Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Pink Rubber Bands

I guess I was naive to think people would not take this whole rubber wristband thing, which was originally a very noble effort, and turn it into a fashion enterprise Pink Susan Komen Wristbands

When Nike and Lance first developed the concept I was intrigued. I tried to order some of the first ones and they were on back order. When I finally received my shipment in August I wore mine with pride. I gave out several and told everyone where they could get their own and what the purpose of the foundation was.

I was first disgusted when I went into a shopping mall around Christmas time and saw a cart vendor hocking them for about $5 each. Next a Carolina Panthers player started selling poor-quality latex bands. Then I started seeing other stores (Hallmark, 7-eleven, etc.) hocking their own version of the bands for their own charities.

I think it has cheapened the meaning of Lance's crusade. Livestrong was unique and it was a unique way to honor Lance, his incredible achievements, and the incredible work his foundation does. The uniqueness was what made it so special.

I have no problem with other charities raising funds but why did they have to steal the concept of the rubber bands? I guess it is the American way isn't it?

Friday, January 28, 2005

The Iraq elections

There are 150,000 US and coalition troops in a country of 25 million. That is a ratio of .006 soldiers per citizen. Therefore most of the citizens are probably already on our side. The problem is that there is a minority of extremists, that have a lot of ordinance, that are opposed to our presence. Actually, their actions demonstrate that what they are really against is freedom.

That is why they've stepped up their attacks in anticipation of the election. They are terrified about the Iraqi people learning what it is like to vote, to actually have a voice in their country.

It is really amazing to think about it. In less than three years, two countries in the Middle East have gone from dictatorships to having free elections. No, the elections have a lot of details to work out. But the mere fact that there are elections at all is just amazing.

These people are where America was during the end of the 18th century! Back then only men who owned property could vote. Now we have a democracy that is a model for the future of our species!

It is exciting to think about what the future holds for the Middle East. I look forward to witnessing the changes during my lifetime and envious about not being around to see what it will be like a hundred years from now!

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

True Stories from the classroom

From a special teacher friend:

"This is one of the funniest things that has happened to me in my teaching career!

Last night I gave my students the following homework assignment: Write a thank you note to someone who gave you a gift over the holidays. Tysheemia brought hers in this morning and asked me to put a stamp on it for her and mail it to her daddy. The address was:

Mr. Mann
1 Deadbeat Street
Charlotte, NC

I almost died! She told me her mom gave her the address! This is the same student who gave me an uncooked, unwrapped spicy hotdog for Christmas.

Hmmm...I wonder if her daddy is neighbors my ex-husband? "

Blink XT2 Thumbnail Failed Fix

Well, this is a bit frustrating. I have one outdoor Blink XT2 camera from Amazon which I installed about a year and a half ago...or maybe tw...