I find myself thinking a lot lately of how things are in the world today. Living in America its not that easy to get a worldly perspective, but I do try to follow co.uk news websites as well as other non-American news sources to get my worldly news. There is at least one constant that I find around the world, and the one I'm thinking of is how it has become such a great desire of everyone, or so it seems, to help out the little guy. Help the person who is struggling. Donate money to help the third-world countries. Now that's all fine and good, but I feel like it has gotten a little out of hand. Suddenly its everyone's responsibility. Literally, children these days are born right into it. They are born and grow up and learn and all along this time it is hammered into their head that there are people worse off than they are, and its their duty to help those people out. Right away that seems a little unfair doesn't it? I mean, there are two ends to every spectrum, and on one end you have kids born into trust funds. On the other end you find kids born with nothing. But why should it be their responsibility to be the aid? What have they done and what choices have they made that put them into that situation? Nothing and none. If I was born with a trust fund, I'll be the first to say that I would not donate it. I'd hope my guardians or whomever set up said money for me would have the mind to hold it at least until I'm old enough to be smart about it. But truth be told, I'd use that money for me. Not to blow it on a big house or a nice car. But to get my life in order. Pay for college, or start a business maybe. But that's my money, once my life is in order, and I feel secure with my income then yeah, I'd definitely help out others where I could.
Now I'll take a step back and make a few amendments. First, I understand that their are people out there in hard situations where they have no choice. Being born into a family with nothing, or in some third-world countries where the government cannot even help them or is nonexistant is slightly different. And I'm not saying to tell those people, "well sorry, but thats just life. Deal with it." At the same time though, I don't need to feel pressured to do something about it. Especially when I have my own college debt to worry about.
I'm not sure how things are outside of the USA with this next subject, but welfare is ridiculous. I know that welfare and unemployment serves a good purpose. One of my closest friends was laid off from work and collected unemployment until he found a new job. The thing is, he was looking for a job the entire time, and I know for a fact that there are a lot of people out there who collect unemployment/welfare and just sit on their ass waiting for their check in the mail. Maybe even the majority of people on unemployment. I just don't understand how people can be content to live that way. Oh yeah, lets just eek by through my entire life. I mean, a person must really love sitting around doing nothing if they manage to live that way. And I'm sure a lot of people saw medicare simply as another hand-out they could use to eliminate the need for a job.
And just one example of how backwards the system is right now, comparatively welfare recipients are held to no standards while employees or entrepreneurs have systematic performance reviews of all sorts. Such as, entrepreneurs are subject to inspection of their business periodically, employees are subject to drug tests and quarterly or yearly (etc) reviews. Meanwhile, to get on welfare or unemployment you have to meet very little criteria, just one time. Then you're good, for several months. I'd vote that if you are on unemployment, not only should you be subject to drug tests in order to receive each and every check, but you should be held accountable for your efforts to better yourself. If someone is just collecting welfare and doing nothing about their situation, fine, you are not contributing to the society you live in, so the society you live in will stop contributing to you. If you have been trying to find work, or improve your situation but have met with little or no success, ok, then the government/tax payers with continue to fund your life (because thats literally what it is, people are paying for your daily life). I doubt many of my readers were even around to remember the booming 40's and 50's of American life. I wasn't either, but just hearing about the motivation of people to do something productive, which was a nationally mutual feeling, just gives me shivers. Imagine if that's what people were like today. For one, I guarantee that USA and the world would not be in an economic slump. Think about it, labor has value. When you work you are adding value to the company you work for and the nation you work in, and realistically adding value to the planet. It might not always be paid for with cold hard cash, but it will always be rewarded with something else of value. And while we as a nation are content to sit on the couch and watch tv and order in pizza, we are just transforming an entire country into that. A country that does nothing and pays everyone else to do things or make things for us. How can you expect anything but a recession?
I guess my main issue here is I really feel like sometimes the people who really need the help are those who are trying hardest to succeed. Who's to say that the people who will design the cure for cancer or invent the vehicle to take human beings to other worlds is not going to be, or even has already been overlooked? Pushed to the wayside in favor of coddling everyone else. Like I said before, there is nothing wrong with helping people out who really need it, but there is a line between people who need it, and people who use it. Some of those people just need to be left alone. If they are unwilling to start supporting their society, fine, maybe they will starve, maybe they will die. But its not anyone's fault but their own. I guess my thought process is comparable to Isaac Asimov's main point in his novel The End of Eternity. If you haven't read it, I suggest it as its a good read. But essentially his thought is that in order to have great successes, or leaps forward in technology and medicine there needs to be great failures, somehow it all evens out.
QUICK NOTE:
I've decided that it would be more than appropriate that I go and see the movie "RED" when it comes out in a few weeks as it shares its name with my blog (it looks like it could be good anyway). With that said, I hope and plan on more updates in the time in between, but as my readers you can all expect that review.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Interstate Etiquette
Just a few of the finer points of polite driving while on the interstate.
1. First of all, there is a misconception out there that a two-lane (or four-lane) interstate consists of a slow lane and a fast lane. This is not correct, simply because 'slow' and 'fast' are based on opinion. 65 MPH might be fast for the guy that's blocking me from passing, but for me it seems just too slow. The truth is that there is a driving lane, the right lane, and a passing lane, the left lane. With this classification the use of each lane becomes that much more apparent. If you are passing someone, use the left lane. If you are not passing someone, you should not be in the left lane. Simple as that. An additional benefit is better gas mileage for anyone driving as being in the right lane forces you to 'draft' off the person/people in front of you.
- A side note regarding the passing lane. Passing should not me a loosely used term. If the person you are passing is going 70 and you are going 71, sorry to say but you are not passing. You are holding up the people behind you. Sometimes, if you want to pass someone you might need to speed a bit to make it a quick and easy transition (the two traits of a good passing maneuver). If speeding is too much of a risk for you, then you can just wait behind until there is nobody behind you that you will be holding up.
2. Pay attention to your high beams. I know that I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to forgetting to flip off the high beams when oncoming traffic is around. It happens from time to time. But everyone has seen the people who are at the BACK of a pack of vehicles, seemingly oblivious to the fact that their high beams are blinding in everyone else's mirrors. Don't be one of these people.
3. Drive civilized, please. There is a line between driving spiritedly, or quickly, and just driving like an idiot. Weaving in and out of traffic, cutting people off, tailgating people to get them to move out of the way, don't do these things. Yeah, we all know that sometimes a person just is unaware that some people might be in more of a hurry than they are (up in the first point), but do you really want to ask for trouble like that? You'll cause an accident that will most certainly involve others than yourself. Besides that, I promise you that if you are patient for just a minute, you'll get a window to move on.
4. The last point I'm going to make for today is definitely not the least important. But be especially kind to truckers. Yeah, I know that it sucks to drive 8 or 16 or 20 hours to wherever you are going. But driving hours like that and .much worse is their job, and they don't only have to do it when they are going on vacation, they drive like that all the time. Not to mention the stress that comes with knowing you are responsible for whatever thousands or millions of dollars of cargo you are hauling. If a trucker needs to make a pass, slow down and let the trucker make his pass. Don't be afraid to flash them in with your lights, anything to make it easier for em. If you pay attention you see semi-drivers do this to each other all the time. Altogether, just help out truck drivers when you can, the interstate is kinda their workplace anyway.
1. First of all, there is a misconception out there that a two-lane (or four-lane) interstate consists of a slow lane and a fast lane. This is not correct, simply because 'slow' and 'fast' are based on opinion. 65 MPH might be fast for the guy that's blocking me from passing, but for me it seems just too slow. The truth is that there is a driving lane, the right lane, and a passing lane, the left lane. With this classification the use of each lane becomes that much more apparent. If you are passing someone, use the left lane. If you are not passing someone, you should not be in the left lane. Simple as that. An additional benefit is better gas mileage for anyone driving as being in the right lane forces you to 'draft' off the person/people in front of you.
- A side note regarding the passing lane. Passing should not me a loosely used term. If the person you are passing is going 70 and you are going 71, sorry to say but you are not passing. You are holding up the people behind you. Sometimes, if you want to pass someone you might need to speed a bit to make it a quick and easy transition (the two traits of a good passing maneuver). If speeding is too much of a risk for you, then you can just wait behind until there is nobody behind you that you will be holding up.
2. Pay attention to your high beams. I know that I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to forgetting to flip off the high beams when oncoming traffic is around. It happens from time to time. But everyone has seen the people who are at the BACK of a pack of vehicles, seemingly oblivious to the fact that their high beams are blinding in everyone else's mirrors. Don't be one of these people.
3. Drive civilized, please. There is a line between driving spiritedly, or quickly, and just driving like an idiot. Weaving in and out of traffic, cutting people off, tailgating people to get them to move out of the way, don't do these things. Yeah, we all know that sometimes a person just is unaware that some people might be in more of a hurry than they are (up in the first point), but do you really want to ask for trouble like that? You'll cause an accident that will most certainly involve others than yourself. Besides that, I promise you that if you are patient for just a minute, you'll get a window to move on.
4. The last point I'm going to make for today is definitely not the least important. But be especially kind to truckers. Yeah, I know that it sucks to drive 8 or 16 or 20 hours to wherever you are going. But driving hours like that and .much worse is their job, and they don't only have to do it when they are going on vacation, they drive like that all the time. Not to mention the stress that comes with knowing you are responsible for whatever thousands or millions of dollars of cargo you are hauling. If a trucker needs to make a pass, slow down and let the trucker make his pass. Don't be afraid to flash them in with your lights, anything to make it easier for em. If you pay attention you see semi-drivers do this to each other all the time. Altogether, just help out truck drivers when you can, the interstate is kinda their workplace anyway.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sorry Everyone, Have a Sandwich
First of all, I just want to apologize for the lapse in posts. I had an extremely busy week last week with homework and such, so much in fact that its carrying over to this week. But I figured I deserved a break and I thought I'd share something with the rest of you.
This here is just simple directions to an easy to make sandwich that is delicious. Unfortunately, I can't claim ownership of this masterpiece, so I will be forced to omit a few of the more detail ingredients. Don't worry, the sandwich you will end up with will be phenomenal, but don't be afraid to try new things with it.
What you'll need:
2 slices of bread (wheat preferably)
Pastrami (thin cut)
Honey Ham (thin cut)
Turkey (thin cut)
Cheese (white cheeses work better, swiss for example)
Mayo
-Toast the bread in your toaster till is crispy, maybe slightly browned but not fully toasted
-Once done, add the cheese to the bottom slice of bread
-On top of the cheese add 3 slices each of the ham, pastrami, and turkey
----Some people like pickles on top of the meats, just an option. I prefer no pickles
-On the top slice spread your mayo fairly thinly, you don't need a lot.
-Add the top slice of bread and its ready
**It should be noted here that if you have a toaster oven rather than a slice toaster to use that. Just neglect the first step, assemble your sandwich, then place the completed piece into your toaster over and let it do its work. It will melt the cheese better and make an all around better sandwich.
And that's it, you're done, add some chips or another side and some water and you've got a nice little meal. It only takes a few minutes to make so its the perfect item for munchies during/after a night of partying. Also works great for a filling meal in a short amount of time.
Ill be back Thursday with more.
This here is just simple directions to an easy to make sandwich that is delicious. Unfortunately, I can't claim ownership of this masterpiece, so I will be forced to omit a few of the more detail ingredients. Don't worry, the sandwich you will end up with will be phenomenal, but don't be afraid to try new things with it.
What you'll need:
2 slices of bread (wheat preferably)
Pastrami (thin cut)
Honey Ham (thin cut)
Turkey (thin cut)
Cheese (white cheeses work better, swiss for example)
Mayo
-Toast the bread in your toaster till is crispy, maybe slightly browned but not fully toasted
-Once done, add the cheese to the bottom slice of bread
-On top of the cheese add 3 slices each of the ham, pastrami, and turkey
----Some people like pickles on top of the meats, just an option. I prefer no pickles
-On the top slice spread your mayo fairly thinly, you don't need a lot.
-Add the top slice of bread and its ready
**It should be noted here that if you have a toaster oven rather than a slice toaster to use that. Just neglect the first step, assemble your sandwich, then place the completed piece into your toaster over and let it do its work. It will melt the cheese better and make an all around better sandwich.
And that's it, you're done, add some chips or another side and some water and you've got a nice little meal. It only takes a few minutes to make so its the perfect item for munchies during/after a night of partying. Also works great for a filling meal in a short amount of time.
Ill be back Thursday with more.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
College Football Season
So there is absolutely no doubt that I'm not the only one writing about college football season. But I am just so excited about it, and I figure I might as well. Watched football all day yesterday, it was amazing. My roommate and I have both of our tv's in the living room, my 42" plasma, his 46" LCD, and I just had two games on at all times. Feels good man.
Anyway, on to the good stuff.
First point, congratulations to K-State. That's a big win in a big season opener against UCLA. At first I think Kansas State was a little shaky, maybe just getting the butterflies out. But later, especially in the 4th quarter they really settled down and found their grove. If they continue playing like that, watch out Big XII North, you've got another contender. All in all, I'm actually pretty impressed with all of the North teams, all played well, with the exception of Kansas. I hope they can get that sorted out, I'd like to see Turner Gill do well.
Two teams that played somewhat underwhelming games in my opinion. Texas and Florida. Both played teams that they should have beat by more in my opinion. In fact, it wasn't apparent until late in each game that it seemed sure that Texas and Florida would win. In contrast, Oklahoma State, Florida State, and Penn State really showed up yesterday. I was impressed with all three teams, and Penn State's quarterback, Robert Bolden was very impressive, going 20 for 29 with 2 touchdowns. I would call that a great start.
As for my two favorites, Nebraska and Iowa State, I was impressed with both and disappointed in both. Iowa State I feel just had lapses in concentration and made mistakes. This should be an easily fixed issue, and I am excited to see what happens in Paul Rhodes' second season, it is easy to see that he wants to be where he is, and it has helped the ISU team immensely. Nebraska, I'm happy to say, finally has an offense to speak of. Hopefully this season they can become more of an offensive threat. The defense I feel needs to show some improvement. The skill is there, they just need to apply it better.
A tip for any of my readers, if you have not heard of it, check out centsports.com. It's a free betting site. You start off with 10 cents for free, and make bets on an assortment of sport. If you manage to build your net worth up to 20 dollars or above you can cash out. It's really fun, and when you bet on games it makes the game that much more interesting. If you end up losing all your money or go under 10 cents they just give you 10 cents to start again. Check it out!
Last but not least, remember that its not fall, and its not autumn, its College Football Season
Anyway, on to the good stuff.
First point, congratulations to K-State. That's a big win in a big season opener against UCLA. At first I think Kansas State was a little shaky, maybe just getting the butterflies out. But later, especially in the 4th quarter they really settled down and found their grove. If they continue playing like that, watch out Big XII North, you've got another contender. All in all, I'm actually pretty impressed with all of the North teams, all played well, with the exception of Kansas. I hope they can get that sorted out, I'd like to see Turner Gill do well.
Two teams that played somewhat underwhelming games in my opinion. Texas and Florida. Both played teams that they should have beat by more in my opinion. In fact, it wasn't apparent until late in each game that it seemed sure that Texas and Florida would win. In contrast, Oklahoma State, Florida State, and Penn State really showed up yesterday. I was impressed with all three teams, and Penn State's quarterback, Robert Bolden was very impressive, going 20 for 29 with 2 touchdowns. I would call that a great start.
As for my two favorites, Nebraska and Iowa State, I was impressed with both and disappointed in both. Iowa State I feel just had lapses in concentration and made mistakes. This should be an easily fixed issue, and I am excited to see what happens in Paul Rhodes' second season, it is easy to see that he wants to be where he is, and it has helped the ISU team immensely. Nebraska, I'm happy to say, finally has an offense to speak of. Hopefully this season they can become more of an offensive threat. The defense I feel needs to show some improvement. The skill is there, they just need to apply it better.
A tip for any of my readers, if you have not heard of it, check out centsports.com. It's a free betting site. You start off with 10 cents for free, and make bets on an assortment of sport. If you manage to build your net worth up to 20 dollars or above you can cash out. It's really fun, and when you bet on games it makes the game that much more interesting. If you end up losing all your money or go under 10 cents they just give you 10 cents to start again. Check it out!
Last but not least, remember that its not fall, and its not autumn, its College Football Season
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Quick Post
So I've been super busy with a programming homework assignment for one of my classes. Been away from school so I gotta reteach myself and its taking a while. Anyway, thought I'd throw up a view video's real quick from a recent episode of top gear. Both are worth the watch
This sound on these is toned down for some reason, so be careful to not leave your volume turned up.
*DONT FORGET TO TURN YOUR VOLUME DOWN
ok, hopefully everyone got that, now the next video.
And now the last part
*Remember your volume
That's all for now, hopefully I can catch a free minute sometime soon. Just keep viewing and I'll update as soon as I can catch my breath!
This sound on these is toned down for some reason, so be careful to not leave your volume turned up.
*DONT FORGET TO TURN YOUR VOLUME DOWN
ok, hopefully everyone got that, now the next video.
And now the last part
*Remember your volume
That's all for now, hopefully I can catch a free minute sometime soon. Just keep viewing and I'll update as soon as I can catch my breath!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thanks everyone
Ill be back later tonight or tomorrow with something new. And I want to thank everyone for all the views. That's all I can ask for is more views, so thanks. Ill keep it coming as long as you keep watching.
I know this is gonna be hit and miss but,
So I had to drive back to college earlier and just spent some time on the road thinkin. Saw some road signs that got me thinking. Tell me what you think:
These you see at stop signs fairly occasionally. Sometimes if you're lucky, you'll see a 3-way. Score
So we've got 3-way and 4-way, which sound interesting and maybe weird, but all way just scares me honestly.
Matrix bullet dodge to the left. Bullet should pass to your right.
Matrix bullet dodge to the right. Opposite of previous
Ultimate Matrix bullet dodge. Not too sure.
In the vicinity of this sign, it can be expected that the person in front of you is going to do a burnout, and leave a trail of rubber down the road.
It is not ok to give a thumbs-up near this sign.
Well that's it for now, I'll definitely have some sort of updates this week, getting fully moved into new place, maybe throw up some pics or something. Thanks for viewing!
These you see at stop signs fairly occasionally. Sometimes if you're lucky, you'll see a 3-way. Score
So we've got 3-way and 4-way, which sound interesting and maybe weird, but all way just scares me honestly.
Matrix bullet dodge to the left. Bullet should pass to your right.
Matrix bullet dodge to the right. Opposite of previous
In the vicinity of this sign, it can be expected that the person in front of you is going to do a burnout, and leave a trail of rubber down the road.
Well that's it for now, I'll definitely have some sort of updates this week, getting fully moved into new place, maybe throw up some pics or something. Thanks for viewing!
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