Scary

Having been in the Philly Amtrak 30th St Station just a few months ago, this article from Huffpost concerns me even more than it otherwise might. Apparently the power went out, and Amtrak fed a story about it to the press that does not match the reality of those who were there.

While I tend to give big media a lot more credit than many bloggers, I do think this incident is a good example of why a free press is so critical in this country. If mainstream media, consolidated in the hands of a few rich folks with personal agendas, continues to stupidly report the company line on public incidents without actual research & reporting, then it will not only become obsolete, but deservedly so.

The beauty of blogging is that it's cheap, and you build a reputation the same way as mainstream media - consumers like what they get, and come back for more. Huffpost has grown into a serious site, and I have no doubt that Rosenbaum's post is as accurate as anything I'd read in the Strib or Wash Post.

Not that there isn't a LOT of crap out in cyberspace, but these days, if you get your news from blogs instead of TV, that might be a good thing.

(I'll save the implications about readiness for a terrorist attack for another post, another time.)

GPS Your Kid

There are a hundred examples of tension between freedom and education, but this one is really a kick. A school in the UK, Hungerhill School in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is trying out a system that embeds microchips into students' uniforms that register their attendance as they come into the classroom. The kids are participating voluntarily as part of a science project.

Of course an article in the London Times today sparked immediate controversy. While the school officials maintain that this is for attendance purposes only and they are not trying "Bog Brother" tactics to monitor students' every move, critics point out that it's not much different that a criminal wearing an ankle-bracelet tracking device.

Action on Rights for Children (ARCH) makes the connection with another recent article about a company that is considering putting microchips into kids' clothing for parents to be able to track them. Apparently, after contacting the company, ARCH found out that this isn't just an idea, but something the company is actively working on. How long until that's something parents can buy at Macy's?

I don't know a ton about the British education system, but the website says the Hungerhill School is a "11-16 comprehensive school" - which implies upper high school grades to me. I think it's interesting to start at the level rather than with younger kids.

What exactly is being accomplished? If it saves the teacher the time of taking attendance, I think that's cool. I have fantasized about a system in which a kid just swipes their ID card at the door & it monitors who's where. This just takes it to the next level - no ID card necessary.

But the idea of having one's movements monitored should be of serious concern to Americans. Right now, if I don't actively turn it off, my cell phone has a GPS that can track me. (I'm not even sure about my work cell - can my boss track me now? Good grief.) In an emergency, sure, I'd love to be tracked down by someone coming to rescue me. But daily life?

As you've seen in previous posts, I long ago gave up any pretense to privacy. In this age, you can find out a lot about me without leaving your living room (or wherever your computer is.) My have always been listed in the phone book, and in 15 years my students have never abused it. I guess I just don't see the point of privacy if I'm not doing anything I shouldn't - and in my profession, doing things I shouldn't isn't really an option. So it's sort of moot for me. But for average Americans, I'm not so sure.

Bottom line - I have no problem monitoring kids and I don't think they need adult freedoms until they are adults. But I think every encroachment on freedom is dangerous, and things like microchips in kids' clothing need to be VERY carefully considered as a matter of public policy.

Ironically, Boondocks today is on technology - so McGruder leaves us with a laugh. :)

Questions about Love

My friend Melissa wrote these questions for another friend to ponder, and I found them powerful....

Questions about Love

* How are our spiritual journeys and falling in love similar?

* How is falling in love, the path toward love and partnership, a metaphor for going toward God?

* What happens when we let go, or realize how not-in-control we really are?

* Who do we discover in such a state of unbalance, or groundlessness?

* What is this love that you have and feel and live for?

* How is it calling you both to the deep waters where you cannot stand?

* What is it to perceive this time as one where you are not in charge as teachers or leaders or ordained people, but rather: mere humans with hearts?

* What is God asking of you as an individual? As a woman or man?

* Where is God for both of you in this love? In this emotion?

* If God resides at the center of your lives, then what do you have to fear?

Blog Action Day and Al Gore

What would happen is bloggers around the world joined together to write about one topic at the same time? Apparently it's "Blog Action Day" and we're all using our blogs to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Did you know that global warming is real?

I do think that Al Gore being among the Nobel Peace Prize recipients this year for his work on environmental awareness is worthy of note... and I'm kindof disgusted that some "conservatives" (quotes because I don't see how anyone can claim conservatism and not be concerned about the environment, but whatever) have called the Nobel committee political - give me a damn break.

Happy Things from Colleen Kruse

Every Saturday I get to my step class a little early - it gets crowded so I have to - and read the new City Pages or Rake mag for a few minutes before class. Rake is no longer weekly, so it's a treat when there's a new one, and I always turn first to Colleen Kruse's column.

She's always funny - I first discovered her as a stand-up comedian well over 10 years ago when she was the warm-up for Lizz Winstead one night, and have been to see her lave many times. But this month's column about the pleasures of autumn is particularly entertaining, so I have to share.

A sample:

I love wearing clothes that cover my stomach. I love that the threat of being invited to something that might require a bathing suit is past. I like incorporating more cheese and less salad into my diet. I love watching television while eating cheese while wearing something that covers my stomach.

At this time of year I love soup. It is hot, salty, soothing liquid love. That sounds dirty but it’s not, so get your damn mind out of the gutter; I’m talking chunky chicken noodle here.

I love turtleneck sweaters, the smell of Vicks VapoRub, and having a sore throat so I don’t have to talk. I love catching cold, because I love soup and I love it when people feel sorry for me and I love complaining about my lot in life while people I love make me soup.

She's random, but she's funny. :)

Prayer - the Original Wireless Connection

A fun local company called Halowear makes T-shirts with funny church-related sayings.

The one I want: Modern Day Church Lady

Other fun ones:
Communion - the Real Wonder Bread
Altar Your Ego
iGod - Free Downloads

Check it out!

Emily X - Not Me, but It Could Be

Interesting concept - a woman who works at a Planned Parenthood clinic started a blog to share her experience there, including the protesters, the work... the whole deal. Worth a look!

I suspect much of Gen X takes legal abortion for granted - it's been legal for most of our lives. Even if we don't it ourselves, we see that it's a necessary option for some folks and just expect it to be there. I sort of know in the back of my mind that abortion rights have actually been scaled back in recent years and in some states it's almost impossible to get one, but it's not high on the radar. I did some fundraising for the MN Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights when I was in college - we do so much more volunteering in college! - but not actively involved since then.

Emily X lets us see what's really going on - check it out and see if it matches your expectations.

A Tip of the Hat...

Have to take a moment to acknowledge Congressman Jim Ramstad's retirement - sad all the way around, (except maybe for him!) A truly moderate voice shouldn't be such a rarity these days (as the general population seems to be growing more moderate) but unfortunately, it is. Can't really blame him for getting sick of Washington in the current climate! DC's loss.

Some of my friends have speculated that he may run for governor, and I'm sure I'd have a hard time voting against him, even as a Republican. Will be interesting to see what's next for him!

Now apparently Republican Edina mayor Jim Hovland is thinking about a run for Ramstad's seat - as a Democrat! (Well hey, if you're really moderate, why wouldn't you want to be with the majority?!)

This will certainly be an interesting race...!

Two Years Later, Results Are In…

I was interested to see an article in the Strib this weekend - in the style section, ironically - about the fact that it's been two years since gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts.

And what's the result? Nothing interesting! Life goes on for everyone. Straight people still get married and divorced - with no perceptible impact by gay marriages. (Imagine my surprise.)

Check it out:
Withering Glance: Gay Marriage, a Slippery Slope?

Still Wondering (Tell Me Again... part 2)

Another fun quote from a text I paid a lot of money for:

"Phenomenology asks for the very nature of a phenomenon, for that which makes a some-"thing" what it is - and without which it could not be what it is."

But it gets better...

"The essence of a phenomenon is a universal which can be described through a study of the structure that governs the instances or particular manifestations of the essence of that phenomenon."

Yeah, what he said.

(Max van Manen, if you want more!)