Clutter and chaos: in pictures.
Showing posts with label follow up post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label follow up post. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
age of indifference
Warhol once said, "Being born is like being kidnapped. And then sold into slavery." Horrible, I know, but there's something to his silliness. Andy hated growing up in Pittsburgh, for he had dreams of movie stars and all things cinema. Pittsburgh was drab during the Great Depression, but it was a city with a blue collar essence.
Did I spell "cinema" correctly? Just occurred me that it looks a lot like "enema." Hmmm... I guess a crappy film genre could be deemed "sin-enema."
When I write enough, I start to think about the words as they string together. I don't so much type them, but they merge from nowhere as the words cascade in front of my eyes, flowing from my fingertips.
I've been mostly devoid of influence post-20th century. I've been rather indifferent aside from when I feel my freedoms are being eroded. Freedom is an illusion in a democracy when we have a mob mentality which stifles unpopular thoughts and expressions against the supposed opinion of the majority. Fascism rose as fashionable through effective propaganda and providing fuel to the mob's contentment in their thought process (hey, he who won't be named WAS elected by a popular vote, Vonnegut used to point out quite a bit his later years of senility). I will refrain from going further since my opinions are not popular from what I see most places, and the term "hater" exists for a reason. Meh.
Anyways, being born, one has little freedom to do much but wait and go with the flow until the time comes where bolting is permitted without reprisal. My life currently is dictated by the needs of my family, like my having to go pick up K from his field trip at 1:30. I am on cruise control in the sense that I need not think most of the time. Worrying is just silly when I am but one cog in a five person family unit.
Did I spell "cinema" correctly? Just occurred me that it looks a lot like "enema." Hmmm... I guess a crappy film genre could be deemed "sin-enema."
When I write enough, I start to think about the words as they string together. I don't so much type them, but they merge from nowhere as the words cascade in front of my eyes, flowing from my fingertips.
I've been mostly devoid of influence post-20th century. I've been rather indifferent aside from when I feel my freedoms are being eroded. Freedom is an illusion in a democracy when we have a mob mentality which stifles unpopular thoughts and expressions against the supposed opinion of the majority. Fascism rose as fashionable through effective propaganda and providing fuel to the mob's contentment in their thought process (hey, he who won't be named WAS elected by a popular vote, Vonnegut used to point out quite a bit his later years of senility). I will refrain from going further since my opinions are not popular from what I see most places, and the term "hater" exists for a reason. Meh.
Anyways, being born, one has little freedom to do much but wait and go with the flow until the time comes where bolting is permitted without reprisal. My life currently is dictated by the needs of my family, like my having to go pick up K from his field trip at 1:30. I am on cruise control in the sense that I need not think most of the time. Worrying is just silly when I am but one cog in a five person family unit.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Ignoring things helps
I didn't think about the outside world until 4pm so I was pleasantly surprised regarding events occurring throughout the day.
More questions seem to come to mind, but the whole point of the bombings seems to be the biggest one.
Figured the the suspects were "local" to the Boston area. Not exactly a soft target that seems to be one to mark on the calendar, but one viable enough to gather intelligence and plan accordingly, unlike random crowds for run of the mill sporting events.
Surprised they didn't try to flee the Boston area, which suggests that they were stupid. Amazed that they were able to carry out a bombing without blowing themselves up.
Surely it will get weirder.
More questions seem to come to mind, but the whole point of the bombings seems to be the biggest one.
Figured the the suspects were "local" to the Boston area. Not exactly a soft target that seems to be one to mark on the calendar, but one viable enough to gather intelligence and plan accordingly, unlike random crowds for run of the mill sporting events.
Surprised they didn't try to flee the Boston area, which suggests that they were stupid. Amazed that they were able to carry out a bombing without blowing themselves up.
Surely it will get weirder.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Yard work Pt. II
There comes a point where grass and weeds seem to be intertwined that a $44 quote sounds reasonable. When I got a call about trying a different "local" lawn service without a contract, I figured $44 is less than what I was paying, so I said "okay."
Sure it's a luxury, but so are Cub Scouts and swimming lessons. I can remind J of those costs whenever she starts talking about other projects. Would be nice to be able to have a set budget and stick to it, but there's always going to be an unforeseen expense like a car repair or washing machine death that bears its ugly head during the month.
I need a real job or a second part-time job to get on top of things, but I have to contend with what I have first.
Clark Howard listed Cashcrate.com as a legit "work from home site."
I don't know if it's worth the effort, what do you think?
Sure it's a luxury, but so are Cub Scouts and swimming lessons. I can remind J of those costs whenever she starts talking about other projects. Would be nice to be able to have a set budget and stick to it, but there's always going to be an unforeseen expense like a car repair or washing machine death that bears its ugly head during the month.
I need a real job or a second part-time job to get on top of things, but I have to contend with what I have first.
Clark Howard listed Cashcrate.com as a legit "work from home site."
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Marriage pt. V
Found out my dad was in the hospital today when I called my parents' wondering why he hadn't called regarding the Reds' collapse this afternoon. My mom answered and said he went to the ED last night and was admitted. My mom didn't go with him and had no plans on visiting him.
My mom sounds like a mean person, huh? Well, I really don't blame her since my dad's current problem is that he has GAS AND IS CONSTIPATED! Sure he had a stent put in his aorta a couple weeks ago, but he hasn't been regular so he spent a few days in the hospital earlier in the week before going back Saturday.
My mom had surgery before he did and was told she couldn't drive for a month, but my dad doesn't care and thinks about himself. She went to the hospital the first few days, but her doctor wasn't happy that she wasn't following orders.
Anyways, my dad called me while I was driving to work tonight to tell me he was having surgery tomorrow. When I asked him what he was having done, he says, ""Colonoscopy." When I tell him that's not surgery, he says "Endoscopy." When I tell him it's the same thing, he begs to differ since "one is a camera through the butt and the other is through the mouth." I tell him that neither is surgery, regardless.
I told my dad when he was getting out of the hospital that he needed to be nicer to my mom, and he was clueless as to my meaning. They have been married for 38 years and he has always thought of himself first. My mom had to retire early so that she'd be able to rest a little, for my dad does nothing around the house, but yet is able to go to the gym for 6-8 hours daily. I really wouldn't blame my mom if she dumped him. Sure he's got a disease and is in pain a lot, but he makes no effort to be happy and feels compelled to wallow in misery to garner sympathy.
My dad has been "dying" for 12 years now, and he's about the same as he was 12 years ago.Whenever he says he has bad news, I find myself saying something like "spots on an x-ray is not the same as being told you have cancer."
My uncle who adopted three kids died seven years ago from colon cancer that had spread to his liver. My uncle thought he'd recover up until his last visit to the hospital. He was very positive and outgoing and doing things while he could. I miss my uncle. He was a good man. He could have a conversation about anything without getting belligerent when you disagreed with him. Hard to believe that he was related to my dad, now that I thin about it. They had a lot of things in common, but my uncle wasn't a jerk.
My mom sounds like a mean person, huh? Well, I really don't blame her since my dad's current problem is that he has GAS AND IS CONSTIPATED! Sure he had a stent put in his aorta a couple weeks ago, but he hasn't been regular so he spent a few days in the hospital earlier in the week before going back Saturday.
My mom had surgery before he did and was told she couldn't drive for a month, but my dad doesn't care and thinks about himself. She went to the hospital the first few days, but her doctor wasn't happy that she wasn't following orders.
Anyways, my dad called me while I was driving to work tonight to tell me he was having surgery tomorrow. When I asked him what he was having done, he says, ""Colonoscopy." When I tell him that's not surgery, he says "Endoscopy." When I tell him it's the same thing, he begs to differ since "one is a camera through the butt and the other is through the mouth." I tell him that neither is surgery, regardless.
I told my dad when he was getting out of the hospital that he needed to be nicer to my mom, and he was clueless as to my meaning. They have been married for 38 years and he has always thought of himself first. My mom had to retire early so that she'd be able to rest a little, for my dad does nothing around the house, but yet is able to go to the gym for 6-8 hours daily. I really wouldn't blame my mom if she dumped him. Sure he's got a disease and is in pain a lot, but he makes no effort to be happy and feels compelled to wallow in misery to garner sympathy.
My dad has been "dying" for 12 years now, and he's about the same as he was 12 years ago.Whenever he says he has bad news, I find myself saying something like "spots on an x-ray is not the same as being told you have cancer."
My uncle who adopted three kids died seven years ago from colon cancer that had spread to his liver. My uncle thought he'd recover up until his last visit to the hospital. He was very positive and outgoing and doing things while he could. I miss my uncle. He was a good man. He could have a conversation about anything without getting belligerent when you disagreed with him. Hard to believe that he was related to my dad, now that I thin about it. They had a lot of things in common, but my uncle wasn't a jerk.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Marriage pt. IV
Growing up, the three cousins I knew best weren't related to me by blood. Since my uncle and aunt couldn't have children together, they went through the adoption process. My eldest cousin came from Korea. No idea when her birth actually was since she was reported left on the steps of a police station there. Somehow she ended up in the U.S. and into my uncle's home.
I don't remember life without my cousins, so the fact they look nothing like anyone else in the family never really registered until my aunt was relating how people at her daughter's college would ask my cousin if she knew Chinese and be confused by her saying she doesn't and that she's not Chinese.
Supposedly some of my ancestors came from Germany, but no one has ever asked me if I know German.
Anyways, though I never thought my uncle and aunt treated their kids differently than other parents, my mom would say that my aunt was more aloof/critical/theoretical regarding parenting since she didn't give birth to them. I always dismissed my mom's notions as a form of jealousy. My mom's maternal instinct was very much lacking when comparing my upbringing to that of my wife's. Hard to explain but my parents seem comparable to trolls when I relate my childhood. They weren't abusive or anything violent, just mostly wasted during the week after 6pm while all weekend long. They only left the house to work, attend church , and to buy beer/groceries.
Though I never thought my parents were bad people, I always said to myself I'd never do the things they did that got them to the state of misery together. I can safely say that I'm not the greatest father, but I can't find any flaws in J's mothering other than she's more apt to take the kids to the doctor than I'd like. I feel she worries to much about colds and such but then again my parents rarely took us to the doctor for anything beyond ear infections, excessive coughing, or swollen throats with fevers.
I don't remember life without my cousins, so the fact they look nothing like anyone else in the family never really registered until my aunt was relating how people at her daughter's college would ask my cousin if she knew Chinese and be confused by her saying she doesn't and that she's not Chinese.
Supposedly some of my ancestors came from Germany, but no one has ever asked me if I know German.
Anyways, though I never thought my uncle and aunt treated their kids differently than other parents, my mom would say that my aunt was more aloof/critical/theoretical regarding parenting since she didn't give birth to them. I always dismissed my mom's notions as a form of jealousy. My mom's maternal instinct was very much lacking when comparing my upbringing to that of my wife's. Hard to explain but my parents seem comparable to trolls when I relate my childhood. They weren't abusive or anything violent, just mostly wasted during the week after 6pm while all weekend long. They only left the house to work, attend church , and to buy beer/groceries.
Though I never thought my parents were bad people, I always said to myself I'd never do the things they did that got them to the state of misery together. I can safely say that I'm not the greatest father, but I can't find any flaws in J's mothering other than she's more apt to take the kids to the doctor than I'd like. I feel she worries to much about colds and such but then again my parents rarely took us to the doctor for anything beyond ear infections, excessive coughing, or swollen throats with fevers.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Marriage pt. III
When I was 20, I was asked to babysit for a friend who needed someone to watch her12 month old.
I had never held a baby before, nor had I ever watched a child of any age before, so I was a bit surprised at being asked. She said it would only be for a couple hours and that she couldn't find anyone else(she was taking summer classes and her baby's daddy was too, or working to pay child support for another kid, I forget).
People rarely asked anything of me, and surprisingly I can't recall ever saying no to anyone when asked a favor. I was probably always the last hope, seeing that I always felt that people had to be desperate to have asked me for anything (I recall a roommate needing someone to drive him home from his endoscopy, and he regretted that I agreed to do so for I remember him saying he could drive after a few blocks).
Anyways, the child was strolled to my work and I walked her home and she watched Blue's Clues and Bear in the Great Big House. She didn't break or anything, so I watched her a couple or so more times during the summer, and I really didn't mind watching her. She didn't cry. She didn't soil herself while I was watching her. She actually played with me. I never had a child want to play with me, but there she was crawling up me and giving hugs and wanting tickled.
Up until that moment in time, I thought having kids was for other people for I was afraid of them.
I had never held a baby before, nor had I ever watched a child of any age before, so I was a bit surprised at being asked. She said it would only be for a couple hours and that she couldn't find anyone else(she was taking summer classes and her baby's daddy was too, or working to pay child support for another kid, I forget).
People rarely asked anything of me, and surprisingly I can't recall ever saying no to anyone when asked a favor. I was probably always the last hope, seeing that I always felt that people had to be desperate to have asked me for anything (I recall a roommate needing someone to drive him home from his endoscopy, and he regretted that I agreed to do so for I remember him saying he could drive after a few blocks).
Anyways, the child was strolled to my work and I walked her home and she watched Blue's Clues and Bear in the Great Big House. She didn't break or anything, so I watched her a couple or so more times during the summer, and I really didn't mind watching her. She didn't cry. She didn't soil herself while I was watching her. She actually played with me. I never had a child want to play with me, but there she was crawling up me and giving hugs and wanting tickled.
Up until that moment in time, I thought having kids was for other people for I was afraid of them.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Gun Control pt. II
Just saw this headline: New York Police Confiscating Firearms from People Taking Anti-anxiety Medication
Turns out it's an article on Infowars.com, which is in the realm of "black helicopters" fodder, but goes well with my earlier post regarding guns and PTSD.
Turns out it's an article on Infowars.com, which is in the realm of "black helicopters" fodder, but goes well with my earlier post regarding guns and PTSD.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Gun Control
I live in Ohio so I hear ads about background checks not existing and that I should contact Senator Rob Portman about keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and mentally by having laws requiring background checks.
The ad sound reasonable on the surface until you think about what they are saying being out right silly.
Criminals are criminals, so what's going to force them to purchase a gun legally?
Mental ill status checks requires to infringe upon the applicant's private medical history, right?
What constitutes someone as being mentally ill? Perhaps having PTSD? A lot of victims of violence suffer from PTSD, but a number of other things can cause anxieties related to PTSD. Thus begging the question, will a doctor's note be needed to apply for a fire arm? (Like doctors have time to be part of the process.)
Even if another gun is not manufactured, there's how many guns already in circulation? How many of the 310 million guns are illegally owned? How does one go about rounding undocumented guns? Why not worry about the illegal guns already in existence? Seems like only law-biding citizens get any scrutiny by these proposed background checks.
It's silly to think that having comprehensive background checks will end gun violence when there's so many guns already out there in circulation. Why not profile those who are prone to violence and give them attention they need before they become infamous? How many of these mass murderers were "weirdo loner" types? How many murderers grow up abused or neglected? Why not focus on what's driving them to violence or apathy towards others?
I'm all for keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and criminals, but the argument being given in the radio ads is silly and naive to a cynic like me.
The ad sound reasonable on the surface until you think about what they are saying being out right silly.
Criminals are criminals, so what's going to force them to purchase a gun legally?
Mental ill status checks requires to infringe upon the applicant's private medical history, right?
What constitutes someone as being mentally ill? Perhaps having PTSD? A lot of victims of violence suffer from PTSD, but a number of other things can cause anxieties related to PTSD. Thus begging the question, will a doctor's note be needed to apply for a fire arm? (Like doctors have time to be part of the process.)
Even if another gun is not manufactured, there's how many guns already in circulation? How many of the 310 million guns are illegally owned? How does one go about rounding undocumented guns? Why not worry about the illegal guns already in existence? Seems like only law-biding citizens get any scrutiny by these proposed background checks.
It's silly to think that having comprehensive background checks will end gun violence when there's so many guns already out there in circulation. Why not profile those who are prone to violence and give them attention they need before they become infamous? How many of these mass murderers were "weirdo loner" types? How many murderers grow up abused or neglected? Why not focus on what's driving them to violence or apathy towards others?
I'm all for keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and criminals, but the argument being given in the radio ads is silly and naive to a cynic like me.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Marriage pt II
When Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth's single season home run record, he had done so with a 162 game season compared to Ruth's hitting 60 in a 154 game season.
It wasn't Roger Maris who added the games, but people thought less of his achievement, asterisk or not.
When Mark McGwire broke the single season record held by Roger Maris, he used performance enhancing drugs. He kept it a secret and everyone cheered him and wanted to see him bash homers, though he was cheating against nature. If he didn't use drugs, he'd probably have been elected into the Hall of Fame the first time he was eligible. His record was broken by Barry Bonds who also broke Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. Did Bonds ever technically retire? No one signed him, though he was still juiced and delivering dingers, because of various reasons regarding his legal issues. Bonds morphed his body through hard work and chemistry. With his previous natural talent alone he was an MVP, but he now has as good a chance of being in the Hall of Fame as Pete Rose.
Sometimes holding a record means nothing to certain people that matter, sure the record is on the books but it's not quite the same as records set previously.
It wasn't Roger Maris who added the games, but people thought less of his achievement, asterisk or not.
When Mark McGwire broke the single season record held by Roger Maris, he used performance enhancing drugs. He kept it a secret and everyone cheered him and wanted to see him bash homers, though he was cheating against nature. If he didn't use drugs, he'd probably have been elected into the Hall of Fame the first time he was eligible. His record was broken by Barry Bonds who also broke Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. Did Bonds ever technically retire? No one signed him, though he was still juiced and delivering dingers, because of various reasons regarding his legal issues. Bonds morphed his body through hard work and chemistry. With his previous natural talent alone he was an MVP, but he now has as good a chance of being in the Hall of Fame as Pete Rose.
Sometimes holding a record means nothing to certain people that matter, sure the record is on the books but it's not quite the same as records set previously.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Support your public libraries, schools, etc...
Just saw an article updating the process in fixing something that seems to be the root of a lot of budget problems. Seems that bi-partisan support exists to help collection of states' sales tax on web purchases.
Not sure how anyone can argue that it's a tax increase by making enforcement simpler, but that's what the Amazons want to say to help their advantage over brick-n-mortar retailers.
Not sure how anyone can argue that it's a tax increase by making enforcement simpler, but that's what the Amazons want to say to help their advantage over brick-n-mortar retailers.
Bags are for the embarrassed
The image blocker app I had in mind would make the fugly look like Rockies fans.
Interestingly, those covering their heads when seeing the PITTSBURGH PIRATES take 2 of 3 from the Rockies this week were considered potential threats.
Where's the ACLU?
Interestingly, those covering their heads when seeing the PITTSBURGH PIRATES take 2 of 3 from the Rockies this week were considered potential threats.
"As a security measure, post-9/11, any clothing which conceals a guest's face is prohibited, including but not limited to, costumes and masks," explained Jay Alves, the Rockies' vice president of communications and public relations. "That would include bags over a guest's head."Does that mean that they profile those that would wear a burqa to see "America's Pass time" in person?
Where's the ACLU?
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Venturing to Walgreens via Target
So we had places to go and things to do, the first stop was to PetSmart to look at aquariums to replace or 10 gallon tank. Our tank is a couple years old and our fish need a bigger home. We've had to move our male betta out to heal up from being attacked. Saw some aquariums, but nothing said "buy me now."
We went to Target next. I had to see the Pharmacist about getting the second half of K's medication. He'd left a vm while we were at PetSmart, so he was expecting us. Got word that the Walgreen's down the street had the script waiting for us, but we did some shopping at Target before leaving.
Had a coupon for $3 off a $25 or more purchases of groceries, and we had to look a while for $25 worth of food since there's quite a few things I will not buy at Target. But we found enough food and bought some things that we needed.
We left for real groceries that were at Dot's Market in Bellbrook. We buy all our meat there. Never heard of them having a meat recall like Sam's and Kroger, plus they don't use Pink Slime.
Since we were in the neighborhood, we stopped at Dairy Shed. I prefer Dixie Dairy Dreem. The chocolate from my dipped cone was like syrup and dripped a puddle upon reception. B got the brunt of the mess as it was handed to me while she was standing by my feet. A lot of ugly kids were staring about, which hadn't been a concern when were ate at Dixie where most people use the drive thru.
We made our way to Walgreen's upon returning towards home. It was a nice and easy in and out stop.
Got home, and made dinner using the items we got from Target and Dot's. Cheaper than eating at Steak'n Shake, but most things are cheaper when you fix them yourself and don't have to leave a tip.
We went to Target next. I had to see the Pharmacist about getting the second half of K's medication. He'd left a vm while we were at PetSmart, so he was expecting us. Got word that the Walgreen's down the street had the script waiting for us, but we did some shopping at Target before leaving.
Had a coupon for $3 off a $25 or more purchases of groceries, and we had to look a while for $25 worth of food since there's quite a few things I will not buy at Target. But we found enough food and bought some things that we needed.
We left for real groceries that were at Dot's Market in Bellbrook. We buy all our meat there. Never heard of them having a meat recall like Sam's and Kroger, plus they don't use Pink Slime.
Since we were in the neighborhood, we stopped at Dairy Shed. I prefer Dixie Dairy Dreem. The chocolate from my dipped cone was like syrup and dripped a puddle upon reception. B got the brunt of the mess as it was handed to me while she was standing by my feet. A lot of ugly kids were staring about, which hadn't been a concern when were ate at Dixie where most people use the drive thru.
We made our way to Walgreen's upon returning towards home. It was a nice and easy in and out stop.
Got home, and made dinner using the items we got from Target and Dot's. Cheaper than eating at Steak'n Shake, but most things are cheaper when you fix them yourself and don't have to leave a tip.
Friday, July 13, 2012
A call from Target Rx
Seems that the medication that was half filled yesterday is on back order, so the Pharmacy Manager called me before closing that I can get a refund and that he'll call around to see if anywhere else has it.
As I said, I like the pharmacists. I'm not sure of the other elements regarding convenience.
As I said, I like the pharmacists. I'm not sure of the other elements regarding convenience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)