Books, Reading, Writing, Misc

Today is the last day of January. I have been tryng to contact the library to renew my books for three more weeks. However, the line has been busy all morning. In addition, the website site is down so that option to renew is gone. The library gave all borrowings a Jan 31 due date because of the switch to the Horizon system. The last time I checked, there were about 10 books listed for me that I had already returned. I do hope the system will work, but the hope is fading.

I am starting to feel a little anxious about how to read all the books that I want to. How to read, comprehend, assimulate and build my knowledge base while continuing all my other activites? What suggestions would I have made to client about this situation?

"Cut down and focus on only the most important activities."

Easier said than done...

SA is coming at 12 to work on the wireless connection, installing the photo printer and getting the scanning pen to work. The Epson scanner is in place and the onus is on me to decide which files to convert to paperless.

I am reading too much stuff on the internet...too many newspapers, blogs, and research items. These activities tend to be without a solid purpose. Except, to see how others craft their works.

Why do I want to take a writing course? Don't I have enough research material to lay the foundation for my writing activites? Am I using this hypothetical Writing Course to postpone making any kind of writing commitment? Maybe.

"Cut down and focus on only the most important activities."

Alright, at this moment, taking a writing course fails the criteria of "most important activity". Pass.

What activities feel most important to accomplish today?

Renew my library books
Return what cannot be renewed
Clear the back desk of the incessant clutter

So Be It!

much later

I forgot to renew my books. So, I returned everything. I shall start the process again. This time, I will try not to get behind in my reading. I will attempt to borrow no more than 10 books at a time. I do have a Hold List of 30 books. Plus, I returned about 50 that I need to re-borrow. Will try to not obsess about this...

I just looked behind me...the clutter is still there. Hmmm, I forgot to handle that too.

Wow! What happened that I forgot to do these things? SA got the wireless system working for one of the computers, setup my photo printer, got the new digital camera installed and ready to go, determined that the pen scanner would not work on the XP computers unless I buy a USB one. He will install the pen scanner on the two Win98 SE that I use. While he did that, the dog trainer showed up for Max's lesson.

OH! I know what happened. I got sick. I had a serious bout of vertigo and could barely function for a while. I think the stress of being sick caused me to forget stuff. I did go buy some eggs, diet coke and fertilizer, though.

From D on the SOTU address

I think President Bush in his SOTU address got allot of help determing just what the american people wanted to hear. I was impressed by his manner of speaking (he came off looking like a very level headed but determined head of state, rather than a haranguing, boot beating war monger) After the speech the channel I watched discussed his economic policies and programs for changes. Not sure where all the money he plans to spend on these programs are coming from tho. After the speech I was convinced that we are going to war. It's just a matter of when. I was a bit depressed. (However) I agreed with him that we cannot trust Hussein to do the right thing for his country or for the rest of the world.
Did you read that the U.S. is negotiating a location for Hussein to take his family? Why the negotiating? Because it's cheaper than going to war was the answer.
I think Bush allocated enough time on domestic issues to reassure americans that he was working on our behalf and spent the rest of the time trying to gain support for a war with Iraq. I think he did it!! IMHO...

From MRS - War on Terror and SOTU address

by MRS: I have read a lot of criticism from the Left regarding Bush's speech and plan. I am sick of reading Opinions that seem to want America to do nothing but watch the UN accept Hussein's refusal to disarm. I assume these same people would clamor for action when thousands of additional lives are lost because the terrorist world stepped up the ante. The line was drawn 12 years ago. Hussein stepped over it many times with no significant (to him) consequences. That his own people had to pay for his conquest ambitions, apparently, made to difference to him. I believe until 9/11, the terrorist world had suffered no real consequences for their actions. Like the craven cowards that they are, they hide themselves behind religious trappings.

The US has been unable to retaliate because they could not locate the actual perpetrators. Finally, we are saying, it doesn't matter what fanatic pulled the trigger. We want the group/government who gave them the guns/bombs/weapons/money/support! That's is how you wage a War on terrorism! Get to the source and fight there. These fanatics are supported completely. They do not get jobs, save their money, and go buy the bombs, etc. They are handed their tools, assignments, etc. They act like the good sheep that they are. America needs to shut down the suppliers in a way that warns future terrorists of the dire consequences of messing with America and its allies.

Just realized that you were writing about the SOTU address and I was ranting on and on about the War on Terror. Sorry, you know what tunnel vision I suffer from sometimes.

I wish that Americans did not need to be reassured that Bush has a domestic focus. They want their leaders to be all things to all people. People are so worried about the state of the economy. There have always been ups and downs and there probably always will be. Why is everyone so worried about the future? This is America. Really, where is te world going to invest their wealth (in the long term)? Europe? Middle East? Asia? South America? Africa? I bet on America.

SOTU address and my focus on Medicare

I made a post yesterday after the Bush SOTU address.The post somehow got lost and never made it to the published state. Oh well, can't remember too much of what I typed. Anyway, I felt Bush did an excellent job on the speech. I was impressed by the aid to Africa for Aids relief, the commitment to a hydrogen powered car, the mentor program for children of prisoners, and the attempt to help addicts.

I am not sure the medicare reforms and the drug coverage will handle the massive problems with the medicare system. Or is the entire medical system in disarray? Too many lawsuits, creating too many unnecessary tests because everyone is CYAing as a SOP. Dick was in the hospital for two days for testing. Nothing was found. The bill was $7,000. Medicare and our private insurance paid their share. The hospital wrote off the difference. I would guess the hospital received less than $1,000 of the $7,000 bill. Was the $7,000 a real bill? I suspect not. I believe the hospitals boost their base rate charges knowing that they will have to write off the bulk (due to the amount medicare determines is reimbursable for a procedure). I know that Dick received far more than $1,000 of medical services and far less than $7,000 of medical services.

So, who ever pays the $7,000? I would guess, auto insurance claims, worker's comp insurance claims, lawsuit settlements, etc. are forced to reimburse these inflated medical costs. Inflated, because medicare can only afford to reimburse about 15 cents on a dollar. Is this fair? No. What is the answer? Donno.

Adding drug coverage is going to be incredibly costly. Right now, the government gives the pharmaceuticals huge incentives to research and develop new drugs. Basically, when the have a successful drug patent, they can gouge the market for a period of time (three years, I think). Then, other drug companies can compete via generics. The "free" period is supposed to compensate the drug companies for the losses they incur in R & D (most new drugs never make it to market).

The drug companies are geared to surviving on their "home runs". Apparently, the drug companies have been playing a lot of games:

making cosmetic changes to their successful patents to obtain a new patent and another period to gouge the market
wining and dining MDs to get them to prescribe their medicine
sponsoring research which appear scientific, but is really just a plug for their drug
buying (by proxy) drug testing companies and directing the subsequent research
touting uses of their successful drugs that the FDA never approved
using celebrities to market their drugs and the unfair inference that the drug if better than all the others

I don't have tremendous heart-burn with the drug companies' ability to gouge for a limited period. This is the carrot. We benefit because of the new drugs that are discovered and brought on the market.

It is the rest that really pisses me off! Drug companies are failing the OINK test! Enough is enough!

The Hours

Went to see The Hours today. I thought all the performances were some of the best I have ever seen. The stories were mesmerizing and addictive. I started to cry very early in the movie and continued intermittantly throughout the rest of the show. While crying, I wondered who I was crying for...the characters? Me? Dick? Wow, this movie could be a major downer for anyone over 40 looking back on their lives.

Seeing this movie today was so perfect. Last night, I really got (emotionally) that I am going to be 54 years old. I was stunned at the revelation. 54! My life is probably more than half over. Even if I live beyond 100, will I be frail and forgetful? No..I refuse that path. However, at 54, I am a long time from being labeled "full of potential". My accident removed 11 years from my productive life. Will I make a come-back of any type?

Will I start a new career? Does it really matter? Well, yes, it does. I want to get back into the world again. A world of my choosing... A world of my creation...

SA Meeting

Today I met with SA and we discussed many items. Much of the discussions were related to his business. I was probably more frank than usual. I like SA despite the fact that his way of conducting business just cries out, "failure unavoidable". He does not remain focused on one project for any length of time. He likes to dwell on ideas, creative possibilites and interesting conversations. He seems to get swept away with one notion, then another. Life just seems like a huge smorgasbord of exciting potentials. The routine and mundane are just too routine and mundane to hold his attention for long.

He really needs to be an employee for a large business. However, he would just take too long to do things because he would spend far too long just talking to people rather than finishing his job. Perhaps he might be better suited to working in education, or for a non-profit or government agency. He does not have a bottom-line focus that is necessary when running a business.

For instance, he worked on a digital wedding video for three months (to get it just right). However, three months to finish the video is a long time for a $1,200 job. He filmed the pre-, the wedding and the reception. In addition he completed the photo montage with music. I would guess he had 125 hours in the project. That comes to only $9.60 per hour. Difficult to recover his costs at those rates.

I have to be a little careful how I deal with him. It would be so easy for me to fall into a Mentor or Mother role with this man. He has talent, but I am not sure he has the will to succeed. I suggested he pull together a book which would provide a tremendous boost to his business. I said that I might be willing to collaberate. I asked him to do some research to see whether the book idea is a viable. I guess I'll have to see how he completes that before making any kind of financial commitment. I do not want to get in the lending business.

Decision made to try partial wireless approach

Tonight was spent working on the computer. I was not very successful! I bought a wireless 4 port router and planned to add one computer as a wireless and leave the other three as hard wired. Previously, I could not access the Internet from all three. Tonight, I got that fixed, but could not get the fourth computer wired. I will try a few more things tomorrow. If that does not work, I will return the wireless router with the access point. This will save me $150 now, but Cablevision would charge me $10 a month plus $129 for a 4 port hub! They refused to use my router. Hmmm, I should really try to make the router work.

I have been giving some thought to switching to a linux system, but have decided that I absolutely need the multitude of applications that Windows provides for. Microsoft's newest foray into strangling their customers just makes me sick! They will only allow you to install their Office software on 2 computers. However, I have 5 at home that I use for personal purposes. They are trying to force me into buying 3 copies of their overpriced software. I don't know what to do. I like to install all programs on all computers. Otherwise, I have to turn everything on. No, I guess I could use my main computer as the program server. At most, there would be three people using the computers at the same time. I'll have to think about this later.

Great singing today. We went from about 2 PM to about 5:45. The time just flew by! Because of the benefits to my brain wave therapy, I need to make sure I sing more than 10 hours per week. Currently, I am singing only about 3 hours a week. I may have to add a couple solo sessions, if it will fit. I need to fill in a calendar to see how to fit all my activites in.

Nell Carter

Nell Carter died today. She was 54. I loved her in Ain't Misbehaving.

The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas. -- Dr. Linus Pauling

Why am I reading so much? I feel as though I am filling my head with tons of related and unrelated facts. Will these facts gel, then percolate to the surface as conclusions? Armed with conclusions, will I then have something to say? Are conclusions the same as ideas?

Before my accident, I always had lots of ideas and thoughts about how to improve "things" or to solve client problems. These thoughts just rolled around in my head, independent of circumstance. Now, my thought process appears completely reactive. Unless questioned directly, my mind produces no reflection (that I remember). Yet, when a question is asked, my mind spins a myriad of of possible answers. I am often surprised at what comes out of my mouth. Sometimes, I start talking without (it seems) engaging my conscious thought process.

Magazine Subscription Problems

There is something wrong with how magazine subscriptions are handled. I am much to blame because I often forget things. However, there still seems to be a pattern of indifference to service that I find worrisome.The fact that I am now catching these errors indicates my recovery is going well. Here are some of the facts we dug up this afternoon:

May '99 Paid the Consumer Reports for one year
December '99 Paid Consumer Reports for a five year subscription (I had forgotten about the May '99 check)
About 2 or 3 years ago, stoped receiving the magazine. By that time, had forgotten that the subscription should run through April 2006
Oct 02 Paid Consumer Reports for one year's membership (completely forgot about the other subscriptions)
Jan 03 received a renewal notice (after receiving only three issues - so far)
Called them today to find out what happened to the 1999 subscriptions (they had no records), and had to fax them copies of the two cancelled 1999 checks.

Last year, paid PC World for one year's subscription. A month later, paid another of their bills (they tend to send quite a few).

July '02 I apparently qualified for two free subscriptions, so I choose ESPN the Magazine and Money. To date, Have not received any issues.

Oct '02, forgot about the free offers, and subscribed and paid for one year of ESPN the Magazine.

Oct 02 subscribed and paid for Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Car & Driver. So far, I have not received a single issue, BUT have received a renewal notice from Car&Driver.

October 2002, I subscribed to and paid for Writer's Digest and have not received any magazine, yet.

Amelia Earhardt...her plane still not located

September 28, 2001. Niku IIII was the most successful Earhart expedition ever conducted. Whether or not it has produced the proverbial smoking gun remains to be seen, but there is no question that we have now identified and begun the clearing and excavation of a bona-fide archaeological site on Nikumaroro that is producing artifacts which have the potential of conclusively solving the Earhart mystery. Ric Gillespie, Executive Director, TIGHAR

The "anomoly" discovered by the Ikonos space satelite turned out to be bright red coral which appeared rust-like in the satelite photos. Darn. See my post at 11/28/2002 11:53:04 AM .

A Filmmaker Explores His Addiction to Reading

Mark Moskowitz, filmmaker and voracious reader, reveals his addiction to books with his new documentary "Stone Reader." This NY Times article stopped me in my tracks. Addiction to reading? "Mr. Moskowitz ... managed to put a wild case of bibliophilia on film." Wow! This is a Do Not Miss movie.

Bibliophilia. A lover of reading runs amok! Deranged reader holds library hostage. "Give me my books. I need books." Gee, another problem to face. For the record, I do not read all the time...just one a day.

Moskowitz says "People have told me it's the closest they've come to reading a book in a movie theater.".

Finished Is There a Book Inside You and started The Self-Publishing Manual, by the same author (Dan Poynter). I am a little disappointed because whole sections were lifted from the first book and put in the second book. The second book is in its 8th edition printing, 1994. The second book is copyrighted around 1985 (2nd edition). I guess this is what the author means when he says to write multiple books under the same topic/umbrella. I did not expect him to copy himself, though. I hope that once I get into the meat of the book, there will be newer information.

I enjoy reading this author. He writes clearly and communicates easily.

Self-Publishing sounds like something worth further investigation. Publishing might be an enjoyable activity. Writing and publishing How-to and Self-Help books, pamphlets, and newsletters sound like a productive use of my time. Since I love to read and involve myself with in-depth learning situations, writing and publishing might be a logical extension.

"An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind."

--Gandhi

Two Articles from the NY Times

Adult Stem Cell Research

The F.D.A. suspended 27 gene therapy trials involving several hundred patients after a second child treated in France developed a leukemia-like condition. However, a later article stated that the leukemia-like condition was due to the actual gene used. When the gene was added, it landed near a cancer causing gene which got "turned on". Have not read anything about the FDA's plan to restart their testing.

Copyright Battles

In a victory for big entertainment companies, the Supreme Court upheld a 1998 law today that added 20 years to all existing copyrights.

The US continues prevent copyrighted material from entering the Public Domain. Europe sensibly refuses to extend their copyright periods. I have seen many copyright proposals which make sense:

Use It periodically or Lose It to Public Domain
Pay a small fee to keep copyright protection active (if no fee paid for three years, then Public Domain)

My Current Interests

Updated 2/09/03 (in italics)
Finding out what happened to Amelia Earhardt...so far the 2001 expedition did not solve anything
Doing the research for the HR project...hitting a snag because of lack of user names and codes
Supporting changes to the penal system for nonviolent offenders
Determining if 92 nukes were really lost at sea
Fighting against the extension the time period of copyright protection
Following up on the Sleep Deprivation/Diabetes connection
Investigating Elder Care options in Hawaii
Increasing my theta brainwave production
Reading 100 times faster with 100 percent comprehension and retention
Finishing the 400 books that are lying around the house (plus the 100 library books)
Educating myself concerning the adult vs. embryonic stem cell research
Funding genetic research for my family
Setting up another blog on 2003 predictions
Encouraging DLH to start her own blog...suggested to her
Losing 65 pounds...lost 11 pounds
Opening a new business
Completing the Family Newsletter...appointed GG as the Editor
Moving my Karaoke system into the den...approved the construction costs of sound-proof windowsand new walls
Singing a few hours every day
Organizing my office & closets
Creating interesting web pages (content-wise)
Helping Fred to publish and sell his book
Using the pen scanner effectively...connected to laptop
Going paperless in a workable way
Converting my VHS collection to DVD and LPs to CDs
Eliminating excess software
Preparing my Family Genealogy Report
Starting a 501(c)3 organization
Continuing the blogging process...ongoing
Adding a wireless system to my hard-wired network ...done
Taking a writing course(s)

I am starting to collect research information by topic. No clue what I intend to do with the information. However, now that I am organizing the information into folders, I hope to see a pattern to my interests.

I just started a book, Is There a Book Inside You. The author is Dan Poynter. He has some good ideas regarding where to look for possible book topics. At this time, I am only interested in writing non-fiction, Self-Help or How-To books. The book had a few tests to determine if you were ready to write a book. I did not score well. It appears that I might need collaborators. Or, I may not be ready to start the process. Now, that makes sense since I have no topic...not even the glimmer of a topic.

Today, I finished William Safire's, Fumble-Rules. It is called a lighthearted guide to grammar and good useage. This was not a book to read quickly, as is my wont. The author's writing is a joy to read. He is funny, irreverent and makes his point succinctly. He has many rules like:

Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.
Eschew dialect, irregardless.
Never use propositions to end sentences with.
Don't use no double negatives.
Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.

I just copied these rules from the back cover.

Here's more that I liked:

A writer must not shift your point of view.
Do not put statements in the negative form.
Don't use Capital letters without good REASON.
Write all adverbial forms correct.
Also, avoid awkward or affected alliteration.
And, don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
The passive voice should never be used.
Writing carefully, dangling participles should be avoided.
Never use a long word when a dimunitive one will do.
Use parallel structure when you write and in speaking.
Remember to never split an infinitive.
Take the bull by the hand and don't mix metaphors.

WE took Fred and Harry to Breakfast, Lunch & Crab and had a lot of fun. They liked their food (fortunately), but Dick and I thought the food was just OK. Harry seems to be a nice guy and I like him. Could it be because he said that Max was very smart??? I asked him how he could tell that...he said that when he talked to Max, Max watched him quite intently as though trying to understand what Harry was saying. I notice that about Max, too! So,l that is a sign of a smart dog! Good to know. Harry ran a dog grooming business in Brooklyn for many years. Actually, he clipped while his partner washed.

Tomorrow, Harry is going with Joann to hike up the Stairway to Heaven in Kaneohe. I have never heard of this place before. Neither had Dick or Fred. Guess we know who the athletic ones are in this crowd!

Thursday was a great day of Karaoke. I also just bought Life Journal and spent the last 4 hours copying various posts from here into it. I like the search function.

Today (actually, yesterday - Jan. 14) was a busy day of errands, shopping and talking with Paula, Brian, Head Librarian, Ursula, Ron, Larry and numerous salespeople.

About Schmidt

Saw this movie today and was blown away by J Nicholson's performance. Kathy Bates was also outstanding. I guess there really is no actor better than JN. But I still find it hard to feel comfortable with his performances. There always seems to be an undercurrent of sleaziness that I don't care for. I enjoyed the movie, but would not want to watch it again. A sense of despair pervades the entire movie. Hope that the Schmidt character is truly the exception, not the rule for the age 65 retiring white collar American worker.

GroupMail, etc.

I just got the GroupMail, by Infacta, free software to work. I am sending out seven test messages to my test group. I made the file too big, so each email is taking about 30 seconds. It should only be a little while longer.

Later: This software will not work for me because it appear to only allow text messaging (no formatting, font changes, etc.). I had planned the family emails to be a little more snazzy than just basic text. I sent the company an email to ask if I upgraded to the pay software, would there be more options. I suspect not, based on my review of their website. However, it never hurts to ask. (much later) They said that te Pro version has an add-in that will do what I want. However, there are no samples for me to look at. If I buy the software, have 30 days to check it out. Can get a full refund if it does not do what I want. I shall do this when I have the time to play around further.

I downloaded a freeware software, IncrediMail. It is filled with all kinds of jazzy stuff, great stationary choices, lots of good emoticons and other animations. There is an unobtrusive ad at the bottom of each email (a dark orange envelope with these words IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here ). For personal purposes, I think this is fine. The upgrade (no Ads) is available for $30. I have to go take a look and see what is offered. I am not sure I need the upgraded software. But, I had a lot of fun tonight sending test emails out. (Later) Not all the people who receive an email sees it completely. When not all is seen, then the email looks funny. This is not a good way to do what I want.

Interesting turn of events. After posting the last entry, the "charge" diminished. Guess I'll have to see if the energy regenerates on its own. I am debating whether to delete the last entry or leave it in. Better to leave it in, since this blog is supposed to help me with my short-term memory problems.

Tonight I read a lot of interesting blogs, news articles, and other items of a type usually found on the internet. Well, best to start with the recall session:

Arguments in support of Adult Stem Cell (ASC) research verses Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) research
If what I read is accurate, there have been a lot more successes with ASC. However, it is too soon to determine what the final outcome will look like. I believe some sort of Stem Cell use will happen in America in the near future. When people are sick and near death, most will want to exhaust all avenues to retain their lives. This is especially true when the sick are children. Their parents will push more vehemently for any solution to their child's pain and suffering. I want to look at other countries reactions to stem cell research.

Australian Dr. Death Visiting America and His Suicide Machine Confiscated
A suicide machine which produces pure carbon monoxide was supposed to be demonstrated on Sunday by the Doctor Philip Nitschke. Nitschke, head of the assisted suicide group Exit Australia, planned to show the machine to the national conference of the American euthanasia advocacy body the Hemlock Society in San Diego, California.

Nitschke gained international notoriety last year when he helped, some would say pressured an Australian woman with terminal cancer to commit suicide. Trouble was, she didn’t have cancer, nor was she terminally ill. And, while Dr. Nitschke is touting his suicide machine today, his ultimate goal is suicide pills for all. (Grrrr)

Condoms are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy or Disease
Haven't followed this area before and so did not realize that there were questions about the effectiveness of the condom program in fighting HIV. Pro-condom (pro's) supporters seem to believe that condoms will "fix" the problem. Anti-condom (anti's) supporters feel only abstinence will "fix" the problem. The pro's are arguing that there is a conspiracy to remove condom from general use. I think the pro's article stated that the US condoms donated overseas was 800 million, now are down to 300 million. The anti's are apparently trying to convince people that condoms are flawed and so cannot be relied on. Ergo...abstinence is the only answer.

Between the two extremes, is the huge middle ground. There is a worry that kids today are brain-washed to believe that they are 100% safe as long as they use a condom. This is not so. There are small porous holes that disease can get through. I think this problem is exacerbated if the condom is left out for 72 hours (except, who would use a dried up condom?).

'Fat Land': Supersizing America Reviewed By MICHAEL POLLAN
Very interesting review of this book written by Greg Critser. America (with tiny exceptions) has the fattest people on earth. This book attempts to reconstruct the political history of this overnutrition which has happened in America the last 30 years. Today, the American food supply delivers 3,800 calories per day per American. This is up 500 calories per day from 30 years ago. Those extra calories are being consumed by us. This trend started with the supersizing of drinks (Big Gulp), Super Fries, popcorn buckets, two for one pricing, etc.

I notice even the pricing structure of products strongly encourages buying the larger products. At the theater, the large drink is $3.00; whereas the extra large drink is on $3.25. You get a lot for that extra 25 cents. At the 711, the cost differential is even smaller...20 cents. The cost of the incremental soda is miniscule, so the difference is almost pure profit to the snackbar or store. However, the public has to pay for all the problems asscociated with weight gain...obesity, diabetes, heart, etc. Today, at Star market, 12 cans of pepsi was was $5.99 and 24 can of the same pepsi was $5.99. So, we bought the 24 cans and will drink the 24 cans! I guess it was a loss leader for the store (but not any lost weight for us).

Train Wreck Chronicles January 10, 2003 post
She writes about another blogger who used his blog to vent his work frustration. Apparently, his employer found about about the blog and figured out his identity. They fired him yesterday. I am not an attorney but this sure sounds like wrongful termination. The blogger never used his name or the name of the company. Apparently, the company had to work quite hard to determine the owner of the blog in order to fire him. Can they do that? Can you lose your job for expressing your frustrations in a blog (without identifying your employer or who you are)?

Misc Rants

I guess we helped France during WWII. God knows, they did little enough to help themselves! I need to get control of my anti-France stance...I know it solidified when they detonated atomic bombs in the South Pacific. Their nimby attitude REALLY pissed me off! However, I should learn to let go of stuff from the old days...right?

hmmm...oh-oh, I can feel a bunch of rants coming on...:

my upset with SS for her comments about my dad's car (after he died) and that she was oblivious to how sick I was when she was complaining about the conditions of her life

my upset with SD about her only calling me when she wants help (or someone to listen)

my upset with B for counting the number of "I's" verses "You's" in a letter I wrote when I was 12 or 13 years old

my upset with the people who never reply to anything I personally write them (much less send them)

my upset with JMS for her comments about the people who died in the WTC

my upset with PW for spending 60+ hours on an 8 hour project (and not blinking an eye when she submitted her timesheet) and my upset with myself for allowing this to happen

Wow...this is getting to be a harangue instead of an email (ggg)!

Maybe, I should copy this and put it in my blog for further work. I am sure there are lots of self-defeating patterns disclosed here.

United Airline thoughts...

Today, the United Airline (UAL) pilots agreed to accept a 29% pay cut. Big of them. However, UAL pilots used to make about $287,000 per year for 50 hours of work PER month. That would be 600 hours per year, or $478.33 per hour. This contributed a LOT to the airline's banruptcy. The Flight Attendants agreed this week to a nine percent wage decrease. The machinists rejected a 13 percent wage decrease last month.

Actually, I believe the company should close and its assets sold to other airlines who will operate them more efficiently and productively. UAL has been too poorly managed to survive. I know this sounds cold...but what can you do...they pay their people the highest in the field, get the least productivity, provide the worst passenger service...what's worth saving? The employees own 55% of the company and used this position to give themselves even larger raises. Management warned the union leaders that UAL was losing too much to continue in operation. The Union leaders apparently did not believe management. I guess they thought there was some Enron-type machinations going on.

I just wanted to get this down here while I go research further.

Dreadful New TV Commercials Criticizing SUV Buyers

I just hate those commercial that are now airing about how the buying of SUV's support terrorists. Apparently, Ariana Huffington, a columnist, saw the recent drug commercials aimed at the casual drug user. The drug commercials trace the money spent on the drugs back to cold-blooded killers in South America. These commercials are very effective. The message is unmistakeable...buying drugs supports killers of innocent people!

So, Ms. Huffington gets the idea of using the same copy-cat approach to criticize US buyers of SUVs. These new commercials are objectionable, offensive, mean-spirited, un-American, and completely off-base. How can Ms. Huffington equate the US buyers of SUVs to US drug users? What were she and her supporters thinking? The decision to buy drugs is a daily, often casual decision. The drug buyer can decide at any point in time to "just say no"! Not so with the SUV buyer. Millions of people have already bought their SUVs. Now these stupid commercials are labeling SUV owners Terrorist Supporters! What nerve! What self-righteousness! This makes my blood boil!

I assume Ms. Huffington and her supporters who behind this abusive TV commecial don't care that in these poor economic times people can not just get rid of their SUVs and buy other cars more acceptable to their way of thinking. When have we become a country where the use of these unfair tactics have become accepted by the usually, fair-minded Americans. What about Ms. Huffington and her 9,000 SF air conditioned house? Can't we infer that she also supports terrorists becasue of the excessive fuel used to keep her 9,000 SF house cool? Norman Lear attempted to ask Ms. Huffington about her house. However, she huffingly refused to discuss the issue.

Personally, I dislike SUVs. They take up too much room, block my view, make parking lots unsafe, are gas guzzlers, etc. However, I would not attack owners in such unfair and one-sided ways. How dare Ms. Huffington, her supporters and the makers of the commercials try to make these Americans feel guilt or shame by labeling them Terrorist Supporters.

This is not right.

Spent three hours looking up game website to see if they had the XP drivers/updates. Most did not. However, I did send off about 5 emails asking for help with the XP issues. Hopdfully, they will answer with some useful information. Things feel a little easier with B since I had a chance to "vent" via the two email I sent him. I don't know why I thought that I had to do the reconciliation. It is virtually impossible for me to follow that type of work.

Think I'll stop for now and go check out the newspapers. I have not read much the past few days.

I went to B's house around 8 pm to help him get his computer stablized. He installed a new graphics card and his system crashed. Robert tried to walk him through reinstalling Windows via the telephone. However, B was locked into safe mode and could not get out. I went by because Robert had to do someting tonight and B wanted to backup all his data files. I did that and tried to install updated video drivers for the card. However, there was a problem because B's computer could not access the internet.
We removed the new card and put the old card back in. This allowed us to reboot out of safe mode and I got his files backed up.

I told him that his computer was old (bought 12/99) and did not think it was worthwhile installing better cards and more RAM. I thought that it would be better to get a new computer. I think I will go by the office tomorrow and check out whether there are XP drivers for the games that he is playing.

Toodles

Edith Piaf - Fine Tune

Just bought this CD from Barnes & Noble. They are selling The Gold Collection which are a lot of old artists. The quality is pretty good for the price charged ($5.99). Apparently, Edith Piaf was a famous French singer. I am listening to this CD now and am having a hard time evaluating the music because she is singing in French. I find it hard to listen objectively to french singing. This may harken back to the time when France detonated atomic bombs in the Pacific atolls. The French definitely follow the nimby rules and it really got me mad!

The front of the CD advertised a 16 page booklet with rare photographs...6 photographs, 5 quotes, a listing of the songs and the copyright information...hmm, not a booklet by my definition. Here's a quote:

I think you have to pay for love with bitter tears., Edith Piaf

She must have performed in the days when Torch Singers were popular. Some of her songs sound like she is singing her heart out, or wrenching her guts out. I shall listen to her CD a few more times. It takes a little adjustment to listen to songs from such a long time ago. I wonder if this batch is from copyrights expiring. This is what I bought:

The Miracles........................14 songs
Sarah Vaughan....................14 songs
Encyclopedia of Jazz............14 songs
Gershwin Singbook...............12 songs
Cole Porter Songbook...........11 songs
Luciano Pavarotti..................14 songs
Encyclo of Rock & Roll.........14 songs

Am still trying to get the hang of formating on this Blog. Anyway, since Pavarotti is there, I would guess this is not about expiring copyrights.

"Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both."
- John Andrew Holmes

I'm speechless...

Real Property Tax Increase

We got our assessment in the mail for 2003. They increased our assessed value by 155 percent! Yikes! In addition, they just announced that the rates will also be increased for 2003. This does not feel right. There was an interview on the news that said the Real Property rates for my neighborhood went up between 8 percent to 10 percent.

I need to go look and see if I can find any hard copy on this interview. I gave Dick what I found. He plans to work on the protest tomorrow. The articles in the paper give the increase for my neighborhhod to be around 8.2 percent. This is huge difference from 155 percent.

1/7/03 11:02 I just finished typing the protest that Dick completed. I am going to ask PG to fill out the form since she is the only one with legible handwriting aroud here. We shall just have to see what happens with the protest. We are suppoed to go to a hearing. I wonder if I should poll the neighbors to find out what their assesments were like.

E-Mail to B

I wrote a very long email to B telling him how hurt I was by the way he talked to me today on the phone. Wow, I really have changed. This is not something I could have done 6 months ago. At this moment, I am not sure I can even remember what it was that I wrote. The old me, would be nervous and a little anxious about what will happen when he reads it. The new me knows it will all work out (for the best).

I was crying as I typed the email. I suspect there was a lot of unexpressed hurt which may have gotten healed by this process. I ended the email with two lines:

Hope you read this email. Just needed to clear the air.
The air does feel fresher and clearer.

1/7/03 B replied to my email with a couple terse lines. I am not sure he bothered to read what I wrote. Does it matter? I wrote it. So, I replied in non-common verbose manner (I think the reply was at least 10 paragraphs). No reply so far.

Catch Me If You Can

This movie is based on a true story of a teenage con artist (DiCapprio) who stole about 4 million via bad checks and the no-personal-life FBI agent (Tom Hanks) who ultimately catches him. While doing the stealing, teenager successfully impersonates a Co-Pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer (who also gets hired as an assistant DA). He even takes the New Orleans bar exam after studying for two-weeks (this is apparently true). The movie rating is PG-13. I am not sure I would take kids to see this movie because liking the teenager but hating the crime may not translate well for kids.

The movie was a lot of fun. It happens during the 60's which was a more "innocent" time for America. Airline pilots were looked up to. Children wanted their autographs. Stewardesses were glamorous and flying was safe.

I would enjoy seeing this movie again. Hard to believe this is a Spielberg movie.

4.5 stars

The family monthly luncheon went off without too much if a struggle. The restaurant was very crowded. We were there last year on January 6, 2002. Quite empty, then. I think 9/11 kept most people home. People still did not want to celebrate with the wounds still fresh in their hearts and minds. This year, both locals and tourists were out in droves. The bill came to $210 including tip. Things are definitely going up in price. The waiters brought a piece of cake and candle for Jerry. We all sang Happy Birthday. He seemed pleased. I also gave him a couple of presents to open tomorrow (his real birthday).

B is interested in creating a home for the elderly. The elderly would not need medical care or be incapacitated in any serious way. Probably, be at that in-between stage (between living at home and needing long-term care). He wants to use the property where his house is situated. I think he said that he has 42,000 SF of land area. He in envisioning many little connected one- and two-bedroom bungalows with a central eating facility. Seems like a lot of work to me. He said that there are a lot of people our age who are unemployable in today's job market. Depressing thought.

I thought that he might gain a lot by talking to SS since she already operates a full blown care facility. She would probably be willing to visit his home and look around and give him some pointers. B feels this is an area that is currently overlooked. The elderly do not have a lot of options at this point.

I need to start back on my exercise program. I do not want to end up even partially incapacitated when I reach "elder" status.

Happiness

"If you want happiness for an hour -- take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day -- go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month -- get married.
If you want happiness for a year -- inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime -- help someone else.

-- Chinese proverb"

I just copied this from another blog. The writer appears to be a helper, as I probably am. It's so much easier for me to help someone else than to help myself. I suspect that I process a lot of resistance, etc. when helping others. Then, it feels easier to handle my own load.

For instance, I'm helping a friend do some research for her work. The research topic is not one I have ever been interested in. However, I am learning more and more about my own research process as I begin looking for information. By helping her, I am getting some needed routine in my Internet surfing. Now, there is a point to my internet surfing. Obviously overstating the case here because I have a lot of interests and do considerable personal research. However, my point is: my research never goes anywhere or means anything to anyone but me.

I guess I want to impact others...or is it as simple as wanting to be noticed? No, that's not it. How about wanting to make a contribution? When I owned my own CPA firm, every day I felt like I was making a contribution to my clients (helping them achieve peace of mind, their goals, etc.). Since my accident, I have been so involved in my own rehab that I have not had much of an impact anywhere.

Intellectually, I know this is not true. However, emotionally, this feels true.

A Different Clutter Book Approach

I finally located the missing three books that I started to read. They were in a bag hidden behind some clutter. Two of the books were on clearing clutter. Hahahahaha...what a laugh! Actually, had already completed one of the books and just wanted to type some notes into the Book Library database. I was more ambivalent about the other clutter book, Stop Clutter From Stealing Your Life, Mike Nelson, 2001.

All the other clutter books I have read were written by organizers (paid to help you de-clutter). The other books focused on how to de-clutter, avoid clutter, how to setup systems which support you in not cluttering, etc. The approaches were very procedure oriented (room-by-room, by function, etc.).

When I started to read the Nelson book, I thought to myself...this is not me. Mike Nelson was a major league clutterer, a pack rat, a hoarder, and possibly had OCD. Plus, it appears he was also a slob. Apparently, it was impossible to navigate through his rooms. Dirty dishes. Dirty clothes on top of clean clothes. Piles and stacks of papers, newspapers, magazines, etc. Kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, all filled to the brim with stuff.

I have a lot of clutter in my computer room and have way TOO many clothes and accessories. But, I can open cabinets and closets and nothing falls out. There is nothing crammed into nooks and crannies. Some drawers are empty.

Somewhere mid-way through the book, I got it. This book was different. It was my first book written by a clutterer for clutterers. What he had to say was authentic. The focus was within not without. Mike Nelson spent more time looking inside for the answers to why he was cluttering. I thought that this was the right way to go. He founded a 501(c)3 organization called Clutterless. The do not offer a 12-step program, but offer support from other clutterers. I found the reading to be immensely interesting, but I was still outside the book, looking in, feeling a little distant.

Sleep Deprivation Problems

The book (pages 186 & 187) cites a US News & World Report cover story (October 16, 2000) that states that many Americans suffer from a permanent sleep deficit. The results are a weakened immune system which result in more colds, etc. I have not yet read the magazine article and assume he is accurately summarizing it. The author's point here was that clutter so disorganizes people; it causes them to spend time trying to get caught up or just find things. This extra time is usually squeezed from sleep time.

In the next paragraph, the book goes on to state that sleep deprivation also decreases our levels of cortisol which causes one to look older. Further, sleep loss also decreases levels of the hormone leptin, which increases the body's need for carbohydrates. This results in increased eating and weight gain.This section ends with "Some experts believe that our national sleep deficit contributes to the national epidemics of obesity and diabetes."

Recently, I have gone through a period of sleep deprivation. I was sleeping about 3 to 4 hours nightly. I've now been trying to force myself to sleep more. Went through more than a week of disturbed sleep, extreme sleepiness during the day, etc. There were at least two times that I could not stop myself from falling asleep.

Today, while reading the book, noticed that I was eating 3 pancakes and a huge plate of fried rice! This amount of carbs would have normally made me quite ill. However, this is the 2nd time since I have started to get more sleep that I found myself overdosing on carbs. Tonight, I tried to do some research on this issue. I found nothing. I forgot to look for the magazine article. I shall do that as soon as I logoff here. I located an excerpt of the article. The magazine want $3 for a reprint. I'll check around at the library first.

Decrease Your Sleep and Increase Your Risk for Diabetes.

Found this information on Usenet (misc health alternative):

A chronic lack of sleep may cause far more serious problems than a tendency to nod off the next day. People who do not get enough sleep on a regular basis may become less sensitive to insulin which, over time, can raise the risk of obesity high blood pressure diabetes In fact, Dr. Eve Van Cauter at the University of Chicago found that chronic sleep deprivation--6.5 hours or less of sleep a night--had the same effect on insulin resistance as aging.

Just like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress and aging, sleep loss is a risk factor (for type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body loses its ability to respond to insulin, the body's key blood sugar-regulating hormone. This insulin resistance causes blood sugar levels to rise, which in turn can increase the risk for a number of serious medical complications including kidney damage, heart disease, blindness and lower limb amputations.

According to the study healthy adults who averaged 316 minutes of sleep a night--about 5.2 hours--over 8 consecutive nights secreted 50% more insulin than their more rested counterparts who averaged 477 minutes of sleep a night, or about 8 hours. As a result, "short sleepers'' were 40% less sensitive to insulin.

The researchers suggest that sleep deprivation, which is becoming commonplace in industrialized countries, may play a role in the current epidemic of type 2 diabetes. A poll by the National Sleep Foundation found a steady decline in the number of hours Americans sleep each night. In 1975, the average American slept 7.5 hours, down from 9 hours in 1910. Today, adults sleep about 7 hours a night.

American Diabetes Association's Annual Meeting, June 25, 2001, Philadelphia


DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

I consider this a landmark piece of information. Somehow I was completely unaware of the profound relationship between sleep deprivation and insulin sensitivity even though I previously posted this information nearly two years ago when these authors published similar findings in Lancet.

We have an epidemic of people who are not sleeping enough. The average American is only getting 7 hours of sleep and I am afraid I fall right in with the average in this department.

Part of the problem is that I currently am doing two full time jobs, running my practice and editing this newsletter. One of my goals is to change this, so I can start getting a much healthier 8 hours of sleep. However my goal of 8 hours is still an hour short of the average amount of sleep per night than we used to get less than 100 years ago.

Folks, people were sleeping NINE hours per night prior to the invention of the electric light bulb which has facilitated this and allowed us to transform night into day. While there surely are many benefits, most do not realize the huge risk this is to our health if we constantly neglect our sleeping needs.

If you are interested in more information on this fascinating subject you can look into Lights Out : Sleep, Sugar, and Survival by T. S. Wiley, Bent Formby I just picked up the book earlier this week, but my brief review suggests it is a worthwhile read and I am anxious to read it more carefully. Nearly one third of the book is references to the peer reviewed literature, so it is very carefully documented.The authors believe that it is light, not what we eat or whether we exercise, that causes obesity--and diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

©Copyright 1997-2001 by Joseph M. Mercola, DO. All Rights Reserved. This content may be copied in full, with copyright; contact; creation; and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.

The role of the Do-Gooder is not what actors call a fat part.

Margaret Halsey, The Folks at Home, 1952

Got a big kick out of this quote. I want more Do-Gooders where I live. My family is so uninvolved. So am I...up to this point.

When I was a teenager, I knew that I had been born in the wrong time. I wanted to be Joan of Arc. Not from a religious POV, but more from a POV based on the certainty that what you were doing was RIGHT. I wanted to believe something so strongly that I would willingly die for my beliefs. As a teenager, I could not come up with those types of beliefs. I felt that I was lacking intensity. Life (through my teenage eyes) seemed more complex (and therefore, boring) than it was in the Joan of Arc days. In the "olden days", life was more Black & White. Clear cut. Not ambiguous.

I guess that was the appeal of Fantasy Sci-Fi. The Bad were really rotten and The Good were truly honorable. RPG computer games also "hit" that same place in me. I played my characters with honor, integrity...all that hero stuff. When there was a selection allowed as to type of character (Fighter, Mage, Cleric, Paladin,Thief, etc.), I usually selected the Paladin (part fighter/part cleric). I would sacrifice all the more powerful, magical, offensive spells because your character would have to follow the Darker Paths to be able to use those spells. I always choice the Paths of Light. I never played the thief. I hated to spend time skulking around the monsters trying to steal what was needed. I preferred the frontal, direct attack. Go in, kill the monsters and save the world (don't forget the gold - necessary to pay for training and better equipment).

I guess the public got tired of these one-dimensional games. The Ultima series started to create moral dilemmas...damned if you do and damned if you don't. I hated to have to choose the lesser of two evils. The games ceased to be fun. This was the beginning of the end of my romance with the RPG genre. I do not want real life type of entertainment. I want to experience life as though it were Black & White. Clear cut. Not ambiguous.

For a few years, I played other RPG games. The Sierra series was fun. I can't remember the titles but the play was a little clunky and the character definitely cartoonish. I did not "identify" with the character and so, could sneak around and try to get what was needed. However, without the personal identification, the games just got to be about solving the puzzles, filling my inventory slots and figuring out how to use the "clues" I had picked up along the way. YAWN.

I tried games like Sim Life. My characters drove me crazy. I had to direct them to use the toilet, wash their hands, bathe, and clean up after themselves. This was way too much reality for me...how can anyone enjoy this? I gather a huge amount must based on the sequels, add-ons, etc. that I see in the store. There is a thread in the game that I find worrisome, though. You "win" the game by keeping your characters happy. You do that by buying more and more, then better and better "stuff". The more you have, the more friends want to come to your house and play. The more friends you have (bought), the happier you become. Wow...scary stuff.

Anyway, my thread in this post is Do-Gooders. This triggered memories for me. It still does. People have gotten irritated at me because they feel I view life from a simplistic and naive POV. That I cannot understand their problems and any suggestions I make are just too simple to work in the real world. I have had a hard time accepting their POV. However, I have to admit, this post definitely demonstrates my desire for a simple solution. In my heart, I do believe that life in simple. Huh?

As my cast of characters flow through my mind, a pattern emerges. The people who see my approach as simple and naive have higher challenge scores (both A's and B's). Of course. This makes sense. The higher the challenge score, the more the self-image is threatened by failure. Since my challenge score is so low, failure is not a scary thing. I don't like to fail, but the fear of failure will not stop me from taking action. What might stop me from taking action:

the fear of looking stupid or incompetent, maybe the fear of conformity, maybe

There are many less significant fears (boredom, inactivity, indecision, losing, etc.). However, these fears rarely stop me in my tracks. They can sneak up, though, if I am not paying attention OR focusing my attention in the wrong direction.

I just had a flash! My desire for the "Joan of Arc" days is probably based on my need to take action (but it has to be the right action cuz I don't want to look stupid). Hmm, obviously if life were Black & White. Clear cut. Not ambiguous, then I would not have to weigh my actions, think things through carefully, and sometimes choose between the lesser of two Junk places! Ain't Life Grand?

I forgot that Sunday was my turn to host the family monthly lunch. I called Oceanarium and made reservations for nine of us! I think it will be fun. This will be the first get together since the Christmas bash.

Had a good talk with B about the Jen & Jerry's school issues. Hmmm...Jen & Jerry's...sort of has a ring about it.

Back in at 11:09 pm
Spent the evening working on our Ongoing Research project. Running into a lot of snags because of missing user names/access codes. Hopefully, this is only a tempoary snafu. Just my short research tonight shows me that there will be a lot of data to wade through. The HR types are quite wordy and seem to like to write.

Anyway, back to my talk with B this morning. There were a lot of parts to the conversation. One having to do with J talking with DW. B asked my read on the situation. I told him that I really did not want to get involved, but I did give him my "read" which was...both J and R feel that DW is not good for B. I think this resonated for him. He seemed to feel more assured.

Then, I bit the bullet and brought up my concerns about Jen's and Jerry's choice of schools. B could not understand J's actions with respect to Sacred Heart...why take Jen to the open house in the first place. We went over J's reason for wanting Jen to go to that school. Both B and I could see the opposite rationale was also possible. I told him that I was concerned about the disappointment which she might have to face.

I told B that I considered Jerry to have pseudo grand-parents (given Mrs CH's attitude toward Jerry).She does not deserve Jerry. I know that they would want to help Jerry any way they can. Would they pay the entire tuition? I don't know...it is quite steep. However, with Jen, I feel she is kinda left out...no one seems to pay her much attention. That may be why I want to try to support her as much as is practical. B is now aware that Dick and I would be willing to pay half the tuition if her grandma and J would also pay some. B seemed a little torn because he felt the tuition would be wasted on the kids. He apparently feels the kids are not that bright. Sigh.

I did not want to get into a discussion of why that is not pertinent. However, I did mention that I thought Jerry had a lot of winning attributes. I did not offer any further explanations.

Why do relationships have to be so difficult? Is it possible that B does not love all the kids? I guess that could be true, since the two spend virtually no time with him. I feel sad for all of them...B, especially. I am sure the love is there.

Why is it so threatening to express love? Is this a common thread for families? Have I ever seen loving relationships between family members? I've read about them. I've seen duty, responsibility, mutual respect, etc. Rarely have I seen affection, much less overt, expressions of love.

It is too late in the night to ponder this question.

Music/Works of Art Copyrighting

Don't know what is the right answer. These record companies did take the risks (recorded and promoted the albums). However, how long can they continue to keep a stranglehold on the music? I think copyright protection should only be extended to works that are currently produced and sold at least once every ten years. Otherwise, the record companies might just sit on recordings and hope to cash in on a future revival of interest in the artists' music. This cannot help the artist's popularity with new/younger listeners. Music needs to be readily available to continue to get new listeners.

Not sure what is the accurate definition of Public Domain. However, the way the US copyright holders keep trying to extend copyright protection for their stuff is shameful. In America, the copyright period is 95 years! In Europe, copyrights for music last 50 years before the works become Public Domain. Record companies are trying to convince Europe to go along with longer copyright periods.

Disney fought to get the US to extend the copyright laws. The Reason? Their copyright on Mickey Mouse was expiring. So they got another 45 years to gouge the public. Why don't they spend their energies on creating new and fresh icons? Why try to hold on to past glories? Has the creative drive dried up at Disney? Might not we have seen more Disney creativity if they knew they would lose the Mickey copyright in 50 years years?

My thoughts might go down a different path if I was a successful copyright holder. Can't really tell...however, I have not been one to dwell on the past. Face today was my motto. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday. Today is what counts. My choices today are really all that matter. My choices today create my tomorrows. So where does this leave me on the issue of copyrights? Focusing on the past (by fighting to lengthen copyrights) stymies current creative endeavers. Can I prove this? No, but I have just had a revelation. What I said here does not accurately reflect my actions for the past 10 years.

I have been recovering from a disabling accident. Recently, my focus switched to the future (this is another new POV for me). I gave up on trying to recover all my lost abilities. I accepted that they are gone (especially since I really don't clearly remember what those abilities were). Once my attention switched to the future, all kinds of possibilities opened up for me. Until that moment, I was so involved in recovery, there was no room for anything else. If I thought about the future, it was abstract and sometimes just filled with vague worries.

I no longer care about what I used to be or have. Is that why I feel like a new person has stepped into me?

Does this prove anything about my thoughts on copyrights? No. However, I don't believe my experience to be unique. If the record industry would stop trying to hoard their "goodies", they would create more goodies just by focusing their attention on the future.

Fred's Beta & VHS Collections

Based on the research just completed, it looks like Fred can do nothing with his tape collection except to watch them for his own enjoyment. The copyright period has been extended to 95 years. Apparently, he cannot sell, lend (??), or give away (???) his collection. Another ludicrous result is when he passes, his heirs theoretically can not even view the tapes without breaking the copyright laws!

I read an Op-Ed recently (wish I had kept it). It stated that Americans gave away many rights when the copyright laws were enacted. They gave away rights that had no value to them because no owned printing presses or recording studios. Therefore, Americans did not really examine the rights they were giving up. The author believes that we need to take another look at the copyright issues. Unfortunately, I do not remember the arguments too clearly. I'll go look for the Op-Ed tonight.

Today was spent at the doctor, eating lunch (Dick, D and me), buying ink cartridges for my HP, picking up meds at pharmacy, singing for only two hours, eating dinner (Dick, D and me), having fun conversation at dinner, feeding the pets, trying to figure out what's wrong with the other blogs that I setup, and going through my email. I read parts of the NY Times and there were articles on the growing Korean conflict that are disquieting.

Finnish Penal System

There was an article on the Finnish penal system. Their prisons do not have gates, walls or guards. In one prison, there were 10 guns (all locked in the top guy's safe). Apparently, Finland has the most lenient and forgiving penal system in Europe. They also have the lowest incarceration rates in Europe. They have 52 prisoners for every 100,000 population. The USA has 702 prisoners per every 100,000 population. The article left the impression that there was less crime in Finland. I wonder if that is totally accurate. Perhaps, the Finnish system does not prosecute their criminals so they remain free (somewhat distorting the view that there is less crime in Finland).

However, Finland is a country with fewer of the pressures faced by America. Its people tend to be less cynical and more forgiving than Americans or Russians (who were right up there in the prisoners per 100,000 population stats). Thirty years ago, Finland had a more oppressive penal system (also had more violence and criminal activity in their prisons). Then, the swing from a repressive to a forgiving penal system was adopted and crime rates dropped, etc. I still believe that part of the low crime rate is due to the fact that Finland does not prosecute or incarcerate many of their criminals. However, it does seem accurate to say that Finland's crime rate is probably a lot lower than America.

There is a trend that may change this, though. Gangster-types from Russia (and somewhere else) are showing up in Finland trying to create a mafia-type organization. Also, there is an increase in the drug problem (with all of its attendant problems).

Changes Needed in US Treatment of Nonviolent Prisoners?

I wonder if America adopted this approach toward the non-violent offenders, what would be the outcome? Would we see less recidivism? Would returning prisoners merge back into mainstream and become "normal" productive citizens? Is it time for us to take another look at our retribution stance for non-violent offenders? Our prisons are bankrupting the country.

According to Camp, Camille Graham, and George M. Camp, 1997. The Corrections Yearbook, 1997, The Criminal Justice Institute, South Salem, New York., In 1978, the combined budgets for prisons and jails amounted to $5 billion. By 1997, that figure had grown to $31 billion.

America's One Million Nonviolent Prisoners
http://www.llcc.cc.il.us/gtruitt/SCJ210spring2002/non%20violent%20prisoners.htm#1
By Vincent Schiraldi, Jason Ziedenberg and John Irwin, PhD

This report is a fascinating read on this situation:
"States around the country are now spending more to build prisons than colleges, and the combined prison and jail budgets for 1.2 million nonviolent prisoners exceeded the entire federal welfare budget for 8.5 million poor people last year.

This report will analyze the growth in the nonviolent prisoner population. We will explore some of the implications of the increase in nonviolent prisoners in terms of cost and public safety, and suggest some approaches that local, state, and federal governments should consider to address the incarceration of one million nonviolent prisoners."

I found the above information because I was trying to determine how much our current penal policies were costing the country. I am sure not many people would argue that our current penal system works. I believe that sweeping changes need to be made regarding the handling of non-violent prisoners.

The difference between genius and stupidity is that even genius has its limits.
Rita Mae Brown, Bingo, 1988

Wonder is music heard in the heart.

by Rosemary Dobson, Selected Poems, 1973

I just read this quote and wanted to add it in a post here. I feel a slight tingle and constriction in my chest. I want to hear the music all the time! Somewhere I read that life is 80 percent maintenance, 10 percent joy and 10 percent sorrow. I wish I had written it down because me memory is a dim here. It was in one of the clutter books that I read. I did not agree with the statement when I read it...but this quote brings it back to mind.

Please read post 1/1/2003, I added a note there, go to the bottom. Thought it would pop up at the top of the blog. But it didn't. Commented on "Clutter"......
D.

I added something there too! If you edit an old post, it gets lumped with the date of that post. That is why, I will sometimes "date stamp" editing that I might do. And then, again, sometimes I forget to do that.

Well, this day has definitely slipped by me without a warning. I really did not do much. Got back from lunch around 3:00 pm. Stopped off at Fred's to have some freshly squeezed wheat grass. The taste is a lot better than the powdered stuff.

I spent some time looking at his Beta and VHS library (very well indexed, too). There were more than 3,000 tapes representing more than 12,000 hours of great performances, celebrity interviews and other programming on TV from the last 35 years! Fred said that he never tapes over and reuses his tapes. He watches the old stuff all the time. Many of the artists are now deceased. If I were a TV watcher, I would be tempted to watch some of them.

I suggested to Fred that he might want to convert the beta, at least, to CD. I would think we could get 2 betas on one CD. If we were to go DVD, we could get a lot more transferred. However, I would need to do a lot more research about this. If it were feasible, it would make sense to organize the betas into groupings so that similar stuff would be on one CD/DVD. I thought something like...all performances by so-and-so. I thought this would be an interesting learning process.

Interesting that I thought about this...I have been talking to Brian about converting all his LP's to CD. This is another convoluted process. Let me think what it would entail...recording song on computer, cleaning up for all the scratches/problems, then recording on to CD. I would guess the whole album would be recorded to the computer first, cleaned then recorded to CD. He would have to decide if he wanted one CD per album. I think he has about 500 albums. This is another labor intensive activity.

Anyway, just some thoughts. Let's hope I don't go anywhere with them. MSI's project takes priority before taking on any more new activities.

As an estimate, I would guess that the labor hours needed to complete most of the work would be around 100+ (split between D & me). Except, I do have a tendency to go off on tangents, so maybe the time spent will be greater. However, I am pretty sure we will gain a lot of knowledge in the process. Knowledge is never wasted.

Interesting fact: Fred got a used car in 1971 for $900 (a Buick Skylark). He drove it for 30 years and finally gave it to the daughter of a friend in 2001. The car is still running well....amazing!

Back at 7:55 PM I invited to PG to have prime rib left overs. It was just pasta and the prime rib. However, it was still good! I thought the gravy I made was too salty. However, both PG and Dick thought it was fine. After dinner, I took Max outside and also looked for Saturn. Dick said that Saturn should visible in the sky for the next 3 weeks. It is supposed to be closest to earth than anytime in the last 30 years.

Today, Dick was grumbling because he wants to go on another trip. I think he has forgotten about Las Vegas....hmmm, I do hope he is kidding. On 1/14/03. Max will be 9 months old. Still a way to go before travel becomes possible for me.

I need to get a trainer to come here and train Max. I need some professional help with the boy. PG's girlfriend's daughter trains dogs in Kaneohe. Hopefully, she will be able to come to the house to train Max. I need some help getting Max and Tugger together. I also do not know when to give him the run of the house. I am sure being tied up to the bedpost is not the best place for him. However, on the plus-side, Dick is down there almost all day. So, he is not alone.

Hey! I just remembered that I have not taken my pills for weeks. How does that happen? I better go downstairs and take them. I am feeling a little out of sorts. Actually, do feel a little confused and a tad bit "down". I wonder if this has anything to do with the gravy I made. I used powdered beef bullion. I should go check the ingredients.

Before I do that, wanted to jot this down in case I forget...today, Dick named the statute that Fred gave Max. I told Dick that fred ask what we named the statute. So, I asked him if he could think of a cute name for the westie statute.

I said, "How about Wax?"

Instead, Dick said "let's call him Million".

I said..."Million...well okay, if you think that is cute"...I started to walk away...thinking, "Million...sheesh...what kind of name was that?"

Dick called from his chair..."...you know, Max & Million"

Duh...I started to laugh uproariously!

Did not want to forget this fun moment...which I later repeated with Fred and PG. Dick does have a good sense of humor.
Stopped at 8:19 PM Back at 9:43 PM

Took my pills, checked the beef bullion, checked my email (felt totally empowered by D's acknowledgement), checked my Milo&Stitch game, check my usenet post, played with Max, watched a segment on the news called School America, I think (plan to do more research on this fascinating project).

Going to clean 12 inches of my office.

Back at 1:29 AM Well, I cleared at least 12 inches of desk space behind me.

Back at 3:02 AM Oh-oh..did not realize what time it was. Cleared another 12 inches of desk space. YEA! Also prepared a page of 4 photos (my office BC and AC)...(before cleaning and after cleaning). Send this file to D in the hopes that she will enjoy the rare site of 12 inches of my desktop.

Hi:
Your Prime Rib dinner sounded scrumptious. I hope Max settled down once you went to sit with the little guy. How did Tugger take it all in? Majik came to have his breakfast, so we think he is o.k. Pepper was a little confused about the noise but generally speaking she seemed more calm than last year. I don't think she slept very well tho at least until the noise died down. When I got up this a.m. (7:00A) it was sooooo quiet. We were very surprized about how relatively quiet it was here on the block. People were popping fireworks, and we had the same $#96##@ popping those bombs. There were also aerials, which we thought were illegal, well what ya gonna do??? Compared to other New Year Eve's this was pretty acceptable. Happy New Year again!!

HiYA!
We are going to have Prime Rib again for dinner tonight! It was that good...I am breaking my cardinal rule about not eating leftovers. Went to Pizza Hut with Fred and that was fun! He is really quite a character. When I read all those books on avoiding clutter, he was numero uno to come into my mind... He just might be the King of Clutter. I bet that is why I did not ever thnk you would be comfortable being there during my lesson...60 minutes in clutter world.
TTYS
M
Clutter? What clutter? I think Fred and Mrs. Inouye would be neck and neck in the competition for world's best pack-rat. Hey! If I can sit in her house and not want to neaten the room, I certainly could sit in Fred's house and not be tempted to pick up. I might get hives tho' (heeheehee) But, you know some people just love having everything they have ever owned for the last 50 years surrounding them . Somehow it must make them feel safe. Read anything about why people love "CLUTTER"....?

added 1/2/2003 9:40 am
D:
I had not really thought of the parallel between the two. Fred might win out because he has the bigger space which is filled with mucho stuffo!

Actually, none of the books ever talked about any validity of the thought that why people love "CLUTTER"....?. In fact, I am sure the concept was never mentioned. Do you really think there are people who love clutter? The concept boggles my mind(gg)!

Let me see...OCD for one, insecurity for another, fear of making a mistake leading to indecisiveness, procrastination, fear of loss, deprived childhood, too much room, etc.