In 1978 Robert J. Ringer's book Looking Out For #1 was one of the best selling books of the year. His premise that we must first look out for ourselves before we can do anything for anyone else was somewhat controversial in its approach.
One of the imaginary characters he uses for various examples is "The Absolute Moralist." He describes this entity as one who "will kill you to save you from yourself."
That was 32 years ago and looking at some of today's headlines I can't help but think the "absolute moralist" is alive and well today.
One example that leaps into my thoughts is the adoption of new school textbooks by my home state of Texas. The "absolute moralist" residing there isn't going to kill us to save us from ourselves, its just going to rewrite history and incorporate religious tenants into our public school textbooks. And it's not just Texas school children who will be misdirected but many other states as well that purchase their textbooks from the same publisher cannot afford to print their own version.
Texas' "absolute moralists" have managed to cut Thomas Jefferson from a list of figures whose writings inspired revolutions in the late 18th and 19th century, replacing him with St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and William Blackstone (Jefferson is not well liked among conservatives on the Texas Board of Education because he coined the term "separation between church and state").
Admittedly, I am not a fan of organized religion but I do support one's right to choose, to believe in the way that is most comfortable for them. What I do take issue with is forcing me to adhere to their beliefs. Perhaps, in a future blog I'll tackle the myth of such things.
Another arena where the "absolute moralist" seems to rear its ugly head is regarding the rights of individuals. Whether you agree or not the gay community is a part of America. They work, pay taxes and contribute to our way of life. Like it or not, they should not be treated as second or third class citizens. Studies done by reputable and objective organizations, universities and foundations show they are not a threat to the way of life we all enjoy or, to our children. In fact, many studies indicate children of same sex parents are well-adjusted and have fewer problems than their peers.
Chris Matthews recently aired a piece on MSNBC entitled: "The Rise of the New Right." Now, the ultra-right conservatives of the Tea Party are calling for a boycott of the sponsors of his show. Once again, the "absolute moralist" starts screaming because those who disagree are on the road to hell and dragging the country with them.
Our founding fathers agonized over the separation of church and state. They were all too familiar with the power churches can accrue and the establishment of a secular state.
Perhaps, the "absolute moralists" of today should take some time to read the diaries and writings of those who patched together our nation, including Thomas Jefferson. Or, review history and see what happened as religion took over various civilizations. Granted many of the world's great civilizations were founded on religious beliefs and not necessarily Christian based. But in each case, when those beliefs became the rule so too did the downfall of that civilization.
I have said many times before our greatest strength is in our diversity. If we all learned to respect this diversity and those who contribute to it we will be a better nation where all men are truly created equal.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What Would You Do?
What would you do? That is the title of a ABC television show, it is a candid camera social experiment. Recently the show's creative people used a real diner and actors, in appropriate make up, to see what the general public's reaction would be to a woman being abused by her boyfriend.
In almost every scenario patrons of the diner intervened coming to the woman's defense either asking her to leave the restaurant with them or confronting the 'boyfriend.' And, those coming to her aid were of both sexes. It did not matter when the ABC changed the race of the actors from white to black the result was still the same.
In those variables the actresses were dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. But, when a third variable was introduced with the actresses wearing provocative clothing no one intervened. It seems some of the patrons of the diner were speculating as to whether or not the woman (the actress) was a prostitute.
Should that have made her any less deserving of someone coming to her aid? One in every four women will be the victim of domestic violence in her lifetime according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. That's 1.3 million women a year. But this crime is not limited to women, an Oregon study reported in every 100 cases of domestic violence 40 percent involved violence by women against men.
Last month was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I never heard about that until researching information for this blog piece. Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. And, it is everybody's business.
Most all of us carry a cell phone in today's world and it's use can be great weapon. Intervening in a public situation that leaves no doubt it is an abusive one, either threatening to call law enforcement or actually dialing 911 can put a stop to that particular incident and may even save a life.
Don't be an ostrich and stick your head in the sand, be proactive and offer assistance. But don't put yourself at risk. There is no risk in calling 911.
Do you have an old cell phone stuck in a drawer somewhere at home that has been deactivated? Dig it out and take it to an abused women's shelter or call them to make arrangements to pick it up. Even a cell phone that has been replaced and can no longer make regular calls can still call 911. Your local shelter and those they serve will appreciate having a lifeline.
In almost every scenario patrons of the diner intervened coming to the woman's defense either asking her to leave the restaurant with them or confronting the 'boyfriend.' And, those coming to her aid were of both sexes. It did not matter when the ABC changed the race of the actors from white to black the result was still the same.
In those variables the actresses were dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. But, when a third variable was introduced with the actresses wearing provocative clothing no one intervened. It seems some of the patrons of the diner were speculating as to whether or not the woman (the actress) was a prostitute.
Should that have made her any less deserving of someone coming to her aid? One in every four women will be the victim of domestic violence in her lifetime according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. That's 1.3 million women a year. But this crime is not limited to women, an Oregon study reported in every 100 cases of domestic violence 40 percent involved violence by women against men.
Last month was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I never heard about that until researching information for this blog piece. Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. And, it is everybody's business.
Most all of us carry a cell phone in today's world and it's use can be great weapon. Intervening in a public situation that leaves no doubt it is an abusive one, either threatening to call law enforcement or actually dialing 911 can put a stop to that particular incident and may even save a life.
Don't be an ostrich and stick your head in the sand, be proactive and offer assistance. But don't put yourself at risk. There is no risk in calling 911.
Do you have an old cell phone stuck in a drawer somewhere at home that has been deactivated? Dig it out and take it to an abused women's shelter or call them to make arrangements to pick it up. Even a cell phone that has been replaced and can no longer make regular calls can still call 911. Your local shelter and those they serve will appreciate having a lifeline.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Ron White is Right
A native Texan known for his stand-up comedy, Ron White uses the phrase "You can't fix stupid" to epitomize the incredible absurdity of people. Since it's Monday and I generally try to start the week off on a somewhat humorous note, what follows seems to just add validity to his phrase.
Recently, at a fast food restaurant, the menu offered a choice of 6, 9 or 12 chicken pieces. However, when a customer asked for a half dozen the employee informed him: "We don't have a half dozen pieces. We only have six, nine or twelve."
When checking out of a local big box discount store I had just a few items and the lady behind me put her things on the belt close to mine. To keep her from reaching, I put one of the dividers they keep near the cash register between our merchandise. After the cashier had scanned all my items, she picked up the divider and looked at it all over for the bar code. Not finding a scannable bar code she asked: "Do you know how much this is?" I told her, "I've changed my mind, I don't think I'll buy that today." She said "okay" and I just paid for my items and left. She had no clue what happened.
A lady at work was seen putting a credit card into the floppy drive of her computer and pulling it out very quickly. A co-worked inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was shopping on the Internet and they kept asking for a credit card number, so she was using the ATM 'thingy.'
An individual who works in the operations department at the central office of a large bank is responsible for assisting employees in the field and at other branches with their computers. One evening he received a call from a worker in one of the branch banks who asked: "I've got smoke coming from the back of my terminal. Did you guys have a fire downtown?"
A mother calls 911 very worried asking the dispatcher if she needs to take her kid to the emergency room, the child was eating ants. The dispatcher tells her to give the child Benadryl and it should be fine. The mother then replied: "Okay, but I just gave him some ant killer ... The dispatcher interrupter her with the command: "Rush him to the emergency room!"
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid. Remember, you don't stop laughing because you grow old ... you grow old because you stop laughing.
Recently, at a fast food restaurant, the menu offered a choice of 6, 9 or 12 chicken pieces. However, when a customer asked for a half dozen the employee informed him: "We don't have a half dozen pieces. We only have six, nine or twelve."
When checking out of a local big box discount store I had just a few items and the lady behind me put her things on the belt close to mine. To keep her from reaching, I put one of the dividers they keep near the cash register between our merchandise. After the cashier had scanned all my items, she picked up the divider and looked at it all over for the bar code. Not finding a scannable bar code she asked: "Do you know how much this is?" I told her, "I've changed my mind, I don't think I'll buy that today." She said "okay" and I just paid for my items and left. She had no clue what happened.
A lady at work was seen putting a credit card into the floppy drive of her computer and pulling it out very quickly. A co-worked inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was shopping on the Internet and they kept asking for a credit card number, so she was using the ATM 'thingy.'
An individual who works in the operations department at the central office of a large bank is responsible for assisting employees in the field and at other branches with their computers. One evening he received a call from a worker in one of the branch banks who asked: "I've got smoke coming from the back of my terminal. Did you guys have a fire downtown?"
A mother calls 911 very worried asking the dispatcher if she needs to take her kid to the emergency room, the child was eating ants. The dispatcher tells her to give the child Benadryl and it should be fine. The mother then replied: "Okay, but I just gave him some ant killer ... The dispatcher interrupter her with the command: "Rush him to the emergency room!"
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid. Remember, you don't stop laughing because you grow old ... you grow old because you stop laughing.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Today's Headlines
Striving to be informative, timely and, at times, humorous can sometimes be more demanding than one might realize. Perhaps, even more so when its attempted on a regular basis such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday as I strive to publish my blog. Today's is simply a random thought generated by today's headlines.
Around the world everyone is watching the disaster of our coast in the Gulf of Mexico. A little research revealed some interesting facts about a single barrel of crude oil.
A barrel of crude oil is 42 U.S. gallons and provides slightly more than 44 gallons of petroleum products. This gain from processing the crude oil is similar to what happens to popcorn which gets bigger after it is popped. The gain from processing is more than five percent.
One barrel of crude oil, when refined, produces about approximately 19 gallons of finished motor gasoline and 10 gallons of diesel fuel, as well as other petroleum products. The other products include: still gas, petroleum coke, liquefied refinery gas, asphalt and road oil, various oils for foodstocks, lubricants, special napthas, kerosene, waxes and an assortment of other miscellaneous products.
Yesterday the spot price for a gallon of crude was about $75. Figuring the price of gasoline and diesel at $3 a gallon, that adds up to $87. A guess, on my part, of some $50 to $75 for the remainder of its distillation products I come up with somewhere in the neighborhood of $135 to $160 per barrel retail sales prices. Unless my math is off, that is more than 100 percent of the selling price for crude. Granted there is the overhead to be figured but I doubt it comes close to 100 percent.
Just looking at the numbers and having a little knowledge of what a barrel of crude actually produces monetarily, I can see how the oil companies can post such huge profits. There is some speculation the current crisis with BP may force them out of business. As a thinking individual, it may put a small dent on their pocketbook but I don't believe it will force them into bankruptcy as may be the case with so many whose lives this disaster has shaken.
Around the world everyone is watching the disaster of our coast in the Gulf of Mexico. A little research revealed some interesting facts about a single barrel of crude oil.
A barrel of crude oil is 42 U.S. gallons and provides slightly more than 44 gallons of petroleum products. This gain from processing the crude oil is similar to what happens to popcorn which gets bigger after it is popped. The gain from processing is more than five percent.
One barrel of crude oil, when refined, produces about approximately 19 gallons of finished motor gasoline and 10 gallons of diesel fuel, as well as other petroleum products. The other products include: still gas, petroleum coke, liquefied refinery gas, asphalt and road oil, various oils for foodstocks, lubricants, special napthas, kerosene, waxes and an assortment of other miscellaneous products.
Yesterday the spot price for a gallon of crude was about $75. Figuring the price of gasoline and diesel at $3 a gallon, that adds up to $87. A guess, on my part, of some $50 to $75 for the remainder of its distillation products I come up with somewhere in the neighborhood of $135 to $160 per barrel retail sales prices. Unless my math is off, that is more than 100 percent of the selling price for crude. Granted there is the overhead to be figured but I doubt it comes close to 100 percent.
Just looking at the numbers and having a little knowledge of what a barrel of crude actually produces monetarily, I can see how the oil companies can post such huge profits. There is some speculation the current crisis with BP may force them out of business. As a thinking individual, it may put a small dent on their pocketbook but I don't believe it will force them into bankruptcy as may be the case with so many whose lives this disaster has shaken.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
An Anniversary Tribute
It was 20 years ago on this date I stood in the middle of a covered bridge, traffic blocked on either side, with my dad at my side and the woman who changed my life standing next to me. In front of us was a minister performing the ceremony that would bind us together as husband and wife. A unique beginning for very extraordinary life.
My bride to be had been vetted by the government and warned by her future father-in-law that I was somewhat unorthodox and did things that flew in the face of convention. In spite of "full disclosure" she chose to marry me anyway.
I know it hasn't been an easy life for her. Being married to doc who's ideas are somewhat idealistic and whose patriotism has been, at times, a demanding mistress. So many times she has had to face unusual challenges and each time did it without complaint and with the grace of royalty.
In a thousand lifetimes I could never give her all she deserves. A few years ago I wanted to give her something that says I love you and I presented her with the following one Christmas. It is my privilege to share it with you all now.
My bride to be had been vetted by the government and warned by her future father-in-law that I was somewhat unorthodox and did things that flew in the face of convention. In spite of "full disclosure" she chose to marry me anyway.
I know it hasn't been an easy life for her. Being married to doc who's ideas are somewhat idealistic and whose patriotism has been, at times, a demanding mistress. So many times she has had to face unusual challenges and each time did it without complaint and with the grace of royalty.
In a thousand lifetimes I could never give her all she deserves. A few years ago I wanted to give her something that says I love you and I presented her with the following one Christmas. It is my privilege to share it with you all now.
To My Wife - You Make a Difference
I have watched and listened to you at times when you said felt like you haven't accomplished anything. You look around and see the walls filled with your artwork and wonder if you will ever be recognized for what you do. Let me share some things that you do and have done that have made a difference.
To begin, you raised two daughters both of whom are a source of pride. Not just for you but for the many people they have met over the years. Each in her own way has influenced others to make their lives better. You have a grandson who looks at his grandmother with admiration and love.
For nearly two decades you have been a force that has given me the freedom and the integrity to do things most would have backed away from.
You worked tirelessly to help change lives. To help found and run a clinic for the homeless that has grown into many and touched and changed unknown numbers of lives. You have sat with national leaders who attentively listened to your ideas for immunizing children across the United States.
Behind the scenes you focused your energies to do something few have ever done. Unknown and outside established circles you helped to write a Bill that became a Law and affected thousands.
In a foreign country, unfamiliar with the language and customs, you helped to change a nation. To teach hundreds of people a language, to improve living conditions and help eliminate a deadly disease.to insure others, with less, were able to live just a little better. You did not hesitate to spend what money we had
You have enriched the lives of countless people sitting under the stars, not far from the Grand Canyon, listening to you teach them about nature and history.
Over the past years you have touched the lives of so many with your contributions in art, friendship and caring. You have and continue to brighten the days with things you never realize like your decorations or just a smile and your uncanny ability to just listen and hear what is being said.
And above all the other things you have done and still do, you have made a difference in my life. To inspire me to be the best I can be which I know, at times, takes its toll on you.
My Christmas gift to to you darling is to simply let you know how much you have accomplished and to tell you that you do make a difference.
And, that I Love You.
To My Wife and My Best Friend ..... Happy Anniversary
Monday, June 7, 2010
Advertising in America
Did you ever wonder how long an hour television program really is? During 60 minutes the actual programming rarely runs more than 40 - 42 minutes. The other 20 or so minutes are ... you guessed it ... commercials. Advertisements that can cost well over a quarter of a million dollars each to air one time.
Since I've been accused on more than one occasion of having a warped mind, I've often thought how much fun it would be to add to the copy for a more informative sales presentation.
One example might be for a popular prescription medication that treats what is euphemistically referred to as "erectile dysfunction." When one drug was being touted on TV a disclaimer was added it may cause urges such as gambling. What a boon that would be for a Las Vegas tourist ad. Today, in the disclaimer it warns "do not drink alcohol in excess." How about adding the tag line: "Do not drink alcohol in excess .... you might regret who you wake up with."
I've never counted the number of ads being aimed at the American public for various ailments but it seems we must suffer from every know malady known to man. Assuming 20 minutes of every hour are devoted to commercials then it feels like 17 minutes are aimed at our health concerns. And, listening to the disclaimers, one would almost debate if the side effects aren't worse than the cure.
Insurance companies are another huge source of television revenue. Insurance for cars, health and life. The insurance company I'm searching for is the one that when you take out a life insurance policy for a half-million dollars they give you the money right then. After all, I can't spend it I'm dead ... and whoever I name as beneficiary has to pay it back.
Perhaps we should take a lesson from our allies across the Atlantic. European Union legislation limits the time taken by commercial breaks to 12 minutes per hour (20%) with a minimum segment length of 20 or 30 minutes depending on the program content.
The one thought that calls to mind is: Is a 30 minute infomercial required to set aside 6 minutes for advertising?
Have a great week.
Since I've been accused on more than one occasion of having a warped mind, I've often thought how much fun it would be to add to the copy for a more informative sales presentation.
One example might be for a popular prescription medication that treats what is euphemistically referred to as "erectile dysfunction." When one drug was being touted on TV a disclaimer was added it may cause urges such as gambling. What a boon that would be for a Las Vegas tourist ad. Today, in the disclaimer it warns "do not drink alcohol in excess." How about adding the tag line: "Do not drink alcohol in excess .... you might regret who you wake up with."
I've never counted the number of ads being aimed at the American public for various ailments but it seems we must suffer from every know malady known to man. Assuming 20 minutes of every hour are devoted to commercials then it feels like 17 minutes are aimed at our health concerns. And, listening to the disclaimers, one would almost debate if the side effects aren't worse than the cure.
Insurance companies are another huge source of television revenue. Insurance for cars, health and life. The insurance company I'm searching for is the one that when you take out a life insurance policy for a half-million dollars they give you the money right then. After all, I can't spend it I'm dead ... and whoever I name as beneficiary has to pay it back.
Perhaps we should take a lesson from our allies across the Atlantic. European Union legislation limits the time taken by commercial breaks to 12 minutes per hour (20%) with a minimum segment length of 20 or 30 minutes depending on the program content.
The one thought that calls to mind is: Is a 30 minute infomercial required to set aside 6 minutes for advertising?
Have a great week.
Friday, June 4, 2010
A Dying Art
The other day I was grocery shopping and noticed one doesn't need to have any knowledge of cooking to prepare a meal, any meal. Look in the freezer section or the meat department, even up and down the aisle fully prepared meals are available in just about any type of food you desire. All one needs to do is read the instructions to put a meal on the table.
While there are chefs employed by the makers of these items and we can still go to a restaurant where a chef oversees and prepares "real" food from fresh ingredients the art of "home" cooking seems to be falling by the wayside.
It seems the healthy eating advocates have invaded our way of life. So many people are reading the nutrition information on the labels and planning their meals around living longer. While this may not be a bad thing it certainly takes the fun out of eating ... at least for me.
No matter what studies may reveal and guidelines offered by so many health-conscious organizations, there is nothing that tastes as good as fried chicken and greens from the kitchen of an old black lady in the south, or spaghetti and meat balls from an old Italian lady, or tortillas hot from the iron pan lovingly done by a Mexican lady. True, I may be accused of stereotyping but I grew up in the south and also lived in places like New York City and Philadelphia. Ethnic cooking has always been a pleasure to eat. And, it was done from scratch with all fresh ingredients and it took all day to cook.
Notice I used the adjective "old" before the gender noun "lady." That is simply because the art of cooking is done best by those who have been doing it all their lives. Granted, there are still women who follow in their mother's and grandmother's footsteps but it seems they are becoming a minority.
I am forced to admit, in all fairness, today's women face a more demanding lifestyle. Most are working full time time and juggling work, children, domestic chores and many are doing it as single moms. A feat few men could handle well.
Maybe, just maybe, its time we went back to the basics. Cooking real food from fresh things. Recently, I heard a story of someone who needed to lose nearly 100 pounds and they accomplished this goal. It wasn't done by following a prescribed or popular diet but by simple common sense. They called it the 100 year diet. That is to say if the food they ate wasn't around 100 years ago they didn't eat it. Coupled with modest portions and exercise they met their goal. The idea of the 100 year diet makes sense. One hundred years ago our food wasn't loaded with all the things it contains today. If you can't pronounce it should you really be eating it?
We've all seen the signs on restaurants across the country that claim "Home Cooking." I wonder, if in 50 years that will mean something pre-packaged and zapped in a microwave
While there are chefs employed by the makers of these items and we can still go to a restaurant where a chef oversees and prepares "real" food from fresh ingredients the art of "home" cooking seems to be falling by the wayside.
It seems the healthy eating advocates have invaded our way of life. So many people are reading the nutrition information on the labels and planning their meals around living longer. While this may not be a bad thing it certainly takes the fun out of eating ... at least for me.
No matter what studies may reveal and guidelines offered by so many health-conscious organizations, there is nothing that tastes as good as fried chicken and greens from the kitchen of an old black lady in the south, or spaghetti and meat balls from an old Italian lady, or tortillas hot from the iron pan lovingly done by a Mexican lady. True, I may be accused of stereotyping but I grew up in the south and also lived in places like New York City and Philadelphia. Ethnic cooking has always been a pleasure to eat. And, it was done from scratch with all fresh ingredients and it took all day to cook.
Notice I used the adjective "old" before the gender noun "lady." That is simply because the art of cooking is done best by those who have been doing it all their lives. Granted, there are still women who follow in their mother's and grandmother's footsteps but it seems they are becoming a minority.
I am forced to admit, in all fairness, today's women face a more demanding lifestyle. Most are working full time time and juggling work, children, domestic chores and many are doing it as single moms. A feat few men could handle well.
Maybe, just maybe, its time we went back to the basics. Cooking real food from fresh things. Recently, I heard a story of someone who needed to lose nearly 100 pounds and they accomplished this goal. It wasn't done by following a prescribed or popular diet but by simple common sense. They called it the 100 year diet. That is to say if the food they ate wasn't around 100 years ago they didn't eat it. Coupled with modest portions and exercise they met their goal. The idea of the 100 year diet makes sense. One hundred years ago our food wasn't loaded with all the things it contains today. If you can't pronounce it should you really be eating it?
We've all seen the signs on restaurants across the country that claim "Home Cooking." I wonder, if in 50 years that will mean something pre-packaged and zapped in a microwave
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