I have a "personal line of credit, secured by real estate, for $150,000." Now as I approach renewal time I am trying to determine whether I really need it all.
Is it doing its job to in my tax situation, where my real estate taxes are nearly half of my total salary?
I need to work on this and figure it out.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
And the War Drags On...
America has become comfortable with war. Our volunteer soldiers need the work --- so why not war?
Our politics -- extreme and unyieldingly stupid, reflect the desperation of a "war footing." All our institutions are suffering because we are at war: infrastructure, education, entertainment, hopes and dreams, families, sexual mores, you-name-it: everything is suffering and somehow getting worse.
War is current and forever, apparently. In Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Somalia, everywhere in the Middle East -- and on city streets throughout the USA. Some say we may be at "war with ourselves"-- unable to pick the civilized path because we have forgotten how to be civilized. It is an ornament of the past.
Soldiers suffer, their families suffer, society suffers, the refugees suffer, criminals suffer, the system suffers and strains, we all suffer trying to figure things out.
Our politics -- extreme and unyieldingly stupid, reflect the desperation of a "war footing." All our institutions are suffering because we are at war: infrastructure, education, entertainment, hopes and dreams, families, sexual mores, you-name-it: everything is suffering and somehow getting worse.
War is current and forever, apparently. In Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Somalia, everywhere in the Middle East -- and on city streets throughout the USA. Some say we may be at "war with ourselves"-- unable to pick the civilized path because we have forgotten how to be civilized. It is an ornament of the past.
Soldiers suffer, their families suffer, society suffers, the refugees suffer, criminals suffer, the system suffers and strains, we all suffer trying to figure things out.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Articulateable
There is a term in educational parlance -- a course must be "articulateable" -- it must be transferable to other colleges or universities to be a "real" course. The THEA 1101 course I am intending to teach this summer is supremely transferable, and thus, articulateable.
Even though the word is probably a "made-up" kenning kind of word -- it does say something about the state of education in Georgia. Only several dozen courses in the Savannah Tech General Studies Curriculum are transferable -- that is because the college/university system and the technical college system are "walled apart" by ignorance, stupidity, and bad leadership.
The colleges/universities are unwilling to give up their fiefdom to others. And even if the course in question is taught at the same level and by a teacher who could be teaching on the c/t level; it is considered somehow, lesser. Georgia will always be "backward" as far as education goes. It will all be constricting rather than fulsome.
Even though the word is probably a "made-up" kenning kind of word -- it does say something about the state of education in Georgia. Only several dozen courses in the Savannah Tech General Studies Curriculum are transferable -- that is because the college/university system and the technical college system are "walled apart" by ignorance, stupidity, and bad leadership.
The colleges/universities are unwilling to give up their fiefdom to others. And even if the course in question is taught at the same level and by a teacher who could be teaching on the c/t level; it is considered somehow, lesser. Georgia will always be "backward" as far as education goes. It will all be constricting rather than fulsome.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Sex Blog
When you are an older gentleman like I am --- a "sex blog" is not a very scandalous thing; it is more of an "observation" than an activity. Here is my observation: spring brings out "flirtation" in young coeds, even towards "senior (ahem)" faculty types like me. For some reason the warm weather and pollen overdoses outside have brought out the honeybee-coeds in droves.
Young women (who are not even in my class(es) anymore) are stopping by to talk to me, to tell me cute stories, or to even confide in me. It's a refreshing and somewhat bedazzling experience for me -- after all I haven't been "seriously flirted with in at least 5 years." So what's up? Global warming? Strange new pollens or microbes in the air? Nano-pheromones?
Actually it is probably just that the "kindly older gentleman" I have become makes me a "soft target"-- a good "practice target" for when the flirtation game really gets going. Summer and the "beach" are to come!
Young women (who are not even in my class(es) anymore) are stopping by to talk to me, to tell me cute stories, or to even confide in me. It's a refreshing and somewhat bedazzling experience for me -- after all I haven't been "seriously flirted with in at least 5 years." So what's up? Global warming? Strange new pollens or microbes in the air? Nano-pheromones?
Actually it is probably just that the "kindly older gentleman" I have become makes me a "soft target"-- a good "practice target" for when the flirtation game really gets going. Summer and the "beach" are to come!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Paris our Heart; Belgium our Soul
We in America really do understand the horrors of Brussels -- the attacks by ISIS zealots is confounding, and horrible. The loss of life incurred by such "insane" religious activity is maddening.
When will the world learn? When will Islam learn -- that violence and jihad is not the "way of God"--
it is the way of stupidity; the way of closed-in men. ISIS must be destroyed because it is consummately evil; it is definitively inhuman; it is totally wrong!
When will the world learn? When will Islam learn -- that violence and jihad is not the "way of God"--
it is the way of stupidity; the way of closed-in men. ISIS must be destroyed because it is consummately evil; it is definitively inhuman; it is totally wrong!
Monday, March 21, 2016
School is Back in Session
More students absent today than typically -- not unexpected given the school's new lax policy on absenteeism. Not having an absence policy (due to Federal funding guidance) is not the same as having educational policies that require students to do their work -- and succeed on all levels to learn, and get good grades.
The lack of "ethos" authority on behalf of our administration, now is seen as the generalized school policy, and subsequently the teachers' attitude -- "we just don't care if you are present or not!" This is an ultimate falsehood built upon an administrative boondoggle!
The lack of "ethos" authority on behalf of our administration, now is seen as the generalized school policy, and subsequently the teachers' attitude -- "we just don't care if you are present or not!" This is an ultimate falsehood built upon an administrative boondoggle!
Friday, March 18, 2016
Trump, Riots, Coup d'etat?
Trump no slyly suggests that if he "gets close" to a nomination -- he should "have the nomination" or "there would be 'riots' or something!' Trump is a pandering and Machiavellian manipulator of the "redneck" army he commands!
All those "redneck" and "white trash" blue collar (?) morons he leads will follow his "lead" and cause the very riots he suggests might happen! Once again Trump is using a tangible "fear" to espouse his candidacy; and even his presidency!
Are we all too "stupid" not to understand? Trump will "do anything" to get what he wants -- and that "what" is his own personal power!
All those "redneck" and "white trash" blue collar (?) morons he leads will follow his "lead" and cause the very riots he suggests might happen! Once again Trump is using a tangible "fear" to espouse his candidacy; and even his presidency!
Are we all too "stupid" not to understand? Trump will "do anything" to get what he wants -- and that "what" is his own personal power!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Days of Infamy are Upon Us
Nope, not talking about the American Presidential election! Not talking about Spring Weather either! Am talking about the annual malaise known as St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, Georgia.
Because the day is not really about celebrating St. Patrick, or Irish families, or Irish pseudo-political groups (Sinn Fein anyone)?: it is about "alcohol" and the massive consumption thereof.
People will start drinking before dawn tomorrow, and will not stop until they cannot walk; they cannot see; or they cannot do anything at all. The Savannah Georgia version of St. Patrick's Day is not a celebration but a farce!
Because the day is not really about celebrating St. Patrick, or Irish families, or Irish pseudo-political groups (Sinn Fein anyone)?: it is about "alcohol" and the massive consumption thereof.
People will start drinking before dawn tomorrow, and will not stop until they cannot walk; they cannot see; or they cannot do anything at all. The Savannah Georgia version of St. Patrick's Day is not a celebration but a farce!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Trump, the New American Dictator, Has No Clothes
So today is a huge day in the election nominating process. It will mark the moment either: that Trump dives headlong into the nomination, or Kasich stops Trump in Ohio and throws the election into a "convention fight" in Cleveland this Fall, or Rubio actually wins Florida (and Cruz wins Illinois, and Kasich wins Ohio)--- and Trump is "gone"!
But Trump has already tarnished the American political process -- his trenchant and unrestrained pleas for violence have undone America's reputation for fairness and justice. He is a "game of thrones" political nightmare for the US! His "business" tactics are not tactics at all, but selfish and egotistical reflections of his own self-image. Trump is not a titan or a demigod -- he is a frail and imperfect blot on the mirror that is America.
But Trump has already tarnished the American political process -- his trenchant and unrestrained pleas for violence have undone America's reputation for fairness and justice. He is a "game of thrones" political nightmare for the US! His "business" tactics are not tactics at all, but selfish and egotistical reflections of his own self-image. Trump is not a titan or a demigod -- he is a frail and imperfect blot on the mirror that is America.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Spring Lethargy
It's the pollen! Or it's the "annual Spring Cold!" Or it's the sun and daylight savings time! Or it's the need to do the "annual spring cleaning!" Or its the "need for a 'spring tonic'"! Or it's something else!
But there is no denying it is here! You can't really get enough sleep and you can't fall asleep completely when you are in bed! Or it's something else! Something else...? But what is it?
The lethargy that creeps into one's bones is palpable. You can feel it when you try to move quickly, or at least more quickly than usual. You can feel it when you try to figure something out, and you can't even begin the thought process about "what you were going to try and figure out!" Human beings really are pathetic little creatures -- yes? Free will but no will! Lusty but lazy! Hell bent for leather yet dried out completely!
How have we possibly made it this long? Divine "luck"?
But there is no denying it is here! You can't really get enough sleep and you can't fall asleep completely when you are in bed! Or it's something else! Something else...? But what is it?
The lethargy that creeps into one's bones is palpable. You can feel it when you try to move quickly, or at least more quickly than usual. You can feel it when you try to figure something out, and you can't even begin the thought process about "what you were going to try and figure out!" Human beings really are pathetic little creatures -- yes? Free will but no will! Lusty but lazy! Hell bent for leather yet dried out completely!
How have we possibly made it this long? Divine "luck"?
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Last Day for Awhile
I am facing my last class on the last day before a ten-day Spring Break in my work at Savannah Technical College. It's like a miracle that it has finally arrived. It has been long in coming.
This weekend is also the arrival of Daylight Savings Time hereabouts, which will change and affect everyone's "circadian rhythm" as usual. I am anxious to "really get into Spring." I need to. I want to.
This weekend is also the arrival of Daylight Savings Time hereabouts, which will change and affect everyone's "circadian rhythm" as usual. I am anxious to "really get into Spring." I need to. I want to.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Interlochen Arts Academy
Spent a few moments online today looking at Crescendo, the online magazine for all things Interlochen: Students, Alumni, Motifs, Honors, Byron Hanson's excerpts from the Archives! What a marvelous experience it was for me as a teacher, a mentor, an employee, and an emerging artist!
Perhaps I was never able to achieve the "real world" artistry of a Linda Hunt, or even a Richard Brooks -- but I was still able to set my own artistic course, achieve where and when I could, and help others to do the same. I did a lot of "acting" after my time teaching (and learning) at IAA -- and won some subsequent honors in teaching, scholarship, and even in the arts. But for me as a person -- success was never to be measured in awards or honors!
Success is living an artistic life: full of wonder, and love, and value! And that I have done. Interlochen, its brilliant students, the engaging and talented colleagues, the fondest memories of success and of failure -- always cleanse and sharpen my thoughts about everything I do now. I am no prisoner of "nostalgia;" I am a "creature of the future." What is tomorrow's gambit? What shall we do -- when we grow up?
Perhaps I was never able to achieve the "real world" artistry of a Linda Hunt, or even a Richard Brooks -- but I was still able to set my own artistic course, achieve where and when I could, and help others to do the same. I did a lot of "acting" after my time teaching (and learning) at IAA -- and won some subsequent honors in teaching, scholarship, and even in the arts. But for me as a person -- success was never to be measured in awards or honors!
Success is living an artistic life: full of wonder, and love, and value! And that I have done. Interlochen, its brilliant students, the engaging and talented colleagues, the fondest memories of success and of failure -- always cleanse and sharpen my thoughts about everything I do now. I am no prisoner of "nostalgia;" I am a "creature of the future." What is tomorrow's gambit? What shall we do -- when we grow up?
Beauty
Is. Beauty is. It exists in nature. It exists in the perfect imperfections of the human form. It exists in nature. It exists in the "mistakes" of nature. Beauty is... because there " is" an 'is.'
Beauty welcomes us every day with its smiles, and with its gentle movements. It "waves" hello and bids "good bye" just by its own "walk-in-stance."
Beauty is human. It is the human form of life. It is what it is.
Beauty welcomes us every day with its smiles, and with its gentle movements. It "waves" hello and bids "good bye" just by its own "walk-in-stance."
Beauty is human. It is the human form of life. It is what it is.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Better, Better, Still Sick
Lots of "endings" happening right now -- half term is over; course assignments and mid's are over, time before vacation is down to a simple day of two.
The weather is finally warming up some. And that means that life is going to get busier and busier no matter what.
The weather is finally warming up some. And that means that life is going to get busier and busier no matter what.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Sick, Sick, Sick
So, I caught a cold last Thursday and could not shake it even after 5 days. My stomach muscles hurt from coughing so much -- and I just feel "tentative, tentative!"
Guess I was rundown last week and then tried to do too much on Friday (doing an "observation") of a fellow faculty member, etc. I slept pretty much all the time after that but still didn't make any headway.
I now need the more "serious" drugs to help my body recover from this killed cold.
Guess I was rundown last week and then tried to do too much on Friday (doing an "observation") of a fellow faculty member, etc. I slept pretty much all the time after that but still didn't make any headway.
I now need the more "serious" drugs to help my body recover from this killed cold.
Home Repair Begun (in Earnest)
This weekend my realtor wanted to show my house again -- it just was not possible. One room cleared out; furniture displaced to all other rooms; 2nd and 3rd floor closed up due to plaster dust -- and still lots, lots, lots to do.
And, I have a cold to boot.
And, I have a cold to boot.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Intrumpsanity
Those poor deranged Americans who think voting for Trump is "some kind of protest against the government" or is actually a "good thing" for American foreign policy, immigration policy, domestic policy, etc. -- please turn in your "human" cards!!!!!
Trump is a huckster, a con man, a bad salesman (thing "bad Santa") but even more than that, he is a threat to civilized society -- inspiring violence, hatred, separation of people (races, ethnic groups, etc)., anger, "snap" judgments (mostly wrong), and inane justifications. He is not a liberal -- he is so much worse: he is not anything! Show him the door -- support anyone else; we cannot survive such a man as our leader.
Trump is a huckster, a con man, a bad salesman (thing "bad Santa") but even more than that, he is a threat to civilized society -- inspiring violence, hatred, separation of people (races, ethnic groups, etc)., anger, "snap" judgments (mostly wrong), and inane justifications. He is not a liberal -- he is so much worse: he is not anything! Show him the door -- support anyone else; we cannot survive such a man as our leader.
Donald Trump, the New Messiah
All you KKK members, you Final Days folks, you "redneck" morons, you racist slime, you misogynistic Neanderthals, you anti-intellectual morons, you drunken NASCAR freaks, you
crazy Johnnie Reb holdovers, you anti-government anti-everything "true Americans," -- here is your New Messiah: Donald Trump.
crazy Johnnie Reb holdovers, you anti-government anti-everything "true Americans," -- here is your New Messiah: Donald Trump.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Donald Trump, Racist Business Mogul (Dictator)
If the public at large is dumb enough, or selfish enough, or "sick" enough to elect Donald Trump the entire country will be diminished. He is a self-declared "winner"; and self-satisfied "successful businessman"; and a disgusting blemish on statesmanship, politics, logic, and the American ethos.
If he wins -- we should all "go to Canada" and leave him alone in his "wealth." He is not representative of the way Americans think or feel. He is the product of Republican right-wing racism and obstructionism; he has set himself up as the "cure" for Obama's presidency. Thank God that Hillary Clinton is in the race as well -- she must win; for all of our sakes.
If he wins -- we should all "go to Canada" and leave him alone in his "wealth." He is not representative of the way Americans think or feel. He is the product of Republican right-wing racism and obstructionism; he has set himself up as the "cure" for Obama's presidency. Thank God that Hillary Clinton is in the race as well -- she must win; for all of our sakes.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Donald Trump, Loser
He will lose the Presidency, even after he gains the nomination. His Party will "lose" him by coming close to self-destructing in a "change or die" scenario at the Republican National Convention later this year.
He will lose his business career after this abortive run for the Presidency, riding on the twin steeds of arrogance and ignorance. He is as doomed as a human being can be, rich or not. He is the laughing neon sign in the window of his own superficiality. He is Donald Trump.
He will lose his business career after this abortive run for the Presidency, riding on the twin steeds of arrogance and ignorance. He is as doomed as a human being can be, rich or not. He is the laughing neon sign in the window of his own superficiality. He is Donald Trump.
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