A friend of mine just sent me an AP article on all of the pharmaceuticals found in public water studies.
One thing is for sure, anyone who drinks public water (especially in big cities) it seems will be getting doses of whatever seems to be the trend in terms of doctors prescriptions for that given area. For example for those of you in southern CA you can look forward to a great big dose of anti-depressants. For those in lovely Passaic county NJ you can look forward to a good dose of mood stabilizers and angina medicine. Oh and for those in lovely San Francisco, you get yourselves a dose of sex hormones with your daily water intake....
They didn't even list what they found in the DC water supply, it must have been bad.
So what can we conclude by this study aside from the obvious, don't drink tap water? We as Americans either piss too much away or like a friend said, we take too many damn drugs...you be the judge!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Okay to anyone out there who thinks a simple "change of office" is going to fix our problems, you are sadly mistaken. Everywhere you turn you hear news stories or see articles about the job market and how bad it is. This has been a long time coming and continues to get worse.
Even our parents generation didn't have job security, some may have been lucky and found a job with great pay and benefits and a sense of fulfillment for a job well done. I know for a fact companies like HP used to bend over backwards for their employees. This example just serves to show how dedicated our coperations used to be to the average employee. I heard it through a friend who worked for HP for years and actually said you couldn't get fired even if you wanted to! He told me a story about one of the workers being caught with a bottle of Jack Daniels in her desk...they paid out $40k to send her to rehab! Do you think they would do that today? No way, they would have your ass kicked out the door and a temp in the next day. No wonder work ethics continue to go down....who wants to work their butts off for a company that will give them nothing in return?
There is a story currently on ABC.Com talking about how 60k+ workers have been laid off just in the month of Feburary. The rate of unemployment continues to rise.
Even for the lucky few who are able to find jobs, it seems the only ones available now are "consulting" or "temp" positions where you work under contract for an agreed upon term in exchange for the "possibility of hire" at the end of that period. We all know what typically happens at the end of that "agreed upon term" they either string you along for a couple of months or fire you and hire another temp/consultant. Even the Post Office is hiring this way now, a friend of mine (ex-military) was just brought on to the post office as a temp employee, trained and delivering mail now, he told me that he has to work a year as a temp before they will consider hiring him on full time with benefits. Why would they hire him when they can just as easily bring on another temp in a year to do the same job without benefits? If our Federal government is using this method of hiring exactly what example are they trying to set?
Coupled with this is the problem of the growing rate of people who need medical care on a regular basis. How are these people supposed to pay the increasing costs for medical coverage when they can barely support themselves on the temp pay they are getting?
Anyway I best stop myself before I make my headache worse.....is there any way we can stop carrying ourselves straight to hell in a handbasket?
MsZ
Even our parents generation didn't have job security, some may have been lucky and found a job with great pay and benefits and a sense of fulfillment for a job well done. I know for a fact companies like HP used to bend over backwards for their employees. This example just serves to show how dedicated our coperations used to be to the average employee. I heard it through a friend who worked for HP for years and actually said you couldn't get fired even if you wanted to! He told me a story about one of the workers being caught with a bottle of Jack Daniels in her desk...they paid out $40k to send her to rehab! Do you think they would do that today? No way, they would have your ass kicked out the door and a temp in the next day. No wonder work ethics continue to go down....who wants to work their butts off for a company that will give them nothing in return?
There is a story currently on ABC.Com talking about how 60k+ workers have been laid off just in the month of Feburary. The rate of unemployment continues to rise.
Even for the lucky few who are able to find jobs, it seems the only ones available now are "consulting" or "temp" positions where you work under contract for an agreed upon term in exchange for the "possibility of hire" at the end of that period. We all know what typically happens at the end of that "agreed upon term" they either string you along for a couple of months or fire you and hire another temp/consultant. Even the Post Office is hiring this way now, a friend of mine (ex-military) was just brought on to the post office as a temp employee, trained and delivering mail now, he told me that he has to work a year as a temp before they will consider hiring him on full time with benefits. Why would they hire him when they can just as easily bring on another temp in a year to do the same job without benefits? If our Federal government is using this method of hiring exactly what example are they trying to set?
Coupled with this is the problem of the growing rate of people who need medical care on a regular basis. How are these people supposed to pay the increasing costs for medical coverage when they can barely support themselves on the temp pay they are getting?
Anyway I best stop myself before I make my headache worse.....is there any way we can stop carrying ourselves straight to hell in a handbasket?
MsZ
Thursday, February 28, 2008
YAY for personality testing!
I have been pigeonholed YAY (in my best crank yankers voice)
So I finally broke down and took the Humanmetrics (Jung's version of the Myer's Briggs personality test) AGAIN!
Turns out I am still an INFJ. I found this odd because even though I may feel like a different person, my personality type stayed the same....hmmm...nature? nurture? Does it really matter? F' no!
Scary thing is based on the description of the personality type (INFJ), it still fits me extremely well. After thinking about it a little, I think what it comes down to is my approach to life has changed but the way I perceive life has remained the same....or something <
>
It made me start to wonder how much do our personalities influence our beliefs? Because when it comes down to it, it is ultimately our beliefs that become the basis for how we live our lives, the decisions we make and yes even perhaps our future (if we take into consideration thePygmalion effect and/or the whole "The Secret" bandwagon)?
So if there is anyone on my friends list who actually reads this crap...let me know what you think!
Do you think ones personality type remains the same throughout ones entire adult life?
How much and in what way do our personalities affect and/or influence our beliefs?
Do you think our beliefs can actually influence our future and in what ways?
And in other news, I am not going to mention any names...you know who you are :-P....If you are trying to protect yourself from the dangers of an unknown package from an unknown sender, rubber dishwashing gloves, sunglasses, and a dishtowel will NOT protect you
...
And on that note I am out like a light with a bad bulb
EDIT:
Two others that are much more accurate than the version listed above...
Color test
Enneagram Test
MsZ
So I finally broke down and took the Humanmetrics (Jung's version of the Myer's Briggs personality test) AGAIN!
Turns out I am still an INFJ. I found this odd because even though I may feel like a different person, my personality type stayed the same....hmmm...nature? nurture? Does it really matter? F' no!
Scary thing is based on the description of the personality type (INFJ), it still fits me extremely well. After thinking about it a little, I think what it comes down to is my approach to life has changed but the way I perceive life has remained the same....or something <
>It made me start to wonder how much do our personalities influence our beliefs? Because when it comes down to it, it is ultimately our beliefs that become the basis for how we live our lives, the decisions we make and yes even perhaps our future (if we take into consideration thePygmalion effect and/or the whole "The Secret" bandwagon)?
So if there is anyone on my friends list who actually reads this crap...let me know what you think!
Do you think ones personality type remains the same throughout ones entire adult life?
How much and in what way do our personalities affect and/or influence our beliefs?
Do you think our beliefs can actually influence our future and in what ways?
And in other news, I am not going to mention any names...you know who you are :-P....If you are trying to protect yourself from the dangers of an unknown package from an unknown sender, rubber dishwashing gloves, sunglasses, and a dishtowel will NOT protect you
...And on that note I am out like a light with a bad bulb
EDIT:
Two others that are much more accurate than the version listed above...
Color test
Enneagram Test
MsZ
Friday, February 1, 2008
YAY!
I am so happy I finally got my pictures off my camera, they have been on there for almost three years!!! I feel so dumb because I thought it was everything from a USB problem, a driver problem, a problem with the camera itself but never thought about the software issues! I forgot to install a program to import the tiff files. Silly me....Anyway here are some of the pics!
Trick Kitty
Duncan, 2.5 years oldand a token myspace picture of me taken a couple days ago
Thats all for now...be good, don't disgrace yourselves and watch out for deer, eighteen wheelers and icy patches.
MsZ
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Creativity and vlogs
I truly believe what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Throughout my life I've experienced a lot of pain and disappointment, particularly in the last eight years. I kept fighting, never gave in and kept hope alive because I knew it could be so much worse. However, if given the opportunity to change the past I wouldn't because without these trials and tribulations I wouldn't be the person I am today.
This past year of my life has been extraordinary. So many major positive changes have transpired that I don't even recognize the person I used to be. Although it has been a long time coming, I can truly say I am happy with my accomplishments in life. I am confident with myself and who I have become. I want to keep growing and to do that, I feel I need to find some form of creative expression.
I see photography and short films as a form of creative expression I can be passionate about. I've always been fascinated with photography and film but never pursued it. Looking back I think it had to do with a lack of self esteem and self worth. In art passion and emotion create the strongest pieces. Your life experiences intertwine with your creative vision creating something truly unique that shines through to your audience. However, if you can't believe in yourself how can you believe in or be confident about anything you create?
In the past I've always been behind the scenes taking the pictures or filming the parties, but I am not the same person I used to be. Thanks to the atypical experiences in my life, and the amazing events that transpired this past year, I know I have the desire, self esteem, self worth and emotion to step in front of the camera.
Although the real youtubers are inspirational, I am not exploring film and photography to follow the rest of the zombie affected masses. I am interested in making Vlogs because I am truly drawn to this form of artistic expression, it is also a great learning opportunity.
For those who actually read my blog, you know I have a lot to say, sometimes even too much :-P. I love to write but can't be sitting in front of a computer for hours writing nor can I write freehand, it ends up just being a waste of paper and I can't edit it easily. Vlogs are an ideal solution because I can say what I want instead of writing it, I can express myself creatively and intellectually, and it will allow me to explore film and photography at the same time. Whether people will actually want to watch me and/or hear what I have to say, I really don't care...I am doing this for myself :-P .....
If nothing else I will learn to make the best damn birthday video's in my family :-).
So now I just have to find a camera. The search is on....
MsZ
This past year of my life has been extraordinary. So many major positive changes have transpired that I don't even recognize the person I used to be. Although it has been a long time coming, I can truly say I am happy with my accomplishments in life. I am confident with myself and who I have become. I want to keep growing and to do that, I feel I need to find some form of creative expression.
I see photography and short films as a form of creative expression I can be passionate about. I've always been fascinated with photography and film but never pursued it. Looking back I think it had to do with a lack of self esteem and self worth. In art passion and emotion create the strongest pieces. Your life experiences intertwine with your creative vision creating something truly unique that shines through to your audience. However, if you can't believe in yourself how can you believe in or be confident about anything you create?
In the past I've always been behind the scenes taking the pictures or filming the parties, but I am not the same person I used to be. Thanks to the atypical experiences in my life, and the amazing events that transpired this past year, I know I have the desire, self esteem, self worth and emotion to step in front of the camera.
Although the real youtubers are inspirational, I am not exploring film and photography to follow the rest of the zombie affected masses. I am interested in making Vlogs because I am truly drawn to this form of artistic expression, it is also a great learning opportunity.
For those who actually read my blog, you know I have a lot to say, sometimes even too much :-P. I love to write but can't be sitting in front of a computer for hours writing nor can I write freehand, it ends up just being a waste of paper and I can't edit it easily. Vlogs are an ideal solution because I can say what I want instead of writing it, I can express myself creatively and intellectually, and it will allow me to explore film and photography at the same time. Whether people will actually want to watch me and/or hear what I have to say, I really don't care...I am doing this for myself :-P .....
If nothing else I will learn to make the best damn birthday video's in my family :-).
So now I just have to find a camera. The search is on....
MsZ
Friday, January 25, 2008
Cameras and Vlogs
I am not having much luck finding a real video camera in my price range. So unfortunately I may have to resort to a digital camera with video capabilities or a web cam . I have narrowed my choices down to the following four
Quick Cam Pro 9000 (Web Cam) $84.99 8.8CNET Review
Sony CyberShot DSC-W55 (DC 7.2MP MPEG VX up to 640x480) $159.95, 7.4 CNET Review
Sony CyberShot DSC-T100 (DC 8.1MP, MPEG VX up to 640x480) $279.95 8.2 CNET Review
Canon Powershot SD750 (DC 7.1MP, AVI up to 640x480 MAX OF 180 Sec) $199.00 7.8 CNET Review
I am leaning towards the Sony Cybershot DSC T100 at this point. However I should just buy the web cam since it costs the least. But the web cam doesn't offer the portability I want. And then there is the darn cell phone, do I get one that has video capabilities, just get a webcam and then save up to get a good video camera that can take stills? Oy Vay vat do ve do? Who can tell I am having trouble deciding on what Camera to get? So is there anyone out there reading this that knows a thing or two about cameras? Bueller...Bueller..
Claytonian from youtube posted a video called "Be my Scientology Friend" in which he encourages the nOObs of youtube to post a video Since I already made a complete idiot of myself and his video was as convincing as the motivational speaker who lived in a van down by the river (for those of you slow people Chris Farley Saturday Night Live). It was even more encouraging when he mentioned all of the weirdos and stalkers that will bug you if you get popular. I've certainly noticed some very odd and obnoxious comments for youtube videos, especially towards the female members of youtube even more so you have décolletage (lucky me). How I got from Youtube to décolletage is strange so moving on....
I found a camera to sort of borrow for now but said camera is on my friends phone. As a result, I decided my best bet is to have my friend film Duncan and me while Dee perform his repertoire of tricks. Partially a result of having someone who can film us, but mostly because it's not like I can just take my friends phone for a couple days. I do hope I can get my video completed and posted to prove I am neither fear nor foe...what's this! A book quote...there are no book quotes in baseball!
err yeah...definitely time to end this blog for the day or else I will really start scaring people away :-P.
Watch out for polar bears, penguins, and falling icicles!
MsZ
Quick Cam Pro 9000 (Web Cam) $84.99 8.8CNET Review
Sony CyberShot DSC-W55 (DC 7.2MP MPEG VX up to 640x480) $159.95, 7.4 CNET Review
Sony CyberShot DSC-T100 (DC 8.1MP, MPEG VX up to 640x480) $279.95 8.2 CNET Review
Canon Powershot SD750 (DC 7.1MP, AVI up to 640x480 MAX OF 180 Sec) $199.00 7.8 CNET Review
I am leaning towards the Sony Cybershot DSC T100 at this point. However I should just buy the web cam since it costs the least. But the web cam doesn't offer the portability I want. And then there is the darn cell phone, do I get one that has video capabilities, just get a webcam and then save up to get a good video camera that can take stills? Oy Vay vat do ve do? Who can tell I am having trouble deciding on what Camera to get? So is there anyone out there reading this that knows a thing or two about cameras? Bueller...Bueller..
Claytonian from youtube posted a video called "Be my Scientology Friend" in which he encourages the nOObs of youtube to post a video Since I already made a complete idiot of myself and his video was as convincing as the motivational speaker who lived in a van down by the river (for those of you slow people Chris Farley Saturday Night Live). It was even more encouraging when he mentioned all of the weirdos and stalkers that will bug you if you get popular. I've certainly noticed some very odd and obnoxious comments for youtube videos, especially towards the female members of youtube even more so you have décolletage (lucky me). How I got from Youtube to décolletage is strange so moving on....
I found a camera to sort of borrow for now but said camera is on my friends phone. As a result, I decided my best bet is to have my friend film Duncan and me while Dee perform his repertoire of tricks. Partially a result of having someone who can film us, but mostly because it's not like I can just take my friends phone for a couple days. I do hope I can get my video completed and posted to prove I am neither fear nor foe...what's this! A book quote...there are no book quotes in baseball!
err yeah...definitely time to end this blog for the day or else I will really start scaring people away :-P.
Watch out for polar bears, penguins, and falling icicles!
MsZ
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Today at Arco
As most of you know, I went to see the PBR at Arco arena today. I have been following PBR on TV for quite some time however, I never had the opportunity to see this caliber of bulls and riders in person. My seats were better than I expected, two rows up from the arena/rail and front and center to the chutes.
There were two really bad wrecks, Brendan Clark and Joe Baumgartner both got launched into the air by the bulls horns. It was scary to see but both of them are okay. That is the only part about the sport I do not like, the wrecks. I know a lot of people think that is why people watch bull riding but it's not why I watch it. I like to see those perfect 90 + point rides those eight seconds of magic where the bull and rider are in perfect rhythm.
As usual for sporting events, they had a few contests for the audience. One of the contests today was to make a paper airplane out of a piece of paper with your contact information on it. When they gave the signal everyone had to try to get their paper airplanes onto or as close to a platform they had in the arena. Well, my paper airplane didn't even get past the two rows in front of me, however, my friends sailed directly onto the platform. No one else got anywhere near it.
The prize was a 2007 PBR World Finals jacket (cost $199.99) which my friend gave to me . The jacket looks like....
I was stoked!! I didn't think it could get any better but it did...At the end of the event, I went down by the rail and waited to try to get some autographs. I was guessing I would get maybe one or two autographs because at large sporting events, the athletes will typically skip around doing one or two autographs per section.
I was pleasantly surprised when every single bull rider and even the fighters came around the entire arena and signed autographs for EVERYONE who was waiting. Not only was the eye candy fantastic but they seemed like genuine down to earth guys. The best part was I actually got to talk to some of these amazing men including my favorites, J.B. Mauney, Tony Mendes, Brian Canter, tonights winner, Nick Landreneau and last but in no way shape or form least, Adriano Moraes I tried to get my camera working but to no avail, I really wanted to post a picture of it with all the signitures it looks cool :-).
Now I own a really cool looking jacket that I will never be able to wear...can anyone say Ebay??? Honestly though, there is no way I would ever sell that jacket
.
Today I got even more proof that these men have tremendous heart and gained an even deeper appreciation and respect for them and the sport they risk their lives to do.
On a side note, I know many people believe that rodeo's and bull riding are unfair and cruel to the animals. These bulls can make over a million a year for their owners, they are treated extremely well doted on and cared for, they compete for 5-7 years and then get turned out in a field to live out the rest of their days as studs and treated like champions. In the land of cattle, this is a good life. Think of the alternative folks...they could just be dinner! I am all for animal rights, I love all animals big and small and am want them to be protected. But things need to be kept in perspective. I was going to rant further and give examples and trust me I can but I really don't think anyone is going to read this so I am not going to bother.
Take care my friends...watch out for black ice, deer, and 18 wheelers and until next time behave!
MsZ
There were two really bad wrecks, Brendan Clark and Joe Baumgartner both got launched into the air by the bulls horns. It was scary to see but both of them are okay. That is the only part about the sport I do not like, the wrecks. I know a lot of people think that is why people watch bull riding but it's not why I watch it. I like to see those perfect 90 + point rides those eight seconds of magic where the bull and rider are in perfect rhythm.
As usual for sporting events, they had a few contests for the audience. One of the contests today was to make a paper airplane out of a piece of paper with your contact information on it. When they gave the signal everyone had to try to get their paper airplanes onto or as close to a platform they had in the arena. Well, my paper airplane didn't even get past the two rows in front of me, however, my friends sailed directly onto the platform. No one else got anywhere near it.
The prize was a 2007 PBR World Finals jacket (cost $199.99) which my friend gave to me . The jacket looks like....
I was stoked!! I didn't think it could get any better but it did...At the end of the event, I went down by the rail and waited to try to get some autographs. I was guessing I would get maybe one or two autographs because at large sporting events, the athletes will typically skip around doing one or two autographs per section.
I was pleasantly surprised when every single bull rider and even the fighters came around the entire arena and signed autographs for EVERYONE who was waiting. Not only was the eye candy fantastic but they seemed like genuine down to earth guys. The best part was I actually got to talk to some of these amazing men including my favorites, J.B. Mauney, Tony Mendes, Brian Canter, tonights winner, Nick Landreneau and last but in no way shape or form least, Adriano Moraes I tried to get my camera working but to no avail, I really wanted to post a picture of it with all the signitures it looks cool :-).
Now I own a really cool looking jacket that I will never be able to wear...can anyone say Ebay??? Honestly though, there is no way I would ever sell that jacket
. Today I got even more proof that these men have tremendous heart and gained an even deeper appreciation and respect for them and the sport they risk their lives to do.
On a side note, I know many people believe that rodeo's and bull riding are unfair and cruel to the animals. These bulls can make over a million a year for their owners, they are treated extremely well doted on and cared for, they compete for 5-7 years and then get turned out in a field to live out the rest of their days as studs and treated like champions. In the land of cattle, this is a good life. Think of the alternative folks...they could just be dinner! I am all for animal rights, I love all animals big and small and am want them to be protected. But things need to be kept in perspective. I was going to rant further and give examples and trust me I can but I really don't think anyone is going to read this so I am not going to bother.
Take care my friends...watch out for black ice, deer, and 18 wheelers and until next time behave!
MsZ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)