This past weekend, Tiger Wood's confessional/apology/news conference was the freaking LEAD STORY for THREE DAYS on almost all news on TV, Radio and newspapers/internet news. After it was the lead story, hours and hours of news time were dedicated to hashing out "what it meant" and "was it enough."
What it wasn't was NEWS!!!!!!! I'm tired of feeling the contempt of the media trotting out this tripe as the LEAD story and endlessly navel grazing over it and then "by the way" reporting substantial events that effect us globally, nationally or even personally. There are a lot of really important events going on with long term ramifications, and I resent being presented with "something shiny."
It makes me wonder what is being glossed over when stuff like this gets sensationalized. Remember in 2008 when a study done by the Center for Public Integrity and its affiliated group, the Fund for Independence in Journalism found that Bush and his aides had lied 935 times to get us into the Iraq War? Pretty damning of both the Bush Administration and to the media for not even investigating the administration's claims, quite solid grounds for impeaching and/or starting war crime proceedings.
Don't remember it? Sort of glossed over because HEATH LEDGER died, and that needed weeks and days and hours of press coverage as the lead story. Short attention span theatre, and we all move on...nothing to see here...
Maybe it's just market driven. Maybe it's that the average consumer of news media is actually guilty of tuning into this tripe because the real problems of the world are too complex and frightening. A famous person dying or being a douchebag is easier to watch than NATO repeatedly blowing up enormous numbers of civilians in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear threat, environmental crisis, the poor world economy and our broken hyper-partisan government holding party far more dear than the good of the people they are supposed to serve. And more.
I guess I can understand the need for an eye-catching lead story to draw people into the broadcast--but it is wrong to tell us that the eye-candy is actually a meal.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Is that Muscles I See?
Currently I am on Week 4 of a quest to work out 4-5 times a week, and finally I am starting to see results.
As of today's measurements and weigh in, I have lost .5 inches in waist and hips, and may or may not have lost 3 lbs. My scale has been really wacked lately, so it's hard to say. Scale o' pants says, back to pre-Christmas, but that really isn't something amazing to look at.
My arms are the first place to see the difference, as well as my back and shoulders. The Activtrax program I am using at the YMCA seems to really focus on those areas, and there's definition in the arms again. I may be able to go sleeveless with pride by the time spring rolls around. I am certainly wanting to be able to wear shorts again without shame by summer.
I am feeling stronger and more energetic, but I am also realizing that 5 days a week may not be prudent on a 40+ year old body on a constant basis, so I am going to work with 4 days a week and consider any extra days a bonus. I learned from the last time I ran a marathon that less can be more in the masters athlete, and rest days are as important as the work days. Still, I am impatient for results.
Not much else to report. All are well.
As of today's measurements and weigh in, I have lost .5 inches in waist and hips, and may or may not have lost 3 lbs. My scale has been really wacked lately, so it's hard to say. Scale o' pants says, back to pre-Christmas, but that really isn't something amazing to look at.
My arms are the first place to see the difference, as well as my back and shoulders. The Activtrax program I am using at the YMCA seems to really focus on those areas, and there's definition in the arms again. I may be able to go sleeveless with pride by the time spring rolls around. I am certainly wanting to be able to wear shorts again without shame by summer.
I am feeling stronger and more energetic, but I am also realizing that 5 days a week may not be prudent on a 40+ year old body on a constant basis, so I am going to work with 4 days a week and consider any extra days a bonus. I learned from the last time I ran a marathon that less can be more in the masters athlete, and rest days are as important as the work days. Still, I am impatient for results.
Not much else to report. All are well.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Oh, Yeah, Resolutions!
The past couple of years I have done some resolutions for the new year that didn't really have much staying power. Last year's especially--I sure didn't get in shape, thanks to hurting my back and a much too-desky desk job.
This year, though, I have decided to start on really getting things going before committing them to the blog. Today will be the finish off the second week that I have exercised 5 days out of seven for the week. The Y started with this electronic Activtrax training program that works well for my style--it acts like a trainer, but I don't feel like I am boring someone standing over me, but I am accountable to it.
I still don't trust my back to be able to run for longer than a mile and a half, but the Y has a machine where I can walk uphill at various grades (I do intervals 8.5% to 18.5% grade) that make the caloric burn comparable to running.
I feel different, more energetic and stronger, but I think it will take a full month to start seeing anything visible.
While rehearsing a sketch show for the Chicago Sketchfest, one of the players was taking pictures of the rehearsal process. Nothing like candid action shot photos to make you see what kind of weight you are packing from different angles. One shot makes me look like Jabba the Hut, and I am not exaggerating. I thought about posting it but it is truly awful. It will go on the refrigerator.
As you can see, I am the widest one there of the fems. They are fat pants, in a fat color, and a fat angle, but I cannot deny that is all there is to it.
BMI wise, I am still not overweight. However, I am not where I want to be, so that will be fixed, slowly and without re-injuring myself.
Other resolutions include:
-being more active in the theatre community
-marketing myself better for voiceover work
-finding a worthwhile job. To that end, I may be going for a masters in education. I love teaching Stay tuned.
-being better about cleaning the house
-decorating said house and painting now that I can reach up and down without spasms.
-writing more, getting published or produced.
-being less boring.
This year, though, I have decided to start on really getting things going before committing them to the blog. Today will be the finish off the second week that I have exercised 5 days out of seven for the week. The Y started with this electronic Activtrax training program that works well for my style--it acts like a trainer, but I don't feel like I am boring someone standing over me, but I am accountable to it.
I still don't trust my back to be able to run for longer than a mile and a half, but the Y has a machine where I can walk uphill at various grades (I do intervals 8.5% to 18.5% grade) that make the caloric burn comparable to running.
I feel different, more energetic and stronger, but I think it will take a full month to start seeing anything visible.
While rehearsing a sketch show for the Chicago Sketchfest, one of the players was taking pictures of the rehearsal process. Nothing like candid action shot photos to make you see what kind of weight you are packing from different angles. One shot makes me look like Jabba the Hut, and I am not exaggerating. I thought about posting it but it is truly awful. It will go on the refrigerator.
As you can see, I am the widest one there of the fems. They are fat pants, in a fat color, and a fat angle, but I cannot deny that is all there is to it.
BMI wise, I am still not overweight. However, I am not where I want to be, so that will be fixed, slowly and without re-injuring myself.
Other resolutions include:
-being more active in the theatre community
-marketing myself better for voiceover work
-finding a worthwhile job. To that end, I may be going for a masters in education. I love teaching Stay tuned.
-being better about cleaning the house
-decorating said house and painting now that I can reach up and down without spasms.
-writing more, getting published or produced.
-being less boring.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A post so I can get to bed.
PAT ROBERTSON IS AN ASSHAT!
I am tired of him and all the other moralistic, small-minded, ignorant doofuses that give this guy their money and their time day after day.
Help Haiti, give money to organizations that are not there to make self-aggrandizing abominations like Pat Robertson stroke themselves about helping the heathen brown peoples. Besides, last time Operation Blessing helped the brown peoples, it was Rwanda, where they used the donated money to send diamond mining equipment to diamond mines owned by Pat Robertson and his cronies instead of feeding and helping anyone but themselves.
Pat Robertson = evil.
I am tired of him and all the other moralistic, small-minded, ignorant doofuses that give this guy their money and their time day after day.
Help Haiti, give money to organizations that are not there to make self-aggrandizing abominations like Pat Robertson stroke themselves about helping the heathen brown peoples. Besides, last time Operation Blessing helped the brown peoples, it was Rwanda, where they used the donated money to send diamond mining equipment to diamond mines owned by Pat Robertson and his cronies instead of feeding and helping anyone but themselves.
Pat Robertson = evil.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!
Hiya, folks!
Have a Happy and prosperous 2010!
We started things out right here by staying home and avoiding drunk drivers. We made favorite and/or forbidden foods, opened Christmas presents saved to New Years Eve, and watched Doctor Who.
At midnight, the kids shot off some silly string in the patio that I got from the dollar store. Big mistake. It was made in China with who knows what chemicals that are still stinking up the patio even now. I made the kids take showers, and I washed all the clothes that they were wearing. Not being overprotective, the stuff stank that bad.
I hope that isn't the harbinger of the new year. I don't think it was. Eecch.
Have a Happy and prosperous 2010!
We started things out right here by staying home and avoiding drunk drivers. We made favorite and/or forbidden foods, opened Christmas presents saved to New Years Eve, and watched Doctor Who.
At midnight, the kids shot off some silly string in the patio that I got from the dollar store. Big mistake. It was made in China with who knows what chemicals that are still stinking up the patio even now. I made the kids take showers, and I washed all the clothes that they were wearing. Not being overprotective, the stuff stank that bad.
I hope that isn't the harbinger of the new year. I don't think it was. Eecch.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Poor Neglected Blog....
I have a reasons for neglecting you.
I am lazy.
I have been busy.
I have been out of the country, and didn't bring a computer.
The third reason only excuses about 10 days. It was a great 10 days though.
We were in England and Wales, and saw all sorts of cool stuff:
(Click on pic to make bigger)
Sorry for neglecting you. I will try to keep up from now on.
Friday, October 30, 2009
It couldn't have been said better...
Jon Stewart, the most trusted name in "news", explains why Fox News is not a news station, even by Fox's own admission:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| For Fox Sake! | ||||
| ||||
Monday, October 26, 2009
Creativity Requires Time
After spending most of this year at a steady, pleasant, but rather dull job, I have been let go; the project I was on was coming to an end, and I had already decided that this was not the company I felt was going to lead me on a fulfilling career path. The little company is struggling, and I basically presented myself to be the first to be let go. Because my spouse is gainfully employed, and I still have a couple of part time gigs, this won't impact us much.
I am aware of how blessed I am. I feel very fortunate.
Since this has happened, I have had a burst of creative output that has been sitting fallow in my mind for months. Writing sketches and one acts, composing songs, and making artwork. I just didn't have time to do it while working, raising a family, etc.
Funny how this new underemployment didn't doing anything for my housework or workout schedule, and so far, not for my blogging...
I am aware of how blessed I am. I feel very fortunate.
Since this has happened, I have had a burst of creative output that has been sitting fallow in my mind for months. Writing sketches and one acts, composing songs, and making artwork. I just didn't have time to do it while working, raising a family, etc.
Funny how this new underemployment didn't doing anything for my housework or workout schedule, and so far, not for my blogging...
Friday, October 2, 2009
So we didn't get the 2016 Olympics
Though I was hoping we wouldn't get the Olympics, I was a little stung by Chicago getting 4th place in the IOC voting. This is my adopted city, after all. I know how great it is. This is not a 4th place city!
I was not disappointed though, that Rio de Janiero got the bid--I was hoping they would get it--South America deserves its turn, and the Olympics could be even more exciting in such a beautiful and exotic locale. It will also bring more attention to Brazil, full or rain forests and natural beauty and rare resources, as well as provide an incentive to improve its impoverished urban areas.
Chicago deserved to be in the top four,but getting yet another Olympics in the USA after Salt Lake City and Atlanta seems excessive. I have a feeling I know why we got the dreaded 4th place. Bloc voting. Madrid or Tokyo seemed like the bottom rungers, but then some old guy from Spain who used to be head of the IOC made a plea, and politically, the European voters had to help him save face. Tokyo seemed likely as well for the embarrassing #4 spot, since we just had the Olympics in relatively nearby Beijing. The Asian IOC members gave it good numbers so it was not shamed. For the IOC members from the Americas, it was split. Rio de Janiero got the majority of the votes, and there weren't enough left to save face for Chicago. Not a lot of bleed from any other side towards Chicago, because they take care of their own, and the USA hasn't been exactly cuddly to deal with in the past 8 years. It is silly and political, but basically, I bet that was basically how it went.
You may wonder why I was ambivalent about our bid. On a personal level, I love the romance of being the host city. However, I could see it being a huge inconvenience in construction delays, higher taxes and humongous commute times. For the city, I didn't trust the Daley machine to be able to control itself and not go crazy in corruption and graft. We tax payers were not off the hook for outrageous cost overruns or other issues. The burden of change would be to the south side of Chicago, and the communities there are already stressed with rampant gang violence and poverty related crime. Having the Olympics in Chicago was going to be a major strain for the area fiscally and on our quality of life, with no real guarantee of jobs.
I admire the Obamas for making the effort to go out and make the pitch for an American city--their American city. It was a pro-American thing to do, and the gloating on the part of the GOP pretending that this was a defeat for Obama once again makes them look puerile and insipid. The Olympic bid was not his to lose--it was Chicago's to lose. This just wasn't our time.
I was not disappointed though, that Rio de Janiero got the bid--I was hoping they would get it--South America deserves its turn, and the Olympics could be even more exciting in such a beautiful and exotic locale. It will also bring more attention to Brazil, full or rain forests and natural beauty and rare resources, as well as provide an incentive to improve its impoverished urban areas.
Chicago deserved to be in the top four,but getting yet another Olympics in the USA after Salt Lake City and Atlanta seems excessive. I have a feeling I know why we got the dreaded 4th place. Bloc voting. Madrid or Tokyo seemed like the bottom rungers, but then some old guy from Spain who used to be head of the IOC made a plea, and politically, the European voters had to help him save face. Tokyo seemed likely as well for the embarrassing #4 spot, since we just had the Olympics in relatively nearby Beijing. The Asian IOC members gave it good numbers so it was not shamed. For the IOC members from the Americas, it was split. Rio de Janiero got the majority of the votes, and there weren't enough left to save face for Chicago. Not a lot of bleed from any other side towards Chicago, because they take care of their own, and the USA hasn't been exactly cuddly to deal with in the past 8 years. It is silly and political, but basically, I bet that was basically how it went.
You may wonder why I was ambivalent about our bid. On a personal level, I love the romance of being the host city. However, I could see it being a huge inconvenience in construction delays, higher taxes and humongous commute times. For the city, I didn't trust the Daley machine to be able to control itself and not go crazy in corruption and graft. We tax payers were not off the hook for outrageous cost overruns or other issues. The burden of change would be to the south side of Chicago, and the communities there are already stressed with rampant gang violence and poverty related crime. Having the Olympics in Chicago was going to be a major strain for the area fiscally and on our quality of life, with no real guarantee of jobs.
I admire the Obamas for making the effort to go out and make the pitch for an American city--their American city. It was a pro-American thing to do, and the gloating on the part of the GOP pretending that this was a defeat for Obama once again makes them look puerile and insipid. The Olympic bid was not his to lose--it was Chicago's to lose. This just wasn't our time.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Because it makes me happy..
This is posted everywhere, but I love it to pieces. I love this baby dance video. It reminds me of the dance moves my kids used to put on. This is the full version, really the first minute or so is the best. Ah, diaper butts!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Manners are Important-They Show Who You Are
The behavior of the Republicans in Congress was reprehensible last night. Twittering, texting, and then Joe Wilson, the congressperson from South Carolina, shouting "You Lie!" at the President. They did a "silent protest" holding up about 10 pieces of paper saying, "What bill?"
The thing is--these are grown men, who are somehow thinking that acting like petulant middle schoolers is going to make them look mega-cool to their constituents.
I hope that we can all school them on the fact that----MANNERS MATTER. In a civil society, if you don't have manners and use them, no one can take you seriously.
Being so boldly rude and openly contemptuous to the President of the United States during his address is taken as a poor reflection on you, GOP, and no one else. Most citizens do not take kindly to your blatant disrespect to the office of President.
The people of South Carolina already have to deal with "It's all about ME and my penis" Sanford as governor, and now they have to enjoy being associated with a guy who goes to congress to audition for the Jerry Springer show. Even in South Carolina, there are people who take being civil seriously, and will question strongly his fitness for the office. I also hope the military goes after him, since his behavior as an officer in the National Guard makes contemptuous behavior to a superior a punishable offense.
I will hope that the congresspeople who were Twittering and texting will also be getting an earful from their constituents. We have to let these regressed adolescents know what is not acceptable behavior.
The thing is--these are grown men, who are somehow thinking that acting like petulant middle schoolers is going to make them look mega-cool to their constituents.
I hope that we can all school them on the fact that----MANNERS MATTER. In a civil society, if you don't have manners and use them, no one can take you seriously.
Being so boldly rude and openly contemptuous to the President of the United States during his address is taken as a poor reflection on you, GOP, and no one else. Most citizens do not take kindly to your blatant disrespect to the office of President.
The people of South Carolina already have to deal with "It's all about ME and my penis" Sanford as governor, and now they have to enjoy being associated with a guy who goes to congress to audition for the Jerry Springer show. Even in South Carolina, there are people who take being civil seriously, and will question strongly his fitness for the office. I also hope the military goes after him, since his behavior as an officer in the National Guard makes contemptuous behavior to a superior a punishable offense.
I will hope that the congresspeople who were Twittering and texting will also be getting an earful from their constituents. We have to let these regressed adolescents know what is not acceptable behavior.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Random insomniac thoughts
I am more than disturbed by the amped-up hate rhetoric from the Fox "News" Network.
Sure, it gets ratings, revving up the right wing leaning folks, enraging the left wing leaning folks. It endlessly gets called out for lies, fabrications, racially inflammatory hate speech and plain craziness by the highly popular "Daily Show with Jon Stewart."
The "Tea Parties" that were sponsored and promoted by the Fox Commentary Network where covered as if they were news and not a sponsored event. Not as well attended as they hoped, but a great organizing tool for the reactionary folks.
Then, people were encouraged to act like Jerry Springer show wannabes at town hall meetings in order to get coverage and get on TV. Fox promised to cover it, and nothing else, and followed up with that. Shouting down and intimidating people with real concerns and questions was also encouraged. No First Amendment rights for anyone, but a great spectical!
Now there may be no public option to health care reform, taking care of some of the folks who have no care--like the idiot who tried to take up a collection for his medical bills after getting into a fight with someone at a town hall meeting because he was unemployed.
Beck and Hannity really seem to be digging this attention, but they have a tiger by the tail. There is a huge difference between catering to the lowest denominator for ratings and sound bites, and irresponsibly inciting them to violence, hatred, and crazy action.
The tabloid web site for Fox called "Fox Nation" goes all the way to crazytown and is commented on by some of the most vile and sick people who seem to be ready to go do civil war. They have their guns locked and loaded. They are ready to create one hell of a Fox News sponsored homegrown terror event.
Is it no wonder that I consider FOX the leading threat to our democracy?
Sure, it gets ratings, revving up the right wing leaning folks, enraging the left wing leaning folks. It endlessly gets called out for lies, fabrications, racially inflammatory hate speech and plain craziness by the highly popular "Daily Show with Jon Stewart."
The "Tea Parties" that were sponsored and promoted by the Fox Commentary Network where covered as if they were news and not a sponsored event. Not as well attended as they hoped, but a great organizing tool for the reactionary folks.
Then, people were encouraged to act like Jerry Springer show wannabes at town hall meetings in order to get coverage and get on TV. Fox promised to cover it, and nothing else, and followed up with that. Shouting down and intimidating people with real concerns and questions was also encouraged. No First Amendment rights for anyone, but a great spectical!
Now there may be no public option to health care reform, taking care of some of the folks who have no care--like the idiot who tried to take up a collection for his medical bills after getting into a fight with someone at a town hall meeting because he was unemployed.
Beck and Hannity really seem to be digging this attention, but they have a tiger by the tail. There is a huge difference between catering to the lowest denominator for ratings and sound bites, and irresponsibly inciting them to violence, hatred, and crazy action.
The tabloid web site for Fox called "Fox Nation" goes all the way to crazytown and is commented on by some of the most vile and sick people who seem to be ready to go do civil war. They have their guns locked and loaded. They are ready to create one hell of a Fox News sponsored homegrown terror event.
Is it no wonder that I consider FOX the leading threat to our democracy?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Living with temporary slight disability
Earlier this summer, I thought I pulled a muscle in my back while weeding. However, it didn't go away.
I thought it may be an alignment issue, and since I had a good experience with the chiropractic school in Lombard, I decided to give the chiropractor/physical therapy unit of my medical group a try. He is a professor at the school, as well as being a naparopath and acupuncturist and a medical doctor.
He gave me the bad news that he thought I had a herniated disc. An MRI confirmed that a had a pretty significant one.
So, a couple weeks ago, I started chiropractic treatment. At first I was amazed--I didn't need to take any pain killers any more after just 2 treatments. I started to feel very optimistic. I was on my 5th treatment when I went to go work out afterward and the next day something was different.
I don't think I was crazy or anything, but I was getting more of my usual movement back and feeling like I could do a light non-weight bearing exercise, like use the stationary bike. I did a great half hour on it. Felt great.
But now I have a shooting pain down my leg. I have sciatica. It sucks!
Movement is improving, but the pinch is quite aggravating, and I am back on ibuprophen.
It is better today than it was before a weekend of rest, but I am getting impatient and a little self pitying. This is the best running summer ever here in the Chicago area, and I can't run even a little bit.
Mostly, I am concerned with my lack of physical activity. I had planned on running the Chicago Marathon, and getting really buff. Instead, I am barely doing more than walking around and I am starting to look like a doughy "before" picture.
I realize that I don't really have it that bad, other people have it worse. I just want to get back to feeling good again, and this is putting a huge crimp in my lifestyle.
I thought it may be an alignment issue, and since I had a good experience with the chiropractic school in Lombard, I decided to give the chiropractor/physical therapy unit of my medical group a try. He is a professor at the school, as well as being a naparopath and acupuncturist and a medical doctor.
He gave me the bad news that he thought I had a herniated disc. An MRI confirmed that a had a pretty significant one.
So, a couple weeks ago, I started chiropractic treatment. At first I was amazed--I didn't need to take any pain killers any more after just 2 treatments. I started to feel very optimistic. I was on my 5th treatment when I went to go work out afterward and the next day something was different.
I don't think I was crazy or anything, but I was getting more of my usual movement back and feeling like I could do a light non-weight bearing exercise, like use the stationary bike. I did a great half hour on it. Felt great.
But now I have a shooting pain down my leg. I have sciatica. It sucks!
Movement is improving, but the pinch is quite aggravating, and I am back on ibuprophen.
It is better today than it was before a weekend of rest, but I am getting impatient and a little self pitying. This is the best running summer ever here in the Chicago area, and I can't run even a little bit.
Mostly, I am concerned with my lack of physical activity. I had planned on running the Chicago Marathon, and getting really buff. Instead, I am barely doing more than walking around and I am starting to look like a doughy "before" picture.
I realize that I don't really have it that bad, other people have it worse. I just want to get back to feeling good again, and this is putting a huge crimp in my lifestyle.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I just thought I would share these. Paul Thomas went through the Second City Conservatory with me many years ago. and he is one of the funniest writers I know. The song "Tighty Whiteys" debuted during the Conservatory years, and the "Questionable Beef " song is performed with his band, "Lola Balatro." Musically sound and catchy, these odes are to common things made zany and hilarious.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Short notes
I was expecting the Michael Jackson Memorial Service to be completely L.A. (false, crass, and smarmy) but somebody engineered a little taste into it. Still, I wished that someone had been caring for him better so that this did not have to happen. He was a gifted, odd and needy person, but the people around him only cared what he could do for them. Fifty concert performances from a guy in fragile health who was over 50...someone wanted him to go crazy or die trying...
Sarah Palin. Ah, so much has been written. What else can I say? Buh bye? Go away?
I pulled a gluteus medius muscle a few weeks ago weeding the garden, and it isn't healing as fast as I would like. We are having some of the best running outside weather, and I can only walk or use the extremely boring elliptical machine. What a pain in the ass.
Today is an important day--Twenty years ago, my husband and I tied the knot. I am not making a big deal out of it for some familial reasons, and also because I don't feel like I am old enough to have been married that long. It has been really a happy time. Dan is the best, and if I could clone him and hand him out to all my single friends, I would make them all happy too.
Sarah Palin. Ah, so much has been written. What else can I say? Buh bye? Go away?
I pulled a gluteus medius muscle a few weeks ago weeding the garden, and it isn't healing as fast as I would like. We are having some of the best running outside weather, and I can only walk or use the extremely boring elliptical machine. What a pain in the ass.
Today is an important day--Twenty years ago, my husband and I tied the knot. I am not making a big deal out of it for some familial reasons, and also because I don't feel like I am old enough to have been married that long. It has been really a happy time. Dan is the best, and if I could clone him and hand him out to all my single friends, I would make them all happy too.
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