To me, Breaking Bad is the new Sopranos. Meaning it is my newest vice in TV. The word vice, I guess, is ironic, since it is about a super meth lab.
The whole premise of the show though is a little silly. What high school chemistry professor would work in a super meth lab to begin with? What kind of teacher would do that? He has lung cancer, an older child with cerebral palsy, and an infant. So the reason behind his switch in careers is that he wants to look after them. Whatever happened to the idea that that was what life insurance was for?
The other unbelievable part of the show is that someone with lung cancer could look that good and be that strong. I have known many people who have died from lung cancer, and they could never do what he does. They wouldn't live that long. On the show, it says he has gone into remission, something else that hardly ever or never happens. The storyline would be more believeable if he had lymphoma, prostate cancer, or leukemia--cancers that really do go into remission.
But despite these storyline weaknesses, it is a great show and one that is addicting. Haha. It is at the end of the fourth season, and both the authorities and the man in charge is closing in on Walter. Who will win?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Help Is Gripping
When my book club decided to read the book The Help almost a year ago, I didn't think I would like it that much. I am not originally from the South and my family never had a black maid. I often don't relate to Southern literature for those reasons. Growing up in the South was a lot different that growing up in the North apparently. Up North, we didn't have black maids and did not have the guilt conciousness that is prevalent in the South. If you are not a racist in the South, you more than likely have guilt consciousness about how blacks were treated. And that is a good thing. For those who grew up in areas where blacks were servants and not treated equally, and you remember that from your youth, you should feel some guilt, even if you didn't do anything wrong. You were still part of that system, like it or not.
I could not put the book down. Being a journalist, I think I was initially pulled in by Skeeter, who is the journalist and the impetus behind the book. She is super. I would like to be at least a smidgen like her. Then I got hooked on the greater story--telling the story of the maids, and that was so compelling. Even though it is a work of fiction, there were probably some similar real milestones that helped the movement along the way. And you wished that there had been such a book published back in the 60s.
Then I saw the move The Help this weekend and thought it was likewise fabulous. It captured the spirit of the book very well and had a great cast. I shed a tear a time or two. The friend I went with said the book and the movie fell a little short--that the hard work of civil rights came after the time of the book. I told her I agreed with her, but that was for another book and another movie. This one was purely for the maids and their voice. About time.
I could not put the book down. Being a journalist, I think I was initially pulled in by Skeeter, who is the journalist and the impetus behind the book. She is super. I would like to be at least a smidgen like her. Then I got hooked on the greater story--telling the story of the maids, and that was so compelling. Even though it is a work of fiction, there were probably some similar real milestones that helped the movement along the way. And you wished that there had been such a book published back in the 60s.
Then I saw the move The Help this weekend and thought it was likewise fabulous. It captured the spirit of the book very well and had a great cast. I shed a tear a time or two. The friend I went with said the book and the movie fell a little short--that the hard work of civil rights came after the time of the book. I told her I agreed with her, but that was for another book and another movie. This one was purely for the maids and their voice. About time.
Jobs That Don't Require Education
The title of this post might seem weird. I am all about education, so why am I writing about jobs that don't need education? Maybe because in this day and age, it is good to get any job, education required or not!
I talked with a high school friend yesterday who is very down on his luck. He is highly educated--has a law degree and has extensive work experience. But a series of bad or untimely career decisions has left him out of work, and down on his luck. I am actually feeling kind of worried about him.
I was trying to think of what he could do and do quickly to make some money. I saw an ad for drivers wanted that I thought I would tell him about. Such a job would be out of his comfort zone--but which is better--to be out of your comfort zone or homeless? I think the former. I told him about the drivers wanted
ad, but he didn't really understand what I was talking about, so he will have to read it for himself and make up his mind. I have seen a number of drivers wanted ads in recent weeks, so it may be something that people can do start doing quickly and painlessly. I guess it wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea, but it wouldn't hurt him to look into it.
I talked with a high school friend yesterday who is very down on his luck. He is highly educated--has a law degree and has extensive work experience. But a series of bad or untimely career decisions has left him out of work, and down on his luck. I am actually feeling kind of worried about him.
I was trying to think of what he could do and do quickly to make some money. I saw an ad for drivers wanted that I thought I would tell him about. Such a job would be out of his comfort zone--but which is better--to be out of your comfort zone or homeless? I think the former. I told him about the drivers wanted
ad, but he didn't really understand what I was talking about, so he will have to read it for himself and make up his mind. I have seen a number of drivers wanted ads in recent weeks, so it may be something that people can do start doing quickly and painlessly. I guess it wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea, but it wouldn't hurt him to look into it.
The Weather Outside Is Beautiful!
October is a wonderful month in the south. It is the perfect weather to be outside--sometimes you have to wear a sweater, but for the most part it is still warm but not bloody hot. You can actually go outside and enjoy a walk, a football game, or a picnic and not be sweltering but also not bundled up.
But even in the south, it gets cold come November and especially December. I live in an area where the weather can change quickly from warm to cool to cold to blistering hot all in a few hours or days. Well OK, maybe it is not that drastic, but it can fool people from out of town. "It was so hot yesterday--what happened?" you'll see some people shuddering as they huddle by in the unexpected cold wind. "That's just the way the weather is here," we locals will respond. It does make it hard when you only packed for one kind of weather or another and you get hit with a total unexpected change of temperature.
There are times in December/January/February that it is just too cold to be outside. Then you really have to be prepared. I have heard of heated gloves and I may look into them. That along with heated socks may help take the chill off when you just have to be outside and it is 17 degrees F.
But even in the south, it gets cold come November and especially December. I live in an area where the weather can change quickly from warm to cool to cold to blistering hot all in a few hours or days. Well OK, maybe it is not that drastic, but it can fool people from out of town. "It was so hot yesterday--what happened?" you'll see some people shuddering as they huddle by in the unexpected cold wind. "That's just the way the weather is here," we locals will respond. It does make it hard when you only packed for one kind of weather or another and you get hit with a total unexpected change of temperature.
There are times in December/January/February that it is just too cold to be outside. Then you really have to be prepared. I have heard of heated gloves and I may look into them. That along with heated socks may help take the chill off when you just have to be outside and it is 17 degrees F.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Verdict Expected Today In Amanda Knox Case
A jury in Perugia, Italy, is deliberating today in the appeal of the 2009 murder conviction of Amanda Knox. Will she get off? Or will she have to spend about 25 years in prison there? We should know soon. Seems like the tide has change somewhat for Knox. A little while ago, it looked hopeless that she could get released. Lately, however, it seems like there has been renewed hope. The murder victim's sister--Stephanie Kercher--told reporters today that she thinks that the victim, Meredith Kercher, has been forgotten in all of the media hoopla. The story is so sad and strange. Amanda did herself no favors early on with her odd behavior following the discover of the murder. Hopefully, justice will work out somehow, and if Amanda is truly innocent, that that will come out in court.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/amanda-knox-appeal-update_n_991800.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C100936
UPDATE: Amanda Knox as well as her boyfriend were found not guilty today in the appeal of their murder tiral. Definitely good, although probably unexpected news. Knox's tears of joy were wonderful to watch as all of her friends and family stood next to her in the courtroom.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/amanda-knox-appeal-update_n_991800.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C100936
UPDATE: Amanda Knox as well as her boyfriend were found not guilty today in the appeal of their murder tiral. Definitely good, although probably unexpected news. Knox's tears of joy were wonderful to watch as all of her friends and family stood next to her in the courtroom.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
My Freelancing Is Drying Up?
Wasn't it only the other day that I was bragging on myself that I was sitting pretty with freelance writing Pulling in a decent amount of extra money every month? Well, how quickly things change. I had two extremely good contracts on odesk, one of the freelance websites. Pulling in some good money. And all of us who use those websites know how unusual it is to make good money on there. Well, I was doing it. And I had plans for that money!
The one contract, to be honest, went two months longer than expected. He hired me for two months, but I went five. So actually, it was a bonus. But he closed the job, saying it was complete. I loved that job, and it paid well. Oh well. I knew it was going to happen--I was just hoping he would use me in perpetuity. The other job pays a little less than the other, but still well. We were backed up on work, and that was a good thing. There was always work to do. But today, there is none. What happened? I am fairly new with the contract, and others on the team have told me that work ebbs and flows with the project. So, I guess it will come back up. But I was counting on working a lot of hours this weekend. I need the money!
The life of a freelancer. At least I do have a regular job. This is why I would be scared to freelance full time. Things come and go too much. But it is good to have on the side.
The one contract, to be honest, went two months longer than expected. He hired me for two months, but I went five. So actually, it was a bonus. But he closed the job, saying it was complete. I loved that job, and it paid well. Oh well. I knew it was going to happen--I was just hoping he would use me in perpetuity. The other job pays a little less than the other, but still well. We were backed up on work, and that was a good thing. There was always work to do. But today, there is none. What happened? I am fairly new with the contract, and others on the team have told me that work ebbs and flows with the project. So, I guess it will come back up. But I was counting on working a lot of hours this weekend. I need the money!
The life of a freelancer. At least I do have a regular job. This is why I would be scared to freelance full time. Things come and go too much. But it is good to have on the side.
Where Should A Company Buy Products?
Whether you are a startup or a multi million dollar firm, and if you sell products, you have to figure out where to buy them. Some are dedicated to buying locally, so their decision is easier. But if you want to buy the best products at the best prices, the whole world is literally open to you.
But how do you start? You need to do research and maybe get some help. If you are buying across the country from where you are, you need to either travel periodically to where your products are being made or hire someone to check on them for you. What if you are buying overseas? Same concept. If you are wanting or hoping to work with China, you could do research on such things as china sourcing; same thing if you are wanting to buy from Mexico or India, or wherever.
Most companies going into a foreign country would probably need help with this. There are so many things to consider: language, customs, culture, etc. It is best to get up to speed on these things. Mentors, or staff experienced in working overseas or china sourcing options might be helpful.
But whether you end up using china sourcing or india sourcing, or mexico sourcing, or trying to go it on your own in international business, do you homework. It's a whole new world.
But how do you start? You need to do research and maybe get some help. If you are buying across the country from where you are, you need to either travel periodically to where your products are being made or hire someone to check on them for you. What if you are buying overseas? Same concept. If you are wanting or hoping to work with China, you could do research on such things as china sourcing; same thing if you are wanting to buy from Mexico or India, or wherever.
Most companies going into a foreign country would probably need help with this. There are so many things to consider: language, customs, culture, etc. It is best to get up to speed on these things. Mentors, or staff experienced in working overseas or china sourcing options might be helpful.
But whether you end up using china sourcing or india sourcing, or mexico sourcing, or trying to go it on your own in international business, do you homework. It's a whole new world.
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