Unlike some other educators (who are lying), I will not deny that snow days are a fringe benefit to teaching that I enjoy a lot. Teachers don't get company stock options; we don't get company cars; we don't have expense accounts. But we do have the occasional thrill in the winter of getting a day off because of snowy or icy weather.
Tomorrow is one such day - the first possible weather problem during a school day this year. As a teacher, when winter arrives, you start to watch the weather in advance. Suddenly, the 8-day forecast matters (even though predicting weather that far in advance is ludicrous). I listen to "traffic and weather together" on AM radio, which has generally reliable forecasts. I check it online. I look at the radar. Where's the green? Where's the white? I tune into the Weather Channel for a national perspective. Maybe the "Winter Weather Expert", the bald guy with the doctorate, will be on.
Valid question: What does the winter weather expert do during the other three seasons?
Snow days mean days are added to the end of the school year, but June days, especially at the end of the month, tend to be irrelevant. An unexpected day off in December, January or February is a welcome surprise, sort of like getting a card in the mail with cash in it for no reason. (Note: This rarely has ever happened to me.)
Tomorrow's weather is not looking that horrible; there's probably a better chance that school will be delayed 90 minutes. The weatherguys are calling for 1-3 inches of snow, with all precipitation changing to rain in mid-morning. Still, the roads could be difficult to travel on. The snow/sleet mix is falling at precisely the right time - 3 to 7 a.m. Either way, delay or cancellation, what other job exists that has snow days built in as a possible benefit? On snow days, I get to shovel the driveway before anyone else, play in the snow with the kids, go sledding, and hang around the house NOT WORKING. It's a beautiful thing.
As I prepare to watch the final weather forecast of the night, I hear the weatherman talking about a "messy weather day" tomorrow. When he finishes, I need to decide: Do I listen to another forecast, the 11 p.m. one, to see if anything different/better gets reported? This does sometimes happen. You listen/watch to who tells you what you want to hear.
This is also a good strategy for choosing friends, now that I think about it.
Right now, this guy's saying the morning commutte is not looking very good. That's when buses are on the road. Sounds good to me. Don't think I need to listen to another forecast tonight.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Out of touch with the American Music Awards
In yet another sign that my age is not the primary target demographic of advertisers, popular culture, and now music, I watched the American Music Awards tonight and failed to recognize three of the four award-winners featured in a half-hour time frame.
The ones that I did recognize were: Whitney Houston, who received the International Music Award, for her lifelong impact on the music industry. It was pointed out that she has had 7 number one hits and has sold 170 million records. Many of these were from the 1980s, when she sang such hits as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "How Will I Know?" She is now old enough to receive a lifetime achievement-type award, and, although she may have have "work" done to not appear as if she's aging, she has gotta be in her early 40s. She is no spring chicken.
Jennifer Lopez was the other singer I recognized. She was introduced by the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" boxing announcer and then she pranced down an aisle to a makeshift stage wearing a boxing robe. She sang a song that had something to do with this boxing theme, but I can't remember its name. It was pretty bad, and I felt strange for knowing who she was, but not being able to name a song she sings. I'm making her connection mostly through Ben Affleck.
I could not recognize most other nominees and performers. One woman, who was dressed oddly in a panty hose-like outfit (even covering her eyes)took a microphone stand, simulated breaking glass and then played a piano that was partly on fire. She performed and then was nominated for the Best Artist award. I would be really concerned if she won.
Special effects seemed to be loom large on this night, as other performers, including J Lo, featured explosives on stage. The audience seemed to like it. I wonder if the TV audience did.
I don't remember, really, specifics about the American Music Awards when I was a kid, but I think Kenny Rogers and Neil Diamond may have won some awards. A few years ago, James Taylor won an award, I think, for being old. I recall John Mayer winning an award several years ago, too, for "Your Body is a Wonderland." (Almost typed "Wonderful," there.)
It's weird, though. I listen to top 40 radio pretty often and know bands' names, yet the bands featured tonight were... I don't know... not from top 40. Maybe they're from the rap/dance station genre. Not into that anymore. Stations I listen to which say they're oldies now play 80s music, which is old, but not that old. This is discouraging.
Kings of Leon - who I have heard of and like - was up for Artist of the Year, along with the psycho-looking woman performer. But, again, three of the four nominees were unknown to me. Not like I matter, anyway. I'm 36, nearly 37, and getting to the almost middle age part of life. Advertisements, like for iPhones and TMobile, the sponsor of tonight's event, aren't meant for me. People in my age bracket are just not that influential.
Now, when I watch the Nightly News, and the ads for cholesterol medications come on... now that's closer to my reality. Sadly.
The ones that I did recognize were: Whitney Houston, who received the International Music Award, for her lifelong impact on the music industry. It was pointed out that she has had 7 number one hits and has sold 170 million records. Many of these were from the 1980s, when she sang such hits as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "How Will I Know?" She is now old enough to receive a lifetime achievement-type award, and, although she may have have "work" done to not appear as if she's aging, she has gotta be in her early 40s. She is no spring chicken.
Jennifer Lopez was the other singer I recognized. She was introduced by the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" boxing announcer and then she pranced down an aisle to a makeshift stage wearing a boxing robe. She sang a song that had something to do with this boxing theme, but I can't remember its name. It was pretty bad, and I felt strange for knowing who she was, but not being able to name a song she sings. I'm making her connection mostly through Ben Affleck.
I could not recognize most other nominees and performers. One woman, who was dressed oddly in a panty hose-like outfit (even covering her eyes)took a microphone stand, simulated breaking glass and then played a piano that was partly on fire. She performed and then was nominated for the Best Artist award. I would be really concerned if she won.
Special effects seemed to be loom large on this night, as other performers, including J Lo, featured explosives on stage. The audience seemed to like it. I wonder if the TV audience did.
I don't remember, really, specifics about the American Music Awards when I was a kid, but I think Kenny Rogers and Neil Diamond may have won some awards. A few years ago, James Taylor won an award, I think, for being old. I recall John Mayer winning an award several years ago, too, for "Your Body is a Wonderland." (Almost typed "Wonderful," there.)
It's weird, though. I listen to top 40 radio pretty often and know bands' names, yet the bands featured tonight were... I don't know... not from top 40. Maybe they're from the rap/dance station genre. Not into that anymore. Stations I listen to which say they're oldies now play 80s music, which is old, but not that old. This is discouraging.
Kings of Leon - who I have heard of and like - was up for Artist of the Year, along with the psycho-looking woman performer. But, again, three of the four nominees were unknown to me. Not like I matter, anyway. I'm 36, nearly 37, and getting to the almost middle age part of life. Advertisements, like for iPhones and TMobile, the sponsor of tonight's event, aren't meant for me. People in my age bracket are just not that influential.
Now, when I watch the Nightly News, and the ads for cholesterol medications come on... now that's closer to my reality. Sadly.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Leaf-blowing blows
The leaves, except for just a few stubborn ones, have fallen, now. They have fallen across the back and front yards, blanketing most of my property. Since we own over an acre and live on a heavily wooded lot, last year we decided that it was time to stop raking and get a leaf blower. This was, mostly, a good idea.
But leaf blowing still sucks.
It has consumed large fragments of my time for the last three weeks. An hour after work, 45 minutes on a Saturday morning, an hour and a half on a Sunday. This weekend, I probably spent about three hours in all blowing leaves into the woods, and I'm still not done.
I will admit that blowing the leaves is definitely easier than raking them. We have just too many to rake. A few weeks ago, though, when I was trying to start the leaf blower, I pulled the starter string too vigorously, I guess, and the string wouldn't recoil. Thus, I ended up raking the front yard. Now, after a $45 repair, the leaf blower is back in action.
We probably have another half day to clean the leaves up. Then, I get to mow the lawn one last time, vacuuming the remnants of autumn, before winter drops its own coating upon the lawn and the driveway.
What do I think of snowblowing, you ask? I will not get into that right now, but you can read an older post here.
But leaf blowing still sucks.
It has consumed large fragments of my time for the last three weeks. An hour after work, 45 minutes on a Saturday morning, an hour and a half on a Sunday. This weekend, I probably spent about three hours in all blowing leaves into the woods, and I'm still not done.
I will admit that blowing the leaves is definitely easier than raking them. We have just too many to rake. A few weeks ago, though, when I was trying to start the leaf blower, I pulled the starter string too vigorously, I guess, and the string wouldn't recoil. Thus, I ended up raking the front yard. Now, after a $45 repair, the leaf blower is back in action.
We probably have another half day to clean the leaves up. Then, I get to mow the lawn one last time, vacuuming the remnants of autumn, before winter drops its own coating upon the lawn and the driveway.
What do I think of snowblowing, you ask? I will not get into that right now, but you can read an older post here.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Public radio fundraising and touchless paper towel dispensers
Two things that irritate me.
First, public radio fundraising drives. It's not that I wouldn't possibly give money to NPR or Connecticut Public Radio or public television. It's the approach that the broadcasters have during these annoying "pledge campaigns." - especially on TV, but on radio, too. They try to make you feel guilty if you don't give. Like you are actually stealing the content.
If public radio/TV wants to raise more money, they need to stop this approach. It's actually a negative campaign. Public radio, like all of radio, has advertising, but in the form of sponsors, grants, foundation support, and corporate donations. I have read recently that public media is doing well financially, although they claim to rely on money from private individuals to run their operations. If they want more people to consider giving, mail them some information. That's the only way I'd consider it. I'm not going to call in a pledge.
One trick that makes me feel better about this is when I know NPR is looking for money, I quickly switch the station just as the announcer comes on, cutting him off in mid-sentence. It is strangely satisfying.
Second thing: Touchless paper towel dispensers, now commonplace in restaurant bathrooms. In an effort to save paper (and money), these dispensers only give about 6inches of paper towel. Then you have to wave your hand in front of it to get more. This practice may actually be more annoying than public broadcasting fundraisers.
I don't know how much money this saves businesses, but I hate being restricted about how many paper towels I use. (I do tend to take a lot.) So, now, because I feel the restaurant is unnecessarily controlling me, I just hold my hand in front of the dispenser and take far more than I truly need.
When there are two dispensers side by side, I hold my hand in front of both of them. I suggest that you also do this, just to be a pain.
Sometimes, you need these little passive-aggressive behaviors to help you to cope with daily annoyances.
First, public radio fundraising drives. It's not that I wouldn't possibly give money to NPR or Connecticut Public Radio or public television. It's the approach that the broadcasters have during these annoying "pledge campaigns." - especially on TV, but on radio, too. They try to make you feel guilty if you don't give. Like you are actually stealing the content.
If public radio/TV wants to raise more money, they need to stop this approach. It's actually a negative campaign. Public radio, like all of radio, has advertising, but in the form of sponsors, grants, foundation support, and corporate donations. I have read recently that public media is doing well financially, although they claim to rely on money from private individuals to run their operations. If they want more people to consider giving, mail them some information. That's the only way I'd consider it. I'm not going to call in a pledge.
One trick that makes me feel better about this is when I know NPR is looking for money, I quickly switch the station just as the announcer comes on, cutting him off in mid-sentence. It is strangely satisfying.
Second thing: Touchless paper towel dispensers, now commonplace in restaurant bathrooms. In an effort to save paper (and money), these dispensers only give about 6inches of paper towel. Then you have to wave your hand in front of it to get more. This practice may actually be more annoying than public broadcasting fundraisers.
I don't know how much money this saves businesses, but I hate being restricted about how many paper towels I use. (I do tend to take a lot.) So, now, because I feel the restaurant is unnecessarily controlling me, I just hold my hand in front of the dispenser and take far more than I truly need.
When there are two dispensers side by side, I hold my hand in front of both of them. I suggest that you also do this, just to be a pain.
Sometimes, you need these little passive-aggressive behaviors to help you to cope with daily annoyances.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Pedro pitching still a spectacle
Now-Phillies pitcher Pedro Martinez, once a Cy Young-award winning pitcher for the Red Sox who struck out more than 300 batters twice in his career, took the loss last night, pitching against the Yankees in the World Series.
His line was: 6 innings pitched, 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts.
Not bad for a 38-year-old who is about 8 years past his prime.
The Phillies lost 3-1 last night in Game 2 of the World Series, evening the series, 1to 1. It would have been sweet to see Pedro lead his team to a 2-0 series lead, but the Yankees had a bit too much power. The Phillies, meanwhile, could not hit AJ Burnett.
But Pedro still pitched really well. He gave up two home runs, but he had good command of his pitches, striking out 8 while walking 2.
One thing that's changed about Pedro over the years is his velocity. Last night, he topped out at 89 mph, from what I saw. In his heyday, Pedro routinely hit 93-95 mph. The speed decrease is a big difference because it affects his offspeed pitches. Pedro's changeups used to be 85 mph. Now, they're about 75 mph. Even Derek Jeter, who NEVER pulls the ball, last night smacked a double to left field. He was way out in front of the pitch, which is rare.
Pedro's pitches still have good movement, and because he's such a smart pitcher, he can accumulate strikeouts. He knows what to pitch when.
When he pitched for the Red Sox, he was magical. Dominant. Hitters could not successfully guess what he was throwing. They could not keep up with his fastball. And even if they could hit his fastball, it had such movement that it didn't seem fair. His placement of the ball, on the outside corner of the plate, was unbelievably accurate. For a period of years, he was in the zone. And the Red Sox were the lucky beneficiary of his superior performance.
Watching him last night brought back some memories from his mid-90s form. He fooled a bunch of batters throughout the night. He was in control. It was almost the Pedro of old. He hit the outside corner of the plate, granted at velocity in the uper 80s, regularly.
It was a shame that Pedro had to lose, but it was also a testament to the strength of the Yankees. The Phillies needed to get run support. And it didn't happen. I wonder if Pedro will get another chance this postseason.
His line was: 6 innings pitched, 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts.
Not bad for a 38-year-old who is about 8 years past his prime.
The Phillies lost 3-1 last night in Game 2 of the World Series, evening the series, 1to 1. It would have been sweet to see Pedro lead his team to a 2-0 series lead, but the Yankees had a bit too much power. The Phillies, meanwhile, could not hit AJ Burnett.
But Pedro still pitched really well. He gave up two home runs, but he had good command of his pitches, striking out 8 while walking 2.
One thing that's changed about Pedro over the years is his velocity. Last night, he topped out at 89 mph, from what I saw. In his heyday, Pedro routinely hit 93-95 mph. The speed decrease is a big difference because it affects his offspeed pitches. Pedro's changeups used to be 85 mph. Now, they're about 75 mph. Even Derek Jeter, who NEVER pulls the ball, last night smacked a double to left field. He was way out in front of the pitch, which is rare.
Pedro's pitches still have good movement, and because he's such a smart pitcher, he can accumulate strikeouts. He knows what to pitch when.
When he pitched for the Red Sox, he was magical. Dominant. Hitters could not successfully guess what he was throwing. They could not keep up with his fastball. And even if they could hit his fastball, it had such movement that it didn't seem fair. His placement of the ball, on the outside corner of the plate, was unbelievably accurate. For a period of years, he was in the zone. And the Red Sox were the lucky beneficiary of his superior performance.
Watching him last night brought back some memories from his mid-90s form. He fooled a bunch of batters throughout the night. He was in control. It was almost the Pedro of old. He hit the outside corner of the plate, granted at velocity in the uper 80s, regularly.
It was a shame that Pedro had to lose, but it was also a testament to the strength of the Yankees. The Phillies needed to get run support. And it didn't happen. I wonder if Pedro will get another chance this postseason.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Hope for a White-Collar Criminal
After a great hike today at Mt. Tom in Litchfield, we were famished and needed to eat. Since all we had were Twizzlers and kid fruit snacks, we stopped in the village and ate at a very good, very unpretentious little Italian joint, DiFranco's, on West Street.
(I do have to admit that I salivated while passing by the West Street Grill, one of Connecticut's finest and most critically acclaimed restaurants. I've had some of my best meals - although worst service - there.)
So we're set to leave, get the kids packed in the car and I notice a guy who looks familiar. Dressed in a blue Polo sweater, wearing sunglasses, the man had a recognizable profile. I turned to my wife and said, "Look, John Rowland."
He was going into the West Street Grill, for a late lunch.
He looked sharp. Well groomed. Cool as the days when he was governor.
Rowland resigned from office in 2004 in the midst of a corruption investigation and he later served 10 months in federal prison.
He has, however, returned to the public arena. In 2008, he was hired by Waterbury's mayor as the city's economic development coordinator. The position pays him $95,000.
I don't think about criminals much, and white-collar criminals obviously are different than violent criminals. They are more suave and savvy, more connected, and better educated. They're also generally nonviolent.
So it shouldn't have surprised me to see Rowland in Litchfield center, in front of a posh restaurant (while I was at the cheap place down the street!). But to see the man who had been through the ringer, prison time, and an intense media storm, resurface and succeed is pretty remarkable.
I mean, he served his time, and he's allegedly trying to counsel others and speak publicly of his failures in order to help others. There has been a mild uproar about the fact that he's a public employee again, and earning a generous salary, too.
But as much as I wanted to say, "Hey! This isn't right! Rowland's a criminal!", he doesn't deserve that. Although he was definitely shady in the way he conducted business as governor, awarding state contracts to friends, receiving free home improvements, including the infamous hot tub on Bantam Lake, which is in Litchfield, he's human. He seems to have realized and learned from his mistakes.
I would imagine that Rowland will one day rise up through the ranks again, and he at some point will earn more than $95,000. He will one day be bigger than Waterbury's economic development director.
But in the meantime, he seemed pretty content eating lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Litchfield, earning a decent living, and perhaps pondering his next step.
(I do have to admit that I salivated while passing by the West Street Grill, one of Connecticut's finest and most critically acclaimed restaurants. I've had some of my best meals - although worst service - there.)
So we're set to leave, get the kids packed in the car and I notice a guy who looks familiar. Dressed in a blue Polo sweater, wearing sunglasses, the man had a recognizable profile. I turned to my wife and said, "Look, John Rowland."
He was going into the West Street Grill, for a late lunch.
He looked sharp. Well groomed. Cool as the days when he was governor.
Rowland resigned from office in 2004 in the midst of a corruption investigation and he later served 10 months in federal prison.
He has, however, returned to the public arena. In 2008, he was hired by Waterbury's mayor as the city's economic development coordinator. The position pays him $95,000.
I don't think about criminals much, and white-collar criminals obviously are different than violent criminals. They are more suave and savvy, more connected, and better educated. They're also generally nonviolent.
So it shouldn't have surprised me to see Rowland in Litchfield center, in front of a posh restaurant (while I was at the cheap place down the street!). But to see the man who had been through the ringer, prison time, and an intense media storm, resurface and succeed is pretty remarkable.
I mean, he served his time, and he's allegedly trying to counsel others and speak publicly of his failures in order to help others. There has been a mild uproar about the fact that he's a public employee again, and earning a generous salary, too.
But as much as I wanted to say, "Hey! This isn't right! Rowland's a criminal!", he doesn't deserve that. Although he was definitely shady in the way he conducted business as governor, awarding state contracts to friends, receiving free home improvements, including the infamous hot tub on Bantam Lake, which is in Litchfield, he's human. He seems to have realized and learned from his mistakes.
I would imagine that Rowland will one day rise up through the ranks again, and he at some point will earn more than $95,000. He will one day be bigger than Waterbury's economic development director.
But in the meantime, he seemed pretty content eating lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Litchfield, earning a decent living, and perhaps pondering his next step.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Marathon Deaths
Officials claim it was a fluke that three people (a 26-year-old half-marathon runner, and a 36-year-old and 65-year-old) running in yesterday's Detroit Marathon died. All three people, all men, were reportedly experienced runners.
What doesn't seem to be in question is that running a marathon puts the heart in extreme stress and that research shows this can be the equivalent of having a mild heart attack.
Statistically, according to www.livescience.com, somewhere between 1-in-50,000 and 1-in-75,000 people who finish a marathon will die from it. So three deaths at an event with 19,000 registered runners is higher than normal but not considered off the charts.
But the event has spawned questions about how running such a long distance can affect the heart.
Running a marathon can trigger heart attacks because the increased exertion raises a person's heart rate, which boosts the heart's blood demand, according to livescience.com. If there is any blockage to the arteries, they can't accommodate this increase in blood flow, and the heart can't get enough blood, causing a heart attack.
Officials question whether those who die running a marathon may have an underlying heart condition.
The New York Times recently examined the subject of marathon running and its connection to an elevated heart risk. A number of studies showed that after running a marathon, blood markers of heart damage were elevated. In one study, runners who finished a marathon had blood profiles "similar to those in a very mild heart attack.”
It was noted that those who train properly for marathon running are less likely to have a heart problem, although one study contradicted that finding.
The idea, perhaps, is to use common sense.
"In the long run it's more dangerous to be sedentary than it is to be regularly physically active," a University of Minnesota doctor said. "It's people who don’t do anything except walk to the refrigerator who are the ones that are at the most risk [of heart disease]."
If you read message boards and blog posts, "health running" stops at 8 to 10k. After that, it's about "heart" and "ego", according to one blogger.
What doesn't seem to be in question is that running a marathon puts the heart in extreme stress and that research shows this can be the equivalent of having a mild heart attack.
Statistically, according to www.livescience.com, somewhere between 1-in-50,000 and 1-in-75,000 people who finish a marathon will die from it. So three deaths at an event with 19,000 registered runners is higher than normal but not considered off the charts.
But the event has spawned questions about how running such a long distance can affect the heart.
Running a marathon can trigger heart attacks because the increased exertion raises a person's heart rate, which boosts the heart's blood demand, according to livescience.com. If there is any blockage to the arteries, they can't accommodate this increase in blood flow, and the heart can't get enough blood, causing a heart attack.
Officials question whether those who die running a marathon may have an underlying heart condition.
The New York Times recently examined the subject of marathon running and its connection to an elevated heart risk. A number of studies showed that after running a marathon, blood markers of heart damage were elevated. In one study, runners who finished a marathon had blood profiles "similar to those in a very mild heart attack.”
It was noted that those who train properly for marathon running are less likely to have a heart problem, although one study contradicted that finding.
The idea, perhaps, is to use common sense.
"In the long run it's more dangerous to be sedentary than it is to be regularly physically active," a University of Minnesota doctor said. "It's people who don’t do anything except walk to the refrigerator who are the ones that are at the most risk [of heart disease]."
If you read message boards and blog posts, "health running" stops at 8 to 10k. After that, it's about "heart" and "ego", according to one blogger.
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