A recent commercial I saw for the search engine Bing made me wonder how they can claim they are preferred over Google. A simple search reveals it simply isn't true. Just check this stat: http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/search-engines
How do they get away with it? It's all in the wording. If you watch the commercial you can see what I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf6XhAn6X1g
In addition to the direction by the personality to search only for certain items, the statement at the end is a dead giveaway. Obviously they are referring to their little sample they made while filming these segments, but it's not really stated. I think most people are aware of this, but I thought it worth pointing out.
And while we are talking about Bing, I don't believe for a moment that they are truly ahead of Yahoo as a search engine. Anyone who has visited msn.com will know what I'm talking about. Being another Microsoft site, msn.com uses Bing for any searches their news feed needs to do. A lot of the features they do have to do with celebrities and who is in foreclosure, who is least popular, what a celebs real names, etc. If you click each one, it can easily amount to hundreds of Bing searches in a matter of minutes. Way to inflate the numbers Microsoft!
Switching gears for a moment, I've coined a new phrase, coastal smurfs. As everyone knows, the coastal areas of this country are mostly blue when it comes to voting. New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC on the right coast and San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle on the left coast. There are many reasons why this is the case, but the one I want to examine is attitude.
We the people here in middle America know what I'm talking about. The coastal smurfs are better educated, more hip, and just seem to know what's best for the rest, or so they think. You can hear it in their voices when they talk to us in their news broadcasts, documentaries, movies or tech podcasts. They will often claim they have a feel for what the common man needs. BULL$#!+.
I've known this was true of journalists since the time I started paying attention. By that I mean after the kids are grown and you have more time to be aware of things which are happening around you. We all know that when raising children, there just isn't much time for doing anything else, period. But when the little rugrats are out producing rugrats of their own, it frees up your mind to take in and analyze the information you receive from various sources.
A good example was listening to a speech made by the president and then having the friendly members of the fourth estate explain what he said to me. Prior to the time I started paying attention, I would often just let them listen for me. I thought they were my friends. Boy was I ever wrong!
While some in the media obviously have a true agenda, there are others who just can't help themselves. They are coastal smurfs who were just raised believing that they are the chosen ones who are there to lead the rest of us out of the darkness. I have pity on them for they are truly the clueless ones. The ones destined to lead a lonely life in local news or until the time they figure out for themselves that they aren't as important as they thought they were.
Those media people who know what their true purpose in life is are far more dangerous. They know their mission is to indoctrinate the masses with the liberal agenda. It's just been a fact of growing up in this country for a long, long time now. At least until people like Rush Limbaugh and Fox news came along.
But make no mistake, while we now at least have a choice of what agenda mongers we get our news from, the bias is still there. It's just slanted the other way if you choose Fox news. For the record, I believe Fox news is closer to the actual truth than the liberal press, but they still present the facts with a conservative slant if you watch closely.
So what is a person to do? How is one supposed to get the news? The answer is pretty clear. You can choose sides and find a news source that you like and agree with or you can listen to both sides and make up your own mind. For the most part that is what I do. I read news on both the liberal and conservative websites and then decide which one to believe.
It's often not difficult as most of the liberal sites have toned their agenda way down to compete with Fox news. Competition is a great thing and for that reason I am grateful to Rush Limbaugh and Fox news for introducing it into the American news media. We are truly better informed than ever now!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Precious little to do
Although I said long ago when asked how I would fill time after I retire, I answered that I would have no problem at all, what with all my computer activities, and an old car to work on, etc. And for the most part, that has been true, but there are times when it seems like there is nothing to do.
Let me rephrase that just a bit, there is nothing I want to do. I have a Buick out in the garage, just sitting
there waiting to be worked on. In fact I started draining the oil the other day to change it, but I simply left the plug out and it has been draining ever since. I think it is no doubt drained by now.
I need to put the drain plug back in and remove the oil filter to completely finish the process. Then I need a new oil filter to replace the old one, but that means I have to drive all the way (a few blocks) to the O'Reilly auto parts store (they have one in stock), to buy one. But my gas light is on, so that means I have to get gas, and that is a hassle. Nothing is ever simple.
There have also been unplanned activities to occupy my time such as ball games. My grandson (Billy) played high school baseball for the Seymour Owls and has done quite well. I really enjoy attending the games to watch them play, but that will soon end as he heads off to college this fall. No word yet on whether or not he will play ball in college.
And this past weekend, I played host to my granddaughters, Lexi (12) and Kylie (11), as their parents attended Billy's baseball invitational tournament in Carmel, Indiana, which is located just north of Indianapolis. I did enjoy that, even though they can be quite a handful at times. I raised a boy and a girl, but I think it is different when both siblings are the same sex and very close in age.
I usually have things available to fill the gaps left by the lack of other activities such as TV. I record certain shows I like to watch for when I eat meals, or have nothing else to do. As all of that is done here on my computer, it means I usually eat my meals here in front of the monitors. Lucky for me I have a keyboard that is easy to clean!
Plus there are certain times when I don't want to start an activity which I know I cannot finish due to something else. Like now I am waiting to hear back from the body shop to get an estimate for damage done to my car on April 19th. A friend visiting the neighbor across the street didn't see my car parked in front of my place and backed into it.
Damage was minor, but the door would not open, at least until my son-n-law (Randy) did some minor surgery with a hammer. The insurance company had me contact the shop I wanted to do the repairs for an estimate and pictures, but so far they have not gotten back to me. If they don't contact me by tomorrow morning, I will call and find out what the hold up is. I'm not in a big hurry as I can drive the car, but I do want it fixed.
My car is now parked in my driveway, but even that is a hassle as my oldest granddaughter (Jordan) lives with me and is always parked behind me. Not a problem when she is at work or school, but she sleeps odd hours due to her work schedule, so I never really know if she is asleep or awake and I hate to wake her to move her car. We need an extra set of keys so I can just move it when she is asleep. Another thing to add to my list of things to do that I don't want to do! LOL
And for those of you wondering, yes I am a very lazy person. I basically worked my whole life, (age 15-60), and I can't recall any job that I liked to do, mainly because I don't like to work. And so now that I don't have to work, at least things I don't want to do, I don't do them. I much prefer sitting here typing on a keyboard than doing any kind of manual labor, period!
And my lack of physical activity shows, in both physique and stamina. One of the jobs I was charged with while the girls stayed with me was grocery shopping (another job I hate). The trip around the floor of Walmart about wore me out! Luckily I had the girls to bring in the sacks of food and put them away while I rested. Ah to be young again...
So yes I have things to do, but when you have a brain like mine that consistently makes a better argument for sitting here in my chair, what is a person to do? The power of persuasion is a beautiful thing. It actually doesn't take much of an argument as I already prefer doing nothing rather than something that involves me getting out of this chair.
My daughter (Autumn), bless her heart, tries to make me stay active, but it's a losing battle. I am the poster child for the lazy american. Having been this way all my life, it is very difficult to make changes now, especially since I don't really have to.
Let me rephrase that just a bit, there is nothing I want to do. I have a Buick out in the garage, just sitting
there waiting to be worked on. In fact I started draining the oil the other day to change it, but I simply left the plug out and it has been draining ever since. I think it is no doubt drained by now.
I need to put the drain plug back in and remove the oil filter to completely finish the process. Then I need a new oil filter to replace the old one, but that means I have to drive all the way (a few blocks) to the O'Reilly auto parts store (they have one in stock), to buy one. But my gas light is on, so that means I have to get gas, and that is a hassle. Nothing is ever simple.
There have also been unplanned activities to occupy my time such as ball games. My grandson (Billy) played high school baseball for the Seymour Owls and has done quite well. I really enjoy attending the games to watch them play, but that will soon end as he heads off to college this fall. No word yet on whether or not he will play ball in college.
 |
| Kylie |
 |
| Lexi |
I usually have things available to fill the gaps left by the lack of other activities such as TV. I record certain shows I like to watch for when I eat meals, or have nothing else to do. As all of that is done here on my computer, it means I usually eat my meals here in front of the monitors. Lucky for me I have a keyboard that is easy to clean!
Plus there are certain times when I don't want to start an activity which I know I cannot finish due to something else. Like now I am waiting to hear back from the body shop to get an estimate for damage done to my car on April 19th. A friend visiting the neighbor across the street didn't see my car parked in front of my place and backed into it.Damage was minor, but the door would not open, at least until my son-n-law (Randy) did some minor surgery with a hammer. The insurance company had me contact the shop I wanted to do the repairs for an estimate and pictures, but so far they have not gotten back to me. If they don't contact me by tomorrow morning, I will call and find out what the hold up is. I'm not in a big hurry as I can drive the car, but I do want it fixed.
My car is now parked in my driveway, but even that is a hassle as my oldest granddaughter (Jordan) lives with me and is always parked behind me. Not a problem when she is at work or school, but she sleeps odd hours due to her work schedule, so I never really know if she is asleep or awake and I hate to wake her to move her car. We need an extra set of keys so I can just move it when she is asleep. Another thing to add to my list of things to do that I don't want to do! LOL
And for those of you wondering, yes I am a very lazy person. I basically worked my whole life, (age 15-60), and I can't recall any job that I liked to do, mainly because I don't like to work. And so now that I don't have to work, at least things I don't want to do, I don't do them. I much prefer sitting here typing on a keyboard than doing any kind of manual labor, period!
 |
| This is what I need! |
And my lack of physical activity shows, in both physique and stamina. One of the jobs I was charged with while the girls stayed with me was grocery shopping (another job I hate). The trip around the floor of Walmart about wore me out! Luckily I had the girls to bring in the sacks of food and put them away while I rested. Ah to be young again...
So yes I have things to do, but when you have a brain like mine that consistently makes a better argument for sitting here in my chair, what is a person to do? The power of persuasion is a beautiful thing. It actually doesn't take much of an argument as I already prefer doing nothing rather than something that involves me getting out of this chair.
My daughter (Autumn), bless her heart, tries to make me stay active, but it's a losing battle. I am the poster child for the lazy american. Having been this way all my life, it is very difficult to make changes now, especially since I don't really have to.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Been Awhile
Felt like posting on my blog today, first time in a long time. What caused this sudden desire to peck on my keyboard? This article I read in USA Today. Having visited 5 cities in the top ten, I felt somewhat qualified to make a comment or two.
#9 - Washington D.C.
It has been a long time since I've been to our nation's capital, but I do remember it well. Having been there several times, my worst recollection of driving here was entering and leaving the city, always a hassle. Traveling around in the city itself was bad, but no worse than any other major city in the country in my opinion.
On some visits,we rode the train in, but most of our traveling then was by foot. As educational as a visit to this city is, I feel whatever travel misery you suffer here it is worth it. And for the record, Washington D.C. is the 74th largest city by population in the world.
#5 - New York City
Having driven a little in this, the 8th most populated city in the world, I can only say that I agree with the article which places NYC 5th on their list. The highways are very crowded, but where I drove (entering via George Washinton bridge and driving north to Yonkers), the people seemed to be courteous and somewhat forgiving of tourists. No doubt driving in downtown Manhattan might not have been the same experience, but that is to be expected, I would think.
We did walk across the Brooklyn bridge and traffic there seemed to be moving at a good pace. No doubt not a rush-hour situation, but during the afternoon on the weekend instead. During our visit, all transportation in and out and around the city was by bus, trains and feet! Another educational experience, I'm glad I went and would like to go back again.
#3 - San Francisco
Number 3 in the top 10 worst, San Francisco isn't all that bad in my opinion. Of course I was only a passenger in the front seat of the car we were in, but I think you get a better perspective on how the traffic is this way. San Francisco-San Jose is listed as the 55th largest city in the world, but this is somewhat deceptive as Oakland is also part of the metropolitan area.
We drove in from the north on highway 101 and crossed into the city via the Golden Gate bridge. One of the best views I can ever remember. Once in the city we traveled by bus around the city and took a boat out to Alcatraz island. We exited the city to the south, again via highway 101, and to my way of thinking, the traffic didn't seem as bad as it did in NYC. Maybe it was different for the driver.
By the way, San Jose is number 7 on the list, but I included my impressions in with San Francisco. If it weren't for the signs, you would never know you left one city and entered another.
#1 - Los Angeles
Hands down, no doubt about it, the worst city I have ever driven in. I've been to LA twice now, once as the driver and once as the front seat passenger and both times I saw nothing that would cause me to think any differently.
As the 17th most populated city in the world, LA is spread out a lot more than most large cities. Most of the metro area is comprised of many smaller towns and cities, so it almost seems like you are in one huge city instead of many small ones.
Regardless of how it's laid out, it is crowded, have no doubt about that. Freeways going in all directions and mostly bumper to bumper, even if the speed does increase to the posted limit now and then. And driving on the surface streets in and around town is the worse. All you see are vehicles, everywhere you look!
I also found the drivers to be very rude, especially to those who are from places other than LA. It's almost like a competition to find an open spot on the freeway where someone will let you in. I have no desire to return to this city anytime soon.
Another large city you might expect to be on this list is Chicago, considering it is the 28th most populated city in the world, but apparently that is not the case. All of my trips in and around Chicago were most pleasant for such a large city. I guess midwesterners know how to keep things moving along!
#9 - Washington D.C.
It has been a long time since I've been to our nation's capital, but I do remember it well. Having been there several times, my worst recollection of driving here was entering and leaving the city, always a hassle. Traveling around in the city itself was bad, but no worse than any other major city in the country in my opinion.
On some visits,we rode the train in, but most of our traveling then was by foot. As educational as a visit to this city is, I feel whatever travel misery you suffer here it is worth it. And for the record, Washington D.C. is the 74th largest city by population in the world.
Having driven a little in this, the 8th most populated city in the world, I can only say that I agree with the article which places NYC 5th on their list. The highways are very crowded, but where I drove (entering via George Washinton bridge and driving north to Yonkers), the people seemed to be courteous and somewhat forgiving of tourists. No doubt driving in downtown Manhattan might not have been the same experience, but that is to be expected, I would think.
We did walk across the Brooklyn bridge and traffic there seemed to be moving at a good pace. No doubt not a rush-hour situation, but during the afternoon on the weekend instead. During our visit, all transportation in and out and around the city was by bus, trains and feet! Another educational experience, I'm glad I went and would like to go back again.
#3 - San Francisco
Number 3 in the top 10 worst, San Francisco isn't all that bad in my opinion. Of course I was only a passenger in the front seat of the car we were in, but I think you get a better perspective on how the traffic is this way. San Francisco-San Jose is listed as the 55th largest city in the world, but this is somewhat deceptive as Oakland is also part of the metropolitan area.
We drove in from the north on highway 101 and crossed into the city via the Golden Gate bridge. One of the best views I can ever remember. Once in the city we traveled by bus around the city and took a boat out to Alcatraz island. We exited the city to the south, again via highway 101, and to my way of thinking, the traffic didn't seem as bad as it did in NYC. Maybe it was different for the driver.
By the way, San Jose is number 7 on the list, but I included my impressions in with San Francisco. If it weren't for the signs, you would never know you left one city and entered another.
#1 - Los Angeles
Hands down, no doubt about it, the worst city I have ever driven in. I've been to LA twice now, once as the driver and once as the front seat passenger and both times I saw nothing that would cause me to think any differently.
As the 17th most populated city in the world, LA is spread out a lot more than most large cities. Most of the metro area is comprised of many smaller towns and cities, so it almost seems like you are in one huge city instead of many small ones.
Regardless of how it's laid out, it is crowded, have no doubt about that. Freeways going in all directions and mostly bumper to bumper, even if the speed does increase to the posted limit now and then. And driving on the surface streets in and around town is the worse. All you see are vehicles, everywhere you look!
I also found the drivers to be very rude, especially to those who are from places other than LA. It's almost like a competition to find an open spot on the freeway where someone will let you in. I have no desire to return to this city anytime soon.
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