Friday, March 20, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy

For those of you who are normal readers of my blog, you may have noticed that I haven't been around much this week, except for my weekly features and a holiday post. The reason for that is that I've been hella busy this week since we were hosting district band festival (if you really want to know what that is, I'm can tell you) here. My drops this week, have been strictly on favorites and those that I'm advertising or that are advertising on me (excluding a couple that I clicked on here and there). During my time away, alot has happened and since I haven't had a good rant in a while, what better time, right?

First off, let me start with Entrecard. Chances are, if you're reading this, then you came here from Entreacrd. I read the new rules. Obviously, there is no issue with the card being above the fold, but like many of you, I was not happy about the possibility of having to pay for rejecting adds and have a third party ad. In case you haven't noticed, this blog is mostly ad free. I like it that way, and apparently many of you do, too. I could just see it now. There would be a very interesting blog advertising through Entrecard, and then the 3rd party ad would be something Tampax. WTF?!? I don't wanto be advertising tampons on here, y'know? Thankfully, they actually listened to the masses and didn't go through with it, this time. However, it did make me realize that I am getting bit burned out with Entrecard. I know that without it, I'd probably have little to no traffic, but the dropping is just getting to be a bit much. I'm considering cutting back big time. Pretty much only dropping as I did this week, but we'll see.

I must have angered the computer gods. Why, you ask? Well, my laptop gave me the blue screen of death earlier this week. Then my computer at work decided to do the same thing. Then, the computer I was using in the library decided to go all wonky and do the same thing. I find it hard to believe that 3 computers have the same issue like that, especislly since 2 of them have never had any issues like this before. Luckily, my laptop and work computer are fine. Had the computer guy check them out. It was a fluke, but I must wonder what I did to anger the computer gods this week. I remember back in college, a friend and I had a running gag, where that whenever I said something bad about a computer something bad would happen. You may laugh at that, but seriously, files, papers, etc., were lost because I layed a verbal smackdown on computers. Don't remember saying anything this week, though. Of course, I did have some thoughts. Hmmm...can the computers have advanced so far that they can read thoughts, now? We should all be afraid...VERY afraid...lol

A good friend of mine recently left for basic training. No big, right? Wrong! I have no issue with her dropping out of school to join the military, especially since they're paying for it. I am a military supporter. I never enlisted, but gave it some serious thought years ago. I was however in AFROTC in high school and my dad is retired from the Air Force. Enough about me, though, back to her reason for joining...to lose weight! That's right. She joined the Air Force for 5-15 yrs just so she can lose weight. I'm sure you're in shock about that. I know I was. I mean, her life isn't exactly in order, so when she first told me she was joining, I figured it was as a way to get her life back in order, but joining to lose wight???WTF?!? I would say this is my most bonheaded friend, but that goes to a band director friend of mine who got fired last year.

Now, before I go to far into this, let me say that I had no knowledge of any of these activities until it came on the news. Just goes to show you that no matter how well you know someone, there are things that you just don't know. It's one thing to notice an attractive student, quite another to make advances toward them. I don't know where he is or how the case is going, but I do hope that he gets some help and one day will be able to return to teaching.

Changes are coming to both my blogs. Nothing major here, just think its about time for a change to my card. I'm open to suggestions. Not sure what I'm going to go with, but as you can tell by reading this blog, it'll be something random. On my other blog, I've made a few changes, such as new categories and a drop down menu where you can find the previous blogs. However, I'm thinking of changing the layout. I'm going to see how it works next week when I try it out. If any of you ever go red it, please leave a comment. What can I say, I'm a comment whore...lol You may visit my movie blog here. Weekends are the best time to visit, though, since that's when I watch and review most of my movies, but that doesn't mean you can't visit any other day. I look forward to seeing what you have to say. (Yes, this was another shameless plug...lol)

I've noticed something about us Americans. We aren't a very forgiving country. Why do I say that? Well, Michael Jackson announced his farewell tour recently in London to nothing but cheers. Now, had that have happened over here, he might have gotten a few cheers, but for the most part people would have boos him or just stood there. I'm sure people in London know about his alleged child molestation, but they don't seem to care. Over here, heaven forbid we let something go and realize that one of the greatest entertainers of all time is officially about to retire. I can just see something similar happening when Michael Vick is able to return to the NFL. The man was all but crucified for running a dog fighting ring. Now, I'm not going to say dog fighting is right, but I will say that the way people reacted to the news was worse than the way they would react if he would have raped and killed a woman. I may be a bit biased, though, since I'm not a dog person.

So far I've been a supporter of Obama, but a policy he (or his cabinet) proposed either this week or last really isn't sitting well with me. I'm not sure about all the details, but the idea is to extend the school year to year round and extend school hours. The way it was explained makes sense, in that the idea is meant to be able to help American students compete better worldwide. However, I can see a revolt or riot happening if this comes to fruition. Children (and some teachers) are too ADD to sit there that long, not to mention they won't be too happy about losing their summer vacation. Again, I say, I don't know all the details.

Speaking of Obama, he seems to be getting some flack for filling out a NCAA tournament bracket(with almost the exact same picks as I did, btw). Some people are pissed that he took time to fill out one, rather than use that time to fix the economy. I'm taken aback by this. Yes, he is charged with the task of fixing our economy and all, but is the man not allowed to do anything else? What's next, are these people going to say he's not allowed to spend time wit his family? People need to calm down! (I do like how he took the time to go to NBA game and sat with the fans...even smack talked one of them...other presidents thought they were too high and mighty to do that and only sat in the box)

I actually had a few other thing to say, but I can't think of them right now. Hope you're all enjoying your first day of spring!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just for what it's worth, the year-round schooling idea is taking hold all over the place. People are proposing it here in Canada too. And the idea isn't that kids would necessarily be in school the whole year, but that holidays would be spread out more.

I don't like the idea either way, myself, though thankfully I have no kids and am long past my school days. But I really think kids should have that long break, to let them stay kids for as long as they can. They can be introduced to the non-stop yearly drudgery all in good time.

Anonymous said...

I speak as a representative of the Computer Gods that we do have the technology now to read your mind. Beware!!!

Jokes aside, I think it's just a matter of the computers getting a bit older? It's always important to back up the important stuff you have on hand just in case the blue screen decides to strike! :)

Will check back for your new layout later on!

Unknown said...

I can't believe Obama took time off to go to the bathroom...can you imagine that? Anyway, very interesting post, glad I stopped by.

peace,
mike
livelife365

Christopher Jones said...

Card idea: the physical manifestation of the internet(Andy Rooney).

Mystery Man said...

Phyl- no kids here, either, but i am a teacher, so i;m a little biased about wanting my vacation time, too

Franklin- my laptop is about 2 yrs old, but since the hurrican fried my desktop its been the priomary hime comp and getting lots more use. my work computer is at least 5 yrs old. gotta love how schools like to keep things cutting edge, right? lol

Mike- good to hear from you again! glad you enjoyed it. don't forget i'm still blogging out here.

C.B. - that is an idea. i'll think abotu it