I was just looking at the calender today and noticed that last Saturday was the 49th Anniversary of John Glenn's historic three orbits of the earth. Time sure flies.
Then I realized that the space shuttle Endeavor has only one more trip into space before it is retired. What is wrong with this picture?
President Kennedy vowed that the US would get to the Moon by the end of the 1960s, and we did. Out of that endeavor came countless advancements in technology, nutrition, and everyday living. The space program gave thousands of jobs to people who were not only directly involved, but also indirectly involved. It embodied the American Spirit and the idea that Americans could do just about anything once we put our minds to it. Have we given up on returning to the moon or going on to Mars?
When President Obama cut the program, he cut hope. Sure it costs money and there are lots of needs, but the advancement of humanity is as important as the now we live in. People cannot keep stressing on the now, but have to live for a future that will be enriched and vast. To cut this program in the name of saving money or channeling it else where was inane and disingenious.
Maybe Americans and people in general have become to enamored of the enormity of the process and only look at the dollar sign. Networks no longer cover launches or landings; astronauts no longer are viewed as heroes, but rather as pilots just doing a job. To me, there is nothing more majestic or a tribute to man's intgelligence and fortitude and pioneering spirit than to see a shuttle lift off into or return from space. I have never seen one live, but people who have seen shuttles launches tell me that there is nothing like it.
Kids used to dream of other worlds, of going into space, and as Gene Roddenberry wrote, "To boldly go where no man has gone before." There are no more dreams, apparently. My ancestors opened up the Oregon Territory, but my descedents will not open up new territory or see first hand the vastness of the universe.
Americans are no longer in the driver's seat, but rather are earthbound and must hitch rides into space. We are now dependent on other nations ( and we see how that works with energy) and their generosity for understanding.
Mr. President, if you really want technology to expand knowledge and our people to keep their place in the world of science, give us space.
Doughnut
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Where is Thoreau when you need him? Probably taking a test
First off, let's understand that I know the little red school house is gone. I know we live in a technologically advanced society... I own an Ipod. And I am now fully aware that most houses have flush toilets. But what I don't understand is why education decided it needed all those tests?
I now live in the state that ranks 48th in education out of all US states. I moved from a state that was 36th. I have one question... Who cares about rankings? Most coaches will tell you that they mean nothing when it comes to ranking teams, the same holds true when deciding about how well your kids are educated.
The whole testing thing is a plot by the government to make states accountable for the money spent that is allotted to them. I found this out in the mid 1980s when I was a student at the University of Illinois School of Education. They tried to brain wash me then. I fooled them, I had mine dry cleaned and left the program.
Think about when education really started going down the tubes and getting bad marks...late 1980s early 1990s. We had just won the space race, our economy was booming. Students were learning and America was number one. What changed?
Somebody convinced the federal government that our workers were not being trained well enough and that our kids were not stacking up to those from Europe and Southeast Asia. We had to do a better job. And how do we know if we are doing a better job unless we test EVERYBODY~ that includes children who are not up to par along with those that are way above it. We had to give tests over the same material. If little John is reading at a third grade level and is doing third grade work while chroniclogically being 15-16, shouldn't he be tested at that level? Why should he be given a calculus test when he can barely say it, let alone do it?
When NCLB came into being it was supposed to be the magic cure for the virus that was killing education. It started in Texas (Where the teachers say it is holding them back) and spread across the US under the Bush administration. And is being perpetuated by the Obama administration.
To put it bluntly, it stinks and it does not work. So, what does, you ask?
Get rid of all the constraints on teachers and education. Don't let the people in the ivory towers who have never been in a classroom, or have limited knowledge about teaching decide what should and should not be taught and how it should be taught. Get rid of standardized testing. Teachers are being forced to teach only material that is on the test.
Case in point... In my last years of teaching in Paxton, IL, the administration decided to go out and spend a bunch of money on "curriculum mapping". In other words, they were going to lay out the program that would be taught from k-12. Not a bad idea on the outside. Then it was decided that teachers had to teach a certain way, and they had to cover only material that was pertinent to the tests. Handwriting? Not on the test... forget it! And we were to spend no more than 5 minutes on any topic that was off the plan for the day. Now, any teacher worth his or her salt knows that real teaching moments are sometimes brought up by student questions, not by the script. What was the result? Scores have steadily declined.
The State of Illinois is way behind on payments to schools. So is Arizona. I say, that if they are not going to give schools the money, then schools should not worry about scores. If, like in Illinois' case, the state is not living up to the state constitution and funding the schools properly, then schools should be free to do work their magic in their own way. Test scores be damned.
Teachers should not pay taxes until the state gives schools the money they owe. Sound dumb? We are supposed to pay our bills as are they, but do they? Who holds the government accountable? We should!
This whole testing thing will be the end of public education. Look around and see how much "Charter Schools" are being pushed. How vouchers are being given to private schools because public schools are not doing the job. The Leona School Group, The Ball Foundation, and Edison Learning are just three of the companies that run schools and receive public money, but are not bound by public law. According to the US Charter Schools Homepage these schools, "...provide choices for families and greater accountablity for results." They are run on a business model, not an education model. Some of the schools out here in AZ are in store fronts and in old factories. Does that say something? One school that I know of personally, the administrators are not educators at all, but rather former investment bankers...how did they do in their last career?
We need to stand up and tell Arne Duncan and President Obama to put a stop to this madness and return education to the professionals and the people who know your children best. Have the well of money dry up and start opening your voices. Civil Disobedience, my friends. That is what it is going to take. Thoreau wrote that back in 1849. Students just getting out of high school would not know that, though.
It's not in the state descriptors for learning.
Doughnut
I now live in the state that ranks 48th in education out of all US states. I moved from a state that was 36th. I have one question... Who cares about rankings? Most coaches will tell you that they mean nothing when it comes to ranking teams, the same holds true when deciding about how well your kids are educated.
The whole testing thing is a plot by the government to make states accountable for the money spent that is allotted to them. I found this out in the mid 1980s when I was a student at the University of Illinois School of Education. They tried to brain wash me then. I fooled them, I had mine dry cleaned and left the program.
Think about when education really started going down the tubes and getting bad marks...late 1980s early 1990s. We had just won the space race, our economy was booming. Students were learning and America was number one. What changed?
Somebody convinced the federal government that our workers were not being trained well enough and that our kids were not stacking up to those from Europe and Southeast Asia. We had to do a better job. And how do we know if we are doing a better job unless we test EVERYBODY~ that includes children who are not up to par along with those that are way above it. We had to give tests over the same material. If little John is reading at a third grade level and is doing third grade work while chroniclogically being 15-16, shouldn't he be tested at that level? Why should he be given a calculus test when he can barely say it, let alone do it?
When NCLB came into being it was supposed to be the magic cure for the virus that was killing education. It started in Texas (Where the teachers say it is holding them back) and spread across the US under the Bush administration. And is being perpetuated by the Obama administration.
To put it bluntly, it stinks and it does not work. So, what does, you ask?
Get rid of all the constraints on teachers and education. Don't let the people in the ivory towers who have never been in a classroom, or have limited knowledge about teaching decide what should and should not be taught and how it should be taught. Get rid of standardized testing. Teachers are being forced to teach only material that is on the test.
Case in point... In my last years of teaching in Paxton, IL, the administration decided to go out and spend a bunch of money on "curriculum mapping". In other words, they were going to lay out the program that would be taught from k-12. Not a bad idea on the outside. Then it was decided that teachers had to teach a certain way, and they had to cover only material that was pertinent to the tests. Handwriting? Not on the test... forget it! And we were to spend no more than 5 minutes on any topic that was off the plan for the day. Now, any teacher worth his or her salt knows that real teaching moments are sometimes brought up by student questions, not by the script. What was the result? Scores have steadily declined.
The State of Illinois is way behind on payments to schools. So is Arizona. I say, that if they are not going to give schools the money, then schools should not worry about scores. If, like in Illinois' case, the state is not living up to the state constitution and funding the schools properly, then schools should be free to do work their magic in their own way. Test scores be damned.
Teachers should not pay taxes until the state gives schools the money they owe. Sound dumb? We are supposed to pay our bills as are they, but do they? Who holds the government accountable? We should!
This whole testing thing will be the end of public education. Look around and see how much "Charter Schools" are being pushed. How vouchers are being given to private schools because public schools are not doing the job. The Leona School Group, The Ball Foundation, and Edison Learning are just three of the companies that run schools and receive public money, but are not bound by public law. According to the US Charter Schools Homepage these schools, "...provide choices for families and greater accountablity for results." They are run on a business model, not an education model. Some of the schools out here in AZ are in store fronts and in old factories. Does that say something? One school that I know of personally, the administrators are not educators at all, but rather former investment bankers...how did they do in their last career?
We need to stand up and tell Arne Duncan and President Obama to put a stop to this madness and return education to the professionals and the people who know your children best. Have the well of money dry up and start opening your voices. Civil Disobedience, my friends. That is what it is going to take. Thoreau wrote that back in 1849. Students just getting out of high school would not know that, though.
It's not in the state descriptors for learning.
Doughnut
Monday, February 22, 2010
My Government Sponsored Colonoscopy
Beware the Ides of April!
If I was a character in a Shakespeare play, the soothsayer might say that to me today. The Ides of April, for those not in the know, is April 15---TAX DAY! Every month has an ides, and this one is especially noteworthy.
In the past two months, doctors have probed every opening in my body in an effort to see why I am so tired and listless; why I have no energy. Today, after going to my tax guy (every one has one, don't they?) I found out that I make $30,000 dollars LESS than last year ( I retired, remember?) and I OWE $4000! If we were in football, I would tell you that is a 6000 point swing. I am now on permanent defense. Where is my stimulus.... I fall into the cracks of every group!
I understand that I have to pay for the good life I enjoy in the US, but I did not expect to have to repay the entire national debt! Talk about Health Care Reform!!??? I just got a major colonoscopy without any sedation! No one gave me flowers, or talked nice to me. or took me out to dinner... they just took me...And believe it or not, I am in the lowest tax bracket!
In some countries (including this one), people are arrested for this. I bet that there are government officials that will receive a refund.
I would call Home Depot for a job, but that would only increase my income and make me owe more taxes....it is a vicious circle that needs to be broken.
Read My lips.... Flat Tax! Everybody...15 percent of what you make...no deductions. For anyone. No corporate tax deductions, no church deductions no deductions for groups. Everyone enjoys the fruits of the empire, everyone should pay.
I have solved one problem today.... tomorrow I rant and rave and solve the eduction dilemma
Doughnut
If I was a character in a Shakespeare play, the soothsayer might say that to me today. The Ides of April, for those not in the know, is April 15---TAX DAY! Every month has an ides, and this one is especially noteworthy.
In the past two months, doctors have probed every opening in my body in an effort to see why I am so tired and listless; why I have no energy. Today, after going to my tax guy (every one has one, don't they?) I found out that I make $30,000 dollars LESS than last year ( I retired, remember?) and I OWE $4000! If we were in football, I would tell you that is a 6000 point swing. I am now on permanent defense. Where is my stimulus.... I fall into the cracks of every group!
I understand that I have to pay for the good life I enjoy in the US, but I did not expect to have to repay the entire national debt! Talk about Health Care Reform!!??? I just got a major colonoscopy without any sedation! No one gave me flowers, or talked nice to me. or took me out to dinner... they just took me...And believe it or not, I am in the lowest tax bracket!
In some countries (including this one), people are arrested for this. I bet that there are government officials that will receive a refund.
I would call Home Depot for a job, but that would only increase my income and make me owe more taxes....it is a vicious circle that needs to be broken.
Read My lips.... Flat Tax! Everybody...15 percent of what you make...no deductions. For anyone. No corporate tax deductions, no church deductions no deductions for groups. Everyone enjoys the fruits of the empire, everyone should pay.
I have solved one problem today.... tomorrow I rant and rave and solve the eduction dilemma
Doughnut
Thursday, February 18, 2010
This State Needs a Colonoscopy
Remember the first Batman movie, where Jack Nicholson as the Joker looks into the camera and says, "This town needs an enema!"
It's time for the State of Arizona to have a colonoscopy done on its legislature. You know the legislature, they are the people in your state who sit and make inane laws that often don't make sense to anyone, even them. All states have them, but AZ seems to have one that is particularly inept and often does nothing more than sit and talk about doing things, but rarely acts. When the legislators do wake up and hit their buttons for a vote, one wonders if it is an eeeney, meeney, miney, mo process.
The procedure would be done to hopefully help them find their heads, which seem to be constantly up their rectum. This could help the body pull out its collective head and do something constructive.
Take for instance the recent decision to close state parks. If it does this, Arizona will be the first state to permanently shutter its parks, although the State of Illinois seems to be doing it on some sort of basis. Why is this decision not so smart? According to a report in the Arizona Republic, closing the parks will cost just about as much as keeping them open! Sure, it is a one time cost, but none the less, is this a smart idea? Paying more to close it and lose the revenue, than keeping it open and having the revenue? The state receives over 226 million dollars a year from tourists who use the parks, that includes instate people and the tourons who come here on vacation.
Heck, the lawmakers just passed a bill to raise 56 million dollars to build a training complex so the Cubs would stay here. The Cubs only bring in 138 million dolars a year. Now, which would you rather have, a great state natural park, or a concrete stadium that is used one month a year?
See what I mean?
This is the same state that cut funding for education and told its state police to cut half its force of officers (it then advertised on Craigslist for officers), and sold its buildings to the highest bidder, then turned around and rented them back. They owned the buildings outright, but now the legislature are tenants. Somebody needs to foreclose...
The governor doesn't talk to the legislature, the Legislature falls asleep during talks by the governor, and the people of the state have no place to turn.
But, on a bright note...it is 75 and sunny here today.
Doughnut
It's time for the State of Arizona to have a colonoscopy done on its legislature. You know the legislature, they are the people in your state who sit and make inane laws that often don't make sense to anyone, even them. All states have them, but AZ seems to have one that is particularly inept and often does nothing more than sit and talk about doing things, but rarely acts. When the legislators do wake up and hit their buttons for a vote, one wonders if it is an eeeney, meeney, miney, mo process.
The procedure would be done to hopefully help them find their heads, which seem to be constantly up their rectum. This could help the body pull out its collective head and do something constructive.
Take for instance the recent decision to close state parks. If it does this, Arizona will be the first state to permanently shutter its parks, although the State of Illinois seems to be doing it on some sort of basis. Why is this decision not so smart? According to a report in the Arizona Republic, closing the parks will cost just about as much as keeping them open! Sure, it is a one time cost, but none the less, is this a smart idea? Paying more to close it and lose the revenue, than keeping it open and having the revenue? The state receives over 226 million dollars a year from tourists who use the parks, that includes instate people and the tourons who come here on vacation.
Heck, the lawmakers just passed a bill to raise 56 million dollars to build a training complex so the Cubs would stay here. The Cubs only bring in 138 million dolars a year. Now, which would you rather have, a great state natural park, or a concrete stadium that is used one month a year?
See what I mean?
This is the same state that cut funding for education and told its state police to cut half its force of officers (it then advertised on Craigslist for officers), and sold its buildings to the highest bidder, then turned around and rented them back. They owned the buildings outright, but now the legislature are tenants. Somebody needs to foreclose...
The governor doesn't talk to the legislature, the Legislature falls asleep during talks by the governor, and the people of the state have no place to turn.
But, on a bright note...it is 75 and sunny here today.
Doughnut
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The End, And the Beginning... The Never Ending Doughnut
It is done.
Now all I have to do is edit. And, thanks to my good friend Susie Dayton, we are going to get that task accomplished in a few days, or so....
What am I talking about? My book, you silly thing, that I have been working on for a full year. Now, the daunting task of finding a publisher. Should I self publish, or should I try and find an agent? Self publishing is so expensive and there is not guarantee that it will ever see the inside of a bookstore. But, if I try and go with an agent, I may find that I am not good enough to EVER get published. And who knows, Oprah may want me, or Don Imus....
What is my audience? Everyone who ever grew up. and some who are striving to, and those who never did. My audience includes people who have long lost loves, demons to purge, memories to remember fondly, and events to recall from youth. The people who think that they have it hard now, who don't know about growing up in a time period that was tumultous, mixed up, and at the same time, fun. Sure, it is partly fiction, partly real, but then all memories are like that. They encompass what we dreamed and what was real; what we wanted and what really happened. Our memories shape the person we are.
That is what my book "Growing up Doughnut" is about. What a wonderful life I have led. I have been blessed with some fantastic friends and experiences just like you have. And, I lived in a great hometown...Hoopeston, IL.
From publication to the big screen. That is every author's dream. And I have a lot of people to thank... My wife, my kids, my brother, my friends, my parents...
Oh, and Oprah, if you read this, we need to talk. Don....Call me. I'm in the Phoenix book.
And Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme, I am open to a sponsorship....Just think, a real life Doughnut as your spokesperson! Someone with doughnut roots, who knows the ins and outs of the hole. Who has lived with the icing and rolled the dough. Besides, I look like someone raised on the doughy delicious delights!
Doughnuts...Buy 'em, love 'em, live'em.
Doughnut
Now all I have to do is edit. And, thanks to my good friend Susie Dayton, we are going to get that task accomplished in a few days, or so....
What am I talking about? My book, you silly thing, that I have been working on for a full year. Now, the daunting task of finding a publisher. Should I self publish, or should I try and find an agent? Self publishing is so expensive and there is not guarantee that it will ever see the inside of a bookstore. But, if I try and go with an agent, I may find that I am not good enough to EVER get published. And who knows, Oprah may want me, or Don Imus....
What is my audience? Everyone who ever grew up. and some who are striving to, and those who never did. My audience includes people who have long lost loves, demons to purge, memories to remember fondly, and events to recall from youth. The people who think that they have it hard now, who don't know about growing up in a time period that was tumultous, mixed up, and at the same time, fun. Sure, it is partly fiction, partly real, but then all memories are like that. They encompass what we dreamed and what was real; what we wanted and what really happened. Our memories shape the person we are.
That is what my book "Growing up Doughnut" is about. What a wonderful life I have led. I have been blessed with some fantastic friends and experiences just like you have. And, I lived in a great hometown...Hoopeston, IL.
From publication to the big screen. That is every author's dream. And I have a lot of people to thank... My wife, my kids, my brother, my friends, my parents...
Oh, and Oprah, if you read this, we need to talk. Don....Call me. I'm in the Phoenix book.
And Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme, I am open to a sponsorship....Just think, a real life Doughnut as your spokesperson! Someone with doughnut roots, who knows the ins and outs of the hole. Who has lived with the icing and rolled the dough. Besides, I look like someone raised on the doughy delicious delights!
Doughnuts...Buy 'em, love 'em, live'em.
Doughnut
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Time Draws Nigh
Pitchers and Catchers! Yeah, baby!
That signals the official start to Spring Training, 2010! This weekend the rest of the team members come to town and things get started with a bang! The temps will be flying up into the low 80s the winds will die down, and clouds will dissipate. Baseball returns to the menu of things to do here in the Valley of the Sun!
And, just in time to take a break, I have finished my book, "Growing up Doughnut" and am almost ready to send it to the printer. Then you folks better be watching Oprah, and Cspan Book Report.
I have been trying to give you glimpses of the book so the buzz starts happening well in advance of the actual printing. Kind of like waiting for that next Batman movie, or another sequel to Harry Potter. My mission is to have everyone thinking Doughnut. That, my friends, is the new buzz word.... DOUGHNUT! Spread the word, wrap it around your tongue and leave a hole. I want you to get a mental image of what someone called "doughnut" might look like, then take a quick look at my profile picture... imagine me 40-45 years ago, with a flat top, gapped buttons on my shirt, and overalls that are rolled up on the bottoms so I can wear them longer.
Trials, tribulations, heart ache, and some very inane stunts mark my life. You will recognize me and yourself. Look for it this spring, thanks to my editor, Suzie Dayton!
Doughnut
That signals the official start to Spring Training, 2010! This weekend the rest of the team members come to town and things get started with a bang! The temps will be flying up into the low 80s the winds will die down, and clouds will dissipate. Baseball returns to the menu of things to do here in the Valley of the Sun!
And, just in time to take a break, I have finished my book, "Growing up Doughnut" and am almost ready to send it to the printer. Then you folks better be watching Oprah, and Cspan Book Report.
I have been trying to give you glimpses of the book so the buzz starts happening well in advance of the actual printing. Kind of like waiting for that next Batman movie, or another sequel to Harry Potter. My mission is to have everyone thinking Doughnut. That, my friends, is the new buzz word.... DOUGHNUT! Spread the word, wrap it around your tongue and leave a hole. I want you to get a mental image of what someone called "doughnut" might look like, then take a quick look at my profile picture... imagine me 40-45 years ago, with a flat top, gapped buttons on my shirt, and overalls that are rolled up on the bottoms so I can wear them longer.
Trials, tribulations, heart ache, and some very inane stunts mark my life. You will recognize me and yourself. Look for it this spring, thanks to my editor, Suzie Dayton!
Doughnut
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Still the One!
If you would allow me to expound on my valentine.....
I have been married to my wonderful wife for 35 years this August. We were together another 2 years before that, so I guess we have been together a total of 37 years, or roughly 67 percent of our lives. How has she stood me?
I mean, she has been wonderful, and I, at times, have not been. I definitely won the lottery with this one. If you read my upcoming book, "Growing Up Doughnut" (which, by the way, is in the editing faze) you will find that women have played a big part in my life. I dated several girls who were all wonderful people and who I remember with great fondness. None of them, however, was as wonderful as the girl who swept me off my feet with her long hair, gorgeous smile, and sense of humor.
I can still remember the night I fell for her. I had gone back to Eureka College to beg the administration to let me in for a third time. After a successful meeting and promise that I would stay until I graduated, I went to a party on campus and there I saw this fantastic looking brunette who had hair past her waist. I asked her if she would like to "...go on a slow ride on a fast motorcyle...." (Pretty smooth, you think?) And we went for a ride around Lake Eureka on my 750 Honda.
The next day at breakfast I told her boyfriend that if he did not treat her right, I would come back and take her away. Come July, I got a scented letter in the mail from her, and we were on! Phone calls all summer, trips to Chicago, and two weeks alone without other students at the beginning of the year sealed the deal. I guess you could say I stole her!
I am constantly in love, still. She is all I think about when we are away from each other, and I can't wait to see her at the end of the day when she comes home from work. We still linger when we kiss, and no one hugs like she does.
Happy Valentine's Day, My darling!
Doughnut
I have been married to my wonderful wife for 35 years this August. We were together another 2 years before that, so I guess we have been together a total of 37 years, or roughly 67 percent of our lives. How has she stood me?
I mean, she has been wonderful, and I, at times, have not been. I definitely won the lottery with this one. If you read my upcoming book, "Growing Up Doughnut" (which, by the way, is in the editing faze) you will find that women have played a big part in my life. I dated several girls who were all wonderful people and who I remember with great fondness. None of them, however, was as wonderful as the girl who swept me off my feet with her long hair, gorgeous smile, and sense of humor.
I can still remember the night I fell for her. I had gone back to Eureka College to beg the administration to let me in for a third time. After a successful meeting and promise that I would stay until I graduated, I went to a party on campus and there I saw this fantastic looking brunette who had hair past her waist. I asked her if she would like to "...go on a slow ride on a fast motorcyle...." (Pretty smooth, you think?) And we went for a ride around Lake Eureka on my 750 Honda.
The next day at breakfast I told her boyfriend that if he did not treat her right, I would come back and take her away. Come July, I got a scented letter in the mail from her, and we were on! Phone calls all summer, trips to Chicago, and two weeks alone without other students at the beginning of the year sealed the deal. I guess you could say I stole her!
I am constantly in love, still. She is all I think about when we are away from each other, and I can't wait to see her at the end of the day when she comes home from work. We still linger when we kiss, and no one hugs like she does.
Happy Valentine's Day, My darling!
Doughnut
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Weird news
I always enjoy reading the newspaper in the morning. I don't usually read the big stories; I got those the night before on TV newscasts. That is the trouble with newspapers, they don't keep up with the ever changing world, they are constantly working from a make-up attitude. Besides, if I did not watch TV news, how would I know when Rush, Glenn, and Dr. Weiner are lying and/or over exaggerating to me? (I wonder, is that pronounce WEE ner or WHINE r? Either way, its true.)
I read newspapers for the offbeat stories. You know, the ones that happen in small towns or the news that makes you go "EHHH."
For instance, as I listen to "She works hard for the money" I am reading a story out of Toledo, OH where a strip club raised over a thousand dollars for Haiti by giving all the money for lap dances. The manager said they donated the cover charge of ten dollars to charity. It seemed strange to me that they would donate a "cover"charge at a strip club... Maybe they should have donated the lap dance money... they probably would have made more from the "uncovered" charge....
Apparently the AARP (American Association for Retired People) reports that sexting (sending sexy messages or pictures) is rampant among elderly people. Now, I know that it is a major concern with teens in high school, but in nursing homes and people living on their own? According to Joan Price, author of "Better than I ever expected: Straight talk about sex after sixty" seniors are really getting into the trend. They can see sex more openly because they don't have the worries.
Maybe I will renew my subscription in AARP.
Doughnut
I read newspapers for the offbeat stories. You know, the ones that happen in small towns or the news that makes you go "EHHH."
For instance, as I listen to "She works hard for the money" I am reading a story out of Toledo, OH where a strip club raised over a thousand dollars for Haiti by giving all the money for lap dances. The manager said they donated the cover charge of ten dollars to charity. It seemed strange to me that they would donate a "cover"charge at a strip club... Maybe they should have donated the lap dance money... they probably would have made more from the "uncovered" charge....
Apparently the AARP (American Association for Retired People) reports that sexting (sending sexy messages or pictures) is rampant among elderly people. Now, I know that it is a major concern with teens in high school, but in nursing homes and people living on their own? According to Joan Price, author of "Better than I ever expected: Straight talk about sex after sixty" seniors are really getting into the trend. They can see sex more openly because they don't have the worries.
Maybe I will renew my subscription in AARP.
Doughnut
Monday, February 8, 2010
Reflections on a Super Game and Event
Time flies when you're having fun, or so I've heard. Yesterday's Super Bowl was fun, and the game went by too fast. Surely they could let it last longer than the three hours or so it took. I mean, how many times were we interrupted with boring commercials, and halftime show of old rockers that barely know their own songs? The game was Super though, and Ifelt bad for Peyton at the end, but also good. I mean, after all, his dad helped that franchise for so many years! Maybe he threw that last past TOO the Saints player and not to his man...HMMMM. Do you see a conspiracy here?
Our family did what we have done all season, got together for the game. Me, Dorothy, Jim, Debi, Aunt Debbie, Akkadian, Osiris, we all piled into the living room. The dogs played on the floor while we ate on the couches and fed them leavings. We laughed, we trash talked (Debi and Jim were for the Saints, the "Adults" were for the Colts, the dogs were, well, dogs.) At half time while The Who lip-synced their way through their hits, we ate Italian Beef from Portillos of Chicago. (it was sent to us by Aunt Debbie's ALMOST daughter in law, Erin....Come on Nick, get off the fence.) At the end of the day, I was five pounds heavier and I had a tummy ached the size of Rhode Island....
I really think that the NBA could learn from the NFL. Instead of all this best of 5 and best of 7 stuff, have a REAL TOURNAMENT. Let the top eight or twelve teams into the tournament, play all the games as losers go home, market the dang thing like a big party, and get it over with! ONE and DONE! There should be no time to lose. Play the games in large domed stadiums and get it done! In the NBA, the season is over in April, and the playoffs last to JUNE! We are well into baseball.
Now you know why I love HS basketball and college basketball. All their tournaments find true champions, those players that put it on the line, not slough through 5 or 7 games, then turn it on for one final game. All the games they play are finals.
Here is a hint also to the NCAA...DON'T EXPAND MARCH MADNESS. It is not always about the money.
Doughnut
Our family did what we have done all season, got together for the game. Me, Dorothy, Jim, Debi, Aunt Debbie, Akkadian, Osiris, we all piled into the living room. The dogs played on the floor while we ate on the couches and fed them leavings. We laughed, we trash talked (Debi and Jim were for the Saints, the "Adults" were for the Colts, the dogs were, well, dogs.) At half time while The Who lip-synced their way through their hits, we ate Italian Beef from Portillos of Chicago. (it was sent to us by Aunt Debbie's ALMOST daughter in law, Erin....Come on Nick, get off the fence.) At the end of the day, I was five pounds heavier and I had a tummy ached the size of Rhode Island....
I really think that the NBA could learn from the NFL. Instead of all this best of 5 and best of 7 stuff, have a REAL TOURNAMENT. Let the top eight or twelve teams into the tournament, play all the games as losers go home, market the dang thing like a big party, and get it over with! ONE and DONE! There should be no time to lose. Play the games in large domed stadiums and get it done! In the NBA, the season is over in April, and the playoffs last to JUNE! We are well into baseball.
Now you know why I love HS basketball and college basketball. All their tournaments find true champions, those players that put it on the line, not slough through 5 or 7 games, then turn it on for one final game. All the games they play are finals.
Here is a hint also to the NCAA...DON'T EXPAND MARCH MADNESS. It is not always about the money.
Doughnut
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Update on dogs; Principal demoted for Sarcasm
My thanks today to all of you who were concerned about me going around to Debi's neighbors and talking to them about her dogs barking. No, Dave, I am not in jail. I was not even belligerent. I was kind, understanding, caring...all those things you people seem to think I am not, or at least laughed about when you read that I was going to do that.
It went well. One neighbor commended Debi and myself for wanting to make sure everyone was informed and that we went door to door to correct the situation. All but one assured me they did not write the note. The one that did not assure me of that, was the one that we thought might have written the note. For a fraction of a second I thought about turning them over to the Feds for violating Federal law on putting stuff in a mailbox without a stamp and bypassing the postal service; or maybe calling CPS about their constant haranguing of their children. The verbal abuse can sometimes be heard at the curb.
Deb is going out to get some kind of device that will "encourage" the dogs not to bark. That usually means that they will get some kind of negative reinforcement via a collar or something similar. The intent is not to debark them, but to rather encourage them to not bark for long periods of time. ( Man, I sure could have used a device like that in the classroom! Just a little shock for Susie when she wouldn't shut up...)
Dave Theobald, a good friend and fellow writer, says that he longs to go back to the simple, logical days of the 1950s and 60s. The days when people were not afraid to go talk to neighbors or call when there was a problem. Those days, my friend are over, UNLESS, we force them to come back! How? By doing just a couple of things:
1.) Make ourselves available to each other. Sit out on our Front Porch and talk to folks
as they go by.
2.) Actually go out and meet people. Invite our neighbors for a block party. (Yes, a
block party.) Close off the street, put out the lawn chairs and tables, get
a couple of grills, turn up the tunes, and enjoy gettin to know each other.
Sounds like fun? Let me know how it works!
On another front....
A principal out here in AZ has been demoted for emailing a teacher and using sarcasm to point to problems she is having with a student and his or her parents. Now, talk about loyalty... the guy sent it to only one teacher, I understand, and she then ran off the comment, and sent it home with her kids for parents to read! Now, the prinicipal could very well be without a job, while the dimwit teacher who has no sense of humor and probably is having trouble because she should be washing cars not teaching goes unnamed and on with her failure of a career! I know I am being harsh on her, but really... the principal tries to lighten her up, and she lowers the boom on him. Talk about misreading people!
If sarcasm was a crime, I'd be doing life!
Doughnut
It went well. One neighbor commended Debi and myself for wanting to make sure everyone was informed and that we went door to door to correct the situation. All but one assured me they did not write the note. The one that did not assure me of that, was the one that we thought might have written the note. For a fraction of a second I thought about turning them over to the Feds for violating Federal law on putting stuff in a mailbox without a stamp and bypassing the postal service; or maybe calling CPS about their constant haranguing of their children. The verbal abuse can sometimes be heard at the curb.
Deb is going out to get some kind of device that will "encourage" the dogs not to bark. That usually means that they will get some kind of negative reinforcement via a collar or something similar. The intent is not to debark them, but to rather encourage them to not bark for long periods of time. ( Man, I sure could have used a device like that in the classroom! Just a little shock for Susie when she wouldn't shut up...)
Dave Theobald, a good friend and fellow writer, says that he longs to go back to the simple, logical days of the 1950s and 60s. The days when people were not afraid to go talk to neighbors or call when there was a problem. Those days, my friend are over, UNLESS, we force them to come back! How? By doing just a couple of things:
1.) Make ourselves available to each other. Sit out on our Front Porch and talk to folks
as they go by.
2.) Actually go out and meet people. Invite our neighbors for a block party. (Yes, a
block party.) Close off the street, put out the lawn chairs and tables, get
a couple of grills, turn up the tunes, and enjoy gettin to know each other.
Sounds like fun? Let me know how it works!
On another front....
A principal out here in AZ has been demoted for emailing a teacher and using sarcasm to point to problems she is having with a student and his or her parents. Now, talk about loyalty... the guy sent it to only one teacher, I understand, and she then ran off the comment, and sent it home with her kids for parents to read! Now, the prinicipal could very well be without a job, while the dimwit teacher who has no sense of humor and probably is having trouble because she should be washing cars not teaching goes unnamed and on with her failure of a career! I know I am being harsh on her, but really... the principal tries to lighten her up, and she lowers the boom on him. Talk about misreading people!
If sarcasm was a crime, I'd be doing life!
Doughnut
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Barking Dog Problem
It is a beautiful Tuesday in Phoenix! I am grand dog sitting today and I have to say that these two Dobies are easier than if I had grandkids. They play, they sleep, they play, they sleep...What a dog's life! NO, WAIT....that is mine, too.
If you have been following along here at THE DOUGHNUT HOLE 503, you know that Debi now has two Dobies, Akkadian (the older dog) and Osiris (the Puppy). They are here today because one of Debi's neighbors complained via ANONYMOUS NOTE that the dogs were barking constantly and were a nuisance. Since I am not with them 24/7/365, I cannot speak to whether the complaint is true or not. All I can say is, Akkadian never barks unless someone is coming in his yard, and Osiris has not found his bark, yet. Now, the note told Debi that her dogs start barking at 7:30 in the AM and never shut up .
This is an outright lie, to that I can attest. Debi does not go to work before 10am, Jim before noon, and the dogs sleep with them. They sleep in Deb's room, then when she gets up, they go to Jim's. And, to be honest, Ihave never heard Akkadian bark longer than 5 minutes, then it is only because someone is in or near his yard. He is very protective. The little one yelped today in what I thought might have been an attempt at barking, but his voice has not dropped yet.
What bothers me about this is the note left in the mailbox...unsigned. They also left a copy of the barking dog ordinance we have here in Phoenix. Which, by the by, says that the first step is to TALK to your neighbor and tell them there is a problem. How can someone know there is a problem if no one tells them? Not signing your name when you complain, well, that is sheer cowardice.
But it points to a more real problem in our society. People hide behind chat room names and say just about anything they want and do not have to prove it. The "in your face" confrontational attitude as seen on TV and movies has permeated our society. Talk radio persists in promulgating this attitude, and therefore, our society seems to think that it is ok to say whatever you want, as long as you don't have to put your REAL Name on it. Newspapers that allow comments should require that people put their real names and addresses in the comment. That way, they can be held accountable for what they say. Some of the mean comments might stop then.
Yeah, I use a moniker on this blog, but you'll also find my picture, my name, and my email. You don't like something I say, email me. We can talk like real people.
Debi is helping with the funeral route this morning for the fallen Gilbert police officer who was shot during a traffic stop last week, then she is doing her regular shift. She has asked me to go talk to neighbors for her, so she does not have to knock on their door tonight at 10 when she gets home. I'll try to be tactful. (quit laughing... I can be tactful). I will offer the neighbors my phone numbers and tell them to call me during the day when there is a problem.
I watch out for my granddogs.
Doughnut (aka ...Don Shields)
If you have been following along here at THE DOUGHNUT HOLE 503, you know that Debi now has two Dobies, Akkadian (the older dog) and Osiris (the Puppy). They are here today because one of Debi's neighbors complained via ANONYMOUS NOTE that the dogs were barking constantly and were a nuisance. Since I am not with them 24/7/365, I cannot speak to whether the complaint is true or not. All I can say is, Akkadian never barks unless someone is coming in his yard, and Osiris has not found his bark, yet. Now, the note told Debi that her dogs start barking at 7:30 in the AM and never shut up .
This is an outright lie, to that I can attest. Debi does not go to work before 10am, Jim before noon, and the dogs sleep with them. They sleep in Deb's room, then when she gets up, they go to Jim's. And, to be honest, Ihave never heard Akkadian bark longer than 5 minutes, then it is only because someone is in or near his yard. He is very protective. The little one yelped today in what I thought might have been an attempt at barking, but his voice has not dropped yet.
What bothers me about this is the note left in the mailbox...unsigned. They also left a copy of the barking dog ordinance we have here in Phoenix. Which, by the by, says that the first step is to TALK to your neighbor and tell them there is a problem. How can someone know there is a problem if no one tells them? Not signing your name when you complain, well, that is sheer cowardice.
But it points to a more real problem in our society. People hide behind chat room names and say just about anything they want and do not have to prove it. The "in your face" confrontational attitude as seen on TV and movies has permeated our society. Talk radio persists in promulgating this attitude, and therefore, our society seems to think that it is ok to say whatever you want, as long as you don't have to put your REAL Name on it. Newspapers that allow comments should require that people put their real names and addresses in the comment. That way, they can be held accountable for what they say. Some of the mean comments might stop then.
Yeah, I use a moniker on this blog, but you'll also find my picture, my name, and my email. You don't like something I say, email me. We can talk like real people.
Debi is helping with the funeral route this morning for the fallen Gilbert police officer who was shot during a traffic stop last week, then she is doing her regular shift. She has asked me to go talk to neighbors for her, so she does not have to knock on their door tonight at 10 when she gets home. I'll try to be tactful. (quit laughing... I can be tactful). I will offer the neighbors my phone numbers and tell them to call me during the day when there is a problem.
I watch out for my granddogs.
Doughnut (aka ...Don Shields)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Watch the Grammy's?
The Grammy's were last night. WOO HOO! or should I say, woo hoo? I am kind of ambivalent towards them these days. There was a time when I watched and was really excited about them, but these days I spend more time listening to oldies music than I do the new junk.
As I write this, Bob Seger and "Old Time Rock and Roll" is blaring out on Itunes. My wife had to tell me to turn it down!
I just don't get the move towards Rap and the other genres that are out there. I enjoyed Beyonce's song, and the Michael Jackson tribute... Heck, I even liked Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks. But the rest was kind of lost on me, especially Jaimie Foxx's number. When the music is blasted so loud, there are no lyrics, what's the use of listening? The thump da thump da thump thump is over and over and tends to get me to the brink of a stroke. Maybe if I could understand it, I could tolerate it.
The Michael Jackson tribute was excellent. I loved Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood and Jennfer Hudson. I wish, though, I could have seen it in 3D. I guess I need to get a pair of glasses and keep them here at home for the purpose of watching 3D TV. At home, the picture looked fuzzy without them.
I suppose my parents felt the same way about my music. But, they could at least understand the lyrics of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. When I sang along with the Fifth Dimension or Bob Dylan or Barry Manilow (Yes, I did own several albums of his), I learned to carry a tune. Now, all kids have to do is talk in rhythm and not worry about notation or even being on key.
I am glad they put up the time that upcoming acts were going to appear, though. It helped me tune in and out. I could go watch the news, come back for an act I wanted to see, and then go back to the news or the Pro Bowl. (Did anyone watch that?) Steve Colbert was great, also. His comedy may have been too cerebral for most of the artists in the audience, though.
The bottom line on all this is that I think I must be old. Half of the groups were unknown to me. Remember, there is no music after 1968!
Doughnut
As I write this, Bob Seger and "Old Time Rock and Roll" is blaring out on Itunes. My wife had to tell me to turn it down!
I just don't get the move towards Rap and the other genres that are out there. I enjoyed Beyonce's song, and the Michael Jackson tribute... Heck, I even liked Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks. But the rest was kind of lost on me, especially Jaimie Foxx's number. When the music is blasted so loud, there are no lyrics, what's the use of listening? The thump da thump da thump thump is over and over and tends to get me to the brink of a stroke. Maybe if I could understand it, I could tolerate it.
The Michael Jackson tribute was excellent. I loved Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood and Jennfer Hudson. I wish, though, I could have seen it in 3D. I guess I need to get a pair of glasses and keep them here at home for the purpose of watching 3D TV. At home, the picture looked fuzzy without them.
I suppose my parents felt the same way about my music. But, they could at least understand the lyrics of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. When I sang along with the Fifth Dimension or Bob Dylan or Barry Manilow (Yes, I did own several albums of his), I learned to carry a tune. Now, all kids have to do is talk in rhythm and not worry about notation or even being on key.
I am glad they put up the time that upcoming acts were going to appear, though. It helped me tune in and out. I could go watch the news, come back for an act I wanted to see, and then go back to the news or the Pro Bowl. (Did anyone watch that?) Steve Colbert was great, also. His comedy may have been too cerebral for most of the artists in the audience, though.
The bottom line on all this is that I think I must be old. Half of the groups were unknown to me. Remember, there is no music after 1968!
Doughnut
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