This is why I hate politics.

My father in law is a loon(i say that with the utmost respect and love). But he is also one of those people that likes to find facts and figures and he was right on top of getting the official "bail out" bill linked on his blog. I will repeat it here.

http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/RecoveryBill01-15-09.pdf

Now I usually do not care too much about this kind of thing but our elected government is preparing to spend close to a Trillion with a T dollars, so as a concerned citizen I perused the document, Most of the 256 pages any way, and having just read my good friends blog on the loss of John Updike, and the waining of intellectuals in America here is some food for thought...

pg 47line 8 650,000,000 appropriated for digital converter boxes for non cable subscribers to make sure springer comes in clear and in 1080p(i added the last part, it wasn't in the bill)

pg 129 line 12 50,000,000 For the National Endowment for the arts...

That's 13 times more money appropriated (a fancy word for taken) to TV reception over arts programs. I realize this is a drop in the bucket of the total plan even if you add the two together but, in a place where funding seems to be everything, I sense a trend towards the dumb and homogeneous. I can't wait for the new season of "Ow my Balls"

Kill your tv...

J

Pre-school.

Last night we took our oldest daughter to a PreSchool open house! Even as I type this I am confused as to how this happened. We ate supper, we took a shower we got gussied up and walked up to the school house. Addie was very excited. She is a good combination of me and my wife. She needs people around like Chrissy and she has no problem engaging them when she gets there you can all guess on that particular characteristic;)

Any way we get there and I couldn't be prouder. I took off her coat and she was off playing in a sandbox (inside, these people are nuts) with another little girl who was there. I don't think she looked back once, I on the other hand found myself following her around so I didn't get too far away, its pathetic I know.

After introducing myself to some of her other potential classmates(I got some curious responses) it was time to split up and the parents were going to go to the other side of the room for the informational meeting. Some children cried a little, but I noticed Addie could care less. I went over and told her what was going on and she said "OK" and ran off.(sound of heart breaking)

I think Chrissy and I would agree we are simultaneously glowingly proud of her and shocked that in 7 short months she will be here on her own having a life that we only get to look in on...

J

I can't beleive we didn't believe?

The inagural events and rediculous coverage have set my mind ablaze with reflection.
Bear with me as I digress.

This election cycle has left me disillusioned on many fronts.

To set the stage let me say I am neither disappointed, upset, nor emotionally/spiritually/religiously enthralled as a result of this election cycle. I guess I missed some boat that sailed from port some time ago. Maybe 24 hour news, the popularity of politics this year, or the shear opulence expressed in the campaigns of all involved has lead me to several conclusions...

1. I am a cynical a** hole ( we all new this)
2. Elections really are for sale or at least that is the preception set by the 24 hr balance sheets on money raised by contestants.
3. I use the term contestant purposely
4. Things said on TV to win the game show are not applicable outside of the recording studio

But the most disturbing thing to me was the concept that Americans never thought they'd live to see the day and African American would be president??? And most of those who wouldn't believe it were African American or of a minority group?(or at least that is who was asked the question by every news bimbo that could corner someone). I ran into this problem in my leadership conference I attended a few years ago. We were having a discussion on race relations in leadership positions and I was the only one in the room under 30. These issues were alive and beating in the room and I was disappointed in both sides.

I am offended(not something easily done) that the country, especially minorities can't believe it actually happened. Who'd of thought a black man would or could achieve, or form complete sentences? "He's such an eloquent articulate black man?"http://www.entertonement.com/clips/18788/Joe-Biden/Barack-Obama/2008-Election/Attributes Do you here the words coming out of your mouth? Seriously, I may be off the reservation here but these are the words I hear and it offends me.

That's Right a man of modest means, got up one day and said I want to change my life and help people along the way. I want to work, and learn, and pursue the nobelists of causes as I see they
are.

I for one am not surprised, I can believe it, and if more people would believe in themselves they too could attain high goals. While I am bothered by the sentiment of others I hope that this will be a clarion call to remind all people that if you get off your can and work and don't let stereotypes drive your ambitions or limit your aspirations we could be the place I thought we were all along.

as for me what do I think of Barak Obama being elected president... I had no doubt he could and more than likely would be elected. I think he has a full plate. I am more concerned that we have little checks and balances in our federal government than I am the political leanings of the president. I think he is a far more tactful and eloquent leader than we had before. I will pass on judging his performance as president until he has done it(unlike many who would judge his future actions on his ability to tell us how it will be) I am impressed with his determination and share some of his goals(although the path to those goals is a different matter) and as always I believe he will as all presidents, do what he feels and thinks is best for America.

And I am not the least bit surprised he did it, it is a moment of pride for America but its most defiantly only the latest and not the first.

Later J.

Artsy fartsy!

I have spent the last hour moving furniture around my studio at school. I have 14 students this semester working in 3 different areas, into to art and design, drawing from observation, and animation!. I had to come up with zones for the students, and I actually feel like my class room will be an art studio this semester! Drawing here, painting there! it is early but I have to be excited at the possibility that this semester will be fruitful if only 1/2 the students realize any of their creative potential. On top of all this a colegue of whom I have great respect is considering nominating me for the department chair position!!! What?? I don't have a clue how this place runs yet... But I think the school has been waiting for someone new to look at what they do and ask those all important stupid questions that those who have been here glaze over. Oh well time will tell.

Artward ho!!!!

Back to school, back to school...

Here I am in my dungenous office trying frantically to not get anything accomplished before classes start tomorrow... Blogging, ah yes the perfect distraction. I am not ready for classes in any sense of the word. I had my calanders crossed and thought classes started next week so My brain just isn't ready to make plans, think about complex ideas, or any of the other million things that come with getting the semester off to a good start. The real kicker is I wanted so badly to get just a little ahead of the game so I would not be at Def Con 3 All semester waiting for the bombs... But alas here I am looking at 4 long months of treading water as each day someone hands my a pebble... On the upside My wife has started to get back to work and will surely get her full time replacement job which will alleiviate many financial burdens but will also come at teh cost of doubling the amount of work at home... I guess I could be looking for a job so I'll not be caught complaining, or procratinating any more...I mean it no more wasting time...I need to focus...OK here I go.


I mean it!

Really!

Till next time