Well, Nanowrimo is fast approaching and I have so many other things I need to get done. For those of you who don't know, nanowrimo is national novel writing month. It starts November 1st and ends on the last day of the month. The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in that time frame. I am going to try hard this year to actually finish. Last year I didn't actually write anything so I can't do worse. For those of you who enjoy writing, come and join in on the fun. It isn't too late to sign up.
Today I actually got a lot done. I sorted through my kids toys and got rid of some, I canned some apples, and I cleaned up the kitchen. Tomorrow I need to finish sewing my sons Mickey Mouse shorts for Halloween. Then I need to work on my outline for my novel, typing it, and try to fit in working on Christmas gifts all in the next few weeks. If I finish everything I have planned it will be a miracle.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Crazy People!
I heard something about Angelina Jolie's breast-feeding photo the other day and the scandal surrounding it. Of course this sparked my interest (I generally don't care too much about celebrities and their lives) and I had to search on the web to see the photo. Besides finding the photograph to be very tame and not understanding the problem surrounding it I found some crazy crazy fans of certain celebrities. When reading the comments posted by some people about this picture, I stumbled on some women (and perhaps men) that seem to feel that these people who they have never met are their personal best friends and family and need their defense. Honestly, how can someone get so angry about some wealthy person's family life? Why do they care if another woman thinks Jennifer Aniston is boring and so Brad Pitt left her? Or that another person thinks Jolie is an evil harlot who steals men? Why even make excuses for them or think about this to begin with? Am I just perpetuating the celebrity idolizing culture by posting about it here?
I just don't understand the depth of feeling some have over these things. Are their lives so boring and inconsequential that they need to post nasty comments like these about actors? There are so many other more important things in the world to get angry about, this should be last on the list.
I just don't understand the depth of feeling some have over these things. Are their lives so boring and inconsequential that they need to post nasty comments like these about actors? There are so many other more important things in the world to get angry about, this should be last on the list.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Busy, busy
I figured I should post something since I haven't this week. I have been fairly busy. Today I canned tomatoes all day. I need to take the time tonight and write in my kids' journals because I haven't in a few weeks. So with my extra time tonight I will be doing that, But look for an exciting (ha) post soon, right after my MIL leaves.
And since today is September 11, lets remember the families of all the loved ones that died that day and the way our country came together after the tragedy and try to keep that feeling of connectedness we had then for each other.
And since today is September 11, lets remember the families of all the loved ones that died that day and the way our country came together after the tragedy and try to keep that feeling of connectedness we had then for each other.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
History Lesson
I always find it interesting when elections roll around to learn how little some know about how our government actually works. And no, I am no expert but I know a few more of the basics than seems common. Many people seem not to know what the President can actually do as the executive leader of our country and what Congress's responsibilities really are. (More about this later). Elections also increase the talk about religion's role in government in this country. There seems to be many misconceptions that are perpetuated about the role of God and religion in the founding of our country so this post addresses some of these. I originally posted most of this info on a forum I like to go to but I wanted to put it here as well. I will preface my comments by saying I was a history major in college and American Heritage (which discussed the founding of this country) was a required course. And also I might not be completely correct, but this is what I remember from class.
The United States was founded on neither religion nor freedom of religion. Specific colonies were set up for this purpose but this country as a whole was not. We ( I am using this because it is the easiest pronoun to use, although I of course was not present in these events) declared our independence from Britain because of what we saw as unfair taxation, laws, and other measures being passed by the King and his government without adequate representation from the colonies of America (hence D.C.'s license plate taxation without representation because they somehow see their situation as similar but they should perhaps read the declaration of independence). Religion was perhaps on some peoples minds but was not directly mentioned as a reason for secession from Britain.
There honestly isn't many direct references to God in the Declaration itself (I just casually perused it and found one mention of Got and one of a Creator, which doesn't mean there aren't more I just wasn't reading super carefully). The Constitution itself (excluding the Bill of Rights) also from my skimming doesn't mention religion or God except to say that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States". It is the bill of Rights that brings up the freedom of religion. Some of the founders actually argued against a bill of rights saying it wasn't necessary with the system they were setting up but others refused to sign without one.
Separation of Church and State is not the same thing as Separation of God and State. Most if not all of the founders believed in God but many of them were agnostic or deists and did not follow any specific creed. That is why they were concerned with the separation of a specific Church and Government. Most of the countries in Europe had at least at that time a specific church that had much influence or control in government. We here saw the problems that had caused and did not want this when setting up our government. I can't remember if they had any prayers in meetings, but I know that many of the founders talked about praying individually about what to do when coming up with the Declaration and Constitution (and the War of course).
What is my point? Well I am not completely sure. I don't think the founders ever intended for no one to include their beliefs in their decisions about laws and policies. They obviously included their beliefs and asked God for help. But they also did not one anyone to be forced to worship a way in which they did not believe. The whole point was freedom from tyranny and one way to avoid tyranny was a prevent a state sponsored church. But this was not the only tyranny they wanted freedom from . .
And now I am just rambling so will stop except to include that In God We Trust was only placed on all our money within the last 100 years (if I remember correctly and I don't feel like looking it up so correct me if I am wrong), and that God was included in the pledge relatively recently as well. So maybe my point is we are using God's name more in these days but actually getting farther away from policies and actions that He would support? Just an idea.
The United States was founded on neither religion nor freedom of religion. Specific colonies were set up for this purpose but this country as a whole was not. We ( I am using this because it is the easiest pronoun to use, although I of course was not present in these events) declared our independence from Britain because of what we saw as unfair taxation, laws, and other measures being passed by the King and his government without adequate representation from the colonies of America (hence D.C.'s license plate taxation without representation because they somehow see their situation as similar but they should perhaps read the declaration of independence). Religion was perhaps on some peoples minds but was not directly mentioned as a reason for secession from Britain.
There honestly isn't many direct references to God in the Declaration itself (I just casually perused it and found one mention of Got and one of a Creator, which doesn't mean there aren't more I just wasn't reading super carefully). The Constitution itself (excluding the Bill of Rights) also from my skimming doesn't mention religion or God except to say that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States". It is the bill of Rights that brings up the freedom of religion. Some of the founders actually argued against a bill of rights saying it wasn't necessary with the system they were setting up but others refused to sign without one.
Separation of Church and State is not the same thing as Separation of God and State. Most if not all of the founders believed in God but many of them were agnostic or deists and did not follow any specific creed. That is why they were concerned with the separation of a specific Church and Government. Most of the countries in Europe had at least at that time a specific church that had much influence or control in government. We here saw the problems that had caused and did not want this when setting up our government. I can't remember if they had any prayers in meetings, but I know that many of the founders talked about praying individually about what to do when coming up with the Declaration and Constitution (and the War of course).
What is my point? Well I am not completely sure. I don't think the founders ever intended for no one to include their beliefs in their decisions about laws and policies. They obviously included their beliefs and asked God for help. But they also did not one anyone to be forced to worship a way in which they did not believe. The whole point was freedom from tyranny and one way to avoid tyranny was a prevent a state sponsored church. But this was not the only tyranny they wanted freedom from . .
And now I am just rambling so will stop except to include that In God We Trust was only placed on all our money within the last 100 years (if I remember correctly and I don't feel like looking it up so correct me if I am wrong), and that God was included in the pledge relatively recently as well. So maybe my point is we are using God's name more in these days but actually getting farther away from policies and actions that He would support? Just an idea.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
More politics
I remember something I want to say about Palin and think it warrants its own post. On a forum I frequent someone mentioned that Palin said in an interview that she didn't know what should be done in Iraq. This person was disturbed by this answer. I just listened to this and honestly I think it shows a refreshing honesty in politics that we haven't seen much recently. It sounds like she also might not have known exactly what McCain's plan was (it was a few weeks ago) or didn't want to say anything wrong. Maybe she wanted to establish that she did not know exactly what would be the best solution which is what I understood by the end of her answer. This makes sense to me. I am not trying to be an apologist here. She better learn about McCain's plan in Iraq and learn more about the situation there so she can answer more completely next time she is asked. If she stays ignorant then there is a real problem.
I admit that I don't know what should happen in Iraq. I know bad ideas when I hear them but I don't have a great idea myself. Granted I am not a politician or the presumptive vice presidential running mate of McCain but no one else I know is this either and so many people seem to think they know what should be done. I am not a military strategist. I am not an expert on Iraq or on Muslim people. I am not informed about everything that goes on there. I can only get information that is passed through many filters. Like I posted before, news media can rarely be taken at face value. Even statistics can be and are manipulated based on the view the author of the story wishes the reader to come away with. I guess I am cynical on this issue but I have seen examples of this before and have used various tactics myself to deflect attention from various parts of a story and attract it elsewhere. What child hasn't? Until I am in a position to know more accurate information and have experts available to me (which Palin might now be in) I don't feel I really know what exactly should happen in Iraq. I don't really think many politicians know either, they just feel they have to say they do to get my vote. So bravo to Palin for being honest, at least on this issue, in a world where honest seems seldom rewarded.
I admit that I don't know what should happen in Iraq. I know bad ideas when I hear them but I don't have a great idea myself. Granted I am not a politician or the presumptive vice presidential running mate of McCain but no one else I know is this either and so many people seem to think they know what should be done. I am not a military strategist. I am not an expert on Iraq or on Muslim people. I am not informed about everything that goes on there. I can only get information that is passed through many filters. Like I posted before, news media can rarely be taken at face value. Even statistics can be and are manipulated based on the view the author of the story wishes the reader to come away with. I guess I am cynical on this issue but I have seen examples of this before and have used various tactics myself to deflect attention from various parts of a story and attract it elsewhere. What child hasn't? Until I am in a position to know more accurate information and have experts available to me (which Palin might now be in) I don't feel I really know what exactly should happen in Iraq. I don't really think many politicians know either, they just feel they have to say they do to get my vote. So bravo to Palin for being honest, at least on this issue, in a world where honest seems seldom rewarded.
Politics
I am reading much these days that has to do with the coming election, especially as of yesterday and McCain's announcement of Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate (I think that is how it is phrased). I always find it interesting that so many people see how ridiculous or tenuous some of the media claims about their preferred candidate are but can't see how tenuous some of the claims for the other candidate are as well. I guess that is only natural. I however don't believe many of the connections people come up with between the various candidates and some radical dangerous group. I need some more proof than most of these stories provide. I smile to myself though at comments like "that connection between Obama so and so is tenuous at best, but I find it much more threatening that McCain would connect himself with this kind of people" or "Maybe McCain employed people of shady character, but isn't it more worrisome that some aide of Obama's possible had ties to a terrorist group?" Really if either of the candidates knew someone working for them had ties like these and did nothing it would be equally worrisome. I don't think because one fired his problem people first or it took one longer to find the connection makes either worse or better. Realize that both of the claims were kind of far out there and the media's and opposing party's way of creating drama and possible negative thoughts about the candidate they don't care for.
In a political race in this country both sides always try to dig up any dirt they can about each other. They try to make connections between negatively viewed extremist groups and their opponent. Each side is equally guilty of this in my opinion. I really wish the media, various groups, and voters in general would focus more on the candidates' platforms and less on the rest of the circus that always occurs. If any real troubling thing surfaces then tell me about it but all the smoke and mirrors make it hard to see. I honestly trust very little of what I see on televison or read in newspapers, magazines, or other written news sources at face value. How can anyone these days?
In a political race in this country both sides always try to dig up any dirt they can about each other. They try to make connections between negatively viewed extremist groups and their opponent. Each side is equally guilty of this in my opinion. I really wish the media, various groups, and voters in general would focus more on the candidates' platforms and less on the rest of the circus that always occurs. If any real troubling thing surfaces then tell me about it but all the smoke and mirrors make it hard to see. I honestly trust very little of what I see on televison or read in newspapers, magazines, or other written news sources at face value. How can anyone these days?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Racism?
I am referring to the now infamous picture of Spanish basketball players with their fingers pulling their eyes into "chinese eyes". Was this racism? Was this inappropriate? This photograph has sparked intense debate all over television, radio, and the web. In this post I will address just my feelings on the photograph and later I will address my attitudes about race and diversity. I don't have time for both now.
I tend to think that the Spanish players were not being "racist" as we use that term in this country. It is hard as an American to understand the cultural background of these people and it is necessary to do so to understand their motives behind their action. Spain does not have a large population of Asian people. They are much less diverse than my country and so most people have not been raised with the same kind of issues that children in America are raised learning about. In more homogeneous countries I believe that many people never consider the impact a certain joke or gesture might have on a person of another ethnicity because they have never had to before. Another factor is the Spanish attitude toward all types of labeling that might be offensive in America. I have visited Spain in high school and I noticed that the Spanish are much more likely to call a person fat or point out his big nose. This is not always meant to be insulting. The deaf community in the U.S. also uses physical traits like this to label people. I would never call a stranger fat to his face but my upbringing has taught me that to do so is rude. We have to remember that not everyone is raised the same way. Some of the thought behind the action of the Spanish team might have been along these lines.
Now does the fact that they might not know any better mean that people that do have a problem with it shouldn't say anything? No of course not. How does anyone learn if no one is willing to teach? I think if Spain wants to interact more globally it will have to address attitudes and actions like this in the future. The players need to know that everyone does not find their actions acceptable and that that is a valid feeling. It was inappropriate for them to take that picture and publish it. They should be more understanding of some of the negative reaction they are getting. The guys from PTI (yes I watch ESPN sometimes, my mom calls me a traitor for it) had a good point. Several of the Spanish basketball players actually live in the U.S. now and play for the NBA. They should know better. They should have known this would not go over well and said something. Maybe they didn't pay attention to the problems with racism we have in this country but they are a little hard to ignore. Hopefully now they will wake up a little to the world around them. I hope this incident will help engender learning about other cultures and attitudes around the world. Then maybe all the attention this has brought to Spain will help everyone. What do you think?
I tend to think that the Spanish players were not being "racist" as we use that term in this country. It is hard as an American to understand the cultural background of these people and it is necessary to do so to understand their motives behind their action. Spain does not have a large population of Asian people. They are much less diverse than my country and so most people have not been raised with the same kind of issues that children in America are raised learning about. In more homogeneous countries I believe that many people never consider the impact a certain joke or gesture might have on a person of another ethnicity because they have never had to before. Another factor is the Spanish attitude toward all types of labeling that might be offensive in America. I have visited Spain in high school and I noticed that the Spanish are much more likely to call a person fat or point out his big nose. This is not always meant to be insulting. The deaf community in the U.S. also uses physical traits like this to label people. I would never call a stranger fat to his face but my upbringing has taught me that to do so is rude. We have to remember that not everyone is raised the same way. Some of the thought behind the action of the Spanish team might have been along these lines.
Now does the fact that they might not know any better mean that people that do have a problem with it shouldn't say anything? No of course not. How does anyone learn if no one is willing to teach? I think if Spain wants to interact more globally it will have to address attitudes and actions like this in the future. The players need to know that everyone does not find their actions acceptable and that that is a valid feeling. It was inappropriate for them to take that picture and publish it. They should be more understanding of some of the negative reaction they are getting. The guys from PTI (yes I watch ESPN sometimes, my mom calls me a traitor for it) had a good point. Several of the Spanish basketball players actually live in the U.S. now and play for the NBA. They should know better. They should have known this would not go over well and said something. Maybe they didn't pay attention to the problems with racism we have in this country but they are a little hard to ignore. Hopefully now they will wake up a little to the world around them. I hope this incident will help engender learning about other cultures and attitudes around the world. Then maybe all the attention this has brought to Spain will help everyone. What do you think?
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