race will survive in the long run. Maybe.
But when I went onto my pocket to pay for my purchases, I discovered that I had lost my money clip with all my cash in it. I had to visit the local ATM to get more cash to pay for my purchases.
After spending a day searching my house for it, I decided to call COSTCO on a hunch. I was informed that someond had found the clip and turned it in to the office.
I went back and retrieved it, and discovered that all the cash that was in it was still completely intact. I asked who had turned it in, only to discover that it had been returned by an anonymous employee, robbing me of any opportunity to financailly reward this good Samaritan.
This act of anonymous kindness has, at least temporarily, restored my faith in the human condition, and given me hope that there may be a slim chance that we as a race will survive in the long run. Maybe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)