Posts
There is an old song by Beck called "Nightmare Hippie Girl." I always liked the song and sort of had it in mind when I wrote this back at Missouri State.
She Doesn’t Like Labels
All these nouns are killing me, she said.
She likes to fly around the sun.
People, places and things have
always let her down, she said.
Taco, paper, toilet, planner.
Use them, eat them, use them, please.
More plentiful than icebergs.
More sad than biology frogs, floating.
What can a noun do?
I want to do something, she said.
Be a comet with an icy tail.
Take your world and your things, she said.
Put them in a pill. Understand them.
I’m not what I was or what I will be, she said.
It’s not the world for her.
She dreams of stars and stares at them
when they buzz by, trying to understand—
salesman, tech-writers, marketers, men.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
An Evening Among Lovers
The original name for the following poem was "An Evening Among Lovers." I changed it along the way somewhere.
A Dream of the Lost
Jumping the curb in a dream,
We were running through city fields.
I could see the pool hall, a dirty church, and
14 shifty-eyed cars passing us.
We were lovers in a lost land,
like Lassie looking for Timmy.
We were looking for a home, hoping to be
in His presence, where we’d be safe and fearless,
next to crown-wearers, generals, champions--
some double-chocolate fattening place.
I felt this leering anonymous
on our curious date. Our long shadows
were more real than now. Were we
protected then? Is He waiting for us still?
An evening among lovers,
searching for a place in the dark,
laughing while we ran.
Barking, just over the hill,
we’re coming Timmy.
We’re coming home.
A Dream of the Lost
Jumping the curb in a dream,
We were running through city fields.
I could see the pool hall, a dirty church, and
14 shifty-eyed cars passing us.
We were lovers in a lost land,
like Lassie looking for Timmy.
We were looking for a home, hoping to be
in His presence, where we’d be safe and fearless,
next to crown-wearers, generals, champions--
some double-chocolate fattening place.
I felt this leering anonymous
on our curious date. Our long shadows
were more real than now. Were we
protected then? Is He waiting for us still?
An evening among lovers,
searching for a place in the dark,
laughing while we ran.
Barking, just over the hill,
we’re coming Timmy.
We’re coming home.
Monday, May 25, 2009
This is A 'Merica
As someone who has never served my country, I know I feel extremely grateful for the men and women who have.
I am able to write this blog, vote for whomever I chose, start my own business, pick my nose and generally blaze my own trail because others have defended the cause of freedom.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...that's what its all about.
Recently, I was glad to see that our state legislators passed a helmet-law, which our governor is expected to sign. The bill would allow motorcycle riders over the age of 21 to chose to ride helmet-free.
People already make that choice, of course. I should say, if the governor signs the bill, the state agrees not to punish those bikers who will choose to ride without helmets. Those over 21, anyway. Oh, and those not on the interstates. Oh, and only for five years.
While I think this is a good move, I think its only a small step in what I hope is a larger movement to reclaim our civil liberties.
Let's take a closer look at the above-mentioned bill. First off, let's call it what it is-- a temporary repeal of law. In five years old helmet regulations go back into effect unless another measure is passed.
Second-off(?), what exactly is the teeth in this thing anyway? Read the bill for yourself, the repeal exempts riders from what exactly?
Any person twenty-one years of age or older operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle without protective headgear upon an interstate highway shall be guilty of an infraction for which a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars may be imposed.
To be fair, I have to say, if convicted, a person would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. For a third violation, a person would be guilty of a Class D felony.
Now, there are a couple ways to look at this. If you get caught riding without a helmet, you get a slap on the wrist. 'Shame on you. Wear your helmet,' the state says. The law the governor is hopefully going to sign eliminates the slap. For five years.
Another way to view this is as the most ridiculous, unnecessary insult to our civil liberties-- ever.
What could be a more effective incentive for wearing a helmet than, oh I don't know, not having your brains splattered on the road?!?
This Memorial Day, I hope people take a moment to think about what freedom really means. To me, it means taking personal responsibility for your own actions. It means freedom of expression, it means religious freedom, and much more.
If there was a law passed against pink hair, I think people would be outraged. Can you imagine what people would say? The arguments they'd construct against the unnecessary governmental intrusion into their lives. Now use those same arguments against helmet laws, seat-belt laws or laws against recreational drug use.
Real freedom comes with risks. It should be our job as citizens to tell friends and neighbors to not be dumb-asses-- 'wear your helmet, for the love of god; don't put that into your body, what are you thinking?;' and so on.
If we hand those jobs over to legislators, they'll just tell you a $25 fine will do.
And then we all lose something more valuable than any one life. And too many veterans' families know what I'm talking about.
I am able to write this blog, vote for whomever I chose, start my own business, pick my nose and generally blaze my own trail because others have defended the cause of freedom.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...that's what its all about.
Recently, I was glad to see that our state legislators passed a helmet-law, which our governor is expected to sign. The bill would allow motorcycle riders over the age of 21 to chose to ride helmet-free.
People already make that choice, of course. I should say, if the governor signs the bill, the state agrees not to punish those bikers who will choose to ride without helmets. Those over 21, anyway. Oh, and those not on the interstates. Oh, and only for five years.
While I think this is a good move, I think its only a small step in what I hope is a larger movement to reclaim our civil liberties.
Let's take a closer look at the above-mentioned bill. First off, let's call it what it is-- a temporary repeal of law. In five years old helmet regulations go back into effect unless another measure is passed.
Second-off(?), what exactly is the teeth in this thing anyway? Read the bill for yourself, the repeal exempts riders from what exactly?
Any person twenty-one years of age or older operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle without protective headgear upon an interstate highway shall be guilty of an infraction for which a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars may be imposed.
To be fair, I have to say, if convicted, a person would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. For a third violation, a person would be guilty of a Class D felony.
Now, there are a couple ways to look at this. If you get caught riding without a helmet, you get a slap on the wrist. 'Shame on you. Wear your helmet,' the state says. The law the governor is hopefully going to sign eliminates the slap. For five years.
Another way to view this is as the most ridiculous, unnecessary insult to our civil liberties-- ever.
What could be a more effective incentive for wearing a helmet than, oh I don't know, not having your brains splattered on the road?!?
This Memorial Day, I hope people take a moment to think about what freedom really means. To me, it means taking personal responsibility for your own actions. It means freedom of expression, it means religious freedom, and much more.
If there was a law passed against pink hair, I think people would be outraged. Can you imagine what people would say? The arguments they'd construct against the unnecessary governmental intrusion into their lives. Now use those same arguments against helmet laws, seat-belt laws or laws against recreational drug use.
Real freedom comes with risks. It should be our job as citizens to tell friends and neighbors to not be dumb-asses-- 'wear your helmet, for the love of god; don't put that into your body, what are you thinking?;' and so on.
If we hand those jobs over to legislators, they'll just tell you a $25 fine will do.
And then we all lose something more valuable than any one life. And too many veterans' families know what I'm talking about.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Lunch Update
I felt very encouraged to receive a phone call from Mrs. Spence this morning. She said she read the article and felt it was very fair.
While the article was not designed to please her, it's not unusual for me to have that lingering fear that I got something wrong. And I did sort of expect to have to defend my reasoning for diving into her history with local leaders. Luckily, she seemed to get it.
I know she had reservations about me putting her story in a negative light and it hampering her negotiations with CU. I just tried to tell it like it was, and let people decide for themselves whether they believe and/or sympathize with her or not.
The bottom line is this proposal is a big story. Can she pull it off? Will a new City Council and mayor want to work with her? Will this amp up pressure on CU to cooperate with her on the bus station plans or look at another location altogether and allow her to develop her property as she sees fit? Time will tell.
I'm just encouraged that she chose to speak with us and felt the story we did was fair.
While the article was not designed to please her, it's not unusual for me to have that lingering fear that I got something wrong. And I did sort of expect to have to defend my reasoning for diving into her history with local leaders. Luckily, she seemed to get it.
I know she had reservations about me putting her story in a negative light and it hampering her negotiations with CU. I just tried to tell it like it was, and let people decide for themselves whether they believe and/or sympathize with her or not.
The bottom line is this proposal is a big story. Can she pull it off? Will a new City Council and mayor want to work with her? Will this amp up pressure on CU to cooperate with her on the bus station plans or look at another location altogether and allow her to develop her property as she sees fit? Time will tell.
I'm just encouraged that she chose to speak with us and felt the story we did was fair.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The New Issue
Please check out the latest issue of the Community Free Press. It's hitting stands now, and is up on the Web site. To download it, just click on the newspaper icon (on the right).
There's a lot of good stuff in this issue, so check it out.
As for me, I've got Becky Spence on the brain.
I'm curious to see if other local media (other than Jericho) will do more with this story. I know that she has been avoiding the press, but I don't think she can hold out much longer if her plans for a new hotel are to progress.
She said she was willing to talk to me because she believes she can trust CFP. I hope she still feels the same after reading my article.
I know it was nice to meet her, and hear her side of things. But, I also believe I know how she wanted me to frame the story-- and I didn't exactly behave.
When I sat down with her on May 11, we talked for about two hours. About an hour of that conversation was recorded. She spoke at length after I originally thought the interview was over. Of course, I just kept taking notes.
There's a long history there, and I did talk about her side of things in the article. I think she would have preferred that I not discuss the history at all right now. She seemed set on having her plans taken seriously. But, the majority of the interview she talked about her history with the city-- why she felt her Arbor Hotel was ordered torn down; The problems she faced with her proposal at the former proposed arena site, and so on.
I felt to be fair to my readers I had to tell the real story. Which includes some history from her point of view.
Of course, the news at the moment is the hotel plans. So, I hope the story maintained its focus, but still was able to get at least some of her side out there. In the end, my obligation is to the reader-- not the interviewee.
I've read the story a couple of times now that it's in print, and it still seems fair to me.
Like I said, I enjoyed meeting her. She has a story to tell, and she really does seem determined to get this thing built.
Now, I'm interested to see if CU keeps pursuing this property. At what point does the city decide its not worth the hassle anymore? I'm sure no one wants to appear as if they are discouraging economic development in the middle of a recession.
And it's fair to wonder if is she capable of pulling this thing off even if the city cooperates. It's a large project. Lord knows developers have promised the city things before.
Regardless, I'm anxious to see what happens. Spence has put the ball back in the city's court. Now, what will they do with it?
Who knew local politics were, dare I say, interesting?
There's a lot of good stuff in this issue, so check it out.
As for me, I've got Becky Spence on the brain.
I'm curious to see if other local media (other than Jericho) will do more with this story. I know that she has been avoiding the press, but I don't think she can hold out much longer if her plans for a new hotel are to progress.
She said she was willing to talk to me because she believes she can trust CFP. I hope she still feels the same after reading my article.
I know it was nice to meet her, and hear her side of things. But, I also believe I know how she wanted me to frame the story-- and I didn't exactly behave.
When I sat down with her on May 11, we talked for about two hours. About an hour of that conversation was recorded. She spoke at length after I originally thought the interview was over. Of course, I just kept taking notes.
There's a long history there, and I did talk about her side of things in the article. I think she would have preferred that I not discuss the history at all right now. She seemed set on having her plans taken seriously. But, the majority of the interview she talked about her history with the city-- why she felt her Arbor Hotel was ordered torn down; The problems she faced with her proposal at the former proposed arena site, and so on.
I felt to be fair to my readers I had to tell the real story. Which includes some history from her point of view.
Of course, the news at the moment is the hotel plans. So, I hope the story maintained its focus, but still was able to get at least some of her side out there. In the end, my obligation is to the reader-- not the interviewee.
I've read the story a couple of times now that it's in print, and it still seems fair to me.
Like I said, I enjoyed meeting her. She has a story to tell, and she really does seem determined to get this thing built.
Now, I'm interested to see if CU keeps pursuing this property. At what point does the city decide its not worth the hassle anymore? I'm sure no one wants to appear as if they are discouraging economic development in the middle of a recession.
And it's fair to wonder if is she capable of pulling this thing off even if the city cooperates. It's a large project. Lord knows developers have promised the city things before.
Regardless, I'm anxious to see what happens. Spence has put the ball back in the city's court. Now, what will they do with it?
Who knew local politics were, dare I say, interesting?
Saturday, May 16, 2009
on the streets
In our city there are couches on porches
and sloping lawns next to parks.
There are yellow-haired boys
who shoot balls in hoops.
There are many who smile at strangers.
There are old men wandering the streets
and people throwing parties behind gates.
There is frozen yogurt and warm salted pretzels.
In our city, there are women in pajamas
and men who have killed others.
In our city, many feel devoted to others.
There are robins and eggs and rocking chairs.
In our city, there are priests praying
for all the souls in our city.
There are people who feel they don't belong.
There are millions of bricks
and poop flows through pipes.
There are grandmas who bake without measuring.
There are people who love to pull weeds.
There are people who work and are honest
and give to charity and its more than they'd tell you.
There are tinted windows and wedding gowns.
There are people who hate themselves.
There are loyal dogs on chains. The cats are each curious.
In our city, many march toward death with dignity
as shadows rise and fall from west to east.
and sloping lawns next to parks.
There are yellow-haired boys
who shoot balls in hoops.
There are many who smile at strangers.
There are old men wandering the streets
and people throwing parties behind gates.
There is frozen yogurt and warm salted pretzels.
In our city, there are women in pajamas
and men who have killed others.
In our city, many feel devoted to others.
There are robins and eggs and rocking chairs.
In our city, there are priests praying
for all the souls in our city.
There are people who feel they don't belong.
There are millions of bricks
and poop flows through pipes.
There are grandmas who bake without measuring.
There are people who love to pull weeds.
There are people who work and are honest
and give to charity and its more than they'd tell you.
There are tinted windows and wedding gowns.
There are people who hate themselves.
There are loyal dogs on chains. The cats are each curious.
In our city, many march toward death with dignity
as shadows rise and fall from west to east.
Friday, May 15, 2009
What is romantic?
This is something I wrote about my wife for one of my poetry classes at Missouri State. I can't remember now, but it seems like the assignment was to try and write a romantic poem. It could be that I just wanted to write something about my wife.
I don't really like all the traditional notions of what it means to be romantic: flowers, candy, actually listening to what the other person is saying-- things like that. I've already said too much.
Anyway, I had forgotten I wrote this. And it is one I like.
Listening
I look through silk petals pushed upwards somehow.
They’re cut above the root as is custom.
I buy a typed note on 60-pound cardstock, glossy.
Finding a match means I love you.
I sort through crocodiles and loopy serif types.
Can I take you to a dinner I won’t prepare,
pull back your chair, order in your place?
I’d rather not hear you tonight.
I want to sit on our bed as
I watch your mouth move.
I want to know that you’re talking as
I let the world buzz in over my ears.
I want to watch you as I can’t hear a word.
I don't really like all the traditional notions of what it means to be romantic: flowers, candy, actually listening to what the other person is saying-- things like that. I've already said too much.
Anyway, I had forgotten I wrote this. And it is one I like.
Listening
I look through silk petals pushed upwards somehow.
They’re cut above the root as is custom.
I buy a typed note on 60-pound cardstock, glossy.
Finding a match means I love you.
I sort through crocodiles and loopy serif types.
Can I take you to a dinner I won’t prepare,
pull back your chair, order in your place?
I’d rather not hear you tonight.
I want to sit on our bed as
I watch your mouth move.
I want to know that you’re talking as
I let the world buzz in over my ears.
I want to watch you as I can’t hear a word.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Priorities
I'm not sure how much time I can devote to being a goofy blogger. I've wanted to do columns and shorts and funnies and thunderfire, but there is only so much time in the day. My goal was to write a lot of little things, and do one good blogumn a week. But, I've gotta scale that back.
This should be a fun thing, and not something I'm going to commit x amount of hours to no matter what.
If you've been reading this and you like what you've seen so far, then don't stop checking it out. There will be more of the same coming. And a lot more that I haven't gotten to yet. But, I probably won't be posting everyday.
Any-who, here is a little something I wrote awhile back. I think it's funny.
Saturday with Tupac and Freckles
1 7-foot flex-steel rod, rated for 10-60 lb line,
Sensitive, but fast action tip--borrowed.
1 12 pack--Natural Lights--bought by cousin Freddie.
1 red-haired, wrinkled, cold-nose classic basset,
Answers to BH (bitch hunter).
1 blue Coleman, 2-foot deep, drain plug, fully iced.
1 Marlin 336Y .30-30 deer buster-- uncle Chuck’s,
15 Remington jacketed hollow-points,
Gilded steel to prevent disintegration.
1 backwards Jr. Budweiser cap,
1 S-10 with trailer.
1 Bass Tracker 17.5 Pro Series--dad’s, and he’d kill.
4 for the day--Eminem, Garth Brooks, Nelly, Jay-Z.
1 freckled Robin, holding Batman’s earthworms.
3 wallet-crushed Trojans, hopeful.
2 bumper stickers--Dixie pride, G-Unit.
His crooked measure, holy tree!
For her pleasure, hoping to free.
Cold, cheap brew, sweet flying machine,
Bow-side hurl, know what I mean.
Beat dad home, stolen load,
A gangsta party on Bluegill Road.
This should be a fun thing, and not something I'm going to commit x amount of hours to no matter what.
If you've been reading this and you like what you've seen so far, then don't stop checking it out. There will be more of the same coming. And a lot more that I haven't gotten to yet. But, I probably won't be posting everyday.
Any-who, here is a little something I wrote awhile back. I think it's funny.
Saturday with Tupac and Freckles
1 7-foot flex-steel rod, rated for 10-60 lb line,
Sensitive, but fast action tip--borrowed.
1 12 pack--Natural Lights--bought by cousin Freddie.
1 red-haired, wrinkled, cold-nose classic basset,
Answers to BH (bitch hunter).
1 blue Coleman, 2-foot deep, drain plug, fully iced.
1 Marlin 336Y .30-30 deer buster-- uncle Chuck’s,
15 Remington jacketed hollow-points,
Gilded steel to prevent disintegration.
1 backwards Jr. Budweiser cap,
1 S-10 with trailer.
1 Bass Tracker 17.5 Pro Series--dad’s, and he’d kill.
4 for the day--Eminem, Garth Brooks, Nelly, Jay-Z.
1 freckled Robin, holding Batman’s earthworms.
3 wallet-crushed Trojans, hopeful.
2 bumper stickers--Dixie pride, G-Unit.
His crooked measure, holy tree!
For her pleasure, hoping to free.
Cold, cheap brew, sweet flying machine,
Bow-side hurl, know what I mean.
Beat dad home, stolen load,
A gangsta party on Bluegill Road.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The New Facebook Culture
When is the last time you harvested your crops? Or wrote on a friend’s wall? Or found out which Sesame Street character you are?
If you know what I’m talking about, odds are you have become one of the more than 200 million people (worldwide) to join the social-networking site Facebook.
Everyday in America people are waking up and discovering they can search for, and often find, just about anyone who wants to find someone else. If you are someone who might be interested in seeing the publicly posted pics of old classmates, play unique interactive games, or promote your business, then you are a potential Facebook customer.
And, not surprisingly, it’s appeal means big business. Though the founder is known for his young age, and the 24-year-old Mark Zuckerberg is said to be the youngest billionaire ever, Facebook is not just for kids.
According to O’Reilly Media, between May and December U.S. growth was strongest among the typical American worker (ages 26 to 59) at 46 percent.
Many may not know FB has become the most popular site in Canada. It has also grown rapidly in large part to an interesting list of big-name investors.
I joined the site about nine months ago. I heard a candidate for office had posted his religious views on his profile—views that might be considered controversial by many locals. I was curious. I soon found out that I had to be his “friend” to view his profile. Because I am/was a reporter, I wasn’t about to ask a political candidate to be my “friend.”
Soon thereafter, one of the key reasons for the popularity of the site became clear to me: people can find who they want to find, and still control what others can find out about them.
Millions of people also visit other social-networking sites, but I think Facebook has some features that separate it from the field and make it uniquely equipped to change America as we know it.
I've had pages on both (FB and Myspace), but for some reason I just don't care about my Myspace anymore. I've found, the more I’ve gotten on FB, the more I’ve found other reasons to keep visiting.
My friend Mark, who lives in Springfield, can talk to my friend Tony who lives in North Carolina, and I can comment on what they said to each other. Why? Each member has a wall, which is a virtual-public billboard. I can see messages posted on any of my friends' walls.
If I want to send a private message to a friend, I can do so through my inbox, just like any e-mail. However, if I, or Mark in my above-mentioned scenario, wish to put a post on a friend’s wall, then any of my friends or the characters involved can read and comment on the give and take.
In recent months, I’ve seen my wife become a virtual tycoon on Yoville (an animated virtual-world where you can work, decorate your home or race friends), and a bonefide agricultural phenom on Farm Town. I’ve seen pictures of new babies from high-school friends, posted a few of my own, and seen about a million request for my IQ (I think somebody is making big bucks on that deal).
Many locals on the site have seen the Vanished Pieces of Springfield. I know I’ve sent a Sammy B. Good to most of my friends. And that’s part of the hook. No matter where you are from, you can become a fan of, or at least a passive member of like-minded nostaligitians (yes, made-up word).
I asked five of my “friends” to tell me why they joined, and what they liked about the site.
Most people it seems, joined to connect with people from their past. But everyone has their own reasons.
My Sister-in-Law
“I really like Facebook, because not only have I got in touch with a lot of people from my past that I otherwise would never have talked to again, (but) it is a great way to communicate with the large number of family members who have also joined.”
Shannon said she visits everyday, and enjoys playing Mafia Wars, Farm Town and Yoville.
My wife’s friend from work
Courtney said it’s fun to personalize her profile, and let people know what she’s up to. She said she can get annoyed with many of the applications, though.
“I constantly get invited to join all sorts of games, but I just ignore 99% of them.”
And Courtney said something that I thought was very interesting.
“I'm already convinced there's no point in going to my ten-year high school reunion in a few years.”
I wonder how many others will see the need for reunions in the future.
Two friends from high school
Brian, a local college pastor, said he uses the site to connect with students.
“I like FB for what it makes capable, i.e. connecting with students easily and frequently. Beyond that, I enjoy reconnecting with old friends/acquaintances, though this reconnection is typically a brief burst of back-and-forth communications.”
Julie, a suburban-Atlanta mom, said she likes connecting with old friends, but wondered if she has too many now who can see her posts.
“I like Facebook and for sure talk to people I wouldn't otherwise talk to. Glad to hear from some people. I feel like I have too many "friends" though. Sometimes I have to keep my status updates cleaner than I normally would.”
Mom
Yeah, my mother is on there, too.
“I play the most stupid games..some I ignore but I like the quizzes. It is a good way to find out what is going on with family and friends.”
As for me, a quick glance at my profile reveals that I’m a Cookie Monster. I have to admit though, I was tempted to gear my answers towards Oscar the Grouch. Grover would have been fine too.
If you know what I’m talking about, odds are you have become one of the more than 200 million people (worldwide) to join the social-networking site Facebook.
Everyday in America people are waking up and discovering they can search for, and often find, just about anyone who wants to find someone else. If you are someone who might be interested in seeing the publicly posted pics of old classmates, play unique interactive games, or promote your business, then you are a potential Facebook customer.
And, not surprisingly, it’s appeal means big business. Though the founder is known for his young age, and the 24-year-old Mark Zuckerberg is said to be the youngest billionaire ever, Facebook is not just for kids.
According to O’Reilly Media, between May and December U.S. growth was strongest among the typical American worker (ages 26 to 59) at 46 percent.
Many may not know FB has become the most popular site in Canada. It has also grown rapidly in large part to an interesting list of big-name investors.
I joined the site about nine months ago. I heard a candidate for office had posted his religious views on his profile—views that might be considered controversial by many locals. I was curious. I soon found out that I had to be his “friend” to view his profile. Because I am/was a reporter, I wasn’t about to ask a political candidate to be my “friend.”
Soon thereafter, one of the key reasons for the popularity of the site became clear to me: people can find who they want to find, and still control what others can find out about them.
Millions of people also visit other social-networking sites, but I think Facebook has some features that separate it from the field and make it uniquely equipped to change America as we know it.
I've had pages on both (FB and Myspace), but for some reason I just don't care about my Myspace anymore. I've found, the more I’ve gotten on FB, the more I’ve found other reasons to keep visiting.
My friend Mark, who lives in Springfield, can talk to my friend Tony who lives in North Carolina, and I can comment on what they said to each other. Why? Each member has a wall, which is a virtual-public billboard. I can see messages posted on any of my friends' walls.
If I want to send a private message to a friend, I can do so through my inbox, just like any e-mail. However, if I, or Mark in my above-mentioned scenario, wish to put a post on a friend’s wall, then any of my friends or the characters involved can read and comment on the give and take.
In recent months, I’ve seen my wife become a virtual tycoon on Yoville (an animated virtual-world where you can work, decorate your home or race friends), and a bonefide agricultural phenom on Farm Town. I’ve seen pictures of new babies from high-school friends, posted a few of my own, and seen about a million request for my IQ (I think somebody is making big bucks on that deal).
Many locals on the site have seen the Vanished Pieces of Springfield. I know I’ve sent a Sammy B. Good to most of my friends. And that’s part of the hook. No matter where you are from, you can become a fan of, or at least a passive member of like-minded nostaligitians (yes, made-up word).
I asked five of my “friends” to tell me why they joined, and what they liked about the site.
Most people it seems, joined to connect with people from their past. But everyone has their own reasons.
My Sister-in-Law
“I really like Facebook, because not only have I got in touch with a lot of people from my past that I otherwise would never have talked to again, (but) it is a great way to communicate with the large number of family members who have also joined.”
Shannon said she visits everyday, and enjoys playing Mafia Wars, Farm Town and Yoville.
My wife’s friend from work
Courtney said it’s fun to personalize her profile, and let people know what she’s up to. She said she can get annoyed with many of the applications, though.
“I constantly get invited to join all sorts of games, but I just ignore 99% of them.”
And Courtney said something that I thought was very interesting.
“I'm already convinced there's no point in going to my ten-year high school reunion in a few years.”
I wonder how many others will see the need for reunions in the future.
Two friends from high school
Brian, a local college pastor, said he uses the site to connect with students.
“I like FB for what it makes capable, i.e. connecting with students easily and frequently. Beyond that, I enjoy reconnecting with old friends/acquaintances, though this reconnection is typically a brief burst of back-and-forth communications.”
Julie, a suburban-Atlanta mom, said she likes connecting with old friends, but wondered if she has too many now who can see her posts.
“I like Facebook and for sure talk to people I wouldn't otherwise talk to. Glad to hear from some people. I feel like I have too many "friends" though. Sometimes I have to keep my status updates cleaner than I normally would.”
Mom
Yeah, my mother is on there, too.
“I play the most stupid games..some I ignore but I like the quizzes. It is a good way to find out what is going on with family and friends.”
As for me, a quick glance at my profile reveals that I’m a Cookie Monster. I have to admit though, I was tempted to gear my answers towards Oscar the Grouch. Grover would have been fine too.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
To Mom, Nancy, Valerie...
It's easy to forget how much a son needs his mother.
The need is obvious at first.
Feeding, burping, supporting the head properly.
Cooing and talking softly.
Singing little songs only meant for him.
The cleaning. The kissing of boo-boos.
As a son gets older he might go to school,
and bring home pictures for his mom.
Tell her excitedly about how fast he can run,
or give her a big hug before bedtime
only to crawl back in bed with her when
the storm comes.
As sons grow up, they can tend to get busy
with their own lives. The pictures stop coming.
They might forget for awhile.
But on certain days, and at certain times
they'll think of you. They'll remember your hug
or your laugh. They'll remember how you kept Dad
in check. Or how you stood by their side
when it really mattered. They'll remember your
friendship and guidance as they grew. They will
remember what is was like to be a kid.
To be your kid.
Today is one of those days.
I love you mom.
To all the great mothers out there-- but especially
my mother, my step-mom, and my wife-- Happy Mother's Day.
The need is obvious at first.
Feeding, burping, supporting the head properly.
Cooing and talking softly.
Singing little songs only meant for him.
The cleaning. The kissing of boo-boos.
As a son gets older he might go to school,
and bring home pictures for his mom.
Tell her excitedly about how fast he can run,
or give her a big hug before bedtime
only to crawl back in bed with her when
the storm comes.
As sons grow up, they can tend to get busy
with their own lives. The pictures stop coming.
They might forget for awhile.
But on certain days, and at certain times
they'll think of you. They'll remember your hug
or your laugh. They'll remember how you kept Dad
in check. Or how you stood by their side
when it really mattered. They'll remember your
friendship and guidance as they grew. They will
remember what is was like to be a kid.
To be your kid.
Today is one of those days.
I love you mom.
To all the great mothers out there-- but especially
my mother, my step-mom, and my wife-- Happy Mother's Day.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
families are for weekends
Whatever happened to weekends?
I grew up thinking the work week was Monday through Friday and ordinary people worked 9 to 5. Dolly Parton said so herself. Come to think of it though, she didn't speak of it in glowing terms-- 'what a way to make a living.' I think she was sort of down on the whole thing.
Well, I would love to only work 9 to 5. And to not have to worry about cleaning. But, with four kids, that's not going to happen anytime soon.
I'm working about 50-55 hours a week between my two jobs, and my wife works full-time too. Still, we barely make it.
I wonder how many other people in America are like us.
Wasn't there a time-- probably in the idealized 50s-- when the man could work and the woman could stay at home with the kids?
I say that with all respect for woman, by the way. I don't believe woman should be kept in the home barefoot and pregnant. Woman should be able to anything men can do-- take the world on and pursue their dreams.
But, I'd love to be able to concentrate on work and come home to a cooked meal and a clean home. And I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind it if I made enough money that she could stay home. (Yes, we've had this conversation before.) In a perfect world, she would like to work part-time.
It's hard to see how young 20-somethings, or those even younger like my kids, are going to make it the world. Sure there will be those who start their own businesses or are wildly ambitious, or lucky, but what about the average Joe's? Those that would be work horses in factories or have milk routes? Do you see where I'm going?
Even scarier perhaps, what about the average Janes? Wanting to be smart and self-sufficient, woman have taken colleges over it seems. Here's a sample of what I'm talking about:
Gender Ratios at Sample Universities (2007)
School % Male % Female
Columbia University 47.9 50.3
University of Wisconsin, Madison 47.3 52.7
University of Texas, Austin 49.5 50.5
Purdue University 58.9 41.1
Rice University 43 57
University of Virginia 47 53
Florida Atlantic University 40 60
Kent State University 39 61
University of California, Davis 45 55
Source: Institutional Data, from www.educational-portal.com
Do you think there might be a lot of pressure on young woman to grow up to be both respected business leaders who can fend for themselves in the corporate world and nurturing mothers? How many woman are struggling right now to be both and are unsatisfied? And how many kids are growing up in childcare, being nurtured by people making small wages with no natural connection to the children their watching? It should be said that there are surely tons and tons of caring and warm childcare workers in the world. My point is that family dynamics are changing. And many of the changes are troubling.
As for me, I'd just like a day off. A day to rest in my recliner and read my Saturday Evening Post and smell the smells wafting in from the kitchen. I wonder how my wife feels about that.
I grew up thinking the work week was Monday through Friday and ordinary people worked 9 to 5. Dolly Parton said so herself. Come to think of it though, she didn't speak of it in glowing terms-- 'what a way to make a living.' I think she was sort of down on the whole thing.
Well, I would love to only work 9 to 5. And to not have to worry about cleaning. But, with four kids, that's not going to happen anytime soon.
I'm working about 50-55 hours a week between my two jobs, and my wife works full-time too. Still, we barely make it.
I wonder how many other people in America are like us.
Wasn't there a time-- probably in the idealized 50s-- when the man could work and the woman could stay at home with the kids?
I say that with all respect for woman, by the way. I don't believe woman should be kept in the home barefoot and pregnant. Woman should be able to anything men can do-- take the world on and pursue their dreams.
But, I'd love to be able to concentrate on work and come home to a cooked meal and a clean home. And I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind it if I made enough money that she could stay home. (Yes, we've had this conversation before.) In a perfect world, she would like to work part-time.
It's hard to see how young 20-somethings, or those even younger like my kids, are going to make it the world. Sure there will be those who start their own businesses or are wildly ambitious, or lucky, but what about the average Joe's? Those that would be work horses in factories or have milk routes? Do you see where I'm going?
Even scarier perhaps, what about the average Janes? Wanting to be smart and self-sufficient, woman have taken colleges over it seems. Here's a sample of what I'm talking about:
Gender Ratios at Sample Universities (2007)
School % Male % Female
Columbia University 47.9 50.3
University of Wisconsin, Madison 47.3 52.7
University of Texas, Austin 49.5 50.5
Purdue University 58.9 41.1
Rice University 43 57
University of Virginia 47 53
Florida Atlantic University 40 60
Kent State University 39 61
University of California, Davis 45 55
Source: Institutional Data, from www.educational-portal.com
Do you think there might be a lot of pressure on young woman to grow up to be both respected business leaders who can fend for themselves in the corporate world and nurturing mothers? How many woman are struggling right now to be both and are unsatisfied? And how many kids are growing up in childcare, being nurtured by people making small wages with no natural connection to the children their watching? It should be said that there are surely tons and tons of caring and warm childcare workers in the world. My point is that family dynamics are changing. And many of the changes are troubling.
As for me, I'd just like a day off. A day to rest in my recliner and read my Saturday Evening Post and smell the smells wafting in from the kitchen. I wonder how my wife feels about that.
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Becky Spence Story
Yesterday, Becky Spence talked to Vincent David Jericho on his radio program. You can listen to the interview by following this link. It was hour two of the program. Now, some of you may be rolling your eyes-- others may not know who I am talking about at all. But, Spence, in particular, is someone I think you should be interested in.
She's holding onto a very valuable piece of land. A piece of land CU is wanting to build a new bus station on. And to get it, they are willing to use eminent domain if they need to. Read the lead story of CFP's latest issue.
On the program, she said she was meeting with CU yesterday to unveil her counter-proposal. She wants to build a 4-star hotel and let CU run its new station off the back-end, with buses coming in and out of Trafficway.
I'm having a hard time understanding how it would work, but then I haven't seen the plans, yet. Mrs. Spence did call me yesterday, and I called her, too. But, we missed each other. I'm hoping to talk to her today, or at least have something set up for early next week. I was able to talk to her briefly for the May-6 story, and she agreed to talk to me after "May 7 or May 8." Now, I can assume she was waiting to make her proposal.
It would be highly shocking to me if CU was receptive to her plans. As pointed out on the radio program, Spence and the city have a long and sorted history-- she was required to tear down her Arbor Hotel on the above-mentioned property, and JQH beat her out on a bid to develop land the city acquired from Thompson Pontiac near the Expo Center. I think it's safe to say she still feels wronged on that deal.
Jericho is all over this story, and while many in the community seem to have legitimate concerns about his fairness and objectivity, a story is still a story in my eyes. Becky Spence has largely hidden from the media, and she does have a story to tell. Whether the public believes it or sympathizes with her or not is another story all-together.
Stay tuned.
She's holding onto a very valuable piece of land. A piece of land CU is wanting to build a new bus station on. And to get it, they are willing to use eminent domain if they need to. Read the lead story of CFP's latest issue.
On the program, she said she was meeting with CU yesterday to unveil her counter-proposal. She wants to build a 4-star hotel and let CU run its new station off the back-end, with buses coming in and out of Trafficway.
I'm having a hard time understanding how it would work, but then I haven't seen the plans, yet. Mrs. Spence did call me yesterday, and I called her, too. But, we missed each other. I'm hoping to talk to her today, or at least have something set up for early next week. I was able to talk to her briefly for the May-6 story, and she agreed to talk to me after "May 7 or May 8." Now, I can assume she was waiting to make her proposal.
It would be highly shocking to me if CU was receptive to her plans. As pointed out on the radio program, Spence and the city have a long and sorted history-- she was required to tear down her Arbor Hotel on the above-mentioned property, and JQH beat her out on a bid to develop land the city acquired from Thompson Pontiac near the Expo Center. I think it's safe to say she still feels wronged on that deal.
Jericho is all over this story, and while many in the community seem to have legitimate concerns about his fairness and objectivity, a story is still a story in my eyes. Becky Spence has largely hidden from the media, and she does have a story to tell. Whether the public believes it or sympathizes with her or not is another story all-together.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Blogumn
My next blog column (a blogumn?) will be on the facebook phenomenon. I think we are seeing a cultural shift in America, and I want to write about it. I hope to have it posted by Monday. My goal for this site is to give readers one good column a week. I have two jobs and four kids, so that might be overly ambitious. But, that's the goal. If I can't get it on here by Monday, I'll let you know.
With the coming blogumn, and future ones, I'll try to let readers know what is coming and offer them a chance to give me input or suggestions. That means you! (imagine Uncle Sam pointing here)!
Feel free to e-mail me and tell me what to include or exclude. Tell me what you like or don't like about the site. Tell me what you do on there or tell me that you joined and don't see what the big deal is. E-mail me at bbrownspfd@yahoo.com.
I have my own thoughts, or I wouldn't be writing the thing, but I still want to hear from others. So, do you farm on farmtown? Are you a boss on MafiaWars? Do you know which celebrity you should date? Well, do ya?
FYI: I thought I might have invented a word (blogumn), and I got excited, but I must have already heard it before somewhere because other bloggers are already using it. (imagine Uncle Sam crying here)!
With the coming blogumn, and future ones, I'll try to let readers know what is coming and offer them a chance to give me input or suggestions. That means you! (imagine Uncle Sam pointing here)!
Feel free to e-mail me and tell me what to include or exclude. Tell me what you like or don't like about the site. Tell me what you do on there or tell me that you joined and don't see what the big deal is. E-mail me at bbrownspfd@yahoo.com.
I have my own thoughts, or I wouldn't be writing the thing, but I still want to hear from others. So, do you farm on farmtown? Are you a boss on MafiaWars? Do you know which celebrity you should date? Well, do ya?
FYI: I thought I might have invented a word (blogumn), and I got excited, but I must have already heard it before somewhere because other bloggers are already using it. (imagine Uncle Sam crying here)!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
New Issue(s)
I encourage anyone who might read this blog to check out the latest issue of the Community Free Press. You can download it online by clicking on the cover of the issue, which is featured prominently on the home page, or by picking it up at one of our many distributors. You can find a list of pick-up locations here.
The paper is free, and at the risk of sounding biased (and I am), it's good. So, pick it up.
I really believe it honestly matters to everyone on staff to be objective, fair and accurate. We have made, and we will make mistakes, but we are not running fast and loose. We try to get it right every time, even if we miss the mark occasionally.
I know my publisher, Breck Langsford, has a few concerns about my new blog. Hopefully, he will read it. I think if he does, he'll see that my approach to this thing doesn't (and shouldn't) run counter to anything he is trying to accomplish with the paper.
A couple months ago, I invited now-Councilman Robert Stephens to write a guest column after he expressed some concerns with CFP's editorial policies. Both Tom Martz and Fred Ellison, who were running for council seats at the time, had been in our paper in the viewpoints section in issues previous.
Life of Jason followed Stephens column with an article of his own, which I enjoyed by the way.
The fact of the matter is, CFP tries to be an open door to those who have opinions, whether they're running for office or not. Stephen's opinions are as important as Martz' or Ellison's or Joe the baker's. And Jason Wert had it right, too. We all have biases. That doesn't mean we are going to be slanted in our news or political coverage.
In my opening post, I tried to lay out my own political biases for the world to see. I know Mr. Langsford has concerns about the perception of his main political reporter being biased. However, I truly believe that being honest about who I am is the first step in establishing a trust with our readers.
We at CFP are regular folks. We have honest goals and warts, too. And that's the kind of paper I want to write for. And I hope it is the kind of paper you want to read.
The paper is free, and at the risk of sounding biased (and I am), it's good. So, pick it up.
I really believe it honestly matters to everyone on staff to be objective, fair and accurate. We have made, and we will make mistakes, but we are not running fast and loose. We try to get it right every time, even if we miss the mark occasionally.
I know my publisher, Breck Langsford, has a few concerns about my new blog. Hopefully, he will read it. I think if he does, he'll see that my approach to this thing doesn't (and shouldn't) run counter to anything he is trying to accomplish with the paper.
A couple months ago, I invited now-Councilman Robert Stephens to write a guest column after he expressed some concerns with CFP's editorial policies. Both Tom Martz and Fred Ellison, who were running for council seats at the time, had been in our paper in the viewpoints section in issues previous.
Life of Jason followed Stephens column with an article of his own, which I enjoyed by the way.
The fact of the matter is, CFP tries to be an open door to those who have opinions, whether they're running for office or not. Stephen's opinions are as important as Martz' or Ellison's or Joe the baker's. And Jason Wert had it right, too. We all have biases. That doesn't mean we are going to be slanted in our news or political coverage.
In my opening post, I tried to lay out my own political biases for the world to see. I know Mr. Langsford has concerns about the perception of his main political reporter being biased. However, I truly believe that being honest about who I am is the first step in establishing a trust with our readers.
We at CFP are regular folks. We have honest goals and warts, too. And that's the kind of paper I want to write for. And I hope it is the kind of paper you want to read.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
What this is is...
All I know is I'm a writer.
When I went back to school at 28, my ambition was to be a writer. It was that simple, and that blurry. I ended up studying journalism because that was what I knew, even if I knew that wouldn't be wholly satisfying. I was the editor of my high school paper, and I figured my talents would support quick bursts of knowledge.
Now I'm working at a local paper, and I'm proud of a lot of the work I've done, but there is more...
In many ways I am still waiting to burst out of the gates. I want to write serious novels, and ridiculous shorts. I want to write poetry, but not call it poetry because poetry isn't cool-- I'll call it thunderfire. I want to write thunderfire.
I want to search for God, and swim with dolphins and dance on the sun. Okay, I'm getting a little wound up. The point is, hopefully, this blog will be a creative outlet.
I plan on writing columns here. Some real columns, with research. Something that tries to say something true about life. But, this is more than that, too. It's a mad diary of sorts.
I'm going to try to publish something everyday. At least for awhile. Something new and inventive. Something not sucky. Something I would want to read when I have 10 minutes to wind down after work.
That's it. That what this is.
In closing, the following is a piece of thunderfire I wrote in my school days (not all that long ago):
Holiday Lines
It is o-kay if
You are strug-gl-ing.
We und-er-stand what
You are go-ing- through.
Talk-ing to some-one may help.
Su-uh-cide is not the
an-ser.
Please stand by.
Some-one will be a-vail-a-ble in:
Five min-its.
You are not a-lone.
There is some-one who cares.
Not ev-er-thing is
hope-less.
Don’t do an-e-thing you will
Reg-ret.
Not ev-er-thing is your fault.
Some-times life is
Un-fair.
When one door close-es,
A-noth-er, o-pens.
It is eas-e-er to smile than
To frown.
What does not kill you…
Please stand by.
When I went back to school at 28, my ambition was to be a writer. It was that simple, and that blurry. I ended up studying journalism because that was what I knew, even if I knew that wouldn't be wholly satisfying. I was the editor of my high school paper, and I figured my talents would support quick bursts of knowledge.
Now I'm working at a local paper, and I'm proud of a lot of the work I've done, but there is more...
In many ways I am still waiting to burst out of the gates. I want to write serious novels, and ridiculous shorts. I want to write poetry, but not call it poetry because poetry isn't cool-- I'll call it thunderfire. I want to write thunderfire.
I want to search for God, and swim with dolphins and dance on the sun. Okay, I'm getting a little wound up. The point is, hopefully, this blog will be a creative outlet.
I plan on writing columns here. Some real columns, with research. Something that tries to say something true about life. But, this is more than that, too. It's a mad diary of sorts.
I'm going to try to publish something everyday. At least for awhile. Something new and inventive. Something not sucky. Something I would want to read when I have 10 minutes to wind down after work.
That's it. That what this is.
In closing, the following is a piece of thunderfire I wrote in my school days (not all that long ago):
Holiday Lines
It is o-kay if
You are strug-gl-ing.
We und-er-stand what
You are go-ing- through.
Talk-ing to some-one may help.
Su-uh-cide is not the
an-ser.
Please stand by.
Some-one will be a-vail-a-ble in:
Five min-its.
You are not a-lone.
There is some-one who cares.
Not ev-er-thing is
hope-less.
Don’t do an-e-thing you will
Reg-ret.
Not ev-er-thing is your fault.
Some-times life is
Un-fair.
When one door close-es,
A-noth-er, o-pens.
It is eas-e-er to smile than
To frown.
What does not kill you…
Please stand by.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Left of Right
In many ways, what we need from journalists are less opinions, and not more. Having said that, it may be curious then why a news/political/business/feature reporter might want to add his voice to a chorus of know-it-alls who think their opinions trump everyone else’s—i.e. local bloggers, right-and left-wing columnist, and anonymous commentators on news Web sites.
The answer: because no one has gotten it right, yet.
Too often, people are so attached to the world-views they developed at age 14 to be able to truly consider a different perspective. This is where I think my training and experience might come in handy.
I believe in order to have an opinion that is worth much, you have to be willing to consider multiple perspectives first.
My whole life I’ve had to balance one side of my self against the other. A product of divorced parents, I learned early to listen more than I talked. I’ve always had friends from different backgrounds: rich and poor, popular kids and dorks (I might leaned dorky).
In this polarized political world we live in, the loudest voices are almost never the fairest. This seems especially true when it comes to cable news commentary, though the same can be said about loud-mouths in our everyday lives. Haven’t we all known people who always have an opinion, and pull facts out of thin air—‘did you know they actually found the weapons of mass destruction?’ No, I guess I missed that.
Myself, I come from a conservative home. Well, my mother has always been a Republican. My dad never seemed to care much for politics, but a dislike of President Bush seems to have made him a radical Democrat (my mother tells me he once had the same hate for Jimmy Carter). At different times in my life I have considered myself a Democrat, a Republican and a Libertarian. At age 33, I’m more confused than ever.
This is what I mean: I think businesses are taxed too highly, but I think our tax laws have way too many loopholes for the rich; I don’t think city, county or state governments should ever build anything for Wal-Mart or the St. Louis Cardinals, but I’m okay with CIP taxes that benefit everyone (providing there are no signs put up with taxpayers money promoting specific businesses); I believe in the second amendment, but I have no problem with waiting periods, which I think discourage crimes of passion; I think “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means we ought to leave the hippies alone, however, I have known at least one person whose life I believe was saved by a trip to jail.
Lately, I’ve been bothered by conservative voices like Ann Coulter saying we’re only making things worse with the recent economic stimulus package. In a letter to fellow conservatives, which is linked on her Web site (the letter can be found at http://www.markskousen.com/visitor.php?offer=10813), Coulter dismisses the stimulus with a rant about history: “true history… as opposed to the public-school propaganda that teaches, for instance, that FDR’s New Deal got us out of the Great Depression, when in reality it only deepened and prolonged it.”
In CFP’s March-11 issue, we were lucky enough to have Dr. Steven Mullins, an associate professor of economics at Drury, put the current stimulus in perspective. He compared the 2009 deficit, which is projected at 8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, to the budget deficits of the 1940s, which were around 20 percent of the GDP.
I've seen Conservatives and Dems both say WWII pulled us out of the depression. Have you ever heard a Republican say that defense spending is good for the economy?
Common sense, and level-headed economists will tell you, that it makes no difference to the economy whether you are spending money on tanks, planes or “shovel-ready” projects. It seems to me the government spending of the WWII era kick-started the economy.
In fact, though no Democrats seem to want to talk about this, George W. Bush’s economic policies, it seems, did a lot to keep this recession at bay.
When I spoke with Missouri State Economic Professor Dr. Tom Wyrick in December for a feature story he told me that the recession wasn’t declared after the second quarter of 2008 because Bush’s tax breaks last spring kept negative growth from occurring. The economists in the Business Cycle Dating Committee later declared a recession during that time saying the tax breaks didn’t present a true picture of what was going on—negating the traditional definition of a recession: two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth.
Between Bush’s military spending and tax breaks, the deficit spending his administration did might have helped an economy that’s been sputtering along since 9-11. I’ve found there is some debate among economists over the effectiveness of the President’s tax breaks. However, last May I received around $800 and I know it helped my family.
In February, John McCain’s own economic stimulus plan was $421 billion. It was predictably shot down by Democrats. When Obama’s plan passed it totaled $787 billion. Both numbers are hard for me to wrap my mind around.
If you are ideologically opposed to deficit spending, or any unnecessary government spending, I can sympathize. However, you shouldn’t call yourself a Republican. You should call yourself a Libertarian. And I would have to guess that the economy is not your top priority. Hello, my name is Brian Brown. Welcome to my world.
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