Listening to one of the original Ray Harryhausen monster flicks while I finish editing my resume (which, IMHO, now totally kicks the ass of the other resumes), and the snark-o-meter keeps kicking off in my head. See, since I'm not actually watching it, only hearing it, the movie is exceedingly more campy than it would be otherwise. There's the general pseudo-scientific sounding dialog and narration added to the pseudo-military sounding dialog and the prerequisite monster roars, crashes, "Great Scott!"s and everything else.
Here are some gems, and my own snark flavored mental droppings.
"Bullets and missiles don't seem to affect it." Well, of course not. It's prehistoric. They didn't have gunpowder back when it was supposed to have lived.
"Be careful, wounded the creature is probably twice as dangerous as it was." Aw, thanks Doc. Think you could have fucking told us that before we tried to blow its arms off?
"Oh, and it's blood is probably poisonous on contact." Somebody shoot this damn professor and get me somebody who can help me defeat this thing!
So the first resume is rewritten. Why do I have such a problem with selling myself? Oh yeah, I have scruples and was raised to be humble (it shows, doesn't it). I went to the Ohio Jobs local office yesterday for a seminar on resume writing and learned a whole lot. I can't use all of it (such as, if I only include the last 10-15 years of employment history, I'm actually including nearly 20 years because of my longevity in positions). I did drop some of the older work, and the places I worked at for a few months, and I dropped the "gee, I'm freelancing" section (that one I always kept wondering about, I mean it says I'm a go getter, and that I can do lots of other things, and I'm keeping current, but then I think it works against me in the "oh well, he's got his own income stream going or he'll compete against me"). I changed around the bullet points from things I did or was responsible for (even though I framed them as how good I was), and only used bullet points of things I should have gotten awards for (and some of the things I did get awards for). This resume is the "so, you want a designer, eh?" resume. I still need to do the "there aren't any jobs in the design field, so I'm looking for something else, see what a special snowflake I am?" resume. Which will probably be tomorrow. And then I really need to update the ol' website adding in all the CSS crap I can throw at it (because that's what people want to see - well, that and Flash).
Plus, you know, critiquing one novel, rewriting my own, critiquing some short stories, rewriting my own, and reading for the novel workshop coming up. That, and since the ice is out, maybe working in the yard. And keeping the house up. And that whole councilman thing.
Was talking with someone about maybe volunteering at the hospital as a way to get into a full time position there (local hospital has a great education benefit, well, that and medical). She said it was a great way to fill the time if you're not doing anything. I just smiled at her.
So, what have you all been up to?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
When the ice goes out
I just noticed today that even though my front yard still has some good snow coverage, in the back woods the snow is mostly gone. All these days of 60 degree days and not freezing nights have worked their charm.
And also, I hadn't noticed having been mostly locked up in the house, it's sugar maple season. Which also means it's pancake season, and I haven't had any yet. When I was but a wee lad, my Mom used to make pancakes and waffles. And I'd love them, until the headaches kicked in. So I learned to use a modicum of syrup. And I love pancakes and especially waffles. Except they give me a headache if I covered them in syrup. Until I discovered, as an adult attempting to please my wife, that is was the type of syrup giving me a headache. See, real syrup, the kind that comes out of trees, doesn't give me any headache at all. And give me a good grade B syrup (light to dark amber - heavy maple taste) and I'm damn happy. While judges rate A and AA grades higher, it's the B grades that really are the best. As Jim McDonald says, "We sell the A grade stuff to the gullible tourists."
And today, the harbinger of spring came floating back home. I saw the first red winged blackbird on the drive home. It was immature, but no mistaking it. Spring is here. Pretty soon the bulbs will start sprouting.
Today felt strangely different. For one I went out of the house for the second day in a row. There was a resume builder seminar that I went to. And oh yes, we are redrafting out resume (which we'll then have to update in eight different places). I learned a lot. Or I should say, much of what I knew makes sense now and I see the way forward. Also, the next few weeks are going to be heavily scheduled. For someone without a day job, I'm going to be very busy.
Here's hoping this mood elevation isn't just because of Vit. D or melatonin levels and that something grand in the universe has shifted.
And also, I hadn't noticed having been mostly locked up in the house, it's sugar maple season. Which also means it's pancake season, and I haven't had any yet. When I was but a wee lad, my Mom used to make pancakes and waffles. And I'd love them, until the headaches kicked in. So I learned to use a modicum of syrup. And I love pancakes and especially waffles. Except they give me a headache if I covered them in syrup. Until I discovered, as an adult attempting to please my wife, that is was the type of syrup giving me a headache. See, real syrup, the kind that comes out of trees, doesn't give me any headache at all. And give me a good grade B syrup (light to dark amber - heavy maple taste) and I'm damn happy. While judges rate A and AA grades higher, it's the B grades that really are the best. As Jim McDonald says, "We sell the A grade stuff to the gullible tourists."
And today, the harbinger of spring came floating back home. I saw the first red winged blackbird on the drive home. It was immature, but no mistaking it. Spring is here. Pretty soon the bulbs will start sprouting.
Today felt strangely different. For one I went out of the house for the second day in a row. There was a resume builder seminar that I went to. And oh yes, we are redrafting out resume (which we'll then have to update in eight different places). I learned a lot. Or I should say, much of what I knew makes sense now and I see the way forward. Also, the next few weeks are going to be heavily scheduled. For someone without a day job, I'm going to be very busy.
Here's hoping this mood elevation isn't just because of Vit. D or melatonin levels and that something grand in the universe has shifted.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
One Writer's Link and some more Heathcare Stuff
Peter Straub on the genre questions. Several other writers have pointed to this, and yeah, what he said. A lot of what he said. Why horror? and Why Write at All? Both questions answered in there. Just so much in there, it's hard to pick out favorite parts. I think the subtext of "because I'm honest to the human condition, and honest about what I do and my work" is why I keyed into this essay so strongly.
And now, the Healthcare stuff.
Slacktivist on the different games the politicians are playing. And not in a muckracker kind of sense. His basic premise is Democrats are playing Jeopardy and Republicans are playing Family Feud. Pretty good analogy. Reminds me of the story on Healthcare Reform on tonight's PBS Newshour. Notice once the Health Insurance representative is schooled on business school definitions (remember my profit comment from a few weeks ago, yeah, that came up), when asked for his "business school" interpretation of "what reforms will mean for businesses", as in "please give us your analysis of the bill," he reverts to "what business owners 'believe.'" Went asked for individual analysis of legislation, answering with "survey says" (and not a survey with statistical relevance, BTW) isn't acceptable.
And, if you wish, you can verify for yourself the "spokesperson's" veracity because publicly traded companies (of which most insurance companies are these days) have to make annual reports. And you can read them yourself. Here's Wellpoint's reports (the company I own stock in, which also owns plenty of brand names like Anthem). Here is the 2008 summary (2009 isn't compiled yet) Note total assets (money in from all sources, which include carry over and investment profit, just to be fair), total liabilities (what they owed and have or will have to pay out from this money), and "total shareholder's equity" (this is also sometimes known as "profit" - unrealized profit, as that money also pays processing and salaries). Also be sure to check out charts at the bottom of the page. Do a google search for your own insurance carrier's annual reports. (slacktivist grokked from Jay Lake)
If Healthcare Reform passes, Rush Limbaugh will leave? Hey, yet another reason I support Healthcare Reform. And I expect Rush to keep to his promise. Pack your bags, Rush. And, let me just say, America, love it or leave. Get the fuck out, Rush. Don't let the door hit you on the ass as you go off to the West Indies with your Mexican Viagra. Oh wait, that's right, you don't think Hawaii is part of the US (or at least many of your viewers don't), and as you once said, they have the best healthcare in the world. All while having mandated universal coverage with government subsidies for those who can't afford it on their own. So you'll probably just go to Hawaii.
And now, the Healthcare stuff.
Slacktivist on the different games the politicians are playing. And not in a muckracker kind of sense. His basic premise is Democrats are playing Jeopardy and Republicans are playing Family Feud. Pretty good analogy. Reminds me of the story on Healthcare Reform on tonight's PBS Newshour. Notice once the Health Insurance representative is schooled on business school definitions (remember my profit comment from a few weeks ago, yeah, that came up), when asked for his "business school" interpretation of "what reforms will mean for businesses", as in "please give us your analysis of the bill," he reverts to "what business owners 'believe.'" Went asked for individual analysis of legislation, answering with "survey says" (and not a survey with statistical relevance, BTW) isn't acceptable.
And, if you wish, you can verify for yourself the "spokesperson's" veracity because publicly traded companies (of which most insurance companies are these days) have to make annual reports. And you can read them yourself. Here's Wellpoint's reports (the company I own stock in, which also owns plenty of brand names like Anthem). Here is the 2008 summary (2009 isn't compiled yet) Note total assets (money in from all sources, which include carry over and investment profit, just to be fair), total liabilities (what they owed and have or will have to pay out from this money), and "total shareholder's equity" (this is also sometimes known as "profit" - unrealized profit, as that money also pays processing and salaries). Also be sure to check out charts at the bottom of the page. Do a google search for your own insurance carrier's annual reports. (slacktivist grokked from Jay Lake)
If Healthcare Reform passes, Rush Limbaugh will leave? Hey, yet another reason I support Healthcare Reform. And I expect Rush to keep to his promise. Pack your bags, Rush. And, let me just say, America, love it or leave. Get the fuck out, Rush. Don't let the door hit you on the ass as you go off to the West Indies with your Mexican Viagra. Oh wait, that's right, you don't think Hawaii is part of the US (or at least many of your viewers don't), and as you once said, they have the best healthcare in the world. All while having mandated universal coverage with government subsidies for those who can't afford it on their own. So you'll probably just go to Hawaii.
The Wild, Blue Yonder
I say ye, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), Congressional Gold Medal recipients.
It's about time the rest of the country understood what many in the services know. With out you, The War would not have been won. Most people get lost in the tactics. Fewer understand the importance of strategy. Fewer still know that logistics wins the fight, the battle, and the war. And the distinct minority know the WASPs went beyond logistic support and provided combat services in ways that could be denied (at the time), but were essential to the war effort. These women pilots helped pave the way for women in combat, all under the radar of the American consciousness.
Raise a glass and thank your lucky stars these women stepped up, did what their country asked, did it well, and we're asked to keep quiet about what they did (combat support, submarine spotting and attacking, navigation, engineering, troop carrier support, cargo ship caravan support, SAR, I could go on...). Oh, and every single one of them were volunteers.
It's about time the rest of the country understood what many in the services know. With out you, The War would not have been won. Most people get lost in the tactics. Fewer understand the importance of strategy. Fewer still know that logistics wins the fight, the battle, and the war. And the distinct minority know the WASPs went beyond logistic support and provided combat services in ways that could be denied (at the time), but were essential to the war effort. These women pilots helped pave the way for women in combat, all under the radar of the American consciousness.
Raise a glass and thank your lucky stars these women stepped up, did what their country asked, did it well, and we're asked to keep quiet about what they did (combat support, submarine spotting and attacking, navigation, engineering, troop carrier support, cargo ship caravan support, SAR, I could go on...). Oh, and every single one of them were volunteers.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday TMI (or at least too long)
Sheila sends us a NY Times article on Depression's Upside (well, actually the possible evolutionary path of depression). I think there's plenty to think on in there, but I also think they're making the mistake of thinking all depression is alike. It's not. I have that "rumination" problem. And I do it for embarrassments that are decades old. That's when it's a real problem. Some of them I've been able to tell myself "let it go." Some of my worst ones, though, keep coming back.
Also, since I haven't done a general health thing lately. I'm above 300 again. For the end of January, all of February, and part of March I was below. I didn't want to say anything here for fear of jinxing it. But today I went above 300 again. I think it's because I went from consistently taking metformin before eating to not doing so well that way (taking it during or after). When I would drive to work I would take the pills here at home, and then eat poptarts or health bars as a breakfast at work (an hour later). Once I made that change consistently, the pounds started coming off again. So I think I need to try to do that again. Take my pills, do morning exercises or take a shower, then eat breakfast.
And thinking of that. Think I can put my Wii Fit age on my resume? I mean, I consistently test at least ten years younger than I am (today's was 26!). And I have to say, I'm liking the Wii Fit Plus. The new games are (the ones I've tried) pretty fun. I like the calorie counter and the ability to make up my own routines (although it doesn't allow me to input aerobic exercises, and that's the majority of what I do). Today I did the freestep and tried something I wanted to check out. Yes, you can go faster than they have a cadence for. And at first I got a message of "you're pushing it too hard," but that only happened once at the beginning.
I've heard back from Electric Spec, they're passing on "Prince Wanted", although I don't think it's a form rejection. They said it was a strong story, and they encourage me to submit again. I think I also forgot to mention Clarksworld rejecting "History of Lightning." So except for the long term submissions into Doorways and Chizine, everything is back. So I'll need to take a moment and work through submissions again. I probably should also query Doorways and see if something got missed in email.
And the Democratic Leadership is forcing Rep. Eric Massa out because of his stand against the Health Care legislation? HAHAHAHAHA... choke, sputter, ha. Uh, yeah. Because, Eric, you're a bigger problem then say, Bart Stupak. Right. My guess, Eric, is if they are "forcing you out" (hey, remember the Democratic Party who couldn't organize a two car parade?) it's because you're too dumb to be there. No, really, no one is "forcing" you out. Stay. Face your ethics panel. Hell, Trafficant (a certifiable lunatic) did that (and really, Ol' Jimmy has gone off the deep end into conspiracy land, he has a radio show where you can hear all about it). You were in the Navy (tickle fights? really?), have some cajones. Oh, wait, maybe not, because those are what got you in this position in the first place.
Journalists are finally asking some of the right questions. Like, "So, if the Democrats would rewrite the HC legislation with (insert the previous "must have" comment) included, would you vote for it?" Answered by back peddling and saying, "Well, no, because the 2,700 page legislation is way too large and the people are against it." I wish the Democrats would finally just accept that no Republican will vote for it, and stop arguing for it. Line up the blame for it's failure at their feet. And then hand Stupak and his 11 other congressmen (which, notice you hear a lot about deal making, but not so much about Stupak's deal making and forming sub caucuses) and tell them you're willing to lose Congress and make sure you hang the bill's failure around their necks. The conservative keep brining up LBJ and how he worked Medicare and Civil Rights. Well, this is how LBJ did it. He wasn't above hitting someone with the stick first, before even discussing the possibility of the carrot.
Well, yes, when polled for the "Obama Health Care Plan" it polls low. Until you ask about specifics, which people are actually for everything in the Obama Health Care Plan. It's just the opposition has done a good job making people afraid of it without them actually knowing what's inside. And unlike most of my readers, the general public just isn't following it. Want an example, most people think the bill will be "forced down out throats" with a majority vote in congress, and that "it's going too fast." You know, since that argument was first made 9 months ago. Yeah, that's really fast.
The house is burning down, and not only are the conservatives arguing over the price of the garden hose, they're wondering how much they can get to turn on the water.
Also, since I haven't done a general health thing lately. I'm above 300 again. For the end of January, all of February, and part of March I was below. I didn't want to say anything here for fear of jinxing it. But today I went above 300 again. I think it's because I went from consistently taking metformin before eating to not doing so well that way (taking it during or after). When I would drive to work I would take the pills here at home, and then eat poptarts or health bars as a breakfast at work (an hour later). Once I made that change consistently, the pounds started coming off again. So I think I need to try to do that again. Take my pills, do morning exercises or take a shower, then eat breakfast.
And thinking of that. Think I can put my Wii Fit age on my resume? I mean, I consistently test at least ten years younger than I am (today's was 26!). And I have to say, I'm liking the Wii Fit Plus. The new games are (the ones I've tried) pretty fun. I like the calorie counter and the ability to make up my own routines (although it doesn't allow me to input aerobic exercises, and that's the majority of what I do). Today I did the freestep and tried something I wanted to check out. Yes, you can go faster than they have a cadence for. And at first I got a message of "you're pushing it too hard," but that only happened once at the beginning.
I've heard back from Electric Spec, they're passing on "Prince Wanted", although I don't think it's a form rejection. They said it was a strong story, and they encourage me to submit again. I think I also forgot to mention Clarksworld rejecting "History of Lightning." So except for the long term submissions into Doorways and Chizine, everything is back. So I'll need to take a moment and work through submissions again. I probably should also query Doorways and see if something got missed in email.
And the Democratic Leadership is forcing Rep. Eric Massa out because of his stand against the Health Care legislation? HAHAHAHAHA... choke, sputter, ha. Uh, yeah. Because, Eric, you're a bigger problem then say, Bart Stupak. Right. My guess, Eric, is if they are "forcing you out" (hey, remember the Democratic Party who couldn't organize a two car parade?) it's because you're too dumb to be there. No, really, no one is "forcing" you out. Stay. Face your ethics panel. Hell, Trafficant (a certifiable lunatic) did that (and really, Ol' Jimmy has gone off the deep end into conspiracy land, he has a radio show where you can hear all about it). You were in the Navy (tickle fights? really?), have some cajones. Oh, wait, maybe not, because those are what got you in this position in the first place.
Journalists are finally asking some of the right questions. Like, "So, if the Democrats would rewrite the HC legislation with (insert the previous "must have" comment) included, would you vote for it?" Answered by back peddling and saying, "Well, no, because the 2,700 page legislation is way too large and the people are against it." I wish the Democrats would finally just accept that no Republican will vote for it, and stop arguing for it. Line up the blame for it's failure at their feet. And then hand Stupak and his 11 other congressmen (which, notice you hear a lot about deal making, but not so much about Stupak's deal making and forming sub caucuses) and tell them you're willing to lose Congress and make sure you hang the bill's failure around their necks. The conservative keep brining up LBJ and how he worked Medicare and Civil Rights. Well, this is how LBJ did it. He wasn't above hitting someone with the stick first, before even discussing the possibility of the carrot.
Well, yes, when polled for the "Obama Health Care Plan" it polls low. Until you ask about specifics, which people are actually for everything in the Obama Health Care Plan. It's just the opposition has done a good job making people afraid of it without them actually knowing what's inside. And unlike most of my readers, the general public just isn't following it. Want an example, most people think the bill will be "forced down out throats" with a majority vote in congress, and that "it's going too fast." You know, since that argument was first made 9 months ago. Yeah, that's really fast.
The house is burning down, and not only are the conservatives arguing over the price of the garden hose, they're wondering how much they can get to turn on the water.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturday Down
A day of successful cat waxing completed.
Applied to three new positions. Very disparate positions from Senior Management to production wonk. Saw one position I applied for (did the background search on it, found the decision makers names, etc) that was resposted, same exact description, only now it's an "entry level position." You know, entry level with a good work history, ethics, highly fluent in all the major software packages, and a track record of using humor in the work place.
I'm looking at going to a few job fairs. Anyone ever been to one? Any tips on what to wear, what to bring, how to network within the walls?
Had a meeting today. Having meetings on the weekends always throws me off my game.
And just because I've heard the whole "conservatives are better for business/economy" thing too many times, an Economist article on just how bad the 2000's were. Also very useful against those who like to say, "It's all Obama's fault" or "we just didn't deregulate enough" (the 40-60s were decades of intense regulation, and look, they're also the decades of greatest GNP growth). (grokked from Jay Lake)
Paul Krugman opines on the mental position of Sen. Bunning and Sen. Kyl. Yeah. Wish I could say he's so very wrong. (also grokked from Jay Lake)
Applied to three new positions. Very disparate positions from Senior Management to production wonk. Saw one position I applied for (did the background search on it, found the decision makers names, etc) that was resposted, same exact description, only now it's an "entry level position." You know, entry level with a good work history, ethics, highly fluent in all the major software packages, and a track record of using humor in the work place.
I'm looking at going to a few job fairs. Anyone ever been to one? Any tips on what to wear, what to bring, how to network within the walls?
Had a meeting today. Having meetings on the weekends always throws me off my game.
And just because I've heard the whole "conservatives are better for business/economy" thing too many times, an Economist article on just how bad the 2000's were. Also very useful against those who like to say, "It's all Obama's fault" or "we just didn't deregulate enough" (the 40-60s were decades of intense regulation, and look, they're also the decades of greatest GNP growth). (grokked from Jay Lake)
Paul Krugman opines on the mental position of Sen. Bunning and Sen. Kyl. Yeah. Wish I could say he's so very wrong. (also grokked from Jay Lake)
Friday, March 5, 2010
I know, I know, I know, I know...
Where in boring Steve attempts to not be boring on a Friday.
So, signs Spring is almost here:
1) I can see some spots of my neighbors' lawns. And in my own corner of the wind tempest field, the snow is below the third "Let it snow" on our decorations. That means we're down to about 18" of snow on the ground. And only after a week of above freezing temperatures during the day. Wonders abound.
2) During the last snow storm, as I was hauling snow around the plowed drifts because I couldn't throw it over them, came the warbling noise of Robin song. See, Robins, a bird which doesn't migrate, really aren't signs of spring because they don't go anywhere except deeper into the woods and switch their diet to insects, suet, and seeds. Red-winged blackbird and their buzzing calls are really the avian harbingers of the arrival of spring like weather. So when you see red-wings perching on the browned corpses of cat-tails, the south has come again.
3) Several large flocks of Canadian geese have flown overhead. Now, not all of these birds migrate, but we don't have many ponds that remain open that they could be at. So as they go honking through the skies like Valkyries in heavy traffic, they bring the Spring with them.
4) Finally the true sign of returning Spring, the cats sun bathing in the window for longer than their five-minute "but this worked before" exercises. Today the cats lay there, soaking in the afternoon sun for almost and hour. Spring is on it's way.
So, signs Spring is almost here:
1) I can see some spots of my neighbors' lawns. And in my own corner of the wind tempest field, the snow is below the third "Let it snow" on our decorations. That means we're down to about 18" of snow on the ground. And only after a week of above freezing temperatures during the day. Wonders abound.
2) During the last snow storm, as I was hauling snow around the plowed drifts because I couldn't throw it over them, came the warbling noise of Robin song. See, Robins, a bird which doesn't migrate, really aren't signs of spring because they don't go anywhere except deeper into the woods and switch their diet to insects, suet, and seeds. Red-winged blackbird and their buzzing calls are really the avian harbingers of the arrival of spring like weather. So when you see red-wings perching on the browned corpses of cat-tails, the south has come again.
3) Several large flocks of Canadian geese have flown overhead. Now, not all of these birds migrate, but we don't have many ponds that remain open that they could be at. So as they go honking through the skies like Valkyries in heavy traffic, they bring the Spring with them.
4) Finally the true sign of returning Spring, the cats sun bathing in the window for longer than their five-minute "but this worked before" exercises. Today the cats lay there, soaking in the afternoon sun for almost and hour. Spring is on it's way.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wordless Thursdays
Put another chapter through the rewrite mill. That took way longer than expected. TV is evil. Okay, so maybe just one or two channels (for different reasons). One increases by blood pressure until I can't get myself out of rantville. And then it's some moments before I can reboot back (the stupidity is that dense it can bend conscious thought around it) to reality and refocus. So tomorrow I'll update the word counts (because it'll hopefully move even more).
We're back into meeting weeks. So even more distractions.
We're back into meeting weeks. So even more distractions.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Middle Wednesday Thoughts
Charlie Stross on what is really sold when you sell your book. I haven't made it through this yet, but thought it might be good to share (really long post). (grokked from Jay Lake)
And, because we're talking about healthcare (or will be soon), a new use for 3d Printing technology, the printing of body parts. Serious SF geekery. And, another example of why medical expenses are going up. However, are you going to be the one who tells the quadruple bypass patient who has collapsed veins that they're going to die because we can't afford the new tech. (also grokked from Jay Lake)
Saw the President's address this afternoon. I kept flipping between channels. Is it me, or does FoxNews intentionally darken the President's complexion? It's not that way on the local Fox affiliate, which is using the same feed (by camera angle). Nor is it that way on C-SPAN or CNN. And the difference is more than noticeable. It's not the surrounding colors (the local affiliate has the same color scheme as FoxNews, including the red scroll bar and the silly, "Alert" message). Oh, and damn good speech. Que up the "President Gives Good Lectures" and "Did all those people really deserve to wear their white coats" crowd in 3.. 2.. 1... And what the President said, "It's time to finish the work." Because you've got a hell of a lot of other work to do (and, IMHO, part of the whole "Start all over" argument to keep Congress from doing anything this year).
And to restate the reasons why I support reform. Because the major difference in competition between the US and other nations isn't business taxes (when you add in all the taxes they really aren't different, other countries just tax differently). It's the cost of health care. In the US our companies are drowning in the costs of insurance. Don't see it. Okay, part of the proposal is to tax health insurance benefits that are over $28000 a year. $28K. Take your salary and add $28K, also add in Social Security and Medicare parts paid by your employer and that's each employee's cost to their employer. For some people that's nearly double what they're being paid. For our public employees in the village it's nearly $18000 a year (on average). That again, almost doubles their pay. Without reforming this industry (the insurance industry) employers will not be able to afford to add jobs. And those who still offer insurance won't be able to continue to offer it in the future.
Get it done, damnit. And then get on to the various economic programs (of which you'll notice, other than tax cuts, the Republicans also have not offered any substantial ideas on).
And, frankly, this is the present mental state of affairs of the conservative moment (TPM article of Michelle Bachmann's very recent conversion to support of the US Census, you know, once she figure out it would probably mean her Congressional seat to stick to her ideals and convictions).
And, because we're talking about healthcare (or will be soon), a new use for 3d Printing technology, the printing of body parts. Serious SF geekery. And, another example of why medical expenses are going up. However, are you going to be the one who tells the quadruple bypass patient who has collapsed veins that they're going to die because we can't afford the new tech. (also grokked from Jay Lake)
Saw the President's address this afternoon. I kept flipping between channels. Is it me, or does FoxNews intentionally darken the President's complexion? It's not that way on the local Fox affiliate, which is using the same feed (by camera angle). Nor is it that way on C-SPAN or CNN. And the difference is more than noticeable. It's not the surrounding colors (the local affiliate has the same color scheme as FoxNews, including the red scroll bar and the silly, "Alert" message). Oh, and damn good speech. Que up the "President Gives Good Lectures" and "Did all those people really deserve to wear their white coats" crowd in 3.. 2.. 1... And what the President said, "It's time to finish the work." Because you've got a hell of a lot of other work to do (and, IMHO, part of the whole "Start all over" argument to keep Congress from doing anything this year).
And to restate the reasons why I support reform. Because the major difference in competition between the US and other nations isn't business taxes (when you add in all the taxes they really aren't different, other countries just tax differently). It's the cost of health care. In the US our companies are drowning in the costs of insurance. Don't see it. Okay, part of the proposal is to tax health insurance benefits that are over $28000 a year. $28K. Take your salary and add $28K, also add in Social Security and Medicare parts paid by your employer and that's each employee's cost to their employer. For some people that's nearly double what they're being paid. For our public employees in the village it's nearly $18000 a year (on average). That again, almost doubles their pay. Without reforming this industry (the insurance industry) employers will not be able to afford to add jobs. And those who still offer insurance won't be able to continue to offer it in the future.
Get it done, damnit. And then get on to the various economic programs (of which you'll notice, other than tax cuts, the Republicans also have not offered any substantial ideas on).
And, frankly, this is the present mental state of affairs of the conservative moment (TPM article of Michelle Bachmann's very recent conversion to support of the US Census, you know, once she figure out it would probably mean her Congressional seat to stick to her ideals and convictions).
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Wasted days and wasted nights
Spending the night geeking out with Neil deGrasse Tyson (Pluto, and now 400 years of the Telescope). Creating artificial reference stars for adaptive optics. Damn. That's high geek.
Wanted to continue the speed of editing I had yesterday, but that didn't occur today. I did home stuff all day, including updating the iMac and backing up files. Also did laundry and cooked dinner. So busy, but not on what I wanted to be busy on.
Also applied at a few places I didn't think I would be applying to, including Home Depot. The Depot actually has an exam online as part of their application process. Sigh. Okay, so I did take a test for the Census, but Home Depot? Also applied to a place that requires using Corel Draw. I didn't even think they still made that thing. I have limited experience with it, but it's a vector program and I have plenty of experience using those. Yeah, I know, I'm a strange duck because I can apply knowledge to different places effectively. No, seriously, last time I was out of work I took software tests at a placement agency. I had never used InDesign before, but scored "Excellence" in using it because I know Adobe products, and I know page layout products.
So, tomorrow will hopefully see more editing.
Wanted to continue the speed of editing I had yesterday, but that didn't occur today. I did home stuff all day, including updating the iMac and backing up files. Also did laundry and cooked dinner. So busy, but not on what I wanted to be busy on.
Also applied at a few places I didn't think I would be applying to, including Home Depot. The Depot actually has an exam online as part of their application process. Sigh. Okay, so I did take a test for the Census, but Home Depot? Also applied to a place that requires using Corel Draw. I didn't even think they still made that thing. I have limited experience with it, but it's a vector program and I have plenty of experience using those. Yeah, I know, I'm a strange duck because I can apply knowledge to different places effectively. No, seriously, last time I was out of work I took software tests at a placement agency. I had never used InDesign before, but scored "Excellence" in using it because I know Adobe products, and I know page layout products.
So, tomorrow will hopefully see more editing.
Monday, March 1, 2010
To the Democratic Senate Leadership
Time to look at the opposition and say, "Okay, just how strong is your bladder?" And start with Senator Bunning.
See, filibusters, real filibusters, are still all about one person standing up and not yielding the floor. It's only the threat of filibustering that keeps legislation stalled for weeks. Time to call bluffs.
Just my thoughts.
See, filibusters, real filibusters, are still all about one person standing up and not yielding the floor. It's only the threat of filibustering that keeps legislation stalled for weeks. Time to call bluffs.
Just my thoughts.
I'm haunted by that Gary Owen
Today was a first for the job search. We received a response to one of the applications I've made in the past week. It was a rejection (basically, "Boy, are you way too over skilled for this job, but thanks for thinking of us"). So, yeah, at least someone out there is actually looking at my resume. Oh, and I can do the work. You'd be surprised at how good I am at work I'm over qualified for and how I'm able to find enjoyment elsewhere. And maybe the benefits that position supplied were worth more than the actual pay (help paying for coursework, good medical).
Oh, and really damn tired of scrolling through the reposted job listings (hey, JobFox, stop it) and the "work at home" listings. And again, I'm trying to brainstorm a better way to search through large amounts of data online to find something interesting when you don't know what it is you're looking for.
And the last point today about the job search. I'm really tired of job posting sites that require (or constantly sell) paid memberships to access data. There's something slimbally about that practice and so far I've run into three of them. And they also tend to have "exclusive" listings, which are behind the "pay me now" firewall. Yeah, see, I'm out of work and you want me to pay you $30 a month to access listings you've charged the other company $300+ for their listing? That's what we kindly think of as a scam. No, really, scummy. Exactly the same business model as "we'll publish you as long as you buy 1000 books." And the whole, "if you become a paid member we'll expedite you resume/advocate for you" sales push only makes be want to shove bamboo spikes under your routers. Including the "your resume might be part of the problem, and we'll help you fix it for only $300," sales pitch. Wrap it up and roll over. Real slimeball tactics there.
Finished rewriting the first 50 pages of the novel in time for submission to the group critique. So we also have an updated word count total, 74437. The problem with going forward is that I haven't rewritten any of the rest of the novel, and I have no notes from someone else looking at it. It's (obviously) not impossible, just harder and slower. However, this set of rewrites when much faster than I expected. I'm hoping that means I'm getting better at this.
Here's hoping the magic continues.
Oh, and really damn tired of scrolling through the reposted job listings (hey, JobFox, stop it) and the "work at home" listings. And again, I'm trying to brainstorm a better way to search through large amounts of data online to find something interesting when you don't know what it is you're looking for.
And the last point today about the job search. I'm really tired of job posting sites that require (or constantly sell) paid memberships to access data. There's something slimbally about that practice and so far I've run into three of them. And they also tend to have "exclusive" listings, which are behind the "pay me now" firewall. Yeah, see, I'm out of work and you want me to pay you $30 a month to access listings you've charged the other company $300+ for their listing? That's what we kindly think of as a scam. No, really, scummy. Exactly the same business model as "we'll publish you as long as you buy 1000 books." And the whole, "if you become a paid member we'll expedite you resume/advocate for you" sales push only makes be want to shove bamboo spikes under your routers. Including the "your resume might be part of the problem, and we'll help you fix it for only $300," sales pitch. Wrap it up and roll over. Real slimeball tactics there.
Finished rewriting the first 50 pages of the novel in time for submission to the group critique. So we also have an updated word count total, 74437. The problem with going forward is that I haven't rewritten any of the rest of the novel, and I have no notes from someone else looking at it. It's (obviously) not impossible, just harder and slower. However, this set of rewrites when much faster than I expected. I'm hoping that means I'm getting better at this.
Here's hoping the magic continues.
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