Mary left a comment on my blog post about the show Community. Knowing that the shows 30 Rock and Community are considered to be in similar vein definitely confirms my prejudice against Community.
I've seen 30 Rock a few times. It's won the Emmy for Best Comedy for several years in a row. I think it's the most overrated show on TV. Of course, I have a conservative bias and 30 Rock has a strong liberal, Christians-and/or-conservatives-are-idiots bias.
I was pleasantly surprised to read this recap of the latest episode of 30 Rock. It's nice to see that Obama is (at least for one episode) an acceptable target of a top mainstream show.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
National Novel Writing Month
November is going to be a big month in our family. I need to get my house in order, and then my mom is going to move in with us. Fortunately, I will be getting some much-appreciated help from family members with the house organization. But, I'm still pretty stressed out just thinking about it.
It's crazy to think about adding a major project to my November itinerary. But, yesterday I found out that November is National Novel Writing Month. I've always had novels in the back of my brain that I've thought about writing, but never went farther than that.
I'm seriously thinking about doing it. The idea is that you spend a month writing like crazy, and not worrying about polishing it up, character development, etc. Every day you write, and go to the website and record the number of words written. The goal is to write 50,000 words between November 1 and November 30. If you do, you win.
I'm also thinking of having the two older kids enter the Young Writers Contest for the month, instead of their regular writing assignments. Maybe Madeline will have a goal of 20,000 words, and Henry a goal of 10,000 words.
I know it's crazy to add something like this to my schedule right now, but, it might be just the thing to keep me from stressing out too much.
It's crazy to think about adding a major project to my November itinerary. But, yesterday I found out that November is National Novel Writing Month. I've always had novels in the back of my brain that I've thought about writing, but never went farther than that.
I'm seriously thinking about doing it. The idea is that you spend a month writing like crazy, and not worrying about polishing it up, character development, etc. Every day you write, and go to the website and record the number of words written. The goal is to write 50,000 words between November 1 and November 30. If you do, you win.
I'm also thinking of having the two older kids enter the Young Writers Contest for the month, instead of their regular writing assignments. Maybe Madeline will have a goal of 20,000 words, and Henry a goal of 10,000 words.
I know it's crazy to add something like this to my schedule right now, but, it might be just the thing to keep me from stressing out too much.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Not Watching Community
A show I'm not interested in watching is a new one called Community. The ads for it don't interest me in the least.
First of all, it's set in a community college. My gut tells me, ridiculing the students is the thrust of the show.
Secondly, Chevy Chase, Mr. I-Want-Tina-Fey-To-Decimate-Sarah-Palin, is one of the stars of the show.
You know, maybe it's a great, well-written, funny show. I don't care. Maybe I'm paranoid, but after all of the mockery Sarah Palin endured for having a non-elite education, I can't help thinking that the show is an attempt to jab her.
Did I mention that I attended a community college for 2 years?
First of all, it's set in a community college. My gut tells me, ridiculing the students is the thrust of the show.
Secondly, Chevy Chase, Mr. I-Want-Tina-Fey-To-Decimate-Sarah-Palin, is one of the stars of the show.
You know, maybe it's a great, well-written, funny show. I don't care. Maybe I'm paranoid, but after all of the mockery Sarah Palin endured for having a non-elite education, I can't help thinking that the show is an attempt to jab her.
Did I mention that I attended a community college for 2 years?
Watching Castle
I haven't been able to watch the new season of Castle on TV, so I've been catching up watching episodes on the computer. It's a fun detective show. The male lead character is Richard Castle. He's a famous mystery writer who recently killed off his popular main character. Needing inspiration, he starts tagging along with Detective Kate Beckett. He's so impressed with her work, that he decides to base a new character on Beckett - Nikki Heat.
As show logistics would have it, Castle is a friend of the mayor. He's able to convince the mayor that he needs to continue tagging along with Beckett, so she's forced to let him stick with her. So, along with the mystery of the week, we have some nice chemistry between the leads.
I recently discovered that there's an actual book, Heat Wave, penned by 'Richard Castle', starring Nikki Heat. It hasn't turned up in our library system yet, but I'm anxious to read it.
As show logistics would have it, Castle is a friend of the mayor. He's able to convince the mayor that he needs to continue tagging along with Beckett, so she's forced to let him stick with her. So, along with the mystery of the week, we have some nice chemistry between the leads.
I recently discovered that there's an actual book, Heat Wave, penned by 'Richard Castle', starring Nikki Heat. It hasn't turned up in our library system yet, but I'm anxious to read it.
A Few Links
First, Sarah Palin posted a great article on facebook about the consequences of the health care bill. You can read it here.
I also liked this one from the Daily Pundit. He characterizes the problems in the GOP this way: Here’s the nut of it: The GOP establishment sees their problem as being that they are out of power. People like me see the problem as being that they are out of power because they have turned their backs on the principles those who once voted for them believe in.
As a warning, he calls the GOP "S**t Sandwich Republicans" a number of times in that article.
I also liked this one from the Daily Pundit. He characterizes the problems in the GOP this way: Here’s the nut of it: The GOP establishment sees their problem as being that they are out of power. People like me see the problem as being that they are out of power because they have turned their backs on the principles those who once voted for them believe in.
As a warning, he calls the GOP "S**t Sandwich Republicans" a number of times in that article.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A Little Distraction
I was planning a writing a new blog post about how spending time on the computer has become too distracting to me.
But, Camille Paglia has a new column today. So, I sat back with a cup of tea and allowed myself to become distracted.
But, Camille Paglia has a new column today. So, I sat back with a cup of tea and allowed myself to become distracted.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Splendid Surprise
I've found myself overwhelmed with upcoming events in my life. I have several social events that I'm hosting in my house in the near future, plus I'm preparing to have my mom move in with us.
One project that I need to address soon is the upstairs closet. It may not seem that important, but I need to move my current school room into that closet. Unfortunately, that closet has become a catchall for any number of things. It literally became impossible for me to walk into it (it's long and narrow) because of the mess.
Yesterday, instead of dealing with anything, my response was to go in my room, close the door and take a nap.
Last night, Dave and I had to go to a meeting. When we came home, Madeline announced that they had cleaned out the closet. What an incredible surprise! I would never have even thought to ask them to do that. It looks great, too. I'm able to see where everything is, and it will be much easier to decide where things should go.
I love my kids.
One project that I need to address soon is the upstairs closet. It may not seem that important, but I need to move my current school room into that closet. Unfortunately, that closet has become a catchall for any number of things. It literally became impossible for me to walk into it (it's long and narrow) because of the mess.
Yesterday, instead of dealing with anything, my response was to go in my room, close the door and take a nap.
Last night, Dave and I had to go to a meeting. When we came home, Madeline announced that they had cleaned out the closet. What an incredible surprise! I would never have even thought to ask them to do that. It looks great, too. I'm able to see where everything is, and it will be much easier to decide where things should go.
I love my kids.
Four-Year-Olds and Games
A few observations about playing games with 4 year olds:
When Madeline was 4, she loved to play Candy Land. Except, she didn't really want to play with the cards. She mainly wanted to play with the girl and boy figures (especially the girl ones). The game playing was more about relationships than any gamesmanship.
When Henry was 4, he liked to invent games. They had convoluted rules, involved superheroes, and were time consuming. I didn't spend much time playing games with Henry at that age.
Grace also likes to invent games, but her rules are much simpler. She's not that concerned with winning, and she's more inclined to have herself lose a turn than have me lose a turn. Interestingly, style if very important to her. The hand gestures involved in throwing the (pretend, usually pink) die are also very important in determining what happens on each turn.
Surprisingly, I've found that I have more patience in playing games with 4 year olds than I used to.
When Madeline was 4, she loved to play Candy Land. Except, she didn't really want to play with the cards. She mainly wanted to play with the girl and boy figures (especially the girl ones). The game playing was more about relationships than any gamesmanship.
When Henry was 4, he liked to invent games. They had convoluted rules, involved superheroes, and were time consuming. I didn't spend much time playing games with Henry at that age.
Grace also likes to invent games, but her rules are much simpler. She's not that concerned with winning, and she's more inclined to have herself lose a turn than have me lose a turn. Interestingly, style if very important to her. The hand gestures involved in throwing the (pretend, usually pink) die are also very important in determining what happens on each turn.
Surprisingly, I've found that I have more patience in playing games with 4 year olds than I used to.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Jack Squat System of Accomplishment
I probably shouldn't be posting on this yet. I've known for an hour that Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and I am still utterly dumbfounded. The committee has determined he was worthy to win based on the fact that he has "captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future" and because of "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."
This award is even more mind-boggling given the fact that nominations for the award were due February 1. So, Obama was given the award based on 11 days in office.
Giving the world 'hope', is the same as actually accomplishing something? Does the committee realize how ludicrous that is?
I have to admit, I'm not familiar with any of the other contenders for the award. According to the AP, "speculation had focused on Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a Colombian senator and a Chinese dissident, along with an Afghan woman's rights activist". I'm going to go out on a limb here, and assume that these people actually did something, perhaps even took some personal risks, in the interest of furthering their cause.
But, according to the Nobel Prize Committee, you don't have to do anything to actually accomplish something. With that in mind, I am going to propose the Jack Squat System of Accomplishment. (Trademark Pending)
Probably the best way to describe it is by example:
Today's Goals:
I hope to fold laundry and have it put away. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to cook for and feed my family 3 times today. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to take my kids to the library and choir today. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to do some exercising today. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to finish grading my kids' schoolwork for the week. Consider it Accomplished!
I have more examples, but I would rather not do the actual work of typing them now. Consider them written.
I can't believe I got so much done already this morning. I'm exhausted. I think I'm going to go back to bed. I'll have to close the door so I don't have to listen to my hungry, bored family all day.
This award is even more mind-boggling given the fact that nominations for the award were due February 1. So, Obama was given the award based on 11 days in office.
Giving the world 'hope', is the same as actually accomplishing something? Does the committee realize how ludicrous that is?
I have to admit, I'm not familiar with any of the other contenders for the award. According to the AP, "speculation had focused on Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a Colombian senator and a Chinese dissident, along with an Afghan woman's rights activist". I'm going to go out on a limb here, and assume that these people actually did something, perhaps even took some personal risks, in the interest of furthering their cause.
But, according to the Nobel Prize Committee, you don't have to do anything to actually accomplish something. With that in mind, I am going to propose the Jack Squat System of Accomplishment. (Trademark Pending)
Probably the best way to describe it is by example:
Today's Goals:
I hope to fold laundry and have it put away. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to cook for and feed my family 3 times today. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to take my kids to the library and choir today. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to do some exercising today. Consider it Accomplished!
I hope to finish grading my kids' schoolwork for the week. Consider it Accomplished!
I have more examples, but I would rather not do the actual work of typing them now. Consider them written.
I can't believe I got so much done already this morning. I'm exhausted. I think I'm going to go back to bed. I'll have to close the door so I don't have to listen to my hungry, bored family all day.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Letter On Healthcare 'Bill'
Following is the text of a letter I sent to Senator Feingold and Senator Kohl. For reference, see There Is No Baucus Bill, The Real Cost of the Baucus Bill, and Quinnipiac poll.
I cannot state in strong enough terms how disgusted I am that the Senate is planning on voting on the Baucus health plan as early as Tuesday.
This is not a piece of 'transparent' legislation, like we were promised by the current administration. This is not even actual legislation - it's a set of concepts. How can you vote in favor of this as early as Tuesday?
The latest Quinnipiac poll shows that 47% of Americans oppose the current health plan, while 40% are in favor of it. By a 57-37 margin, Americans do not want a bill that only Democrats support.
The Baucus proposal (again, not even actual legislation) will have a severe, negative financial impact on most of your constituents. As the CATO Institute points out, "The CBO scoring makes it clear that the Baucus bill's reduction in future budget deficits comes not from controlling government spending or reducing health care costs, but because of a rapid escalation in tax revenues."
It is hard enough to make ends meet. Your constituents do not need a "rapid escalation" in taxation. We will not forget who voted for these tax increases. (And yes, even if they're called something else, they are still taxes.)
How can anyone in good conscience vote for something that 1) the American people (and, indeed, the legislators themselves) have not been able to read ahead of time, and 2)will have such a massive, negative impact on so many?
Do NOT underestimate your constituents. We are angry that the federal government has already saddled future generations with insurmountable debt. We are tired of our viewpoints being marginalized by legislators who are supposed to be our servants. We are sick of stale platitudes used to justify dreadful legislation. We are fervently motivated to oust anyone who opts to put politics ahead of the interests of his constituents.
I cannot state in strong enough terms how disgusted I am that the Senate is planning on voting on the Baucus health plan as early as Tuesday.
This is not a piece of 'transparent' legislation, like we were promised by the current administration. This is not even actual legislation - it's a set of concepts. How can you vote in favor of this as early as Tuesday?
The latest Quinnipiac poll shows that 47% of Americans oppose the current health plan, while 40% are in favor of it. By a 57-37 margin, Americans do not want a bill that only Democrats support.
The Baucus proposal (again, not even actual legislation) will have a severe, negative financial impact on most of your constituents. As the CATO Institute points out, "The CBO scoring makes it clear that the Baucus bill's reduction in future budget deficits comes not from controlling government spending or reducing health care costs, but because of a rapid escalation in tax revenues."
It is hard enough to make ends meet. Your constituents do not need a "rapid escalation" in taxation. We will not forget who voted for these tax increases. (And yes, even if they're called something else, they are still taxes.)
How can anyone in good conscience vote for something that 1) the American people (and, indeed, the legislators themselves) have not been able to read ahead of time, and 2)will have such a massive, negative impact on so many?
Do NOT underestimate your constituents. We are angry that the federal government has already saddled future generations with insurmountable debt. We are tired of our viewpoints being marginalized by legislators who are supposed to be our servants. We are sick of stale platitudes used to justify dreadful legislation. We are fervently motivated to oust anyone who opts to put politics ahead of the interests of his constituents.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Letterman's Mandate
This morning I came across probably the best line I've ever read on a blog. With regard to the assertion that David Letterman is "a proverbial court jester, a clownish figure with a mandate to prick the powerful, not set himself up as a model of virtue," Ann Althouse replied,
But the question is sexual harassment, so: Ask not whether he has a mandate to prick the powerful, ask whether he has a prick to mandate the powerless.
But the question is sexual harassment, so: Ask not whether he has a mandate to prick the powerful, ask whether he has a prick to mandate the powerless.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ugh!
Last night was a tough one. Here's my analogy:
Stephanie Plum = Packers
Joe Morelli = Brett Favre
Ranger = Aaron Rodgers
Joyce Barnhardt = Vikings
Imagine Morelli threatening to break up with Stephanie for years. Finally, tearfully, he does. She asks him several times if he wants to get back together and he says, 'No'. So, she decides to commit to Ranger.*
Last night was like a double date between Stephanie/Ranger and Morelli/Joyce. Everyone in the restaurant kept saying how nice Morelli & Joyce looked together. And Joyce punched Stephanie in the gut.
It hurt. It really hurt.
*For the sake of my analogy, I'm ignoring the fact that Ranger isn't in to commitment.
Stephanie Plum = Packers
Joe Morelli = Brett Favre
Ranger = Aaron Rodgers
Joyce Barnhardt = Vikings
Imagine Morelli threatening to break up with Stephanie for years. Finally, tearfully, he does. She asks him several times if he wants to get back together and he says, 'No'. So, she decides to commit to Ranger.*
Last night was like a double date between Stephanie/Ranger and Morelli/Joyce. Everyone in the restaurant kept saying how nice Morelli & Joyce looked together. And Joyce punched Stephanie in the gut.
It hurt. It really hurt.
*For the sake of my analogy, I'm ignoring the fact that Ranger isn't in to commitment.
Cute Grace Quotes
The other day we were in the car. For some reason, Madeline and Henry started talking about what they would name their kids when they grow up. Henry, who usually says he's going to have two boys, Bruce and Wayne, said he would name his son Chuck, after Grandpa Chuck. To which Grace replied, "Oh, Mom, isn't that nice. Henry's going to name his son Grandpa Chuck!"
Yesterday, out of the blue, Grace says, "I don't think I'm going to kill my husband. Actually, I think he'll kill me." Too much Monk.
Yesterday, out of the blue, Grace says, "I don't think I'm going to kill my husband. Actually, I think he'll kill me." Too much Monk.
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