Rush decision

I do not particularly follow current events, but I do hear snippets.  I saw that a group of sponsors are pulling out support from the Rush Limbaugh Show.  Apparently he made rude comments directed to a young woman.  My thought is that Rush is paid to be controversial.  That is why people listen to him.  His fans because they agree and people who hate him because they want him to say something that can use as a sound bite.

Granted what he said is mean and probably uncalled for, but so what.  I have heard that a couple of professional people have been fired for saying things.  However, what if we were held to strict standards.  Think how many points on our licenses we would have for calling other drivers jerks or even worse.

I know that people need to watch what they say and not be so mean to one another.  At the same time, people need to learn to not take name calling so seriously.  I know that bullying is a serious case and another matter, before you say something negative to me.  I guess it is best to keep your comments to yourself or someone close who will not make it public.  With the access to social media, that can be tough.

Identity Crisis

The other day I get a call from Wendy.  She says that some representative from a credit card collection agency is calling to speak with me.  The representative tells Wendy that I have opened a Sears card.  Wendy tries to assure the person this is not the case, but to no avail.

So I get online at Sears to see if I have such a card.  I want to know what Sears has on me before I can the credit card company.  I have gotten this automated messages in the past and just hang up because I know I have not opened a card.  I track down a number to call and check about the Sears credit card.  To my amazement, the automated voice says I have a card.  To my astonishment it says I have a balance...of $1800.  So I speak to a human representative.  Looks like someone bought a 60 inch Panasonic television and PlayStation 3.

Apparently, I am a victim of identity theft. The people I talk to are really nice.  They ask for information and say the account will be closed.  I am, thankfully, not responsible for the charges.  I will have to fill out some additional information to send it.  My credit report now has a seven year advisement on it.  I do not do much with my credit anyway.

A couple of things get me.  One...the person had my name and social security number, but put another address.  How did that pass the application stage?  Do they not check to see it matches up?  Two...how did the person get credit in my name when I cannot even get credit.  I have only applied for one card and I was declined because I did not have enough credit.

I guess you have to give credit where credit is due.

Taken in tablet form

I really desire to get a tablet.
"Oh, really?  Why do you want one?"
Because they are cool.
"Come on.  Anyone who says 'cool' is not with it.  Would you actually use it?"
Sure.  I think.
"Do you know how to use it?"
Um, not right now.
"Can you afford one?"
Um, not right now.
"Do you know which one you want?"
Not really.
"I can see why you do not have one."

Okay, you caught me.   I want to be the next Moses.  Here is the 11th commandment.  Only kidding.

It would be really nice to have a tablet.  I do think they look interesting.  I am not sure which one I would want.  I am leaning toward one with a bigger screen.  However, they are more expensive and I am cheap.  If the idea is to carry one around, would the bigger screen make sense?  I do not always make sense though, talk to Wendy and be prepared to listen a long time on that one.

I am hoping with all the new technology and companies fighting to produce tablets that the price will come down.  Right now my breaking point is $200 and I would love to pay less than that.   Way less.  At least waiting will give me a chance to save up my money.

Right now I will just have to dream and want one.  The price of the tablet and my indecision is a tough one to swallow.

Jokes on me

Have you ever had a thought that was hilarious to you, but you try and retell it only to have the other person look at you like you are crazy.  Then to hear, "I don't get it."  Unfortunately, that happens to me most of the time.

Humor is definitely a contextual thing.  It is because it is relational.  The punchline happened to us or we are glad it happened to someone else.  Without context the joke is lost.  Most of the comedians today focus on the observation style.  If  the material is not familiar then most people will not enjoy the routine.  Experience is a main part of humor.  Those who experience life are often the ones with the sense of humor.

The key to being funny is taking an ordinary situation and making a person see another side.  If one can do that, then he can laugh all the way to the bank.

Balance beam to the head

I saw some headline saying that a news reporting radio network now wants to consider its reporting to be "fair and balanced."  Of course this is also one of the slogans of a television network.  The radio station and the television station are on opposite sides of the political viewpoint.

My hypothesis is that people do not really care about fair and balanced news.  They will watch or listen to the program because it agrees with them.  We want to be informed about our opinions we already have.  Sure the program may have a guest from across the aisle, but most of the time it is the host yelling over the guest.  The majority of people have their favorite.  Most of the time that favorite is what they already believe.

Well, of course, there is the main reason people watch a certain program.  They think the host is hot.