Lately there's been a slate of ads touting reduced cell phone rates. I rarely watch TV, and I still have been subjected to countless ads that imply a victorious rate reduction from $99 a month to $69 a month.
I can't tell you how amazingly hokey they are. Ads are the reason I can't stand to watch TV to begin with, and so I suffer greatly in order to see the occasional episode of Criminal Minds.
The biggest problem I have with TV ads is that they're geared toward the average idiot, and they are a blatant attempt to manipulate. If *I* want a product, I'll research it through Consumer Reports first. I don't care if someone with a "witty" personality or capped teeth is trying to sell it to me.
Of course I'm in the minority.
However, being subjected to those ads is why this article is of such an interest to me. The author claims that (gasp!) these reduced fees are a precursor to future hidden fees.
Ah, the old "bait-and-switch." It's nice to know that the ethics of the snake oil salesman remain with us to this day. "The more things change, the more they remain the same," as Alphonse Karr said.
In the meantime, may I recommend Metro PCS?
Their customer service is absolutely horrendous, and you can almost never speak to a real person if you try calling them. So, when you DO need customer service, you usually have to go to a local company owned store and wait for an hour or so (I am NOT exaggerating). But... how often do you need customer service, anyway?
I probably lose 2 hours a year waiting to talk to someone at the store, and probably my blood pressure peaks close to a stroke when I try to call them a couple times a year, but you get what you pay for.
Metro PCS offers unlimited talk and texting for something around $60 a month. Yeah, you have to buy the phone, but I used to have Verizon and they positively rooked me for everything they could get out of me. My savings with Metro PCS are at least $100 a month, overall.
So in this economy:
Metro PCS = Cheap Rates + Poor Service
Other Companies = Higher Rates + Locked-in Contracts + Good Service
You do the math.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Roxxxy
Originally the designer of Roxxxy intended for her to become a "home companion" for shut-ins. But because the porn industry is such a lucrative one, he decided to hone her into a highly sophisticated sex toy, instead.
Meet Roxxxy: Although she looks a little neanderthal, she is a large, talking doll with ... er... ports of access.
Yeah, she's not really a looker, but then again, I doubt that matters much. Anyway, this is being hailed as "progress" among a few who are supposedly tech savvy. The sad truth is, though, that although she's billed as a robot, she has no movement and is merely a large, pornographic version of the Chatty Cathy doll:
Technologically speaking, we are still a long way from Cherry 2000, that wonderfully campy SciFi flick from the 1980s. But in Cherry 2000, the protagonist finally learns the value of a true woman, flaws and all. I guess some men are still learning that lesson.
Meet Roxxxy: Although she looks a little neanderthal, she is a large, talking doll with ... er... ports of access.
Yeah, she's not really a looker, but then again, I doubt that matters much. Anyway, this is being hailed as "progress" among a few who are supposedly tech savvy. The sad truth is, though, that although she's billed as a robot, she has no movement and is merely a large, pornographic version of the Chatty Cathy doll:
Technologically speaking, we are still a long way from Cherry 2000, that wonderfully campy SciFi flick from the 1980s. But in Cherry 2000, the protagonist finally learns the value of a true woman, flaws and all. I guess some men are still learning that lesson.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Scott Brown Takes the Kennedy Seat
I am truly surprised. I never thought that a conservative could take such a liberal stronghold as Massachusetts, long dominated by the corrupt Kennedy clan.
Amazingly, this is what it will take to kill the President's health care agenda. I hear the mournful bells tolling now. And in some ways, it's a pity. I think we need national health care, but we don't need the Frankenstein's monster that Congress cooked up.
Apparently Brown's daughter is a former contestant from American Idol. I'm not familiar with his campaign race, nor am I familiar with his daughter. But I am led to wonder: Is this just another faddish election, like the election for Obama was? Or did people truly vote for Brown due to his principles?
Only time will tell.
Amazingly, this is what it will take to kill the President's health care agenda. I hear the mournful bells tolling now. And in some ways, it's a pity. I think we need national health care, but we don't need the Frankenstein's monster that Congress cooked up.
Apparently Brown's daughter is a former contestant from American Idol. I'm not familiar with his campaign race, nor am I familiar with his daughter. But I am led to wonder: Is this just another faddish election, like the election for Obama was? Or did people truly vote for Brown due to his principles?
Only time will tell.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Happy MLK Day
To all friends and loved ones: Happy Martin Luther King Day!
Only roughly 50% of businesses were closed today. I see that as progress: I didn't even realize there were that many!
I have mixed feelings about Martin Luther King. For more on that, read my article last year. I would prefer this to be a holiday celebrating the ending of segregation, instead of naming it after one man only, when there were so many who were part of the movement.
However, we celebrate what MLK stands for, with the hopes that some day complete equality will be enjoyed by all of us.
Only roughly 50% of businesses were closed today. I see that as progress: I didn't even realize there were that many!
I have mixed feelings about Martin Luther King. For more on that, read my article last year. I would prefer this to be a holiday celebrating the ending of segregation, instead of naming it after one man only, when there were so many who were part of the movement.
However, we celebrate what MLK stands for, with the hopes that some day complete equality will be enjoyed by all of us.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Aid to Haiti
There's nothing like hearing slobbering idiots like Pat Robertson make a bad situation worse.
According to Pat, Haitians made a pact with the Devil and this is payback time. Wow, Pat, all the Haitians? Really? Then they weren't getting much in return, were they? It's more likely a bet that the Pope got that deal: Look at his swanky bachelor pad.
And of course Rush Limbaugh waded into the fray, claiming that the Haitians already get enough aid from us.
Crazy, huh?
Well... Despite my distaste for Rush at times, he is correct.
When will the United States learn where our boundaries lie? Our territory extends no further south than Key West.*
Well, good thing we're all so rich and have such a robust economy here, right?
Oh, wait a minute...
Obama has pledged over $100 million in aid to Haiti. How nice of him to choose to send our tax dollars elswhere, when we need it so badly here.
Is Haiti's situation pitiful? Of course it is! But is it our business to fix it? Have everybody's problems become our own, when we can not even take care of ourselves?
The USA had 3.9 million foreclosures in 2009, and they predict even more this year. Unemployment is the highest in thirty years (and some believe it is higher). The US is already a nation in extreme debt. Couldn't that $100 million help us in any of these areas?
Charity begins at home.
Jennifer Love Hewitt: Vagazzle?
OK, this is so tacky it may not be worth discussing, but Hewitt declared yesterday that she has pierced her vagina multiple times and embedded it with decorative Swarovski crystals (i.e. decorative cut glass). She says it looks like a disco ball down there.
First: Hewitt refers to her vagina as her "precious lady". How childish is that! Aren't we all grownups around here, or do men still have weewees?
Second: How can she clean herself effectively now? And how often does she remove the crystals to get out all the er...stuff that might accumulate in those crystals? Sounds pretty foul to me.
And don't they snag on everything? Sitting down must take a lot of adjustment.
Lastly, can the men really appreciate it? I'll bet they use a lot of Neosporin after a wild night.
There is a reason that even porn stars aren't... er... vagazzling. Or, are they? Perhaps this is a trend I've missed among skanks.
* That is, unless you include Puerto Rico: Another parasitic country masquerading as a US state only when it's convenient. And yet, Puerto Ricans don't pay federal income taxes to the USA. And, of course, neither does any other country on the face of the earth.
According to Pat, Haitians made a pact with the Devil and this is payback time. Wow, Pat, all the Haitians? Really? Then they weren't getting much in return, were they? It's more likely a bet that the Pope got that deal: Look at his swanky bachelor pad.
And of course Rush Limbaugh waded into the fray, claiming that the Haitians already get enough aid from us.
Crazy, huh?
Well... Despite my distaste for Rush at times, he is correct.
When will the United States learn where our boundaries lie? Our territory extends no further south than Key West.*
Well, good thing we're all so rich and have such a robust economy here, right?
Oh, wait a minute...
Obama has pledged over $100 million in aid to Haiti. How nice of him to choose to send our tax dollars elswhere, when we need it so badly here.
Is Haiti's situation pitiful? Of course it is! But is it our business to fix it? Have everybody's problems become our own, when we can not even take care of ourselves?
The USA had 3.9 million foreclosures in 2009, and they predict even more this year. Unemployment is the highest in thirty years (and some believe it is higher). The US is already a nation in extreme debt. Couldn't that $100 million help us in any of these areas?
Charity begins at home.
Jennifer Love Hewitt: Vagazzle?
OK, this is so tacky it may not be worth discussing, but Hewitt declared yesterday that she has pierced her vagina multiple times and embedded it with decorative Swarovski crystals (i.e. decorative cut glass). She says it looks like a disco ball down there.
First: Hewitt refers to her vagina as her "precious lady". How childish is that! Aren't we all grownups around here, or do men still have weewees?
Second: How can she clean herself effectively now? And how often does she remove the crystals to get out all the er...stuff that might accumulate in those crystals? Sounds pretty foul to me.
And don't they snag on everything? Sitting down must take a lot of adjustment.
Lastly, can the men really appreciate it? I'll bet they use a lot of Neosporin after a wild night.
There is a reason that even porn stars aren't... er... vagazzling. Or, are they? Perhaps this is a trend I've missed among skanks.
* That is, unless you include Puerto Rico: Another parasitic country masquerading as a US state only when it's convenient. And yet, Puerto Ricans don't pay federal income taxes to the USA. And, of course, neither does any other country on the face of the earth.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Blogger Spammers: How They Do It
Lately we've all been getting these idiots who post to our blogs advertising products that they hope the gullible will click on.
Their attempts are very obvious. First they praise you for something you've written ("What an amazing insight into hemorrhoids!"). Then they try to segue their product into their observations ("And speaking of hemorrhoids, have you seen this article on Harry Reid?") The link is, of course, added there so that you can click on it and with every click, they make a little money.
One of you mentioned that spambots may have become more sophisticated.
They have. And they're called "gullible humans".
There's apparently a new "industry" which is taking advantage of the depression/recession (pick your term). People are paid miniscule amounts of cash for every spam bomb they can drop on helpless bloggers that result in click throughs.
Of course this will pay as well as the citizen journalism sites (pennies per article) and ultimately the fad will fade. But until then, be prepared for idiots.
Their attempts are very obvious. First they praise you for something you've written ("What an amazing insight into hemorrhoids!"). Then they try to segue their product into their observations ("And speaking of hemorrhoids, have you seen this article on Harry Reid?") The link is, of course, added there so that you can click on it and with every click, they make a little money.
One of you mentioned that spambots may have become more sophisticated.
They have. And they're called "gullible humans".
There's apparently a new "industry" which is taking advantage of the depression/recession (pick your term). People are paid miniscule amounts of cash for every spam bomb they can drop on helpless bloggers that result in click throughs.
Of course this will pay as well as the citizen journalism sites (pennies per article) and ultimately the fad will fade. But until then, be prepared for idiots.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Breaking of Nations
This is truly one of the most frightening articles I've ever read.
It's about how the European Union (EU) is now forcing all nations under them to drop or alter their laws, British citizens are being legally kidnapped by foreign governments to stand trial for alleged crimes, and the EU has forcibly installed "...a European justice system, replacing centuries of Anglo-Saxon common law with the Code Napoleon -- i.e., guilty until proven innocent."
This may not be an easy read, but if you read anything at all today, you really need to see this article.
And Americans aren't far behind. You will also read about how NAFTA and WTO are superseding our American government.
For those of you who aren't familiar with American Thinker, it is a very trusted and reliable source - and hardly The National Enquirer.
It's about how the European Union (EU) is now forcing all nations under them to drop or alter their laws, British citizens are being legally kidnapped by foreign governments to stand trial for alleged crimes, and the EU has forcibly installed "...a European justice system, replacing centuries of Anglo-Saxon common law with the Code Napoleon -- i.e., guilty until proven innocent."
This may not be an easy read, but if you read anything at all today, you really need to see this article.
And Americans aren't far behind. You will also read about how NAFTA and WTO are superseding our American government.
For those of you who aren't familiar with American Thinker, it is a very trusted and reliable source - and hardly The National Enquirer.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Great Depression Redux
I grew up with stories of The Great Depression because I was lucky enough to be very close to my grandparents on both sides. Although my mother's parents refused to discuss it, my father's parents had many 'entertaining' tales, such as:
1. The fact that my grandmother owned only one bra and one set of panties, which were religiously washed out the night before and hung up to dry for work the next day.
2. My grandmother had 7 siblings and two parents. Her father was the town drunk, who drank away any wages he got for the little work he did. That left it up to the rest of them to find money somehow. My great grandmother, Nana, raised chickens and sold the eggs for a little extra money, and my grandmother was the only one of the children who was able to find work.
3. Grandma was a telephone operator in New York and that was considered to be a plush job by Great Depression standards. Her bosses insisted on perfect diction, so the women would hold pebbles in their mouths and learn to speak clearly around the pebbles. If those standards were applied today, most telephone operators would be on the streets.
But what really stuck in my head was the great deprivation they all suffered. And it scares me, because I truly do not believe the American people are equipped for The Great Depression Redux. And although experts weren't sure before, they are now: We are in it. The job statistics and home foreclosures prove it.
Did I say it scares me? I should have said I'm terrified, because we have much farther to fall. No matter how much deprivation they faced in The Great Depression, they were never used to all the luxuries that we are. Think of how many things we have made "standard" since The Great Depression that were unheard of or luxuries at that time:
1. Electricity
2. Vaccinations and health care
3. Cable TV
4. Computers and internet
5. Electric Appliances such as microwaves, blenders, electric stoves, electric 'iceboxes'
6. Reliable and cheap food supply
7. Reliable and cheap clothing and shoe supply
I'm sure there are more: This is just off the top of my head.
Can we forgo all these 'necessary' items? Some of us may have to. And although I'm typing this on my computer in the comfort of my warm(ish) home while it's 34 degrees outside, I realize that I cannot fully appreciate the horrific impact should I lose it all. And I know that others are thinking the same thing. For a very bleak view of what the UK is seeing, read this article in The London Telegraph.
Is there any hope? Experts can't agree, so I cannot really say. But as long as we keep glossing this over and vegging out by watching mind-numbing TV, we will not be able to do anything at all about it.
My statistics professor once told us that our chances for winning the lottery are not nearly as good as our chances of being hit by lightening. But what he didn't tell us is that you can't win if you don't play: You have to get involved.
It's time for the American people to get involved. The current administration is busy ignoring this and we must wake them up. Although Nero fiddled while Rome burned, Obama is fiddling around, too.
1. The fact that my grandmother owned only one bra and one set of panties, which were religiously washed out the night before and hung up to dry for work the next day.
2. My grandmother had 7 siblings and two parents. Her father was the town drunk, who drank away any wages he got for the little work he did. That left it up to the rest of them to find money somehow. My great grandmother, Nana, raised chickens and sold the eggs for a little extra money, and my grandmother was the only one of the children who was able to find work.
3. Grandma was a telephone operator in New York and that was considered to be a plush job by Great Depression standards. Her bosses insisted on perfect diction, so the women would hold pebbles in their mouths and learn to speak clearly around the pebbles. If those standards were applied today, most telephone operators would be on the streets.
But what really stuck in my head was the great deprivation they all suffered. And it scares me, because I truly do not believe the American people are equipped for The Great Depression Redux. And although experts weren't sure before, they are now: We are in it. The job statistics and home foreclosures prove it.
Did I say it scares me? I should have said I'm terrified, because we have much farther to fall. No matter how much deprivation they faced in The Great Depression, they were never used to all the luxuries that we are. Think of how many things we have made "standard" since The Great Depression that were unheard of or luxuries at that time:
1. Electricity
2. Vaccinations and health care
3. Cable TV
4. Computers and internet
5. Electric Appliances such as microwaves, blenders, electric stoves, electric 'iceboxes'
6. Reliable and cheap food supply
7. Reliable and cheap clothing and shoe supply
I'm sure there are more: This is just off the top of my head.
Can we forgo all these 'necessary' items? Some of us may have to. And although I'm typing this on my computer in the comfort of my warm(ish) home while it's 34 degrees outside, I realize that I cannot fully appreciate the horrific impact should I lose it all. And I know that others are thinking the same thing. For a very bleak view of what the UK is seeing, read this article in The London Telegraph.
Is there any hope? Experts can't agree, so I cannot really say. But as long as we keep glossing this over and vegging out by watching mind-numbing TV, we will not be able to do anything at all about it.
My statistics professor once told us that our chances for winning the lottery are not nearly as good as our chances of being hit by lightening. But what he didn't tell us is that you can't win if you don't play: You have to get involved.
It's time for the American people to get involved. The current administration is busy ignoring this and we must wake them up. Although Nero fiddled while Rome burned, Obama is fiddling around, too.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Etc.
Spammer Magnet
Boy, the spammers are coming out of the woodwork lately. I'm getting all kinds of retards who are leaving messages for insurance, products, and other crap. Hello, losers: Do you think this is effective marketing? Here's a tip for you: It's not.
Unrealistic State of Florida Driver's License Standards
Now the State of Florida is demanding all sorts of additional information in order to even renew licenses. This info includes a notarized birth certificate in addition to other documents.
Is it just me, or is this pretty unrealistic? How many of us can pull out something like that? I have no earthly idea where my birth certificate is. I'll grant you that this could be a lame attempt to curb illegal immigrants, but that's easy enough to solve: Put any employer of illegal immigrants in jail or fine him in such a way to really impact his business, and the problem is taken care of.
My Daughter
For those of you who are confused about my reference to my daughter in the last post, let me explain.
I have a 15 year old girl who's not my biological daughter but she's been in my life for ten years. Her father is my best friend, Pov. Her nickname is Bugs.
I'm proud to say that I got her into gifted programs at an early age, and she is a fine student as well as a great human being.
Boy, the spammers are coming out of the woodwork lately. I'm getting all kinds of retards who are leaving messages for insurance, products, and other crap. Hello, losers: Do you think this is effective marketing? Here's a tip for you: It's not.
Unrealistic State of Florida Driver's License Standards
Now the State of Florida is demanding all sorts of additional information in order to even renew licenses. This info includes a notarized birth certificate in addition to other documents.
Is it just me, or is this pretty unrealistic? How many of us can pull out something like that? I have no earthly idea where my birth certificate is. I'll grant you that this could be a lame attempt to curb illegal immigrants, but that's easy enough to solve: Put any employer of illegal immigrants in jail or fine him in such a way to really impact his business, and the problem is taken care of.
My Daughter
For those of you who are confused about my reference to my daughter in the last post, let me explain.
I have a 15 year old girl who's not my biological daughter but she's been in my life for ten years. Her father is my best friend, Pov. Her nickname is Bugs.
I'm proud to say that I got her into gifted programs at an early age, and she is a fine student as well as a great human being.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Punk'd
My daughter "Bugs" and I were shopping at our local drugstore last night. We were standing toward the back of the store when two teenage kids walked up to us.
"Excuse me, ma'am?" the first kid began. He was a puny white kid, greasy hair artfully combed into what he thought was a "statement". I estimated he was about 14 years old, but he could have been older. He was holding a small pack of adult diapers.
"Yes?" I said.
"Can you tell me where the cash registers are?" he asked. OK, this was obviously starting to be a set up.
"Sure," I said. "They're up front."
Emboldened, the punk shot his friend a glance and continued. "I was wondering if you could help me. You see, I need to buy diapers for my son here." The older boy, a taller black kid, looked a tiny bit nervous but was obviously willing to play along. As I was.
"REALLY?" I said loudly to the black kid. "I am SO SORRY to hear about your bladder control problems! Is there diarrhea too? That makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in what DIAPERS you select!"
Both of the boys looked a little startled by my enthusiasm.
"Come here," I said in a chirpy saleswoman tone. "Let me help you." I grabbed the black kid by one arm and whirled the little white kid around, pushing him to the diaper aisle.
"Now let's see here," I said when we got there. "Here's a wide selection. Don't forget to take his height and weight into your calculations. OH, and don't forget baby wipes! It's very important to clean your butt crack THOROUGHLY!"
I then turned around and left them standing there.
I was at the register as they slunk out of the store. They had almost made it to the automatic sliding doors when I called out loudly in front of all the people at the register "Bye bye, boys! Don't forget the diaper creme for diaper rash! You don't want to suffer from THAT!"
They were out the door in record time.
"Excuse me, ma'am?" the first kid began. He was a puny white kid, greasy hair artfully combed into what he thought was a "statement". I estimated he was about 14 years old, but he could have been older. He was holding a small pack of adult diapers.
"Yes?" I said.
"Can you tell me where the cash registers are?" he asked. OK, this was obviously starting to be a set up.
"Sure," I said. "They're up front."
Emboldened, the punk shot his friend a glance and continued. "I was wondering if you could help me. You see, I need to buy diapers for my son here." The older boy, a taller black kid, looked a tiny bit nervous but was obviously willing to play along. As I was.
"REALLY?" I said loudly to the black kid. "I am SO SORRY to hear about your bladder control problems! Is there diarrhea too? That makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in what DIAPERS you select!"
Both of the boys looked a little startled by my enthusiasm.
"Come here," I said in a chirpy saleswoman tone. "Let me help you." I grabbed the black kid by one arm and whirled the little white kid around, pushing him to the diaper aisle.
"Now let's see here," I said when we got there. "Here's a wide selection. Don't forget to take his height and weight into your calculations. OH, and don't forget baby wipes! It's very important to clean your butt crack THOROUGHLY!"
I then turned around and left them standing there.
I was at the register as they slunk out of the store. They had almost made it to the automatic sliding doors when I called out loudly in front of all the people at the register "Bye bye, boys! Don't forget the diaper creme for diaper rash! You don't want to suffer from THAT!"
They were out the door in record time.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Back To Work After Christmas
Sherlock Holmes
I'm a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, and own volumes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works. I have never been able to stomach the former television and movie versions of Holmes, because they fell so far from the original character.
However, the latest movie at last captures the real Sherlock Holmes. He is no longer the emaciated, supercilious creature portrayed by Jeremy Brett, Peter Cushing, or Basil Rathbone.
Although Robert Downy Jr. looks like none of the former actors who attempted this role, he captures the essence of who and what Sherlock Holmes truly was supposed to be.
Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this terrific movie.
Protestant Buildings
On Christmas Day during a religious discussion, my Catholic friends said they do not understand why there are so many Protestant divisions. They see it as a needless waste of resources and an indication that Protestants can't get along.
They have a point: I have been through the downtowns in The Bible Belt and there are often churches on almost every street corner, with small congregations due to schisms. (You have a problem with your church? Leave and build another one!)
And yet these divisions are a sign of our wonderful freedoms and ability to interpret the Bible and our faith as we see fit, instead of relying on others to tell us how to believe.
But what everyone forgets is that the "churches" we see are only buildings. The true church is what is inside. How I would love to see a stop to all the fancy buildings, many of which eventually fall into disuse or decay. Let's spend our money on the needy, and stop spending it on the latest, fanciest architectural designs.
I'm a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, and own volumes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works. I have never been able to stomach the former television and movie versions of Holmes, because they fell so far from the original character.
However, the latest movie at last captures the real Sherlock Holmes. He is no longer the emaciated, supercilious creature portrayed by Jeremy Brett, Peter Cushing, or Basil Rathbone.
Although Robert Downy Jr. looks like none of the former actors who attempted this role, he captures the essence of who and what Sherlock Holmes truly was supposed to be.
Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this terrific movie.
Protestant Buildings
On Christmas Day during a religious discussion, my Catholic friends said they do not understand why there are so many Protestant divisions. They see it as a needless waste of resources and an indication that Protestants can't get along.
They have a point: I have been through the downtowns in The Bible Belt and there are often churches on almost every street corner, with small congregations due to schisms. (You have a problem with your church? Leave and build another one!)
And yet these divisions are a sign of our wonderful freedoms and ability to interpret the Bible and our faith as we see fit, instead of relying on others to tell us how to believe.
But what everyone forgets is that the "churches" we see are only buildings. The true church is what is inside. How I would love to see a stop to all the fancy buildings, many of which eventually fall into disuse or decay. Let's spend our money on the needy, and stop spending it on the latest, fanciest architectural designs.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Modern Christmas Carol
(to the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen")
Please don't rest all ye Congressmen
Just wade into the fray!
Remember most of us don't want
Your plans for the USA.
We shudder to think that healthcare
Will be mandator-ay.
Oh more taxes for us on the way,
On the way,
Oh more taxes for us on the way.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Please don't rest all ye CongressmenJust wade into the fray!
Remember most of us don't want
Your plans for the USA.
We shudder to think that healthcare
Will be mandator-ay.
Oh more taxes for us on the way,
On the way,
Oh more taxes for us on the way.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Rock The Vote Encourages Youth to Use Sex to Pass Obamacare
I just stole the title of the article I am referring to: It says it all. Go here to see the video that tells young people to use sex (or the lack of it) to get what they want: Obamacare!
Ironically, youth are the least likely to want and need health insurance, which is why their insurance rates are so low when insurance is age banded.
What is age banding?
Many insurance companies charge rates according to your age and sex: And the cheapest rates are for the youth, because they have the least health problems and therefore the least need for any insurance.
What's really creepy is this push to use sex to get what you want. We are obviously de-evolving.
Ironically, youth are the least likely to want and need health insurance, which is why their insurance rates are so low when insurance is age banded.
What is age banding?
Many insurance companies charge rates according to your age and sex: And the cheapest rates are for the youth, because they have the least health problems and therefore the least need for any insurance.
What's really creepy is this push to use sex to get what you want. We are obviously de-evolving.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Santa Lie
OK. I am really fed up with The Santa Lie.
In a New York Times article, the author writes of her pitiful Christmases which were the only evidence of her mother's love. Because of this, she fixated on Christmas with her own children and took it to such an obsessive degree that one of her children was humiliated on the playground due to his belief in Santa when he was in third grade (which she had encouraged).
Most alarming is her dialogue with her 9 year old daughter:
“Is Santa real?” she asks after overhearing an older girl reminisce about Christmases back when she believed.
“I guess some people don’t think so,” I answer, carefully, still chastened by the misery I caused her brother. “But I do.”
She says nothing, and her silence communicates my failure to answer the question.
“I mean,” I try again, “it’s a little like it is with God. Some people do, some don’t.”
“I don’t,” she says.
“Are you sure?” I say. “I do. Or at least I do some of the time.”
“What’s that called again?”
“Agnostic?” I say. “It means you don’t know.”
“Can you be that about Santa?”
“Of course,” I say...
Good job, mom. Now her daughter equates God with an imaginary being named Santa Claus.
What's pitiful is that this is not an uncommon problem. But Santa Claus can easily be disproved: Try being alone on Christmas Eve, bolt your doors, turn on the alarm system, and go to bed. You will definitely not wake up to presents the next morning. The only thing you'll wake up to is the cold hard certainty that you are alone for Christmas.
God is not so easily disproved. Please note that I am not speaking only of the particular God that I believe in. I am speaking of the concept of God.
Yes, there are many ridiculous myths about the various gods that are obvious fairy tales. One of my favorites is the one in which the stars were made by a goddess who flung her breast milk into the sky. And, of course, who can forget the Greek and Roman pantheons? Almost no one believes in them anymore because it is such obvious fantasy.
But the concept of a god (or gods) of some sort lives on because it cannot be as easily disproved as Santa Claus. And a god potentially has more power than Santa and can affect your life not merely on Christmas, but all year 'round.
If, as many religions teach, their god is the only way to a better afterlife, then it is highly important that we seek God. It could be our one shot! Why would we not want to allow our children this same opportunity? Why would we want to burden their little psyches with the close-minded belief that God is as mythical as Santa Claus?
In a New York Times article, the author writes of her pitiful Christmases which were the only evidence of her mother's love. Because of this, she fixated on Christmas with her own children and took it to such an obsessive degree that one of her children was humiliated on the playground due to his belief in Santa when he was in third grade (which she had encouraged).
Most alarming is her dialogue with her 9 year old daughter:
“Is Santa real?” she asks after overhearing an older girl reminisce about Christmases back when she believed.
“I guess some people don’t think so,” I answer, carefully, still chastened by the misery I caused her brother. “But I do.”
She says nothing, and her silence communicates my failure to answer the question.
“I mean,” I try again, “it’s a little like it is with God. Some people do, some don’t.”
“I don’t,” she says.
“Are you sure?” I say. “I do. Or at least I do some of the time.”
“What’s that called again?”
“Agnostic?” I say. “It means you don’t know.”
“Can you be that about Santa?”
“Of course,” I say...
Good job, mom. Now her daughter equates God with an imaginary being named Santa Claus.
What's pitiful is that this is not an uncommon problem. But Santa Claus can easily be disproved: Try being alone on Christmas Eve, bolt your doors, turn on the alarm system, and go to bed. You will definitely not wake up to presents the next morning. The only thing you'll wake up to is the cold hard certainty that you are alone for Christmas.
God is not so easily disproved. Please note that I am not speaking only of the particular God that I believe in. I am speaking of the concept of God.
Yes, there are many ridiculous myths about the various gods that are obvious fairy tales. One of my favorites is the one in which the stars were made by a goddess who flung her breast milk into the sky. And, of course, who can forget the Greek and Roman pantheons? Almost no one believes in them anymore because it is such obvious fantasy.
But the concept of a god (or gods) of some sort lives on because it cannot be as easily disproved as Santa Claus. And a god potentially has more power than Santa and can affect your life not merely on Christmas, but all year 'round.
If, as many religions teach, their god is the only way to a better afterlife, then it is highly important that we seek God. It could be our one shot! Why would we not want to allow our children this same opportunity? Why would we want to burden their little psyches with the close-minded belief that God is as mythical as Santa Claus?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
This n' That
Naivete
I have once more come to the conclusion that although MY life is an open book, most people are shady at best.
How many times have I come to someone and told them the truth only to get a partial truth or no truth in return?
I find it easier to be honest: If you don't like me, someone else will. If you have a problem with something I do, best to know up front! And I'd like the same courtesy, please.
I know that my wise old grandmother is somewhere in the ether, looking down on me and saying with great pity "Ah, such naivete."
Christmas Drawing Nets Kid a Ticket to the Funny Farm
The P.C. crowd is especially busy this year.
"The 8-year-old boy was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after he was asked to make a Christmas drawing and came up with what appeared to be a stick figure of Jesus on a cross."
To see the entire article, go here.
I have once more come to the conclusion that although MY life is an open book, most people are shady at best.
How many times have I come to someone and told them the truth only to get a partial truth or no truth in return?
I find it easier to be honest: If you don't like me, someone else will. If you have a problem with something I do, best to know up front! And I'd like the same courtesy, please.
I know that my wise old grandmother is somewhere in the ether, looking down on me and saying with great pity "Ah, such naivete."
Christmas Drawing Nets Kid a Ticket to the Funny Farm
The P.C. crowd is especially busy this year. "The 8-year-old boy was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after he was asked to make a Christmas drawing and came up with what appeared to be a stick figure of Jesus on a cross."
To see the entire article, go here.
Monday, December 14, 2009
What Are Big Boys Made Of?
Here is Tiger Woods representing Tag Heur ("Tagged Her"... which he certainly did: Multiple times, with multiple women).
The ad asks "What are you made of?"
You know what? That's a great question!
An old nursery rhyme says that little boys are made of "Snips and snails and puppy dog tails."
What are big boys made of? Are they "Ho-bag males with big tall tales"?
My friend, "Sarah", uses the Tiger Woods debacle as an illustration for her assertion that "Men are only as faithful as their options." I've heard other people say similar things. In an article in Fox Sports, Jason Whitlock says that such behavior is a given when you're dealing with men who have a huge amount of wealth and unlimited choices.
Really? Is that all you are, guys? Unable to control your animalistic, primitive natures? Restricted to monogamy only when you're forced to be? Perhaps this is an argument against evolution.
As Whitlock writes, "Hook ya boy up!" is the rallying cry of a single man and many men given a weekend pass by their wife or girlfriend."
Perhaps I am naive: After all, I've certainly seen the worst in people and yet I still continue to hope that they are more than their base nature. In my faith, we believe we are all disgusting pigs without God to guide us and give us higher standards. But even those who don't share my faith agree that cheating is abominable. Right?
So... what are big boys made of?
Friday, December 04, 2009
Where Are the Editors?
I've seen many badly written headlines lately. Where are the editors?
A headline out of The St. Pete Times today reads "Deputies: Man who robbed bank dressed as a woman captured".
It took me a minute to figure out what the heck this meant, because the sentence is structured badly. If you write for a living, shouldn't you be able to put something together that reads a little smoother? As I read the headline, I initially saw it in my mind's eye as:
"Man who robbed bank dressed, as a woman was captured." I could see the man struggling to get his pants on, as his female accomplice was getting tackled by cops. After this initial puzzling impression, I realized that a bank robber was impersonating a woman when he robbed the bank, and had just been captured by deputies.
Yikes. After that mental exercise before my first cup of coffee, I passed on reading the rest of the article. Instead, I moved on to "Cody the convenience store dog must go, state warns", which really needed two additional commas in the headline. Are commas that expensive these days? Are we rationing them?
But my favorite headline remains Bush Putin.
A headline out of The St. Pete Times today reads "Deputies: Man who robbed bank dressed as a woman captured".
It took me a minute to figure out what the heck this meant, because the sentence is structured badly. If you write for a living, shouldn't you be able to put something together that reads a little smoother? As I read the headline, I initially saw it in my mind's eye as:
"Man who robbed bank dressed, as a woman was captured." I could see the man struggling to get his pants on, as his female accomplice was getting tackled by cops. After this initial puzzling impression, I realized that a bank robber was impersonating a woman when he robbed the bank, and had just been captured by deputies.
Yikes. After that mental exercise before my first cup of coffee, I passed on reading the rest of the article. Instead, I moved on to "Cody the convenience store dog must go, state warns", which really needed two additional commas in the headline. Are commas that expensive these days? Are we rationing them?
But my favorite headline remains Bush Putin.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Grandma's Undies: Hot Fashion Craze?
Wow. What an amazingly hot costume. I'm sure this will be the rage in all the nightclubs, thanks to Lady Gaga. So, being the helpful tips maven that I am, here's how to look like Lady Gaga.
1. Grandma's old girdle, cut in places of your choosing
2. Grandma's support hose (white)
3. Grandma's "slimming" body suit
4. Old foam skeleton from Halloween (use pieces to accessorize the feet, use the rib cage for your torso, but make sure that you cut out the strategic parts to show The Boobages).
5. Stripper shoes
6. Bra? What bra?
RIP Solange Magnano
I had the opportunity to meet Solange a couple of years ago. She was a very personable and kindly woman, and fluent in at least two languages. She wasn't beautiful (in my opinion) despite being a former Miss Argentina, but she carried herself with grace.
God forbid I ever die in butt surgery.
Chelsea Clinton's Parents "Proud"?
Chelsea has grown into a lovely young woman, who has just announced her engagement. CBS News just did a story on this, adding at the end that her parents will be beaming proudly as she walks down the aisle.
What? Since when is tying the knot The Goal for an up-and-coming young woman? This is something for her parents to be proud about? I feel like I just stepped into the 1960s, when The Little Woman dreamed of a shiny new MixMaster for Christmas.
Chelsea's parents have a great deal to be proud about, but her upcoming nuptials take a backseat to her true accomplishments.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tiger Woods
I am fascinated by the Tiger Woods Saga. Here's a really cute, talented guy who comes up from nowhere (thanks to two great parents), marries a waif, has a child, and is supposed to live happily ever after.
My best friend, Pov, accuses me of having a crush on Tiger but I don't. Really. That is as ridiculous as saying that I have the hots for Hugh Jackman.
*ahem*
But if I did have a crush on Tiger, it's taken quite a blow recently. I have no sympathy with men who cheat on their wives, as I've been through it before with my ex-husband. I also don't understand women who poach: Aren't there enough men in this world? Can't you find one that isn't wearing a wedding ring?
Of course this is assuming that Tiger did have an affair with an Angelina Jolie look-a-like who can't keep it in her pants. From news accounts, this supposed mistress has seen more male anatomy than a urinal.
It's currently speculated that Tiger's wife, Elin, helped him achieve his "car accident" as well as his six minutes of unconsciousness. I can never condone violence, although I certainly can sympathize if, indeed, Elin attacked Tiger after hearing of the affair. And of course this affects their two children, one of whom was born only this year.
Although some people are joking about Tiger's "wood", asking if he drove a Volkswagen Golf, and talking about how Elin is "green" with envy, this is no laughing matter.
I've written about heroes with blemishes before. They exist, but I'm hoping that we don't have to add Tiger Woods to that pantheon.
My best friend, Pov, accuses me of having a crush on Tiger but I don't. Really. That is as ridiculous as saying that I have the hots for Hugh Jackman.
*ahem*
But if I did have a crush on Tiger, it's taken quite a blow recently. I have no sympathy with men who cheat on their wives, as I've been through it before with my ex-husband. I also don't understand women who poach: Aren't there enough men in this world? Can't you find one that isn't wearing a wedding ring?
Of course this is assuming that Tiger did have an affair with an Angelina Jolie look-a-like who can't keep it in her pants. From news accounts, this supposed mistress has seen more male anatomy than a urinal.
It's currently speculated that Tiger's wife, Elin, helped him achieve his "car accident" as well as his six minutes of unconsciousness. I can never condone violence, although I certainly can sympathize if, indeed, Elin attacked Tiger after hearing of the affair. And of course this affects their two children, one of whom was born only this year.
Although some people are joking about Tiger's "wood", asking if he drove a Volkswagen Golf, and talking about how Elin is "green" with envy, this is no laughing matter.
I've written about heroes with blemishes before. They exist, but I'm hoping that we don't have to add Tiger Woods to that pantheon.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Black Friday
Although I will mostly be avoiding the crowds today, I'm going to be fighting my way through the masses on Saturday. It's an experience like no other: There's an "end of the world" feeling when you're in the middle of a mob of women who are trying to buy the last wind-up fake hamster on the shelf.
As for me, I won't be buying much of anything at all. However, I love the hustle and bustle (perhaps it comes from years of retail management). This is the day that retailers often can breathe a sigh of relief. It's called "Black Friday" for a reason: It's the day that merchants finally go into the "black" and out of the "red" that they've been suffering through all year long.
There are predictions that this year will be better than last year. How could it not? Last year was the worst Black Friday in thirty years (according to the news last night).
Then again, experts argue that online retail is now where consumers are turning. This is good news for those of us who sell on Ebay. I don't sell much, but I am now frantically gathering up odds and ends of things that I meant to put on Ebay in the past: It's time to sell, people, sell!
One of the things that will drive online sales is the retailers' desire to lose as little money as possible. Therefore, stock is down, prices are up, and retailers are hoping they won't have to budge much on price this year. I even heard a commercial on the radio in which the head of a major chain is encouraging shoppers to buy what they want now, as they might not find it later. Good luck with that con. Let's see how gullible American shoppers are this year.
As for me, I won't be buying much of anything at all. However, I love the hustle and bustle (perhaps it comes from years of retail management). This is the day that retailers often can breathe a sigh of relief. It's called "Black Friday" for a reason: It's the day that merchants finally go into the "black" and out of the "red" that they've been suffering through all year long.
There are predictions that this year will be better than last year. How could it not? Last year was the worst Black Friday in thirty years (according to the news last night).
Then again, experts argue that online retail is now where consumers are turning. This is good news for those of us who sell on Ebay. I don't sell much, but I am now frantically gathering up odds and ends of things that I meant to put on Ebay in the past: It's time to sell, people, sell!
One of the things that will drive online sales is the retailers' desire to lose as little money as possible. Therefore, stock is down, prices are up, and retailers are hoping they won't have to budge much on price this year. I even heard a commercial on the radio in which the head of a major chain is encouraging shoppers to buy what they want now, as they might not find it later. Good luck with that con. Let's see how gullible American shoppers are this year.
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