Sometimes I laugh when I think about the carousel that makes life what it is.
I graduated high school in 1968. Kids seem so amazed when you tell them that jeans would never be worn to school, athletic shoes were only worn during gym class, girls always wore skirts and boys wore casual pants with button-down shirts (tails, of course, inside their waist band).
The most amazing thing I remember when it came to "rebellious" behavior occurred when the boy across the street (he was a senior and I was a junior), was suspended for a week when he shaved his head. The ruling was that his appearance was a distraction. I guess that gives meaning to the saying, "the difference between a bad hair cut and a good hair cut is three days."
Today, those in charge (us old people) always feel they can dictate rules and the rules will be obediently followed by the younger generation. But, we forget that younger people move to the beat of a different drummer and that drummer is part of THEIR generation.
I preface this entry with that introduction because, as a former teacher, I have watched for 35 years as educators made the rules and students obeyed those rules....or didn't.
The "or didn't" phrase is the one I want to concentrate on. Unlike some educators, I believe the younger generation is basically good. In my 35 years in the classroom there were seldom many problems. Kids have always wanted to please, and I do believe that students today are much more aware of their plight in relationship to education and future than my generation was.
But, sometimes rules begin to pop up that just CAN'T be followed as they are written. I make that statement in relationship to cell phones. Recently I read where New York City and Cleveland were working on banning cell phones.
Locally, the school system has already legislated the non-use of cell phones during the day. Does that legislation work? I don't think so!
I once heard a teacher say something to the effect, "If a parent wants to get in touch with their child, they can call the office." Well, I have news for you...those days are over. Remember, it was the parent that purchased the cell phone and while the student might think that it was purchased solely for their pleasure, Mom and Dad are thinking about the safety of their child as well as the convenience of instant contact.
Sure, we all know that cell phones can be a real problem in education. Modern phones have cameras that could take pictures of examinations. And then there is the issue of text messaging. I watched a young lady the other day send a text message faster than I can dial a phone. And there are those that can text inside a pocket without ever seeing the key board.
Are cell phones a problem? Potentially they are a big problem. But can the older generation ban them from the classroom? I seriously doubt it. I remember when Napster was being shut down because of copyright infringement and I heard one peer-to-peer music site operator claim he wasn't worried because, "technology always stays ahead of the law."
Case in Point. Cell phones have gotten less and less detectable if a person wants to conceal their presence. They are smaller, thinner, quieter(if necessary) and more user friendly then they were 20 years ago. They have become a primary form of communication to the point that many people are removing their regular home telephones and surviving quite comfortably with the cellular device.
And school systems, I don't care whether they are local or as distant as Cleveland or New York City (obviously the west coast is even further away) will not ultimately win the battle of the cell phone and students will continue to carry them, use them and drive administrators crazy.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Finally, Recess!!
Thirty-five years ago I embarked on a teaching career. Being the product of a middle class family, and one that was not extremely well educated, this was a leap ahead. My parents weren't ignorant people. Dad was well-read and mom was a wizard with numbers, rising to the level of a head cashier who was responsible for the daily financial records of a rather large grocery store.
Still, I had managed to reach the professional world. Yet, I carried with me a work-ethic that came right out of the world of the blue collar worker. And, over the course of 35 years I accumulated 406 sick days. Missing work was not part of my routine. It was something that I hated. More than once I went to work when I certainly should not have done so. But, I was certain nobody could do my job like I did my job.
So yesterday, the first day of school for kids, was something that was going to be painful for me. I wasn't going to be in front of a group of students on the first day of school for the first time in 35 years. My friends were concerned about my mental well-being. Several called to see how I was doing (including one who was vacationing in Birmingham, Al.).
Fortunately for me, I survived the day. In fact, I had a good day. My "job" of announcing football games brought me in contact with a gentleman who told me of an "oldies" group of men who went on four-wheeling excursions every other Monday. Yesterday was that Monday and there I was on the first day of school, sitting in a field with 42 other ATV'ers and preparing for my first recess (as I now refer to it) since I was in 6th grade.
The trip began on Issac Run Road in Wood County and traveled to Belmont and Willow Island in Pleasants County. We covered over 30 miles, saw some sites not readily available to the passer- by in an automobile, got hot and sweaty (not to mention dusty), and had a great day of fellowship. Thanks to my "recess," school was not a prevailing thought in my mind.
I have used the preceding story to talk about a topic that concerns me--that being recess. It seems that recess is rapidly disappearing from the school curriculum. Going to school in the 50s and 60s meant that you had recess for 10-15 minutes each morning and afternoon, along with the remainder of you lunch break. Boys and girls were outside in the sun. They were running and playing, laughing and yelling, and generally having a good time.
My how times have changed. Case in Point. It seems from my gathering of information, recess is a nearly bygone idea in the educational system. Educationally we have become a complete and total "reading, writing and arithmetic" institution. And I for one disagree with that philosophy. Recess is an important part of the educational process. It teaches students how to work together, how to play together, and how to have fun.
Perhaps our world could use a little more "social" education that recess provides.
Still, I had managed to reach the professional world. Yet, I carried with me a work-ethic that came right out of the world of the blue collar worker. And, over the course of 35 years I accumulated 406 sick days. Missing work was not part of my routine. It was something that I hated. More than once I went to work when I certainly should not have done so. But, I was certain nobody could do my job like I did my job.
So yesterday, the first day of school for kids, was something that was going to be painful for me. I wasn't going to be in front of a group of students on the first day of school for the first time in 35 years. My friends were concerned about my mental well-being. Several called to see how I was doing (including one who was vacationing in Birmingham, Al.).
Fortunately for me, I survived the day. In fact, I had a good day. My "job" of announcing football games brought me in contact with a gentleman who told me of an "oldies" group of men who went on four-wheeling excursions every other Monday. Yesterday was that Monday and there I was on the first day of school, sitting in a field with 42 other ATV'ers and preparing for my first recess (as I now refer to it) since I was in 6th grade.
The trip began on Issac Run Road in Wood County and traveled to Belmont and Willow Island in Pleasants County. We covered over 30 miles, saw some sites not readily available to the passer- by in an automobile, got hot and sweaty (not to mention dusty), and had a great day of fellowship. Thanks to my "recess," school was not a prevailing thought in my mind.
I have used the preceding story to talk about a topic that concerns me--that being recess. It seems that recess is rapidly disappearing from the school curriculum. Going to school in the 50s and 60s meant that you had recess for 10-15 minutes each morning and afternoon, along with the remainder of you lunch break. Boys and girls were outside in the sun. They were running and playing, laughing and yelling, and generally having a good time.
My how times have changed. Case in Point. It seems from my gathering of information, recess is a nearly bygone idea in the educational system. Educationally we have become a complete and total "reading, writing and arithmetic" institution. And I for one disagree with that philosophy. Recess is an important part of the educational process. It teaches students how to work together, how to play together, and how to have fun.
Perhaps our world could use a little more "social" education that recess provides.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Cleaning off the Desk, #2
Congratulations of some sort is due West Virginia University. After all, while the state of West Virginia anxiously awaits an upcoming football season that could potentially be the best ever for a Mountaineer squad, the students are already enjoying top dog status of another sort. WVU again has climbed to the top of the mountain by being named the most proficient party school in the USA.
This is noteworthy occasion. I can remember (gee its been quite awhile back, but my memory hasn't completely escaped me yet) when Thursday nights in Glenville often led to early Friday mornings in Morgantown. Yes, we sometimes found ourselves partying in Morgantown, after a quick stop in Fairmont. Why? Well even back in the late '6Os and '70s, Morgantown was party-central.
Some have even claimed that it was unfair to compare WVU with other colleges in the party school classification. They said it was like comparing professionals with amateurs.
While administrators and parents may not enjoy the newly crowned title handed to the Mountaineers, it is what it is. But, as was pointed out in a story associated with the announcement, there are many good things about WVU. Case in point. The WVU library was ranked the 5th best in the nation and the school newspaper came in at #8.
******
What is your pet worth to you? Well according to a Newsweek article dated July 30, one man spent over $11,000 for his cat. Still, he claims the price wasn't too high.
The article pointed out that some dogs are now candidates for a $3,000 pacemaker and a feline kidney transplant prices out at about $8,000.
While many of us could never afford such extravagant expenses to maintain the life of our beloved pet, I venture to say that many of us wish we could do just that.
In my adult life I have had to "put down" three animals. In each case I felt a tremendous sense of loss and wish that something could have been done to prolong their lives. But that wasn't the case. Would money have changed the outcome? More than likely that is doubtful, but don't I wish that would have been the case.
Life without a critter (a dog in particular) is rather dull and boring. Trust me, a little chunk of change for a healthy dog to walk with would be a small price to pay.
******
A record 209 million passengers last year boarded airplanes last year. When I think about flying I think about saving time and effort in reaching a destination. Naturally, the cost seems high, but the idea of saving time (a three hour flight to Boston as compared to an 11 hour drive is quite appealing).
But, how time-saving is a flight anymore. Newsweek (July 30), documented flight after flight where passengers were held hostage in airplanes on the tarmac for rather extensive time frames. One man spent 10 hours on the tarmac, another passenger spent seven hours without food.
Why the delay. The airlines claim there aren't enough air routes and that the air-traffic control system is outdated. Air traffic controllers insist they are not sufficiently staffed. Weather and mechanical delays play a role.
Before slating a flight, take note of departure and arrival times listed and make sure you have time to spare.
This is noteworthy occasion. I can remember (gee its been quite awhile back, but my memory hasn't completely escaped me yet) when Thursday nights in Glenville often led to early Friday mornings in Morgantown. Yes, we sometimes found ourselves partying in Morgantown, after a quick stop in Fairmont. Why? Well even back in the late '6Os and '70s, Morgantown was party-central.
Some have even claimed that it was unfair to compare WVU with other colleges in the party school classification. They said it was like comparing professionals with amateurs.
While administrators and parents may not enjoy the newly crowned title handed to the Mountaineers, it is what it is. But, as was pointed out in a story associated with the announcement, there are many good things about WVU. Case in point. The WVU library was ranked the 5th best in the nation and the school newspaper came in at #8.
******
What is your pet worth to you? Well according to a Newsweek article dated July 30, one man spent over $11,000 for his cat. Still, he claims the price wasn't too high.
The article pointed out that some dogs are now candidates for a $3,000 pacemaker and a feline kidney transplant prices out at about $8,000.
While many of us could never afford such extravagant expenses to maintain the life of our beloved pet, I venture to say that many of us wish we could do just that.
In my adult life I have had to "put down" three animals. In each case I felt a tremendous sense of loss and wish that something could have been done to prolong their lives. But that wasn't the case. Would money have changed the outcome? More than likely that is doubtful, but don't I wish that would have been the case.
Life without a critter (a dog in particular) is rather dull and boring. Trust me, a little chunk of change for a healthy dog to walk with would be a small price to pay.
******
A record 209 million passengers last year boarded airplanes last year. When I think about flying I think about saving time and effort in reaching a destination. Naturally, the cost seems high, but the idea of saving time (a three hour flight to Boston as compared to an 11 hour drive is quite appealing).
But, how time-saving is a flight anymore. Newsweek (July 30), documented flight after flight where passengers were held hostage in airplanes on the tarmac for rather extensive time frames. One man spent 10 hours on the tarmac, another passenger spent seven hours without food.
Why the delay. The airlines claim there aren't enough air routes and that the air-traffic control system is outdated. Air traffic controllers insist they are not sufficiently staffed. Weather and mechanical delays play a role.
Before slating a flight, take note of departure and arrival times listed and make sure you have time to spare.
Say it Ain't So!!!
Hurricane Dean is ravishing the Yucatan Peninsula. As this is being written we still have no clue whether it will eventually reach the coastline of the USA. Furthermore, if it does reach the USA, we have no idea what strength it will redevelop after its Category 5 attack across the southern Caribbean.
But why wait. After my morning walk and a trip to Speedway for a cup of coffee, I noticed that the gasoline industry was quick to respond with an overnight 20 cent price increase. The oil industry is a "first responder" of the highest degree. Its not a matter of waiting to see if an environmental catastrophe will have an impact on its business. No, its a forgone conclusion that action is necessary to maximize its profit no matter what the circumstances.
I almost believe the oil industry has adopted the philosophy of the Israeli military. Israel has long had a policy of attacking an enemy after any and all attacks. Retribution is a necessity for a nation that is completely surrounded by enemies and must be on guard for attacks that could jeopardize its existence.
Thus the oil industry has taken the same approach. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the oil industry's days are numbered. Many of us may not live to see it, but oil is not a renewable resource. When it is gone, it is gone!! So the oil industry has become proactive considering its present existence. Gain the profit, as much profit as it can, is now the philosophy.
And what does that approach do for the oil industry. Well last year the oil industry enjoyed its largest profit ever. A profit that doesn't seem justified. After all, with the oil industry winding down in terms of existence, it has not built a new refinery in years, which would help eliminate reported gasoline shortages. Honestly, some of an industry profit is typically turned into improved or more modern facilities. I don't see that happening unless you count the nice new neighborhood convenience store that offers gasoline, but also robs your wallet with overly priced grocery items that are "conveniently" located on site when you purchase gasoline.
My feelings about the oil industry is rather apparent. Yes, I buy gasoline. I have a gas-guzzling pickup truck. I like my truck. Would I consider a smaller vehicle? Maybe. Will I continue to buy overly priced gasoline? Of course! Do I believe we are all victims of price gouging? Certainly.
Case in point. The hurricane season is just now beginning its possibly vicious seasonal attack. How many more catastrophes can the oil industry capitalize on?
But why wait. After my morning walk and a trip to Speedway for a cup of coffee, I noticed that the gasoline industry was quick to respond with an overnight 20 cent price increase. The oil industry is a "first responder" of the highest degree. Its not a matter of waiting to see if an environmental catastrophe will have an impact on its business. No, its a forgone conclusion that action is necessary to maximize its profit no matter what the circumstances.
I almost believe the oil industry has adopted the philosophy of the Israeli military. Israel has long had a policy of attacking an enemy after any and all attacks. Retribution is a necessity for a nation that is completely surrounded by enemies and must be on guard for attacks that could jeopardize its existence.
Thus the oil industry has taken the same approach. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the oil industry's days are numbered. Many of us may not live to see it, but oil is not a renewable resource. When it is gone, it is gone!! So the oil industry has become proactive considering its present existence. Gain the profit, as much profit as it can, is now the philosophy.
And what does that approach do for the oil industry. Well last year the oil industry enjoyed its largest profit ever. A profit that doesn't seem justified. After all, with the oil industry winding down in terms of existence, it has not built a new refinery in years, which would help eliminate reported gasoline shortages. Honestly, some of an industry profit is typically turned into improved or more modern facilities. I don't see that happening unless you count the nice new neighborhood convenience store that offers gasoline, but also robs your wallet with overly priced grocery items that are "conveniently" located on site when you purchase gasoline.
My feelings about the oil industry is rather apparent. Yes, I buy gasoline. I have a gas-guzzling pickup truck. I like my truck. Would I consider a smaller vehicle? Maybe. Will I continue to buy overly priced gasoline? Of course! Do I believe we are all victims of price gouging? Certainly.
Case in point. The hurricane season is just now beginning its possibly vicious seasonal attack. How many more catastrophes can the oil industry capitalize on?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Why the Charge???
A USA Today article (8/14) discussed the issue of hotels that charge rather costly rates to park your car in their lot while you are a guest at that hotel.
I immediately stiffened and thought, "Gee, why doesn't my nightly rate cover the cost of parking my car?"
Well I know that airports frequently charge for leaving your vehicle in their lot, but I also recognize that you are not present while your car is--you have flown off into the vast unknown. Thus, I don't get overly excited about that parking rate. But, a hotel?? After all, I am staying there; I am within a 3-minute walk of my vehicle; I can see my vehicle from the window of my room. Why, pray tell, must I pay to park my car there??
I guess it wouldn't have been so unnerving except it seems like parking rates are just out of control. One of the more expensive sites listed was The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco at $63.84 a day. Do a double take if you like, but that isn't a misprint. That's right, $63.84 to park your car overnight while you are a visitor at that hotel.
As surprised as I was by the hotel parking bill, I was just as shocked recently to learn that New York City is considering charging cars and trucks a fee to be on the streets of Manhattan. The fee is designed to fight congestion. Cars would be charged $8 while trucks would be charged $21.
For NYC, the goal is to get people to use public transportation and eliminate the massive number of vehicles that slow down traffic in the nation's financial capital. Still, it seems to me that as taxpayers, people have already paid for those highways and should be able to travel on those highways.
But, that's not all. Case In Point. At least one local automobile dealer was charging a "shop fee" if you had your vehicle in that garage for repair. The fee was 10% of your bill up to a $50 charge. Needless to say I was a bit volatile about that charge, and I no longer frequent that garage. I figured that if you were already paying a $55 per hour for labor (and you know and I know the mechanic doesn't get paid $55 per hour) there had to be enough money there to cover the use of the garage to complete the required work.
As I told the dealer, I didn't mind buying him a steak dinner, but I didn't feel like I should buy him the whole cow. I also inquired as to whether he charged the insurance companies that "shop fee" if the bill was submitted to them. He said "No." That infuriated me just a bit more since I was the middle class customer and insurance companies are notoriously some of the wealthiest enterprises in the USA.
I guess its just a good practice to keep track of where your money goes. How do you do that. That's easy--don't go to hotels, stay out of Manhattan, and don't let your vehicle break down.
I immediately stiffened and thought, "Gee, why doesn't my nightly rate cover the cost of parking my car?"
Well I know that airports frequently charge for leaving your vehicle in their lot, but I also recognize that you are not present while your car is--you have flown off into the vast unknown. Thus, I don't get overly excited about that parking rate. But, a hotel?? After all, I am staying there; I am within a 3-minute walk of my vehicle; I can see my vehicle from the window of my room. Why, pray tell, must I pay to park my car there??
I guess it wouldn't have been so unnerving except it seems like parking rates are just out of control. One of the more expensive sites listed was The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco at $63.84 a day. Do a double take if you like, but that isn't a misprint. That's right, $63.84 to park your car overnight while you are a visitor at that hotel.
As surprised as I was by the hotel parking bill, I was just as shocked recently to learn that New York City is considering charging cars and trucks a fee to be on the streets of Manhattan. The fee is designed to fight congestion. Cars would be charged $8 while trucks would be charged $21.
For NYC, the goal is to get people to use public transportation and eliminate the massive number of vehicles that slow down traffic in the nation's financial capital. Still, it seems to me that as taxpayers, people have already paid for those highways and should be able to travel on those highways.
But, that's not all. Case In Point. At least one local automobile dealer was charging a "shop fee" if you had your vehicle in that garage for repair. The fee was 10% of your bill up to a $50 charge. Needless to say I was a bit volatile about that charge, and I no longer frequent that garage. I figured that if you were already paying a $55 per hour for labor (and you know and I know the mechanic doesn't get paid $55 per hour) there had to be enough money there to cover the use of the garage to complete the required work.
As I told the dealer, I didn't mind buying him a steak dinner, but I didn't feel like I should buy him the whole cow. I also inquired as to whether he charged the insurance companies that "shop fee" if the bill was submitted to them. He said "No." That infuriated me just a bit more since I was the middle class customer and insurance companies are notoriously some of the wealthiest enterprises in the USA.
I guess its just a good practice to keep track of where your money goes. How do you do that. That's easy--don't go to hotels, stay out of Manhattan, and don't let your vehicle break down.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Jumping to Conclusions
An article in USA Today (dated 8/8/07) dealt with the pending college term and the influx of freshmen who are being assigned dormitory rooms for the coming year.
The Internet addition of Facebook and other biographical tools on the computer is making for some interesting rooming dilemmas on college campuses.
It seems as though parents have been perusing the Facebook pages to learn about their child's pending roommate. And sometimes they aren't happy. Concerns include sexual preference, body art, the potential to party, and the age-old issues of race and religion.
Not being a parent, I don't suppose I can fully understand the concern. But, as a long-time educator I do know that younger generations seem to be more tolerant of personal differences than perhaps the older generations.
The acknowledgement of who your pending roommate is has made the furnishing of a college dormitory room so much easier than in my day. I have long encouraged high school seniors to make sure to contact the roommate and share in the responsibility of bringing necessary household items--televisions, dvd/vcr, refrigerators, microwaves, stereos and telephones. There is just no need in duplicating those items.
It seems as though some colleges, under a barrage of requests for a change in room assignments, have taken a hard line and have refused to change these assignments. The possibilities of changing rooms comes during the school year, but not before a period of time where students can, if they must, make adjustments to "tolerate" the new roommate regardless of their lifestyles or tendencies.
And, as previously noted, the younger generation seems to be more accommodating than their parents.
Case in point. In bygone days, when I entered college in the fall of 1968, you arrived on campus; checked in and received your room assignment; lugged your personal items to that room (elevators were not always available to students, especially on a small campus); moved into your room; and if you were lucky, met your roommate before it was time to go to bed.
We had a "friendly moving day" on the calender several weeks into the first semester. Still, I knew of very few students who took advantage of that opportunity.
My first roommate was an old country boy and I was the city kid. We had very little in common. Still, we got along fine, occasionally had a meal together, and I even told him I was willing to room with him the next year. He, however, moved off campus with several students who were in his field of study.
That set the stage for my second roommate who has been a longtime friend and one who I have a great deal of respect for. We roomed together during my sophomore year (his junior) and again when I did student teaching and he was already employed. My third roommate sought me out because I was living in the dorm's only suite of rooms (a perk for being president of the dorm). And, I was receptive because he had a refrigerator (an unheard of dormitory item at that time) because he was diabetic. My final roommate was an acquaintance who wound up as my roomie because I was the dorm office manager and he was a proctor. It was a convenient arrangement though we had little in common. Still, we had no issues with each other and had a very workable living arrangement.
Thus, I guess its safe to say that I only had one roommate who was really on the same social plane as me. Still, I never, ever thought of using "friendly moving day."
My suspicion is that most students today can ADAPT to their roommates and I believe they should be given the chance to ADAPT to something different. I didn't say to ADOPT a different lifestyle, but to ADAPT to the presence of a different lifestyle in their presence. After all, they will need to do that the rest of their lives.
The Internet addition of Facebook and other biographical tools on the computer is making for some interesting rooming dilemmas on college campuses.
It seems as though parents have been perusing the Facebook pages to learn about their child's pending roommate. And sometimes they aren't happy. Concerns include sexual preference, body art, the potential to party, and the age-old issues of race and religion.
Not being a parent, I don't suppose I can fully understand the concern. But, as a long-time educator I do know that younger generations seem to be more tolerant of personal differences than perhaps the older generations.
The acknowledgement of who your pending roommate is has made the furnishing of a college dormitory room so much easier than in my day. I have long encouraged high school seniors to make sure to contact the roommate and share in the responsibility of bringing necessary household items--televisions, dvd/vcr, refrigerators, microwaves, stereos and telephones. There is just no need in duplicating those items.
It seems as though some colleges, under a barrage of requests for a change in room assignments, have taken a hard line and have refused to change these assignments. The possibilities of changing rooms comes during the school year, but not before a period of time where students can, if they must, make adjustments to "tolerate" the new roommate regardless of their lifestyles or tendencies.
And, as previously noted, the younger generation seems to be more accommodating than their parents.
Case in point. In bygone days, when I entered college in the fall of 1968, you arrived on campus; checked in and received your room assignment; lugged your personal items to that room (elevators were not always available to students, especially on a small campus); moved into your room; and if you were lucky, met your roommate before it was time to go to bed.
We had a "friendly moving day" on the calender several weeks into the first semester. Still, I knew of very few students who took advantage of that opportunity.
My first roommate was an old country boy and I was the city kid. We had very little in common. Still, we got along fine, occasionally had a meal together, and I even told him I was willing to room with him the next year. He, however, moved off campus with several students who were in his field of study.
That set the stage for my second roommate who has been a longtime friend and one who I have a great deal of respect for. We roomed together during my sophomore year (his junior) and again when I did student teaching and he was already employed. My third roommate sought me out because I was living in the dorm's only suite of rooms (a perk for being president of the dorm). And, I was receptive because he had a refrigerator (an unheard of dormitory item at that time) because he was diabetic. My final roommate was an acquaintance who wound up as my roomie because I was the dorm office manager and he was a proctor. It was a convenient arrangement though we had little in common. Still, we had no issues with each other and had a very workable living arrangement.
Thus, I guess its safe to say that I only had one roommate who was really on the same social plane as me. Still, I never, ever thought of using "friendly moving day."
My suspicion is that most students today can ADAPT to their roommates and I believe they should be given the chance to ADAPT to something different. I didn't say to ADOPT a different lifestyle, but to ADAPT to the presence of a different lifestyle in their presence. After all, they will need to do that the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Food, "Glorious (but tainted)," Food
How much longer will it be before we read another story about tainted food reaching the shores of the USA from China.
First it was tainted pet food--a crisis that sent many household critters to their early demise while frustrating and infuriating their owners. Numerous and costly veterinarian bills and countless tears were the result of this disaster. Still, it didn't seem to be enough to stop even more contamination from reaching our dinner tables.
As time progressed it was pesticides and now mercury contamination of fish products from China that again has the USA in turmoil.
The underlying question is, "Can we depend on trading partners, such as China, to provide us safe food substances?" Each day and each story indicates that the answer to that question might very well be a resounding "NO."
I have often felt that one of the primary locations for terrorists to attack the USA was through its food and water supplies. I don't believe China is a terrorist-sponsoring nation, but these exported food substances are creating terrorist style results.
We are a nation that might be the best fed in the world. We dedicate massive amounts of money to the construction of restaurants and huge grocery stores that offer a wealth of choices for our diet. Typical American cuisine is on the menu, yes, but so are many foreign dishes have become addictive to our palates.
The addition of these foreign dishes to our menus brings the need for some foreign food substances. And this leaves us at the mercy of those that can provide these items. We have been taught to believe that our government can protect us from unsafe items--and in all fairness its safe to say the Food and Drug Administration does just that.
Still, we might be asking for a superhuman effort to keep all tainted items out of our food supply. Case in point. Even in situations where food supplies have not been considered unsafe, tragic outcomes have resulted from unsafe food preparation and deliveries.
E coli, the digestive system disturbance that typically indicates food contamination, has seen a 50 percent increase while Vibrio infections--associated with shellfish--has increased nearly 80 percent.
I guess its time we become a bit more discreet in the selection of food sources for our dinner table. And while I will admit that the Chinese and other nations aren't necessarily trying to terrorize our food supplies, I will continue to wonder how safe that supply really is.
First it was tainted pet food--a crisis that sent many household critters to their early demise while frustrating and infuriating their owners. Numerous and costly veterinarian bills and countless tears were the result of this disaster. Still, it didn't seem to be enough to stop even more contamination from reaching our dinner tables.
As time progressed it was pesticides and now mercury contamination of fish products from China that again has the USA in turmoil.
The underlying question is, "Can we depend on trading partners, such as China, to provide us safe food substances?" Each day and each story indicates that the answer to that question might very well be a resounding "NO."
I have often felt that one of the primary locations for terrorists to attack the USA was through its food and water supplies. I don't believe China is a terrorist-sponsoring nation, but these exported food substances are creating terrorist style results.
We are a nation that might be the best fed in the world. We dedicate massive amounts of money to the construction of restaurants and huge grocery stores that offer a wealth of choices for our diet. Typical American cuisine is on the menu, yes, but so are many foreign dishes have become addictive to our palates.
The addition of these foreign dishes to our menus brings the need for some foreign food substances. And this leaves us at the mercy of those that can provide these items. We have been taught to believe that our government can protect us from unsafe items--and in all fairness its safe to say the Food and Drug Administration does just that.
Still, we might be asking for a superhuman effort to keep all tainted items out of our food supply. Case in point. Even in situations where food supplies have not been considered unsafe, tragic outcomes have resulted from unsafe food preparation and deliveries.
E coli, the digestive system disturbance that typically indicates food contamination, has seen a 50 percent increase while Vibrio infections--associated with shellfish--has increased nearly 80 percent.
I guess its time we become a bit more discreet in the selection of food sources for our dinner table. And while I will admit that the Chinese and other nations aren't necessarily trying to terrorize our food supplies, I will continue to wonder how safe that supply really is.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Just Beyond My Imagination!!
Dogs have always been a part of my life!!!
The day my dad brought me home from the hospital nearly 57 years ago, he went out and got MY first dog. It was half Manchester and half Chihuahua. Jiggs was a little black dog with a feisty temperament. We had a unique relationship. He would bite me and I would bite him back. I am not sure how much Jiggs liked me until I got a little bit older. Jiggs died when I was 10. We buried him in the back yard and while there were no outward signs of where Jiggs was buried, I could take you to the location to this day.
After Jiggs came Tippy, Prince, and Betsy. Tippy died early in life as a result of distemper despite being vaccinated; Prince was a bull of a dog that wouldn't step into the house regardless how bad the weather was; and Betsy was a doll baby who watched me leave home to go to college....she was always my dog, but Dad became her caretaker during the final years of her life.
As an adult I have had two dogs. Oscar was a German Shorthair Pointer. He was nothing short of a lovable beast. He was strong, handsome, loving and full of curiosity. Cancer claimed his life long before his heart was ready to give out. My last dog was Coach. He was a Border Collie that captivated me. He was a devoted dog that finally succumbed recently to arthritis and old age. I don't think I will ever get over missing him and nearly daily I walk by and notice the package of his ashes on my desk.
Loving dogs for me is just a way of life. They are what they are advertised to be...MANS BEST FRIEND.
I tell these stories because of the recent barrage of sports news dealing with the horrid aspects of dog fighting and the inhumane attitudes and behaviors of those associated with Michael Vick.
Case in point. Sure, I know Michael Vick hasn't been convicted of anything (though I believe its just a matter of time). The idea of dog fighting just nauseates me. To watch two dogs fight to the death would infuriate me and to imagine that any person could do such a thing is difficult for me to comprehend. How could a critter that provides so much love be utilized in such a way.
The idea borders on insanity. Those involved aren't sporting individuals. They aren't gamblers. They might not even be human beings. I know for certain they are SICK, SICK, SICK earthly entities that our society would be better off without.
And, for all those involved, I only hope they get a taste of their own medicine.
The day my dad brought me home from the hospital nearly 57 years ago, he went out and got MY first dog. It was half Manchester and half Chihuahua. Jiggs was a little black dog with a feisty temperament. We had a unique relationship. He would bite me and I would bite him back. I am not sure how much Jiggs liked me until I got a little bit older. Jiggs died when I was 10. We buried him in the back yard and while there were no outward signs of where Jiggs was buried, I could take you to the location to this day.
After Jiggs came Tippy, Prince, and Betsy. Tippy died early in life as a result of distemper despite being vaccinated; Prince was a bull of a dog that wouldn't step into the house regardless how bad the weather was; and Betsy was a doll baby who watched me leave home to go to college....she was always my dog, but Dad became her caretaker during the final years of her life.
As an adult I have had two dogs. Oscar was a German Shorthair Pointer. He was nothing short of a lovable beast. He was strong, handsome, loving and full of curiosity. Cancer claimed his life long before his heart was ready to give out. My last dog was Coach. He was a Border Collie that captivated me. He was a devoted dog that finally succumbed recently to arthritis and old age. I don't think I will ever get over missing him and nearly daily I walk by and notice the package of his ashes on my desk.
Loving dogs for me is just a way of life. They are what they are advertised to be...MANS BEST FRIEND.
I tell these stories because of the recent barrage of sports news dealing with the horrid aspects of dog fighting and the inhumane attitudes and behaviors of those associated with Michael Vick.
Case in point. Sure, I know Michael Vick hasn't been convicted of anything (though I believe its just a matter of time). The idea of dog fighting just nauseates me. To watch two dogs fight to the death would infuriate me and to imagine that any person could do such a thing is difficult for me to comprehend. How could a critter that provides so much love be utilized in such a way.
The idea borders on insanity. Those involved aren't sporting individuals. They aren't gamblers. They might not even be human beings. I know for certain they are SICK, SICK, SICK earthly entities that our society would be better off without.
And, for all those involved, I only hope they get a taste of their own medicine.
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