Since I, along with most people, am feeling thrifty, I searched high and low for thrifty tips. Here are some of my favorite websites dedicated to saving a few more pennies.
http://www.thriftyfun.com
http://www.thrifty-living-tips.com/
http://thrifty.lifetips.com/
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/
You can find coupons online for a lot of your favorite grocery and drugstore purchases. From food to deodorant to razors http://print.coupons.com
Organize in a folder or envelope kept in your purse or car for easy access.
Of course we know that buying in bulk saves money. Several grocery stores sell in bulk or you can shop at a warehouse club. But this is not a savings if it is going to just sit in your pantry. Since I am a single person, I don't buy food in bulk, however I will buy toiletries like toothpaste and toilet paper in bulk.
Bakery outlets are a seldom-tapped resource. You can find savings on bread and all sorts of baked goods.
“But,” you say, “eating thrifty isn't always eating on the skinny. All the cheap foods are bad for you.” Well, the 99 cent Chef reports some cheap choices that help keep your svelte figure. All sell for under a dollar.
http://www.tiphero.com/tips_325_&lpid=16
Entertainment
Make use of your local library or buy books at used bookstores. Amazon has a “used' link. You can usually save a lot. Some sell for 99 cents. I never pay full price for books.
Hulu.com in place of cable. With 900 current prime time hits that you can watch whenever you want, paying for cable seems rather pointless. Plus you can stock up on used DVDs at your local Blockbuster which sell for 2 or 3 bucks.
Thrifty Vacations
•backpacking
•camping
•working vacations – popular in the UK during the 50s, when money was tight and people couldn't afford holidays, they would often spend two weeks picking hops on the farms in the south of England.
These sorts of vacations are still available today in many different parts of the world. You can pick fruit or grapes for wine, or do some sort of environmental project. All are great ways to explore our world and meet new people. http://www.frugal-living-tips.com
How fun would it be to go grape picking in France? I guarantee that you would become the envy of your friends, not to mention your enemies, if you took that trip.
If possible, travel off season when the rates are lower. You can often avoid a price increase if you
buy your airline tickets in advance
Be sure to arm yourself with a City or Entertainment Guide with a list of all the attractions as well as coupons for restaurants and amusements. http://www.entertainment.com
Health http://www.alwaysfrugal.com/frugal-living.html
One of the best ways to stay thrifty is to stay healthy. Being sick is very expensive. Exercise is extremely important and very easy to fit in to any schedule.
I don't have the discipline to exercise at home. Some do. The most frugal thing to do would be to find some second-hand exercise equipment at yard sales, Goodwill, and sales at sports stores, so you can work out at home. However some need the discipline of a class to get (and keep) an effective regimen going. Your local Y offers all sorts of classes and exercise equipment for a decent rate. Most will work with you on this.
If you are a self-motivator and can keep a consistent exercise program at home, walking, biking, and hiking are ideal. In these cases, a good bike may be a valuable investment.
I cannot recommend yoga enough. I take at the Y, but they also hold classes at community centers and
churches. It is a great stress reliever and really helps with your disposition in these tight times.
While we're talking exercise, I found this recipe on http://www.tightwad.com/tips5.htm for deodorant. I am not yet thrifty enough to actually use this tip. But for those who are, mix full strength household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) with water or a water and liquid soap solution. (Never mix bleach with any chemicals containing ammonia, it produces a deadly chlorine gas!) After washing underarms with soap and water, soak a wash cloth and use a 1/32 ratio of bleach to water for cleaning, then air dry.
Decorating
As a former artist, I know framing can be expensive. It doesn't have to be though. A simple
frame hanger can cost at least $3.99. But the pop up top from soda cans can do the same thing, for
much cheaper. Simply remove the top by turning slightly until it pops off. Then attach to frame with
small screws or tiny nails.
As long as you don't need a custom size frame, often you can find cheaply framed prints at stores like
Family Dollar. You can toss the print and use the frame for your objet d'art.
Now that I've shared some of my thrifty secrets, I'd like to hear some of yours.
c.2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Family Guy in Color
"FOX picking up nine more episodes of our show is proof that an African-American can make it in this country. This is a milestone for the United States of America." Cleveland Brown.
Cleveland, the first spin-off from The Family Guy truly does have it all. I mean what more could you want from a sitcom “including love, rednecks and talking bears, oh my!”
Cleveland Brown is Peter Griffin's black neighbor on the family guy. Not only is he the president of the Quahog Chamber of Commerce, but he owns a deli called, Cleveland's Deli. He was a fluent auctioneer before he was hit in the head by a totem pole. This incident permanently slurred his speech, causing him to speak slower.
He gets along well with his white counterparts, and is considered the “responsible one.” However, being the “token black” in the neighborhood, he sometimes receives different treatment from the neighbors. For instance, in the episode “Stuck Together, Torn Apart,” the machinery in a police car labels him as a minority suspect. Another episode, titled “Blind Ambition,” he discusses with policeman Joe Swanson how black strangers should be viewed in white neighborhoods, like a black bowling ball amidst white bowling pins.
Cleveland was created by Cleveland, himself, aka Mike Henry and Rich Appel with help from Seth McFarland (creator of The Family Guy). Interestingly enough, Mike Henry is white and 72. The inspiration for the name was the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland has officially left The Family Guy, but will occasionally drop by for guest appearances.
The spinoff is apparently expected to be a huge success, not unlike The Family Guy, which as become a $1 billion franchise. FOX already has it slated for 35 episodes (or 2 seasons). This contract will make Seth MacFarlane the highest paid television writer.
Cleveland loses both his wife, Loretta and his house (along with his beloved bathtub) in a messy divorce. Loretta has had an affair with Quagmire. Cleveland's response? “Better it be Quagmire than someone she could get a disease from.” So the submissive, clumsy divorcee makes strides with hyperactive son, Tiger Woods, er, Cleveland Jr., to California. However while passing through his hometown of Virginia, he meets up with an unrequited crush, who he made a promise to long ago. It seems her husband did her wrong and left her with two kids. Thrilled at this opportunity, Cleveland decides to stay there instead. This will set the scene for their new Brady-esqe family, which includes, the new wife, Donna, her 16-year-old daughter, Roberta, along with her 5-year-old son, Rallo, as well as a much fatter and less hyper Cleveland Jr.
The new family lives alongside a family of eastern anthropomorphic bears; voiced by author and syndicated columnist, Arianna Huffington and Seth MacFarlane, himself. His other next-door neighbors are the British Pennyapple family. McFarlane also does the voice of the father, Barrington Pennyapple. Across the street live a family of rednecks who don't mask their discomfort with black people. Another familiar voice will be, longtime fan of The Family Guy, Kanye West. He will be the voice of Kenny West, soccer rival of Cleveland Jr.
The premiere has Stewy bidding goodbye to the “chocolate people.” scheduled to premiere in 2009.
Is FOX is taking a huge chance committing two seasons to a spin-off, especially one that hasn't
been tested? Historically, spin-offs are tricky business. Hopefully Cleveland won't follow the patterns of Golden Palace, Flo, and The Ropers. Haven't heard of these? Exactly my point.
c. 2009
Cleveland, the first spin-off from The Family Guy truly does have it all. I mean what more could you want from a sitcom “including love, rednecks and talking bears, oh my!”
Cleveland Brown is Peter Griffin's black neighbor on the family guy. Not only is he the president of the Quahog Chamber of Commerce, but he owns a deli called, Cleveland's Deli. He was a fluent auctioneer before he was hit in the head by a totem pole. This incident permanently slurred his speech, causing him to speak slower.
He gets along well with his white counterparts, and is considered the “responsible one.” However, being the “token black” in the neighborhood, he sometimes receives different treatment from the neighbors. For instance, in the episode “Stuck Together, Torn Apart,” the machinery in a police car labels him as a minority suspect. Another episode, titled “Blind Ambition,” he discusses with policeman Joe Swanson how black strangers should be viewed in white neighborhoods, like a black bowling ball amidst white bowling pins.
Cleveland was created by Cleveland, himself, aka Mike Henry and Rich Appel with help from Seth McFarland (creator of The Family Guy). Interestingly enough, Mike Henry is white and 72. The inspiration for the name was the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland has officially left The Family Guy, but will occasionally drop by for guest appearances.
The spinoff is apparently expected to be a huge success, not unlike The Family Guy, which as become a $1 billion franchise. FOX already has it slated for 35 episodes (or 2 seasons). This contract will make Seth MacFarlane the highest paid television writer.
Cleveland loses both his wife, Loretta and his house (along with his beloved bathtub) in a messy divorce. Loretta has had an affair with Quagmire. Cleveland's response? “Better it be Quagmire than someone she could get a disease from.” So the submissive, clumsy divorcee makes strides with hyperactive son, Tiger Woods, er, Cleveland Jr., to California. However while passing through his hometown of Virginia, he meets up with an unrequited crush, who he made a promise to long ago. It seems her husband did her wrong and left her with two kids. Thrilled at this opportunity, Cleveland decides to stay there instead. This will set the scene for their new Brady-esqe family, which includes, the new wife, Donna, her 16-year-old daughter, Roberta, along with her 5-year-old son, Rallo, as well as a much fatter and less hyper Cleveland Jr.
The new family lives alongside a family of eastern anthropomorphic bears; voiced by author and syndicated columnist, Arianna Huffington and Seth MacFarlane, himself. His other next-door neighbors are the British Pennyapple family. McFarlane also does the voice of the father, Barrington Pennyapple. Across the street live a family of rednecks who don't mask their discomfort with black people. Another familiar voice will be, longtime fan of The Family Guy, Kanye West. He will be the voice of Kenny West, soccer rival of Cleveland Jr.
The premiere has Stewy bidding goodbye to the “chocolate people.” scheduled to premiere in 2009.
Is FOX is taking a huge chance committing two seasons to a spin-off, especially one that hasn't
been tested? Historically, spin-offs are tricky business. Hopefully Cleveland won't follow the patterns of Golden Palace, Flo, and The Ropers. Haven't heard of these? Exactly my point.
c. 2009
Bravo: Gay TV
One thing that struck me as I was watching the Bravo network the other day was the overabundance of estrogen; both real and fabricated. According to Reuters, Bravo is one of the leading gay-friendly stations. Bravo, part of the NBC/Universal family, is known for it's both female and gay appeal. Fashion shows, and reality shows such as Top Chef, America's Top Model, Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D List, Inside the Actor's Studio, Make Me a Supermodel, Miami Social, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, all seem to have a gay element to them. If Lifetime is called “TV for women,” I think we can safely call Bravo, “TV for gays.”
The Fashion Show, is hosted by Isaac Mizrahi, where a collection of designers, both over-the-top women and extremely flamboyant men get together and have a “design-off,” as well as vie not to be the “design that greatly disappointed us this week.” In one of the competitions they are told to sketch a dress from memory. This checks their eye for detail, (because “being a designer is kind of like being a secret agent,” don'tcha know). Just like any other reality show, some contestants get voted off.
The blunt or “direct,” as she prefers, lesbian Tabitha Coffey's, Tabitha's Salon Takeover showcases her razor-sharp directions to motley salons' staff. After bringing one stylist to tears, she declares, coldly, “I hate tears. Why don't you channel all those tears and emotions into something productive....work.”
Lesbian, Jackie Warner hosts Work Out, a show that chronicles the life and drama of a Beverly Hills spa owner. The cast includes the trainers at her spa,”Sky Sport and Spa,” as well as Warner's lover, Mimi, who is a self-centered Brazilian She-Rah.
Of course there's Queer Eye For the Straight Guy where 5 gay guys transform an everyday shlub to sheer fabulousness.
Comedy Central even hosted a spoof on it called Straight Plan for the Gay Man, which featured four heterosexual men teaching gay men how to be straight, or “mannish,” redecorating their homes with neon beer signs and teaching them about sports.”
United States Congressman Barney Frank speaking to the New York Post commented on Queer Eye, saying, "The notion that gay men have a superior fashion sense is not true and it's damaging. It's perfectly possible to enjoy that show and say, look at those clever homosexuals. What they do with hair! And not support gays at all.".
On Top Chef, It seems food isn't the only thing holding the attention of the viewers. The restaurant's kitchen is the backdrop for a saucy soap opera. The chefs, both gay and straight, have 30 minutes to cook dishes complete with amuse-bouches, and refreshing palate cleansers, topped off with sexual innuendoes and double entendres.
The judges hold nothing back. One chef's dish, quoted judge, Steven “reminded me of the career of Elvis Presley. It started out great, but then died on the toilet.”
So, is gay TV really that odd an idea? It is not rare for other subcultures have a channel that is exclusively theirs. Some say that they, just as anyone would, want to have a voice; a representation. Others say that they are trying to push their agenda on all of us straight people, thus validating themselves. Some say that they are trying to make homosexuality seem “normal” or mainstream, turning the kettle water up a notch, so to speak.
I think whatever they are doing, for good or for bad, is working. I remember 20 years ago, gayness was very much in the broadcast closet. TV networks would never even think of putting a gay character on one of their shows (Jack Tripper, aside). An entire gay channel would have been out of the question.
Now, however, it seems we have surpassed mere acceptability. We are embracing it. Celebrating it, even. We are forced to revel in their flamboyancy. My question is, can we honestly say that we celebrate or feel an obligation to be “OK” with any other subculture as much as the homosexual culture?
c.2009
The Fashion Show, is hosted by Isaac Mizrahi, where a collection of designers, both over-the-top women and extremely flamboyant men get together and have a “design-off,” as well as vie not to be the “design that greatly disappointed us this week.” In one of the competitions they are told to sketch a dress from memory. This checks their eye for detail, (because “being a designer is kind of like being a secret agent,” don'tcha know). Just like any other reality show, some contestants get voted off.
The blunt or “direct,” as she prefers, lesbian Tabitha Coffey's, Tabitha's Salon Takeover showcases her razor-sharp directions to motley salons' staff. After bringing one stylist to tears, she declares, coldly, “I hate tears. Why don't you channel all those tears and emotions into something productive....work.”
Lesbian, Jackie Warner hosts Work Out, a show that chronicles the life and drama of a Beverly Hills spa owner. The cast includes the trainers at her spa,”Sky Sport and Spa,” as well as Warner's lover, Mimi, who is a self-centered Brazilian She-Rah.
Of course there's Queer Eye For the Straight Guy where 5 gay guys transform an everyday shlub to sheer fabulousness.
Comedy Central even hosted a spoof on it called Straight Plan for the Gay Man, which featured four heterosexual men teaching gay men how to be straight, or “mannish,” redecorating their homes with neon beer signs and teaching them about sports.”
United States Congressman Barney Frank speaking to the New York Post commented on Queer Eye, saying, "The notion that gay men have a superior fashion sense is not true and it's damaging. It's perfectly possible to enjoy that show and say, look at those clever homosexuals. What they do with hair! And not support gays at all.".
On Top Chef, It seems food isn't the only thing holding the attention of the viewers. The restaurant's kitchen is the backdrop for a saucy soap opera. The chefs, both gay and straight, have 30 minutes to cook dishes complete with amuse-bouches, and refreshing palate cleansers, topped off with sexual innuendoes and double entendres.
The judges hold nothing back. One chef's dish, quoted judge, Steven “reminded me of the career of Elvis Presley. It started out great, but then died on the toilet.”
So, is gay TV really that odd an idea? It is not rare for other subcultures have a channel that is exclusively theirs. Some say that they, just as anyone would, want to have a voice; a representation. Others say that they are trying to push their agenda on all of us straight people, thus validating themselves. Some say that they are trying to make homosexuality seem “normal” or mainstream, turning the kettle water up a notch, so to speak.
I think whatever they are doing, for good or for bad, is working. I remember 20 years ago, gayness was very much in the broadcast closet. TV networks would never even think of putting a gay character on one of their shows (Jack Tripper, aside). An entire gay channel would have been out of the question.
Now, however, it seems we have surpassed mere acceptability. We are embracing it. Celebrating it, even. We are forced to revel in their flamboyancy. My question is, can we honestly say that we celebrate or feel an obligation to be “OK” with any other subculture as much as the homosexual culture?
c.2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fair or Foul?
Booke Musterman and Adam Martin
Controversy sells. Controversy diversifies. So why is the government shunning such a pillar of our social and economic freedom? Why must the government decide what is fair for us?
Not according to the Fairness Doctrine, which was introduced in 1949, and rescinded in 1988. Radio stations would be required to present both sides of controversial issues in a manner that was honest, equitable and balanced.
"Honest, equitable and balanced?" By whose standards? Who is in a position to mandate which opposing side gets equal time? Will we also be giving equal time to crooks and NAMBLA members?
Who decides what's "fair?" I wonder how quickly Liberal, er, Progressive stations will be to invoke the fairness doctrine for things like the Evolution/Intelligent design debate.
First of all, why in the world would we need anything close to the "Fairness Doctrine?' Doesn't every radio have an OFF switch? If you don't happen to like what is on the air, you are fully within your rights to turn it off.
Any Conservative, will tell you that the media is slanted leftward. Any Liberal, will tell you the opposite. There are several websites dedicated to the respective exposes of biased news. So if both are right, don't we already have a sort of equal time?
Adrian Cronauer, the inspiration for the 1987 Robin Williams film, Good Morning Vietnam, writes in his article, The Fairness Doctrine: A Solution in Search of a Problem, that radio stations would just not air controversial issues. This would allow less access to varied viewpoints. He says that the current ever-evolving, immediate access to media "is achieving the sort of diversity and access the Fairness Doctrine was designed to foster, but could never attain."
Steve Rendell of the Progressive media criticism group, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, says in The Fairness Doctrine How We Lost it, and Why We Need it Back, that the doctrine did not require equal time for opposing views but just that contrasting viewpoints be presented.
So the opportunity for slanting and bias is still there. A Liberal host would be fully within the law spending 30 minutes presenting a shiny argument for his side, while getting a dull Conservative to spend 5 minutes on the opposing side.
Some say this is a purely Capitalist issue. Think of it this way, radio stations who air Rush Limbaugh's show are often very opposed to his caustic manner. But his ratings are so good that the advertising money potentially lost would be unimaginable.
When Sinclair Broadcasting was going to air the anti-Kerry documentary, Stolen Honor, the backlash from Liberals was huge. However, even when bombarded with complaints and calls to action, the FCC wouldn't prohibit the airing of the documentary. Eventually, Sinclair bowed to an advertising boycott threat.
Though the Fairness Doctrine no longer applies today, Congress passed Dick Durbin's amendment, which "calls on the FCC to 'encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership and to ensure that broadcast station licenses are used in the public interest.'"
Enforcement of the doctrine was extreme and controversial. The FCC could refuse to renew broadcasting licenses, upon violations. Station owners resented the fact that they, were the only media subject to this regulation.
Dick Morris seems to think that this will cause talk radio to be limited to the Internet. Of course, then the internet will be regulated, which will then limit Conservative talk to private conversations, then when they start policing those, it will be limited to mere thought, and then, in come the thought police. It's all so very 1984.
A source from the FCC told me, "Although the new doctrine would apply to broadcast television as well, the real target is AM radio.”
This is so suspicious. Why are they "targeting" AM radio. It would seem that they are directly trying to thwart Conservative talk. Think about it, when was the last time you heard someone crying for the Fairness Doctrine on generally Liberal slanted TV.
Why is the print media any different? According to Patrick Gibson, aka, The Evil Conservative, this is because radio is interactive. TV and print don't encourage dialogue. Even so. why should it be subject to differing broadcast regulations?
Why was the doctrine abolished? According to Adam Thierer, Director for Digital Media Freedom, "there were concerns that it was in violation of First Amendment free speech principles."
Val E. Limburg, of The Museum of Broadcast Communications, concurs, saying, that the doctrine might actually have a "chilling effect" and might be in violation of the First Amendment. In 1987, the courts declared that the doctrine was not mandated by Congress and that the FCC did not have to continue to enforce it. The doctrine was dissolved that year.
Backers of the doctrine claim that listeners have the right to hear all sides of controversial issues. They are afraid broadcasters would resort to partisan coverage of such issues. But it's not as if diverse opinions are silenced. We have an outlet for any and all sorts of opinions to be heard.
FCC Chairman, Kevin J. Martin says, "I see no compelling reason to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine in today's broadcast environment, and believe that such a step would inhibit the robust discussion...over the nations airwaves."
I was able to interview Patrick Gibson, aka The Evil Conservative, host of WVOX's Evil Conservative Radio in New York. I wanted to find out exactly how Conservative talk would be affected by this.
Why does the FD only apply to radio? The FCC controls TV as well.
The fairness doctrine is designed to... make controversial programming burdensome for radio stations. Radio stations are the target because they carry talk radio, and the issue-oriented focus of talk radio offends liberals. Liberals love government and hate talk radio... so it's a hop, skip, and a jump from there to using government to attack talk radio.
How enforceable is the doctrine? It isn't....The Fairness Doctrine is almost European in its potential for silly and destructive unintended ramifications. Or maybe that's exactly what they intend. Who knows?
Isn't this a purely Capitalist issue? Liberal talk doesn't seem to sell as well as Conservative. It is from the side of free speech. For the authoritarian liberals it's a matter of morality. People should do as they are told and feel the way [the media] tells them to feel. They are viscerally offended by talk radio and its issue-based, in-depth content. They know that, in the arena of ideas and concepts, they can't compete....To the authoritarian liberal, there is something patently offensive about analyzing events through a constitutional lens.
How feasible is providing equal time to every issue? What about things like evolution/intelligent design? This isn't an agenda focused on free thought and expression at all. It is exactly the opposite. In all likelihood the govt would see evolution as scientific fact requiring no equal time for rebuttal... like global warming.
Don't we already have a sort of fairness doctrine with the accessibility of varied media? we have as much "fairness" in media as the government could or should provide. You see the variety on cable TV... while the regulated networks all preach off the same page. Contrast the diversity available in the same medium with and without regulation.
c. 2009
Controversy sells. Controversy diversifies. So why is the government shunning such a pillar of our social and economic freedom? Why must the government decide what is fair for us?
Not according to the Fairness Doctrine, which was introduced in 1949, and rescinded in 1988. Radio stations would be required to present both sides of controversial issues in a manner that was honest, equitable and balanced.
"Honest, equitable and balanced?" By whose standards? Who is in a position to mandate which opposing side gets equal time? Will we also be giving equal time to crooks and NAMBLA members?
Who decides what's "fair?" I wonder how quickly Liberal, er, Progressive stations will be to invoke the fairness doctrine for things like the Evolution/Intelligent design debate.
First of all, why in the world would we need anything close to the "Fairness Doctrine?' Doesn't every radio have an OFF switch? If you don't happen to like what is on the air, you are fully within your rights to turn it off.
Any Conservative, will tell you that the media is slanted leftward. Any Liberal, will tell you the opposite. There are several websites dedicated to the respective exposes of biased news. So if both are right, don't we already have a sort of equal time?
Adrian Cronauer, the inspiration for the 1987 Robin Williams film, Good Morning Vietnam, writes in his article, The Fairness Doctrine: A Solution in Search of a Problem, that radio stations would just not air controversial issues. This would allow less access to varied viewpoints. He says that the current ever-evolving, immediate access to media "is achieving the sort of diversity and access the Fairness Doctrine was designed to foster, but could never attain."
Steve Rendell of the Progressive media criticism group, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, says in The Fairness Doctrine How We Lost it, and Why We Need it Back, that the doctrine did not require equal time for opposing views but just that contrasting viewpoints be presented.
So the opportunity for slanting and bias is still there. A Liberal host would be fully within the law spending 30 minutes presenting a shiny argument for his side, while getting a dull Conservative to spend 5 minutes on the opposing side.
Some say this is a purely Capitalist issue. Think of it this way, radio stations who air Rush Limbaugh's show are often very opposed to his caustic manner. But his ratings are so good that the advertising money potentially lost would be unimaginable.
When Sinclair Broadcasting was going to air the anti-Kerry documentary, Stolen Honor, the backlash from Liberals was huge. However, even when bombarded with complaints and calls to action, the FCC wouldn't prohibit the airing of the documentary. Eventually, Sinclair bowed to an advertising boycott threat.
Though the Fairness Doctrine no longer applies today, Congress passed Dick Durbin's amendment, which "calls on the FCC to 'encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership and to ensure that broadcast station licenses are used in the public interest.'"
Enforcement of the doctrine was extreme and controversial. The FCC could refuse to renew broadcasting licenses, upon violations. Station owners resented the fact that they, were the only media subject to this regulation.
Dick Morris seems to think that this will cause talk radio to be limited to the Internet. Of course, then the internet will be regulated, which will then limit Conservative talk to private conversations, then when they start policing those, it will be limited to mere thought, and then, in come the thought police. It's all so very 1984.
A source from the FCC told me, "Although the new doctrine would apply to broadcast television as well, the real target is AM radio.”
This is so suspicious. Why are they "targeting" AM radio. It would seem that they are directly trying to thwart Conservative talk. Think about it, when was the last time you heard someone crying for the Fairness Doctrine on generally Liberal slanted TV.
Why is the print media any different? According to Patrick Gibson, aka, The Evil Conservative, this is because radio is interactive. TV and print don't encourage dialogue. Even so. why should it be subject to differing broadcast regulations?
Why was the doctrine abolished? According to Adam Thierer, Director for Digital Media Freedom, "there were concerns that it was in violation of First Amendment free speech principles."
Val E. Limburg, of The Museum of Broadcast Communications, concurs, saying, that the doctrine might actually have a "chilling effect" and might be in violation of the First Amendment. In 1987, the courts declared that the doctrine was not mandated by Congress and that the FCC did not have to continue to enforce it. The doctrine was dissolved that year.
Backers of the doctrine claim that listeners have the right to hear all sides of controversial issues. They are afraid broadcasters would resort to partisan coverage of such issues. But it's not as if diverse opinions are silenced. We have an outlet for any and all sorts of opinions to be heard.
FCC Chairman, Kevin J. Martin says, "I see no compelling reason to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine in today's broadcast environment, and believe that such a step would inhibit the robust discussion...over the nations airwaves."
I was able to interview Patrick Gibson, aka The Evil Conservative, host of WVOX's Evil Conservative Radio in New York. I wanted to find out exactly how Conservative talk would be affected by this.
Why does the FD only apply to radio? The FCC controls TV as well.
The fairness doctrine is designed to... make controversial programming burdensome for radio stations. Radio stations are the target because they carry talk radio, and the issue-oriented focus of talk radio offends liberals. Liberals love government and hate talk radio... so it's a hop, skip, and a jump from there to using government to attack talk radio.
How enforceable is the doctrine? It isn't....The Fairness Doctrine is almost European in its potential for silly and destructive unintended ramifications. Or maybe that's exactly what they intend. Who knows?
Isn't this a purely Capitalist issue? Liberal talk doesn't seem to sell as well as Conservative. It is from the side of free speech. For the authoritarian liberals it's a matter of morality. People should do as they are told and feel the way [the media] tells them to feel. They are viscerally offended by talk radio and its issue-based, in-depth content. They know that, in the arena of ideas and concepts, they can't compete....To the authoritarian liberal, there is something patently offensive about analyzing events through a constitutional lens.
How feasible is providing equal time to every issue? What about things like evolution/intelligent design? This isn't an agenda focused on free thought and expression at all. It is exactly the opposite. In all likelihood the govt would see evolution as scientific fact requiring no equal time for rebuttal... like global warming.
Don't we already have a sort of fairness doctrine with the accessibility of varied media? we have as much "fairness" in media as the government could or should provide. You see the variety on cable TV... while the regulated networks all preach off the same page. Contrast the diversity available in the same medium with and without regulation.
c. 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
EAT YOUR SPINACH!
My parents always urged me to eat my spinach, but I don't think even they knew what a perfect food it was. Few people do. The green, mushy mess seemed incredibly unappealing to most. I had no idea the many possibilities of ways to eat it. I'm not sure it would have made a difference, though. I did have a sneaking suspicion that it was good for me, which was probably part of the reason why I avoided it. I shunned it for years until I learned of spinach dip.
I watched Popeye down his many cans of spinach, which supposedly were his source of strength and large muscles. (Interestingly enough, this was the result of the iron content being largely overstated back in those days. It was mistakenly reported to be 10 times the actual amount in the 1930s.) But I certainly didn't want muscles like that.
Although Popeye was probably the leading proponent of spinach back in the day, here are some interesting facts that I'll bet even he didn't know. Spinach originally grew
in the sandy soils of Persia, [modern day Iran] . This is ironic since spinach doesn't grow well in hot or arid temperatures. They had fancy irrigation systems to appease the climate. It was brought to Spain in 1200 AD. It was then brought to China, where it is called the "Persian green." It wasn't brought to the U.S. until 1806 where it's popularity remains strong today. Currently, it is produced mainly in Texas and California.
Spinach embodies convenience, thrift and deliciousness. Few other vegetables are in season all year round, available fresh [not just processed] in all regions of the world, is very affordable and easy to grow at home. It is so versatile; there are very few dishes that wouldn't benefit from spinach.
Cooking & Recipes
Spinach cake is a French favorite for le brunch. www.davidlebovitz.com
Spinach obviously makes a good substitution for lettuce. [Use younger spinach, which is smaller and more tender.] There really is nothing better than a good spinach salad, much much healthier than iceberg lettuce. But it also substitutes well for turnip greens, beet greens, kale, Mexican spinach or New Zealand spinach. www.foodreference.com
It is important to keep in mind that spinach adds a more acidic flavor to your dish. This can be counteracted by adding butter or cream.
Another thing to consider is that when spinach is cooked, it shrinks by 90%. .
Here are some easy ways to load up on spinach from foodreference.com
* Make Spinach Part of Your 5 A Day Plan EAT 5 TO 9 A DAY
* Use fresh spinach to make a tasty, healthy salad.
* Add chopped spinach to lasagna and soup.
* Stir yogurt into chopped or puréed spinach for a low-fat version of creamed spinach.
* Try stir-frying spinach with garlic, onion, and chopped red bell peppers for a colorful tasty side dish.
• Buy it bagged and ready to use for quicker meals.
No party is complete without spinach dip. Here are some tasty recipes to iron-clad your festivities.
HYPERLINK "http://esurience.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/spinach-and-artichoke-dip/"http://esurience.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/spinach-and-artichoke-dip/
HYPERLINK "http://www.spinachrecipes.org/spinach-dip.html"http://www.spinachrecipes.org/spinach-dip.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.spinachrecipes.org/easy-hot-spinach-dip.html"http://www.spinachrecipes.org/easy-hot-spinach-dip.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.bfeedme.com/luscious-spinach-artichoke-dip/"http://www.bfeedme.com/luscious-spinach-artichoke-dip/
Benefits
Not only does spinach increase your muscle mass, a la Popeye. Legend has it that increases your wallet, for spinach has been linked to prosperity.
Seriously though, it does protect against osteoporosis, heart disease, many types of cancer and arthritis, simultaneously.
Obviously, it is a great source of iron, but it is also a great source of vitamins A and C; as well as calcium.
Author and Culinary Humorist, Burgandy Oliver is so fond of spinach that she owns her own "Spinach-mobile." Check it out. HYPERLINK "http://www.ilovespinach.com/Spinach_Mobile.html"http://www.ilovespinach.com/Spinach_Mobile.html
The benefits of the vegetable are far reaching indeed. Futuristic spinach may one day be powering our laptops and cell phones. MIT researchers are working on this right now.
Architects, Matthew Coates and Tim Meldrum designed an actual house of spinach. "Not only does the building have a photosynthetic and phototropic skin made with spinach protein, but it also produces more energy than a single family's needs, allowing the excess to be distributed to neighbors. This radical shift, from centralized energy systems today, fosters community interdependence as neighbors benefit from the resources of others." A truly "green" building.
HYPERLINK "http://futurefeeder.com/index.php/archives/2005/08/24/sustainable-house-of-the-future-runs-on-spinach/"http://futurefeeder.com/index.php/archives/2005/08/24/sustainable-house-of-the-future-runs-on-spinach/
Of course, spinach isn't for everyone. Writer, Clarence Darrow famously said, "I don't like spinach, and I'm glad I don't, because if I liked it I'd eat it, and I just hate it."
Dan Rather, though not necessarily opposed to it, advises to "Never eat spinach just before going on the air."
[I can't listen to this quote without getting an image of Rather in spinach-toothed glory.]
So, in spite a few naysayers, do you really need any more reasons to EAT YOUR SPINACH?
c. 2009
I watched Popeye down his many cans of spinach, which supposedly were his source of strength and large muscles. (Interestingly enough, this was the result of the iron content being largely overstated back in those days. It was mistakenly reported to be 10 times the actual amount in the 1930s.) But I certainly didn't want muscles like that.
Although Popeye was probably the leading proponent of spinach back in the day, here are some interesting facts that I'll bet even he didn't know. Spinach originally grew
in the sandy soils of Persia, [modern day Iran] . This is ironic since spinach doesn't grow well in hot or arid temperatures. They had fancy irrigation systems to appease the climate. It was brought to Spain in 1200 AD. It was then brought to China, where it is called the "Persian green." It wasn't brought to the U.S. until 1806 where it's popularity remains strong today. Currently, it is produced mainly in Texas and California.
Spinach embodies convenience, thrift and deliciousness. Few other vegetables are in season all year round, available fresh [not just processed] in all regions of the world, is very affordable and easy to grow at home. It is so versatile; there are very few dishes that wouldn't benefit from spinach.
Cooking & Recipes
Spinach cake is a French favorite for le brunch. www.davidlebovitz.com
Spinach obviously makes a good substitution for lettuce. [Use younger spinach, which is smaller and more tender.] There really is nothing better than a good spinach salad, much much healthier than iceberg lettuce. But it also substitutes well for turnip greens, beet greens, kale, Mexican spinach or New Zealand spinach. www.foodreference.com
It is important to keep in mind that spinach adds a more acidic flavor to your dish. This can be counteracted by adding butter or cream.
Another thing to consider is that when spinach is cooked, it shrinks by 90%. .
Here are some easy ways to load up on spinach from foodreference.com
* Make Spinach Part of Your 5 A Day Plan EAT 5 TO 9 A DAY
* Use fresh spinach to make a tasty, healthy salad.
* Add chopped spinach to lasagna and soup.
* Stir yogurt into chopped or puréed spinach for a low-fat version of creamed spinach.
* Try stir-frying spinach with garlic, onion, and chopped red bell peppers for a colorful tasty side dish.
• Buy it bagged and ready to use for quicker meals.
No party is complete without spinach dip. Here are some tasty recipes to iron-clad your festivities.
HYPERLINK "http://esurience.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/spinach-and-artichoke-dip/"http://esurience.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/spinach-and-artichoke-dip/
HYPERLINK "http://www.spinachrecipes.org/spinach-dip.html"http://www.spinachrecipes.org/spinach-dip.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.spinachrecipes.org/easy-hot-spinach-dip.html"http://www.spinachrecipes.org/easy-hot-spinach-dip.html
HYPERLINK "http://www.bfeedme.com/luscious-spinach-artichoke-dip/"http://www.bfeedme.com/luscious-spinach-artichoke-dip/
Benefits
Not only does spinach increase your muscle mass, a la Popeye. Legend has it that increases your wallet, for spinach has been linked to prosperity.
Seriously though, it does protect against osteoporosis, heart disease, many types of cancer and arthritis, simultaneously.
Obviously, it is a great source of iron, but it is also a great source of vitamins A and C; as well as calcium.
Author and Culinary Humorist, Burgandy Oliver is so fond of spinach that she owns her own "Spinach-mobile." Check it out. HYPERLINK "http://www.ilovespinach.com/Spinach_Mobile.html"http://www.ilovespinach.com/Spinach_Mobile.html
The benefits of the vegetable are far reaching indeed. Futuristic spinach may one day be powering our laptops and cell phones. MIT researchers are working on this right now.
Architects, Matthew Coates and Tim Meldrum designed an actual house of spinach. "Not only does the building have a photosynthetic and phototropic skin made with spinach protein, but it also produces more energy than a single family's needs, allowing the excess to be distributed to neighbors. This radical shift, from centralized energy systems today, fosters community interdependence as neighbors benefit from the resources of others." A truly "green" building.
HYPERLINK "http://futurefeeder.com/index.php/archives/2005/08/24/sustainable-house-of-the-future-runs-on-spinach/"http://futurefeeder.com/index.php/archives/2005/08/24/sustainable-house-of-the-future-runs-on-spinach/
Of course, spinach isn't for everyone. Writer, Clarence Darrow famously said, "I don't like spinach, and I'm glad I don't, because if I liked it I'd eat it, and I just hate it."
Dan Rather, though not necessarily opposed to it, advises to "Never eat spinach just before going on the air."
[I can't listen to this quote without getting an image of Rather in spinach-toothed glory.]
So, in spite a few naysayers, do you really need any more reasons to EAT YOUR SPINACH?
c. 2009
Digestable Storehouses
Digest-able Storehouses
Just as a “magazine” is a storehouse for ammunition, similarly a publication could, in a sense be considered a “storehouse” or “arsenal” of ideas. These days, there is a magazine for any and everything. Publications abound freely. Few subcultures, trades, hobbies, or fetishes are left without representation. Thanks to Superstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, it is not uncommon for the layperson to be generally familiar with some of these esoteric publications. Here are my top 10 that you may not immediately think of when perusing the magazine racks.
1. Amelia's Magazine http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/
This is an English magazine with a beautiful website. Amelia is the empress of style, covering anything and everything cool and current that you may want to know about in her beautiful magazine. Amelia's covers are known for being unique (previous issues have been texturized with Swarovski crystals, and fur. Others have been glow-in-the-dark and scratch 'n' sniff.) Her colorful, artistic pages are just as pretty as you'd see in any museum. In fact, you can even order limited edition prints from her. Each issue is a limited edition, designer original, by Amelia in her home office, in East London.
She interviews everyone from illustrators, zine publishers (trust me, these are like no zines here in America) and musicians to the founders of the new green networking site, Ecomotion.
2. Garden & Gun: Soul of the New South "http://www.Gardenandgun.com/
A bi-monthly Southern lifestyle magazine that deftly captures the magic of the new South –the food, arts, politics, sports, and community.
From down home cooking tips and recipes to the latest fishing advice, this would be my one stop shop to find out what's going on in the south. The picturesque landscapes of destinations make you feel like you are there. As do the in depth coverage of festivals such as the, 105th annual Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates. How to pick the best exhibitions, how to choose the best Fly Rod camp. If it happens in the South, it happens in Garden and Gun.
3. Weird New Jersey http://www.weirdnj.com/
Weird New Jersey is a self-published, kitschy annual travel guide.
The features come from interviews, letters, miles of traverse; all seeking anything and everything weird and unique about New Jersey. “Your travel guide to New Jersey's local legends and best kept secrets.”
The “New Jersey Hall of Shame” is a list of about 25 New Jersey citizens of shameful notoriety, including Andrew Cunanan, Versace's murderer, and the Menendez brothers (who were born there). They are always taking nominees.
4. Weird Universe http://www.weirduniverse.net
"Weird Universe explores every aspect of the natural cosmos; proving, that is not only 'stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine.'"
From “Archaeology” to“Walking Zombie Syndrome,” to a story about Russian porn star Yelena Berkova running for mayor of her city. Weird Universe covers it all; with everything in between. Few oddities have been missed. Regular columns such as, “Your daily Loser,” and “People who's sex lives are worse than yours,” will be a sure-fire boost to your self-esteem.
5. Gastronomica http://www.gastronomica.org/index.html
is an academic/literary journal about food and food culture. It's recipes and articles will whet and feed readers sensual and intellectual appetites for culinary culture. Has a “Food on Film” section, which discusses food themes in movies, such as American Pie, Austin Powers, and American Psycho, among others.
6. Obscure Magazine http://www.obscuremagazine.com/about.cfm
One definition of the word “obscure” is, “not readily understood or clearly expressed.” The editors of this magazine felt that this was true of media's coverage the black community. They hope to give clarity and understanding to black ladies by empowering them. With articles on spirituality, family, community, health, wealth, entertainment and beauty, Obscure is devoted to positive and healthy foundations.
7.The Hungover Gourmet http://www.hungovergourmet.com/
This is basically a food magazine for guys, who have no cooking experience. The editor of this magazine says, "I think it's unfortunate that more men don't cook, like to cook, or admit to cooking. Sure, plenty of guys'll own up to strapping on a ridiculous hat and apron to burn a few steaks beyond all recognition, but is that really cooking?"
Complete with recipes, burger reviews, blogs, and drink recipes ...oh, and hangover cures, The Hungover Gourmet will soon be every guy's best friend and savior.
8. Sheep! Magazine "http://www.sheepmagazine.com/"http://www.sheepmagazine.comFrom the same publishers who gave us Backyard Poultry and the Dairy Goat Journal, Sheep!gives us everything we need to know to raise sheep effectively. From shearing tips to business tips, you'll find your “flock wisdom” here. Even “help for the reluctant shepherd.” Show the world you are a sheep lover with an “Ask About My Sheep” shirt!
9.Monocle "http://www.monocle.com/"http://www.monocle.com/ Headquartered in London with offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Zürich and New York, Monocle covers international and global affairs, including business, culture and design. It comes out 10 times a year in print and everyday at monocle.com. The staff includes award-winning editors and correspondents from The New York Times, The Independent on Sunday, the BBC, CBC and many more. Monocle is designed to look more like a book than a magazine. It is both highly portable and collectable (it's very “bookish.”) Writers and photographers cover international stories on politics, branding, and popular culture.
10.Reason Magazine "http://www.reason.com/"http://www.reason.comWith pithy contributors such as Christopher Hitchins and Michelle Malkin, Reason is the monthly print magazine of “free minds and free markets.” Covering politics, culture, and ideas with freedom from partisanship, through a mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. Makes a case for freedom and individual choice in all areas of human activity.
Not only is Reason Online updated daily with articles and columns, it also contains the full text of past issues of the print edition of Reason. Reason Online is free.
Reason and Reason Online are editorially independent publications of the Reason Foundation, a national, non-profit research and educational organization.
Hopefully you will be as delighted as I was to discover these “arsenals.”
It's kind of fun to realize there is a magazine for every subculture and hobby. Sometimes it can be interesting and enlightening to delve into some completely random, glossy knowledge. If reading a book can be a journey of the imagination, maybe a magazine can be a weekend getaway.
c. 2009
Just as a “magazine” is a storehouse for ammunition, similarly a publication could, in a sense be considered a “storehouse” or “arsenal” of ideas. These days, there is a magazine for any and everything. Publications abound freely. Few subcultures, trades, hobbies, or fetishes are left without representation. Thanks to Superstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, it is not uncommon for the layperson to be generally familiar with some of these esoteric publications. Here are my top 10 that you may not immediately think of when perusing the magazine racks.
1. Amelia's Magazine http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/
This is an English magazine with a beautiful website. Amelia is the empress of style, covering anything and everything cool and current that you may want to know about in her beautiful magazine. Amelia's covers are known for being unique (previous issues have been texturized with Swarovski crystals, and fur. Others have been glow-in-the-dark and scratch 'n' sniff.) Her colorful, artistic pages are just as pretty as you'd see in any museum. In fact, you can even order limited edition prints from her. Each issue is a limited edition, designer original, by Amelia in her home office, in East London.
She interviews everyone from illustrators, zine publishers (trust me, these are like no zines here in America) and musicians to the founders of the new green networking site, Ecomotion.
2. Garden & Gun: Soul of the New South "http://www.Gardenandgun.com/
A bi-monthly Southern lifestyle magazine that deftly captures the magic of the new South –the food, arts, politics, sports, and community.
From down home cooking tips and recipes to the latest fishing advice, this would be my one stop shop to find out what's going on in the south. The picturesque landscapes of destinations make you feel like you are there. As do the in depth coverage of festivals such as the, 105th annual Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates. How to pick the best exhibitions, how to choose the best Fly Rod camp. If it happens in the South, it happens in Garden and Gun.
3. Weird New Jersey http://www.weirdnj.com/
Weird New Jersey is a self-published, kitschy annual travel guide.
The features come from interviews, letters, miles of traverse; all seeking anything and everything weird and unique about New Jersey. “Your travel guide to New Jersey's local legends and best kept secrets.”
The “New Jersey Hall of Shame” is a list of about 25 New Jersey citizens of shameful notoriety, including Andrew Cunanan, Versace's murderer, and the Menendez brothers (who were born there). They are always taking nominees.
4. Weird Universe http://www.weirduniverse.net
"Weird Universe explores every aspect of the natural cosmos; proving, that is not only 'stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine.'"
From “Archaeology” to“Walking Zombie Syndrome,” to a story about Russian porn star Yelena Berkova running for mayor of her city. Weird Universe covers it all; with everything in between. Few oddities have been missed. Regular columns such as, “Your daily Loser,” and “People who's sex lives are worse than yours,” will be a sure-fire boost to your self-esteem.
5. Gastronomica http://www.gastronomica.org/index.html
is an academic/literary journal about food and food culture. It's recipes and articles will whet and feed readers sensual and intellectual appetites for culinary culture. Has a “Food on Film” section, which discusses food themes in movies, such as American Pie, Austin Powers, and American Psycho, among others.
6. Obscure Magazine http://www.obscuremagazine.com/about.cfm
One definition of the word “obscure” is, “not readily understood or clearly expressed.” The editors of this magazine felt that this was true of media's coverage the black community. They hope to give clarity and understanding to black ladies by empowering them. With articles on spirituality, family, community, health, wealth, entertainment and beauty, Obscure is devoted to positive and healthy foundations.
7.The Hungover Gourmet http://www.hungovergourmet.com/
This is basically a food magazine for guys, who have no cooking experience. The editor of this magazine says, "I think it's unfortunate that more men don't cook, like to cook, or admit to cooking. Sure, plenty of guys'll own up to strapping on a ridiculous hat and apron to burn a few steaks beyond all recognition, but is that really cooking?"
Complete with recipes, burger reviews, blogs, and drink recipes ...oh, and hangover cures, The Hungover Gourmet will soon be every guy's best friend and savior.
8. Sheep! Magazine "http://www.sheepmagazine.com/"http://www.sheepmagazine.comFrom the same publishers who gave us Backyard Poultry and the Dairy Goat Journal, Sheep!gives us everything we need to know to raise sheep effectively. From shearing tips to business tips, you'll find your “flock wisdom” here. Even “help for the reluctant shepherd.” Show the world you are a sheep lover with an “Ask About My Sheep” shirt!
9.Monocle "http://www.monocle.com/"http://www.monocle.com/ Headquartered in London with offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Zürich and New York, Monocle covers international and global affairs, including business, culture and design. It comes out 10 times a year in print and everyday at monocle.com. The staff includes award-winning editors and correspondents from The New York Times, The Independent on Sunday, the BBC, CBC and many more. Monocle is designed to look more like a book than a magazine. It is both highly portable and collectable (it's very “bookish.”) Writers and photographers cover international stories on politics, branding, and popular culture.
10.Reason Magazine "http://www.reason.com/"http://www.reason.comWith pithy contributors such as Christopher Hitchins and Michelle Malkin, Reason is the monthly print magazine of “free minds and free markets.” Covering politics, culture, and ideas with freedom from partisanship, through a mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. Makes a case for freedom and individual choice in all areas of human activity.
Not only is Reason Online updated daily with articles and columns, it also contains the full text of past issues of the print edition of Reason. Reason Online is free.
Reason and Reason Online are editorially independent publications of the Reason Foundation, a national, non-profit research and educational organization.
Hopefully you will be as delighted as I was to discover these “arsenals.”
It's kind of fun to realize there is a magazine for every subculture and hobby. Sometimes it can be interesting and enlightening to delve into some completely random, glossy knowledge. If reading a book can be a journey of the imagination, maybe a magazine can be a weekend getaway.
c. 2009
Cool Like That
"Maybe you are the 'cool' generation If coolness means a capacity to stay calm and use your head in the service of ends passionately believed in, then it has my admiration."
Kingman Brewster, Jr.
So I looked up the word "cool" in the Urban Dictionary, and let me just tell you that I found possibly the most "uncool" definition. "The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell.". (That's what I get for doing such an uncool thing like looking "cool" up in the dictionary.) Apparently this dictionary hasn't been updated since the 1950s.
Several images come to one's mind when pondering, "what exactly is cool?" Fonzie is probably the first image. He embodied cool. Fortunately, Fonzie was cool internally and externally. He was so cool, he could pull off being a good guy. James Dean may be another who immediately comes to mind. While he could certainly have pulled off being noble, he didn't bother. Maybe he didn't have to. He was an iconic individual, for sure.
While pondering my list of cool, the word "responsibility" may not be the first word that emerges into my mind, but when musing about things that are "uncool," the antonyms of the word clearly come into focus, "deadbeats," "slackers," "losers," etc.
There are people who may be cool externally, but when you dig a little deeper, you find that they are ignorant deadbeats; irresponsible and illegitimate in every way. These are the people who have made a pattern of shirking responsibilities, large and small. Undependable people are certainly "uncool' in most people's book. Perhaps I was a little harsh in calling them "irresponsible and illegitimate in every way," because EVERYONE is capable of this at some point, and not everyone is illegitimate in every way....maybe just some ways. It still ain't cool.
I found a blog on Yahoo discussing this very topic. For the most part the bloggers concurred that being yourself, and independent topped the list of what was cool.
"Cool" is certainly a relative and a generic term. I can refer to your pants or shoes as "cool," in the sense that I just like them. But when I deem something to be truly cool, it is pristine. It can fend for itself; stand on it's own, so to speak.
There are the intellectually cool. This brings up an important question, are you cool because of what you do or who you are? do you project a specific aura that says "hey, he's cool?" or must you do specific things in order to become cool? "she's a high-powered lawyer, gosh, she's cool."
(Perhaps this query is merely my attempt to appear intellectually or philosophically cool.)
No one can definitively say what "cool" is, yet everyone knows it when they see it. I think an overarching definition is that cool is a state of mind. Independence is cool, blaming others for your and depending on others to bail you out of your misfortunes is very uncool.
You can't be truly cool without taking responsibility for yourself. No one likes constantly picking up the pieces of your oversights. That's just not cool. "But," you say. "I hate my job, it's pointless," or, "But my company just went bankrupt, how on earth is society going to function without such an important industry leader?" We need to stop depending on others to bail us out of these entirely preventable situations.
We need to work towards making this a much cooler society; a plucky and empowered society that isn't afraid to own up to its responsibilities.
c. 2009
Kingman Brewster, Jr.
So I looked up the word "cool" in the Urban Dictionary, and let me just tell you that I found possibly the most "uncool" definition. "The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell.". (That's what I get for doing such an uncool thing like looking "cool" up in the dictionary.) Apparently this dictionary hasn't been updated since the 1950s.
Several images come to one's mind when pondering, "what exactly is cool?" Fonzie is probably the first image. He embodied cool. Fortunately, Fonzie was cool internally and externally. He was so cool, he could pull off being a good guy. James Dean may be another who immediately comes to mind. While he could certainly have pulled off being noble, he didn't bother. Maybe he didn't have to. He was an iconic individual, for sure.
While pondering my list of cool, the word "responsibility" may not be the first word that emerges into my mind, but when musing about things that are "uncool," the antonyms of the word clearly come into focus, "deadbeats," "slackers," "losers," etc.
There are people who may be cool externally, but when you dig a little deeper, you find that they are ignorant deadbeats; irresponsible and illegitimate in every way. These are the people who have made a pattern of shirking responsibilities, large and small. Undependable people are certainly "uncool' in most people's book. Perhaps I was a little harsh in calling them "irresponsible and illegitimate in every way," because EVERYONE is capable of this at some point, and not everyone is illegitimate in every way....maybe just some ways. It still ain't cool.
I found a blog on Yahoo discussing this very topic. For the most part the bloggers concurred that being yourself, and independent topped the list of what was cool.
"Cool" is certainly a relative and a generic term. I can refer to your pants or shoes as "cool," in the sense that I just like them. But when I deem something to be truly cool, it is pristine. It can fend for itself; stand on it's own, so to speak.
There are the intellectually cool. This brings up an important question, are you cool because of what you do or who you are? do you project a specific aura that says "hey, he's cool?" or must you do specific things in order to become cool? "she's a high-powered lawyer, gosh, she's cool."
(Perhaps this query is merely my attempt to appear intellectually or philosophically cool.)
No one can definitively say what "cool" is, yet everyone knows it when they see it. I think an overarching definition is that cool is a state of mind. Independence is cool, blaming others for your and depending on others to bail you out of your misfortunes is very uncool.
You can't be truly cool without taking responsibility for yourself. No one likes constantly picking up the pieces of your oversights. That's just not cool. "But," you say. "I hate my job, it's pointless," or, "But my company just went bankrupt, how on earth is society going to function without such an important industry leader?" We need to stop depending on others to bail us out of these entirely preventable situations.
We need to work towards making this a much cooler society; a plucky and empowered society that isn't afraid to own up to its responsibilities.
c. 2009
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