Wow, I haven't published a blog posting since February 6! Well, for all of you out there who aren't reading my blog anyway, here's a new post which you won't read.
But this brings me, sort of, to my point, and this is not meant to be a criticism to those who enjoy writing a blog posting every day. I know people like that and I totally respect what they do. But after spending a whole day at work, and a full Saturday in Grad school, I just can't park myself in front of my computer and start typing away in a blog or newsgroup. There are some newsgroups (or what they today call "social media") that I do lurk on and people post on what seems every minute of the day. I just wonder, don't people have anything else more productive and better to do than to sit all day and night posting onto a newsgroup or updating their blog all day long?
Look, I like the idea of a blog. It's a glorified online diary where one can post thoughts and get things off of their chest. It's the same thing that would occur if you used an old fashioned notebook-diary. Except in this case, others can read it. It's quite an interesting concept in this Web 2.0 generation. But try to become a new member of a newsgroup.. forget it! You'll need to go through a hazing period to get into these strange fraternaties.
So my thought... go outside.. play.. see a movie.. kiss your wife/husband/loved one... go to school.. stop texting.. join an organization to meet people in person, but get off the computer! I'm going to do that right now... to study my homework.
My point exactly.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Simple Optimism...and other stuff
Every night from 8-9PM, WPLJ (95.5FM) here in New York plays "the 80s at 8" which is an all request hour of 80s music. I guess I am a child of the 1980s, and hearing the music just reminds me of a time that was so much simpler. Yes, I had my own issues and problems like every kid growing up does, but over all, it was a happier, simpler, optimistic time. My family was doing well financially, we were healthy, all of my Grandparents were still alive. And while people and the media like to make fun of Ronald Reagan for the way things were in the 1980s, it overall was a good decade in my opinion. A very simple decade. Things aren't so simple anymore. We've managed to make life very fast paced and very complicated in so many ways. Makes me wonder... where's the optimism with Obama, Clinton, McCain, or Romney? Scary... very scary.
On Pat Sajak's blog, he talks about the importance of buying vowels when playing Wheel of Fortune. While I agree about the importance of buying vowels on the show and how, if done strategically, can help a contestant solve the puzzle and win the game, I think some of the strategy of buying vowels is taken away because vowels are still so cheap at $250 each. When the show first debuted on daytime television over 25 years ago, $250 was a lot of money to spend on vowels, considering the top dollar amount on the wheel was $750. Today, a contestant can earn thousands of dollars with a single spin of the wheel, and if all 5 vowels are in the puzzle, a contestant could buy all 5 for $1,250. The price of vowels should keep up with the times, the money given away on the show, and increase strategy and competition. Increasing the price of vowels to $500 would not hurt the integrity of the game.
On Pat Sajak's blog, he talks about the importance of buying vowels when playing Wheel of Fortune. While I agree about the importance of buying vowels on the show and how, if done strategically, can help a contestant solve the puzzle and win the game, I think some of the strategy of buying vowels is taken away because vowels are still so cheap at $250 each. When the show first debuted on daytime television over 25 years ago, $250 was a lot of money to spend on vowels, considering the top dollar amount on the wheel was $750. Today, a contestant can earn thousands of dollars with a single spin of the wheel, and if all 5 vowels are in the puzzle, a contestant could buy all 5 for $1,250. The price of vowels should keep up with the times, the money given away on the show, and increase strategy and competition. Increasing the price of vowels to $500 would not hurt the integrity of the game.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
To 2009.... and Beyond!
It is a testament to the City of New York, and to our Country, that over 1 million people can enjoy the NY Giants Ticker-Tape Parade in the Canyon of Heroes, and it goes off without a hitch and without incident. Only in America.
Today was Primary Day. I said back in 2004 that Hillary Clinton is going to be the next President of the United States. Many people disagreed with me. Sadly, it looks like it's coming true.
So much for celebratory parades without her permission when she becomes President. Say goodbye to the little bit of Democracy we have left, and hello Clinton socialism.
Today was Primary Day. I said back in 2004 that Hillary Clinton is going to be the next President of the United States. Many people disagreed with me. Sadly, it looks like it's coming true.
So much for celebratory parades without her permission when she becomes President. Say goodbye to the little bit of Democracy we have left, and hello Clinton socialism.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Blogging Value
It was just sweet revenge to see the NY Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl yesterday. Sweet revenge for when the Red Sox beat the NY Yankees in 2004.
I haven't blogged much lately. I've been busy with lots of things to do, and I really don't want to park myself in front of my computer at night after a full day of work in front of one.
I was at a conference for work last week, where we learned about Web 2.0 and Social Media. What boggles my mind is how important blogs are to content distributors. They want to license blog content from blog writers. In other words, what you or I write in an electronic diary people or companies want to license and earn revenue off of. This seems like a crazy notion.. but maybe in 5 years it will be commonplace.
But what concerns me is that kids today don't know anything about playing outside or being social at school or camp. Whatever happened to the good old days when we all played outside and didn't park our butts in front of a computer or video games? Everyone's got their blackberries or they are texting or they are doing something in front of an electronic device. How did we survive before cell phone and the internet? I thought society did just fine, actually better than we're doing today.
I haven't blogged much lately. I've been busy with lots of things to do, and I really don't want to park myself in front of my computer at night after a full day of work in front of one.
I was at a conference for work last week, where we learned about Web 2.0 and Social Media. What boggles my mind is how important blogs are to content distributors. They want to license blog content from blog writers. In other words, what you or I write in an electronic diary people or companies want to license and earn revenue off of. This seems like a crazy notion.. but maybe in 5 years it will be commonplace.
But what concerns me is that kids today don't know anything about playing outside or being social at school or camp. Whatever happened to the good old days when we all played outside and didn't park our butts in front of a computer or video games? Everyone's got their blackberries or they are texting or they are doing something in front of an electronic device. How did we survive before cell phone and the internet? I thought society did just fine, actually better than we're doing today.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
For My Father
Dad,
Today we unveiled your footstone. Your family and closest friends were there to witness it. Your name engraved in the stone looks as authoritative and professional as it did on your business cards. You would be proud.
And as you predicted, I am quite useless when it comes to being strong, for it was Jodie who had to read the final prayer instead of me. She is an Asarch through and through, that's for sure!
I know that before you met Mommy that you grew up in a family that didn't love you, or at least show you that love, as they should have, and they didn't make you happy. As you rest comfortably and free in the eternal home of G-D, please just know how much Mommy, Jodie and I love you for everything that you are. Know that throughout the time we were together on this Earth, as difficult and unhappy as some times were, you made us so happy. And we miss you driving us crazy! You are forever in our hearts and I miss you in the most unimaginable way that words simply cannot describe. If you're not too busy playing cards, bowling or rubbing your crosswords lottery tickets, send me a sign to let me know you're around and OK.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Alan
Today we unveiled your footstone. Your family and closest friends were there to witness it. Your name engraved in the stone looks as authoritative and professional as it did on your business cards. You would be proud.
And as you predicted, I am quite useless when it comes to being strong, for it was Jodie who had to read the final prayer instead of me. She is an Asarch through and through, that's for sure!
I know that before you met Mommy that you grew up in a family that didn't love you, or at least show you that love, as they should have, and they didn't make you happy. As you rest comfortably and free in the eternal home of G-D, please just know how much Mommy, Jodie and I love you for everything that you are. Know that throughout the time we were together on this Earth, as difficult and unhappy as some times were, you made us so happy. And we miss you driving us crazy! You are forever in our hearts and I miss you in the most unimaginable way that words simply cannot describe. If you're not too busy playing cards, bowling or rubbing your crosswords lottery tickets, send me a sign to let me know you're around and OK.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Alan
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Perspective
Here's some perspective for all of the anti-Bush, anti-war, Britney Spears loving, terrorist loving liberals out there. Every day I see those Twin Towers missing from the NYC Skyline. I understand what we're fighting for.
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Self Fulfilling Prophecy
Yes, like many of us, I have been watching my 401(k) take a big hit the last few months. Fortunately, I'm young enough where I can take such a hit now and watch it grow again as retirement nears ever so quickly, if it ever comes at all.
I think the economic problems our country is in right now are partly due to our own fault, and partly due to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever since George W. Bush became President in 2000, the media has wanted him to fail. This is where the self-fulfilling prophecy comes in. They want him to fail so a media-darling, liberal Democrat such as Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama is elected to office, so they can inflict real damage on the United States and let the terrorists attack us and make sure that I take home less money that I earn. We won't have to worry about any economic problems or health care issues if this country is attacked or destroyed by terrorists, or by ourselves. So anyway, the media (television, radio, print, internet) has shoved down our throats that Bush is an awful man and an awful President and has brainwashed the majority of people in the US and around the world to believe that Bush is bad and Republicans are bad, and that is why the country is in the state it's in right now. Well, I'm not so entirely sure. Bush's tax cuts and policies have helped me, a middle-class man with a modest income, rather well. I can afford to live and be married and put food on the table, as long as I live within my means. And thank G-D that since 9/11 there is not been another terrorist attack on US soil. You can thank George W. Bush for that. The Junior Senator from NY has hardly been in NY to care for the people of NY during her reign. You think she actually cares about the people of the United States and protecting them? The people of NY are only there for Clinton when it's good for her, and I'm convinced she feels the same way about the people of the United States.
Which brings us to the other part of the problem. People in this country think that they are entitled to get something for nothing. They should get a mortgage even though they can't afford to pay it back. They should get more credit cards even though they can never pay the balance in full. Executives should get big bonuses for failing to protect their companies and employees from outsourcing and layoffs. It's funny how people have the money to buy video games and cell phones and other electronics, but no money to invest in finding or keeping a job, or for education, clothes, or food. Whatever happened to sacrifice and living within our means and trying to take care of ourselves and not have the government do it for us? There is no sense of pride or purpose in the US anymore like there was after World War II and the declining state of our economy is symbolic of that.
It's time to stop blaming George W. Bush. It's time to stop blaming the bank. It's time to stop blaming the credit card company. It's time to start blaming ourselves. Sadly, people will not realize any of this until 12:01PM on January 20, 2009 when, sadly, a Democrat will be elected President and suddenly everything will be OK and we'll be bailed out again by a flawed Democratic government.
I think the economic problems our country is in right now are partly due to our own fault, and partly due to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever since George W. Bush became President in 2000, the media has wanted him to fail. This is where the self-fulfilling prophecy comes in. They want him to fail so a media-darling, liberal Democrat such as Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama is elected to office, so they can inflict real damage on the United States and let the terrorists attack us and make sure that I take home less money that I earn. We won't have to worry about any economic problems or health care issues if this country is attacked or destroyed by terrorists, or by ourselves. So anyway, the media (television, radio, print, internet) has shoved down our throats that Bush is an awful man and an awful President and has brainwashed the majority of people in the US and around the world to believe that Bush is bad and Republicans are bad, and that is why the country is in the state it's in right now. Well, I'm not so entirely sure. Bush's tax cuts and policies have helped me, a middle-class man with a modest income, rather well. I can afford to live and be married and put food on the table, as long as I live within my means. And thank G-D that since 9/11 there is not been another terrorist attack on US soil. You can thank George W. Bush for that. The Junior Senator from NY has hardly been in NY to care for the people of NY during her reign. You think she actually cares about the people of the United States and protecting them? The people of NY are only there for Clinton when it's good for her, and I'm convinced she feels the same way about the people of the United States.
Which brings us to the other part of the problem. People in this country think that they are entitled to get something for nothing. They should get a mortgage even though they can't afford to pay it back. They should get more credit cards even though they can never pay the balance in full. Executives should get big bonuses for failing to protect their companies and employees from outsourcing and layoffs. It's funny how people have the money to buy video games and cell phones and other electronics, but no money to invest in finding or keeping a job, or for education, clothes, or food. Whatever happened to sacrifice and living within our means and trying to take care of ourselves and not have the government do it for us? There is no sense of pride or purpose in the US anymore like there was after World War II and the declining state of our economy is symbolic of that.
It's time to stop blaming George W. Bush. It's time to stop blaming the bank. It's time to stop blaming the credit card company. It's time to start blaming ourselves. Sadly, people will not realize any of this until 12:01PM on January 20, 2009 when, sadly, a Democrat will be elected President and suddenly everything will be OK and we'll be bailed out again by a flawed Democratic government.
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