April 15, 2006
The Investigation Continues...
When did this phrase work its way into our news lexicon? The use and abuse of this phrase really struck me a couple of weeks ago, and I have been meaning to blog about it. I was reading the newspaper when I came across a blurb about a local bank discovering what they thought were some suspect one hundred dollar bills. Apparently, the police were notified, the Secret Service was called in, the bills were found to be authentic, yet an "investigation continues." Huh?
If the bills were real, why would the investigation continue? Are they investigating why a bank (usually expert at handling money) would think authentic bills were fakes? Maybe our real bills are too easily confused as bogus? They do look funny. Is the investigation related to how some individual came into possession of the particular series of currency in question? Maybe "the investigation is continuing" wasn't just the lazy journalism of this news reporter at all, but was offered by the Secret Service people so that they could stay on and enjoy a couple more days on sunny Cape Cod. That would be a slick way to buy a day or two off for an overworked Secret Service agent: investigate a report of counterfeit bills (or even plant some), identify the currency as legitimate, and then hang out for a few days under the auspices of a continuing investigation. Maybe the Secret Service has a two day minimum?
Personally, I would like an investigation into why the investigation was continuing, and how many days we paid people to stay here investigating.
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Cape Cod, counterfeit, journalism, government, tax-dollars, funny-money
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March 16, 2006
SLACKER!
"'Wherever I go, there's my bicycle.' The bicycle obsessed pursuits of a Cape Cod cyclist."If anyone (anyone?) was wondering where I have vanished to, and why the lack of blog posts, I have a couple of excuses:
- I have been doing some renovations over at Cape Cod Cyclists' Escape... sprucing things up a bit after a couple of years collecting dust.
- I have been playing with a few of my online addictions:
and a few others I won't bore you with.
With the wedding only a month away, there is obviously much happening on that front as well. Tomorrow we go to the town hall for the marriage license, and Sunday Morning Blog (Dead Bloggers Society, Commute-a-Blog, etc.) will soon be joined forever with Jesse Loves Brady. Amazing!
I'll do my best to keep up with the posts, but at least now you all know what I am up to with my disappearing act.
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February 06, 2006
Sunday Morning Blog: Looking for Dead Bloggers Society?
"A commentator on Cape Cod Today made a comment to my farewell post there today that will stick with me, and made this all so clear:'Don't blog; you don't have the hide for it.'"
I have noticed an increase in traffic to the Dead Bloggers Society over the past couple of days. If you are wondering where I have gone, perhaps you might get your answers from this Sunday Morning Blog post:
Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:05 AM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2006
The Blogictionary
BuzzMachine » Blog Archive » The Blogictionary: "I’m looking for terms of art from the blogging world. How do bloggers refer to themselves, to the mainstream media, newspaper reporters etc.? I want to know the jargon of blogging. Just as newspapers have their own lingo, and TV networks have theirs, what’s the lingo of the blogosphere, the blargon?"
BuzzMachine has requested comments to the post I have linked to above, with our suggestions on words unique to bloggers that might be considered worthy of addition.
Any ideas?
(Via BuzzMachine.)
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:50 PM | Comments (1)
January 15, 2006
Spotlight on Bibliophilia
It is time to admit the truth. The barking moonbats have me cornered, and I have no choice but to confess: I am a bibliophile. It all began because my mother worked at the library during my early childhood. My book induced vicissitude took place before I had even entered kindergarten. I read. I read a lot. The trouble is, that while this may not sound like a “problem” to most, I also suffer a related, and yet to be diagnosed ailment: B.A.D.D. (book attention deficit disorder). Now, it will not take one of the aforementioned barking moonbats to expose the craziness in my theory on the causes of this affliction. I think it quite odd myself. All the same, I feel the urge to share what I see as the underlying cause back of my self-diagnosed abnormality: Sesame Street.
What on earth does Sesame Street have to do with book attention deficit disorder you ask? Sesame Street, with all its spectacular, attention grabbing, rapid-fire, short-segemented stimuli, is the cause of my B.A.D.D., and probably numerous other deviant desires for instant gratification that I have yet to uncover. Sesame Street imbedded the need for constant, quickly changing stimulation into my psychological make up. Do you think I am wrong? Is there some missing piece to this puzzle? Too much self disclosure?
Actually, I think it is the content of what I am reading that is the true culprit behind this habit. When I read fiction, if the quality is there, my attention is often undivided. The same goes for a well written work of non-fiction. Lately, however, I have been sampling bits and pieces of multiple books. No book has kept my undivided attention. Perhaps it is a symptom of the internet age, and I am picking up books like I am clicking my way site to site, or blog to blog. I think it is more that the authors of some of my selections seem to be suffering the same symptoms, and write as though they are piecing together separate blog entries (maybe they are). Whatever the cause may be, what is the point of this post anyway?
My fiance recently suggested that I should blog about some of the books I have accumulated. I think she was hoping that the intlelligentsia might take a break from their perpetual attack mode in response to book reviews. That was a good thought on her part, but even book reviews will not keep the liberal attack loons from spewing their venom; and what book should I begin with? They are piling up. Should I begin with the books I received for Christmas, the book I currently have checked out from the Falmouth Public Library, or should I tackle them all? Eventually, I would like to review them all, but that will have to wait for another day. Today seems like a good day to curl up and read.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 12:18 PM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2006
Life Without Television
"They put an off button on the TV for a reason. Turn it off . . . I really don't watch much TV." ~ President George W. Bush, C-SPAN interview, January 2005
Just how long does it take to recover from Reality TV Syndrome? How often do we hear people pleading with us to get away from these computers and get out into the world? Have you noticed that we rarely, if ever, hear the same people saying anything about extracting ourselves from in front of our televisions? Television is a past time (or a waste of time) that many of us take for granted, both in loss of productivity and in the effects we suffer from allowing our focus to be molded by the media.
Eight months into a TV-free lifestyle, and I am just starting to realize what a detriment TV had become for me. I do not expect or encourage others to adopt my TV free lifestyle, but the benefits to me have become increasingly apparent over the past eight months. Do not get me wrong, we still have the actual TVs: three of them to be exact. Yet, they are now just rarely used DVD players, instead of the idiot boxes that they once were. What kind of TV viewer was I? I was a sports, news, HGTV, Discovery, TLC, PBS kind of watcher- in that order of total viewing time spent. What programs do I miss the most, eight months later? I only find myself missing certain sporting events, but that is all. Is it worth the $60 a month to watch a few football or baseball games? I think I will continue my personal TV turn-off experiment.
In September of 2004, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that TV viewing accounted for approximately half of both American men and women's leisure time (see chart). The Time Use Survey revealed that TV viewing was third in total daily use of time, behind only time spent working and sleeping. I am certain that time spent in front of the computer may soon give TV a run for its money, but TV is still, by far, the most culturally favored use of one's time. It is easy to find resources and education material examining the effects of television and video game violence on our young people, but what of the general effects of television addiction on young and old alike? I can only speak from personal experience, but I feel my life and productivity have greatly improved without the ball and chain of television in my life. The time I spend here on the computer is certainly time better spent than mindless TV viewing, and I do not waste all of my leisure time here... I just have more of it, because I have shut off my TV.
American Time Use Survey (ATUS) 2003
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dept. of Labor, U.S. Government
American Time Use Survey (ATUS) 2003
Released September 2004
Related reading: The TV Turnoff Network: http://www.tvturnoff.org/
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:05 AM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2005
My Grandfather's Gift to Me: Cape Cod's Yesterdays
Americans are living longer. The average lifespan of an American is continuing to increase in age with each generation. Today, in the United States, there are 35 million geriatric patients (over age sixty-five). Of these, 4.5 million are now characterized as the "old old" (over age eighty-five). It is projected that by 2020 there will be 53 million Americans over age sixty-five (6.5 million of them will be considered "old old"). We must be doing something right... including our procreation.
I woke up at 3:30 am Saturday morning and there was no getting back to sleep. Anyone familiar with me knows I am not prone to insomnia. I can sleep with the best of them- just so long as it is before 5:30 am. Saturday morning was different though. Whatever caused me to open my eyes at such an early hour, my thoughts immediately went to my grandfather. At ninety-one, my grandfather has now become what some would refer to as “old old.” I would not have thought of him as such until maybe a year ago. Perhaps there really is something to that golf game and Florida living. However, Friday I got a call from my Dad that really drove it home for me. “There is a dumpster in your grandfather's driveway. We could use your help whenever you can come over.”
A dumpster in the driveway? He is in a retirement home, not a hospital. But then reality set in. I remembered my grandfather saying that he did not plan on being around for another Christmas after this one. Laying there in bed, I thought about my grandfather. I remembered times I visited him. I thought about how he stuck a letter I had penned to the local newspaper regarding the Ten Commandments up on his refrigerator- how he asked me (several times) where I learned to write. He brought out a story he had written in his school days and asked if I might like to read it. The story was of a gentleman (my grandfather) calling on his blind date at an all girls school. The writing brought me back to another era and struck me with just how much we have lost with each generation. When I returned the story to my grandfather, I was able to answer his question. “I think my ability to write must have come from you.” Nothing was going to cheer me up about cleaning out my grandfather's house.
What happiness could possibly come from such a depressing job? Aside from my loved ones, what two things do I most depend on for relaxation and sanity? Books and bicycles are my two favorite hobbies. Cleaning up my grandfather's house would yield both. Hidden in a corner of my grandfathers basement were treasures that, in my family, only I would be able to appreciate. Two 1950's vintage bicycles, in need of a little T.L.C., lay there waiting to be discovered. Books? There were boxes of books to be sorted through (some dating back to the 1800's). This library seemed to be anxiously expecting to be handled again, as books on my favorite subjects were always at the top of each box. I am a budding collector of books on Cape Cod and olde Cape Cod authors, and my appetite for both was sated. I left his house, not burdened by the gloom I had arrived with, but excited by the gifts my grandfather had once again given me.
The dumpster that had been intended to stay for a week was full by Sunday afternoon. It was loaded, not with treasures, but with years of children's and grandchildren's things that somehow had made their way into my grandmother and grandfather's attic and basement. My grandfather kept a tight ship, but understandingly left the kid's stuff to be throw out by the children. The treasures that my grandfather kept have been passed to another generation who will cherish them as he did, and my grandfather's influence will always be felt. Had it not been for his sharing his writing and books, I would have thought these obsessions of mine were a credit to Sandwich schools rather than my inheritance. The joy I find in reading and writing is just one of many gifts passed on to me by my parents and grandparents.
Originally, it did not feel right to me that we would be going through my grandfather's things while still blessed with his presence. It is out of respect for his wishes, however, that his house must be sold to help pay for the new home he has chosen for himself. I think it perfectly fitting that he is now in an assisted living residence located in a house that he built when it was new. What better place to finish one's years with dignity? I hope that I never forget the freedoms my grandfathers have given me and their fathers before them. We should all think more each day on what we have done and are doing to make ourselves worthy of these gifts. I will have to say good bye to my grandfather soon. When that day comes, I want to be able to say I honored him while he was still here, and pray that I continue to honor him after he is gone. There is something wrong with a society that seems to look on their elders as a burden rather than a blessing. Someday we will get our priorities straight...
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:50 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2005
Do Not Look Back
No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy the sunlight today, mix good cheer with friends today, enjoy it and bless God for it. Do not look back on happiness - or dream of it in the future. you are only sure of today: do not let yourself be cheated out of it.~ Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
I was feeling somewhat cheated by the head cold that slammed into me - as if on cue for my one week vacation. I refuse to let it get the best of me. I will rest, but I am not going to let the sniffles and coughs ruin my time off.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2005
Impressions on America
There has been quite a lot of negativity in the news about America lately, both at home and abroad. As the pundits like to point out, the world is watching us. Although some would suggest the image we project is not what it could be (I would have to agree), there is also a positive side to the attention we get from foreigners. There is much we take for granted here, especially when our focus is on the negative as it has been of late.
It is often interesting to hear foreigners' impressions of America. Here are some that we often forget:
We often take for granted how well off even the poorest among us are. Foreigners are quick to point this out.
Many are amazed at the silence here. Those of us who live in the suburbs rarely take the time to enjoy the solitude (in fact, we often complain about noise), but from the foreigner's perspective, we are blessed with amazing quiet.
Although we suffer some of the poorest air quality in the country here on Cape Cod, tourists from industrialized nations are in awe of our skyward views at night and the cleanliness of our beaches.
Our supermarkets are truly something for the foreign observer to behold. The supermarket offers everything under the sun - a luxury not available in many countries.
And what of the comforts that we so often take for granted? Even the very least of us can walk up to a faucet and have water flowing out (and that water is often drinkable!).
We don't often stop to consider our ability to, at the flick of a switch, have light.
Many of us have the ability to sit down at a screen or pick up a telephone to communicate, pick up a remote to switch channels or we may change the room temperature at will.
The list is endless, but easily forgotten. The complexities of some that we enjoy cause some among us to rue simpler times, but we must admit that most of us enjoy the fruits that the American way of life affords us. The daily grind may seem unkind and monotonous at times, but we are blessed to be in a country that gives us such opportunity and comfort. How easy it is to forget.
This week, try getting away from it all to explore these freedoms we so often take for granted: family and love, a walk in the woods, pedal the bike down a quiet street, quietly read a book outside, photograph a scene, mow the lawn, weed the garden, chop wood, play with the dog or the cats, or breathe in the sea air. Try to savor each moment. We are so lucky.
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September 07, 2005
Walk the Walk
A man of words and not deeds is like a garden full of weeds. ~English Proverb
Some words pack a punch, and these hold especially true after the last couple of weeks. Need I say more?
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 05, 2005
Keeping the Motor Running
"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." ~ BUDDHA
Yesterday, the urge was overwhelming to get out there and run. Since a stomach ailment last November, and some knee trouble shortly thereafter, I have fallen out of my normal fitness routine. I wouldn't say I am out of shape, but I am not the shining example of fitness either. Due to the knee troubles, I hit the treadmill rather than the pavement. I also managed a short workout on the weight bench. The results were instant and lasting, although I missed the outside air and scenery. My sleep last night was restful. My mood and energy level today are elevated.
Paying attention to ourselves is of equal importance to that of our families and other responsibilities. Without our health we are of little use... and the morning-after soreness feels oh-so-good!
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 01, 2005
Taking Life for Granted
We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. ~Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732
Happenings in the gulf states, and the ripple effects felt across the nation, should give us all cause to reevaluate our consumptive lifestyles. Watching MSNBC video footage of hurricane victims in New Orleans confronts us with how lucky we really are in so many aspects of our lives. It is not just the every day little things we take for granted. How often do we express gratitude for our families, our homes, our pets, neighbors and coworkers? What delight do we take in the water flowing clean from the tap, the fresh produce displayed neatly at the market and the lights glowing bright in the dark?
We are witness to the fury of nature followed by the cries of its victims - their pleas for help piercing our bubbles of comfort. How many water bottles would each one of us carry to these people if we could? The most basic necessities are out of reach for Katrina's victims while the miracles of modern media stream the death to us live. We can look in on this horror, while they can not even escape it. Somehow this seems twisted... like a nightmare spun from a Stephen King novel. I feel guilty as I sit here typing and sipping my Gatorade. We find ourselves wishing we had the forethought to have sent buses and trains to pluck the poor, sick, weak and ignorant from the path of this monster storm.
Here, safe from the destruction, we have beds to curl up in, roofs over our heads and showers to climb into before we shuffle off to our jobs again tomorrow.
Today is all we have... make the most of it!
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