Why is it that those who claim to be the greatest patriots actually seem to know the least about how our government actually works? Many people in my acquaintance seem to be completely clueless about how the three branches of the government operate, and what falls under their jurisdiction. Yet these same people often literally wear their patriotism on their sleeve or lapel, waving a flag in place of real knowledge.
I am truly amazed by how many people fail to understand the basic principle of the three branches of government, and the check and balance system. This is something every eight grader should know, but for some reason seems to have slipped away from adults. I suspect part of the issue lies in avidly watching campaign ads without bothering to listen critically. Other issues include: wanting to assign blame, not wanting to admit a lack of understanding, and desiring easy solutions to complex problems. This however, is no excuse for Americans to be oblivious to their government.
I have several mini lectures ready on hand for those who fail to comprehend how our country actually works. The one I seem to use most often is, "The President has nothing to do with the fact that you did not get a cost of living increase on your Social Security." Another popular one is, "The President does not make laws." This does not make me fashionable with the complaint crowd, in fact I imagine it has taught some of them to not grinch so much around me. But that is not such a bad thing. I do not give these lectures for the sake of being pedantic, but because I genuinely believe in the importance of the informed voter.
Granted sometimes our system does not work completely as advertised, but do not make it easier for those who try to distort it. Do not be fooled by people who make statements designed solely for the purpose of getting people riled up. Complex problems cannot be solved by simplistic answers that do not take into account how our government actually functions. One of the most important acts a true patriot can do is to learn civics. If you claim to love our country show that love by knowing actual history and understanding what is written in our Constitution.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Canned People Food
It is possible to buy 100% nutritional food for cats, dogs, and even monkeys, it should therefore be possible to buy 100% nutritional food for people. While I enjoy eating, sometimes the "what's for dinner?" is really trying. It would be nice to be able to open a can of people food and find one serving of a complete and balanced meal. Granted, it would probably not be that thrilling taste-wise, But still think of the convenience.
I have tried canned monkey food, and it was actually rather tasty, banana flavored, with whole grain pieces in it. So I'm thinking that people food would not be that different. It could come in different flavors besides banana. It needs some sort of solid texture, not sloppy or too wet, to make it neater to eat. Preferably canned people food would be something that did not need to be heated either. That way bachelors, who do not know how or want to cook, could pop open a can and be good to go. They would not need to own any kitchen items but a spoon.
Canned people food would be handy for emergency situations as well. Canned items keep well, every household could store a few days worth of food. People who live in cold climates need to keep emergency food in the car, throw in some pop top cans for such times. During a major disaster, trucks full of canned people food could be sent to the scene.
I really think I'm on to something here. The applications for canned people food are numerous. Food company executives take note of this idea. After while the public would wonder why someone didn't think of this before. It would be convenient, neat, and simple. And, the cans could be recycled.
I have tried canned monkey food, and it was actually rather tasty, banana flavored, with whole grain pieces in it. So I'm thinking that people food would not be that different. It could come in different flavors besides banana. It needs some sort of solid texture, not sloppy or too wet, to make it neater to eat. Preferably canned people food would be something that did not need to be heated either. That way bachelors, who do not know how or want to cook, could pop open a can and be good to go. They would not need to own any kitchen items but a spoon.
Canned people food would be handy for emergency situations as well. Canned items keep well, every household could store a few days worth of food. People who live in cold climates need to keep emergency food in the car, throw in some pop top cans for such times. During a major disaster, trucks full of canned people food could be sent to the scene.
I really think I'm on to something here. The applications for canned people food are numerous. Food company executives take note of this idea. After while the public would wonder why someone didn't think of this before. It would be convenient, neat, and simple. And, the cans could be recycled.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Book Review: When the World Spoke French
The book, When the World Spoke French, written by Marc Fumaroli and translated from French to English by Richard Howard, is well written and engaging. Each chapter of the book covers a different eighteenth century Enlightenment writer. These brief biographies encompass a wide number of individuals,such as,Francesco Algarottias well as perhaps lesser know lights including Lugi Riccoboni. Along with the biography is a sample of writing. These writings are quite often personal letters, and portions of essays. Many of the writers were not in fact French, but wrote in French and where highly influenced what was happening in France.
Anyone who is interested in eighteenth century history should read Fumaroli's book. I appreciated finding out more about what was taking place in the rest of the world while America was stirring towards Revolution. It really put things into perspective. Fumaroli's writing style makes the people in the book come alive. The adding together of all these individuals and their writing make for a sweep through European history that is far more interesting than the typical history book.
Anyone who is interested in eighteenth century history should read Fumaroli's book. I appreciated finding out more about what was taking place in the rest of the world while America was stirring towards Revolution. It really put things into perspective. Fumaroli's writing style makes the people in the book come alive. The adding together of all these individuals and their writing make for a sweep through European history that is far more interesting than the typical history book.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Book Review: Polo in the United States: a History
Polo in the United States: a History by Horace A. Laffaye is precisely as explained by the title. The book is divided into chapters covering the various eras, geographic locations, polo in art, indoor polo, and current events in polo. The smaller sections within each chapter describe specifics. Early history of polo section of this book typically list places, names of founders, and may contain a brief description of the polo field or clubhouse. Some of the sections are lightened by brief anecdotes.
This book is certainly not for the polo virgin. There is no explanations of rules, play, etc., I am not even sure how big the field should be. While I found this book quite a slog to read, polo fans would doubtless find it more interesting. Laffaye's book makes for good reference material for someone interested in quick facts about various players and the founding of clubs.
This book is certainly not for the polo virgin. There is no explanations of rules, play, etc., I am not even sure how big the field should be. While I found this book quite a slog to read, polo fans would doubtless find it more interesting. Laffaye's book makes for good reference material for someone interested in quick facts about various players and the founding of clubs.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Book Review: A Triumph of of Words The Lexical Funk
The self published book The Lexical Funk by Daniel Clausen consists of a collection of short stories interspersed with short interludes. The stories may be described as fantasy, but not quite. Clausen's characters are introspective and apt to make the reader uncomfortable, both because their thoughts are disturbing, and because on some level they may strike close to home. The stories are not pleasant or happy. The interludes between the stories are biographical in nature, and I found them more readable than the stories themselves. The book is an interesting read, but not for those who prefer reading as a form of light entertainment.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Other Drivers
I just noticed that many of the new cars come with turn signals as an option, and often people do not pay for this extra. Perhaps drivers believe that it is no one else's business where they are going. While I do not really care where you are going, I would like to know that you are turning and not just randomly slowing down to annoy me. Just as handy would be the knowledge that you are turning so that I can pull out into traffic. I have several other pet peeves about other drivers, involving the passing lane and the turning lane.
Apparently the laws were changed while I was not looking, and the passing lane has been designated for those drivers who wish to be passed. Driving below the speed limit in the passing lane causes me to dart back and forth between cars, something which I do not care to do. But really people, if the speed limit is 60 miles per hour, please makes some attempt to drive near that speed, or if you must drive slowly do not do it in the passing lane.
The turning lane is that weird third or fifth lane in the center of the road separated by yellow lines. I explain this because here where I live many drivers do not seem to know why it exists and how to use it. Some people refuse to use it entirely, while others get halfway into it, unable to make a commitment to their turn. Someone once told me that in their part of the country it is referred to as "the suicide lane", implying drivers use it to drive down the street and then smash headlong into each other. That is certainly not the case here, where it should be referred to as "the what is that lane for" lane.
It does not surprise me that drivers get angry on the road. If everyone would just follow the rules, realize that they are not the only drivers out there, use courtesy and common sense, a lot of road rage could be eliminated.
Apparently the laws were changed while I was not looking, and the passing lane has been designated for those drivers who wish to be passed. Driving below the speed limit in the passing lane causes me to dart back and forth between cars, something which I do not care to do. But really people, if the speed limit is 60 miles per hour, please makes some attempt to drive near that speed, or if you must drive slowly do not do it in the passing lane.
The turning lane is that weird third or fifth lane in the center of the road separated by yellow lines. I explain this because here where I live many drivers do not seem to know why it exists and how to use it. Some people refuse to use it entirely, while others get halfway into it, unable to make a commitment to their turn. Someone once told me that in their part of the country it is referred to as "the suicide lane", implying drivers use it to drive down the street and then smash headlong into each other. That is certainly not the case here, where it should be referred to as "the what is that lane for" lane.
It does not surprise me that drivers get angry on the road. If everyone would just follow the rules, realize that they are not the only drivers out there, use courtesy and common sense, a lot of road rage could be eliminated.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Shoot Me If I Ever Start Talking About the Good Old Days
Nothing makes my eyes roll up into my head as much as a conversation that begins with, "You know, when I was a kid, " or "It used to be that ..." or other words to that effect. The reason for my dislike is twofold. These words are either a prelude to a complaint or the beginning of a nostalgic soliloquy involving people I will never know, or places I have never been, but in which I must feign interest .
The prelude to some complaint or rant is by far the most annoying of these. They generally involve explaining how much better things used to be. Memories of a time that never really existed, told from a long gone and somewhat hazy childhood fail to sway me into believing that everything used to be so much better than today. These stories seldom recall the fact that children were sheltered from the harsh realities of life. Mom and Dad did not share their fears of putting food on the table or paying the rent. They did not explain that grandma passed away because no one could come up with the money to pay for her operation. They do not mention that the neighbor beat his wife regularly, but no one said anything because it was none of their business.
These hazy childhood memories completely ignore the fact that the world was not a happy place for everyone. Ask about people who had to go to separate but not equal schools, ask about the separate restrooms and drinking fountains, ask about the fun cross burnings. I did once and the answer I got was, "Well I don't know about that," but the good old days continued on unabated. Really, this does not sound better to me.
The other good old days stories are easier to fore bare. Yes, I realize the family and community history is important. It makes us who we are. But really, do I have to hear the story of the shade of yellow the kitchen was in 1942 again. Tell me real stories, why the family moved to a new state, how grandma and grandpa met. I'm sorry, but I can not make myself care about the darling little three legged dog the neighbor down the street had.
I do not want to be one of those people. I do not want to spend my senior years thinking that everything that was good is gone. I do not want to look at the world as though it has nothing left to offer me. There have always been, and always will be both good and bad and I want to see them both. And most especially I do not want to say, "You know, back in the good old days we had dial-up and we were perfectly happy about it."
The prelude to some complaint or rant is by far the most annoying of these. They generally involve explaining how much better things used to be. Memories of a time that never really existed, told from a long gone and somewhat hazy childhood fail to sway me into believing that everything used to be so much better than today. These stories seldom recall the fact that children were sheltered from the harsh realities of life. Mom and Dad did not share their fears of putting food on the table or paying the rent. They did not explain that grandma passed away because no one could come up with the money to pay for her operation. They do not mention that the neighbor beat his wife regularly, but no one said anything because it was none of their business.
These hazy childhood memories completely ignore the fact that the world was not a happy place for everyone. Ask about people who had to go to separate but not equal schools, ask about the separate restrooms and drinking fountains, ask about the fun cross burnings. I did once and the answer I got was, "Well I don't know about that," but the good old days continued on unabated. Really, this does not sound better to me.
The other good old days stories are easier to fore bare. Yes, I realize the family and community history is important. It makes us who we are. But really, do I have to hear the story of the shade of yellow the kitchen was in 1942 again. Tell me real stories, why the family moved to a new state, how grandma and grandpa met. I'm sorry, but I can not make myself care about the darling little three legged dog the neighbor down the street had.
I do not want to be one of those people. I do not want to spend my senior years thinking that everything that was good is gone. I do not want to look at the world as though it has nothing left to offer me. There have always been, and always will be both good and bad and I want to see them both. And most especially I do not want to say, "You know, back in the good old days we had dial-up and we were perfectly happy about it."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Beige Is Not a Color!
That's right, beige is not a color. No matter what it is called, whether it is Sahara Sand or Potato Chip, or Viennese Waltz, it is still beige and it is still not a color. A house filled with beige does not give those who visit any feeling for the people who live there. Colors set the mood, express who you are, and evoke feelings. Surely living surrounded by beige causes people to become bland as their walls and furniture. How can anyone be creative and thoughtful surrounded by beige?
Once upon a time, I saw people struggling to pick out just the right beige curtains to exactly match their beige carpet. I wanted to shake them and say, "Who cares, it's all just beige." I did not. I am guessing that they they would not understand. Doubtless, those people would have taken offense, first at my poking my nose where it did not belong, and secondly for refusing to accept their beigeness.
It does not really matter in the great scheme of things if the guests do not care for the color of the sofa. I would much rather have someone come away wondering what in the world I was thinking with the lime green curtains, than to leave no impression at all. I chose my house, my walls, my furniture for my pleasure not to avoid offending the occasional guest.
Decorators call beige a neutral, but that only means that it is nothing. Being neutral means that it "goes" with everything, how is that good. Being neutral means not taking a side, it means watching the world swirl around and refusing to take a part in it. Being a neutral observer means watching bad things happen and doing nothing. Is this who we should be, observers with out any desire to make things better?
Do not settle for beige, take a stand, have an opinion, show who you are and how you feel! Whether that means painting your dining room red, or saying, "No, no, that is not right and we must find a way to make it stop."
Once upon a time, I saw people struggling to pick out just the right beige curtains to exactly match their beige carpet. I wanted to shake them and say, "Who cares, it's all just beige." I did not. I am guessing that they they would not understand. Doubtless, those people would have taken offense, first at my poking my nose where it did not belong, and secondly for refusing to accept their beigeness.
It does not really matter in the great scheme of things if the guests do not care for the color of the sofa. I would much rather have someone come away wondering what in the world I was thinking with the lime green curtains, than to leave no impression at all. I chose my house, my walls, my furniture for my pleasure not to avoid offending the occasional guest.
Decorators call beige a neutral, but that only means that it is nothing. Being neutral means that it "goes" with everything, how is that good. Being neutral means not taking a side, it means watching the world swirl around and refusing to take a part in it. Being a neutral observer means watching bad things happen and doing nothing. Is this who we should be, observers with out any desire to make things better?
Do not settle for beige, take a stand, have an opinion, show who you are and how you feel! Whether that means painting your dining room red, or saying, "No, no, that is not right and we must find a way to make it stop."
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Nailgun's Zombie Survival Plan
Okay, I do not believe that there is any real danger that zombies will attack. But sometimes I like to think about odd things while I am commuting. While driving, my brain goes off in interesting directions, and for some reason it went in the direction of zombies.
The first question to consider is what kind of zombies will they be. The really slow and stupid ones from The Last Man on Earth, or the slightly quicker, able to pick up rocks to pound on windows ones from AMC's Walking Dead. I am going with a kind of middle ground, stupid and rather slow, but probably attracted to noise and light. I am guessing they do not sleep all day like The Last Man on Earth. That would be entirely too convenient, after all if they are asleep all day, all the survivors would have to do is have a secure shelter during the night, and hold up.
I already have a number of gardening tools that would work very conveniently for the slaughter of zombies. Doesn't everyone own a machete, loppers and a samurai sword? Granted, none of these items are as sharp as they should be. But if a zombie attack seems imminent that can be remedied. I also have sturdy shoes, which are a good idea, for running, climbing, and general scrambling around. I do have a re-curve bow, and know how to use it, but need to practice some. The cutting torch will also come in handy.
I have a place to hold up picked out as well. The house would require too much modification. My first choice of refuge would be the county jail. It has a lot of positive things going for it: small difficult to break windows, an emergency generator, a tall fence, metal doors which can be welded shut. It also has an exercise yard completely surrounded by the building, for zombie free fresh air.
Another advantage of the jail would be that there should be a supply of food available in the kitchen. I would imagine that there a a lot of canned goods stored there. I have never actually been in the jail, so the food part is pure speculation, but they have to have some. It is not too far from town so that carefully planned food runs can be made if food becomes an issue.
If there are still inmates inside who are zombified, they should be locked in cells, so that they can be dispatched at a distance. I have not really thought through the disposal of bodies yet. I imagine that burning in the parking lot would be the most expeditious, thought perhaps not the best smelling, solution. It is important to make sure the zombies are "dead" before burning, because nothing spoils a party like a burning zombie stumbling around setting other things on fire.
If the jail scenario does not work out, there are several warehouses in town which have few to no windows on the ground floor and could therefore be quickly secured. This would require more effort, lack of electricity, food, and other niceties, but it is doable.
The first question to consider is what kind of zombies will they be. The really slow and stupid ones from The Last Man on Earth, or the slightly quicker, able to pick up rocks to pound on windows ones from AMC's Walking Dead. I am going with a kind of middle ground, stupid and rather slow, but probably attracted to noise and light. I am guessing they do not sleep all day like The Last Man on Earth. That would be entirely too convenient, after all if they are asleep all day, all the survivors would have to do is have a secure shelter during the night, and hold up.
I already have a number of gardening tools that would work very conveniently for the slaughter of zombies. Doesn't everyone own a machete, loppers and a samurai sword? Granted, none of these items are as sharp as they should be. But if a zombie attack seems imminent that can be remedied. I also have sturdy shoes, which are a good idea, for running, climbing, and general scrambling around. I do have a re-curve bow, and know how to use it, but need to practice some. The cutting torch will also come in handy.
I have a place to hold up picked out as well. The house would require too much modification. My first choice of refuge would be the county jail. It has a lot of positive things going for it: small difficult to break windows, an emergency generator, a tall fence, metal doors which can be welded shut. It also has an exercise yard completely surrounded by the building, for zombie free fresh air.
Another advantage of the jail would be that there should be a supply of food available in the kitchen. I would imagine that there a a lot of canned goods stored there. I have never actually been in the jail, so the food part is pure speculation, but they have to have some. It is not too far from town so that carefully planned food runs can be made if food becomes an issue.
If there are still inmates inside who are zombified, they should be locked in cells, so that they can be dispatched at a distance. I have not really thought through the disposal of bodies yet. I imagine that burning in the parking lot would be the most expeditious, thought perhaps not the best smelling, solution. It is important to make sure the zombies are "dead" before burning, because nothing spoils a party like a burning zombie stumbling around setting other things on fire.
If the jail scenario does not work out, there are several warehouses in town which have few to no windows on the ground floor and could therefore be quickly secured. This would require more effort, lack of electricity, food, and other niceties, but it is doable.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Nailgun's First Random Thoughts
This blog will be a place for me to express thoughts and ideas which I feel like I have a need to share, but not necessarily out loud. What I will not be sharing is cute stories about the dog, or cat, or family. In fact I hope to avoid talking about the family at all. This will not be a space where I spend a lot of time telling stories which sound a good deal like bragging about myself and others. Does anyone who does not know me care about where I went for vacation, I doubt it very much. I am not going to be writing about my physical self, I do not want to be prejudged based on age, sex, or origin.
Will anyone read this? I have no idea. I do not think that that is what really matters. That being said, I rather like the idea that someone who I will never know is interested in what I have to say. But, nevertheless, the main purpose is for me to have a space to write about random things. Readers will undoubtedly find out about my political leanings, thoughts on books I have read, current events, my angst, and sometimes odd ideas I have.
It may seem strange, but not everyone I know is interested in: my plan for survival in case zombies attack, what I think about the use of swear words, why I do not believe that America will ever become a communist country, what I think about the Tea Party and other, well random things. so if anyone is even slightly curious this will be the place to look.
Will anyone read this? I have no idea. I do not think that that is what really matters. That being said, I rather like the idea that someone who I will never know is interested in what I have to say. But, nevertheless, the main purpose is for me to have a space to write about random things. Readers will undoubtedly find out about my political leanings, thoughts on books I have read, current events, my angst, and sometimes odd ideas I have.
It may seem strange, but not everyone I know is interested in: my plan for survival in case zombies attack, what I think about the use of swear words, why I do not believe that America will ever become a communist country, what I think about the Tea Party and other, well random things. so if anyone is even slightly curious this will be the place to look.
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