Frogs' Legs Aren't Funny

The download of my daily (almost) thoughts and ruminations.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Well Now What?

How could this happen? The Senate voted for the economic recovery Bill, both presidential candidates supported it, the President was going to sign it, but the stupid, little House of Representatives have now singlehandedly destroyed our retirement accounts. How can you vote against something like this when no one, and I mean no one, has a single alternative up their sleeve?

The irony is, supposedly these Representatives voted against it because they wanted to be re-elected. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think they just cooked their own goose. Or, at least their gooses will be extremely hot if their names get out to the public. It's bad enough that the Republicans didn't pass it, but who were those contrary Democrats who didn't vote for it? What were they thinking?

Do I want to pay higher taxes to cover this expense, no, but something had to be done and I wasn't seeing any other options. Do I trust anyone in Bush's cabinet like the Secretary of the Treasury to handle the situation, no! Again, something had to be done.

I say again, why would either of these candidates have any interest in this position? This country is now in the biggest mess imagineable. This kind of stock market drop has a huge adverse effect on pension plans folks. I feel like we have no control over our own destinies anymore. Is there no one we can trust to do the right thing?

And how many more banks are going to go now? Didn't the House realize how close other institutions are to failing? The stock market is our single point of failure so here we go. I can't imagine how this is going to be resolved.


So-called President Bush, you and your entire cabinet deserve nothing better than impeachment. You have imperiled the future of every single American. What better way to show our appreciation?

Friday, September 26, 2008

Debatable

Tonight was the first big debate night. I can't say I've ever been as interested in a debate as I am this one. The question is, can anyone ever win? I do love the way Barack constantly brings McCain back to the point and the facts. He is smooth, oh so smooth. It's quite a combination to be passionate and smooth all at the same time.

And another thing, exactly how do you spell Barak Obama's first name? If you go onto Google, it's spelled both ways and they can't both be right. Not sure how to figure that one out. OK, I just saw that the book he wrote spells it Barack so I'm going to trust that's correct.

As I've said before, why do either of these two want the presidency. Bush has reduced it to such a pile of rubble, it can't be even remotely attractive. They must have a hankerin' for a challenge, that's all I've got to say. And I can't think of a bigger one.

I am so concerned about the fact that the race is still this close. It's feeling very much like Gore and Kerry all over again. A third disappointment would send many people into a tailspin from which I'm not sure they would recover. Can the Democrats not come through just once? Is eight years of this maniac and his trigger-happy sidekick not enough? Is the country not in quite enough of a shambles yet?

I wonder if people think the problems are pretty much over now? Even if this bailout occurs, which is of course a bailout in name only, we get left footing the horrendous bill. If we think we can't afford our credit card payments now, no one can imagine what the payments on this one are going to be like. I'm seeing alot of flailing going on and this dictator type Treasury Secretary terrifies me. "Just give me all your money and watch me do what I want with it." He is the ultimate sleaze. I wouldn't trust him with my savings account. These guys are in so far over their heads they can no longer see sunlight. And the fact of the matter is, we still don't know what we don't know.

Anyway, this is when I'm glad I work for a not-for-profit. At this point, we've been only somewhat touched by the down economy but nothing like the headlines you're reading everyday. I at least feel like our situation is manageable...so far.

Stay tuned.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Overstimulation

We wonder why our kids are so easily bored, but from infancy, they have so much to
occupy them that it's no wonder to me. From the baby play pads or gyms to walkers on which every inch is covered with something colorful that moves and/or makes a noise to Baby Einstein videos to Wee Sing CD's with 73 tracks for heaven's sakes. They even have the computerized refrigerator magnets that teach them their letters and numbers from the time they can crawl or even just sit up. It's a small wonder that they can't settle on any one thing by the time they get to school. They are literally over-stimulated visually, by hearing or by touch every minute of their waking lives.

When I think back to when my kids were little, there was a very little of this but I think it's tripled or quadrupled since then. You had your Sesame Street, The Electric Company and Mister Rogers (heaven forbid) and a few little people toys for them but there are numerous television programs now that target a 2 year old for instance; okay, maybe a very smart 2 year old but still there is a screen full to choose from in Comcast On Demand. When I think of how much time we spent playing with blankets, with clothes hampers, simply dancing to music or in the sprinkler in the backyard, I realize I need to keep that kind of low tech playing alive. Hopefully, it's not already too late.


Then there's the pioneer days when I was little and would have been kept occupied with some books, some rubber animals and some feathers or something like that. The main kid tv show was Captain Kangaroo and maybe some cartoons, but not for age 2. And of course, the person who invented DVD's hadn't even been born yet at that time so if my parents wanted me to see a movie, they had to take me to the drive-in movie which meant either I or my sister always spilled the Cragmont pop in the back seat and fought over the big paper bag of popcorn my mom had popped. Who knew what the movie was, I'm sure we fell asleep once we'd made as much mess as possible and probably laid in it. That's probably why they created cars with vinyl seats for so many years. There were no sippey cups that I can recall, it was the bright metal colored glasses or nothing. I always loved how the drink felt so cold in those cups. The newer version of those we bought a few years ago have already started to flake off the paint around the rim. But of course, that's probably because of the dishwasher, which didn't exist in the olden days either.

I wonder if anyone has discovered that any of the stuff they included in kids shows when I was a kid was harmful? Like the grandfather clock who talked or the bunny rabbit who didn't, the mouse who saved the day everyday wearing weird superman tights and cape. Even if they have, I only have fond memories of Mighty Mouse. My grandson likes him (and wants the poster I have to hang in his room, Mom) and has never even seen Captain Kangaroo. Some characters have universal appeal that transcends time.

I think the same thing was true of the "I Love Lucy" character. Even my girls when they were very little would sit and watch the old reruns and giggle out loud. That show may have been created for adults but there was so much slapstick it totally worked for kids too, almost like a 3 Stooges show. Funny is just funny, you know what I mean?

Anyway, I need to keep reminding myself to take my grandson back to the basics, so he isn't super dependent on electronic gadgetry by the time he goes to school. That seems to be much more typical (as in the case with many of my nieces and nephews) than not anymore.

Do any kids read books these days? It really is a miracle Harry Potter ever got off the ground. And now, what is the world coming to, Harry Potter in the nude on Broadway. Sigh. OK, not Harry Potter but the one we will all think of as him until he gets sufficiently older and loses that studious wizard look.

I'm committed to doing my part anyway.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Marathon Man

Well, I enjoyed it while it lasted. I always do. I'm referring to the period in the year when football is NOT on TV. Once it hits it's like Ricky remote kicks into full gear and the TVs are constantly flipping from football to stock car racing to golf, oh, and throw in a little ice skating or tennis if they're available. If he could stay planted in front of the boob tube for the full 48 hours, he'd be in heaven. Ugh!

The only sport I really enjoy watching on TV is baseball because through a myriad of TV cameras is the only way you can actually see what happened. When you're there live, you generally have no clue if the ball is safe, out or foul. And golf, don't get me started. It's tremendously boring when you're face to face with it, stick it on TV and you're then saturated with boredom.

It's like once I hear the familiar and nauseating noise of these crowds, I can't move fast enough to another room. I wish I could build him a man cave in the backyard somewhere and he could just live there all weekend. Then I wouldn't have that sound pollution all over the house. That's the other thing, it doesn't matter if he's in the room or not, he will have all the TVs (four of them) all turned on sports for just in case he comes through the room. I guess this is his version of absolute control over his environment, which is probably the reason I resist it so strongly, it's a tug of war.

I heard a story on NPR on Friday talking about the new computerized helmets they now have for high school football players. Maybe I should say they have them for those few who can afford them as in there are only three high schools who have them currently. So this software monitors the hits a kid takes over the course of the game, practice, anything and I suppose sets off some sort of a warning if they've gone too far, whatever that is. It sounds like a great idea, especially when they share statistics like over 60,000 kids suffered concussions in last year's football season. However, if they've already gotten hit when this computer system registers, exactly what good did that do? Wouldn't you be better off preventing the hit in the first place. I know my logic didn't serve me well in Algebra but it sure is kicking in here. Oh, well, I don't have any boy relatives who are in any immediate danger of knocking themselves out so I won't worry about it at this point.

Now if there was a computer software that actually pushed off the opponent coming at you because you had already taken more than your share of hits, that would be the software for me. What, you think that flies in the face of the whole point of football? Whatever!

See I can't even talk about sports without going down the proverbial rabbit hole. So I'm just going to stop here and make myself comfy. No, I'm actually going to go watch my son-in-law play BASEBALL for the league championship. I can't imagine a more beautiful day for it.

Hasta la vista.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

What Exactly Do You Mean By Cute?

Why is it we all think certain wild, "would rip us apart or run us down without any qualms" animals are cute? Panda bears come to mind, as well as some other bears like Sun Bears, Koalas, etc., not so much the Grizzly or Polar variety. But tigers, lions, ocelots, cheetahs, leopards, panthers, sea lions, giraffes, whales like "Free Willy", foxes, rabbits, owls, otters of all sorts and kangaroos. They don't even all have furriness in common although I think that generally makes you want to squeeze whatever it is and leads you to the "cute" assumption.

I know it's the eyes in the sea lions that are so appealing. Penguins qualify for the cute part but I think it would be difficult for them to run us down unless they were in the water although they could probably peck us to death if they felt like it.

I know if it's a baby anything it falls into this category. The picture of the brand new baby elephant, Sam, at the Portland zoo this morning was especially cute and you have to admit, elephants are born looking old and wrinkled. It's something about the miniature version of things that is so appealing. Along those same lines, though, I'd have to say a miniature version of my neck could never be called cute.

I think people feel the same way about kids, the miniature versions of their parents and extended family members. Especially when they are dressed in big people small fry clothes. They really look like "Mini Me's" walking around. From a tie dyed shirt to a pair of khaki shorts to a polo shirt, the little version is going to be cute.

I suppose having baby boy here today has me in a "cute" frame of mind and that's a happy place to be. I'm going to go now and enjoy the rest of my long-awaited weekend.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The Big Wind

It's hard to fathom Hurricane Ike's winds blowing through the Gulf coast at over 110 miles per hour when I look outside and see a sunny, 80 degree day. Especially knowing it's right on the heels of Gustav. In fact, some still don't have their power back from the Gustav storm. It makes me feel spoiled. But only for a minute considering how little of this we've had this year.

The irony is I'm actually watching The Weather Channel to see what's happening instead of a true news channel. Of course that means I'm turning into my father. Oh well, I guess it's inevitable.

Postscript: I just talked to my father and he's watching Deal or No Deal. The way I figure it, that means I'm more my father than he is. I'm not thinking about that one anymore.

The lights just went out in Galveston. H. Ike has a 60 mile-wide eye and is a 600 mile-wide storm system. These nutty news people who are standing out in this stuff to broadcast are absolutely goofball. They are obviously trying for some Pulitzer or something, there just isn't a good reason for anyone to endanger their lives to stand out in this stuff. I mean the wind, rain and surf keeps knocking out their power for their telecast so the point would be?

There go the transformers. But do they go in? Oh no! Oh, and now they have tornadoes all over the place. In fact, they said the tornadoes actually run along the wall of the eye. Yea, I think I'm going to look for a job on the Gulf next week...NOT!

This was my first week on a new 8-week fitness/nutrition pilot program at work. The nutrition is the trickiest part because you can only eat amounts and combinations of things they have identified as the perfect combination but my thighs are causing me the greatest pain. I really hope they settle down before I have to do my leg stuff again next Wednesday. Although I'm sure my shoulders and elbows (tonight's exercises) are going to hurt the next couple of days but my legs are so bad I have to go down the stairs like a toy soldier with the stiff legged march. Tomorrow I've got to try to walk it out in my 30 minutes of fast cardio. (Jamie and Meagan are the owners and walking models of success, by the way.)

It's very clear to me now why I waited 57 years to do serious weight training...it HURTS!

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Thankfully

I am a lucky dog, I admit it. I have great kids, great grandkids, a husband who begrudgingly will now cook, lovely, lovely books (especially the Illustrated Jane Austen recently added to my treasure trove), sunshine periodically, a beautiful piano which continues to set the bar much higher than my skill level, great family and friends, a job, lots of music and movies in my life, a relatively healthy body, a viable Democratic Party option, a lack of flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes or serious snow, the chance to travel to marvelous and interesting places, lots of opportunities to learn and I'm nowhere near the Golden Gate Bridge, which seems to be a magnet for jumpers. It gives me the heebie jeebies to think about it.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Twice As Long

Why does it always feel like the Republican Convention is twice as long as the Democratic Convention. Probably because I wasn't clued into the entire DNC but the RNC seems like it's everywhere and I am anxious for some real choices. It's always great when the democrats have the stage and the republicans have to pipe down. The reverse isn't nearly as comfortable. I hope Obama and team are busily storing up some good stuff to obliterate all the lies Repubs been piling up.

I also wonder how rosy the relationship is going to be between McCain and his sidekick considering the significant differences of opinion between them. How do you sell that? "I know I don't believe in "X" but she does so vote for us?"

Obama and Biden feel much more aligned, more cohesive, like they're driving toward common goals. What a novel idea! Of course, who knows, maybe Biden will turn around once he's been elected and shoot his best hunting partner friend in the face too. No, of course he won't, that is only something the current administration would do and condone doing all at the same time.

I was asked today what my top 3 strengths are and I said, "I'm a people person, I'm passionate about what I believe in, and I love to learn." I wonder what others would say my strengths are. It's not something you think much about unless you're on the interview circuit and thankfully I haven't been for quite awhile.

In fact, I don't think many of us spend much time thinking about ourselves, what we're good at and what needs work (other than always being late for meetings possibly), what makes us happy, what doesn't. It's probably a good exercise, just thought I'd share that.

Speaking of what I'm not good at, the piano is calling. A demain.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

There's Experience Then There's Experience

Is this the hair-do you would trust for maintaining our national security, improving our foreign relations, beginning our economic recovery, revamping education, refocusing on alternative sources of energy and working to save the environment, effectively pursuing our terrorist enemies, reducing the number of weapons, automatic and otherwise, being used on the streets and in our schools, leaving the clock where it is on R. vs W. and just generally undoing every aspect of the country Bush has destroyed in 8 years? Don't count on any of that.

Well then, do you want this hair-do answering that 3:00 AM call when McCain kicks the bucket half way through his first term? Could she even hear what they were saying through her hair net?

But most frightening of all, can you imagine all the women in the country in trying to emulate her, rushing to their beauty salons to revert back to this 60's hair-do? Yikes! That's the corker for me.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Who Are The Heroes?

They are the ones who put their money, their time, their intellect or any other resources they have where their mouth is. They don't just talk about the problem, they make something happen. And the something they do generally benefits others besides themselves. As a result, the something usually leaves a lasting impression, a legacy far beyond their lifetimes.

So, if you're wondering what brought this to mind, it was our mini-vacation to southern Oregon week before last. Frank Hart originally established the World Wildlife Safari 35 years ago. It was his vision and his dream to create a facility in the Pacific Northwest that would help save rare and endangered species from around the world.

The park opened to the public in the spring of 1973 (I think I was first there in 1975 or 1976). In 1980 the Safari Game Search Foundation was formed, and absorbed the park. The Foundation continues to operate the park. Wildlife Safari received accreditation by the AZA in 1986. It signifies that Wildlife Safari has established and maintains professional zoological management standards as judged by other professional zoological management standards as judged by other professional members of AZA. Receiving no tax support, the park is sustained by gate admissions, donations, memberships and grants. The individuals working on the 600 acres of Wildlife Safari are dedicated to conservation, education and research of native and exotic wildlife.
In fact, many of the species there are threatened or endangered.

Studying and breeding cheetahs is their main area of focus. This from their site:

Wildlife Safari began breeding cheetahs in 1973, with the first successful litter of four cubs born to Kruger (male) and Trian (female). Since then, 38 litters and 149 cheetahs have been born at the park. These statistics place Wildlife Safari as one of the top breeders of cheetahs in the U.S. and the western hemisphere. Through our partnership with the American Zoo and Aquarium's (AZA) Species Survival Plan for cheetahs, cubs born at the park have populated zoos across the U.S.

The addition of new genetics to the population and the promise of cubs are significant to the U.S. population of cheetahs, as according to the breeding recommendations from the AZA's Cheetah SSP, the number of cubs born in the U.S. dropped significantly during the 1990s. If American zoos are to maintain a sustainable population of cheetahs, successful breeding must increase and remain at a high level through the rest of this decade. Having these amazing cats in zoo populations allows us to educate our guests and conduct research that helps the endangered cheetah both in captivity and the wild.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus ) are native to Africa, with 12,000 in 25 African countries and 100 - 200 animals in Iran . The largest African population is in Namibia with 2,500 animals. Cheetahs are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and hunting by farmers worried about their livestock. An average cheetah weighs between 80 - 130 lbs. They are carnivorous, and prey on gazelles and other small to medium-sized hoofstock. Cheetahs live, on average, six to eight years in the wild and ten to fifteen years in captivity.

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal and can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour for short sprints. They are built for speed with a deep chest for large lungs and a powerful heart. They have a stride length of 20 feet. This is the distance between a foot touching the ground and that same foot touching the ground again. A cheetah's spine is very flexible, flexing and extending to help lengthen its spine. Their hind legs push sequentially rather than together like other animals, so all four feet are off the ground at one time, giving the cheetah the appearance of flight. The tail serves as a rudder and as a brake during high speed pursuit.

Yes, in my opinion this makes Frank Hart a hero!