Yes, I'm in a ranting mood these days. So I am going to turn my picking on it powers to a song. "Jesus Take the Wheel", currently being sung by Carrie Underwood. First, I want to clarify a few things. I do not (yet) have a problem with Carrie Underwood. I do not have a problem with the person who wrote the song (my lazy search has not yet turned up that information). I do not have a problem with Jesus.
But. Jesus should not be the only one driving you car. Okay - the person is the song is driving along. It is snowing, she is speeding and is low on gas. (We'll get back to that). She hits some ice and skids. So she throws her hands un in the air. What? You're not really supposed to take your hands off the wheel anyway, but especially not when you are skidding. Your are supposed to turn into the skid a bit, wait for the car to regain traction and then steer back to wherever you're trying to go.
So she says (while skidding, with hand not on the wheel), "Jesus take the wheel". Argh! I realize this is supposed to be allegorical or metaphorical. That she has lost control and is turning it over to Jesus. But here's the thing, Jesus (assuming that is your deity or son of deity of choice) needs you to do a little work to. Especially since the second verse reveals there is a baby in the backseat. (To say nothing of the other drivers out there who would probably appreciate her trying to do her own driving.
Now I recognize that there are things in our lives that we do not have control over. For example, it may be that no matter how well I eat, and stay in shape, I may still face a health issue (or two or three). Only pieces of that are in my control. I understand that it helps people to turn to their faith, to give up trying to control the things they can't and leave it in some else's hands.
I see that in some ways this song illustrates that cleverly. But I personally am completely unable to get past the fact that driving a car is not ever a scenario in which you should give up control. (Unless of course you're not the person in the driver's seat - in which case - go ahead give it up).
I realize the statement about being low on gas is supposed to represent more - likely being low on funds. But if you are low on gas, speeding is actually dumb. (Almost as dumb as speeding in the snow). Because your car is more fuel efficient when you are not speeding.
And the addition of the baby is probably supposed to make me feel that this is more poignant. But no - I'm that much more frustrated. That baby needs you to figure out how to drive that car! Or get out (of the car).
Rants About New (and old) Things
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Jaywalking Rules
I recognize that there are times in life, when due to circumstances jaywalking may be or seem preferable and/or more expedient than crossing at the designated time with the light. As a walker I have on rare occasions been known to do it myself. As a driver, it often - well - drives me crazy. So I have a list of rules that should help make it better for us all.
- Be aware of the progression of lights at the intersection. Often people will decide to start walking because they can't see who has a green light from where they are standing. But it may be that there is a green turn signal and they are walking right into the traffic.
- Don't attempt jaywalking if you cannot move quickly. If you have a walking aid or other physical restraint - jaywalking is not a good idea. It is also not a good idea when you are carrying a heavy or awkward load or when pushing a stroller. And don't walk in a leisurely fashion.
- Be extra cautious when visibility is lower. Remember, cars that can't see you - won't stop for you. So if it is dark or rainy or foggy, you need to take additional care.
- Remember you are the one breaking the rules. Not the cars who are progressing through their green light. You didn't want to wait, which means you do not have the right of way.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
John Spencer 1946-2005
As you may know, the actor John Spencer passed away December 16th after a heart attack. This isn't really going to be a proper obituary. After all I was not fortunate enough to ever meet John Spencer. So, I knew him as that guy on the TV screen. Or the movie screen (he was great as the hateful FBI guy in "The Rock"). Although he was on television starting in the 60's, I first remember him as Tommy Mulraney on "L.A. Law". Tommy was one of those guys you underestimate, he looked like a slacker with his real tan and his aloha shirts and his seemingly simple approach. But then, he would get you.
His character Leo on "The West Wing" - which he played for six years - was a little different. As chief of staff, Leo always wore suits. But he still seemed like a guy you could talk to. And Leo was always striving to hold himself (and everyone) to the highest standards. He saw the good that government could do, and despite the missteps and other errors the administration committed, he remained convinced (and convincing) that working in and for the government was a wonderful and awesome privilege and that they should always work to remain worthy of it.
Now you are wondering why I am talking about the fictional characters that John Spencer played. Partly, it is because they are my John Spencer experiences. And partly it is because part of John Spencer's gift was making you believe he was not acting, but just being. And this was added to as pieces of John Spencer's life - such as his struggle with addiction - were incorporated into his character of Leo.
And so, I have a story to tell about how I came to be a fan of "The West Wing". I was in a singing group that rehearsed Wednesday nights, so had given up Wednesday television. So I missed the debut season of "The West Wing". As it turned out, my birthday fell on the day they aired the first episode of the second season (they ended the season with shots being fired, so it was a cliffhanger). My sister was over to celebrate with me, but as we sat to eat she told me we needed to be done in time for "Dawson's Creek". Never having watched the show, I still felt qualified to inform her that we were going to eat as normal and she could catch up on the goings on at the Creek some other time. She conceded that but then said that she could not miss "The West Wing" and explained that shots had been fired and she needed to know if anyone was hurt. I had not heard of "The West Wing" (although I was a fan of both Aaron Sorkin and John Wells). So, my sister was my guide that evening as I was introduced to "The West Wing". And I'm still watching today.
His character Leo on "The West Wing" - which he played for six years - was a little different. As chief of staff, Leo always wore suits. But he still seemed like a guy you could talk to. And Leo was always striving to hold himself (and everyone) to the highest standards. He saw the good that government could do, and despite the missteps and other errors the administration committed, he remained convinced (and convincing) that working in and for the government was a wonderful and awesome privilege and that they should always work to remain worthy of it.
Now you are wondering why I am talking about the fictional characters that John Spencer played. Partly, it is because they are my John Spencer experiences. And partly it is because part of John Spencer's gift was making you believe he was not acting, but just being. And this was added to as pieces of John Spencer's life - such as his struggle with addiction - were incorporated into his character of Leo.
And so, I have a story to tell about how I came to be a fan of "The West Wing". I was in a singing group that rehearsed Wednesday nights, so had given up Wednesday television. So I missed the debut season of "The West Wing". As it turned out, my birthday fell on the day they aired the first episode of the second season (they ended the season with shots being fired, so it was a cliffhanger). My sister was over to celebrate with me, but as we sat to eat she told me we needed to be done in time for "Dawson's Creek". Never having watched the show, I still felt qualified to inform her that we were going to eat as normal and she could catch up on the goings on at the Creek some other time. She conceded that but then said that she could not miss "The West Wing" and explained that shots had been fired and she needed to know if anyone was hurt. I had not heard of "The West Wing" (although I was a fan of both Aaron Sorkin and John Wells). So, my sister was my guide that evening as I was introduced to "The West Wing". And I'm still watching today.
Friday, December 23, 2005
More Television Obsession: Project Runway
Okay, I'm a little late in sharing this love of mine, because the first season is already out on DVD and the second season has started. (But it's on Bravo where it will be repeated numerous times, so you can totally catch up). In the reality television genre, I am a fan of the competitive reality shows - particularly those where they are working towards a career goal. (Although that hasn't helped me like "The apprentice", but that's another story). "Project Runway" brings together aspiring fashion designers (and models). The designers compete in a series of competitions, all with insane deadlines. They're designed are showcased in a mini-runway show and then they are critiqued and a winner and a loser are chosen. The loser is out.
I think part of the reason this show is so much fun is that the designers are great characters, Everyone has their favorites and there a those who one might consider the villains also. Heidi Klum hosts, and Tim Gunn who works at Parsons where the show takes place offers wonderful guidance. This is the second season so the format is a little more familiar to those participating - although some of the contestants seem not to have taken that to heart.
The competitions can also be interesting. So far they have included the designers being sent to a party where they were told their next outfit had to be made entirely from what they were currently wearing, designing a look for My Scene Barbie, and putting together a lingerie collection.
As the show progresses, they will get down to three designers who will be given money and a decent (comparably) amount of time to put together a collection which they will show at fashion week. From that final show a winner will be chosen.
My super quick guide to this year's crop:
Andrae - Dramatic guy, most notable moment so far was a crying jag during the judging.
Chloe - Winner of the "Clothes Off Your Back" competition, she seems to have a level head and a very clean style.
Daniel F. - Sadly Daniel was eliminated in this week's challenge, he was (and is) a lovely guy with great tailoring skills.
Daniel V. - Winner of the "Team Lingerie" challenge, he has so far been pretty quiet.
Diana - Has some innovative designs - a skirt with magnets for example.
Emmett - Very tall, and very even keeled (which is a contrast let me tell you).
Guadalupe - Her designs seem fussy for my taste, and there has been a hint of future dram in her interactions with the other designers.
Heidi - Eliminated in the "Road to the Runway" challenge. She seemed very nice.
John - Also eliminated in the "Road to the Runway" challenge, in part because he admitted his simple design only took him eight hours (they were given a week for that first one).
Kara - Again with the drama potential - she had the Toys R Us employees stop the escalator so they could retrieve Barbie's hat for her.
Kirsten - Eliminated in the "Clothes Off Your Back" challenge for making a tacky outfit.
Marla - Has gotten on the other designers nerves for lacking some of the necessary sewing and piecing skills (and on the viewers nerves for constantly mentioning that she is from Allentown - we get it).
Nick - Winner of the "All Dolled Up" challenge, he has done some great stuff so far.
Raymundo - Eliminated in the "All Dolled Up" challenge for creating granny's dress instead of Barbie's dress.
Santino - Winner of the "Road to the Runway" challenge and cocky beyond belief, he has already demonstrated he does not take criticism or not winning well.
Zulema - She has been quiet recently but made her mark early refusing to share closet space and making a dress so short it bared her model's butt.
Links:
The Project Runway/Bravo site (which includes Tim's Blog and Podcast and you can look at the outfits produced so far). http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/
Television without Pity has recapped all of last season, as well as this season: http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show.cgi?show=163
All copyrights of course still belong to the people at Bravo and Mattel and all that.
I think part of the reason this show is so much fun is that the designers are great characters, Everyone has their favorites and there a those who one might consider the villains also. Heidi Klum hosts, and Tim Gunn who works at Parsons where the show takes place offers wonderful guidance. This is the second season so the format is a little more familiar to those participating - although some of the contestants seem not to have taken that to heart.
The competitions can also be interesting. So far they have included the designers being sent to a party where they were told their next outfit had to be made entirely from what they were currently wearing, designing a look for My Scene Barbie, and putting together a lingerie collection.
As the show progresses, they will get down to three designers who will be given money and a decent (comparably) amount of time to put together a collection which they will show at fashion week. From that final show a winner will be chosen.
My super quick guide to this year's crop:
Andrae - Dramatic guy, most notable moment so far was a crying jag during the judging.
Chloe - Winner of the "Clothes Off Your Back" competition, she seems to have a level head and a very clean style.
Daniel F. - Sadly Daniel was eliminated in this week's challenge, he was (and is) a lovely guy with great tailoring skills.
Daniel V. - Winner of the "Team Lingerie" challenge, he has so far been pretty quiet.
Diana - Has some innovative designs - a skirt with magnets for example.
Emmett - Very tall, and very even keeled (which is a contrast let me tell you).
Guadalupe - Her designs seem fussy for my taste, and there has been a hint of future dram in her interactions with the other designers.
Heidi - Eliminated in the "Road to the Runway" challenge. She seemed very nice.
John - Also eliminated in the "Road to the Runway" challenge, in part because he admitted his simple design only took him eight hours (they were given a week for that first one).
Kara - Again with the drama potential - she had the Toys R Us employees stop the escalator so they could retrieve Barbie's hat for her.
Kirsten - Eliminated in the "Clothes Off Your Back" challenge for making a tacky outfit.
Marla - Has gotten on the other designers nerves for lacking some of the necessary sewing and piecing skills (and on the viewers nerves for constantly mentioning that she is from Allentown - we get it).
Nick - Winner of the "All Dolled Up" challenge, he has done some great stuff so far.
Raymundo - Eliminated in the "All Dolled Up" challenge for creating granny's dress instead of Barbie's dress.
Santino - Winner of the "Road to the Runway" challenge and cocky beyond belief, he has already demonstrated he does not take criticism or not winning well.
Zulema - She has been quiet recently but made her mark early refusing to share closet space and making a dress so short it bared her model's butt.
Links:
The Project Runway/Bravo site (which includes Tim's Blog and Podcast and you can look at the outfits produced so far). http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/
Television without Pity has recapped all of last season, as well as this season: http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show.cgi?show=163
All copyrights of course still belong to the people at Bravo and Mattel and all that.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Letter to Target
Hello -
I wanted to share my concerns over Target's policy concerning filling birth control prescriptions. I understand that there are people - many of the pharmacists - who object on a religious and/or moral basis - to the use of birth control. I certainly do wish for these people to do anything that would conflict with their beliefs.
However, as a pharmacist a person takes on a set of responsibilities, which includes allowing people to fill all their legally obtained prescriptions. If a pharmacist is unable to fulfill that duty - or to fulfill all of it, they need to make their supervisors aware of this restriction.
The supervisors then need to plan for that when scheduling pharmacists. We all lead busy lives. When I drop off a prescription, I expect that I will be able to pick it up in the timeframe that I was originally promised. I should not have to worry about returning only to discover that the pharmacist on duty is unwilling to provide me my prescription and that I now need to come back at a different time or go to another location.
If I can't have some certainty about being able to retrieve my prescription in a timely manner, why would I use the Target pharmacy?
Thanks for your consideration.
I wanted to share my concerns over Target's policy concerning filling birth control prescriptions. I understand that there are people - many of the pharmacists - who object on a religious and/or moral basis - to the use of birth control. I certainly do wish for these people to do anything that would conflict with their beliefs.
However, as a pharmacist a person takes on a set of responsibilities, which includes allowing people to fill all their legally obtained prescriptions. If a pharmacist is unable to fulfill that duty - or to fulfill all of it, they need to make their supervisors aware of this restriction.
The supervisors then need to plan for that when scheduling pharmacists. We all lead busy lives. When I drop off a prescription, I expect that I will be able to pick it up in the timeframe that I was originally promised. I should not have to worry about returning only to discover that the pharmacist on duty is unwilling to provide me my prescription and that I now need to come back at a different time or go to another location.
If I can't have some certainty about being able to retrieve my prescription in a timely manner, why would I use the Target pharmacy?
Thanks for your consideration.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)