Crack in The Window

I have spent the last 48 hours or so (not including bathroom breaks and 6 hour cat naps) trying to accomplish a technological feat. I want to send an email. Well, not just any email. I want to send an informational email that looks like all the cool junk emails I never read.

I began the quest several days ago and tried several different applications. A woman far wiser than I suggested I try Publisher, and after building an entire newsletter that wouldn’t translate beyond an attachment to an email, I discovered the Email Template in Publisher, and rejoiced!! Wonder of wonders, this stinking thing was designed to format an email. What could be simpler, right? Yeah, right.

Why do the tormentors of Microsoft feel it’s necessary to change virtually everything in every new edition of their software, even when it is the exact same feature they have provided since day one? I have Publisher 2007, and I am trying to relearn everything I used to know in 2005; but I digress.

The issue at hand is that I have sent the completed email document to myself, more than 30 times, and each time one or more of the pictures, or attachments in the document does not appear. This, by the way seems random as different things appear and disappear.

I have come close to losing my mind as I read pages of tutorials all meant to make this little process a simple one. Some are from 2001, and so, not so helpful. Some helps are recent but it seems I must ask two or three questions first in order to arrive at the stage of help that I think I need right now.

In an age when so much in cyberspace really is idiotic proof, is it purposefully tough to use Microsoft’s applications? I will tell you that after this debacle I am convinced I need more fiber in my techno life, so I am going to try an Apple.

For Ansel Adams, A Rose is Still a Rose, Just Cost More

It was reported that some negatives from Ansel Adams, a renown photographer, have been discovered. They estimate the worth at approximately $200 million dollars.

The point I really wonder is, is a rose photographed by someone other than Adams, still as sweet? I love his subject and photographic style. I admire several famous photographers and I can clearly see that their talent at taking pictures truly is an art; in fact I went to a photographic museum in San Diego recently that featured Ansel Adams work beautifully. Yet I can't see my way clear to finding newly discovered pics to be as valuable, say as a painting, or a play or novel.

I may just be showing my ignorance (that's not rhetoric), but I have seen some beautifully artistic photographs in many creative people's hands who IMHOToday, could rival the best of photographers. I have met few who can sing like Pavarotti, paint like Van Gogh, or write like Vonnegut. But I think almost anyone who cared to apply themsleves to the Art could ultimately take pretty amazing pics.

I think it has a lot more to do with the price people might be willing to pay for a photo credited to be taken by a famous person more than the actual value of these pictures. John Lennon's art works have been sold for more than $50,000; can you imagine these same works done by you or I selling at any amount? Probably not.

I am not trying to deprecate this artist. I appreciate and clearly see the value of someone able to capture images artistically. I just wonder when 2/3 of the world is in need, do we need another $200 million in paper floating around? Even really pretty paper?

BTW, the picture above was taken by a teen aged friend of mine.

Justin Bierber Molests Fan

You've got to be kidding me.

In the first place this kid's image is definitely not the molester type.

Secondly (because I do know that image isn't everything) This kid could probably have his pick of all the legal girls and women he could handle.

This kid (or those who tweet and prepare statements for him) are far too smart to get caught doing anything as stupid as being involved with a minor.

Remember when kids were off limits to gutter journalists who print gossip, filth and innuendo? If I had the resources at my disposal I would write an amazing tell all book on the live of the paparazzi and "journalists" like, Joe McGinniss (who moved next door to Sarah Palin while "researching")and see how well they could fair by the standards they put celebrities up to.

The only problem is we expect them to be as sleazy as politicians. The "real life" people we expect less from than from the kid who hands us our change from Dunkin Donuts.

It's not the people who run our government we expect to live in integrity, it's the neurotic artists & sports stars who are paid millions to say noble words, or play through sports injuries nobly, or sing heart breaking songs- these are the people we need to see exemplary behavior from........does this sound crazy? It really is.

Besides, isn't he about 12 years old, anyway? Oh Please, Media machine (including those idiot bloggers who can get the ball rolling) please leave the boy alone.

Scary can be fun

False Flag Cyber Attack? False until......

US Government agencies are clamoring for government controls of the internet. They are hyping a possible "Pearl Harbor" style attack, for fear of disabling banking or power grids that are wired into the internet. They claim cyber-terrorists can take us all down in 15 minutes to destroy civilization as we know it.

When fascists take control, historically, you know what they do after removing guns from private citizens? They take control of the media. Well, with the internet running wild and free that sure would be tough to do. Imagine controlling the information we receive with all us crazy bloggers reporting what is going on, and our opinions about it floating through your email boxes; it could make life inconvenient for the present administration, who have clearly taken very sure steps towards socialism.

What I am wondering is how much further will we allow them to take our liberties, before we say ENOUGH!

There is federal money available to states for health care for kids, BUT in the states that accept it, doctors will have to measure every child's Body Mass Index, (determines if child is obese) and report it to the government. The fact that the government wants to have this personal medical info on our kids is scary stuff. I thought HIPAA was there to protect us from this type of invasion on our privacy. I guess when a one government agency takes precedence over another....

Rather than Federal Money being given to my state, let me keep my own tax money and I'll take care of my kid's health, and do my best to help the rest too!

The government has taken over the American Auto Industry, the mortgage lenders, and now the health care industry.

Remember when the government was by the people and for the people?

The Social Network's cover guy

First of all I am a huge Aaron Sorkin Fan, though I disagree with his outlook on quite a few important issues, I respect his intelligence and sincerity.

This guy wrote "A Few Good Men", "The American President", and created "West Wing", which if my conservative friends had watched, they'd have realized that all progressives are not just socialist monsters.

More the reason for blogging here on Mr. Sorkin, is his talent. This man writes brilliantly, engagingly, with earnestness. Even when I don't agree I see it was no fool who came to the conclusions this man genuinely believes in. As for the people he may villify, though I may agree with some of their political points, Mr Sorkin really defines their shortcomings brilliantly and accurately.

He is a great writer and as good as human beings get, IMHOToday. He writes women well, though he may deify them a bit, and he writes a man's man just as well. The guy is definitely a romantic, and he writes with intimacy for his characters. I'll bet he knows what each character would order for dressing on their salad. At the end of the "West Wing" series, he closely covered both Right and Left parties during an election year and showed the candidates as real men; neither as pure hero, or as villain. Though it was just a TV show, I admire him so much and saw more balance and objectivity, than in any real life media coverage of anything!.

He may be sentimental but the guy is no slouch. He is far from a pushover and I guarantee those who are his friends, know they have a good friend for life. Just my hunch, since I am not in the loop.

He has written a new screenplay for "The Social Network", a movie about creators of Facebook. I was intrigued by the trailer I saw, but undecided about seeing it until I realized Sorkin was involved.

Sorkin will be writing and directing next, based on a book about John Edwards, written by the aide who first claimed responsibility as father for Edwards' child born out of wedlock. I am really excited to see what this great mind does in this context, with such a flawed man at the center of his film. According to his IMDB.com this will be his directorial debut, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.

We're Ready for Takeoff Mr. Spacely

FAA Grants Terrafugia Extra Takeoff Weight for Road Safety Features

The Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft has received an exemption from the FAA to allow the craft a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 lbs, more than 100 lbs more than allowed other light sport air crafts…the extra 110lbs go toward safety features such as airbags, a crumple zone, and a protective safety cage… The aircraft has folding wings and a 115 mph cruising speed in the skies.”

http://www.terrafugia.com/newsreleases.html#110

We’re one step closer to George Jetson, kids. If you don’t get the joke, don’t bother checking it out.

I’m already planning on saving my pennies for this innovation. Taking to the skies isn’t just exciting, but I’ll bet I can get around the slow pokes a lot easier in a winged car!

Speaking of, if I may I’d like to do a little public service message for you. Are you aware that on a highway, or turnpike, with multiple lanes headed in the same direction, the farthest to the left lane is a passing lane?

Did you know there are roads in New Jersey where you can be fined for continually driving in this farthest left lane? It makes me crazy when the person in the left lane is doing the same speed (limit) that the driver in the right lane is doing. Do you know what road rage is? Do you understand the type of crazy behavior we, uh, I mean they are capable of while you’re driving 2 miles under the speed limit in the passing lane?

Now there are some people who truly enjoy busting other people’s , ah, let’s say bubbles, by preventing them from passing. You are a hopeless bunch, who fortunately are stuck with your nasty attitude all the time and not just during rush hour. Most of you don’t have the guts for confrontation so you passive aggressively punish the anonymous around you. Or if you are among the self righteous, who are “keeping everyone safe”, why don’t you take the bus and help us keep green instead.

For you sweet ignorant folk PLEASE move over. Even if you’re going pretty fast, when you see a car approaching behind…..he’s going faster.

I know it can be frustrating when you have to pass several cars that are going ridiculously slow, but you’re passing on the frustration, to potentially some very nice people.
Until we get our wings, leave us our passing lanes, please.