Archive for February, 2007

Save Our Blogs!!

dd February 27th, 2007

Anyone here ever heard of “Net Neutrality”?  Now, wait just a minute before you start rolling your eyes.  I know what you’re thinking, “Here he goes yakking  about some arcane geek stuff”.  Well, brother and sister bloggers, I’m here to tell you to think again.  It’s time to mobilize.  Because if you ignore this issue, your very blog’s future could be in jeopardy. 

Me: Still with me?

Reader: Ok, I’ll humor you.  So, what the hell is “Net Neutrality”?

[note: answers are primarily from savetheinternet.com]

Me: It’s all about Internet freedom. “Network Neutrality” — the First Amendment of the Internet — ensures that the public can view the smallest blog just as easily as the largest corporate Web site by preventing Internet companies like Verizon and Comcast from rigging the playing field for only the highest-paying sites.  Net Neutrality ensures that all users can access the content or run the applications and devices of their choice.  Net Neutrality prevents the companies that control the wires from discriminating against content based on its source or ownership.
Reader:   Who wants to get rid of Net Neutrality?

Me:  The nation’s largest telephone and cable companies — including AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner — want to be Internet gatekeepers, deciding which Web sites go fast or slow and which won’t load at all.

They want to tax content providers to guarantee speedy delivery of their data. They want to discriminate in favor of their own search engines, Internet phone services, and streaming video — while slowing down or blocking their competitors.

These companies have a new vision for the Internet. Instead of an even playing field, they want to reserve express lanes for their own content and services — or those from big corporations that can afford the steep tolls — and leave the rest of us on a winding dirt road.

Reader:  What’s the plan?

Me: Writing Net Neutrality into law would preserve the freedoms we currently enjoy on the Internet. For all their talk about “deregulation,” the cable and telephone giants don’t want real competition. They want special rules written in their favor.

Reader: So, what the hell can I do about this?

Me:  Lots of stuff.  Here are some suggestions:

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The Irrepressible Retriever

dd February 25th, 2007

Our backyard

I’m ready - let’s go!

Is this fun or what?

Where is that damn thing?

I’m back

Our hybrid retriever Jake (1/2 golden, 1/2 black lab) has loved to retrieve since he was a puppy (in sharp contrast to our full blooded pure bred black lab who hasn’t a retrieving bone in his gentle body).  Jake would retrieve forever or until he dropped. 

“What’s a little snow?”, Jake said to me earlier.  Although finding the kong is a bit more of a challenge, he’s “more than up to it”.  By the way, Jake’s best retrieving claim to fame was when my wife was throwing his kong and it ended up in a branch of a small tree.  After pondering this for a few moments, Jake figured out that if he shook the tree, the kong would fall to the ground.  Did I mention that he’s a genius?

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Turning the Big 60

dd February 22nd, 2007

Today I am a fountain pen - oops, wrong birthday.  Although, I am old enough to remember what a fountain pen is.  And, I even remember ink wells in school desks.  But, back on point - today I turned 60. 

When I was a kid, 60 sounded ancient.  It still sounds a little on the old side.  But, truthfully, I sort of internally feel like I’m still in my 20’s.  So, I started to think about ways in which I’ve changed over the years and ways I’ve stayed the same.  Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

Ways I’ve Changed

  • I used to be more introverted.  Now, I’m about smack dab in the middle.
  • I used to have a bad temper, though I rarely exhibited it.  Now, I’ve mellowed and I can’t recall the last time I lost my temper.
  • My breakfast in my 20’s consisted of a Drake’s cake and coffee.  Now, it’s usually Spelt flakes with blueberries and Teeccino, a coffee substitute.

Ways I’ve Stayed the Same

  • The same dumb jokes make me laugh.
  • I still like to look (please note the emphasis on look here) at attractive members of the opposite sex.
  • I still love movies and folk music.
  • I still hate opera.
  • I’m still protesting.  It used to be Vietnam.  Today it was Darfur.

So, here’s a challenge for you.  Name 6 to 8 ways you’ve changed or stayed the same over the last half of your life.  Up to the challenge?  In particular, I’d like to see what Barbara, Reya, Steve, Pauline, Mother of Invention, Kristin have to say.  But, would love to see others take a crack at this too.

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Dumb and Dumber

dd February 21st, 2007

I’ve suspected for a long time that as a country we are dumber than other Western developed nations. I call my first witness - our esteemed President, Dubya. My second witness - all the people that voted for him twice!!

Now, here comes an article in the Washington Post Health section yesterday that blew my mind and provides hard evidence for my theory. The story talks about a growing epidemic called “health illiteracy”. What does this mean? Well, it means that an estimated 90 million Americans struggle to understand simple instructions and medication dosages. This growing problem is leading medical practicioners to start using pictures (aka patient-friendly signs or icons) because their patients can’t read. And, this affects way more than nonnative English speakers. In fact the Post piece reports that “experts emphasize that the majority of those with low health literacy are native-born and white.”

Some of the statistics are “dumbfounding”:

  • “A comprehensive national assessment of adult literacy conducted in 2003 by the U.S. Department of Education found that 43 percent of adults have basic or below-basic reading skills — they read at roughly a fifth-grade level or lower.”
  • “The picture is even more dismal when it comes to numerical skills: Fifty-five percent of adults have basic or below-basic quantitative abilities; many are unable to solve simple arithmetic problems, including addition.”
  • “Studies of health literacy have found that a surprisingly large number of adults were perplexed by the meaning of the term “orally,” didn’t know the difference between a teaspoon and tablespoon and were unable to calculate the proper dose of medicine.”
  • “A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1995 found that more than 80 percent of patients treated at two of the nation’s largest public hospitals could not understand instructions written at the fourth-grade level.”
  • “A 1999 study of more than 3,200 Medicare recipients found that one in three native-born patients could not answer a question about normal blood sugar readings even after being given a paper to read that listed the correct answer.”

I’m not sure if we’re getting dumber or have always been so. But, in any case, the implications for our country’s future are sobering. This is very scary stuff.

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Introvert or Extrovert - What the Hell Am I?

dd February 19th, 2007

As I approach my 60th birthday Thursday, I’ve been pondering ways I’ve changed over the years.  One aspect I’ve been considering is the personality trait of extroversion vs introversion.  I’ve always tended to think of myself as an introvert and a few of the ubiquitous Myers-Briggs tests I took years ago seemed to confirm that, although not strongly.  But, lately, I’ve sensed movement toward the extrovert side.

But, first let’s define things so we’re all on the same page.  These come from a very illuminating March, 2003 article by Jonathan Rauch in the Atlantic:

Introversion

Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not. Introverts are also not misanthropic, though some of us do go along with Sartre as far as to say “Hell is other people at breakfast.” Rather, introverts are people who find other people tiring.

Extroversion

Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. They often seem bored by themselves, in both senses of the expression. Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone.

Rauch points out:

In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially “on,” we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn’t antisocial. It isn’t a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: “I’m okay, you’re okay—in small doses.

Introverts can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience but seem awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk.  They have to be dragged to parties and then need the rest of the day to recuperate.

A lot of introverts are actually very good at being social.  It just takes a lot of work for them.  Shyness/anxiousness and introversion are different things.  An introvert can go to a party and then dinner afterwards, but are then completely ruined for the evening.

Years ago, I used to dread going to parties or large social gatherings especially when I wouldn’t know anyone there.   But, now, I don’t seem to mind.  And, I don’t feel the need to totally isolate myself afterward.  I’m also much less inhibited about speaking out in meetings or social gatherings.  Maybe that just comes with getting older.  However, small talk is still not my strong suit and is still sort of an effort.

I decided to take two online tests to determine my degree of introversion/extroversion.  The first is called the Self Assessment test for Introverts, by Marti Laney a Introversion PhD expert.  The second is the Five Factor Personality Model Test, a more highly regarded profile than Myers-Briggs, which has come under a great deal of criticism.

On both tests, I score about 50-50.  So, as with my birth sign, I’m right on the cusp.  Neither fish nor fowl.  Maybe that’s a good place to be.

For introverts reading this, tell your extrovert friends and loved ones not to be so smug about their “extrovertedness”.  Mr. Rauch points out that

Introverts are more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined and more sensitive than extroverts. 

Finally, here are Marti Laney’s top 10 Misconceptions and Advantages to Being an Introvert:

Misconceptions About Introverts

10. Party poopers
9. Unfriendly
8. Nerds
7. Lacking social skills
6. Won’t talk
5. Dont’ like people
4. Withdrawn
3. Loner
2. Shy
1. Hermit

Advantages Introverts Possess

10. Work well with others, especially in one-to-one relationships
9. Maintain long-term relationships
8. Flexible
7. Independent
6. Strong ability to concentrate
5. Self-reflective
4. Responsible
3. Creative, out-of-the-box thinking
2. Analytical skills that integrate complexity
1. Studious and smart

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Trusting My Intuition

dd February 16th, 2007

I think I’ve always had a pretty good sense of intuition.  Sense?  Well, I think you know what I mean.  I wish I had a buck for every time I went against it and wish I hadn’t.  My savings account would be a lot heftier today.

So, Monday morning in Detroit, as I’m driving to the nursing home to visit my Mom, I hear this forecast on the radio,”Snowfall is expected to be between 6 to 10 inches tomorrow”.  Now, I was already worried about the weather prediction for Washington - a “wintry mix” - for Tuesday.  And, my return plane flight wasn’t scheduled to depart until Tuesday afternoon. 

Almost instantly, my intuition kicked in and for once, my brain followed along, protesting only meekly at the sudden change of plans, which always throws it for a loop.  I called NWA from the nursing home and after a lengthy dialog, changed my flight to Monday evening and almost did it without a penalty.  Then, I quickly rescheduled the day, talked to everyone at the nursing home that I needed to, made sure everything was in good order for my Mom and broke the news to her.  She was disappointed but understood this was a smart thing to do.

Well, all hell broke loose on Tuesday both in Detroit and Washington.  Had I not changed my travel plans, I might still be there.  And, while my Mom would have loved it, my wife and my work would not have been so overjoyed.  And, truthfully, I find it harder and harder to be alone and away from home these days.  After a few days, I can’t wait to get back.

So, a big thank you to my intuition once again.  I’ll try to remember that you’re always right.

P.S. the $50 penalty fee was worth every penny

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Happy Valentines, Looking

dd February 13th, 2007

This post is for my Valentine, Barbara. 

Dear Barbara,

30 years and counting and it just keeps getting better and better!  I miss you so much when I’m gone from home like this last weekend.  I just discovered this song by Cheryl Wheeler and I instantly knew I had to make it part of a Valentine post for you.

This song says it better than I can and she’s a better singer  :-) .  Hope you like it:

Gandhi/Buddha - written by Cheryl Wheeler and sung by Holly Near:

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Deja Vu at the Nursing Home

dd February 11th, 2007

Here’s a short update from the Motor City on my Mom. She’s been at the W. Bloomfield Nursing/Convalescent Home since Wednesday. She is definitely improving - fluids just about all gone from her ankles and lung. Strength is returning slowly but steadily and her spirits seem better too.

I’m so impressed with the nursing and therapy staff. I don’t know if it’s just that old Mid-western gentleness and kindness or what, but I’m glad for it. The place must be doing something right, because my Mom recognizes and is recognized by many of the staff who were there a few years ago when my Dad was a “resident”. “Oh, Ms. Diskin. What are you doing here?”, said an aide at the dining room last night. (We decided it would be nice to get a change of scenery from her room, so we wheeled over to the dining room. They set the table with nice tablecloths and napkins and sort of pretend it’s a nice restaurant). “Do you remember me?”, my Mom asked the physical therapist Friday. “Of course. How are you Diane?”

There is a little craziness in her room. The roommate doesn’t have all her marbles and she has private aides throughout each day. Why - I’m not quite sure. They seem to spend the entire time watching TV or berating the poor woman. “If you want me to help you get dressed, then do what I tell you, Gloria. Otherwise, I’m fixing to leave”. “Oh, please don’t leave. I don’t want you to leave”. It’s sort of funny but mostly sad. Thank goodness that my mom still has all her mental faculties at 92.

I leave you with this song clip. It just seemed so appropriate. It’s from Grace Griffith’s “My Life”.

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Off to the Motor City Again

dd February 7th, 2007

I don’t think I can count the number of times I’ve answered the phone in the last 15 years to hear one of these:

Dad is in the hospital again
Dad is in the convalescent facility
Mom is in the hospital
Mom is in the convalescent facility

My father suffered a major stroke about 13 years ago and fought valiantly in a downhill struggle, and managed to hang on for 10 years before dying at age 91.  But, he was constantly going back to the hospital and/or the nursing home after subsequent episodes and other problems.  My Mom was the main care-giver and during the time she cared for my dad (I’m convinced because of the stress) fell at least 3 times breaking both hips.  She has been on a walker since the 2nd break, several years ago.  I think she has actually fared better health wise after my dad passed away which I attribute to the removal of the daily pounding of caregiving .  But, the other day, that dreaded phone call came again from my brother, who coincidentally happened to be in Detoit to visit his daughter and my Mom.

Mom complained of swelling of her ankles and pain.  He took her to an orthopedic doc who (good man) said “This is not an orthopedic problem.  I think there’s fluid build-up from a weak heart.”  So, off to the hospital again - diagnosis: Congestive heart failure.  I guess this is not so uncommon for a 92 year old.  New meds seem to have stabilized things and she has today been transferred to a convalescent center - the one she likes because the food is better.

I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining, but I’m also the kind of person who hates unplanned trips when I’m working on so many other things.  And, I just was in Detroit in December and in Chicago in January visiting my 98 year old Aunt in a convalescent situation.  And,who likes to fly these days, especially in the middle of winter to the Midwest?

But, I’m always so glad I’ve gone in the past.  While my dad was alive, they both appreciated my visits so much.  And, now, of course my Mom does too.  I know I’ll be a big comfort to her.  It’s no fun being in any institution so I’ll do what I can to brighten her days.   It makes my annoyances seems so trivial and ridiculously selfish. 

So, I’m off to the Motor City once more.   Hope I don’t freeze my tush off.

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Doing the Right Thing

dd February 4th, 2007

In the last few days, there has been a convergence of activities causing my brain to hurt but also to ponder the future of this beautiful planet. Our last book club’s selection was the “Revenge of the Gaia”, which offered a unique viewpoint about the global climate crisis and what we can do about it. A couple of days ago, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issues a report declaring that,”warming of the climate system is unequivocal” with major consequences to our planet. Further, the report pointed the finger squarely at us humans for generating the greenhouse gases and increasing the carbon dioxide levels of the atmosphere to never before seen levels.

Yesterday, we celebrated Tu B’Shvat, the new year for the trees and to commemorate the holiday, held a special service last evening, followed by food (duh, we’re Jewish) and the showing of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”. This is part of our synagogue’s “Green Team” effort to make us better environmental citizens.

By the way, anyone who has not seen Al’s movie, please - I implore you - go rent it. It’s a brilliantly done message about the dangers we face and what we can start doing about it. It shows a side of Al Gore that was not on display in the 2000 election. Here’s a guy who is smart, witty, and deeply passionate about the most important issue this planet of ours has ever faced. He is truly engaged in the highest form of selfless Tikkun Olam (repair the world).

So, ruminations:

Are other countries better global citizens than we are?

Why has every developed country in the world except Australia and the U.S. signed the Kyoto treaty?  Why does Europe and even China impose much, much higher gas mileage restrictions on their automobiles?  In Europe, we’re talking 2-3 times higher.  But, consider this.  Even if the U.S. passes some of the proposed gas mileage legislation now being debated, it will be 10 years before we even catch up to where China is now!!  And, we’re the leader of the free world?  I don’t think so.  Does make you wonder where we would be today if the election had not been stolen and Gore had been elected.

Or, are we really not any worse than any other developed country.  Doesn’t every country, like people, just act in its own self interest?  Altruism only if it serves the perceived national interest?  Does that explain why Europe, which is more dependent on foreign oil than us, has a more progressive energy policy?  I don’t believe this myself.  I think we as a country and as people are more ignorant of global issues and also more selfish.  It’s ok if we produce 30% of the world’s greenhouse gases, right?  Let the crazy Scandinavians put up wind turbines everywhere.  What an eyesore that would be here, no?

This is a moral issue of the highest imperative.

With the very future of our planet and future generations at stake, it is immoral to simply throw up our hands.  Nor, can we leave it to the politicians whose vision has always been self-serving and myopic.  Unfortunately, a lot of our holier than thou, Bible thumping citizens are too busy rallying against abortion to be bothered.  Yet, these are the same folks who don’t give capital punishment a second thought (”it’s just those people after all”) and blithely ignore global catastrophes like the genocide in Darfur or global warming which threatens the whole earth.

Not on their radar screens, sorry.

[These people are hypocrites of the highest order.  These are Americans whom I disdain and whom I am embarrassed to call my fellow citizens.  Oh, and aren’t these the folks more likely to drive around in gas guzzling pick ups or SUV’s than a Hybrid?]

But, we all share blame if we don’t start to help solve the global warming problem. And, Al Gore’s film and associated web site provides many ways for us to start becoming part of the solution and not part of the problem.  Otherwise, with apologies to Joe McDonald, we can all start singing:

And it’s one, two, three, what are we fighting for
don’t ask me I don’t give a damn, the world’s in an awful jam
And it’s five, six, seven, open up the pearly gates
ain’t no time to wonder why, whoopee we’re all gonna die

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