Tomorrow, at midnight, all good tax returns should be safely in the IRS office — or at least in the mail to avoid interest and penalties. Of course, you can also choose to file for an automatic extension, but interest still accrues if you owe money on your return.
Last Entry for Encyclopedia Britannica
March 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Remember those Encyclopedia Britannica book we all grew up with — we had the red-bound version with alphabetical listings of all kinds of information about Aardvarks and Zebras. Most “responsible” middle class parents bought these tomes for their kids so we could write the inevitable reports required in school.
While it might seem a little arcane to kids today, in the days before the Internet and Wikipedia that’s all there was and our Encyclopedia Britannicas saved us hours schlepping to the library to gather research. And, at least, the information in Encyclopedia Britannica was vetted to ensure some element of accuracy, while Wikipedia is a crowdsourced free for all where much of the information is somewhat dubious.
Recently, Encyclopedia Britannic announced the 2010 version will be the last printed version of the book. And I say —
it’s about time
Encyclopedia Britannica Missed the Boat
Encyclopedia Britannica lost much of its luster through a series of miss steps beginning with the advent of the first computers — long before the Internet, even.
Encyclopedia Britannic refused to understand that computers ushered in a new day and that, soon, there’d be a computer on every lap of the kids in their target market. Instead, the company lost the place on these computers that should have been theirs. Instead, Encarta took their place. And, both companies lost the race to Wikipedia because they didn’t understand that information changes so quickly, a different mechanism for organizing that information was needed.
Encyclopedia Britannica Finally Goes Digital
So, with their recent announcement, Encyclopedia Britannica is finally going all digital. The information will still be there — just in electronic blips, not on paper. We’ll kill a few electrons instead of trees this way.
What Lesson Should We Learn from This?
As people 40+, what does this mean?
Like Encyclopedia Britannica we need to change as the world around us changes. We can’t become dinosaurs enslaved to arcane technologies and old ways of thinking. Unlike my mother, who was afraid to use ATM machines and, until her death barely used them.
If we let ourselves be marginalized because we don’t understand current technology or are afraid to use it we’ll cheat ourselves out of some very rewarding experiences, like keeping in close touch with family and distant friends through Facebook and Skype. We’ll slowly lose touch with what’s going on in the rest of the world as news organizations devote more time to their digital content and less to papers and TV.
We’ll also lose relevance in our businesses and lose our jobs to younger folks who can adapt to the new world we live in.
Teen Drinking: Starting Younger and Drinking More
March 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1408
Over the last few weeks, a local TV news station broadcast a series of reports on teen drinking. Issues discussed were how young kids were drinking, how easy it is for teens to get alcohol, and how drinking affects these young kids.
Since, this issue is a major concern for my readers, I wanted to summarize some elements from these broadcasts based on investigative reporting by Andrea McCarren for Channel 9, WUSA in DC.
Teens Binge Drinking at Parties
McCarren found kids drinking vast quantities of alcohol at parties, sometimes in the form of energy drinks laden with alcohol. Recent changes banned sale of the drinks, but kids just mix their own alcohol into the drinks. Between the energy provided by the drink and natural tendencies for teen brains to stay awake longer than adults who drink alcohol, teens are able to drink vast quantities of alcohol rather than passing out.
Thus, the developing child’s brain doesn’t provide natural protection from alcohol poisoning, allowing the teen to reach dangerous levels of alcohol in their system, which depresses breathing and other automatic behaviors.
How easy is it to get alcohol as a minor
EASY. Channel 9 showed underage kids going into liquor stores and purchasing alcohol without even using their fake ids. Other kids were served in bars without id.
Since the reports aired, local officials are cracking down on underage sales of alcohol. But, kids still get alcohol from friends and family members who are over 21 or by using fake ids.
Results of Underage Drinking
Deaths from alcohol poisoning and car accidents top the list of dangers from binge drinking. Just in Fairfax County, VA, a DC suburb, 350 alcohol related deaths were reported last year — everything from crashing the car while drunk to being too drunk to notice the driver is drunk to innocent people in other cars and pedestrians.
Alcohol also damages developing brains – impacting memory and learning at a time when teens should be learning skills necessary for future careers.
Solutions
I don’t think the solution is more legislation or more enforcement of regulations. I think the solution comes from the family.
I think parents have to set an example for children from an early age by showing acceptable drinking behaviors. Parents who get drunk or talk about getting drunk where young children are present, invite similar behaviors. Similarly, parents need to monitor TV viewing to ensure children aren’t exposed to programming that glamorizes drinking.
And parents should discuss drinking with children — even young ones.
But, I also think children should understand responsible drinking behavior. I think by banning alcohol, children are encouraged to experiment and see drinking as something glamorous and cool. The notion of the forbidden fruit encourages disobedience.
I know many disagree, but I believe children should be allowed to drink in the controlled environment of their homes and under the supervision of their parents. What do you think?
Rush Limbaugh, Shock Radio, and the Power of Social Media
March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
courtesy of the Huffington Post
Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave the last week, you’ve heard the controversy created when Rush Limbaugh called a Georgetown University Law student a slut after her congressional testimony advocating insurance coverage for contraceptives.
Regardless of how you feel about the contraceptive debate, I think most would agree that calling an individual a slut in a public forum is unprofessional, to say the least. Yet, shock jocks like Limbaugh make their living creating controversy. That’s what gets folks to tune into his program day after day.
In fact, I’ve heard comments that this latest controversy was a function of his relative absence from conversations about the Republican presidential primaries. No one wanted a quote from Rush Limbaugh about Rick Santorum’s chances of beating President Obama or whether Mitt Romney reflected the “average” American. He felt he no longer had a seat at the table of right-wing political pundits.
The personal attack was designed to bring tempers to a boil and re-establish his relevance as a media force. He didn’t care if there was merit to his attack, whether the attack was fact-based, whether the attack was professional, or even whether it was ethical to attack a private individual for their opinions. He only cared about getting people to talk about him.
And talk about him they did. But, rather than talking about the controversy over contraceptives, individuals and the media reviled Rush Limbaugh himself. And that wasn’t the controversy he was comfortable with. Others should be on the hot seat, not him.
Rush Limbaugh apologized for his attack; not so much because he felt genuinely sorry for the personal nature of the attack, but because advertisers, including AOL, withdrew sponsorship of his program after attacks from both the political right and left. Advertisers pulled out after a virtual firestorm of negative sentiment poured out on social media sites — all of it anti-Rush Limbaugh.
Is Rush Limbaugh to Blame?
Several came to Rush Limbaugh’s defense; saying it really wasn’t his fault. And, as reprehensible as his actions were, I sort of agree with them. We’re to blame for Rush Limbaugh and other shock radio (and TV) programs around the county. We allow these programs to exist despite the hatred, lies, and poison they spread throughout our society. Obviously, we can control their poison. We just need to make our voices heard.
Our B’Nai Mitzvah
March 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Last Saturday, I celebrated my Bat Mitzvah with my daughter and 4 other women. Most of us spent the last 3 years meeting with the cantor every Wednesday evening for an hour. Our ceremony was very moving, both for us and our families. But, surprisingly, it was a moving ceremony for the entire congregation, which swelled to nearly double its normal size for a Saturday morning.
And, for the most part, the service went smoothly. We each did our part in leading the Torah service. We invited our families and our tutors, who spent countless hours helping us prepare for the service, to have their part in the ceremony.
Several congregants mentioned the most moving part of the service was when all 6 of us formed a semi-circle around the Bima (like an altar in a church) and took turns chanting our Haftarah — a Hebrew reading from the old testament related to the Torah portion from one of the 5 books of Moses. If you’ve never seen Torah or Haftarah before, not only does the writing contain Hebrew letters, but little marks, called Trop, that instruct the reader on the tune so chanting is the same regardless of which synagogue you enter.
Shelley and Tanya gave very moving sermons relating our Torah and Haftarah portions to their lives. I saw lots of tears break out as Shelley shared her situation with her mother as a Holocaust survivor. I’m hoping to get copies of what she said to post on this site next week — along with some more pictures.
All in all, I’d say the experience was a good one — despite the long hours of practice leading up to the ceremony. I would recommend the experience to others considering it.
Happy Birthday, Charles Dickens
February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Actually, I’m a little late. His birthday was on February 7th and he would have been 200! Of course, Charles Dickens has been dead a long time, but his tales live on.
Secrets to Dickens’ literary success
Universality
Well, for one thing, his books talk about universals that transcend time and geography. In fact, the Minister of Culture presented each Cabinet Minister with a Dickens tale especially purchased for them. Prime Minister, David Cameron, for instance, got a copy of Hard Times. Seems particularly appropriate given the economic state of GB and the EU, in general.
Even though his tales of two cities may not apply to Paris and London any more, we certainly see similar stories in the days headlines. For instance. Egypt currently holds 19 Americans working for non-governmental organizations, NGO’s for short, including Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s son, Sam.
Rich Descriptions
If for no other reason, Dickens shares a view of 19th Century England that history books overlook. His rich description of the lives of ordinary Londoner from all classes gives us a glimpse into the past — with all its color and blemishes.
Great Writing
Many of today’s novels pale by comparison to the eloquent style evident in Dickens’ books. The consummate storyteller, Dickens’ characters come to life. His tales draws us into a world and makes us feel we’re a part of that world. Once started, it’s hard to put a Dickens book down.
Many of today’s writers are too linear — taking us from the beginning to the end of their tale without making us feel like we know the characters or that we can see their environs. Their tales proceed from the beginning to the middle to the end without the circular flows we experience in our own lives. This makes their stories seem too superficial.
Google commemorated Dickens’ birthday, as it
does so many occasions, with a doodle.
But, unlike any previous doodle, this one has a commercial message. Selecting the search takes you to an offer for a Google ebook. Interesting that the man who fought so hard for human dignity is commemorated in such a commercial fashion.
Custody Disaster – Josh Powell Kills Himself and 2 Children
February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
courtesy of the New York Daily News
Child custody issues are rarely easy and custody debates often spin out of control, with both parents using the children as tools to beat the other parent up. But, the recent tragedy with Josh Powell brings the notion of a custody dispute to a new level.
Early Sunday, Josh Powell killed himself and his 2 children by blowing up the house they were living in — with both boys inside.
Reasons for this action vary. Some cite the fact Josh Powell lost custody of his kids to their maternal grandparents. Mr. Powell blew up himself and his kids moments after Child Protective Services brought the kids for state supervised visitation.
Others say the deaths were because the children, then 7 and 5, were beginning to remember details of their mother’s disappearance — details implicating their father who was long considered a “person of interest” in the crime.
Regardless, Josh Powell sent an email prior to the explosion, saying he was sorry. What he’s sorry for is open to debate. Powell originally lost custody after child pornography was found in the home he shared with his father, Steven Powell. The elder Powell was later convicted for possession of child pornography and his son denied custody until he passed a psycho-sexual evaluation.
Reactions from across the web:
Black Eyes on Black Friday
November 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Who would ever think that Black Friday would be what it is today? Black Friday is
becoming a dangerous occasion for everyone. Several reports of fights and
altercations are being talked about all over the internet, not to mention
random texts and phone calls from my friends telling me about their personal
accounts from yesterday’s events.
Great sales are bringing out the worst in people. Mothers have been arguing in the store aisles over Hello Kitty dolls and Elmo toys, Dads almost getting into
brawls over TVs and game systems. It seems we have all gone insane trying to
save a little change.
Wal-Mart seems to have been the scene for most of the chaos that has occurred in the last 24 hours, according to LA Times, there have been several incidents that have taken place in California Wal-Marts since last night. In Porter Ranch, a woman pepper sprayed customers at a Wal-Mart in a desperate attempt to gain an advantage over other shoppers. In San Leandro, a Wal-Mart shopper walking to his car was shot and wounded in a robbery. There were a few other robberies in the United States leaving victims injured as well.
Black Friday is no longer a day to save money from the various sales in retail stores nationwide. It has now become a day where people are showing their true competitive nature. There is no sale on any item worth getting pepper sprayed over and there is absolutely no reason for any person to get shot. When I think about all of the perceptions of Americans being consumed with materialistic values, Black Friday is becoming more and more of a reason to believe that accusation may be true. Just take a look around. Less kids are playing outside, climbing trees, and using their imaginations to make fun. Now, IPhones, IPads, and IPods are all you see in children’s hands. At the pace technology is progressing, next year’s Black Friday could be a retail massacre.
Here’s a video, courtesy of the Fox affiliate in Atlanta showing some of the chaos surrounding Black Friday yesterday:
VIDEO: Black Friday Chaos at Ellijay Walmart: MyFoxATLANTA.com
Penn State and Joe Paterno: Death of an Era
November 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Unbelievable events this week regarding Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions of Penn State. Joe Paterno took over as head coach at Penn State when I was still in elementary school; becoming the winningest coach in college football history.
Now, I admit many of my friends (and my son) were happy to see Paterno leave. We’re fans of archrival, Pitt, and represent 4 generations of Pitt students. For generations, the Pitt – Penn State game, traditionally played on the Friday after Thanksgiving, was the height of our season. I remember a particularly bitter Friday game, huddled under blankets, hats, and gloves, when Pitt went down in defeat to Paterno’s team. We wished more than dismissal for the Penn State head coach.
But, now that Joe Paterno was dismissed under the cloud of child sex abuse stemming from charges against assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, you wonder how this happened. How much did people inside and outside the locker room know about what was going on, for instance? Graham Spanier, long-standing president of Penn State, and several other highly-placed administrator, are also gone. What did they know and when did they know it?
Are there more victims — maybe some current or former NFL stars ashamed to come forward?
Are we so obsessed with winning we’re willing to overlook criminal behavior — some would say horrific behavior — in exchange for winning?
Penn State fans seemed to think so. Their response to the firings included demonstrations and riots in the area surrounding campus, which included destroying a TV camera van. Officials increased security on and around campus to curtail additional violence and, luckily, cooler heads prevailed. Now, fans join others around the country who are horrified not only by the behavior, but the subsequent cover-up of the sexual abuse.
Perhaps, that’s the biggest question of all — How could administrators cover up such scandalous behavior? Were they afraid it would damage Penn State’s reputation? Didn’t the cover-up cause even more problems for the university than reporting the abuse? And, if they were more afraid of loosing football games, what does that say about our society?
Are we mourning the loss of Joe Paterno as head coach of Penn State Football or our loss of innocence in believing humanity more important than winning?
Five Active Baby Boomer Vacations
November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
As the common vacationer often flees to the warmth, relaxaing beauty of a tropical getaway, others choose to stay back and enjoy the features of the fall. For those who would rather kayaks to cruise ships, here are some destinations to look into for your next {active} vacation!
1. Archeological Digging in the Southwest
Help professional archaeologists discover ancient cities beneath the sands, restore rock art, or gently probe for artifacts.
How: Submit a free application through the UDSA Forest Service’s Passport in Time program. If chosen, be prepared to pitch a tent or pay for accommodations nearby.
This opportunity is also available through certain field schools, such as the Totah Archeological Program at the San Juan College in Farmingdale, New Mexico, and is open to non-paying students.
2. Fly Fishing in Montana
Wade on your own, fish from a drift boat, or raft with the help of a professional guide along the Madison and Flathead Rivers of Montana, surrounded by the Rocky Mountain Vistas.
How: Half- and full-day float trips start at $225 for one person or $250 for two. Nearby Ennis has accommodations ranging from simple motel rooms to cabins, B&Bs, and classic log-timbered lodges.
3. Horseback Riding in Wyoming
The backdrop for hundreds of western movies, Wyoming’s landscape of mountains and plains practically defines awesomeness. Its ranches draw an international clientele, with wranglers and horses you can trust.
How: Some Ranches to look into include Goosewing Ranch in Jackson, and Diamond 4 Ranch in the Wind River Range near Lander.
4. Walking/ Touring in Quebec
Multi-faceted geography, diverse landscapes, vegetation and climate, and a rich history spanning five centuries from colonial regime to the present-day make Quebec one of the most historical cities in the world.
How: The historical landmarks as well as the remarkable French design which has been so carefully preserved over centuries invite walking tours of several kinds. Try a self-guided tour called the VivaCite (marked by a circle on the sidewalks) or inquire about a certified tour through Quebec’s Tourism Site.
5. Paddling Paddling in New York’s Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks are as majestic as the Rockies and as wild as Alaska. Take to the water and listen for loons while camping in a lean-to. Or paddle by day and then relax in one of the “great camps” like White Pine on secluded Osgood Lake (it was the summer White House for President Coolidge).
How: You can rent a canoe or kayak in the town of Saranac Lake for as little as $35 a day, or head up to Ampersand Bay where a suite atop its lakefront boathouse is $2,450 per week; a more modest cedar hewn cabin is about $1,500. Canoes, kayaks, and loons are complimentary.
For More Destinations, visit Gorp.com’s list of Top Ten Active Baby-Boomer Vacations
Written By Michelle Previlon
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