Staying the Course!
Last night, I attended my next-to-last Technical Communications 1 class. We had a workshop, peer-review process, where the class broke down into small groups. My group had a scientist and a teacher, as well as me. Bonni rotated among the groups, sitting in on ours for the first and most difficult paper--the scientific one.
The problem with most science writing is that, if you're not an initiate into the domain, you really can't understand much of the work. The words are there, in English, but they signify little to the "layman." This signification problem is compounded by any flaws in the writer's technique, such as excessive density and poor formatting. One feels akin to a medieval monk, who can read the Latin words of Virgil but cannot grasp the imagery.
My own project is straightforward and relatively simple. I'm doing an FAQ for new ventilator patients. Since I'm not working with a high-tech company anymore, I saw little use in doing anything related to MT or computer science.
Next quarter, I'll be taking "Critical Thinking for Technical Communicators." I think I can handle that!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Reasons to Be Thankful
Reasons to Be Thankful
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I went to my parents' house for dinner. Before heading to my parents', my dad and I drove down to Linda Vista and picked up my uncle Dave. The four of us had a really pleasant evening, with turkey, stuffing, cole slaw, biscuits, Tuscan veggies, and two different kinds of pie--apple and pumpkin--for desert.
Earlier in the week (on Sunday evening), I went with my old high-school chum Phil and his wife to a concert at the Escondido Performing Arts Center. The concert was by a new-age banjo/jazz musician named Béla Fleck. The concert was good, if low key. If you look up "mellow" in your American Heritage, you'll probably see a picture of Béla Fleck. He had a bassist accompany him on a lot of the music, and the bassist also played the piano. If you like banjo Bach, then this concert would be for you.
I keep putting off finishing up work for my Tech Comm. Class. Got to get it done this weekend, and figure out which other class I'm going to take.
Meanwhile, my parents took off for Tucson today, where they will be vacationing this week for their anniversary. They will also be visiting friends and looking at retirement properties. I, for one, will never live in Arizona.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I went to my parents' house for dinner. Before heading to my parents', my dad and I drove down to Linda Vista and picked up my uncle Dave. The four of us had a really pleasant evening, with turkey, stuffing, cole slaw, biscuits, Tuscan veggies, and two different kinds of pie--apple and pumpkin--for desert.
Earlier in the week (on Sunday evening), I went with my old high-school chum Phil and his wife to a concert at the Escondido Performing Arts Center. The concert was by a new-age banjo/jazz musician named Béla Fleck. The concert was good, if low key. If you look up "mellow" in your American Heritage, you'll probably see a picture of Béla Fleck. He had a bassist accompany him on a lot of the music, and the bassist also played the piano. If you like banjo Bach, then this concert would be for you.
I keep putting off finishing up work for my Tech Comm. Class. Got to get it done this weekend, and figure out which other class I'm going to take.
Meanwhile, my parents took off for Tucson today, where they will be vacationing this week for their anniversary. They will also be visiting friends and looking at retirement properties. I, for one, will never live in Arizona.
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Worst Legislation, Ever!
The Worst Legislation, Ever
Today I called my pharmacist to find out what Medicare drug plan he recommended. Exasperated, he told me that he's not even sure if he'll participate. The paperwork is tremendous, the reimbursement rate "almost zero." According to him, it's the "worst legislation in the history of the United States."
Way to go, Bushies! They are breaking the bank on a program the country doesn't need, while attempting today to reduce Medicaid and food stamps for the poor and disabled. We need a comprehensive solution to the healthcare crisis, not more corporate welfare! This was nothing but a sop thrown to Bush's supporters in Big Pharma, just like his energy bill was a favor for Big Oil and the Iraq War a quid pro quo for Halliburton.
People like me, who had comprehensive drug coverage through Medi-Cal, will see an erosion in service due to this legislation. There are 64 plans in the San Diego area alone! The elderly will be confused and many will not pick any plan because of it.
Government no longer serves the people. It serves a globalized corporate cabal that cares not one whit for workers, cultures, or freedom. At least the Neo-Fascist government of China is honest about the mingling of government and corporation; would that ours were so.
Today I called my pharmacist to find out what Medicare drug plan he recommended. Exasperated, he told me that he's not even sure if he'll participate. The paperwork is tremendous, the reimbursement rate "almost zero." According to him, it's the "worst legislation in the history of the United States."
Way to go, Bushies! They are breaking the bank on a program the country doesn't need, while attempting today to reduce Medicaid and food stamps for the poor and disabled. We need a comprehensive solution to the healthcare crisis, not more corporate welfare! This was nothing but a sop thrown to Bush's supporters in Big Pharma, just like his energy bill was a favor for Big Oil and the Iraq War a quid pro quo for Halliburton.
People like me, who had comprehensive drug coverage through Medi-Cal, will see an erosion in service due to this legislation. There are 64 plans in the San Diego area alone! The elderly will be confused and many will not pick any plan because of it.
Government no longer serves the people. It serves a globalized corporate cabal that cares not one whit for workers, cultures, or freedom. At least the Neo-Fascist government of China is honest about the mingling of government and corporation; would that ours were so.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Fun with Movies
Fun with Movies
Last evening I caught the second half of the TV movie, Category 7: The End of the World. Whew! What a pre-Thanksgiving turkey! I can't believe the writers of that crap collect paychecks!
The movie was about a series of devastating hurricanes ravaging the world. Paris and Hong Kong got destroyed, but that did not qualify for "end-of-world" status. Rather, when Washington DC was threatened, truly that was the "end of days" in American fashion.
The film was full of forgettable, wooden characters and unbelievable dialog. The action stank too. The only redeemable part was when the evil Vice President, a look-alike of Dick Chaney, got sucked out the top of the White House in a whirling vortex. It shouldn't happen to a nicer guy....
Meanwhile, I went to Barnes & Noble on Saturday and purchased Kingdom of Heaven on DVD. It was a great Ridley Scott romp through history--excellent characters and action, great sets. Scott really makes the viewers feel present in the setting.
I really couldn't fathom the criticisms of the right-wingnuts about the movie's portrayal of Saladin. Scott showed Saladin as a real man and great leader of his people. Truthfully, no one would want to see a dramatic version of the First Crusade, when the Christians took Jerusalem and the streets ran knee deep in the blood of innocent men, women and children.
The moral of the story was that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is in the heart--it's not a place. Too bad more people can't remember that.
Last evening I caught the second half of the TV movie, Category 7: The End of the World. Whew! What a pre-Thanksgiving turkey! I can't believe the writers of that crap collect paychecks!
The movie was about a series of devastating hurricanes ravaging the world. Paris and Hong Kong got destroyed, but that did not qualify for "end-of-world" status. Rather, when Washington DC was threatened, truly that was the "end of days" in American fashion.
The film was full of forgettable, wooden characters and unbelievable dialog. The action stank too. The only redeemable part was when the evil Vice President, a look-alike of Dick Chaney, got sucked out the top of the White House in a whirling vortex. It shouldn't happen to a nicer guy....
Meanwhile, I went to Barnes & Noble on Saturday and purchased Kingdom of Heaven on DVD. It was a great Ridley Scott romp through history--excellent characters and action, great sets. Scott really makes the viewers feel present in the setting.
I really couldn't fathom the criticisms of the right-wingnuts about the movie's portrayal of Saladin. Scott showed Saladin as a real man and great leader of his people. Truthfully, no one would want to see a dramatic version of the First Crusade, when the Christians took Jerusalem and the streets ran knee deep in the blood of innocent men, women and children.
The moral of the story was that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is in the heart--it's not a place. Too bad more people can't remember that.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Whats the Half Life of Democracy?
What's the Half-Life of Democracy?
As usual, the candidate I voted for in Tuesday's election lost. Donna Frye was shellacked by Jerry Sanders's well-oiled pro-establishment campaign. Donna had the gall to admit that taxes might have to be raised to help bail the city out of its fiscal disaster, but the good Republican citizens of this town don't want to hear about any pain that might affect them!
Sanders sold the public on the usual snake oil: we can solve government problems through "cuts" and "efficiency." NO NEW TAXES!
In other words... "Bankruptcy, here we come!" But that's cool--Sanders can swallow the enchilada picante of financial ruin, while Frye looks on. With the new strong-mayor form of government in San Diego, the disaster will be all Sanders's. At least we have Mike Aguirre to stand up to Sanders and the big-business Tammany Hall that moves this city in the wrong direction.
Meanwhile, my Technical Communication course sails right along. It's mildly challenging, in that I have to overcome boredom in order to complete the work. I do want an "A," however!
Last night I went to the Winter Pops at Symphony Hall with my parents. It was the first time I'd been in the building since it was the old Fox Theater. The restoration work on the building was excellent, revealing the Art Deco and Spanish Baroque gem in all its glory.
The concert was entertaining, if not outstanding. Lou Rawls was the guest performer. He is a remnant of 70s make-out quasi-disco music. I think of him as a gravelly-voiced cross between Barry White and Barry Manilow. Unfortunately, his voice was extra gravelly last evening, as he was suffering from a cold. Singing while wiping one's nose with a handkerchief is not attractive. Still, he did a yeoman's job of sticking to it, and the overall evening's entertainment rated a B-.
As usual, the candidate I voted for in Tuesday's election lost. Donna Frye was shellacked by Jerry Sanders's well-oiled pro-establishment campaign. Donna had the gall to admit that taxes might have to be raised to help bail the city out of its fiscal disaster, but the good Republican citizens of this town don't want to hear about any pain that might affect them!
Sanders sold the public on the usual snake oil: we can solve government problems through "cuts" and "efficiency." NO NEW TAXES!
In other words... "Bankruptcy, here we come!" But that's cool--Sanders can swallow the enchilada picante of financial ruin, while Frye looks on. With the new strong-mayor form of government in San Diego, the disaster will be all Sanders's. At least we have Mike Aguirre to stand up to Sanders and the big-business Tammany Hall that moves this city in the wrong direction.
Meanwhile, my Technical Communication course sails right along. It's mildly challenging, in that I have to overcome boredom in order to complete the work. I do want an "A," however!
Last night I went to the Winter Pops at Symphony Hall with my parents. It was the first time I'd been in the building since it was the old Fox Theater. The restoration work on the building was excellent, revealing the Art Deco and Spanish Baroque gem in all its glory.
The concert was entertaining, if not outstanding. Lou Rawls was the guest performer. He is a remnant of 70s make-out quasi-disco music. I think of him as a gravelly-voiced cross between Barry White and Barry Manilow. Unfortunately, his voice was extra gravelly last evening, as he was suffering from a cold. Singing while wiping one's nose with a handkerchief is not attractive. Still, he did a yeoman's job of sticking to it, and the overall evening's entertainment rated a B-.
Monday, November 07, 2005
David Turns Fifty
David Turns Fifty
Saturday evening, the party at my parents' home was a success. Monica and my parents did a great job of organizing it. I brought my Olympic torch over, along with the photo of Steve Garvey and myself from 1984.
We had Italian food--lasagna, spaghetti, Pat and Oscar's breadsticks, antipasto salad, and of course, chocolate cake. Among those attending were:
Brigitte
Monica
My parents
Jan
Marina and her daughter
Phil and Paula
Bill and Vicki
Bob and Cathy
The Marlins
Harold
Katie
Jacque
Some other people from my parents' Bible study class
Among those missing:
Donna
Thomas
Kathryn
Jim and Jill
Christine
Doug
Orly
Karen
Camelia
See you all at my 60th!
Saturday evening, the party at my parents' home was a success. Monica and my parents did a great job of organizing it. I brought my Olympic torch over, along with the photo of Steve Garvey and myself from 1984.
We had Italian food--lasagna, spaghetti, Pat and Oscar's breadsticks, antipasto salad, and of course, chocolate cake. Among those attending were:
Brigitte
Monica
My parents
Jan
Marina and her daughter
Phil and Paula
Bill and Vicki
Bob and Cathy
The Marlins
Harold
Katie
Jacque
Some other people from my parents' Bible study class
Among those missing:
Donna
Thomas
Kathryn
Jim and Jill
Christine
Doug
Orly
Karen
Camelia
See you all at my 60th!
Friday, November 04, 2005
La Grande Journée
La Grande Journée
Tomorrow at 4:00, my parents will be hosting a party for my 50th birthday. It seems hard to believe, but I will turn 50 on Sunday! So far, 27 people have committed to attending; I'm looking forward to the festivities.
I'm very grateful to Monica and my parents for putting it together for me.
Tomorrow at 4:00, my parents will be hosting a party for my 50th birthday. It seems hard to believe, but I will turn 50 on Sunday! So far, 27 people have committed to attending; I'm looking forward to the festivities.
I'm very grateful to Monica and my parents for putting it together for me.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
A Comparison of Two Political Websites
A Comparison of Two Political Websites:
A User-Oriented Perspective
The current state of the Worldwide Web supports a grand number of politics-oriented sites. Some are so-called "blogs," while others pretend to a professional, journalistic look. As an assignment for Technical Communications 1, I chose to look at two sites with contrasting political philosophies, examining what the style, organization and tone can tell interested readers about the owners' attitudes toward their audiences. The two sites I examined are The Huffington Post www.huffingtonpost.com and World Net Daily http://www.wnd.com/ .
The Huffington Post is a well-known "progressive" Web site, operated by liberal gadfly Arianna Huffington. It is organized along the blog format, made popular by the Drudge Report www.drudgereport.com. This format consists of a series of photographs, graphics and links, interspersed with small headlines and grabby text. The layout is in three-column mode, for easy scanning by Western readers. The headline at the top of the page marks the topic of the day, giving the reader an idea of what most of the articles are about. Snappy headers like "Just In" in bright orange lead the readers through the text. There are enough graphics and photographs to keep the text from morphing into inscrutable chunks of verbiage.
One thing to note about the Huffington site is that it relies heavily on celebrities and mainstream news writers for the op-ed pieces it features so often. If the reader believes that Alec Baldwin has an opinion worth reading, then the reader can discover some satisfaction there. Sensationalistic headlines like "Why Are Contemporary Republicans So Full of Shit?" seem designed to pull in what some Republicans might call "the angry Left." Leftists are apparently the kind of people who don't mind the word, "shit" in headlines. The Huffington Post, while aimed at the general public, is not a "go do something" type of site. Rather, it presents enough material to lead the politically aware reader into making his or her own choices. Literally and figuratively, Huffington's site aims itself at the pro-choice crowd.
In contrast, World Net Daily appeals to the troglodyte rightists who also find Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter worthy of personality-cult status. Its organization, unlike Huffington's, seems blocky and hard-to-scan. World Net forces its readers to scroll down the page through an infinite number of headlines. There are no graphics--no pictures. It's blocky and geometrically stodgy. One could speculate World Net's readers find unusually high comfort in regular, yet boring geometrical formulas. Like Huffington, the site screams sensationalism: "How homosexuals hoodwinked Supremes" and "Satanism flourishing in Russia." A reader would be hard-pressed to find the word, "shit" anywhere; rather the buzzwords "illegals," [sic] "Christians" and the ever-present "dead babies." Unlike Huffington, World Net knows what it wants its readers to think and isn't embarrassed to tell them what to think. World Net is "anti-choice."
The two sites have different advertising demographics, as one can see by looking at the sidebar advertisements on the pages. Huffington displays ads for banks (Wells Fargo) and health insurance (PacifiCare). Poor World Net, however, must make do with ads for political tracts and publications by like-thinkers (e.g., The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and Terry's Story). To those who fear the onrushing supremacy of the Christian Right, perhaps there is some comfort in World Net's evident inability to secure major corporate funding.
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