Sweet Tweets

Image via CrunchBase

I am mad! Exasperated! I have always considered myself quite knowledgeable and capable when it comes to computers and anything computer related.  I am an avid Facebooker, Pinterester, Stumbleuponer and…well that’s about it.  I am always in with the computer in-crowd, part of the computer world, leaving my footprints all over the world wide web.  So how do you explain my lack of appetite when it comes to Twitter?  I just can’t wrap my head around this one.  I have joined twice, no wait, make that thrice. Yes, three times and still have yet to get past a twit or tweet. I just cannot get the whole idea of it.

Stop!  No need to tell me that Twitter serves a purpose in getting information out to the masses quickly.  I know that.  I also know that it is a great marketing tool and quite handy with businesses.  Heck I sometimes wonder how we actually survived without it in those good old days.  How did we know what was going on across the globe? How did businesses survive? Scary thought eh?  However and whatever, I still don’t get it. The relevance and importance are still lost on me.  Call me old-fashioned. Call me anti-progress.

My very first introduction to Twitter was when I was asked if I tweeted and responded with a “Sorry, I had beans for breakfast.”  No, you idiot, Twitter! Are you on Twitter?  “What’s that? A new drug? Isn’t that the sound birds make?.”  I admit, my mind does have a mind of its own and works in mysterious ways.  I was then made to understand that Twitter was the new Social Network craze and enables peons like me to keep up to what my favorite celebs were doing.  The stuff they wrote about was called a tweet.

For a split second, I was interested. Very. Then I quickly realized that I really didn’t know any celebrities that I would care to read what they were up to, or follow as it was called.  I also didn’t own a business that I wanted to advertise.  The whole ‘Follow’ thing sounded so creeperish.  Call me old-fashioned.  Hater.  Whatever.  I think this whole thing is over rated.  For me to make it a hobby of following what celebrities are doing is like going through my rich neighbors’ garbage or reading The National Enquirer or Star magazines.  Same crap different pile.

Most of my friends and people I know are account holders on Twitter.  Nothing wrong with that.  To each his own. Some may derive a degree of satisfaction from tweeting or following and being followed. Some may garner increased business and publicity.  I have enough of that on Facebook so I don’t and that’s ok too.  For you, break a leg! Sweet Tweets!

The foregoing is not intended as a diss on Twitter or Tweeters or even Twits.  As I always say, it’s My Take so don’t take offense.  It’s all good!

 

 

Related articles

• The Kind Of Twit Who Isn’t Worth Following. (personalbrandingblog.com)
• What is the value of a tweet? (venpop.com)
• Can You Guess Which Stars Tweeted About Their Hair? (bellasugar.com)
• Demi Lovato Lashes Out on Twitter Over Celeb Gossip (celebs.gather.com)
• http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/twitter-may-first-break-stories-few-news-203507509.html

The Bachelor Or The Player?

Finally someone else is seeing the reality show The Bachelor for what it really is (The female version is not exempted).  It is a show that is contradicting all the values we try to instill in our children.  It also erodes the very fabric of our society on a whole.

I know that for sensationalism, shows like this feed societal cravings.  We want to see love. We want to see our favorite girl gets the guy even at all cost.  Cost being that he ‘samples’ the other girls then drop them like it’s hot.  In our own soap box, some of us would not accept this sort of behavior from the men in our lives.  We would find it unacceptable. Reprehensible. Sick. Disgusting.

So today, I read with some degree of satisfaction that Barbara Walters has sided with me and slammed the show for what it is, degrading to both sexes and a step back for humanity. (those are my words). Her piece  can be read here.

My take on this whole thing is that we as a society practice a double standard when it comes to what we watch and embrace on television and what we live.  The things we abhor in real life are relished when packaged in a television show.  We fail to recognize that these shows do involve real people with real lives and real feelings.

This show should be called ‘The Player’.

Related articles

• Barbara Walters Rips ‘The Bachelor’ (huffingtonpost.com)
• The Bachelor (caramieandtheboyz.wordpress.com)

Why Me Lord?

Reblogged from Musings Of A Daddy:

• 

I AM BLESSED!  Yes, very blessed.  All around me, there is pain, suffering, disappointments, loneliness , you name it. Just talk to your friends or watch the news at any given time and you will see what I mean.

In the midst of all this chaos, I find myself standing like a tree that has withstood a devastating hurricane. Blessed.  My biggest worries are finding a lost scarf, what shirt goes with my pants, which cereal should I have or should I use the laptop or Ipad.  

Read more… 75 more words

The Goody Two-Shoes Driver

This morning while running on a very tight schedule, I was unfortunately stuck behind a vehicle whose driver was not only intent on delaying me further but also seemed to be going the same place as I was.  I fumed and did a slow burn when he pulled up to a stop sign as I think he actually put the car in park each time.  When he got going, he kept well within the speed limit.

Ok, I got it! You are turning right up ahead.  You have been signalling a block away now turn already!  I thought this as followed this pace setter in a snail’s race.  I glanced at the time that was ticking away in mockery of me.  It was infuriating.  It was stressful. It raised my blood pressure. Traveling the speed limit?  Coming to a dead stop at stop signs? Signalling way in advance of turning? Who is this guy? Some sort of Goody Two-Shoes driver?

I didn’t pass him when I got the  chance. No way!  Why would I? I can’t afford a speeding ticket first thing on a Saturday morning.  So I stayed comfortably behind him and cursed his ancestors.

I arrived at my destination only one minute late (I forgot to mention that I sort of left home a little late. Sort of) and without a demerit on my driving record.  Thank you Mr. Goody Two-Shoes.  I wish everyone drove like you.  Your ancestors should be proud.

In case you missed it, the point is that many of us are guilty of getting mad when we get stuck behind someone who chose to obey traffic rules.  We blame them for making us run late for work or appointments because it is easier than accepting responsibility.  That was my initial reaction to driving behind Mr. Two-Shoes.  I was smart to realize that I was the one with the problem and needed an attitude adjustment.  The roads need more Goody Two-Shoes drivers and that’s exactly my take.

My Take On Kony2012

Two days ago, I was introduced to a viral video that was sweeping the web.  My co-worker asked me, “Have you heard of Kony?”  My reply was, “Hmmm…Coney Island? Yes I have.” She wasn’t talking about that Kony. The Kony she spoke of was a much darker version of Coney island. One where children were exploited and laughter was non-existent.  Kids did not wish for this Kony, instead they were taken against their will.  That was the Kony my co-worker meant.

She gave me a link to the Kony2012 video and I promised to view it later as it was 30 minutes long.  I instead went to my trusted google to learn more about this Kony.  I found that Joseph Kony is a Ugandan guerilla group leader whose style is reminiscent of a modern day Idi Amin.  We probably would never have heard of this madman had he not vist his atrocities on children.  He has apparently abducted and forced an estimated 66000 children to fight for him.  Young girls were made into sexual slaves and used to reward his soldiers.  Kony is bad news. Very bad news.  And that was why two days ago, every other person was hearing or viewing a video about Kony.  A group called Invisible Children is responsible for bringing Kony to the public’s awareness.  Movie stars and other celebrities are throwing their weight behind bringing Kony to justice in 2012 (hence Kony2012) with their signatures and donations.

Now here is my take on this Kony situation.  I agree with the common consensus that indeed a serious crime is being carried out in Uganda against children and also the citizens.  It is totally unacceptabe and yes, something should be done.  Unfortunately, this is nothing new to me or even you.  In Africa, child soldiers are common and child sex slaves are too.  Painful yes but true.   So do I feel compel to send a donation? Sorry, I don’t.  Before you label me, I strongly oppose what is going on but like I said, it’s almost a way of living in that part of the world.  In some cases, these children have now bought into the system and sees us as the enemy. And how do I even pick which country’s children are worth saving? Why Uganda and not Sudan? How do I cry for the exploited children on the other side of the world but not blink for those forced to walk the streets as prostitutes in my neighborhood?

Do I think that capturing Kony is important? Not really.  Idi Amin, another mad strongman was there before him and getting rid of him did not change anything.  Killing Bin Laden did not kill Al Qaeda or end terrorism.  Then what should one do then you ask.  Well I suggest we pray for the people of Uganda. (Yes, there are atrocities carried out against the adults too).  Pray for the children and keep them in your thoughts.  You might also want to ask yourself, how come it seems that much cooler when the child you adopt is from a remote part of the world and not from your local orphanage.  Cooler to send money to Africa but not to your local soup kitchen or homeless shelters.

I found interesting, the fact that this whole campaign is aimed at stopping Kony.  One Man. Not trying to end young girls forced to become sex slaves. Not addressing head on the issue of children forced to fight war. Just stop Kony at all cause.  The only way to end it is to bomb and eventually destroy Uganda.  Impossible? Can’t happen? Exactly my point!  And that’s my take.

 

Note:  Soon after publishing this take,  news broke that the Director of Invisible Children, (The group behind Kony2012) was arrested for allegedly “masturbating in public, vandalizing cars and possibly under the influence of something.”  I am not saying how and if this has any bearing on the legitimacy or illegitimacy of his venture.  Just throwing it out there. You be the judge.

Source: Invisible Children Co-Founder Detained: SDPD | NBC San Diego 

Related articles

• kony 2012 (southcoastcustomsurfboards.wordpress.com)
• Obama Praises Kony 2012 Campaign (edinburghnapiernews.com)
• Joseph Kony 2012: Obama administration congratulates success of campaign (telegraph.co.uk)
• KONY2012, the LRA, Uganda, and Invisible Children Part II (ourknightstour.wordpress.com)
• Joseph Kony, #stopkony, and Ignoring Africa (outsidethebeltway.com)
• KONY 2012: Following my Conscience (theatticonline.com)
• KONY 2012 – where does the money go? (bighazeleyes.com)
• Outrage grows over ‘Stop Kony’ campaign (ctv.ca)
• Kony 2012 Viral Video: Debate Erupts Over Non-Profit Group Invisible Children (inquisitr.com)
• Kony Inquirers: Please Read (weheartenglish.wordpress.com)
• Kony 2012 Follow Up (artikleblak.wordpress.com)
• Think Twice Before Donating to Kony 2012, the Meme du Jour [Video] (jezebel.com)
• The Real Deal on KONY 2012 (news.icanhascheezburger.com)
• Ugandans say Kony film is ‘misleading,’ ‘too late’ (news.com.au)

The White Van

This morning while listening to the news on the radio I noted with interest that there was another sexual assault incident involving a suspect in a white van.  Yes, another white van.  This led me to ponder, what’s with the white vans?  Does owning a white van turn one into a rapist or do rapists prefer this mode of transportation?  Seems almost like trying to decide the problem of the chicken or the egg doesn’t it? What comes first, the rapist or the white van?

I am not saying that rapists should change vehicles. That would be condoning the crime of rape.  I am just merely trying to find how why a white van is used. If it is for kidnapping purposes, can’t any other color work for that matter? Again I am not trying to trivialize this sensitive issue.  Rape and any other form of sexual misconduct is not to be taken lightly.  If you or anyone you know have been victimized, I am deeply sorry.

Would it be a good idea to screen men that want to purchase  white vans? Or maybe keep track of owners of such vans?  I am just firing in the dark here.

You know what, Mr. White Van Rapist? We know what you drive. We gonna find you.  You so dumb!

 

 

 

Schools can make our kids more stupider

I have been on a rant about school in the last year or so.  It all started when I took in my teen-aged high school cousin to live with us, thus experiencing first hand and for the first time, how the school system works. I don’t like it one bit and I am surprised that no one thinks to complain. Maybe I’m jumping the gun here and the issues are just isolated to this school. If so,  I apologize for generalizing.

The issues that irk me are based on the way teachers seem to trivialize students’ accountability.  For example, my cousin got 13% on one of his subjects. (He is in Grade 9).  We called the teacher to find out where he went wrong and the teacher assured us that we had nothing to worry about.  He even ventured to say that had he gotten 40% he would have been more concerned as that would mean he knew the stuff but could’t apply it.  Or some hogwash to that nature.  Stomp on my foot and call me stupid but I fail to see the logic in this.

Another thing is that even though we made it plain to the school that we want any changes in my kid’s schedule, behavior etc to be reported to us immediately, we still never know anything until weeks or months after the fact when it slips out in conversation.  My cousin is something of a problem teen with issues and needs structure.  The school knows this but fails or refuse to give any help in terms of feedbacks.

Last year, he failed Grade nine English.  We weren’t happy as we knew the major reason was his lack of effort. No homework, no using free period wisely.  We withdrew his cell phone privileges until this is improved.  To our dismay, the school insisted on providing ‘outs’ and excuses for his failure.  I understand the sensitivity associated with children and their growth but I also understand the seriousness of promoting children without merit. He fails, he stays is my philosophy.   I want nothing from him but to try his best. I don’t want A’s I want E’s. E for Effort that is.   I also want his teachers to hold him accountable for slacking off.  He is a big boy, he could and should handle it.

Related articles (Check out these links. They are really good read on this subject)

• Letter: To get their attention, failure would do some students well (tcpalm.com)
• Teachers and report cards

The case of the phantom cell phone

Last month, a retired couple was pulled over by The Winnipeg Police while driving home from lunch.  Here. The offence, operating a hand-held device while driving.  Normally this would be end of story. Man uses cell, gets pulled over, ticketed, the end but NO, it was not the end.  Turned out that the man who was driving did not, according to him and his wife, own a cell phone.  Apparently he tried to point this out to the officer but was ignored and given a ticket.

As there are two sides to every story, the police has now come out with their take which alleges that the officers were seven to eight feet away from the driver when he was observed with a cell to his ear.  My, My, My. Gets weirder by the minute.

Now the cops are saying, “See you in court if you think you were done wrong.” and the gentleman is saying, “See you in court if you think you have something on me.”  Guys what we have here is a Mexican standoff, sorta.

So who is right? Was the officer certain that what he saw was indeed the gentleman with a cell to his ear or was he adjusting his hearing aid?  Or is said gentleman suffering early signs of senility and thinks he doesn’t own a cell phone when he fact he does and was actually using it? If so, where was it?

I am confused.  You read it for yourself and be the judge.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/cellphone-ticket-but-no-cellphone-141398013.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/police-defend-issuing-of-ticket-141718633.html

 

 

Related articles

• Distracted driving my ass (winnipeggazette.com)

Say what you think.

As an opinionated person, I like opinionated people.  I find it refreshing when someone speak their mind on a given subject, be it religion, homosexuality, politics or whatever.  Maybe it’s the fact that I think people like this are usually more trustworthy.  As long as you can convey your opinions without anger or physical confrontation, you are alright in my books. Even though many a fight has been caused by differing opinions, the audacity and balls it takes to share your take is commendable. Here’s an example with actor Kirk Cameron wading into deep and murky waters to hold steadfast to his beliefs.  Good for you, big guy!

Note that we may bash the guy from stating his opinion but what right do we have to do so? What makes us right and him wrong or vice versa?

http://ca.omg.yahoo.com/news/kirk-cameron-slammed-calling-homosexuality-unnatural-cnn-interview-192308406.html

Related articles

• VIDEO: Kirk Cameron saying, “homosexuality is unnatural” (haleybehre.wordpress.com)
• Kirk Cameron Calls Homosexuality ‘Unnatural’ and ‘Destructive’ on CNN, Twitter Responds (ibtimes.com)
• Kirk Cameron Spews Homophobia And Bigotry On Piers Morgan Tonight (perezhilton.com)
• Kirk Cameron Says Homosexuality Is “Detrimental And Destructive To Society” (pinkbananaworld.com)
• Actor Kirk Cameron: Homosexuality is ‘Unnatural’ and ‘Destructive’ (pastorfisher.wordpress.com)
• Kirk Cameron ‘Homosexuality is detrimental’ (bazaardaily.com)
• GLAAD Condemns Homophobic Comments Made By Kirk Cameron (lezgetreal.com)
• Kirk Cameron Says Homosexuality Is ‘Unnatural… Ultimately Destructive’ (huffingtonpost.com)
• Kook Cameron On Homosexuality (biblioblography.blogspot.com)
• GLAAD Goes After Kirk Cameron Over Homosexual Comments (inquisitr.com)
• Kirk Cameron says homosexuality is “detrimental” (pinkbananaworld.com)

The Dirtiest Of The Dirty

Today, I had the unfortunate privilege of seeing the under belly of the human race on display and boy was it vile.  Just when I thought we couldn’t stoop any lower.

An old co-worker from my previous job was complaining on her Facebook status about the mean things being said about her on a particular website.  Out of curiosity and maybe with nothing better to do,  I checked out said site.  A photo of her greeted me and the disparaging remarks were not too far behind.  The person responsible for submitting this poor girl for dishonorable mention, spared no sick, lurid detail in describing why she was worthy of being crucified and made her a target for further abusive comments by anyone who stumbled upon the entry, whether they knew her or not.  Sure enough, the nasty comments were plenty.

TheDirty.com is a website for the sole purpose for people to submit stories, most of them bad, about exes and anyone else you feel like defaming.   There is no way to verify these facts so innocent and guilty alike are tried, found guilty and their characters executed. I am shocked that such a site as this is allowed to function with impunity.

Back to my poor co-worker, she was subjected to some serious allegations of earth moving proportions.  Someone must have been very ticked off or in need some serious therapy. It’s one thing to be mad at someone but to publicly ridicule them to such extent is unfathomable, at least by me.  The comments were venomous, wicked, sick, disgusting and totally below anything that is considered unacceptable.

The girl I knew is a single mom who was jilted at the altar last year.  She is in the process of making something of her life and I am sure does not need this painful setback.  Maybe she has skeletons, who don’t and who cares? Maybe she hurt people, well that’s between her and those involved.  There is no need for me and the rest of the world to be a part of the audience of this dirty laundry airing.   It’s not for us or anyone to cast stones.

I hope that this site is taken down before it continues to cause more harm to other people.  It’s a scar on society when we allow such things to run untethered among us.  I hope my friend finds some comfort in the fact that many comments were cast in her defense.

Just another example of how the pen is mightier than the sword.

Related articles

• NFL Cheerleader to Sue ‘TheDirty.com’ (myfoxphoenix.com)
• Gossip Website Targets Any and All With Cruel Comments (dfw.cbslocal.com)
• Online Dirt: Free Speech and Defamation go Helmet-to-Helmet in NFL Cheerleader’s Lawsuit (legallyeasy.rocketlawyer.com)
• Anderson Slams Nik Richie Over TheDirty.com (huffingtonpost.com)