I used to work with a guy who called Microsoft “The Evil Empire” because he felt they permeated personal computers subversively. I used to think of Google in the same way. I’ve softened a lot to both Microsoft and Google since they both seem to be putting more tools and information available to people – for free.
But I’ve always thought of Disney as the definitive Evil Empire, and now I’m convinced. Disney has a reputation for great theme parks (Disneyland, Disney World), great kids movies, and great kids entertainment. Where Disney gets “evil” in my opinion is what I see as aggressive merchandising to kids in ways that may not be so obvious.
The biggest Disney offender of late is Hanna Montana, a Disney-created children’s TV series. It features the fictional character Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cyrus, the real life daughter of singer Billy Ray Cyrus), who by night is the famous pop singer Hanna Montana.
It sounds innocent enough.
Once you add the Disney marketing machine to the mix, however, it becomes obvious that this innocent-sounding television show is just a vehicle to deliver Disney’s “crack” – the toys, the games, the concert tickets. My niece asked for some Hanna Montana toys for Christmas, and when I went looking for them, I got a bad case of sticker shock. And while I’m on the subject of sticker shock, there’s the Hanna Montana concert tickets. Recent sales of these tickets created a stir and outrage with parents when it was revealed that some ticket agents found ways around Internet ticket buying safeguards in order to grab up huge number of tickets, and then reselling them for anywhere from $600 to $3,000 in some cities. Some individuals sold them on eBay for hugely inflated prices. And parent, trapped by the Disney marketing machine and their desire to placate their kids, would pay just about anything to get the tickets. (Many did.)
I don’t blame Disney for all this. But I do blame Disney for being so active in permeating our kid’s minds for the purposes of creating almost insatiable desire in some children to just have all the “stuff.” OK, almost every kids movie these days has marketing tie ins, but Disney seems to have been doing it the longest and may have very well helped to fuel the trend. And that trend only gets more ingrained as parent take their children to Disney World or Disneyland, and when they have children of their own they take their kids, and so on.
So while I jokingly call Disney “evil”, I suppose they are just doing what everybody else who tries to make money is doing – creating desire for something that maybe you don’t really need. And that’s really not evil; it’s just the American Way!
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Iowa Caucus, New Hampshire Primary– Why do they get to decide?
I always get confused about caucuses and primaries. It seems like all the network news channels have their opinions on the upcoming Iowa caucus and how the outcome will affect who is nominated.
One network reporter commented that if Hillary wins the Iowa caucus on January 3, it’s over and she’ll go on to win the party nomination, but if anyone else does, it’s still an open contest.
My question is – why does Iowa get to decide? Isn’t it still a little early to be saying whether the nomination is locked up or still a close race? Mind you, I have softened a bit towards Hillary, especially since I can’t stand any of the Republican candidates and don’t really care for most of the Democratic candidates. But still, it seems that voters can get discouraged if they get the impression that once their state holds their caucus or primary, that the whole contest will already be over.
New Hampshire continues to move their primary date earlier and earlier, so they can retain the FIRST spot for presidential primaries. My question again is why do they get to exert so much influence on designating the nominee and why should their choice be more important than other more populous states?
There will also be a huge primary for 20 states scheduled on February 5.
Why can’t we just have ONE primary and caucus day for ALL states? If we can have presidential elections on one day, it would seem to make sense to have the primaries all at once, too.
It’s nice for those states to be first, but should their opinion carry more weight than other states? There’s got to be a better way. If someone can explain the current way to me so I can make more sense of it, I’d appreciate it.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
One network reporter commented that if Hillary wins the Iowa caucus on January 3, it’s over and she’ll go on to win the party nomination, but if anyone else does, it’s still an open contest.
My question is – why does Iowa get to decide? Isn’t it still a little early to be saying whether the nomination is locked up or still a close race? Mind you, I have softened a bit towards Hillary, especially since I can’t stand any of the Republican candidates and don’t really care for most of the Democratic candidates. But still, it seems that voters can get discouraged if they get the impression that once their state holds their caucus or primary, that the whole contest will already be over.
New Hampshire continues to move their primary date earlier and earlier, so they can retain the FIRST spot for presidential primaries. My question again is why do they get to exert so much influence on designating the nominee and why should their choice be more important than other more populous states?
There will also be a huge primary for 20 states scheduled on February 5.
Why can’t we just have ONE primary and caucus day for ALL states? If we can have presidential elections on one day, it would seem to make sense to have the primaries all at once, too.
It’s nice for those states to be first, but should their opinion carry more weight than other states? There’s got to be a better way. If someone can explain the current way to me so I can make more sense of it, I’d appreciate it.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Toy Recalls
I had already done some of my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving, especially for toys. As I mentioned in my November 9th blog, I don’t enjoy toy stores.
I do have sympathy for parents and others who are shopping for toys this year because of all the recent toy recalls. Some examples are lead paint; parts that can break off and cause choking, toy parts that when ingested can metabolize like the drug GHB and be toxic, etc. It’s a minefield to navigate. Is nothing safe?
Several websites are available to inform consumers, who probably trust that the stores have already removed recalled items. Some have taken the approach to avoid any item made in China. I say good luck to them.
Who to blame and what to do about it? The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) should be the watchdog, but lax policies and recent excuses from acting chairwoman Nancy Nord seems to indicate no one has been minding the store. Many have called for Nord’s resignation. Businesses, in the desire to reduce costs and increase profits, have outsourced even more toy manufacturing and then trusted these manufacturers to use products that would not be harmful. It’s a train wreck all around, with the consumer left to pick up the pieces.
While I dread the thought of more government regulation, the toy recalls have made me wonder, what else is coming into the US in the shape of food or other consumer products that are not properly checked for harmful ingredients? Clearly something needs to be done on a wider scale. We can and should continue to trade in a global environment, but we have to protect ourselves to make sure other countries manufacture products to our specifications.
As far as toy shopping this year, my suggestion is – give cash instead!
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
I do have sympathy for parents and others who are shopping for toys this year because of all the recent toy recalls. Some examples are lead paint; parts that can break off and cause choking, toy parts that when ingested can metabolize like the drug GHB and be toxic, etc. It’s a minefield to navigate. Is nothing safe?
Several websites are available to inform consumers, who probably trust that the stores have already removed recalled items. Some have taken the approach to avoid any item made in China. I say good luck to them.
Who to blame and what to do about it? The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) should be the watchdog, but lax policies and recent excuses from acting chairwoman Nancy Nord seems to indicate no one has been minding the store. Many have called for Nord’s resignation. Businesses, in the desire to reduce costs and increase profits, have outsourced even more toy manufacturing and then trusted these manufacturers to use products that would not be harmful. It’s a train wreck all around, with the consumer left to pick up the pieces.
While I dread the thought of more government regulation, the toy recalls have made me wonder, what else is coming into the US in the shape of food or other consumer products that are not properly checked for harmful ingredients? Clearly something needs to be done on a wider scale. We can and should continue to trade in a global environment, but we have to protect ourselves to make sure other countries manufacture products to our specifications.
As far as toy shopping this year, my suggestion is – give cash instead!
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
It’s Christmas shopping time, but don't forget charities
With Thanksgiving bearing down on us, that can only mean one thing – Christmas shopping begins. Or shall I say, BEGAN. Some retailers are making the push to get shoppers out before Thanksgiving to beat the rush. In a way, I’m thankful that they are.
I try to get most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving. I have this love-hate relationship with Christmas. I love giving and getting presents, but I sometimes dislike the process of shopping. It’s hard enough trying to find the right things, you also have to fight the crowds who may want the same things you do.
One thing that I do is avoid the after Thanksgiving day sales like the plague. The mad rush to save a few pennies, the crush of the crowds, people fighting over items, it’s just not worth it. It’s everything that Christmas is NOT supposed to be.
This year, as in the last several years, I am trying to find more simple, meaningful gifts for people. More importantly. I’m trying do more for, and give more to, my favorite charity, which supports disabled children.
This holiday season, while you’re pressed for time, money, and ideas, don’t forget to give to your favorite charity. It’s a simple thing to do, and the rewards sometimes are immeasurable. And it keeps with the spirit of Christmas – giving to those who need it most. Do it – you’ll be glad you did.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
I try to get most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving. I have this love-hate relationship with Christmas. I love giving and getting presents, but I sometimes dislike the process of shopping. It’s hard enough trying to find the right things, you also have to fight the crowds who may want the same things you do.
One thing that I do is avoid the after Thanksgiving day sales like the plague. The mad rush to save a few pennies, the crush of the crowds, people fighting over items, it’s just not worth it. It’s everything that Christmas is NOT supposed to be.
This year, as in the last several years, I am trying to find more simple, meaningful gifts for people. More importantly. I’m trying do more for, and give more to, my favorite charity, which supports disabled children.
This holiday season, while you’re pressed for time, money, and ideas, don’t forget to give to your favorite charity. It’s a simple thing to do, and the rewards sometimes are immeasurable. And it keeps with the spirit of Christmas – giving to those who need it most. Do it – you’ll be glad you did.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Your Local Public Library – Still Relevant?
I live in a city that has a public library serving over 50,000 residents. I’ve lived in the community for over 30 years, and have watched the library expand and grow in its offerings. Over the years, the library has developed from a place where people come only to borrow books and do research using books, to a place where you can borrow books, DVDs, CDs, and have Internet access. Despite the fact that my local library has been having some trouble of late getting an increase in tax dollars, every time I visit there, the large parking lot is always full and the place is vibrant with people.
So why can’t they get more money? There could be several reasons.
The library may seem like it has a lot of visitors, but they could be repeat visitors. Standing in line last week waiting for the library to open, I spoke to two people who came there only to read the daily paper, and one who was there for Internet access. (I was there to borrow some music.) The paper-readers said they come there every day the library is open only to read the paper. The Internet user said she comes there twice a week for access. So a lot of people AT the library may not equate to a large number or percentage of the city’s population USING the library.
Some may not realize that the library has more than books. Our local library has a decent selection of DVDs and music available, plus audio books. Granted, it’s not like walking in to your local Borders or Barnes and Noble and seeing their music selection, but it still has some good content. And those who say they can’t afford a home computer or Internet access forget that with a free library card, they can have free Internet access.
I am a little disappointed in the overall book selection at the library. Sure, they do get several of the popular best sellers and have many of the classics in fiction and non-fiction. As far as the rest of the books in other, possible less trendy categories like science, nature, entertainment, even computer programs, the books are dated. This, of course is the catch-22; they can’t get tax dollars for new books because residents see the library dated so tax initiates get voted down, but they can’t update the book offering without more tax dollars.
There are more challenges ahead in the upcoming years for libraries. As more information and things like music are available electronically, the library may find itself needing more computer access. If they continue to offer music and movies, they will have to find another way to acquire and deliver content for download. Considering Google's aggressive plan to scan books (see link below), brick-and-mortar libraries may be a thing of the past, with everything available via computer.
Public libraries must continue to show value to a community in order for the community to continue to fund them. From my own experience right now, the library remains relevant. But, they have to keep their eye on the future to keep up with changing technologies and differing ways of delivering content to their customers. Otherwise, public libraries may not survive.
Link to information on Google's book scanning initiative:
http://www.google.com/press/pressrel/print_library.html
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
So why can’t they get more money? There could be several reasons.
The library may seem like it has a lot of visitors, but they could be repeat visitors. Standing in line last week waiting for the library to open, I spoke to two people who came there only to read the daily paper, and one who was there for Internet access. (I was there to borrow some music.) The paper-readers said they come there every day the library is open only to read the paper. The Internet user said she comes there twice a week for access. So a lot of people AT the library may not equate to a large number or percentage of the city’s population USING the library.
Some may not realize that the library has more than books. Our local library has a decent selection of DVDs and music available, plus audio books. Granted, it’s not like walking in to your local Borders or Barnes and Noble and seeing their music selection, but it still has some good content. And those who say they can’t afford a home computer or Internet access forget that with a free library card, they can have free Internet access.
I am a little disappointed in the overall book selection at the library. Sure, they do get several of the popular best sellers and have many of the classics in fiction and non-fiction. As far as the rest of the books in other, possible less trendy categories like science, nature, entertainment, even computer programs, the books are dated. This, of course is the catch-22; they can’t get tax dollars for new books because residents see the library dated so tax initiates get voted down, but they can’t update the book offering without more tax dollars.
There are more challenges ahead in the upcoming years for libraries. As more information and things like music are available electronically, the library may find itself needing more computer access. If they continue to offer music and movies, they will have to find another way to acquire and deliver content for download. Considering Google's aggressive plan to scan books (see link below), brick-and-mortar libraries may be a thing of the past, with everything available via computer.
Public libraries must continue to show value to a community in order for the community to continue to fund them. From my own experience right now, the library remains relevant. But, they have to keep their eye on the future to keep up with changing technologies and differing ways of delivering content to their customers. Otherwise, public libraries may not survive.
Link to information on Google's book scanning initiative:
http://www.google.com/press/pressrel/print_library.html
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Fox News = Faux News?
I reluctantly admit that I watch the Fox News channel on occasion, primarily the Saturday block of business shows. But, I’ve come to refer to the Fox News channel as “Faux News” because there really isn’t much hard news covered. It’s mostly talk and commentary, and it comes across as smoke, mirrors, and fakery. What they pass off as news is really conservative, too far right leaning opinion. As far as them saying they are “fair and balanced”, they are far from it. I find it both amusing, yet sad, when they invite someone with clearly left leaning ideals on any show, in order to use them as a whipping post.
With the upcoming presidential elections, Fox is pulling out all the stops in their quest to get another Republican in office. This has even seeped further into the business shows, where topics of discussion are tailored in a way to drag down a Democratic candidate under the guise of talking about the stock market. (A topic may be something like “How Hillary Clinton’s laugh is bad for business.” I made that question up but I’m not far off the mark.) In fact, some of the guests (frequently Ben Stein or Wayne Rogers) are bold enough to say, “what does that have to do with the stock market?” essentially laughing in the face of Fox and the show hosts. Fox’s Saturday business shows have become less and less about business, and more about promoting the Fox agenda. Because of this, I find it almost insulting that they seem to think their viewers need to be repeatedly hit on the head with Fox’s opinion. Just give me the news and related information; I can form my own political opinions, thank you.
Their new Fox Business Channel is following a similar path. I haven’t watched it much. I find it hard to tolerate the too-far right leaning conversations. Strangely, the last few times I checked the channel, they were talking about entertainment news and celebrities. It seems an odd focus for a channel who is supposed to have the eye on business.
So for my business news on a daily basis, I’m sticking with CNBC. And for my hard news, Fox (Faux) News is now last on my list.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
With the upcoming presidential elections, Fox is pulling out all the stops in their quest to get another Republican in office. This has even seeped further into the business shows, where topics of discussion are tailored in a way to drag down a Democratic candidate under the guise of talking about the stock market. (A topic may be something like “How Hillary Clinton’s laugh is bad for business.” I made that question up but I’m not far off the mark.) In fact, some of the guests (frequently Ben Stein or Wayne Rogers) are bold enough to say, “what does that have to do with the stock market?” essentially laughing in the face of Fox and the show hosts. Fox’s Saturday business shows have become less and less about business, and more about promoting the Fox agenda. Because of this, I find it almost insulting that they seem to think their viewers need to be repeatedly hit on the head with Fox’s opinion. Just give me the news and related information; I can form my own political opinions, thank you.
Their new Fox Business Channel is following a similar path. I haven’t watched it much. I find it hard to tolerate the too-far right leaning conversations. Strangely, the last few times I checked the channel, they were talking about entertainment news and celebrities. It seems an odd focus for a channel who is supposed to have the eye on business.
So for my business news on a daily basis, I’m sticking with CNBC. And for my hard news, Fox (Faux) News is now last on my list.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Perpetually Unhappy People
Do you know someone who is never happy about anything? I’m not talking about people who like to analyze things with a critical eye. I’m talking about people who just can’t find the good in anything. You know, the people that find the dark cloud in every silver lining.
I’m sure you’ve crossed people like this sometime in your life: The person who isn’t happy with any gift they are given. The person who looks at a menu at a restaurant and can never find anything they think is edible, order something anyway and complain about it as they eat it. The person who gets a promotion and complains the raise will put them in a new tax bracket. The person who, on Thanksgiving, can’t find one single thing for which to be thankful. I could go on an on.
They’re worse than pessimists. It’s not just them thinking about the worst possible outcome to a situation, it’s the fact that even when things turn out good, there’s something bad they have to say about it. And I find that when I’m around people like that, I feel like someone has just sucked the life force out of me. I don’t understand how people can go through life like this.
Today, while leaving a store, I passed Salvation Army collection kettle. I took all the loose change in my pocket – at least a $1.50 - and put it in the kettle. The gentleman ringing the bell said, “thanks”, and then I heard him mutter, “you could at least wear a hat, it’s cold” in a not-so-nice tone. I was appalled and wanted to snap back, but I thought to myself that I wasn’t going to let his comment detract from the fact that I gave something – although not a lot – to help their charitable effort.
This is the time of year that I find it easier to fight off unhappy people and prevent them from taking all my good thoughts and happiness away from me. When someone tries to find the bad in what happens, that’s their choice. But I won’t let people rob me of the good in what I do or what I feel. So the best medicine to counter unhappy people is to remind oneself of the bright side – and instead find the silver lining in the dark cloud.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
I’m sure you’ve crossed people like this sometime in your life: The person who isn’t happy with any gift they are given. The person who looks at a menu at a restaurant and can never find anything they think is edible, order something anyway and complain about it as they eat it. The person who gets a promotion and complains the raise will put them in a new tax bracket. The person who, on Thanksgiving, can’t find one single thing for which to be thankful. I could go on an on.
They’re worse than pessimists. It’s not just them thinking about the worst possible outcome to a situation, it’s the fact that even when things turn out good, there’s something bad they have to say about it. And I find that when I’m around people like that, I feel like someone has just sucked the life force out of me. I don’t understand how people can go through life like this.
Today, while leaving a store, I passed Salvation Army collection kettle. I took all the loose change in my pocket – at least a $1.50 - and put it in the kettle. The gentleman ringing the bell said, “thanks”, and then I heard him mutter, “you could at least wear a hat, it’s cold” in a not-so-nice tone. I was appalled and wanted to snap back, but I thought to myself that I wasn’t going to let his comment detract from the fact that I gave something – although not a lot – to help their charitable effort.
This is the time of year that I find it easier to fight off unhappy people and prevent them from taking all my good thoughts and happiness away from me. When someone tries to find the bad in what happens, that’s their choice. But I won’t let people rob me of the good in what I do or what I feel. So the best medicine to counter unhappy people is to remind oneself of the bright side – and instead find the silver lining in the dark cloud.
Check out my blog home page for the latest information,
HERE!
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