Ok, so this will definitely come across as hypocritical, as I am online--but there are social technologies out there that are really upsetting me. Of course, by nature I hate new technology and many materialistic pursuits--but the thing that's really getting under my skin are these social networking addicts.
Again, the funny thing is I haven't tried it. I reject all Facebook friend requests because I'm just not starting that nonsense. But I do listen and read what others are doing on Facebook and Twitter.
And that's the scary part. What people are doing with these networking tools are simply watching and judging each other do the most mundane, boring tasks ever. Who cares what you ate for breakfast or if the dog is barking?? It's crazyville in my opinion. We have gotten so fat, lazy and boring that this is what it has come to. I mean use your social networking to exchange philosophical ideas, end tyranny, overpopulation, read the great classics. Why are people so boring?? And dumb?
I'm sure there are intellectual people exchanging good ideas out there. But somehow I get the feeling that's not the norm. I believe it was Marx who speculated that a more evolved society (with more money and leisure time) would use this time to pursue art, music and intellect. But no, they use it to follow someones waffle choices, or exchange naked photos. How wrong he was to expect so much from such a shallow and primitive species.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
How Alaskans Save Money
I watch these ridiculous shows on National TV with little bits about how to save families money. Ha, ha. They just reinforce my beliefs that what the average American "needs" could easily be considered luxuries.
Like these programs will show you the best deals on spring dresses and handbags. Or cell phone plans..I mean give me a break. We have created a culture where if you don't have a new dress at work people will think you are disturbed. What the heck do ladies put in those giant handbags anyway? Lapdogs? And doesn't anyone remember life before cell phones? Somehow we lived.
So here's the Alaskan way to save money:
1) Live anywhere but Anchorage
2) Clothes are anything that keeps you warm. Doesn't matter if it is stained or even bloody. You can wear coveralls anywhere and one set of warm boots is all you wear all winter. Ladies with heels are mocked. (Women as well as men have the same standard) Fancy fashion means a new set of Carharts.
3)There is nothing at all to put into a ladies handbag. It only gets in the way. Car keys can fit in your pocket, carry cash.
4) Drive whatever goes. Especially if it has 4x4--keep it forever. A few dings and dents just show character. Always make fun of Mercedes Benz.
5)If you happen to have a lot of money buy an RV or boat (or both) but never upgrade your wardrobe. That's snobby.
6) If you want cheap eats- kill something or berry pick.
7) High heating costs? Purchase a log splitter.
8) Screw make up and perfume, cologne--you always smell like wood smoke anyway.
I can't tell you how much money we have saved simply by living in a state where there is no pressure to own fancy clothes, cars or tend your lawn...
Like these programs will show you the best deals on spring dresses and handbags. Or cell phone plans..I mean give me a break. We have created a culture where if you don't have a new dress at work people will think you are disturbed. What the heck do ladies put in those giant handbags anyway? Lapdogs? And doesn't anyone remember life before cell phones? Somehow we lived.
So here's the Alaskan way to save money:
1) Live anywhere but Anchorage
2) Clothes are anything that keeps you warm. Doesn't matter if it is stained or even bloody. You can wear coveralls anywhere and one set of warm boots is all you wear all winter. Ladies with heels are mocked. (Women as well as men have the same standard) Fancy fashion means a new set of Carharts.
3)There is nothing at all to put into a ladies handbag. It only gets in the way. Car keys can fit in your pocket, carry cash.
4) Drive whatever goes. Especially if it has 4x4--keep it forever. A few dings and dents just show character. Always make fun of Mercedes Benz.
5)If you happen to have a lot of money buy an RV or boat (or both) but never upgrade your wardrobe. That's snobby.
6) If you want cheap eats- kill something or berry pick.
7) High heating costs? Purchase a log splitter.
8) Screw make up and perfume, cologne--you always smell like wood smoke anyway.
I can't tell you how much money we have saved simply by living in a state where there is no pressure to own fancy clothes, cars or tend your lawn...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
How Alaska Understands Animals
Anybody who spends a lot of time in Alaska begins to notice that a common theme is knocking animal rights groups. People love their faux PETA "people for eating tasty animals" bumper stickers, or others wear PETA t-shirts while running with the reindeer. (obviously a non-PETA approved activity). Usually at this time of year (Iditarod season) there is also plenty of talk of the "idiot wing-nuts" and their anti-sled dog baloney...
Having myself formerly been part of the other world also known as the "lower 48" I understand why the perception is different up here.
Part of it is definitely the sheltered suburban world of many Americans. I mean if all you ever see when it comes to animals, is an occasional stray cat--well there is room for a lot of sentiment. What happens when you are in a more "wild/frontier" type climate is there is more "reality". You understand that every piece of meat you eat had a mother. However, I put the world reality in quotes because although the animal situation is different here, it is not necessarily natural either.
Yes, sled dogs are tied to chains most of the time. But they also get to run and have fun. I know a lot of city dogs are barely allowed out of apartments dying of heart disease, let alone ever getting the chance to run in the wilderness and roll in fresh snow. And yes, the days of whips and forced running are over. Most newer mushers adore their sled teams and treat them as pets.
The other "animal" thing up here is hunting. If you can't tolerate hunting, and you live in Alaska, you basically need to shut up or move out. However, that does not mean that I feel the state game board is not out of line. Part of their fake "reality" is believing that it is still 1880 frontier land and that white man needs to subsistence hunt. I mean give me a break, people driving $45,000 RV's to hunting grounds are not hunting to "live" they do so for fun and because they choose game meat over raising their own chickens or bison. Bug game meat is too low in fat to live off of anyhow.
But this "myth" of subsistence hunting, gives the Alaska game board fake self-righteousness when it comes to the wolf kill program. They kill wolves in the name of increasing moose & caribou numbers. But it is just so ridiculously unnatural to cull wolves in areas where people basically do road-accessible hunting. Would you dare poison the worlds sharks to increase fish stocks? No, it doesn't make sense. But when the Alaska Board of game kills wolves they feel it is ok to play God.
Having myself formerly been part of the other world also known as the "lower 48" I understand why the perception is different up here.
Part of it is definitely the sheltered suburban world of many Americans. I mean if all you ever see when it comes to animals, is an occasional stray cat--well there is room for a lot of sentiment. What happens when you are in a more "wild/frontier" type climate is there is more "reality". You understand that every piece of meat you eat had a mother. However, I put the world reality in quotes because although the animal situation is different here, it is not necessarily natural either.
Yes, sled dogs are tied to chains most of the time. But they also get to run and have fun. I know a lot of city dogs are barely allowed out of apartments dying of heart disease, let alone ever getting the chance to run in the wilderness and roll in fresh snow. And yes, the days of whips and forced running are over. Most newer mushers adore their sled teams and treat them as pets.
The other "animal" thing up here is hunting. If you can't tolerate hunting, and you live in Alaska, you basically need to shut up or move out. However, that does not mean that I feel the state game board is not out of line. Part of their fake "reality" is believing that it is still 1880 frontier land and that white man needs to subsistence hunt. I mean give me a break, people driving $45,000 RV's to hunting grounds are not hunting to "live" they do so for fun and because they choose game meat over raising their own chickens or bison. Bug game meat is too low in fat to live off of anyhow.
But this "myth" of subsistence hunting, gives the Alaska game board fake self-righteousness when it comes to the wolf kill program. They kill wolves in the name of increasing moose & caribou numbers. But it is just so ridiculously unnatural to cull wolves in areas where people basically do road-accessible hunting. Would you dare poison the worlds sharks to increase fish stocks? No, it doesn't make sense. But when the Alaska Board of game kills wolves they feel it is ok to play God.
Friday, March 13, 2009
What is the Liberal Agenda Anyway??
All week long I have been getting annoying phone calls from a robot voice asking me to support Sarah Palin's PAC - (political action committee). Finally I listened to robot-man last night in its entirety and this statement was repeated: "we want to fight the liberal agenda".
As far as I know, the democrats or "liberals" don't have some sort of written policy called "the liberal agenda". I assume the conservatives want it to be some sort of scary boogeyman, compelling one to vote republican.
So in the republican fantasy camp, the Liberal Agenda would look something like this:
1- Graphic sex education to pre-schoolers.
2- 24 hour a day free gay porn on PBS
3-UN tanks rolling down the streets taking away every citizens hand guns
4- Government take over of the food supply
5- Free abortions in public restrooms
6- Castro/Chavez leadership on US socialist policies
I guess any honest idea the liberal democrats have to help Americans should just be ignored--say better education, access to health care, or repairing the aging infrastructure. Because it is obviously easier just to hate them instead.
As far as I know, the democrats or "liberals" don't have some sort of written policy called "the liberal agenda". I assume the conservatives want it to be some sort of scary boogeyman, compelling one to vote republican.
So in the republican fantasy camp, the Liberal Agenda would look something like this:
1- Graphic sex education to pre-schoolers.
2- 24 hour a day free gay porn on PBS
3-UN tanks rolling down the streets taking away every citizens hand guns
4- Government take over of the food supply
5- Free abortions in public restrooms
6- Castro/Chavez leadership on US socialist policies
I guess any honest idea the liberal democrats have to help Americans should just be ignored--say better education, access to health care, or repairing the aging infrastructure. Because it is obviously easier just to hate them instead.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Predicting When Someone Will Snap
Wow-- the media again is providing non-stop coverage of two massive shootings in the developed world--Germany and Alabama that is.
I noticed a few news headlines mentioned that a potential plan is to work on "predicting which citizens are most likely to snap". Hmm interesting. Having worked in the Mental health field myself I have never seen anybody very good at predicting anything at all. That's the nature of mental illness--it is unpredictable. Sure we can sometimes stop and prevent suicides, but think of how many thousands of people commit suicide every day. Some times nobody had a clue and sometimes it happens during an actual "suicide watch".
I use that analogy as I feel there must be some aspect of depression in a mass shooting. Mixed in with incredible narcissism and anger.
Of course, I would like to see semi-automatic weapons banned. Unpopular choice. Then there is all the "target practice" young people get with violent video games. Another unpopular item to ban. I guess lastly the only way to prevent copy cat shootings, would be to simply ignore them int he media. Unlikely.
I noticed a few news headlines mentioned that a potential plan is to work on "predicting which citizens are most likely to snap". Hmm interesting. Having worked in the Mental health field myself I have never seen anybody very good at predicting anything at all. That's the nature of mental illness--it is unpredictable. Sure we can sometimes stop and prevent suicides, but think of how many thousands of people commit suicide every day. Some times nobody had a clue and sometimes it happens during an actual "suicide watch".
I use that analogy as I feel there must be some aspect of depression in a mass shooting. Mixed in with incredible narcissism and anger.
Of course, I would like to see semi-automatic weapons banned. Unpopular choice. Then there is all the "target practice" young people get with violent video games. Another unpopular item to ban. I guess lastly the only way to prevent copy cat shootings, would be to simply ignore them int he media. Unlikely.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Can you be Against Both Guns and Smut??
In addition to the Craigslist prostitution controversy, Alaska has its own mini axe to grind with the site. It appears quite a group of Alaskans couldn't handle the "liberals" who kept flagging their posts for animal breeding or guns. Therefore a new site was formed: Alaska list.
This is all fine and good. But what is fascinating to me, is that since Craigslist does not allow pet breeding, or guns, but does allow some sort of erotica, Alaskans are quite certain they are (and I quote) "gay porn and PETA loving liberals".
Meanwhile good "conservatives"are supposedly always pro-guns, pro-animal breeding, but anti- porn.
These are all obviously very easy to understand black and white standards that define political views, and I should know that.
But personally I am anti-gun, anti-porn, anti-smut, usually anti dog or cat breeding, anti-tofu, yet pro live stock and other pet breeding and sales....
So now I am VERY confused. Does this make me into a conservative or liberal??????
This is all fine and good. But what is fascinating to me, is that since Craigslist does not allow pet breeding, or guns, but does allow some sort of erotica, Alaskans are quite certain they are (and I quote) "gay porn and PETA loving liberals".
Meanwhile good "conservatives"are supposedly always pro-guns, pro-animal breeding, but anti- porn.
These are all obviously very easy to understand black and white standards that define political views, and I should know that.
But personally I am anti-gun, anti-porn, anti-smut, usually anti dog or cat breeding, anti-tofu, yet pro live stock and other pet breeding and sales....
So now I am VERY confused. Does this make me into a conservative or liberal??????
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