Today's online edition of The Chicago Tribune, in reporting a story of a legal dispute between actors Kevin Costner and Stephen Baldwin, misspelled the name "Costner" as "Coster" in the headline and in a picture caption and also used "degended" for "defended". A later edition still had the picture caption spelled incorrectly.
Unfortunately, poor proofreading is not unusual.How often do you see egregious misspellings of names and places in the graphics on TV news programs? These shows are of course primarily aimed at seniors (who should know better)as evidenced by the plethora of pharmaceutical commercials for scary new medicines with frightening side effects ranging from bed wetting to erections lasting four hours to thoughts of suicide ("just ask your doctor").
Obviously a major cause of our national inability to spell correctly is the Internet. While proper grammar and spelling has more or less been shunted aside in the E-Mail world, the rising use of texting has been ruinous especially to young people.[Even TNB has been affected--in his occasional text to a family member, he might use "how r u"].
Also, the justifiable emphasis on math and science today has relegated the study of English to a secondary position. Back in the day, when TNB and his peers were learning how to spell, the teachers were largely tough, unmarried Irish women--who if it were Catholic instead of public school would likely have been tough, unmarried Irish nuns.
No raps on the knuckles though.
All may not be lost--TNB is familiar with an 8 year old sports fan who routinely catches errors in the spelling of athletes names.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
How Not to Own a Sports Team
Probably few readers of The Normal Blog (or anything else currently published) have been Cubs fans longer than TNB who remembers as a young boy when his team was last in the World Series (that's right 1945). For sheer futility there has certainly never been a team in any sport that could equal the Cubs. But yet the true fan carries on--hoping beyond all reason that something good will happen "soon".
When the wealthy Ricketts family that had made its fortune by developing the online broker TD Ameritrade bought the Cubs from Tribune Co. in 2009, there was a glimmer of hope (for no real reason)that things might get better, which has hardly happened yet. But patience, patience!
All this hope and patience came crashing down last week when it was revealed that the family patriarch, Joe Ricketts, had apparently commited $10 million to help a SuperPac finance a vicious attack on President Obama --including dredging up Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the birther issue and other long discredited lies. Free speech, if this where Joe wants to throw away his money you say?
Not so fast. Joe's son Tom, the nominal Cubs president, was in the midst of delicate negotiations with the City of Chicago and State of Illinois trying to get public funds to renovate ancient Wrigley Field. Upon hearing the news Mayor Rahm Emanuel, formerly Obama chief of staff, became livid and future City of Chicago financial aid to the Ricketts family looks as likely as the Cubs winning one-third of their games in 2012.
For which TNB says bravo! Let Wrigley fall apart--after all, the iconic stadium has been the main attraction for a long time as opposed to the team itself.
If Joe has an extra $10 million he probably has an extra $100 million that should be used for rehabbing the old ballpark, rather than the family hypocritically asking for public money from politicians they despise. Joe could start by replacing the troughs in the men's rooms, which come to think of it would be an appropriate place for him.
When the wealthy Ricketts family that had made its fortune by developing the online broker TD Ameritrade bought the Cubs from Tribune Co. in 2009, there was a glimmer of hope (for no real reason)that things might get better, which has hardly happened yet. But patience, patience!
All this hope and patience came crashing down last week when it was revealed that the family patriarch, Joe Ricketts, had apparently commited $10 million to help a SuperPac finance a vicious attack on President Obama --including dredging up Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the birther issue and other long discredited lies. Free speech, if this where Joe wants to throw away his money you say?
Not so fast. Joe's son Tom, the nominal Cubs president, was in the midst of delicate negotiations with the City of Chicago and State of Illinois trying to get public funds to renovate ancient Wrigley Field. Upon hearing the news Mayor Rahm Emanuel, formerly Obama chief of staff, became livid and future City of Chicago financial aid to the Ricketts family looks as likely as the Cubs winning one-third of their games in 2012.
For which TNB says bravo! Let Wrigley fall apart--after all, the iconic stadium has been the main attraction for a long time as opposed to the team itself.
If Joe has an extra $10 million he probably has an extra $100 million that should be used for rehabbing the old ballpark, rather than the family hypocritically asking for public money from politicians they despise. Joe could start by replacing the troughs in the men's rooms, which come to think of it would be an appropriate place for him.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
All Good Causes
One of the annoying realities of modern life is the barrage of solicitations received almost daily from various charitable entities.
Certainly most of these charities represent good causes but TNB (who contributes a significant amount of his income to the good causes of his own choosing) is really becoming impatient with the quantity and intrusiveness of the solicitations.
It's bad enough to have to throw away unopened up to 10 such letters in a given day and not sometimes feel a little guilty because of the obviously worthwhile nature of at least some of the senders. But then the CPA in TNB computes that even at a modest $20 per potential donee additional donations running several thousand dollars a year could easily be made. And of course the more donations that are made the more organizations solicit you--not by accident.
A sure way to increase the volume of solicitations is to donate in memory of a friend or loved one to an organization you've never heard of (as requested by the family).These organizations will no longer be obscure--you'll hear from them repeatedly.
One wonders how the sheer volume and cost of mass or even targeted solicitations can provide net revenues to the fundraising entities. Yet they continue on unabated--often with a nickel or dime enclosed or the favorite inducement--return mailing labels for the recipients. Then we also have robocalls and sometimes even live people interrupting your day, some of whom are offended by you being offended by their call!
TNB's only advice is to continue to support the good causes you want to and don't feel at all guilty about say not donating $3 per day to feed some unfortunate children (unless of course this is your desire).
Actually TNB resents even more the constant deluge he receives soliciting him for retirement homes and the like. No need for a reminder that we're all aging.
Certainly most of these charities represent good causes but TNB (who contributes a significant amount of his income to the good causes of his own choosing) is really becoming impatient with the quantity and intrusiveness of the solicitations.
It's bad enough to have to throw away unopened up to 10 such letters in a given day and not sometimes feel a little guilty because of the obviously worthwhile nature of at least some of the senders. But then the CPA in TNB computes that even at a modest $20 per potential donee additional donations running several thousand dollars a year could easily be made. And of course the more donations that are made the more organizations solicit you--not by accident.
A sure way to increase the volume of solicitations is to donate in memory of a friend or loved one to an organization you've never heard of (as requested by the family).These organizations will no longer be obscure--you'll hear from them repeatedly.
One wonders how the sheer volume and cost of mass or even targeted solicitations can provide net revenues to the fundraising entities. Yet they continue on unabated--often with a nickel or dime enclosed or the favorite inducement--return mailing labels for the recipients. Then we also have robocalls and sometimes even live people interrupting your day, some of whom are offended by you being offended by their call!
TNB's only advice is to continue to support the good causes you want to and don't feel at all guilty about say not donating $3 per day to feed some unfortunate children (unless of course this is your desire).
Actually TNB resents even more the constant deluge he receives soliciting him for retirement homes and the like. No need for a reminder that we're all aging.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Politics Make Strange Hypocrites
No one is quite sure where the saying "politics make strange bedfellows" originated but it has been understood to mean that in order to get elected, politicians would welcome and even seek out support from people who they wouldn't enjoy having dinner with much less (metaphorically) sharing a bed.
Some of us for example can remember 1960 when John F. Kennedy picked his primary rival, Lyndon Johnson (about 180 degrees opposite in personality and background) to be his running mate in order to help win Southern states. Believe it or not, Democrats had a good chance then in the South before Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy ( not so subtle racism) kicked in.
Eventually due to a number of sex scandals, not to mention married (and other) couples such as the Clintons both being active politically the term was sometimes inverted to read "bedfellows make strange politics".
Now however we are about to witness the ultimate in hypocrisy-- Mitt Romney who viciously and continuously attacked Rick Santorum (and vice versa) is already making nice to Santorum just hours after the latter suspended his campaign. This is more than just the two maybe becoming bedfellows (OMG--that term would drive both of them crazy!) it means asking the electorate to just totally ignore every barb, negative ad and surrogate attack each made on the other over the last six months or so.
What's changed from the JFK/LBJ days of 1960 (the era of Mad Men) among other things, is that every word and invective each has hurled at the other (not to mention Newt Gingrich) is preserved on videotape and after careful editing will be used against Romney this Fall thus further exposing the hypocritical side of someone whose real opinions and policies, if any, are subject daily or hourly to the political expediency of the moment (see: Etch-A-Sketch). Early speculation that Santorum will be the VP choice seems farfetched, but...?
To be fair, Mitt Romney is not the first hypocrite seeking high office. Or low office for that matter. If a politician turns out to be relatively decent and honest, we're generally surprised. As another old saying goes "we get the leaders we deserve".
Some of us for example can remember 1960 when John F. Kennedy picked his primary rival, Lyndon Johnson (about 180 degrees opposite in personality and background) to be his running mate in order to help win Southern states. Believe it or not, Democrats had a good chance then in the South before Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy ( not so subtle racism) kicked in.
Eventually due to a number of sex scandals, not to mention married (and other) couples such as the Clintons both being active politically the term was sometimes inverted to read "bedfellows make strange politics".
Now however we are about to witness the ultimate in hypocrisy-- Mitt Romney who viciously and continuously attacked Rick Santorum (and vice versa) is already making nice to Santorum just hours after the latter suspended his campaign. This is more than just the two maybe becoming bedfellows (OMG--that term would drive both of them crazy!) it means asking the electorate to just totally ignore every barb, negative ad and surrogate attack each made on the other over the last six months or so.
What's changed from the JFK/LBJ days of 1960 (the era of Mad Men) among other things, is that every word and invective each has hurled at the other (not to mention Newt Gingrich) is preserved on videotape and after careful editing will be used against Romney this Fall thus further exposing the hypocritical side of someone whose real opinions and policies, if any, are subject daily or hourly to the political expediency of the moment (see: Etch-A-Sketch). Early speculation that Santorum will be the VP choice seems farfetched, but...?
To be fair, Mitt Romney is not the first hypocrite seeking high office. Or low office for that matter. If a politician turns out to be relatively decent and honest, we're generally surprised. As another old saying goes "we get the leaders we deserve".
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Technology Gone Wild
It's undisputable that in the last decade or so (i.e. the 21st century) technology has just about totally taken over most everyone's lives. To a large extent, this has been a positive development -- the ubiquitous smartphones, tablets such as I Pads and other new products have made PC's and laptops for example seem somewhat obsolete. Of course, planned obsolescence is the name of the game.
As incredible as many of the new gadgets are (and certainly TNB uses them) there is always a downside. Who could argue that the wanton use of cellphones has gone over the top? Besides talking while driving (banned in many States but poorly enforced), how about talking on these phones just about everywhere such as while crossing streets, in public restroom stalls, etc. Privacy is a forgotten word. Despite admonitions at the start of a program, cellphone ringing is constantly interrupting concerts, plays and even funerals. Manners is another forgotten word.
And then there's texting. Besides likely causing our teenagers to have carpal tunnel syndrome in their thumbs, recent studies express the fear that ultimately we will be raising a group of people who besides not knowing how to write, won't be able to talk properly (with their mouths that is).
TNB has learned to at least abide by all the changes enumerated above. But in one area TNB fervently believes that technology has gone wild with the scourge of today's world--the robocall. There is no way any rational person can accept the constant interruptions by robotically dialed calls, soliciting donations, product purchases and worst of all political support.
TNB might be a little sensitive because today was the Illinois primary and so leading up to it were an incredible number of robocalls for just a few (well-financed) candidates. TNB in the last 2 days was invited to 3 Mitt Romney events (!) so obviously there is no effort to weed out unsuitable recipients. Just blanket everyone--maybe for every 10 people that are annoyed, one MIGHT vote for you. Just wait until the November election.
Never mind the real issues such as the economy, foreign policy or whether a woman seeking an abortion should have a scope put in her vagina (really!). TNB's vote will go to anyone who will ban robocalls.
As incredible as many of the new gadgets are (and certainly TNB uses them) there is always a downside. Who could argue that the wanton use of cellphones has gone over the top? Besides talking while driving (banned in many States but poorly enforced), how about talking on these phones just about everywhere such as while crossing streets, in public restroom stalls, etc. Privacy is a forgotten word. Despite admonitions at the start of a program, cellphone ringing is constantly interrupting concerts, plays and even funerals. Manners is another forgotten word.
And then there's texting. Besides likely causing our teenagers to have carpal tunnel syndrome in their thumbs, recent studies express the fear that ultimately we will be raising a group of people who besides not knowing how to write, won't be able to talk properly (with their mouths that is).
TNB has learned to at least abide by all the changes enumerated above. But in one area TNB fervently believes that technology has gone wild with the scourge of today's world--the robocall. There is no way any rational person can accept the constant interruptions by robotically dialed calls, soliciting donations, product purchases and worst of all political support.
TNB might be a little sensitive because today was the Illinois primary and so leading up to it were an incredible number of robocalls for just a few (well-financed) candidates. TNB in the last 2 days was invited to 3 Mitt Romney events (!) so obviously there is no effort to weed out unsuitable recipients. Just blanket everyone--maybe for every 10 people that are annoyed, one MIGHT vote for you. Just wait until the November election.
Never mind the real issues such as the economy, foreign policy or whether a woman seeking an abortion should have a scope put in her vagina (really!). TNB's vote will go to anyone who will ban robocalls.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Leap Day
Today, February 29 is of course a very significant day in our calendar, occurring only once every 4th year (exept for turn of the century years). While this "extra day" has some astronomical or perhaps astrological meaning, there are many more personal reasons to celebrate Leap Day.
For example, there used to be a "tradition"of sorts where for one day it was acceptable for women to ask men to get married (remember Sadie Hawkins from L'il Abner?). This appears laughable today where few get married anyway (even expectant parents) and even fewer men get on bended knee to ask for a lady's hand. Not much call for turnabout one day per year.
But for TNB, the best thing about Leap Day is that it always signifies that we're in the middle of a presidential campaign where quality candidates sparkle with ideas and make the average citizen proud of being an American.
Wait a minute--this is hardly happening this Leap Year as far as the contending GOP candidates are concerned. Just in the past week, we've seen Rick Sanctimonius (I mean Santorum) tell a bunch of Tea Party blue collar types that President Obama is an elite snob who wants to force everyone to (gasp!) get a college education so that liberal professors can remake every voter's child in Obama's image. This seems to be a stretch on several fronts, as you can imagine.
Then Mitt Romney tried to connect with ordinary people by disclosing that his wife drove 2 Cadillacs and also that while knowing (or caring) little about Nascar, he was a friend of some team owners. You thought maybe the drivers?
And on and on. It's getting so discouraging that TNB is longing for the next three years, when there's no Leap Day and no presidential race. Truth be told--TNB is quite happy to be an elite snob.
For example, there used to be a "tradition"of sorts where for one day it was acceptable for women to ask men to get married (remember Sadie Hawkins from L'il Abner?). This appears laughable today where few get married anyway (even expectant parents) and even fewer men get on bended knee to ask for a lady's hand. Not much call for turnabout one day per year.
But for TNB, the best thing about Leap Day is that it always signifies that we're in the middle of a presidential campaign where quality candidates sparkle with ideas and make the average citizen proud of being an American.
Wait a minute--this is hardly happening this Leap Year as far as the contending GOP candidates are concerned. Just in the past week, we've seen Rick Sanctimonius (I mean Santorum) tell a bunch of Tea Party blue collar types that President Obama is an elite snob who wants to force everyone to (gasp!) get a college education so that liberal professors can remake every voter's child in Obama's image. This seems to be a stretch on several fronts, as you can imagine.
Then Mitt Romney tried to connect with ordinary people by disclosing that his wife drove 2 Cadillacs and also that while knowing (or caring) little about Nascar, he was a friend of some team owners. You thought maybe the drivers?
And on and on. It's getting so discouraging that TNB is longing for the next three years, when there's no Leap Day and no presidential race. Truth be told--TNB is quite happy to be an elite snob.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Secret Agenda
So now that it's February, it appears that the Republican flavor-of-the-month appears to be, of all people Rick Santorum. This surprising turn of events of course evidences the profound dislike many Republicans feel toward the vapid Mitt Romney, probably the least exciting presidential candidate since Al Gore. In case you hadn't heard, Santorum has unwittingly given his name to the latest urban slang word, which delicately can be defined as relating to certain byproducts of anal sex. Since the former Pennsylvania Senator is well known for his homophobia, it was only "natural" that some people (certainly not TNB) thought this might provide an obscene but accurate depiction of him.
Of much more significance to the campaign, Santorum has claimed that if (the Lord be cursed!) President Obama is reelected to a second term, he will finally roll out the "secret agenda" he was been saving for the time that he no longer will need to worry about running for office. Of course, since Santorum is not allowed (!) to reveal the secret, it is up to TNB to relate just what Sen. Rick fears so much, which no doubt will also frighten you.
Of much more significance to the campaign, Santorum has claimed that if (the Lord be cursed!) President Obama is reelected to a second term, he will finally roll out the "secret agenda" he was been saving for the time that he no longer will need to worry about running for office. Of course, since Santorum is not allowed (!) to reveal the secret, it is up to TNB to relate just what Sen. Rick fears so much, which no doubt will also frighten you.
- All religions except Islam will be abolished
- Kenya will become the 51st state
- The U.S. Capital will move to Chicago (why not--it's more centrally located)
- All Republicans will be forced to practice contraception
Actually, the last point, if heeded, might result in fewer Rick Santorums being produced.
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Personal Note-- TNB bids a sad farewell to Lynda Kramer, who with her husband Marshall, intoduced TNB and Mrs. TNB some 53 years ago. Lynda passed away in Florida recently at the young age of 73. Lynda was one of the most devoted readers of The Normal Blog and actually agreed with TNB 98% of the time. Here's a hope that, wherever she is, Lynda is continuing to enjoy all the blogs and books that she so voraciously read.
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