Every once in a while, I come across a story that literally brings tears to my eyes. My husband says that it is because I am an emotional woman. He is probably right. But, considering I started this blog over three months ago, and this is the first article I found worthy of falling under the title "Stories to Touch Your Heart," I'd say my emotional compass is quite discerning.
Enough about me. The purpose of this thread is to collect articles and stories of profound generosity, extreme bravery, and selfless sacrifice. The first entry I found at Smithsonian's wonderful website. The article is titled "A Yuletide Gift of Kindness." I encourage you to read, and be inspired by the generosity of B. Virdot.
___
12/20
Today, I found another story that definitely qualifies to be put into this thread. It is a video clip I found on CNN about how one frugal, but generous, man left his small town a fortune, helping hundreds of folks lead better lives. All told, the Minnesota farmer who lived in a run down white house, saved, and bequeathed $3 million to the village of Leroy. The senior citizen center no longer needs to charge a quarter for coffee because of him, and the EMT's will have a place to sleep while they are on call. All of this, even after life treated him lousy, stripping him of two wives, and his only son. This story showed me that all of my coupon clipping may really pay off some day! You can watch it here: Frugal farmer leaves millions to town
___
1/14
Inevitably, one of the stories in this post was bound to be at the other end the emotional spectrum at some point. Today is that day. I just read about a 13 year old boy named Jordan. He lived in Queensland, Australia and died in the flash floods and raging inland tsunamis that have been plaguing the area. However, unlike the other victims, he chose to die so that his younger brother could be saved first. His lifelong fear of water makes this act all the more remarkable. To read about young Jordan's heroism, click this link: Australian flood teen's sacrifice to save brother
___
1/15
Pilot holds flight for man going to see dying grandson (CNN, Natalie Avon, 1/14/2011)
Would you risk getting fired to make sure a grandfather got to his dying grandson one last time? A pilot from Southwest Airlines did exactly that, holding a flight at the gate so that a man whose grandson was murdered could get to the hospital in time to say goodbye. It is against most airlines rules to hold a flight for any reason, but, for once, corporate didn't stick to official policy. Instead, Southwest appreciated the severity, and rarity of the situation, and commended the pilot for his moral action. My hats off to both the pilot, and Southwest Airlines, and my condolences to the family of the young victim.
___
5/7
Rookie Cubs PA announcer took strange path to booth, by
I never would have imagined including a story involving baseball when I started this thread. I hate baseball. But I am a sucker for stories involving people's dreams coming true. The above linked story is about the Cubs new announcer, who got the prestigious position after entering, and winning a video contest. The entire story reads like a movie script, and I must admit I had a tear in my eye by the end of it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!
___
5/20
Cat finds owner during interview (CNN Video, WIAT, 5/19/2011)
As an animal lover, I couldn't help but click the link you see above. I wasn't prepared for the devastation of the first minute of the video. The "owner" had lost nearly everything during the series of tornadoes that hit Alabama this spring. And she had only been able to find two of her three cats.
That is, until a scraggly ten year old feline came waltzing out of the wreckage while the camera crew was still taping. Well, not exactly waltzing. He had not eaten in a nearly a month, and was covered with pieces of debris. But he was alive. And the way his paws dug into his owners arm, in that unmistakeable gesture of affection all cat-owners recognize, was a sure sign he was glad to be reunited with his master. This story is definitely one that touched my heart.
Me
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Cirque Mechanics - Boomtown - Review
Last night at my Alma Matter, North Central College, Cirque Mechanics performed their newest show, Boomtown. My father-in-law is employed at NCC, and once in a while gets us free tickets to shows. So when he called earlier in the day and offered, we once again jumped at the chance to visit beautiful Pfieffer Hall in the middle of historic downtown Naperville. We had never attended a performance by this group of entertainers before, so had no real expectations. We took our seven year old niece, as well. This was her first ever real live event, and I must publicly acknowledge how perfectly well behaved she was.
As the curtains opened, the only thing visible on the stage was a single light bobbing along in a lonely lantern. Slowly, the stage illuminated to show a prospector trudging along in a stereotypical mine. He stopped before a rock in the middle of the stage, lowered his pack, and began to dig. . . only he wasn't a very good prospector. Mishaps and mayhem followed as he tried to extract ore from the rock. This opening comedic skit set the fun tone for the evening.
Though the prospector was funny, and talented (I have never seen anyone jug-surf before), I think the ladies stole the show. The sheer strength of the ballerina will remain stuck in my mind forever. And the flexibility and grace of the blond acrobat, swinging from the chandelier, was amazing. I could have watched these two perform forever.
Then there was the kleptomaniac. My husband and brother-in-law both agreed that she looked like me. Her humorous skits had the audience rolling with laughter. I wonder how often she had to practice the silhouette piece to have it so perfectly timed to every beat of the music.
The blond male, who repeatedly head-dove towards the floor from the strange swinging polls that flanked each side of the stage was obviously the most talented male. It was clear from his boisterous shouts and wide smile that he was enjoying his performance, and playing well off of the audiences responses. I didn't get that vibe from the other male performers.
The use of scenery and props was unprecedented in my mind. My only real complaint is that the entire show seemed to drag at times. My young niece, however, found absolutely no faults in the production, and wanted to stay to "See it again," after the applause ended. Though probably geared more toward the younger generation, adults will also enjoy this unique "circus." Overall, I would give the event a 8.5 out of 10. Had I paid the ticket price of $50-$45, that rating would drop to a 7.25 out of 10.
___
As the curtains opened, the only thing visible on the stage was a single light bobbing along in a lonely lantern. Slowly, the stage illuminated to show a prospector trudging along in a stereotypical mine. He stopped before a rock in the middle of the stage, lowered his pack, and began to dig. . . only he wasn't a very good prospector. Mishaps and mayhem followed as he tried to extract ore from the rock. This opening comedic skit set the fun tone for the evening.
Though the prospector was funny, and talented (I have never seen anyone jug-surf before), I think the ladies stole the show. The sheer strength of the ballerina will remain stuck in my mind forever. And the flexibility and grace of the blond acrobat, swinging from the chandelier, was amazing. I could have watched these two perform forever.
Then there was the kleptomaniac. My husband and brother-in-law both agreed that she looked like me. Her humorous skits had the audience rolling with laughter. I wonder how often she had to practice the silhouette piece to have it so perfectly timed to every beat of the music.
The blond male, who repeatedly head-dove towards the floor from the strange swinging polls that flanked each side of the stage was obviously the most talented male. It was clear from his boisterous shouts and wide smile that he was enjoying his performance, and playing well off of the audiences responses. I didn't get that vibe from the other male performers.
The use of scenery and props was unprecedented in my mind. My only real complaint is that the entire show seemed to drag at times. My young niece, however, found absolutely no faults in the production, and wanted to stay to "See it again," after the applause ended. Though probably geared more toward the younger generation, adults will also enjoy this unique "circus." Overall, I would give the event a 8.5 out of 10. Had I paid the ticket price of $50-$45, that rating would drop to a 7.25 out of 10.
___
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Pictures are worth 1,000 words
I love photo slide shows. I learn as much from intensely studying the pictures, and letting my mind form correlations, as I do from reading the captions. This post will serve as a repository for the best photo journals I discover. The comments are as much an exercise in my descriptive writing skills, as ideas I personally noted while viewing the pictures. I do not always have a comment to share, so sometimes numbers are skipped. But, rest assured that when I do have something to say, I will not refrain.
The first entry is wonderful because it not only taught me a lot, but perfectly exemplifies what I hope this thread will achieve:
Yemen in the spotlight (MSNBC)
2. This slide surprised me the most, I think. The typical American truck stop serves slurpies and Ho-Ho's. Yemeni versions prefer pistols. "Yemen has approximately 60 million weapons in circulation." In this decade alone, Yemen has faced civil war in the north, and separatist rebellions in the south (see slide 17 for more details on the latter).
8. I don't know when the photo shown was taken. But if it is recent, I have to wonder why no one has cleaned up the mess since April of 2009. I didn't think Islam involved any sort of superstitions, or perhaps its financial reasons that have made clean-up impossible.
10. Every time I read about dictators letting their citizens vote without letting the opposition party put anyone on the ballot, I get really mad. How can they call this kind of farce an election? I propose we come up with a new term for these shams. I will have to let the creative wheels in my brain ponder this further later. . .
11. Like so many poor, dessert countries, Yemen is running out of water. Exacerbating the problem is the amount of water farmers use to grow the narcotic Qat. "A few years ago, water could be found at a depth of 70-100 meters; now it is necessary to dig 450 meters into the ground to find the precious resource." This slide's photo is the most telling of the bunch to me. Notice the utter barrenness, and then stare for a moment at the immaculate mosque under construction in the background. Why Muslim countries on the brink of civil war, starvation, dehydration, and financial ruin spend their money building mosques is so far beyond my comprehension it's not even worth trying to understand. To me, it is just like the Maya building their pyramids right up until the moment of their extinction.
14. These facts startled me: "Almost a third of Yemen's workforce is out of a job and more than 40 percent of the country's 23 million people live on less than $2 a day." Women are not allowed to educate themselves. The literacy rate in Yemen for women is 35%, and more than double that for men. Furthermore, Yemen allows child brides to be wed, and forced to have sex, at any age. There is no limit.
15. I can't imagine having to use giant blocks of ice to keep my food fresh. . .in a dessert were water is scarce. Electrical shortages are sure to grow worse and not better if the government continues funneling its money and efforts toward giant mosques.
17. This slide's caption explained well the southern separatist argument for preferring their time as a Soviet welfare state to current conditions. Because a vast majority of Yemen's oil wealth lies in the south, it is not surprising southerners feel unification was just a way for the north to get at it's resources. The picture is also quite telling. The old man sits in the front of a bulldozer. There are no lawn chairs, and the only ornament is a rusted oil drum. Yet, looking at the blue sky, and beautiful hills, one can't help but see the potential.
19. Seeing this picture took my breath away. It looks just like the Grand Canyon, but with ancient buildings build into it.
___
11/17
Canned art draws oooohs and awes (CNN, by Bradley Gallo, 11/17/2010)
Art for a good cause is even better than art for art's sake, if you ask me. The cans used in the displays pictured in he above linked slide show will all go to City Harvest, an organization that feeds hungry New Yorkers. I heard that 14% of our population categorizes as "food challenged," or whatever politically correct term our government is using for "starving." So these thousands of canned goods are defiantly needed.
"New York is one of about 100 cities around the world taking part in the international charity competition known as CANstruction that is aimed at helping the hungry. Rules allow each team five people to work on their entry. The cans cannot be bound with glue or adhesives and designers are not allowed to color the cans -- so there is endless time donated to finding the tuna or bean cans with the properly colored labels for the particular design."
As far as the art, I love Legos, so number seven is really cool. But my favorite would have to be the same as the jury's, the BabushCANS pictured in number9. Which do you like best?
-
I was so inspired by the art, and cause, that I spent an hour reading CANstruction's website, and would like to share some of what I learned with you.
"Since 1992, Canstruction has contributed over 15 million of pounds of food to community food banks demonstrating that we can win the fight against hunger."
This year alone, over 1,500,000 meals will be provided by this organization. And the talent and creativity on display was amazing!
___
1/7
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival (Southflorida.com)
The pictures in the photo journal linked above were taken in northern China. I had never heard of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, but after seeing the fairy castle of ice, illuminated with lights as fireworks explode in the background, I was intrigued. So I clicked, and was absolutely stunned by the scale and detail of the sculptures pictured. As a native of Wisconsin, I have seen my fair-share of ice and snow art. However, nothing I have seen even comes close to the pictures in this photo journal.
The horse and buggies shown in shots 16-17 look cozy enough to view the sites. The men diving into the freezing water are as nuts as the "polar bears" that leap into Lake Michigan each year. Imagine my shock when I came to shot 31, featuring several women climbing into the ice-lined pool! I usually hate the winter, but seeing the beauty and amazing details of the sculptures shown have given me a whole new respect for the snow!
___
1/11
I love browsing National Geographic's website for cool pictures. Today, I was lucky enough to find two.
This picture of the Bahamas, taken from space, is beautiful enough to frame. I needed to share it!
And then I came across this amazing shot of the International Space Station. It is not what you think, so take the time to click! (I wonder what the other two blobs are...)
___
1/22
8 Beautiful Bioluminescent Creatures from the Sea (Wired Science, by Danielle Venton, 1/21/2011)
My wonderful husband found me the article linked above. Though it only contains 8 photos, each and every one is worth viewing. The Vampire Squid is probably the strangest creature I have ever seen! And the Atolla looks like an intricate knitting pattern. What amazing creatures lurk in the depths of our oceans!
___
2/1
Volcanic lighting pictured as Mount Shinmoedake in Japan erupts (The Telegraph)
The above linked picture is straight out of a video game or movie. If I didn't know it was real, I would swear it to be a fake. I hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I did!
___
2/2
Two forms of worlds 'newest' cat the Sunda leopard (BBC, by Matt Walker, 1/22/2011)
If you love cats like I do, you will enjoy the above link tremendously. The picture at the top is pretty cool, depicting a lanky, but beautiful leopard whose spots have spots within them. But the video further down in the article is even more amazing. The cats tail seems longer than its body, and its fur looks sleek like silk. I hope these animals get some protection so they can get off of the endangered list.
___
2/4
The man who isn't there (The Upshot, by Mike Krumboltz, 2/3/2011)
Ever wonder what it would be like to be invisible? I do, and even wrote about it in a thread called "Where I would go with an Invisibility Cloak." The gentleman in the article above, Liu Bolin, takes this idea to an entirely different realm by painting himself to blend in to various backgrounds. Clicking the article, and viewing the attached slide show are worth every second of your time. I had a very hard time locating Mr. Bolin in several photos, but especially in the one of the bulldozer.
___
2/12
Animal Pair Pictures (National Geographic)
Every animal lover will enjoy the above linked photo journal from National Geographic in honor of Valentines Day. My favorite is of the polar bears wrestling, because it reminds me of my cats doing the same. Which do you like best?
___
2/23
Brilliant Space Photos from Chandra and Spitzer (Smithsonian.com)
I never knew gas could be so beautiful. Usually I can pick a favorite, but the above linked collection of intergalactic art is a masterpiece in its entirety.
___
2/25
Playhouse (Yahoo News)
"Why walk when you can slide?" That's the question posed in the caption of the first of nine pictures showing a house in Tokyo designed by an architect who is obviously still young at heart. The three story home looks normal, even boring from the outside. But inside, a giant slide, ball room, and miniature reading nook make the home one of a kind, and worth viewing. I wonder if the kids who live there realize how lucky they are!
___
3/4
11 intriguing transparent animals (mother nature network)
When I clicked on the above linked photo gallery, I was expecting to see a bunch of jellyfish. In fact, there were two slides of jellyfish. But the other nine were so amazing I had to share them with you! The Glasswing Butterfly is delicately precious, and the visible intestines of the sea cucumber grossly unforgettable. But my favorite has got to be the Barreleye, whose transparent cranium holds eyes that can literally see through the top of the fishes head!
___
3/15
Best Mars Images From Orbiter's First Five Years (Wired Science, by Lisa Grossman, 3/10/2011)
I think it would be fun to print the above-linked set of photographs taken of Mar's surface, and have folks guess where the shots were taken. Most of the pictures look like high-priced modern art to my untrained eyes. My favorite is the one titled "Southern Swiss Cheese." I think it looks like alien ultrasounds made of ice crystals.
___
3/24
Amazing Stop-Motion Video of the Aurora Borealis (GeekDad)
Unlike the other posts in this thread, the above link is to a video. And it is definitely worth watching. Some of the shots look like an ocean in the sky, while others remind me of scenes from classic sci-fi movies. Totally cool find, that I must thank my husband for.
____
5/24
When I came across the picture of the kid skate boarding on the inner ridge of an orange peel, I was intrigued and had to click. I was not prepared for the new art form I encountered. As a result of finding Slinkachu, I will never look at any urban landscape the same.
On random street corners, sidewalks, and puddles, he arranges his miniature men and women in poses ranging from surreal to heart-wrenching. A mother and child enjoying a winter wonderland. . . on the white line of a parking space; people trying to cool down on a water slide. . . that dumps them right into the sewer; or a caped crusader perched on the edge of a metal post. . . ready to plunge to his death on the sidewalk below.
Each piece seems to have a dualistic purpose, encompassing relevant observations about life in the 21st century, and the inner turmoils of being human. Some pieces are meant to be satirical, while others introspective. Every one has its own message, blatantly clear, yet often hard to confront.
After taking their picture to memorialize his work, Slinkachu always walks way, not wanting to see what will become of his masterpieces. I would probably be the klutz that notices it, just as my shoe crushes it. But imagine being the lucky, observant soul that actually finds one of these mini-men. Would you pick it up, or have the restraint to leave it for the next passerby to enjoy? Just like his exhibits, the concept of Slinkachu's art form leaves us questioning our own morality. Click this link to visit his website.
The first entry is wonderful because it not only taught me a lot, but perfectly exemplifies what I hope this thread will achieve:
Yemen in the spotlight (MSNBC)
2. This slide surprised me the most, I think. The typical American truck stop serves slurpies and Ho-Ho's. Yemeni versions prefer pistols. "Yemen has approximately 60 million weapons in circulation." In this decade alone, Yemen has faced civil war in the north, and separatist rebellions in the south (see slide 17 for more details on the latter).
8. I don't know when the photo shown was taken. But if it is recent, I have to wonder why no one has cleaned up the mess since April of 2009. I didn't think Islam involved any sort of superstitions, or perhaps its financial reasons that have made clean-up impossible.
10. Every time I read about dictators letting their citizens vote without letting the opposition party put anyone on the ballot, I get really mad. How can they call this kind of farce an election? I propose we come up with a new term for these shams. I will have to let the creative wheels in my brain ponder this further later. . .
11. Like so many poor, dessert countries, Yemen is running out of water. Exacerbating the problem is the amount of water farmers use to grow the narcotic Qat. "A few years ago, water could be found at a depth of 70-100 meters; now it is necessary to dig 450 meters into the ground to find the precious resource." This slide's photo is the most telling of the bunch to me. Notice the utter barrenness, and then stare for a moment at the immaculate mosque under construction in the background. Why Muslim countries on the brink of civil war, starvation, dehydration, and financial ruin spend their money building mosques is so far beyond my comprehension it's not even worth trying to understand. To me, it is just like the Maya building their pyramids right up until the moment of their extinction.
14. These facts startled me: "Almost a third of Yemen's workforce is out of a job and more than 40 percent of the country's 23 million people live on less than $2 a day." Women are not allowed to educate themselves. The literacy rate in Yemen for women is 35%, and more than double that for men. Furthermore, Yemen allows child brides to be wed, and forced to have sex, at any age. There is no limit.
15. I can't imagine having to use giant blocks of ice to keep my food fresh. . .in a dessert were water is scarce. Electrical shortages are sure to grow worse and not better if the government continues funneling its money and efforts toward giant mosques.
17. This slide's caption explained well the southern separatist argument for preferring their time as a Soviet welfare state to current conditions. Because a vast majority of Yemen's oil wealth lies in the south, it is not surprising southerners feel unification was just a way for the north to get at it's resources. The picture is also quite telling. The old man sits in the front of a bulldozer. There are no lawn chairs, and the only ornament is a rusted oil drum. Yet, looking at the blue sky, and beautiful hills, one can't help but see the potential.
19. Seeing this picture took my breath away. It looks just like the Grand Canyon, but with ancient buildings build into it.
___
11/17
Canned art draws oooohs and awes (CNN, by Bradley Gallo, 11/17/2010)
Art for a good cause is even better than art for art's sake, if you ask me. The cans used in the displays pictured in he above linked slide show will all go to City Harvest, an organization that feeds hungry New Yorkers. I heard that 14% of our population categorizes as "food challenged," or whatever politically correct term our government is using for "starving." So these thousands of canned goods are defiantly needed.
"New York is one of about 100 cities around the world taking part in the international charity competition known as CANstruction that is aimed at helping the hungry. Rules allow each team five people to work on their entry. The cans cannot be bound with glue or adhesives and designers are not allowed to color the cans -- so there is endless time donated to finding the tuna or bean cans with the properly colored labels for the particular design."
As far as the art, I love Legos, so number seven is really cool. But my favorite would have to be the same as the jury's, the BabushCANS pictured in number9. Which do you like best?
-
I was so inspired by the art, and cause, that I spent an hour reading CANstruction's website, and would like to share some of what I learned with you.
"Since 1992, Canstruction has contributed over 15 million of pounds of food to community food banks demonstrating that we can win the fight against hunger."
This year alone, over 1,500,000 meals will be provided by this organization. And the talent and creativity on display was amazing!
___
1/7
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival (Southflorida.com)
The pictures in the photo journal linked above were taken in northern China. I had never heard of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, but after seeing the fairy castle of ice, illuminated with lights as fireworks explode in the background, I was intrigued. So I clicked, and was absolutely stunned by the scale and detail of the sculptures pictured. As a native of Wisconsin, I have seen my fair-share of ice and snow art. However, nothing I have seen even comes close to the pictures in this photo journal.
The horse and buggies shown in shots 16-17 look cozy enough to view the sites. The men diving into the freezing water are as nuts as the "polar bears" that leap into Lake Michigan each year. Imagine my shock when I came to shot 31, featuring several women climbing into the ice-lined pool! I usually hate the winter, but seeing the beauty and amazing details of the sculptures shown have given me a whole new respect for the snow!
___
1/11
I love browsing National Geographic's website for cool pictures. Today, I was lucky enough to find two.
This picture of the Bahamas, taken from space, is beautiful enough to frame. I needed to share it!
And then I came across this amazing shot of the International Space Station. It is not what you think, so take the time to click! (I wonder what the other two blobs are...)
___
1/22
8 Beautiful Bioluminescent Creatures from the Sea (Wired Science, by Danielle Venton, 1/21/2011)
My wonderful husband found me the article linked above. Though it only contains 8 photos, each and every one is worth viewing. The Vampire Squid is probably the strangest creature I have ever seen! And the Atolla looks like an intricate knitting pattern. What amazing creatures lurk in the depths of our oceans!
___
2/1
Volcanic lighting pictured as Mount Shinmoedake in Japan erupts (The Telegraph)
The above linked picture is straight out of a video game or movie. If I didn't know it was real, I would swear it to be a fake. I hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I did!
___
2/2
Two forms of worlds 'newest' cat the Sunda leopard (BBC, by Matt Walker, 1/22/2011)
If you love cats like I do, you will enjoy the above link tremendously. The picture at the top is pretty cool, depicting a lanky, but beautiful leopard whose spots have spots within them. But the video further down in the article is even more amazing. The cats tail seems longer than its body, and its fur looks sleek like silk. I hope these animals get some protection so they can get off of the endangered list.
___
2/4
The man who isn't there (The Upshot, by Mike Krumboltz, 2/3/2011)
Ever wonder what it would be like to be invisible? I do, and even wrote about it in a thread called "Where I would go with an Invisibility Cloak." The gentleman in the article above, Liu Bolin, takes this idea to an entirely different realm by painting himself to blend in to various backgrounds. Clicking the article, and viewing the attached slide show are worth every second of your time. I had a very hard time locating Mr. Bolin in several photos, but especially in the one of the bulldozer.
___
2/12
Animal Pair Pictures (National Geographic)
Every animal lover will enjoy the above linked photo journal from National Geographic in honor of Valentines Day. My favorite is of the polar bears wrestling, because it reminds me of my cats doing the same. Which do you like best?
___
2/23
Brilliant Space Photos from Chandra and Spitzer (Smithsonian.com)
I never knew gas could be so beautiful. Usually I can pick a favorite, but the above linked collection of intergalactic art is a masterpiece in its entirety.
___
2/25
Playhouse (Yahoo News)
"Why walk when you can slide?" That's the question posed in the caption of the first of nine pictures showing a house in Tokyo designed by an architect who is obviously still young at heart. The three story home looks normal, even boring from the outside. But inside, a giant slide, ball room, and miniature reading nook make the home one of a kind, and worth viewing. I wonder if the kids who live there realize how lucky they are!
___
3/4
11 intriguing transparent animals (mother nature network)
When I clicked on the above linked photo gallery, I was expecting to see a bunch of jellyfish. In fact, there were two slides of jellyfish. But the other nine were so amazing I had to share them with you! The Glasswing Butterfly is delicately precious, and the visible intestines of the sea cucumber grossly unforgettable. But my favorite has got to be the Barreleye, whose transparent cranium holds eyes that can literally see through the top of the fishes head!
___
3/15
Best Mars Images From Orbiter's First Five Years (Wired Science, by Lisa Grossman, 3/10/2011)
I think it would be fun to print the above-linked set of photographs taken of Mar's surface, and have folks guess where the shots were taken. Most of the pictures look like high-priced modern art to my untrained eyes. My favorite is the one titled "Southern Swiss Cheese." I think it looks like alien ultrasounds made of ice crystals.
___
3/24
Amazing Stop-Motion Video of the Aurora Borealis (GeekDad)
Unlike the other posts in this thread, the above link is to a video. And it is definitely worth watching. Some of the shots look like an ocean in the sky, while others remind me of scenes from classic sci-fi movies. Totally cool find, that I must thank my husband for.
____
5/24
When I came across the picture of the kid skate boarding on the inner ridge of an orange peel, I was intrigued and had to click. I was not prepared for the new art form I encountered. As a result of finding Slinkachu, I will never look at any urban landscape the same.
On random street corners, sidewalks, and puddles, he arranges his miniature men and women in poses ranging from surreal to heart-wrenching. A mother and child enjoying a winter wonderland. . . on the white line of a parking space; people trying to cool down on a water slide. . . that dumps them right into the sewer; or a caped crusader perched on the edge of a metal post. . . ready to plunge to his death on the sidewalk below.
Each piece seems to have a dualistic purpose, encompassing relevant observations about life in the 21st century, and the inner turmoils of being human. Some pieces are meant to be satirical, while others introspective. Every one has its own message, blatantly clear, yet often hard to confront.
After taking their picture to memorialize his work, Slinkachu always walks way, not wanting to see what will become of his masterpieces. I would probably be the klutz that notices it, just as my shoe crushes it. But imagine being the lucky, observant soul that actually finds one of these mini-men. Would you pick it up, or have the restraint to leave it for the next passerby to enjoy? Just like his exhibits, the concept of Slinkachu's art form leaves us questioning our own morality. Click this link to visit his website.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Chick-fil-A - A Review
Before I begin my review, let me state that I understand well restaurant nostalgia. When Culver's first came to Illinois from it's birthplace in Wisconsin, I was ecstatic. We eat there at least once a month, and I dream about their turtle sundaes.
So, as I sit to write this review of the newest chain to hit our area, Chick-fil-A, I am well aware that I am treading on sacred territory. Anyone growing up in the South seems to think these joints are the bomb. I respectfully wish to disagree. My husband and I went to the new one by our mall at about 3:00 pm on a Wednesday. We waited in line 10 minutes for spicy chicken sandwiches, fries, and a pop that we could have gotten in 5 minutes from Wendy's next door. Seriously, I bet they use the same distributor.
Yet, news of new Chick-fil-A's results in bizarre camp outs usually associated with the release of new Star Wars movies. The added incentive? A free meal from the solo-protein chain every week for a year. At least the winners will know what they are going to order before they walk in the door. . .chicken!
The service was friendly, the seating area kept clean. Even the indoor kiddie playground looked sweet. But I can get all of these features at McDonalds, without having to wait in line forever. I predict a Krispy Kreme effect takes place, and the location near our mall becomes a mattress store within two years. I hope I don't get death threats from loyal Chick-fil-A fans for being so pessimistic, but how far can a place really get in the midwest selling JUST chicken? This isn't Louisiana or Georgia!
___
2/1/2011
Popular chicken chain under fire for anti-gay marriage donations (The Lookout via Yahoo, by Liz Goodwin, 1/31/2011)
The above linked article, hidden amidst so much crazy news coming out of Egypt (the revolts), Australia (the cyclone and floods), and the Midwest (the blizzard), should be read by all freedom loving, and fast-food consuming Americans. But, as I know most Americans are pressed for time, I will provide you with the key excerpts:
"The privately owned chain, famous for closing on Sundays in deference to its founder's evangelical Christian values, donates to many Christian causes, scholarships, and organizations through its charitable arm.
But when a Pennsylvania restaurant donated sandwiches and brownies to a Harrisburg meeting of The Pennsylvania Family Group, a group that works to outlaw gay marriage, pro-gay marriage bloggers and gay rights organizations went on the offensive."
This isn't like Target, that donated to a Republican candidate based on his business ideals, who also happened to be anti-gay marriage. This is a company directly providing its product to a group whose sole purpose is defining marriage as they see fit. I didn't like the chicken anyway, and haven't been back since I wrote the original review for this thread. But, I thought it was important for my readers to know where the company stands, so they can make their own decision, be it based on their taste-buds, or morals.
___
2/6
It seems that I am not the only one disgusted by Chick-fil-A's blatant mix of religion and business. According to this article, the company is facing unexpected resistance to its Christian culture as it attempts to expand beyond the Bible belt.
___
So, as I sit to write this review of the newest chain to hit our area, Chick-fil-A, I am well aware that I am treading on sacred territory. Anyone growing up in the South seems to think these joints are the bomb. I respectfully wish to disagree. My husband and I went to the new one by our mall at about 3:00 pm on a Wednesday. We waited in line 10 minutes for spicy chicken sandwiches, fries, and a pop that we could have gotten in 5 minutes from Wendy's next door. Seriously, I bet they use the same distributor.
Yet, news of new Chick-fil-A's results in bizarre camp outs usually associated with the release of new Star Wars movies. The added incentive? A free meal from the solo-protein chain every week for a year. At least the winners will know what they are going to order before they walk in the door. . .chicken!
The service was friendly, the seating area kept clean. Even the indoor kiddie playground looked sweet. But I can get all of these features at McDonalds, without having to wait in line forever. I predict a Krispy Kreme effect takes place, and the location near our mall becomes a mattress store within two years. I hope I don't get death threats from loyal Chick-fil-A fans for being so pessimistic, but how far can a place really get in the midwest selling JUST chicken? This isn't Louisiana or Georgia!
___
2/1/2011
Popular chicken chain under fire for anti-gay marriage donations (The Lookout via Yahoo, by Liz Goodwin, 1/31/2011)
The above linked article, hidden amidst so much crazy news coming out of Egypt (the revolts), Australia (the cyclone and floods), and the Midwest (the blizzard), should be read by all freedom loving, and fast-food consuming Americans. But, as I know most Americans are pressed for time, I will provide you with the key excerpts:
"The privately owned chain, famous for closing on Sundays in deference to its founder's evangelical Christian values, donates to many Christian causes, scholarships, and organizations through its charitable arm.
But when a Pennsylvania restaurant donated sandwiches and brownies to a Harrisburg meeting of The Pennsylvania Family Group, a group that works to outlaw gay marriage, pro-gay marriage bloggers and gay rights organizations went on the offensive."
This isn't like Target, that donated to a Republican candidate based on his business ideals, who also happened to be anti-gay marriage. This is a company directly providing its product to a group whose sole purpose is defining marriage as they see fit. I didn't like the chicken anyway, and haven't been back since I wrote the original review for this thread. But, I thought it was important for my readers to know where the company stands, so they can make their own decision, be it based on their taste-buds, or morals.
___
2/6
It seems that I am not the only one disgusted by Chick-fil-A's blatant mix of religion and business. According to this article, the company is facing unexpected resistance to its Christian culture as it attempts to expand beyond the Bible belt.
___
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Greatest Show on Earth
Last night, my husband and I attended Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth. We have been been attending the circus for several years now, and both agree this seasons performances were far beyond anything we had ever encountered before. Though the story line was not as good as last years "Zing, Zang, Zoom," the "Funundrum" kept us smiling the entire show.
Even before the show started, I enjoyed watching the pre-show festivities from my seat. Last year, my husband and I did go down on the "stage" for the all-access events, but I much preferred observing them from a distance this year. I saw one of the "Trinidad Stiltwalkers" dancing with a baby, and almost had a heart-attack! The clowns also kept the laughs coming with their hilarious broom and garbage can routine. As much as I think it's cool an elephant can "paint" I have seen it every year, so was not that impressed with this aspect of the pre-show. Overall, the host of All Access Pre-show, Andre McClain, did an excellent job of keeping the audience involved, and the fun flowing before the curtains even opened.
When the show did begin, and the circus train carried the Ringmaster into the center of the arena, I was captivated. The opening parade was amazing to witness. The unique use of Segways, made for a unforgettable opening act. The costumes, with their thousands of sequins, were so exquisite I could have spent hours examining the details.
The first performers after the opening act involved two giant steel rings, with three rings hanging from each. Three girls dangled from each of the steel supports on their own rings, dancing in the sky. In the middle, a single male and female performer hung suspended by a single string. In a synchronized fashion, they whirled, twirled, and spun to the music. Though beautiful and enjoyable, this portion of the show was not unique, and honestly quite forgettable in comparison with what was still to come.
The Asadulin Troupe from Russia was much more enjoyable, in my opinion. Using bending balance beams, they performed aerial gymnastics that included stacking beams up to three people high! It was amazing to see their control and strength. Along with the muscle man, Meetal, I believe this performance was not appreciated by the audience as much as it should have been.
The contortionist and strength performers were next. I was absolutely stunned by the strength of the husband and wife team "Duo Fusion." The reversal of normal roles was probably the most surprising feature of the entire event for me. My husband's favorite performers were the trio of gymnasts called "Balancing Body Benders. All three of them squeezed into a tiny box, and performed mind-blowing moves once out. Finally, the Bionic Brothers were good, but I honestly had my eyes dancing between the other two performances during this set too much to offer any honest critique on their performance.
I lost track of the order of performances following the above trio, so will use the program to comment on the remaining spectacles. The tight rope family, known as the "Sky High Ice Gliders" did some outstanding tricks I never imagined possible. So as not to ruin the surprise, I will only say these 5 tight rope walkers were the best I have ever seen live. The ball of steel was also pretty good this year. Seven bikes fit into the tiny ball, and drove in fast circles and loops. The performers, known as the "Torres Family," from Peru, include a single female daredevil, which I think is super cool.
I know little girls love the miniature ponies. I did as a child. But as an adult, the horse and llama portion of the show was pretty boring. The horses didn't want to listen, but the elephant carrying the dog around on the little crate was cute. The tigers were another story altogether. I love the big cats portion of the circus, and this year was no disappointment. We were so close I could actually see how the trainer, Daniel Raffo, uses meat on the end of his stick to reward the tiger's after they perform a trick.
The trapeze artists were good, but not great. I found myself clapping for "Trupe Fantasy's" pirate act much more. Some of the vaulting moves the female performed were incredible. And the strength of the men was beyond compare. Along with the final performers, the "Barnum Bouncers," the final two acts of the show were exciting, but not too climactic. Of course, in Barnum and Bailey fashion, the grand parade at the end included dancing, confetti, and a stroll across the stadium by all of the evenings performers.
It is so hard to pick a favorite part when everything was so spectacular. Looking at the program, I can't find a single act I didn't enjoy. In addition, my favorite clown, Yvinson "Bibi" Acero, performed unexpectedly (they usually don't appear two years in a row). Seeing baby elephant "Barrack" was also a real treat. I didn't enjoy the music as much this year, but the choreography was exceptional. I especially liked the Egyptian-based routine. I can't wait to see what surprises next year's show will have in store!
Even before the show started, I enjoyed watching the pre-show festivities from my seat. Last year, my husband and I did go down on the "stage" for the all-access events, but I much preferred observing them from a distance this year. I saw one of the "Trinidad Stiltwalkers" dancing with a baby, and almost had a heart-attack! The clowns also kept the laughs coming with their hilarious broom and garbage can routine. As much as I think it's cool an elephant can "paint" I have seen it every year, so was not that impressed with this aspect of the pre-show. Overall, the host of All Access Pre-show, Andre McClain, did an excellent job of keeping the audience involved, and the fun flowing before the curtains even opened.
When the show did begin, and the circus train carried the Ringmaster into the center of the arena, I was captivated. The opening parade was amazing to witness. The unique use of Segways, made for a unforgettable opening act. The costumes, with their thousands of sequins, were so exquisite I could have spent hours examining the details.
The first performers after the opening act involved two giant steel rings, with three rings hanging from each. Three girls dangled from each of the steel supports on their own rings, dancing in the sky. In the middle, a single male and female performer hung suspended by a single string. In a synchronized fashion, they whirled, twirled, and spun to the music. Though beautiful and enjoyable, this portion of the show was not unique, and honestly quite forgettable in comparison with what was still to come.
The Asadulin Troupe from Russia was much more enjoyable, in my opinion. Using bending balance beams, they performed aerial gymnastics that included stacking beams up to three people high! It was amazing to see their control and strength. Along with the muscle man, Meetal, I believe this performance was not appreciated by the audience as much as it should have been.
The contortionist and strength performers were next. I was absolutely stunned by the strength of the husband and wife team "Duo Fusion." The reversal of normal roles was probably the most surprising feature of the entire event for me. My husband's favorite performers were the trio of gymnasts called "Balancing Body Benders. All three of them squeezed into a tiny box, and performed mind-blowing moves once out. Finally, the Bionic Brothers were good, but I honestly had my eyes dancing between the other two performances during this set too much to offer any honest critique on their performance.
I lost track of the order of performances following the above trio, so will use the program to comment on the remaining spectacles. The tight rope family, known as the "Sky High Ice Gliders" did some outstanding tricks I never imagined possible. So as not to ruin the surprise, I will only say these 5 tight rope walkers were the best I have ever seen live. The ball of steel was also pretty good this year. Seven bikes fit into the tiny ball, and drove in fast circles and loops. The performers, known as the "Torres Family," from Peru, include a single female daredevil, which I think is super cool.
I know little girls love the miniature ponies. I did as a child. But as an adult, the horse and llama portion of the show was pretty boring. The horses didn't want to listen, but the elephant carrying the dog around on the little crate was cute. The tigers were another story altogether. I love the big cats portion of the circus, and this year was no disappointment. We were so close I could actually see how the trainer, Daniel Raffo, uses meat on the end of his stick to reward the tiger's after they perform a trick.
The trapeze artists were good, but not great. I found myself clapping for "Trupe Fantasy's" pirate act much more. Some of the vaulting moves the female performed were incredible. And the strength of the men was beyond compare. Along with the final performers, the "Barnum Bouncers," the final two acts of the show were exciting, but not too climactic. Of course, in Barnum and Bailey fashion, the grand parade at the end included dancing, confetti, and a stroll across the stadium by all of the evenings performers.
It is so hard to pick a favorite part when everything was so spectacular. Looking at the program, I can't find a single act I didn't enjoy. In addition, my favorite clown, Yvinson "Bibi" Acero, performed unexpectedly (they usually don't appear two years in a row). Seeing baby elephant "Barrack" was also a real treat. I didn't enjoy the music as much this year, but the choreography was exceptional. I especially liked the Egyptian-based routine. I can't wait to see what surprises next year's show will have in store!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Ancient History of Humanity
Until now, I have been dumping everything I find about human pre-history into the post originally started to discuss "The Artificial Ape." Because I have begun the final review and critique of the book itself, I don't want to confuse readers by inserting other articles I find on the topic anymore. So, I started this post!
___
35,000-year old axe head places Aboriginal ancestors at the cutting edge of technology (The Age, by Bridie Smith, 11/6/2010)
The first entrant is actually highly relevant to "The Artificial Ape." It is about an axe-head from Australia that has been carbon-dated at 35,000 years old, 5,000 years older than any previously discovered artifact of it's kind. Like archaeologist Adam Brumm, I find it ironic that the oldest, and arguably most advanced ancient technology is being discovered in the exact place 18th and 19th century Europeans equated with the most uncivilized, backward place on earth. "By comparison, the earliest ground-edge axes from Europe, West Asia and Africa are about 8,500 years old." It is also significant, as the article implies, that the axe head was constructed out of basalt, a volcanic rock found a minimum of 40 km from the axe head's final resting place, in a sandstone cave. Either trade, as Smith postulates, or long distance travel to acquire various resources, which I think is equally likely, must have been involved in the axe head's creation 35,000 years ago. What an exciting discovery!
___
11/14
The Wet Dog Shake: Physics Revealed (Discovery News, by Jennifer Viegas, 11/12/2010)
As I read the above linked article, I found it mildly interesting. But, as a math hater, and physics flunky, I also only 'mildly' understood what it was trying to convey. Thankfully, I always skim the comments section for treasures. And today I found one. Below I quote Mr. Max Ray's intriguing question:
"How did our hairier ancestors shake off? How do gorillas, chimps, and other apes shake? When I try to do it, I stay wet and get a headache. Are a big brain, free hands, and upright postures trade-offs for being able to easily dry off?"
I tried several Google searches to no avail, so decided to post what was going to be a Sound Off topic here in the hopes of finding an acceptable answer someday. Thanks again, Mr. Max Ray, whoever you are!
___
11/18
I found this line from a Discovery News article by Ray Villard very interesting:
" It seems that when all hell is breaking loose on a Earth major evolutionary changes happen rapidly." This fits well into the now commonly held belief that we overcame Neanderthals near the end of the last ice age.
___
11/20
World's oldest Copper Age settlement found (Hindustan Times, by 11/15/2010)
Archaeologist's in Serbia have found the oldest evidence of metallurgy known, pushing the date for copper usage back at least eight centuries.
"[A]xes, hammers, hooks and needles - were found interspersed with other artefacts from a settlement that burned down some 7,000 years ago at Plocnik, near Prokuplje and 200 km south of Belgrade."
The ancient village burned to the ground for unknown reasons, but the archaeologist's found no signs of attack. They think the site may have been a mining and smelting center, focused on the production of copper tools. If this is the case, perhaps fire spread from the forge.
According to the head archaeologist on site, Julka Kuzmanovic-Cvetkovict, the inhabitants of this ancient town were not "wild." "'They had finely combed hair and adorned themselves with necklaces.'"
The team responsible for the discovery realize that the time their site spends at the top of the list may be short lived. Excavations in Turkey, near eastern Anatolia, may soon surpass Plocnik for the title.
___
___
35,000-year old axe head places Aboriginal ancestors at the cutting edge of technology (The Age, by Bridie Smith, 11/6/2010)
The first entrant is actually highly relevant to "The Artificial Ape." It is about an axe-head from Australia that has been carbon-dated at 35,000 years old, 5,000 years older than any previously discovered artifact of it's kind. Like archaeologist Adam Brumm, I find it ironic that the oldest, and arguably most advanced ancient technology is being discovered in the exact place 18th and 19th century Europeans equated with the most uncivilized, backward place on earth. "By comparison, the earliest ground-edge axes from Europe, West Asia and Africa are about 8,500 years old." It is also significant, as the article implies, that the axe head was constructed out of basalt, a volcanic rock found a minimum of 40 km from the axe head's final resting place, in a sandstone cave. Either trade, as Smith postulates, or long distance travel to acquire various resources, which I think is equally likely, must have been involved in the axe head's creation 35,000 years ago. What an exciting discovery!
___
11/14
The Wet Dog Shake: Physics Revealed (Discovery News, by Jennifer Viegas, 11/12/2010)
As I read the above linked article, I found it mildly interesting. But, as a math hater, and physics flunky, I also only 'mildly' understood what it was trying to convey. Thankfully, I always skim the comments section for treasures. And today I found one. Below I quote Mr. Max Ray's intriguing question:
"How did our hairier ancestors shake off? How do gorillas, chimps, and other apes shake? When I try to do it, I stay wet and get a headache. Are a big brain, free hands, and upright postures trade-offs for being able to easily dry off?"
I tried several Google searches to no avail, so decided to post what was going to be a Sound Off topic here in the hopes of finding an acceptable answer someday. Thanks again, Mr. Max Ray, whoever you are!
___
11/18
I found this line from a Discovery News article by Ray Villard very interesting:
" It seems that when all hell is breaking loose on a Earth major evolutionary changes happen rapidly." This fits well into the now commonly held belief that we overcame Neanderthals near the end of the last ice age.
___
11/20
World's oldest Copper Age settlement found (Hindustan Times, by 11/15/2010)
Archaeologist's in Serbia have found the oldest evidence of metallurgy known, pushing the date for copper usage back at least eight centuries.
"[A]xes, hammers, hooks and needles - were found interspersed with other artefacts from a settlement that burned down some 7,000 years ago at Plocnik, near Prokuplje and 200 km south of Belgrade."
The ancient village burned to the ground for unknown reasons, but the archaeologist's found no signs of attack. They think the site may have been a mining and smelting center, focused on the production of copper tools. If this is the case, perhaps fire spread from the forge.
According to the head archaeologist on site, Julka Kuzmanovic-Cvetkovict, the inhabitants of this ancient town were not "wild." "'They had finely combed hair and adorned themselves with necklaces.'"
The team responsible for the discovery realize that the time their site spends at the top of the list may be short lived. Excavations in Turkey, near eastern Anatolia, may soon surpass Plocnik for the title.
___
Monday, November 8, 2010
Blood Diamonds
This week's issue of TIME Magazine had a well written article about Blood Diamonds. It is titled "Cursed Stones," and was written by Alex Perry. Before I recycle the issue, I wanted to make sure to share some of the startling statistics and facts it taught me:
To Americans, diamonds mean marriage and wealth. To many in the world, however, they mean pain and death."'Here it means beatings, shootings and trying to get something just to survive,'" one man from Mutare, Zimbabwe told Perry. "There are 1.3 million informal miners in the world --who work for $1 a day or less, according to Global Witness."
The regulatory organization created to monitor diamond mining and exporting is known as the "Kimberley Process." "Ian Smillie, who helped found Kimberley and has two decades' work in diamond regulation, estimates that Congo, next year's Kimberley chair, does not know the origins of 40% of the diamonds it certifies."
Other countries are shunning Kimberley oversight altogether. "Venezuela has filed no statistics on diamond output since 2005 and in 2008 suspended its Kimberley membership and, it claimed, production."
The Kimberley Process itself is far from perfect, as even it's authors admit. "Kimberley says nothing about gems sold by criminals or repressive governments or those whose production involved human-rights abuses or poor working conditions --which are rife in the industry."
Alternative organizations are trying to make sure smuggled stones stay off of the market: "The U.S.-based Rapaport Diamond Trading Network....says it will expel any member dealing in Zimbabwean gems, explaining that 'there is no assurance that diamonds with [Kimberley] certification are free of human-rights violations."
Until the Kimberley Process broadens, "to include criminals, governments and human rights," I encourage folks to seek out alternative certifications to the Kimberley Process when diamond shopping, even if it does cost more. For example, De Beer's has developed a way for consumers to know the exact origins of their stone. Called "The Forevermark, it, "imprints each gemstone with a microscopic number that indicates where and how it was produced.
Newer groups, like the "Diamond Development Initiative," are taking it a step further, and trying to make sure the countries producing the stones actually benefit. Seeing the sad face on the malnourished miner in the picture on page 51 makes me applaud this effort above all others mentioned in the article.
Overall, the article was both depressing, because of the suffering it discussed, but also inspiring, because of the changes being implemented to try to correct these atrocities. Humans have been making and wearing jewelry since the time of cavemen, and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon. But the more humanitarian we can make the trade process, the better,
To Americans, diamonds mean marriage and wealth. To many in the world, however, they mean pain and death."'Here it means beatings, shootings and trying to get something just to survive,'" one man from Mutare, Zimbabwe told Perry. "There are 1.3 million informal miners in the world --who work for $1 a day or less, according to Global Witness."
The regulatory organization created to monitor diamond mining and exporting is known as the "Kimberley Process." "Ian Smillie, who helped found Kimberley and has two decades' work in diamond regulation, estimates that Congo, next year's Kimberley chair, does not know the origins of 40% of the diamonds it certifies."
Other countries are shunning Kimberley oversight altogether. "Venezuela has filed no statistics on diamond output since 2005 and in 2008 suspended its Kimberley membership and, it claimed, production."
The Kimberley Process itself is far from perfect, as even it's authors admit. "Kimberley says nothing about gems sold by criminals or repressive governments or those whose production involved human-rights abuses or poor working conditions --which are rife in the industry."
Alternative organizations are trying to make sure smuggled stones stay off of the market: "The U.S.-based Rapaport Diamond Trading Network....says it will expel any member dealing in Zimbabwean gems, explaining that 'there is no assurance that diamonds with [Kimberley] certification are free of human-rights violations."
Until the Kimberley Process broadens, "to include criminals, governments and human rights," I encourage folks to seek out alternative certifications to the Kimberley Process when diamond shopping, even if it does cost more. For example, De Beer's has developed a way for consumers to know the exact origins of their stone. Called "The Forevermark, it, "imprints each gemstone with a microscopic number that indicates where and how it was produced.
Newer groups, like the "Diamond Development Initiative," are taking it a step further, and trying to make sure the countries producing the stones actually benefit. Seeing the sad face on the malnourished miner in the picture on page 51 makes me applaud this effort above all others mentioned in the article.
Overall, the article was both depressing, because of the suffering it discussed, but also inspiring, because of the changes being implemented to try to correct these atrocities. Humans have been making and wearing jewelry since the time of cavemen, and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon. But the more humanitarian we can make the trade process, the better,
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Video Games, Live! Review
Last night, my husband and I went to Video Games, Live! at the Chicago Theater. Before I comment on the event itself, I must applaud the staff at the venue for the flawless, kind service they provided. Compared to our sub-par experience at the Cadillac recently, it was a breath of fresh air to have ushers actually know where our seats, and the bathrooms, were when asked. I also loved the Greco-Roman architecture and art around every corner, and may have to convince my husband to take me on one of the tours they offer that explains the venue's long history. The only criticism I have about the venue is that two waitresses interrupted the performance to try to sell us drinks. I do understand the theater needs to profit, but it was annoying.
Now, for the event itself. There were many positives that deserve mentioning:
-The nostalgia of the whole experience: As a self-proclaimed "gamer" since the days of the original Nintendo, I felt young at heart, and missed my siblings, who were my victims in "Street Fighter II" and "Sonic the Hedgehog" back in the day. Seeing clips from so many games I loved (and still do) was worth every penny of my $75, first row, center balcony ticket. And yes, I did see a small clip from my all-time favorite Nintendo game, "Kid Icarus." The music I enjoyed the most, oddly enough, was written for games I have never played. Both "Tron" and The "Chrono Cross" / "Chrono Trigger" series have intriguing and amusing music scores I never would have known about had I not attended this event. I just ordered the two Video Games, Live! CD's from Barnes & Noble, and can't wait to hear what other treasures await.
-Flute Girl: By far the highlight of the entire show was when Flute Girl performed her Flute Link, and new Flute Mario, live. Anyone who played the original Zelda or Link will recall using the "fairy flute" to move mountains. I got tears in my eyes as I remembered how many times I heard this music as a child. The new Super Mario Brother's version she composed is also cool, and her voice during the operatic solos was beyond amazing. "Flute-Girls" name is Laura Intravia and she deserves to be bumped way up on Video Games, Live!'s website. Without her, the show would not have been nearly as cool. She is a star-in-the-making, and I feel privileged to have witnessed her outstanding talents live.
-The orchestra and choir: First off, the fact that the tour hires local musicians and singers gives them bonus points, in my opinion. I could tell most of the orchestra members were having fun. I bet they don't get to play scores like these often. The head-banging cellist and leg-stomping violinists made me believe they were really into the performance. I also thought the drummer did an amazing job of keeping the audience entertained by using the his instruments to convey the emotions of each featured game. During many of the songs, I found myself watching the musicians more than the trio of massive screens.
-Ralph Baer, the man who invented video games: The Skype interview with the inventor of the first video game, Ralph Baer, and the long lost movie clip of him playing it, were beyond uber. I felt this bit of history tied perfectly into the event, and was a great example of how Video Games, Live! aptly demonstrates how embedded gaming has become in our society and culture. In addition, the fact that Mr. Baer is still alive and kicking at 89 (he got two cell phone, and one real phone call during the interview) gives credence to my theory that an active, gaming brain and body keep one young forever. Look at my 93 year old grandma, who will kick anyone's butt at Wii bowling from her kitchen chair! The doctors say she is in perfect health, outside of a bum knee. She has been "gaming" all her life.
-The Comic Relief: The clips between compositions were sometimes as entertaining as the compositions themselves! I will NEVER forget Scorpion from "Mortal Combat" pulling Donkey Kong THROUGH the steel beams to an explosive death, then nonchalantly tearing the spine out of the princess. (And I am keeping the caps, because this story truly deserves them.)
Finally, as a go-between to the things I did not enjoy as much, I would like to briefly describe the costume contest. The host ushered about ten people onto the stage. The first was a pair from "Pokemon," the second of which looked like a Japanese child hooker. The next several were not memorable, but included a Link and another Pokemon. But then there was Seperoth, the twenty-something fat kid who still lives in his parents basement (we know, my husband and I saw him with them outside before the show). He threw on a white wig, some hockey shoulder pads, a huge, goth-style black overcoat, and strolled onto the stage acting like one of the sexiest video game villains of all time. I almost puked. And the winner? A five year old kid dressed up like the main dude from "Halo." (That goes to show that I am 100% right in my ruling of the current video game violence case before the Supreme Court.)
Now, for the not so pleasant parts. And there were, unfortunately, quite a few.
-The Pre-Show "Music" Sucked: Even before the show started, I was annoyed. The continuous bleeps, creeps, and gunshots of an arcade was too much for my sensitive ears to bear! Fortunately, I spent a large majority of the pre-show festivities in the ladies room (which is another story all together.) But each time I returned to my seat, I found myself wanting to plug my ears. Quietly playing music from one of the Video Games, Live! CD would be a much better choice.
-Too much talking, not enough music: This criticism may seem unfair given how much I enjoyed some of the special guests, and extra information provided. But, so much of what the host said felt self-indulgent. I reflected on this overnight, and have come to the conclusion that he really does love video games and music, and there is nothing wrong in "indulging" in those passions by sharing them with others. That is what I do with my writing every day. Regardless, the impression of arrogance was still there, and as the gaming community knows well, perception is reality. Perhaps, since there is a team involved in his production, referring to the endeavor more as "we" then "I" would alleviate some of the narcissistic tendencies I sensed. (I did some research on the Video Games, Live! website and learned that the host, Mr. Tommy Tallarico, is an icon in the industry for revolutionizing the way sound is heard in games. He is credited with being the one most responsible for moving the industry away from bleeps and beeps, to real music. Learning this increases my respect for his influence and passion. But I still think that he needs to be careful not to come across as too self-righteous.)
-No sweatshirts for sale! I am so sick and tired of going to events in Chicago and being offered a t-shirt when it is 40 degrees outside! I brought $50 cash intending to purchase a nice, warm hoody, but found only more dime-a-dozen t-shirts. I even checked the Video Games, Live! website to see if I could purchase one. Of course, there are none available. Booooo!
-The Final Fantasy Clips Sucked: I waited the entire show for a Final Fantasy remix. When it came, I was thrilled that it was from what I consider to be the best of the series, "Final Fantasy VII." I absolutely melted into the emotions of the music. But I was more than ticked off that the clips shown were not from the game I loved. Sure, the occasional Chocobo was cute, but I wanted pictures from the epic fights, even just shots of riding through the vast terrain on a A ranked Chocobo. But, instead, it was shots of real people modeling the styles of the characters I love, and in a very sexually explicit manner. As a climax of the show, it was very disappointing.
Overall, I would give the event a 7.25 on a scale of 10. It felt unpolished at times, and Mr. Tallarico's mind seemed more focused on the half-empty theater then on his dialogue. In addition he did so much talking throughout the event that the music didn't have time to speak for itself. The conductor was repeatedly overshadowed by the dude (Mr. Tallarico) playing with his cool guitars. The video game clips shown were no more than trailers a lot of the time, and when movies seemed to be produced for the event, they did not flow well with the music. But, so many other aspects, especially the music itself, made up for many of the negatives. "Flute Girl," Laura Intravia was by far the star of the show, in my opinion, and the reason I gave it a rating of 7.25 and not 5.0. If asked whether I would attend again, I would have to say a 100% yes. But I would get there later, bring my own sweatshirt, and be prepared for a lot of talking amongst the music.
Now, for the event itself. There were many positives that deserve mentioning:
-The nostalgia of the whole experience: As a self-proclaimed "gamer" since the days of the original Nintendo, I felt young at heart, and missed my siblings, who were my victims in "Street Fighter II" and "Sonic the Hedgehog" back in the day. Seeing clips from so many games I loved (and still do) was worth every penny of my $75, first row, center balcony ticket. And yes, I did see a small clip from my all-time favorite Nintendo game, "Kid Icarus." The music I enjoyed the most, oddly enough, was written for games I have never played. Both "Tron" and The "Chrono Cross" / "Chrono Trigger" series have intriguing and amusing music scores I never would have known about had I not attended this event. I just ordered the two Video Games, Live! CD's from Barnes & Noble, and can't wait to hear what other treasures await.
-Flute Girl: By far the highlight of the entire show was when Flute Girl performed her Flute Link, and new Flute Mario, live. Anyone who played the original Zelda or Link will recall using the "fairy flute" to move mountains. I got tears in my eyes as I remembered how many times I heard this music as a child. The new Super Mario Brother's version she composed is also cool, and her voice during the operatic solos was beyond amazing. "Flute-Girls" name is Laura Intravia and she deserves to be bumped way up on Video Games, Live!'s website. Without her, the show would not have been nearly as cool. She is a star-in-the-making, and I feel privileged to have witnessed her outstanding talents live.
-The orchestra and choir: First off, the fact that the tour hires local musicians and singers gives them bonus points, in my opinion. I could tell most of the orchestra members were having fun. I bet they don't get to play scores like these often. The head-banging cellist and leg-stomping violinists made me believe they were really into the performance. I also thought the drummer did an amazing job of keeping the audience entertained by using the his instruments to convey the emotions of each featured game. During many of the songs, I found myself watching the musicians more than the trio of massive screens.
-Ralph Baer, the man who invented video games: The Skype interview with the inventor of the first video game, Ralph Baer, and the long lost movie clip of him playing it, were beyond uber. I felt this bit of history tied perfectly into the event, and was a great example of how Video Games, Live! aptly demonstrates how embedded gaming has become in our society and culture. In addition, the fact that Mr. Baer is still alive and kicking at 89 (he got two cell phone, and one real phone call during the interview) gives credence to my theory that an active, gaming brain and body keep one young forever. Look at my 93 year old grandma, who will kick anyone's butt at Wii bowling from her kitchen chair! The doctors say she is in perfect health, outside of a bum knee. She has been "gaming" all her life.
-The Comic Relief: The clips between compositions were sometimes as entertaining as the compositions themselves! I will NEVER forget Scorpion from "Mortal Combat" pulling Donkey Kong THROUGH the steel beams to an explosive death, then nonchalantly tearing the spine out of the princess. (And I am keeping the caps, because this story truly deserves them.)
Finally, as a go-between to the things I did not enjoy as much, I would like to briefly describe the costume contest. The host ushered about ten people onto the stage. The first was a pair from "Pokemon," the second of which looked like a Japanese child hooker. The next several were not memorable, but included a Link and another Pokemon. But then there was Seperoth, the twenty-something fat kid who still lives in his parents basement (we know, my husband and I saw him with them outside before the show). He threw on a white wig, some hockey shoulder pads, a huge, goth-style black overcoat, and strolled onto the stage acting like one of the sexiest video game villains of all time. I almost puked. And the winner? A five year old kid dressed up like the main dude from "Halo." (That goes to show that I am 100% right in my ruling of the current video game violence case before the Supreme Court.)
Now, for the not so pleasant parts. And there were, unfortunately, quite a few.
-The Pre-Show "Music" Sucked: Even before the show started, I was annoyed. The continuous bleeps, creeps, and gunshots of an arcade was too much for my sensitive ears to bear! Fortunately, I spent a large majority of the pre-show festivities in the ladies room (which is another story all together.) But each time I returned to my seat, I found myself wanting to plug my ears. Quietly playing music from one of the Video Games, Live! CD would be a much better choice.
-Too much talking, not enough music: This criticism may seem unfair given how much I enjoyed some of the special guests, and extra information provided. But, so much of what the host said felt self-indulgent. I reflected on this overnight, and have come to the conclusion that he really does love video games and music, and there is nothing wrong in "indulging" in those passions by sharing them with others. That is what I do with my writing every day. Regardless, the impression of arrogance was still there, and as the gaming community knows well, perception is reality. Perhaps, since there is a team involved in his production, referring to the endeavor more as "we" then "I" would alleviate some of the narcissistic tendencies I sensed. (I did some research on the Video Games, Live! website and learned that the host, Mr. Tommy Tallarico, is an icon in the industry for revolutionizing the way sound is heard in games. He is credited with being the one most responsible for moving the industry away from bleeps and beeps, to real music. Learning this increases my respect for his influence and passion. But I still think that he needs to be careful not to come across as too self-righteous.)
-No sweatshirts for sale! I am so sick and tired of going to events in Chicago and being offered a t-shirt when it is 40 degrees outside! I brought $50 cash intending to purchase a nice, warm hoody, but found only more dime-a-dozen t-shirts. I even checked the Video Games, Live! website to see if I could purchase one. Of course, there are none available. Booooo!
-The Final Fantasy Clips Sucked: I waited the entire show for a Final Fantasy remix. When it came, I was thrilled that it was from what I consider to be the best of the series, "Final Fantasy VII." I absolutely melted into the emotions of the music. But I was more than ticked off that the clips shown were not from the game I loved. Sure, the occasional Chocobo was cute, but I wanted pictures from the epic fights, even just shots of riding through the vast terrain on a A ranked Chocobo. But, instead, it was shots of real people modeling the styles of the characters I love, and in a very sexually explicit manner. As a climax of the show, it was very disappointing.
Overall, I would give the event a 7.25 on a scale of 10. It felt unpolished at times, and Mr. Tallarico's mind seemed more focused on the half-empty theater then on his dialogue. In addition he did so much talking throughout the event that the music didn't have time to speak for itself. The conductor was repeatedly overshadowed by the dude (Mr. Tallarico) playing with his cool guitars. The video game clips shown were no more than trailers a lot of the time, and when movies seemed to be produced for the event, they did not flow well with the music. But, so many other aspects, especially the music itself, made up for many of the negatives. "Flute Girl," Laura Intravia was by far the star of the show, in my opinion, and the reason I gave it a rating of 7.25 and not 5.0. If asked whether I would attend again, I would have to say a 100% yes. But I would get there later, bring my own sweatshirt, and be prepared for a lot of talking amongst the music.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The National Deficit
Fareed Zakaria's article in November 15, 2010 edition of Time Magazine served to remind me of the consequences of past Republican legislatures on the economy. First, there was the Reagan administration. Because congressional Republicans "never went along with efforts to cut government spending . . .deficits exploded." Lets not forget the Clinton/Gingrich years. "[T]he surpluses were created in large part because Clinton raised taxes in his first year, something every congressional Republican voted against." Far worse was the most recent ex-inhabitants of the torch of power, Bush/Cheney. The result of this dynamic duo "was the most reckless expansion of government spending and debt in two generations."
Yet, we are all suppose to be resting easy now that the Republicans are back in power? "[W]hen asked how they will close the deficit, most explain they will cut taxes -- which will only reduce government revenues further and increase the debt." We are going to be in for a bumpy ride.
___
In the same issue as the above discussed article, there is a story titled "Mr. Speaker, by Michael Grunwald and Jay Newton-Small. It is a brief biography about the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner. In a section entitled "Meet your Speaker," this depressing, but not surprising, information appears:
"There's nothing mysterious about Boehner's plans as Speaker...The GOP's new Pledge to America...is vague but blunt: more tax cuts, less regulation, more drilling, less spending in the abstract and a rollback of just about everything Obama has done....[W]hen a TIME reporter pressed him about how he could solve the nation's debt crisis while slashing taxes and not touching entitlements or the military, he fell back on generalities about controlling spending and getting Americans working again." (Page 33)
After reading the entire article, I have formulated the opinion that Mr. Boehner seems like a logical, hard-working politician who doesn't play games, and has a survivalist mentality. I respect these qualities, but do not appreciate his inability to answer a question he had to know he was possibly going to have to face for real, if the Republicans took the House. Well, as it turns out they did, and the hypothetical is reality. Sadly, I have little faith the new leadership will be any different from the last (or the rest that I have lived through, for that matter.)
___
2/22/2011
The left is freaking out over Wisconsin (CNN, by John Avlon, 2/22/2011)
The above linked opinion piece hit the nail on the head in so many ways. Here are just a few John Avlon quotes that I wish I could say I wrote myself because they are so good:
"States around the nation are wrestling with massive budget deficits -- and most of them stem significantly from public sector pension obligations. Walker campaigned on a commitment to confront the public sector expenses and the voters in traditionally liberal Wisconsin endorsed that agenda."
I think this point is too-often overlooked. Wisconsin voters asked for change, and are not willing to swallow the pill they requested. When we hear our politicians say that everyone is going to have to sacrifice, and that the next several years are going to be tough, we all nod our heads, but secretly think its going to be the next guy that suffers. When faced with the reality that all of us are going to have to give a little, even those who have historically been exempt,folks start freaking!
Avlon also understands the flaw inherent in the power of unions in America:
"Walker is taking aim at the underlying problem: collective bargaining and union 'check-offs' that create a vicious cycle of taxpayer subsidized partisan politics and labor deals that pass the buck to the next generation. . . For example, among their largest donors most election cycles are teachers unions -- and that money was essentially recycled taxpayer dollars, filtered through the union via an automatic paycheck deduction and then given to the Democratic Party."
Avlon couldn't be more right. Given our economic crunch, it has become apparent that this cyclical funneling of tax payer funds cannot be sustained. So, when you hear that Wisconsin teachers are willing to negotiate on everything except their unions powers you need to understand this: the "everything else" they are willing to negotiate on will just be re-written to their liking by the union in a couple months. Without a change to how the unions operate, nothing else matters.
Old, bad habits die hard. But, I do not feel sorry for the public sector employees who thought their jobs were so special and different from private sector jobs, that they didn't feel the need to contribute to their own retirement. It is just hard for those of us who have been living on nip-and-tucked paychecks forever to feel much sympathy.
But, as Avlon points out, "[I]f you were offended by one, but cheering the other, you're part of the problem -- an atmosphere of hyperpartisanship in which extremes on both sides of the political spectrum act like wingnuts crying wolf." Oh well.
___
2/22/2011
Wisconsin risks losing its best public employees (by Andrew Reschovsky, 2/22/2011)
To be fair, I thought I would respond to someone who disagrees with me. Mr. Reschovsky's piece was listed directly under Mr. Avlon's, so I chose it at random. Turns out that I found several points worth responding too.
First, the author claims that teachers, and other top public employees will leave Wisconsin if this bill passes. I call your bluff on this one, Mr. Reschovsky. There are no jobs anywhere else for these defectors to run too, and even if there were, most cannot afford two mortgages. Due to the burst housing bubble and the inability to sell current dwellings, moving to find new employment is almost impossible. Furthermore, the places these people would move too are facing the same budget crisis!
Mr. Reschovsky also writes:
"The state has a wide range of options available for closing this year's relatively small fiscal year 2011 budget gap. Additional revenue could be raised by eliminating any of a large number of exemptions, deductions or exclusions from the Wisconsin tax system. Fees, underused in Wisconsin, could be raised. Funds could be transferred into the general fund. Funds that have been appropriated, but not yet spent this fiscal year, could be recaptured."
The problem with these ideas are that they are short-term solutions that do nothing to address the underlying problem. Instead of pushing all the pain on future generations, Mr. Walker is trying to start fixing the problem now, at its core.
Mr. Reschovsky goes on to argue that Wisconsin teachers are underpaid; 5% below the national average to be exact. Therefore, Wisconsin's budget woes could not possibly be their fault. My reply to this is twofold. First, I lived in Wisconsin for the first half of my life, and still have family there. I know that the cost of living is also at least 5% below the national average.
Second, correlating the two (lower wages and budget gaps) doesn't make sense. Mr. Reschovsky writes "Wisconsin's fiscal problems cannot be attributed to excessive employee compensation." Nobody is claiming their excessive pay is causing the crisis. What Governor Walker and other fiscally conservative folks like me ARE saying is that public employees lack of contribution into their own future, and health care, is unsustainable. It is not THEE problem, but one of many that must be addressed to balance the books.
___
2/25/2011
Providence, RI teachers get pink slips, but remain on job (CNN, 2/25/2011)
It's not just states in the Midwest that are facing daunting budget shortfalls that will impact education. Providence Mayor Angel Tavares backed the move to hand out warnings to all teachers that their job may be terminated upon completion of this school year.
Why give everyone a pink slip and put educators even more on edge in these tough times? Because later on, when cuts do need to be made, any teacher who did not receive the proper warning slip by March 1 cannot be cut. I am sure this is due to some Union by-law. So, instead of being mad at your city government for the pink slips coming out early and possibly unnecessarily blame your Union for setting up the loophole to begin with!
___
3/5
The Real Stakes in Wisconsin (TIME, by Mike Murphy, 3/14/2011)
Finally, someone who gets it! When I read the above article by Mike Murphy about the battle between governor Scott Walker of WI and public employees, I almost bounced out of bed last night. Everyone else beats around the bush, or fails to see the true consequences of what is at stake in Wisconsin, and ultimately across the nation. But Mr. Murphy hits the nail on the head so many times, this article should be put up for a Pulitzer. Unfortunately, it is buried amidst a ton of other content online. But, it did appear in my paper copy of the magazine, so hopefully some folks read it and get that "light bulb" moment. I'm not even going to bother to pull quotes. This is one of those articles you need to read in its concise entirety. Click on the above link, I implore you!
___
3/5
U.S. Decline in Global Arena: Is America's Best Days Behind Us? (TIME.com, by Fareed Zakaria)
"We are cutting investments and subsidizing consumption -- the exact opposite of what are the main drivers of economic growth."
This sentiment is what frustrates me most about the facade that is suppose to be reform going on in our Congress.
___
3/9
"No Way Out" of Debt trap, Gross says (Yahoo Finance, by Stacy Curtin, 3/8/2011)
The above linked article may make you feel like doomsday is around the corner. Unfortunately, I think Mr. Gross is right. For many Americans, myself included, major cuts to entitlements, the end of the mortgage credit, and increased health care costs will be the holy trinity that ruins our current standard of living. Learning to live on thousands of dollars less per month will not only be hard for many Americans, it will be downright impossible. I predict two generations from now, our domestic situation will resemble that in Mexico and Africa: family units will have to combine just to get by. The creation of these extended families is going to leave even more homes vacant, creating ghost towns across America. I figured as long as I found an article that told it like it was, not sparing the reader the truth regarding our financial future, I would follow-up with my predictions on how this will alter the landscape of the country.
___
3/28
If there is 'no' inflation, why are Medicare premiums going up? (Chicago Sun-Times, 3/28/2011)
The above linked article examines the apparent hypocrisy of the government in relation to three specific areas: healthcare, housing, and education. The analysis is sound, and I agree with the author's sentiments. However, this sentence near the end made me take a moment to reflect on the situation:
"Those who price the 'product' don’t live in the real world where ordinary people have to make tradeoffs."
Obviously, I thought to myself. Then I really thought about what I was thinking. The people balancing the budgets at universities, looking at the anticipated increases in health care costs for Medicare, and calculating the needs of local governments via property taxes all have one thing in common: they live in the world of data. All they see is the numbers. We, as Americans, should all be getting use to this by now. In accepting a capitalistic society, and the type of democracy that evolves as a result, we don't really have much choice. The numbers are always the bottom line. And they always seem to have a dollar sign in front of them
In fact, most of the people who "price the product" do live in the same, "real" world as you or I. But, in a country where money matters, and the numbers don't lie, the folks handing off their estimates and calculations to those in charge of implementation have little choice in how the cards fall. Formulas have long been established, and it doesn't take long for today's computers to plug and chug out the results.
As an ex-data analyst, I can attest to this. Though I knew the industry I worked in was raking in the big bucks, there was little I could do to atone for their over-indulgences when I was asked to analyze a correlating, but not causal, portion of the business. I believe our budget-writers and county and state accountants probably feel the same way I did back then. Used, abused, and embarrassed to be associated with the entire mess.
___
6/14
"There are nearly 2,000 federal .gov domains, according to the White House. Under many of these domains are smaller sites that result in an estimated 24,000 websites, and the White House said the redundancy creates confusion and wastes money." (Desert tortoise comes under fire from 'Sheriff' Biden)
The above statistic makes me angry. But what truly infuriates me is how politicians will use an example like a federally funded turtle website to make it seem like they are actually making a dent in the debt we have accumulated. I'm not saying not to eradicate these silly websites, or at least put them in the hands of the private sector. However, the politicians should be honest about what a miniscule slice of the pie these kinds of programs account for.
___
6/18
One of the biggest headlines yesterday involved the advocacy group AARP. Their stance on Social Security may be changing, and seniors don't like it. For the first time in decades, AARP is facing the fact that the current Social Security system is insolvent, and needs to change. Their proposition would protect seniors living today, but would involve cuts in benefits to the elderly of tomorrow.
Talk about passing the buck! In my mind, that is like giving the guilty over-spenders a pat on the back, while the younger generations, already facing many more obstacles than their parents, will be forced to suffer.
I am not against cuts. I just think we should all share the burden equally. There should be no grandfathering in phase. Today's retirees already have pensions, something a vast majority of Americans working now will never receive. We will be forced to live on whatever we can save, without the perk of healthcare coverage from our old employers.
Therefore, I think it is reasonable to make everyone suffer, even current Social Security beneficiaries. Yes, there will be pain. Yes, it will be hard. But it is not fair for the elderly to ask younger Americans to bear that burden alone. Indeed, I feel it is anti-paternalistic and greedy.
I commend AARP for finally facing reality, and hope they stick to their guns on this issue.
Yet, we are all suppose to be resting easy now that the Republicans are back in power? "[W]hen asked how they will close the deficit, most explain they will cut taxes -- which will only reduce government revenues further and increase the debt." We are going to be in for a bumpy ride.
___
In the same issue as the above discussed article, there is a story titled "Mr. Speaker, by Michael Grunwald and Jay Newton-Small. It is a brief biography about the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner. In a section entitled "Meet your Speaker," this depressing, but not surprising, information appears:
"There's nothing mysterious about Boehner's plans as Speaker...The GOP's new Pledge to America...is vague but blunt: more tax cuts, less regulation, more drilling, less spending in the abstract and a rollback of just about everything Obama has done....[W]hen a TIME reporter pressed him about how he could solve the nation's debt crisis while slashing taxes and not touching entitlements or the military, he fell back on generalities about controlling spending and getting Americans working again." (Page 33)
After reading the entire article, I have formulated the opinion that Mr. Boehner seems like a logical, hard-working politician who doesn't play games, and has a survivalist mentality. I respect these qualities, but do not appreciate his inability to answer a question he had to know he was possibly going to have to face for real, if the Republicans took the House. Well, as it turns out they did, and the hypothetical is reality. Sadly, I have little faith the new leadership will be any different from the last (or the rest that I have lived through, for that matter.)
___
2/22/2011
The left is freaking out over Wisconsin (CNN, by John Avlon, 2/22/2011)
The above linked opinion piece hit the nail on the head in so many ways. Here are just a few John Avlon quotes that I wish I could say I wrote myself because they are so good:
"States around the nation are wrestling with massive budget deficits -- and most of them stem significantly from public sector pension obligations. Walker campaigned on a commitment to confront the public sector expenses and the voters in traditionally liberal Wisconsin endorsed that agenda."
I think this point is too-often overlooked. Wisconsin voters asked for change, and are not willing to swallow the pill they requested. When we hear our politicians say that everyone is going to have to sacrifice, and that the next several years are going to be tough, we all nod our heads, but secretly think its going to be the next guy that suffers. When faced with the reality that all of us are going to have to give a little, even those who have historically been exempt,folks start freaking!
Avlon also understands the flaw inherent in the power of unions in America:
"Walker is taking aim at the underlying problem: collective bargaining and union 'check-offs' that create a vicious cycle of taxpayer subsidized partisan politics and labor deals that pass the buck to the next generation. . . For example, among their largest donors most election cycles are teachers unions -- and that money was essentially recycled taxpayer dollars, filtered through the union via an automatic paycheck deduction and then given to the Democratic Party."
Avlon couldn't be more right. Given our economic crunch, it has become apparent that this cyclical funneling of tax payer funds cannot be sustained. So, when you hear that Wisconsin teachers are willing to negotiate on everything except their unions powers you need to understand this: the "everything else" they are willing to negotiate on will just be re-written to their liking by the union in a couple months. Without a change to how the unions operate, nothing else matters.
Old, bad habits die hard. But, I do not feel sorry for the public sector employees who thought their jobs were so special and different from private sector jobs, that they didn't feel the need to contribute to their own retirement. It is just hard for those of us who have been living on nip-and-tucked paychecks forever to feel much sympathy.
But, as Avlon points out, "[I]f you were offended by one, but cheering the other, you're part of the problem -- an atmosphere of hyperpartisanship in which extremes on both sides of the political spectrum act like wingnuts crying wolf." Oh well.
___
2/22/2011
Wisconsin risks losing its best public employees (by Andrew Reschovsky, 2/22/2011)
To be fair, I thought I would respond to someone who disagrees with me. Mr. Reschovsky's piece was listed directly under Mr. Avlon's, so I chose it at random. Turns out that I found several points worth responding too.
First, the author claims that teachers, and other top public employees will leave Wisconsin if this bill passes. I call your bluff on this one, Mr. Reschovsky. There are no jobs anywhere else for these defectors to run too, and even if there were, most cannot afford two mortgages. Due to the burst housing bubble and the inability to sell current dwellings, moving to find new employment is almost impossible. Furthermore, the places these people would move too are facing the same budget crisis!
Mr. Reschovsky also writes:
"The state has a wide range of options available for closing this year's relatively small fiscal year 2011 budget gap. Additional revenue could be raised by eliminating any of a large number of exemptions, deductions or exclusions from the Wisconsin tax system. Fees, underused in Wisconsin, could be raised. Funds could be transferred into the general fund. Funds that have been appropriated, but not yet spent this fiscal year, could be recaptured."
The problem with these ideas are that they are short-term solutions that do nothing to address the underlying problem. Instead of pushing all the pain on future generations, Mr. Walker is trying to start fixing the problem now, at its core.
Mr. Reschovsky goes on to argue that Wisconsin teachers are underpaid; 5% below the national average to be exact. Therefore, Wisconsin's budget woes could not possibly be their fault. My reply to this is twofold. First, I lived in Wisconsin for the first half of my life, and still have family there. I know that the cost of living is also at least 5% below the national average.
Second, correlating the two (lower wages and budget gaps) doesn't make sense. Mr. Reschovsky writes "Wisconsin's fiscal problems cannot be attributed to excessive employee compensation." Nobody is claiming their excessive pay is causing the crisis. What Governor Walker and other fiscally conservative folks like me ARE saying is that public employees lack of contribution into their own future, and health care, is unsustainable. It is not THEE problem, but one of many that must be addressed to balance the books.
___
2/25/2011
Providence, RI teachers get pink slips, but remain on job (CNN, 2/25/2011)
It's not just states in the Midwest that are facing daunting budget shortfalls that will impact education. Providence Mayor Angel Tavares backed the move to hand out warnings to all teachers that their job may be terminated upon completion of this school year.
Why give everyone a pink slip and put educators even more on edge in these tough times? Because later on, when cuts do need to be made, any teacher who did not receive the proper warning slip by March 1 cannot be cut. I am sure this is due to some Union by-law. So, instead of being mad at your city government for the pink slips coming out early and possibly unnecessarily blame your Union for setting up the loophole to begin with!
___
3/5
The Real Stakes in Wisconsin (TIME, by Mike Murphy, 3/14/2011)
Finally, someone who gets it! When I read the above article by Mike Murphy about the battle between governor Scott Walker of WI and public employees, I almost bounced out of bed last night. Everyone else beats around the bush, or fails to see the true consequences of what is at stake in Wisconsin, and ultimately across the nation. But Mr. Murphy hits the nail on the head so many times, this article should be put up for a Pulitzer. Unfortunately, it is buried amidst a ton of other content online. But, it did appear in my paper copy of the magazine, so hopefully some folks read it and get that "light bulb" moment. I'm not even going to bother to pull quotes. This is one of those articles you need to read in its concise entirety. Click on the above link, I implore you!
___
3/5
U.S. Decline in Global Arena: Is America's Best Days Behind Us? (TIME.com, by Fareed Zakaria)
"We are cutting investments and subsidizing consumption -- the exact opposite of what are the main drivers of economic growth."
This sentiment is what frustrates me most about the facade that is suppose to be reform going on in our Congress.
___
3/9
"No Way Out" of Debt trap, Gross says (Yahoo Finance, by Stacy Curtin, 3/8/2011)
The above linked article may make you feel like doomsday is around the corner. Unfortunately, I think Mr. Gross is right. For many Americans, myself included, major cuts to entitlements, the end of the mortgage credit, and increased health care costs will be the holy trinity that ruins our current standard of living. Learning to live on thousands of dollars less per month will not only be hard for many Americans, it will be downright impossible. I predict two generations from now, our domestic situation will resemble that in Mexico and Africa: family units will have to combine just to get by. The creation of these extended families is going to leave even more homes vacant, creating ghost towns across America. I figured as long as I found an article that told it like it was, not sparing the reader the truth regarding our financial future, I would follow-up with my predictions on how this will alter the landscape of the country.
___
3/28
If there is 'no' inflation, why are Medicare premiums going up? (Chicago Sun-Times, 3/28/2011)
The above linked article examines the apparent hypocrisy of the government in relation to three specific areas: healthcare, housing, and education. The analysis is sound, and I agree with the author's sentiments. However, this sentence near the end made me take a moment to reflect on the situation:
"Those who price the 'product' don’t live in the real world where ordinary people have to make tradeoffs."
Obviously, I thought to myself. Then I really thought about what I was thinking. The people balancing the budgets at universities, looking at the anticipated increases in health care costs for Medicare, and calculating the needs of local governments via property taxes all have one thing in common: they live in the world of data. All they see is the numbers. We, as Americans, should all be getting use to this by now. In accepting a capitalistic society, and the type of democracy that evolves as a result, we don't really have much choice. The numbers are always the bottom line. And they always seem to have a dollar sign in front of them
In fact, most of the people who "price the product" do live in the same, "real" world as you or I. But, in a country where money matters, and the numbers don't lie, the folks handing off their estimates and calculations to those in charge of implementation have little choice in how the cards fall. Formulas have long been established, and it doesn't take long for today's computers to plug and chug out the results.
As an ex-data analyst, I can attest to this. Though I knew the industry I worked in was raking in the big bucks, there was little I could do to atone for their over-indulgences when I was asked to analyze a correlating, but not causal, portion of the business. I believe our budget-writers and county and state accountants probably feel the same way I did back then. Used, abused, and embarrassed to be associated with the entire mess.
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6/14
"There are nearly 2,000 federal .gov domains, according to the White House. Under many of these domains are smaller sites that result in an estimated 24,000 websites, and the White House said the redundancy creates confusion and wastes money." (Desert tortoise comes under fire from 'Sheriff' Biden)
The above statistic makes me angry. But what truly infuriates me is how politicians will use an example like a federally funded turtle website to make it seem like they are actually making a dent in the debt we have accumulated. I'm not saying not to eradicate these silly websites, or at least put them in the hands of the private sector. However, the politicians should be honest about what a miniscule slice of the pie these kinds of programs account for.
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6/18
One of the biggest headlines yesterday involved the advocacy group AARP. Their stance on Social Security may be changing, and seniors don't like it. For the first time in decades, AARP is facing the fact that the current Social Security system is insolvent, and needs to change. Their proposition would protect seniors living today, but would involve cuts in benefits to the elderly of tomorrow.
Talk about passing the buck! In my mind, that is like giving the guilty over-spenders a pat on the back, while the younger generations, already facing many more obstacles than their parents, will be forced to suffer.
I am not against cuts. I just think we should all share the burden equally. There should be no grandfathering in phase. Today's retirees already have pensions, something a vast majority of Americans working now will never receive. We will be forced to live on whatever we can save, without the perk of healthcare coverage from our old employers.
Therefore, I think it is reasonable to make everyone suffer, even current Social Security beneficiaries. Yes, there will be pain. Yes, it will be hard. But it is not fair for the elderly to ask younger Americans to bear that burden alone. Indeed, I feel it is anti-paternalistic and greedy.
I commend AARP for finally facing reality, and hope they stick to their guns on this issue.
Electric Shock in Medicine
Zapping the Brain Improves Math Skills (Discovery News, by Eric Bland, 11/4/2010)
There is a name for my innate inability to perform mathematical functions: dyscalculia. And, there may even be a cure! Researchers at Oxford have found mild electric shocks can improve math skills for a whooping six months! Imagine, no errors in the checkbook for half a year!
The amount of current necessary to induce the improvement is slight. So slight that most patients claim to feel nothing at all. The electricity is aimed at the part of the brain responsible for calculating numbers, the parietal lobe.
Previously, electric shock has shown promise in treating pain and rehab after accidents. But never before has a study proven the benefits from the current can last up to six months.
The best news is patients may not have to go to a clinic to get the benefits from electric shock. The Oxford scientists have already filed for a patent on a helmet that delivers it right from the comfort of your own living room!
There is a name for my innate inability to perform mathematical functions: dyscalculia. And, there may even be a cure! Researchers at Oxford have found mild electric shocks can improve math skills for a whooping six months! Imagine, no errors in the checkbook for half a year!
The amount of current necessary to induce the improvement is slight. So slight that most patients claim to feel nothing at all. The electricity is aimed at the part of the brain responsible for calculating numbers, the parietal lobe.
Previously, electric shock has shown promise in treating pain and rehab after accidents. But never before has a study proven the benefits from the current can last up to six months.
The best news is patients may not have to go to a clinic to get the benefits from electric shock. The Oxford scientists have already filed for a patent on a helmet that delivers it right from the comfort of your own living room!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Separation of Church and State
Tax credits for religious school scholarships argued before justices (CNN, by Bill Mears, 11/3/2010)
This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding a curious, and quite honestly confusing, case regarding individual tax credits for donations to organizations that award scholarships. These scholarships go predominately to children attending private, religious schools. "An Arizona Republic newspaper investigation found that of the $54 million in scholarships awarded in 2008, 93 percent went to students attending religious schools."
My problem with this scheme is that these religious schools are usually associated with larger parishes. This tuition money, meant for educational purposes, can be allocated for use by the church at large for such things as roof repairs, or cemetery upkeep. Secular schools, on the other hand, are only that; schools. All tuition money received via scholarships would go towards the education of the child awarded the grant. By letting citizens donate a portion of the money they otherwise would have paid in state taxes to private school scholarships, the government is essentially endorsing that institution in general, which I view as a blatant breach of the separation of church and state.
This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding a curious, and quite honestly confusing, case regarding individual tax credits for donations to organizations that award scholarships. These scholarships go predominately to children attending private, religious schools. "An Arizona Republic newspaper investigation found that of the $54 million in scholarships awarded in 2008, 93 percent went to students attending religious schools."
My problem with this scheme is that these religious schools are usually associated with larger parishes. This tuition money, meant for educational purposes, can be allocated for use by the church at large for such things as roof repairs, or cemetery upkeep. Secular schools, on the other hand, are only that; schools. All tuition money received via scholarships would go towards the education of the child awarded the grant. By letting citizens donate a portion of the money they otherwise would have paid in state taxes to private school scholarships, the government is essentially endorsing that institution in general, which I view as a blatant breach of the separation of church and state.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Violence in Video Games
The Supreme Court has decided to take up an interesting case this year. For a long time, some states have argued that it is their job to regulate the video game industry so that violent games stay out of the hands of youngsters. They argue that, like pornography, it is the governments responsibility to step in and make sure minors are protected from the repercussions of early exposure to violence. Now, the high court will decide once and for all whether this governmental regulation is constitutional. I think that this is an interesting topic, so have decided to share my opinions with you.
One of the issues at the heart of this matter is the definition of inappropriate content presented by the plaintiffs:
"The California law makes it an offense punishable by $1,000 each time a violent video is sold to a minor. The definition of a banned violent video is one that includes, 'killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexually assaulting an image of a human being,' in a way that is 'patently offensive,' appeals to a, 'deviant or morbid interest' and lacks 'serious, literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.'"*
The problem, as I see it, is the subjective nature of this wording, and how different aspects of the law could be twisted so that almost any game would qualify as inappropriate. As an example of how something so subjective can be misconstrued, look at how CNN's version of this wording is different (probably quoted from a different portion of the law):
"It also defined such games that would 'appeal to a deviant or morbid interest of children and are patently offensive to prevailing community standards.'"***
While the former NPR quote makes it obvious violence needs to be involved for the law to apply, the latter CNN quote could be interpreted so that games that include farting and burping would be similarly censored. Even if the former version is used, it could be interpreted so that classics like Mike Tyson's Punch Out, where human figures are repeatedly "maimed" (think King Hippo with his pants around his ankles and birdies flying around his head) would qualify as too mature for children under 18.
Should the voluntary rating system that video game producers use be enough? "The industry has set up a board to rate the games and penalize manufacturers and marketers who violate the code. And he points out that when the Federal Trade Commission sent testers out to evaluate compliance with entertainment rating systems overall, the video game industry came in first, with the highest compliance rate — 80 percent."* "By comparison, 28 percent of kids were able to purchase R-rated movie tickets without help and 54 percent of them were able to rent such movies, according to the undercover test, which was conducted in 1,250 movie theaters and shops."** Yet, "The state says it has a legal obligation to protect children when the industry has failed to do so."***
Who would be responsible for rating all of these games? I'm sure the state of California, with its billion dollar deficit, is in no position to add another dozen employees to its payroll. Nor is my indebted state of Illinois, and I would have to argue that most states in our economically challenged union would echo my sentiments. The federal government? The last thing we need is more federal spending! And, if the rating is left to the video game industry, well I would refer you to the paragraph above.
What about the argument that violent video games are equivalent to pornography, and thus in a special category outside of first amendment rights? The problem with this theory, in my opinion, is that society has drawn a general consensus of what constitutes sex, but our idea of what is violent falls along a much wider spectrum.
There are portions of the states position that I agree with. I do think that video games are different from movies and books, because they are interactive. In fact, psychologist have found that people who play games for long periods have vivid, controllable dreams much more often than non-gamers. I believe that this is because of the interactive, personal nature of controlling avatars in video games.
I also agree with the social scientists on the states side, in their assessment of children becoming desensitized to blood and gore from obsessively playing violent games. However, I do not think that this desensitization leads to violent behavior. Just because seeing fake blood splashed all over a tub doesn't make a child queasy, doesn't mean said child desires to replicate the scene.
Furthermore, I know for a fact that video games in general can "engender poor school performance." The 2nd grader I babysit for received a Nintendo Wii for his seventh birthday in July. Since School started at the end of August, he has begun cheating on his homework. After telling his parents that he didn't have any and proceeding to play Star Wars Legos for hours, he then went to school the next morning and allowed a classmate to do his assignment for him. He got caught. Twice.
This child is now permanently grounded from video games during the school week. His parents stepped in, and realized how badly their decision to allow him to play after school had "engendered his school performance." Thus, they modified their sons activities so as not to include any video games during the week. Now, he feels no need to rush through, or skip altogether, his homework.
This story is actually an excellent example of what I believe is the proper course of action regarding this case in general. If the question is, "Should violent video games be kept out of the hands of children?" I think the obvious answer is yes. But I do not believe it is the government, or retailers job to make sure this is the case. It is the parents.
I believe what is considered "violent content" should not be up to some government censorship office, but rather an individual child's parents. Video games cost $60 a pop, and the consoles to play them on five times as much. Children are not making these purchases without the financial support of their parents. The voluntary ratings video game producers use should tell parents enough to provide guidance as to what is appropriate for their child. If playing video games seems to make a child more aggressive, it is up to the parents to restrict playing.
Overall, I see this case as an excellent opportunity for the high court to shift responsibility to where it belongs - at home with the parents. With digital downloads becoming more and more prevalent, soon retailers shelves will be as bare of games as they currently are of CD's. When that happens, there will be no more middle-man available to do the parent's job, anyway.
*California Pushes To Uphold Ban On Violent Video Games (NPR, by Nina Totenberg, 11/2/2010)
** Need to know: violent video games and the U.S. Supreme Court (CNN, by John D. Sutter, 11/2/2010)
*** Court weighs state law banning 'violent' video games from children (CNN, by Bill Mears, 11/2/2010)
One of the issues at the heart of this matter is the definition of inappropriate content presented by the plaintiffs:
"The California law makes it an offense punishable by $1,000 each time a violent video is sold to a minor. The definition of a banned violent video is one that includes, 'killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexually assaulting an image of a human being,' in a way that is 'patently offensive,' appeals to a, 'deviant or morbid interest' and lacks 'serious, literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.'"*
The problem, as I see it, is the subjective nature of this wording, and how different aspects of the law could be twisted so that almost any game would qualify as inappropriate. As an example of how something so subjective can be misconstrued, look at how CNN's version of this wording is different (probably quoted from a different portion of the law):
"It also defined such games that would 'appeal to a deviant or morbid interest of children and are patently offensive to prevailing community standards.'"***
While the former NPR quote makes it obvious violence needs to be involved for the law to apply, the latter CNN quote could be interpreted so that games that include farting and burping would be similarly censored. Even if the former version is used, it could be interpreted so that classics like Mike Tyson's Punch Out, where human figures are repeatedly "maimed" (think King Hippo with his pants around his ankles and birdies flying around his head) would qualify as too mature for children under 18.
Should the voluntary rating system that video game producers use be enough? "The industry has set up a board to rate the games and penalize manufacturers and marketers who violate the code. And he points out that when the Federal Trade Commission sent testers out to evaluate compliance with entertainment rating systems overall, the video game industry came in first, with the highest compliance rate — 80 percent."* "By comparison, 28 percent of kids were able to purchase R-rated movie tickets without help and 54 percent of them were able to rent such movies, according to the undercover test, which was conducted in 1,250 movie theaters and shops."** Yet, "The state says it has a legal obligation to protect children when the industry has failed to do so."***
Who would be responsible for rating all of these games? I'm sure the state of California, with its billion dollar deficit, is in no position to add another dozen employees to its payroll. Nor is my indebted state of Illinois, and I would have to argue that most states in our economically challenged union would echo my sentiments. The federal government? The last thing we need is more federal spending! And, if the rating is left to the video game industry, well I would refer you to the paragraph above.
What about the argument that violent video games are equivalent to pornography, and thus in a special category outside of first amendment rights? The problem with this theory, in my opinion, is that society has drawn a general consensus of what constitutes sex, but our idea of what is violent falls along a much wider spectrum.
There are portions of the states position that I agree with. I do think that video games are different from movies and books, because they are interactive. In fact, psychologist have found that people who play games for long periods have vivid, controllable dreams much more often than non-gamers. I believe that this is because of the interactive, personal nature of controlling avatars in video games.
I also agree with the social scientists on the states side, in their assessment of children becoming desensitized to blood and gore from obsessively playing violent games. However, I do not think that this desensitization leads to violent behavior. Just because seeing fake blood splashed all over a tub doesn't make a child queasy, doesn't mean said child desires to replicate the scene.
Furthermore, I know for a fact that video games in general can "engender poor school performance." The 2nd grader I babysit for received a Nintendo Wii for his seventh birthday in July. Since School started at the end of August, he has begun cheating on his homework. After telling his parents that he didn't have any and proceeding to play Star Wars Legos for hours, he then went to school the next morning and allowed a classmate to do his assignment for him. He got caught. Twice.
This child is now permanently grounded from video games during the school week. His parents stepped in, and realized how badly their decision to allow him to play after school had "engendered his school performance." Thus, they modified their sons activities so as not to include any video games during the week. Now, he feels no need to rush through, or skip altogether, his homework.
This story is actually an excellent example of what I believe is the proper course of action regarding this case in general. If the question is, "Should violent video games be kept out of the hands of children?" I think the obvious answer is yes. But I do not believe it is the government, or retailers job to make sure this is the case. It is the parents.
I believe what is considered "violent content" should not be up to some government censorship office, but rather an individual child's parents. Video games cost $60 a pop, and the consoles to play them on five times as much. Children are not making these purchases without the financial support of their parents. The voluntary ratings video game producers use should tell parents enough to provide guidance as to what is appropriate for their child. If playing video games seems to make a child more aggressive, it is up to the parents to restrict playing.
Overall, I see this case as an excellent opportunity for the high court to shift responsibility to where it belongs - at home with the parents. With digital downloads becoming more and more prevalent, soon retailers shelves will be as bare of games as they currently are of CD's. When that happens, there will be no more middle-man available to do the parent's job, anyway.
*California Pushes To Uphold Ban On Violent Video Games (NPR, by Nina Totenberg, 11/2/2010)
** Need to know: violent video games and the U.S. Supreme Court (CNN, by John D. Sutter, 11/2/2010)
*** Court weighs state law banning 'violent' video games from children (CNN, by Bill Mears, 11/2/2010)
Rare Earth Metals and Elusive Elements
I have read so much lately about rare earth metals and what I term "elusive elements" that I decided to start a thread about them. The first story I wish to discuss is from Discovery News.* It brought up an interesting and disheartening point. Apparently, many of the alternative energy technologies that we are developing in the hopes of ending our dependence on fossil fuels require a different, hard to obtain resource. Known collectively as "rare earth metals," these bits of rock are extracted from metal ores, and, when combined with elements like lithium and zinc, form the basis of many of the cutting-edge contraptions designed to power our world.
"Elements such as gallium, indium, selenium, tellurium and high-purity silicon are needed to make photovoltaic panels. For high capacity batteries like those used in hybrid and electric cars, manufacturers need zinc, vanadium, lithium and rare earth elements. Fuel cells require platinum group minerals."
But, as usual, nothing is easy when it comes to energy production and storage. Just like crude oil, only certain countries have these rare resources within their borders. China is one of these countries, and they are already aware of the power they possess. Should trade wars erupt, China would hold a huge advantage.
"A possible sign of what's ahead for many important elements may be China's recent announcement about the element indium, which is used to make flat panel displays. China supplies the world with indium. . .'They put the world on notice that they will stop exporting indium in the future,' said Burnell," geologist James Burnell of the Colorado Geological Survey.
What should the United States do, given our precarious position of requiring elements we may not be able to obtain via commerce?
"'The bottom line is that we really have to look for more,' said Burnell. There is a disconnect in the public mind about alternative energy tech and the mining required to get the elements needed for those technologies, he added."
More and more, I am reading about the need for these metals and elements. But the websites I am finding the information on are not those visited by the general populace. Perhaps the industries producing the car and cell phone batteries, wind farms, and solar panels should become advocates in this regard. Instead of taking out full page ads for their products, purchase two half-page ads, and dedicate one of them to awareness about this important issue.
*Rare Earth Metals May Trigger Trade Wars (Discovery News, by Larry O'Hanlon, 11/2/2010)
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"Elements such as gallium, indium, selenium, tellurium and high-purity silicon are needed to make photovoltaic panels. For high capacity batteries like those used in hybrid and electric cars, manufacturers need zinc, vanadium, lithium and rare earth elements. Fuel cells require platinum group minerals."
But, as usual, nothing is easy when it comes to energy production and storage. Just like crude oil, only certain countries have these rare resources within their borders. China is one of these countries, and they are already aware of the power they possess. Should trade wars erupt, China would hold a huge advantage.
"A possible sign of what's ahead for many important elements may be China's recent announcement about the element indium, which is used to make flat panel displays. China supplies the world with indium. . .'They put the world on notice that they will stop exporting indium in the future,' said Burnell," geologist James Burnell of the Colorado Geological Survey.
What should the United States do, given our precarious position of requiring elements we may not be able to obtain via commerce?
"'The bottom line is that we really have to look for more,' said Burnell. There is a disconnect in the public mind about alternative energy tech and the mining required to get the elements needed for those technologies, he added."
More and more, I am reading about the need for these metals and elements. But the websites I am finding the information on are not those visited by the general populace. Perhaps the industries producing the car and cell phone batteries, wind farms, and solar panels should become advocates in this regard. Instead of taking out full page ads for their products, purchase two half-page ads, and dedicate one of them to awareness about this important issue.
*Rare Earth Metals May Trigger Trade Wars (Discovery News, by Larry O'Hanlon, 11/2/2010)
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