29 stycznia 2009
Snow Days
Barack Obama was shocked that folks in DC can't handle a little snow and ice. Money quote:
Back when I worked at AOL, the stated closings policy was if the federal government was closed due to weather, then AOL folks had the day off. The policy was written for the folks at corporate headquarters, then in Vienna, Virginia. They didn't bother to amend the policy when they opened up the Tucson office. We wondered if it meant we got the day off when DC was shut down.
I read somewhere that one of the status symbols for executive branch employees is whether or not you are considered an "essential" employee. So there are actually beaureaucrats who try to get their jobs to be considered "essential." These are the folks who have to come in when there is a blizzard. So, folks are fighting to be called "essential," which means they have to come to work on the worst days of the year.
We had days off from school when I was young due to flooding, but the closest thing to a "snow" day I ever saw was three years ago. It snowed, not even much snow (this is Tucson!), but few students showed up. It was decided to send everyone home. I, however, had to stay to do some CYA paperwork for one of the bosses. I guess I was "essential."
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
My children's school was canceled today, because of what, some ice?" Obama said during a photo opportunity with economic leaders, who began chuckling. "As my children pointed out, in Chicago, school is never canceled. In fact, my 7-year-old pointed out that you go out for recess. You wouldn't even stay indoors.
Back when I worked at AOL, the stated closings policy was if the federal government was closed due to weather, then AOL folks had the day off. The policy was written for the folks at corporate headquarters, then in Vienna, Virginia. They didn't bother to amend the policy when they opened up the Tucson office. We wondered if it meant we got the day off when DC was shut down.
I read somewhere that one of the status symbols for executive branch employees is whether or not you are considered an "essential" employee. So there are actually beaureaucrats who try to get their jobs to be considered "essential." These are the folks who have to come in when there is a blizzard. So, folks are fighting to be called "essential," which means they have to come to work on the worst days of the year.
We had days off from school when I was young due to flooding, but the closest thing to a "snow" day I ever saw was three years ago. It snowed, not even much snow (this is Tucson!), but few students showed up. It was decided to send everyone home. I, however, had to stay to do some CYA paperwork for one of the bosses. I guess I was "essential."
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
28 stycznia 2009
Why Pop Culture Continues to Confound Me
Everyone likes to whine about the pop cultural wasteland that the 1970's were. Yeah, it was pretty bad, but there were moments here and there (punk rock, Barney Miller). With all of this whining about the embarassing kitschiness of that era, it makes me wonder why the two most embarassing and dated pieces of kitsch, Grease and Abba, keep getting brought out for a re-airing every couple of years.
Is this done to prove the point, or is it unintended irony?
I bring this up because all over town there have been posters for a Grease revival here in town. I think it's part of that Broadway in Tucson thing. I dislike Grease for several reasons: one is that it is supposedly about the music and culture of the 1950's, but features songs that sound nothing like actual music from the 50's. Second: every one of these revivals feature actors who are just not plausible teenagers, like Rosie O'Donnell playing Rizzo at age 32. Another case in point: this one advertises that it features Taylor Hicks. Yep, that guy. The one that is famous for being prematurely gray.
I'll have lots of friends, no doubt, who will go to this thing and rave about it. They will have nostalgic twinkles in their eyes despite the fact that none remember the 50's (and few are old enough to even remember the 50's revival that the movie brought on. 50's Day at Lineweaver!). I'll have to either hold my tongue or engage in one of my rants. Dear Lord, grant me strength.
Do zobaczenia. Hasta la proxima.
Is this done to prove the point, or is it unintended irony?
I bring this up because all over town there have been posters for a Grease revival here in town. I think it's part of that Broadway in Tucson thing. I dislike Grease for several reasons: one is that it is supposedly about the music and culture of the 1950's, but features songs that sound nothing like actual music from the 50's. Second: every one of these revivals feature actors who are just not plausible teenagers, like Rosie O'Donnell playing Rizzo at age 32. Another case in point: this one advertises that it features Taylor Hicks. Yep, that guy. The one that is famous for being prematurely gray.
I'll have lots of friends, no doubt, who will go to this thing and rave about it. They will have nostalgic twinkles in their eyes despite the fact that none remember the 50's (and few are old enough to even remember the 50's revival that the movie brought on. 50's Day at Lineweaver!). I'll have to either hold my tongue or engage in one of my rants. Dear Lord, grant me strength.
Do zobaczenia. Hasta la proxima.
27 stycznia 2009
You Think It's a Sign?
There's a Baptist Church over on Pima and Rosemont that I often pass by. All week it has been cloudy and rainy, so I was a little surprised drive by on Saturday and see that their sign announced that Sunday's sermon was entitled "Pray for Rain."
Sunday, it was sunny and clear. Warm even.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
Sunday, it was sunny and clear. Warm even.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
26 stycznia 2009
Sand Rubies at the Hut
Some videos from the Sand Rubies recent show at the Hut:
"What Am I Supposed to Do?"
"Blood on Our Hands"
"Bad, Crazy Sun"
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
"What Am I Supposed to Do?"
"Blood on Our Hands"
"Bad, Crazy Sun"
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
22 stycznia 2009
Gunrunners at the Hut
The Gunrunners opened up for the Sand Rubies last week with an acoustic set. Here are videos of them performing "Ordinary Man" and "Two Graves."
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
