You’ve heard of Stupid Pet Tricks on Letterman. Well, at least those can be entertaining. Stupid government tricks aren’t generally that amusing.
I think Ron White said it best, “You can’t fix stupid.” While he may not have been talking about government, the sentiment certainly applies. With the economy in the crapper, the government in its infinite wisdom has decided we need new commemorative pennies.
Pennies. You know, the coins people complain about, or toss in little dishes near cash registers?
Well, apparently, there are four new designs to give tribute to old Honest Abe. I mean, I’ve got nothing against Abe Lincoln, but come on. We needed to spend God knows how much money to have little log cabins on the back of copper coins that some people actually throw in the trash? Coin collectors will probably enjoy them but damn (read more about the new designs at LA Times)...
What a fantastic way to spend our tax dollars, right?
Not so much, if you ask me.
But, hey, look something new and shiny! Just don't look at what's really going on in your world...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
One-sided Tolerance
Hmmm... One-sided tolerance. Well, that’s an oxymoron for sure but all too prevalent nonetheless. Tolerance basically means tolerating that with which one does not agree. So, how can it be one-sided? I guess it depends on who you are. Just like “redneck” jokes are fine and dandy, yet other jokes based on stereotype are politically incorrect.
Yesterday was Easter. Sure, people did the egg hunt thing and the typical stuff, probably ate too much, and had some time to enjoy the family. Yet, some people were also celebrating the biggest holiday in regard to their beliefs. Jesus having died on the cross and risen from the grave, so that our sins could be forgiven. Obviously, a huge day for Christians.
Yet, while many people were being oh so careful not to offend those who don’t share those beliefs, some went out of their way to mock believers. Don't you love it when the ones who are the first to scream intolerance turn around and attack someone else? Some truly disgusting jokes and comments were made. When asked to tone it down, one person in a chat said, “It’s not disrespectful; it's just Christians.”
I guess that makes it okay. You know, since it’s only those people.
I’m not an easily offended type. I really don’t do politically correct. But, if you’re going to preach tolerance, then it’s probably a good idea to actually be tolerant… especially of those you don’t agree with... isn’t that the point?
Yesterday was Easter. Sure, people did the egg hunt thing and the typical stuff, probably ate too much, and had some time to enjoy the family. Yet, some people were also celebrating the biggest holiday in regard to their beliefs. Jesus having died on the cross and risen from the grave, so that our sins could be forgiven. Obviously, a huge day for Christians.
Yet, while many people were being oh so careful not to offend those who don’t share those beliefs, some went out of their way to mock believers. Don't you love it when the ones who are the first to scream intolerance turn around and attack someone else? Some truly disgusting jokes and comments were made. When asked to tone it down, one person in a chat said, “It’s not disrespectful; it's just Christians.”
I guess that makes it okay. You know, since it’s only those people.
I’m not an easily offended type. I really don’t do politically correct. But, if you’re going to preach tolerance, then it’s probably a good idea to actually be tolerant… especially of those you don’t agree with... isn’t that the point?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Back away from the Pistachios
Not another one! It's scary to think that our food supply is so vulnerable...
Not long ago it was peanuts; now it’s pistachios. Fortunately, in this case, it appears that those involved are working to react appropriately to potential contamination issues.
Risking Lives for Peanuts?
The peanut salmonella outbreak quickly caused outrage. It was alleged that serious sanitation issues were neglected and perhaps covered up, that products may have been knowingly sold despite contamination.
I can’t think of a punishment horrible enough for anyone (if proven) to have risked the lives of others just to make a buck.
Better Safe than Sorry
At this time, the source of possible salmonella contamination concerning pistachios is still being tracked. The FDA has advised all sources “not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.”
It may be best to avoid pistachio nuts or other products until more information is available, including previously purchased products.
While my faith in the FDA's ability to protect our food supply doesn't exactly make me rest easy, there is more information available at the FDA Website that may prove useful.
Not long ago it was peanuts; now it’s pistachios. Fortunately, in this case, it appears that those involved are working to react appropriately to potential contamination issues.
Risking Lives for Peanuts?
The peanut salmonella outbreak quickly caused outrage. It was alleged that serious sanitation issues were neglected and perhaps covered up, that products may have been knowingly sold despite contamination.
I can’t think of a punishment horrible enough for anyone (if proven) to have risked the lives of others just to make a buck.
Better Safe than Sorry
At this time, the source of possible salmonella contamination concerning pistachios is still being tracked. The FDA has advised all sources “not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.”
It may be best to avoid pistachio nuts or other products until more information is available, including previously purchased products.
While my faith in the FDA's ability to protect our food supply doesn't exactly make me rest easy, there is more information available at the FDA Website that may prove useful.
Friday, April 3, 2009
One Day at a Time
It doesn’t really matter from which source you have learned this principle, if you can learn to follow it. Live each day as it comes. Today is a good day.
You woke up, didn’t you? Then it’s good.
This simple yet at the same time profound bit of wisdom can be found in many sources including the Bible and various 12 step programs for addiction. It’s just common sense. This isn’t to say go crazy each day living it like it’s your last, yet if we learned to focus more on the here and now, we’d be happier and more relaxed.
Of course, some planning for the future is required. Yet, when we spend all of our time worrying about tomorrow and next week and next year, today passes by without living it to its full potential.
Today is a good day.
It might not be perfect; in fact, there may be many not so good things going on in a single day. However, there is something good about this day and we’d all be better off if we spent more time enjoying the good parts of life instead of letting stress take over. Worrying about things doesn’t make problems go away, it only compounds them.
Live your life… today.
You woke up, didn’t you? Then it’s good.
This simple yet at the same time profound bit of wisdom can be found in many sources including the Bible and various 12 step programs for addiction. It’s just common sense. This isn’t to say go crazy each day living it like it’s your last, yet if we learned to focus more on the here and now, we’d be happier and more relaxed.
Of course, some planning for the future is required. Yet, when we spend all of our time worrying about tomorrow and next week and next year, today passes by without living it to its full potential.
Today is a good day.
It might not be perfect; in fact, there may be many not so good things going on in a single day. However, there is something good about this day and we’d all be better off if we spent more time enjoying the good parts of life instead of letting stress take over. Worrying about things doesn’t make problems go away, it only compounds them.
Live your life… today.
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