The HB had dinner at a friend's house. So, the wife and I had a romantic dinner of leftover ravioli while watching the democrats debate. As I would NEVER vote for either Clinton or Obama, I think I can be fairly objective on what transpired:
1) They were REALLY nice to each other. Why? Because HUGE contributors were in the audience, some of whom may not have made the full legally allowed contributions to the campaigns. This was not a group either one could afford (and I use that term in a very strict sense) to piss off by coming off as nasty because seeming nice is very important in Hollywood.
2) There is hardly a nickel's worth of difference between them on the issues. Obama was against the war from the get go and Clinton's played coy with it until she knew it was best for her political career to be against it. Big fucking deal. It doesn't change that we are there now and they both have essentially the same plan to get us out. Same thing on health care. They argue about EXACTLY how many people will be covered under their plans. You know what? Those numbers are guesses. The bottom line is that they both want the government more involved in health care. I think that's a bad idea, but apparently most democrats don't think so.
One of the last questions was basically, "Would you consider the other person for VP?" After they soft-pedaled their answers, my wife looks at me and says, "Could you imagine being Hillary's VP with Bill around? Gore had a tough enough time with Hillary there." I agree that being her VP, to use an old saw, wouldn't be worth a bucket of warm piss.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Signs of Age
I'm not one of those people who gets hung up on getting older. Yeah, my hair's thinning a bit and some of my music is 30 years old, but that's how it goes.
One of my buddies, Chip, was the first of our group to get married (not that I got trashed, but I ended up putting gas in my car on the way home and not remembering it) and have kids. His son was born on my birthday when I was 24.
So, I'm talking to Chip the other day and asking about his son and how he's doing in school. He transferred at the beginning of the school year from a JC to a four-year university and he's on the swim team. So, I was asking Chip about his son's swimming (very good) and grades (eh, so-so) and adjustment to college (excellent). Chip mentions that with his son's 21st birthday coming up he was going to take him to a bar he had his first drink and a bunch of us used to hang frequently. After telling him I'd be there, it sunk in a little that my friends have adult children. This is not the first experience with this (Lynn's son recently turned 21), but it struck me more given that we share the same birthday.
The next day I get a call from Chip's son. He's got a class that's somewhat related to the work I do, so he asked for some help on an assignment. As a parent I'll get to this point eventually, but helping a kid whose diaper you changed on a college homework assignment is sobering. He'd better get a fucking A.
One of my buddies, Chip, was the first of our group to get married (not that I got trashed, but I ended up putting gas in my car on the way home and not remembering it) and have kids. His son was born on my birthday when I was 24.
So, I'm talking to Chip the other day and asking about his son and how he's doing in school. He transferred at the beginning of the school year from a JC to a four-year university and he's on the swim team. So, I was asking Chip about his son's swimming (very good) and grades (eh, so-so) and adjustment to college (excellent). Chip mentions that with his son's 21st birthday coming up he was going to take him to a bar he had his first drink and a bunch of us used to hang frequently. After telling him I'd be there, it sunk in a little that my friends have adult children. This is not the first experience with this (Lynn's son recently turned 21), but it struck me more given that we share the same birthday.
The next day I get a call from Chip's son. He's got a class that's somewhat related to the work I do, so he asked for some help on an assignment. As a parent I'll get to this point eventually, but helping a kid whose diaper you changed on a college homework assignment is sobering. He'd better get a fucking A.
I've Been Tagged--7 Ways That I'm Weird
After a tag by Jen, here we go: 7 Ways That I'm Weird (then again, I'm probably the last person who would know what makes me weird):
1) I'm not OCD, but I do have my patterns. For instance, every M/Tu/Th/F (yes, not W), I wake up when my son does (6:45), make him breakfast, get myself an apple, check e-mail/blogs/news until 7:30, wash-up, make his lunch then drive him to school (7:35), get back and start my work day (8:15ish).
2) Despite the above, if given a choice between doing something the same way or a different way, I'll almost always choose the different way.
3) My favorite condiment on a hot dog or hamburger is Thousand Island dressing.
4) I watch sporting events with the sound off.
5) My female friends have few similarities to my wife
6) With VERY few exceptions, I'd rather listen to someone play a musical instrument than sing.
7) I can listen to someone else talk about themselves for an hour without saying a word about myself.
Tag Lola, you're it!
1) I'm not OCD, but I do have my patterns. For instance, every M/Tu/Th/F (yes, not W), I wake up when my son does (6:45), make him breakfast, get myself an apple, check e-mail/blogs/news until 7:30, wash-up, make his lunch then drive him to school (7:35), get back and start my work day (8:15ish).
2) Despite the above, if given a choice between doing something the same way or a different way, I'll almost always choose the different way.
3) My favorite condiment on a hot dog or hamburger is Thousand Island dressing.
4) I watch sporting events with the sound off.
5) My female friends have few similarities to my wife
6) With VERY few exceptions, I'd rather listen to someone play a musical instrument than sing.
7) I can listen to someone else talk about themselves for an hour without saying a word about myself.
Tag Lola, you're it!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Happy 15, Nephew
My nephew turned 15 today. Unfortch, my wife is still sick from her trip to FL. In fact, so sick that she couldn't make it. So, the HB and I headed down to Lucille's BBQ for the official birthday meal. It wasn't bad for chain restaurant food and I'd be willing to go back.
The nephew brought a friend along, which is nice because I get the feeling that he doesn't have a ton of friends at school. This is a kid I've met before. I like him, if for no other reason, than Spam is the ring tone on his phone. The boys got a long fine and there weren't any problems.
We went to my sil's for presents and dessert, both of which got delayed so the boys could play Wii for a while. But, and hour of so at the in-laws without the spouse is just about enough, so we took our cupcakes to go. It was just as well. It gave us a chance to see my parents (who live 15 minutes from my sil) and get home in time for the HB to play with some of the neighborhood kids. He's missed out on that over the last couple of weeks due to his play rehearsal schedule.
Dinner's been made and dishes cleaned. Going to but the HB in bed and pour myself something large with vodka in it.
The nephew brought a friend along, which is nice because I get the feeling that he doesn't have a ton of friends at school. This is a kid I've met before. I like him, if for no other reason, than Spam is the ring tone on his phone. The boys got a long fine and there weren't any problems.
We went to my sil's for presents and dessert, both of which got delayed so the boys could play Wii for a while. But, and hour of so at the in-laws without the spouse is just about enough, so we took our cupcakes to go. It was just as well. It gave us a chance to see my parents (who live 15 minutes from my sil) and get home in time for the HB to play with some of the neighborhood kids. He's missed out on that over the last couple of weeks due to his play rehearsal schedule.
Dinner's been made and dishes cleaned. Going to but the HB in bed and pour myself something large with vodka in it.
Slice of Life
I had this bump right next to my right nostril. It wasn't a big deal to me, but my wife said it was getting bigger (I hadn't noticed), so when I went to the doc a couple of weeks ago I got a referral to a dermatologist. I go the appointment and the guy takes a look. He doesn't know what it is, but he's not worried either. So, he decides to do a biopsy, which is fine because I just wanted it gone.
One of the great thing about HMOs is that the doctors who do this kind of stuff, like the HB's ear tubes and my vasectomy, do hundreds of them a year. We spent more time talking about whether the FF browser works on the HMO's updated website than it took him to do the procedure. And, except for that first needle of whatever-caine, it was (and still is) pretty painless. The wife's happy, so that must be worth something.
One of the great thing about HMOs is that the doctors who do this kind of stuff, like the HB's ear tubes and my vasectomy, do hundreds of them a year. We spent more time talking about whether the FF browser works on the HMO's updated website than it took him to do the procedure. And, except for that first needle of whatever-caine, it was (and still is) pretty painless. The wife's happy, so that must be worth something.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Debt Stimulus
Congress and the president announced that they will be giving us back $150 billion of our money in $600 increments, though it may take a little longer to get the money than you think. The pols are hailing the move as a sign that they can work together and will do what it takes to avoid a recession.
Where's are the $150 billion in cuts in government spending to help pay for this? What, there aren't any? Hm...so, we're giving ourselves this money that we'll have to borrow at least part of (assuming that some finds its way back to the treasury in the form of income taxes) to pay back. Yet, paying the interest on this loan takes even more money out of our economy, hence making another recession (or prolonging this one) more likely. Sheesh.
Both parties love to increase the size of the government. Sometimes the democrats want additional taxes to pay for it and the republicans never do. In this case they are keeping the size of government the same, but allocating less money to pay for it. If you were behind in your bills, would you give your kids more money even though you didn't get a raise? Probably not because if you did the interest on your credit cards would make it impossible for you to ever get your bills paid. Obviously, people in D.C. don't have this problem.
Where's are the $150 billion in cuts in government spending to help pay for this? What, there aren't any? Hm...so, we're giving ourselves this money that we'll have to borrow at least part of (assuming that some finds its way back to the treasury in the form of income taxes) to pay back. Yet, paying the interest on this loan takes even more money out of our economy, hence making another recession (or prolonging this one) more likely. Sheesh.
Both parties love to increase the size of the government. Sometimes the democrats want additional taxes to pay for it and the republicans never do. In this case they are keeping the size of government the same, but allocating less money to pay for it. If you were behind in your bills, would you give your kids more money even though you didn't get a raise? Probably not because if you did the interest on your credit cards would make it impossible for you to ever get your bills paid. Obviously, people in D.C. don't have this problem.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Guys Hangin' Out
My wife's out of town this week in St. Petersburg (FL, that is). Yes, someone asked me today if she really went to western Russia in the middle of the winter. Funny that the St. Pete (FL) weather report on their website is down when the weather's not so great. Coincidence? I think not.
Speaking of such things, we're having a week of rain in LA, which is a good thing since we're in the middle of a serious drought. It's also good news in that the HB and I can go sledding this weekend (yes, we're only 90 min away from snow). The bad news is that our pug would prefer NOT to shit outside when it's too wet or raining. We are being VERY vigilant.
(Semi) regular readers will know that the HB and I have a good routine when my wife's out of town that generally includes LOTS of seafood and the jacuzzi (the latter not being a good option when it's pouring out). So, tonight the Lakers-San Antonio game is filling in just fine (the Lakers coughed up their 9 point halftime lead and then some as of this writing).
Tomorrow's a big day as my Rotary Club begins a very cool Home Makeover project (we're re doing the house of a woman who is in a wheelchair and is going blind). OK, the construction guys are gonna start the heavy lifting by busting up a room to two to build her a handicap accessible bathroom. We'll do our stuff in a month or so. Believe me, you'll hear a lot about this in the future.
Speaking of such things, we're having a week of rain in LA, which is a good thing since we're in the middle of a serious drought. It's also good news in that the HB and I can go sledding this weekend (yes, we're only 90 min away from snow). The bad news is that our pug would prefer NOT to shit outside when it's too wet or raining. We are being VERY vigilant.
(Semi) regular readers will know that the HB and I have a good routine when my wife's out of town that generally includes LOTS of seafood and the jacuzzi (the latter not being a good option when it's pouring out). So, tonight the Lakers-San Antonio game is filling in just fine (the Lakers coughed up their 9 point halftime lead and then some as of this writing).
Tomorrow's a big day as my Rotary Club begins a very cool Home Makeover project (we're re doing the house of a woman who is in a wheelchair and is going blind). OK, the construction guys are gonna start the heavy lifting by busting up a room to two to build her a handicap accessible bathroom. We'll do our stuff in a month or so. Believe me, you'll hear a lot about this in the future.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Roe v. Wade at 35
Today is the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision making it legal for a woman to obtain an abortion. I want to be clear about my nuanced position on this matter as it pertains to the laws in the United States of America. Ready?
ANY WOMAN. ANY TIME. ANY PLACE.
She doesn't want to tell the sperm donor/husband/bf? That's unfortunate, but not a legal matter. Under 18 and she thinks her parents will kill her because she's pregnant? Then she should be able to get a judge's OK. Wants a girl instead of a boy? I think that's sad, but it's none of my business.
I fully and completely respect people who are morally opposed to abortion. My uncle, who was and ob/gyn wouldn't perform them because he and his partner were against it. But, he would refer his patients to a doctor who did perform them. Why? Because it was her choice to make her medical decisions.
I have no problem with people who are against abortion peacefully attempting to get others to see things their way. However, I do draw the line when they try to prevent women (forcibly or otherwise) from getting the operation. That includes intimidating doctors so that there are not providers available in certain areas.
Of course, it's this kind of issue that shows the hypocrisies of our two major political parties. The republicans preach personal responsibility, but want the big nanny government telling pregnant women (and their doctors) what they can and cannot do. The democrats are nominally in favor of individual rights when it comes to personal choices, but want our medical choices and availability to be made by the government. Go figure.
ANY WOMAN. ANY TIME. ANY PLACE.
She doesn't want to tell the sperm donor/husband/bf? That's unfortunate, but not a legal matter. Under 18 and she thinks her parents will kill her because she's pregnant? Then she should be able to get a judge's OK. Wants a girl instead of a boy? I think that's sad, but it's none of my business.
I fully and completely respect people who are morally opposed to abortion. My uncle, who was and ob/gyn wouldn't perform them because he and his partner were against it. But, he would refer his patients to a doctor who did perform them. Why? Because it was her choice to make her medical decisions.
I have no problem with people who are against abortion peacefully attempting to get others to see things their way. However, I do draw the line when they try to prevent women (forcibly or otherwise) from getting the operation. That includes intimidating doctors so that there are not providers available in certain areas.
Of course, it's this kind of issue that shows the hypocrisies of our two major political parties. The republicans preach personal responsibility, but want the big nanny government telling pregnant women (and their doctors) what they can and cannot do. The democrats are nominally in favor of individual rights when it comes to personal choices, but want our medical choices and availability to be made by the government. Go figure.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Giants Vs. Patriots
I cannot FUCKING believe that the Giants beat the Packers. In Green Bay. When it was below freezing. Favre just didn't have a good game and, obviously, his interception in OT killed them. Note that the Pack is 2-3 in their last 5 playoff games at Lambeau. Not exactly a home field advantage.
The Patriots grinding out a win against San Diego was less of a surprise. The Bolts don't exactly have a high powered offense, so NE could afford the bend-but-don't-break style of defense that held SD to field goals. San Diego didn't do themselves a favor when they elected to punt in the middle of the 4th quarter when they had the ball at midfield. More surprising was the 3rd down call. It was as if they didn't even CONSIDER they were in four down territory. Not sure that it would have mattered in the end, but still.
Over the last 6 weeks or so the Pats have looked beatable. Of course, no one has done it yet.
The Giants were one team that exposed them and they were one Eli Manning interception away from closing the deal. I'm sure the G-Men are confident going into the game, but I don't see them winning it. But, they'll make it close.
The Patriots grinding out a win against San Diego was less of a surprise. The Bolts don't exactly have a high powered offense, so NE could afford the bend-but-don't-break style of defense that held SD to field goals. San Diego didn't do themselves a favor when they elected to punt in the middle of the 4th quarter when they had the ball at midfield. More surprising was the 3rd down call. It was as if they didn't even CONSIDER they were in four down territory. Not sure that it would have mattered in the end, but still.
Over the last 6 weeks or so the Pats have looked beatable. Of course, no one has done it yet.
The Giants were one team that exposed them and they were one Eli Manning interception away from closing the deal. I'm sure the G-Men are confident going into the game, but I don't see them winning it. But, they'll make it close.
The Show Closes
Well, the HB gutted it out (pun intended as you'll see soon) through his first non-school theater experience. The NZS joined us for today's 2nd performance (4th overall) and was a good sport about it. Unfortunately, the HB developed a bit of a stomach ache today which eventually caught up with him. However, he did make it through the second performance, but wasn't feeling well enough to even go out to a restaurant of his choosing afterwards. I'm not doubting that he had a belly ache of some sort, but with him it's always something that ruins (his words) his big days. A troubling trend.
Once he starts feeling better we'll see if he wants to do another show with them. I'm ambivalent. On one hand it was great for him in that he worked with other kids and saw through something from chaos to a real production. He was interested enough to not complain about going to rehearsals, but you could tell when he was on stage it wasn't his thing. I think he'll do great in theater, but probably behind the scenes. The woman who made the thing go thanked the set and lighting designers. That's where I think the HB would really shine. I just gotta find a way to get him involved with that stuff.
Once he starts feeling better we'll see if he wants to do another show with them. I'm ambivalent. On one hand it was great for him in that he worked with other kids and saw through something from chaos to a real production. He was interested enough to not complain about going to rehearsals, but you could tell when he was on stage it wasn't his thing. I think he'll do great in theater, but probably behind the scenes. The woman who made the thing go thanked the set and lighting designers. That's where I think the HB would really shine. I just gotta find a way to get him involved with that stuff.
Saturday 8--The Burning
Lola had a friend miss a flight because he got scorched in a tanning bed. So, on that note, here we go...
1. have you ever used a tanning bed? why or why not?
Nope. I'm not that vain. Besides, I tan easily. It's the getting outside enough part that can be tough.
2. do you tan easily, or do you have the red/white only option?
I tan very easily. Must the the Eastern European blood.
3. have you ever had skin cancer, or know anyone who has?
I haven't, but know a few people who have had skin cancer removed. Don't know of anyone who has had it really bad (e.g., died from it or required skin grafts).
4. have you ever had a sunburn so bad, you blistered?
I had them where I've blistered a couple of days later. It's gross, but I LOVE peeling away the skin.
5. when was the last time you burned yourself on something hot?
Hm....that's a tough one. If anything, I've burned my tongue on hot food. I'll occasionally sting my fingers on a hot pan, but nothing particularly bad.
6. when was the last time you attended (or made) a bonfire?
This past summer at Indian Guides camping.
7. do you use spf every day (as in a makeup), or what spf do you use in your suntan lotion?
I'll use spf 30 when I know I'm going to be in the sun for a long time. But, I don't use it every time I go in the sun.
8. where you're at, when will it be warm enough to wear a bathing suit or get some rays?
In LA, the opening day of baseball is the opening day of summer and tanning.
1. have you ever used a tanning bed? why or why not?
Nope. I'm not that vain. Besides, I tan easily. It's the getting outside enough part that can be tough.
2. do you tan easily, or do you have the red/white only option?
I tan very easily. Must the the Eastern European blood.
3. have you ever had skin cancer, or know anyone who has?
I haven't, but know a few people who have had skin cancer removed. Don't know of anyone who has had it really bad (e.g., died from it or required skin grafts).
4. have you ever had a sunburn so bad, you blistered?
I had them where I've blistered a couple of days later. It's gross, but I LOVE peeling away the skin.
5. when was the last time you burned yourself on something hot?
Hm....that's a tough one. If anything, I've burned my tongue on hot food. I'll occasionally sting my fingers on a hot pan, but nothing particularly bad.
6. when was the last time you attended (or made) a bonfire?
This past summer at Indian Guides camping.
7. do you use spf every day (as in a makeup), or what spf do you use in your suntan lotion?
I'll use spf 30 when I know I'm going to be in the sun for a long time. But, I don't use it every time I go in the sun.
8. where you're at, when will it be warm enough to wear a bathing suit or get some rays?
In LA, the opening day of baseball is the opening day of summer and tanning.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
LA Education, Taxes and Visiting Students
Every year my Rotary club hosts a group of students from New Zealand who are studying abroad for their senior year of high school. The club's done this for some 30 years or so and it is a great experience meeting these kids who have the courage and sense of adventure to leave their home and go half-way across the world for a year. Think about that for a second.
For the first time, my club is hosting one of the students. Everyone is pretty excited, especially the HB as one of the New Zealand students (hence known as the NZS) will be staying at our house starting around September 15th. As the organizer of all this I've gone back and forth with the folks in NZ and at Rotary to get things all lined up. Including enrolling him in school.
There's no other way to say it than the local high school is a fucking disaster. In the state's standardized exam the school consistently scores in the lowest 20%. Occasionally fights spill out onto the street and the basketball team consistently get more press (both for championships and getting put on probation for illegally recruiting players) than any of its academic programs. It does have small oasis for kids in its magnet program and my Rotary club sponsors a group who seem to have their act together. But, overall, it stinks and unless a miracle happens I cannot see us sending the HB there.
So, in talking to a few people, I decided to enroll the NZS into another high school which is reasonably close by. There are other people I know in my part of LA who have enrolled their kids in that school system as well. The kids that my club sponsors at the local high school thought this was a bit of a slap in the face, which I suppose it was. There are also some people in the club who are big supporters of public education in LA who have pointedly asked me why the NZS is enrolled in the other high school. I've told them that if that school isn't good enough for our kids (almost none of our club members have sent their kids to that school in the last 10 years), why on earth would I enroll someone else's kid in it? He's a student, not a social experiment.
So, you are probably asking yourself why is the high school in a middle class area of LA so bad? It's a little complicated and requires a bit of history.
Until the late 70s, California public schools were primarily funded by local property taxes which were based on the appraised value of homes. However, the inflation of the early 70s sent the value of homes skyrocketing along with the taxes. People were having a hard time paying taxes on this non-liquid asset. This, combined with the usual legit complaints of government waste led to Proposition 13. Prop 13 pegged property taxes at 1% of the houses sale price, with a 2% annual increase. The proposition also required a 2/3 majority to raise the tax.
The effect of Prop 13 was that local governments really had to cut back services because they lost revenue and the 2% annual increase was no where near enough to keep up with inflation. Local cities were no longer able to properly fund schools, so the quality of education dropped in most areas, especially those where parents could not afford to supplement the school budget.
The state started stepping in more and more to fund education, but the public schools were just another line item in a huge budget, so funding is not consistent from year to year. Even though Rob Reiner led another proposition to guarantee state funding as a percentage of the budget, when the state's revenue goes down (like it's going to do this year because of the collapse of the mortgage market) funding for schools goes down.
Thrown into all of this was the the LA school system started a busing program to integrate schools in 1978. This, along with the public schools losing funding, led to a huge migration of middle-class and affluent families taking their kids out LAUSD. And make no mistake, Latino, African-American and Asian-American families with the means do not send their kids to LAUSD schools either.
Something like Prop 13 was necessary. People shouldn't have to sell their houses because they can't afford the taxes. At the same time, it leaves local government zero flexibility in dealing with their revenues. Let's be real...67% of voters couldn't agree on whether something is black or white. Good public education takes three things: parent commitment, competent teachers/administrators and money. The state can't mandate parent commitment to education and parents are revolting against the LAUSD bureaucracy by forming charter schools and using private schools. But our public schools are starved for money and our current tax system can't fix that.
Enough for this soap box, perhaps more another time. Like about Huckabee's sales tax idea (here's a hint...I LIKE it).
For the first time, my club is hosting one of the students. Everyone is pretty excited, especially the HB as one of the New Zealand students (hence known as the NZS) will be staying at our house starting around September 15th. As the organizer of all this I've gone back and forth with the folks in NZ and at Rotary to get things all lined up. Including enrolling him in school.
There's no other way to say it than the local high school is a fucking disaster. In the state's standardized exam the school consistently scores in the lowest 20%. Occasionally fights spill out onto the street and the basketball team consistently get more press (both for championships and getting put on probation for illegally recruiting players) than any of its academic programs. It does have small oasis for kids in its magnet program and my Rotary club sponsors a group who seem to have their act together. But, overall, it stinks and unless a miracle happens I cannot see us sending the HB there.
So, in talking to a few people, I decided to enroll the NZS into another high school which is reasonably close by. There are other people I know in my part of LA who have enrolled their kids in that school system as well. The kids that my club sponsors at the local high school thought this was a bit of a slap in the face, which I suppose it was. There are also some people in the club who are big supporters of public education in LA who have pointedly asked me why the NZS is enrolled in the other high school. I've told them that if that school isn't good enough for our kids (almost none of our club members have sent their kids to that school in the last 10 years), why on earth would I enroll someone else's kid in it? He's a student, not a social experiment.
So, you are probably asking yourself why is the high school in a middle class area of LA so bad? It's a little complicated and requires a bit of history.
Until the late 70s, California public schools were primarily funded by local property taxes which were based on the appraised value of homes. However, the inflation of the early 70s sent the value of homes skyrocketing along with the taxes. People were having a hard time paying taxes on this non-liquid asset. This, combined with the usual legit complaints of government waste led to Proposition 13. Prop 13 pegged property taxes at 1% of the houses sale price, with a 2% annual increase. The proposition also required a 2/3 majority to raise the tax.
The effect of Prop 13 was that local governments really had to cut back services because they lost revenue and the 2% annual increase was no where near enough to keep up with inflation. Local cities were no longer able to properly fund schools, so the quality of education dropped in most areas, especially those where parents could not afford to supplement the school budget.
The state started stepping in more and more to fund education, but the public schools were just another line item in a huge budget, so funding is not consistent from year to year. Even though Rob Reiner led another proposition to guarantee state funding as a percentage of the budget, when the state's revenue goes down (like it's going to do this year because of the collapse of the mortgage market) funding for schools goes down.
Thrown into all of this was the the LA school system started a busing program to integrate schools in 1978. This, along with the public schools losing funding, led to a huge migration of middle-class and affluent families taking their kids out LAUSD. And make no mistake, Latino, African-American and Asian-American families with the means do not send their kids to LAUSD schools either.
Something like Prop 13 was necessary. People shouldn't have to sell their houses because they can't afford the taxes. At the same time, it leaves local government zero flexibility in dealing with their revenues. Let's be real...67% of voters couldn't agree on whether something is black or white. Good public education takes three things: parent commitment, competent teachers/administrators and money. The state can't mandate parent commitment to education and parents are revolting against the LAUSD bureaucracy by forming charter schools and using private schools. But our public schools are starved for money and our current tax system can't fix that.
Enough for this soap box, perhaps more another time. Like about Huckabee's sales tax idea (here's a hint...I LIKE it).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hey, My Nephew Might Be Gay
For years my wife and I have suspected that our nephew who turns 15 in a couple of weeks might be gay. Not in the light in the loafers way, but he's always sensed that he's different from other kids, a bit socially awkward and has never uttered a word about a girl.
It's no biggee. We love him to death and don't give a rat's ass which gender he decides to sleep with. My wife's brother lived quite the gay San Francisco lifestyle for a while (she's convinced his marriage is a sham) and her oldest sister lived very bi-sexually for a while. I have an uncle who's been living with his male lover for as long as I can remember.
The straw that (perhaps) has broken the camel's back is that my s-i-l found 298 (by her count) gay porn images on his computer. I'm thinking, OK, if he's got a few on there he stumbled onto a site or went there on a dare. But 298? And no straight ones? Maybe his formerly gay uncle was surfing last time he was there, but my s-i-l deleted the images without noticing the download/access dates, so who knows.
Her reaction is surprisingly open. She's, of course, had her suspicions as well, but she wasn't any more upset about finding the images than if the would have been had they been straight hardcore. She's decided not to confront him with it, figuring that if he's into the images he'll know soon enough that she found them.
IF he is gay I hope that he feels comfortable to come out to us sooner rather than later. It's got to be tough at his age not to fit in and not quite know why. He's a big part of our family (if something happened to his mom it's in her living will that he'd come and live with us) and I want him to be happy. I hope he trusts us enough to know we'll accept and love him no matter what.
It's no biggee. We love him to death and don't give a rat's ass which gender he decides to sleep with. My wife's brother lived quite the gay San Francisco lifestyle for a while (she's convinced his marriage is a sham) and her oldest sister lived very bi-sexually for a while. I have an uncle who's been living with his male lover for as long as I can remember.
The straw that (perhaps) has broken the camel's back is that my s-i-l found 298 (by her count) gay porn images on his computer. I'm thinking, OK, if he's got a few on there he stumbled onto a site or went there on a dare. But 298? And no straight ones? Maybe his formerly gay uncle was surfing last time he was there, but my s-i-l deleted the images without noticing the download/access dates, so who knows.
Her reaction is surprisingly open. She's, of course, had her suspicions as well, but she wasn't any more upset about finding the images than if the would have been had they been straight hardcore. She's decided not to confront him with it, figuring that if he's into the images he'll know soon enough that she found them.
IF he is gay I hope that he feels comfortable to come out to us sooner rather than later. It's got to be tough at his age not to fit in and not quite know why. He's a big part of our family (if something happened to his mom it's in her living will that he'd come and live with us) and I want him to be happy. I hope he trusts us enough to know we'll accept and love him no matter what.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Will Celebrity be the First Casualty of the Writers' Strike?
Bear with me on this one. Since the TV and movie writers' strike began the media coverage went quickly from "The sky is falling!" to "Look, a shiny nickel!" Some of the late night talk shows are back and pretty much everything else is in repeats. But, since people have lived most of their lives without any given show, they've shown they can live without it. This has not exactly helped the writers' cause.
Given that the threat of, "We're not going to write [fill in the name of any given show]" hasn't really worked on the producers, the writers played a bigger card by not granting a waiver to write this weekends the Golden Globes. Since the actors won't cross the writers' picket line, NBC canceled the show. I mean, what's an awards show without celebs?
Guess what? NBC probably lost some money and the Hollywood Foreign Press, sponsors of the awards, didn't get their big ego strokes. But, there wasn't very much outrage over the lack of celebs on TV tonight.
Does the whole thing bring NBC back to the negotiating table? Probably not. Just means that they'll pay less for the Golden Globes next year.
Does this mean that the writers' will grant a waiver to ABC for the Academy Awards so that they will have a star-filled show? Hell no.
But, if award 'season' comes and goes and celebs are not on TV every other weekend and the public doesn't miss them, then what? The pressure to end the strike won't come from either negotiating side. Rather, it will come from third parties who are just as affected. And it won't be painters and caterers. If enough of famous folks somehow perceive that they are becoming less famous, then we'll see some pressure to negotiate.
Celebrity and fame in this country travels in a self-fulfilling cycle. We want to know more and more about famous people and their publicity machines put so much out that we can only want more. But, if we wake up one morning and don't care about who was wearing what designer's clothes, then that will be a sea change. That could lead to less paparazzi coverage and we'd get used to knowing less about famous people. Then, they'd become less famous. Not less talented, just less famous. Would that be bad for the famous or us?
The last time the writers went on strike, the unintended consequence was more reality TV. This time it might be new, independent providers of entertainment delivered over the internet. Or, it could be the devaluation of celebrity and fame.
Given that the threat of, "We're not going to write [fill in the name of any given show]" hasn't really worked on the producers, the writers played a bigger card by not granting a waiver to write this weekends the Golden Globes. Since the actors won't cross the writers' picket line, NBC canceled the show. I mean, what's an awards show without celebs?
Guess what? NBC probably lost some money and the Hollywood Foreign Press, sponsors of the awards, didn't get their big ego strokes. But, there wasn't very much outrage over the lack of celebs on TV tonight.
Does the whole thing bring NBC back to the negotiating table? Probably not. Just means that they'll pay less for the Golden Globes next year.
Does this mean that the writers' will grant a waiver to ABC for the Academy Awards so that they will have a star-filled show? Hell no.
But, if award 'season' comes and goes and celebs are not on TV every other weekend and the public doesn't miss them, then what? The pressure to end the strike won't come from either negotiating side. Rather, it will come from third parties who are just as affected. And it won't be painters and caterers. If enough of famous folks somehow perceive that they are becoming less famous, then we'll see some pressure to negotiate.
Celebrity and fame in this country travels in a self-fulfilling cycle. We want to know more and more about famous people and their publicity machines put so much out that we can only want more. But, if we wake up one morning and don't care about who was wearing what designer's clothes, then that will be a sea change. That could lead to less paparazzi coverage and we'd get used to knowing less about famous people. Then, they'd become less famous. Not less talented, just less famous. Would that be bad for the famous or us?
The last time the writers went on strike, the unintended consequence was more reality TV. This time it might be new, independent providers of entertainment delivered over the internet. Or, it could be the devaluation of celebrity and fame.
New Year's 2008 Post 3--National Championship Game
OK, this is the last New Year's post because it was almost two weeks ago and, well, I don't have anything to say about it.
In this year's BCS National Championship game, it was LSU against Ohio State. LSU was the first 2-loss team ever in the championship game (thanks to them beating Tennessee in the SEC championship game, fuckers). Ohio State plowed through a weak Big 10 schedule and was the only team in the country with one-loss (to Illinois, who got the shit beat out of them by USC in the Rose Bowl).
Last year Ohio State played Florida, another SEC team in the championship game. Ohio State's Ted Ginn ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, then Florida creamed them the rest of the way. As usual, the best SEC teams have more speed than the best Big 10 teams. This year, Ohio State score the first 10 points, but LSU scored the next 31 and that was that (the final was 38-24). Let me repeat, as usual, the best SEC teams have more speed than the best Big 10 teams.
Just another reason why we need a college football playoff.
In this year's BCS National Championship game, it was LSU against Ohio State. LSU was the first 2-loss team ever in the championship game (thanks to them beating Tennessee in the SEC championship game, fuckers). Ohio State plowed through a weak Big 10 schedule and was the only team in the country with one-loss (to Illinois, who got the shit beat out of them by USC in the Rose Bowl).
Last year Ohio State played Florida, another SEC team in the championship game. Ohio State's Ted Ginn ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, then Florida creamed them the rest of the way. As usual, the best SEC teams have more speed than the best Big 10 teams. This year, Ohio State score the first 10 points, but LSU scored the next 31 and that was that (the final was 38-24). Let me repeat, as usual, the best SEC teams have more speed than the best Big 10 teams.
Just another reason why we need a college football playoff.
Death and the Past
It's probably of very little interest outside of Southern California (shit, outside of Anaheim), but Carl Karcher, the eponymous founder of the Carl's Jr. fast food chain died. Like all of us, Karcher was a complicated man. He was a vicious homophobe and anti-choice, but he also gave generously to homeless and educational causes.
He sticks in my mind for a couple of reasons. First, I would not buy food at CJ's until after he was forced out of the business. I couldn't fathom giving money to a guy with his political views, despite how much I LOVED their fries and onion rings. Second, it was in a CJ's parking lot that Lynn kicked me to the curb when we were in high school.
So, if you live near a Carl's Jr., Green/Red Burrito or Hardees, go grab something in memory of the old man. He built a huge business out of less than $400. And that's nothing to sneeze at.
He sticks in my mind for a couple of reasons. First, I would not buy food at CJ's until after he was forced out of the business. I couldn't fathom giving money to a guy with his political views, despite how much I LOVED their fries and onion rings. Second, it was in a CJ's parking lot that Lynn kicked me to the curb when we were in high school.
So, if you live near a Carl's Jr., Green/Red Burrito or Hardees, go grab something in memory of the old man. He built a huge business out of less than $400. And that's nothing to sneeze at.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
WW #2008 Edition
The WW is back...let's play!
today we are going to talk about may-november romances. Lola's married neighbour has been camming with her son's friend. scandalous!
1. in the book cougar: a guide for older women dating younger men by valerie gibson, ms. gibson states that the typical cougar-prey age difference is six years. would you date - or have you ever dated - someone at least six years your junior?
I would, but I haven't. Besides, when I was dating that would have been grounds for statutory.
2. what is the largest age difference between you and a paramour? who was older?
Even thinking back to my younger, dating days I can't think of dating anyone who was more than a year or so younger than me.
3. what would you say to your friend if he/she was carrying on with a friend of their child? is this ever acceptable to you? why or why not?
It depends on the circumstance and whether they are in luv or in lust. A good buddy of mine is getting ready to marry a woman who's a good 15 years younger than him. Neither has been married or has any kids. I can honestly say that she's the best thing that's ever happened to him. Attraction works in mysterious ways. If both people are getting what they want out of it, I'm OK with it even if there's a big age difference (assuming neither are minors). But there will be repercussions, regardless of whether they stay together or not.
today we are going to talk about may-november romances. Lola's married neighbour has been camming with her son's friend. scandalous!
1. in the book cougar: a guide for older women dating younger men by valerie gibson, ms. gibson states that the typical cougar-prey age difference is six years. would you date - or have you ever dated - someone at least six years your junior?
I would, but I haven't. Besides, when I was dating that would have been grounds for statutory.
2. what is the largest age difference between you and a paramour? who was older?
Even thinking back to my younger, dating days I can't think of dating anyone who was more than a year or so younger than me.
3. what would you say to your friend if he/she was carrying on with a friend of their child? is this ever acceptable to you? why or why not?
It depends on the circumstance and whether they are in luv or in lust. A good buddy of mine is getting ready to marry a woman who's a good 15 years younger than him. Neither has been married or has any kids. I can honestly say that she's the best thing that's ever happened to him. Attraction works in mysterious ways. If both people are getting what they want out of it, I'm OK with it even if there's a big age difference (assuming neither are minors). But there will be repercussions, regardless of whether they stay together or not.
Sat 8--Happy New Year
1. did you go out for new year's this year?
Yes (see previous posts).
2. did you do any travelling during the holidays?
No. I don't mind that I didn't travel around christmas, but miss not hitting the road the week between christmas and New Years.
3. what was the best gift you gave this holiday season?
Donations to a battered women's shelter.
4. the best gift you received?
A sudoku book from the HB.
5. are you off of work on MLK, Jr. day? if so, any plans for the long weekend?
Will take at least half of it off as the HB has it off. No big plans.
6. did you make any new year's resolutions this year? if so, what are they? if not, why not?
No to make any New Year's resolutions. Seriously, I'm not into resolutions. You just gotta live your life and make changes when you need to.
7. a look back - what was the best thing about 2007?
Making new friends.
8. a look back - what was the worst thing about 2007?
Mine and Lynn's friendship going to hell in a handbasket.
Yes (see previous posts).
2. did you do any travelling during the holidays?
No. I don't mind that I didn't travel around christmas, but miss not hitting the road the week between christmas and New Years.
3. what was the best gift you gave this holiday season?
Donations to a battered women's shelter.
4. the best gift you received?
A sudoku book from the HB.
5. are you off of work on MLK, Jr. day? if so, any plans for the long weekend?
Will take at least half of it off as the HB has it off. No big plans.
6. did you make any new year's resolutions this year? if so, what are they? if not, why not?
No to make any New Year's resolutions. Seriously, I'm not into resolutions. You just gotta live your life and make changes when you need to.
7. a look back - what was the best thing about 2007?
Making new friends.
8. a look back - what was the worst thing about 2007?
Mine and Lynn's friendship going to hell in a handbasket.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
New Year's 2008 Post 2--Bowling
I'm not ashamed to tell you that New Year's is one of my favorite holidays, next to Halloween, of course. This burns my wife's ass as she is as into christmas as an atheist can be and 12/25 is my least favorite day on the calendar. I love getting together with family and friends and just enjoying NYE/NYD. And, of course, the football.
This year Tennessee got to a bowl game they deserved to be in, the Outback Bowl. I'm graciously overlooking that they had plenty of chances to beat LSU in the SEC championship game, hence earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl. Their bowl record has never been stellar (roughly .500), so it was good to see them win one against a reasonably good team.
Like most college football fans, I think that the current BCS format stinks. Every few years the two best teams are clear at the end of the season and get matched up in the final game (think USC vs. Texas a couple of years ago). But most years there are too many teams who finish with similar records so someone almost always gets screwed.
The NCAA says that their shouldn't be a Division I football playoff because doing so would ruin the regular season and keep the student athletes out of class too much. However, the real reason is that they are convinced that the current bowl structure earns them the most money. After all EVERY OTHER NCAA sport has a championship tournament. It doesn't seem to be hurting their regular seasons or grades.
The most intransigent of the bowl games is the Rose. In fact, the Rose Bowl was the last to sign on to any changes in the bowl games to release teams from conferences which were obligated to a particular game so they could play for the national championship. Then again, change is not part of the Rose Bowl's DNA. I think they finally stopped doing hymen checks on the rose princess and her court about five years ago.
To their credit, the Rose Bowl committee makes no bones about not wanting to change. They have the best and most storied of the bowl games. Old time SEC fans still talk about when their teams got to play in the Rose Bowl before it moved to the now traditional Big 10 vs. Pac 10 match up (UT got shut out by USC both times they came in 1940 and 1945). But they also make it clear that they don't give a shit about helping crown the best team in college football. Hell, this year they showed that they didn't even want the best game if it stood in the way of their tradition.
USC basically fell in their laps and at the end of the season the Trojans were playing arguably the best football. Since the Rose Bowl lost Ohio State to the BCS championship game, they could have taken just about any other team to play SC. Like, oh, I don't know, Georgia, who was also playing arguably the best football at the end of the season. Sure, they would have to ask the Sugar Bowl to get Georgia, which they wouldn't have done, but they at least could have asked. Or selected Missouri. But, the Rose Bowl thought tradition was more important and reached waaaaay down to select Illinois from the Big 10 to play USC. By doing this they turned one potentially really good game (USC vs. Georgia/Missouri) into two shitty blowouts (USC crushed Illinois and Georgia hammered an over matched Hawaii).
I doubt that if there were a playoff that we'd be having an Ohio St. vs LSU game for the championship. But who knows? I've stopped getting mad about the lack of a playoff. It's not going to change until at least 2014 (when the Rose Bowl's current deal with ABC is up), but probably not then either.
As always, I think OSU is overrated. LSU 28 OSU 17.
This year Tennessee got to a bowl game they deserved to be in, the Outback Bowl. I'm graciously overlooking that they had plenty of chances to beat LSU in the SEC championship game, hence earning a trip to the Sugar Bowl. Their bowl record has never been stellar (roughly .500), so it was good to see them win one against a reasonably good team.
Like most college football fans, I think that the current BCS format stinks. Every few years the two best teams are clear at the end of the season and get matched up in the final game (think USC vs. Texas a couple of years ago). But most years there are too many teams who finish with similar records so someone almost always gets screwed.
The NCAA says that their shouldn't be a Division I football playoff because doing so would ruin the regular season and keep the student athletes out of class too much. However, the real reason is that they are convinced that the current bowl structure earns them the most money. After all EVERY OTHER NCAA sport has a championship tournament. It doesn't seem to be hurting their regular seasons or grades.
The most intransigent of the bowl games is the Rose. In fact, the Rose Bowl was the last to sign on to any changes in the bowl games to release teams from conferences which were obligated to a particular game so they could play for the national championship. Then again, change is not part of the Rose Bowl's DNA. I think they finally stopped doing hymen checks on the rose princess and her court about five years ago.
To their credit, the Rose Bowl committee makes no bones about not wanting to change. They have the best and most storied of the bowl games. Old time SEC fans still talk about when their teams got to play in the Rose Bowl before it moved to the now traditional Big 10 vs. Pac 10 match up (UT got shut out by USC both times they came in 1940 and 1945). But they also make it clear that they don't give a shit about helping crown the best team in college football. Hell, this year they showed that they didn't even want the best game if it stood in the way of their tradition.
USC basically fell in their laps and at the end of the season the Trojans were playing arguably the best football. Since the Rose Bowl lost Ohio State to the BCS championship game, they could have taken just about any other team to play SC. Like, oh, I don't know, Georgia, who was also playing arguably the best football at the end of the season. Sure, they would have to ask the Sugar Bowl to get Georgia, which they wouldn't have done, but they at least could have asked. Or selected Missouri. But, the Rose Bowl thought tradition was more important and reached waaaaay down to select Illinois from the Big 10 to play USC. By doing this they turned one potentially really good game (USC vs. Georgia/Missouri) into two shitty blowouts (USC crushed Illinois and Georgia hammered an over matched Hawaii).
I doubt that if there were a playoff that we'd be having an Ohio St. vs LSU game for the championship. But who knows? I've stopped getting mad about the lack of a playoff. It's not going to change until at least 2014 (when the Rose Bowl's current deal with ABC is up), but probably not then either.
As always, I think OSU is overrated. LSU 28 OSU 17.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
New Year's 2008 Post 1--NYE and NYD
OK, I've been baaaaaaaaaaaaad about updating my blog of late. I won't make any empty resolution promises, except to say that I'm going to get caught up over the next day or so.
On New Year's eve we grabbed the HB and our nephew and went to first night in the city where the wife and and I first lived together, even though it was booze free. As a treat we got a hotel room for the night at Embassy Suites (the HB and the nephew love the pool and mondo breakfast). I brought a bottle of bubbly for me and the wife for when we got back to the hotel.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much at first night for the boys to do. It was setup either for adults or little kids. So, we only stayed for about an hour and then went back to the hotel and rented a movie. At 11:55 we switched to a New Year's TV show, watched the ball drop then hit the hay.
The wine we drank at midnight was a sparkling shiraz that some friends of ours gave us. I would not recommend it.
On New Year's morning I got up and watched the Vols take care of Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl. At halftime we got some breakfast and my wife took the boys swimming. After check out we went to my parents. My wife, my mom and the HB went to the movies while my dad and I watched USC kick the living shit out of Illinois (more about the bowl match ups in a a follow-up football post).
We had dinner at my parents and then they watched the HB while my wife and I went to see Social Distortion at the House of Blues. Yes, there is great irony in seeing the iconic OC punk band at Disneyland, but that's how things go. I hadn't seen Social D in many years, but let me tell you, this was a treat. Mike Ness's voice is still great and the band rocked. They started by doing folk versions of some of their best songs (including Ball and Chain), and then did punk versions of some Hank Williams songs. The rest of the set was awesome, including some new songs. Catch them when they come your way.
All in all, a great way to kick off the year. Hope that your New Years was good as well.
On New Year's eve we grabbed the HB and our nephew and went to first night in the city where the wife and and I first lived together, even though it was booze free. As a treat we got a hotel room for the night at Embassy Suites (the HB and the nephew love the pool and mondo breakfast). I brought a bottle of bubbly for me and the wife for when we got back to the hotel.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much at first night for the boys to do. It was setup either for adults or little kids. So, we only stayed for about an hour and then went back to the hotel and rented a movie. At 11:55 we switched to a New Year's TV show, watched the ball drop then hit the hay.
The wine we drank at midnight was a sparkling shiraz that some friends of ours gave us. I would not recommend it.
On New Year's morning I got up and watched the Vols take care of Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl. At halftime we got some breakfast and my wife took the boys swimming. After check out we went to my parents. My wife, my mom and the HB went to the movies while my dad and I watched USC kick the living shit out of Illinois (more about the bowl match ups in a a follow-up football post).
We had dinner at my parents and then they watched the HB while my wife and I went to see Social Distortion at the House of Blues. Yes, there is great irony in seeing the iconic OC punk band at Disneyland, but that's how things go. I hadn't seen Social D in many years, but let me tell you, this was a treat. Mike Ness's voice is still great and the band rocked. They started by doing folk versions of some of their best songs (including Ball and Chain), and then did punk versions of some Hank Williams songs. The rest of the set was awesome, including some new songs. Catch them when they come your way.
All in all, a great way to kick off the year. Hope that your New Years was good as well.
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