Future Generations In The Deep Freeze

Future Generations in the Deep Freeze

As a woman that has used birth control during her entire child bearing years, I am one hundred percent in favor of a woman’s right to choose when and if to have children. In our mid-thirties, my husband Blake and I finally had that serious discussion about parenthood and were in mutual agreement to remain a childless couple.

With that said, I continue to feel that Facebook and Apple’s decision to pay for female employees to freeze their eggs is a mixed bag of tricks. I can’t help but wonder about the motivation behind high tech companies paying up to $20,000 in egg freezing expenses. A woman’s most fertile and easiest childbirth years coincide with most companies’ career-building years. I question the wisdom of intentionally postponing pregnancy until later in life for a career opportunities.  I would prefer to see corporate America put these dollars into family leave, child care and flexible work arrangements for both parents.

In addition this feels like a quick fix and a Band-Aid measure that side steps the real issue–how hard it is for a woman to have a career and raise a family concurrently. The playing field has never been level when it comes to gender. Women make less and I wonder if paying them off with higher salaries, to not get pregnant, because it could inconvenience a company is wise or fair. Will those women who want to have the safest and easiest pregnancies be stigmatized as uncommitted to their careers?

There is also the issue of marital status. If a woman is single and maybe doesn’t intend to get married, will that influence an employer’s willingness to fork out so much cash? Has this been tested in the courts? Then if a young woman does freeze her eggs, will promotional opportunities be withheld because she’s seen to be on the “Mommy” track? Would she move up the ladder to reach the top only so she can take maternity leave? I’m sorry, I haven’t made up my mind completely, but there seems to be something, “Beyond Cuckoo” about all of this high tech  corporate  parental planning.

 

Future Generations In The Deep Freeze

Ghost Guns

Ghost Guns

Recent news stories about vetoed “Ghost Gun” legislation and the security breach at the White House has gotten me more nervous than usual.

Ghost Gun is a term applied to Cody Wilson’s “Defense Distributed” organization’s first fully 3-D printed gun. This “maker” movement has enabled anyone to create a working, lethal firearm with a click in the privacy of his or her garage. He has now moved on to a new form of digital DIY gunsmithing. And this time the results aren’t made of plastic.

Wilson’s latest radically libertarian project is a PC-connected milling machine he calls the Ghost Gunner. Like any computer-numerically-controlled (or CNC) mill, the one-foot-cubed black box uses a drill bit mounted on a head that moves in three dimensions to automatically carve digitally-modeled shapes into polymer, wood or aluminum. But this CNC mill, which sells for $1200, is designed to create one object in particular: the component of an AR-15 rifle known as its lower receiver, the body of the gun—remaining parts can be ordered from online gun shops. It is now easy to create a semi-automatic weapon with no serial number or required background check. It’s illegal to re-sell your monster creation, but there’s no law against making one.

Wilson (as a self-proclaimed anarchist and anti-government rebel) makes every effort to undermine governmental regulatory control over most things, but especially firearms. If you connect the two news stories, you can’t help but wonder about the Obama family’s safety, and our own.

In addition Wilson’s releasing his creation on the heels of a debate in California over a state law that would ban the manufacture of all guns without serial numbers. The bill, widely known as the “Ghost Gun ban” and introduced by Los Angeles state senator Kevin de Leόn was designed to criminalize either 3-D printing or finishing an 80 percent lower without a government-assigned serial number in California. The legislation passed California’s senate and assembly, but was vetoed Tuesday by the state’s governor Jerry Brown, who wrote that he “can’t see how adding a serial number to a homemade gun would significantly advance public safety.”

I’m a huge supporter of Governor Brown, but I do wonder if in this case, his decision is Beyond Cuckoo.

Ghost Guns

Working For A living, Everday

Working For A Living, Everyday

My father’s role model was Archie Bunker. What was a stereotype to fans of “All in the Family” was real to him. We didn’t politically agree on much, but we were both glad that he had a union job.

Teddy’s thirty year stint as a New York City bus driver saved our family and allowed us to live in relative middle-class security, with food on the table, medical insurance and a few weeks of vacation each year. My mother worked as a clerical worker in the Financial District, and as a woman and non-union employee, her salary and benefits would not have sustained our family.

As a government worker, I’m also glad to have the security that union membership provides, which is why I wonder why labor unions are under attack. Let’s look at the benefits that many feel American workers should not be entitled to:

• Pensions: In 1949 the National Labor Relations Board ruled that companies had to bargain with their unions over pensions. Today pensions across the country are under attack. Only 15% of workers have access to such a plan. Keep in mind that government continues to hand out massive tax cuts to corporations as they cut pensions.


• The Right to Organize: In the 1950s, when I poked my head out of my mother’s womb, more than a third of workers belonged to unions, now less that twelve percent of Americans are unionized with right-winged politicians undermining collective bargaining with anti-labor laws.


• Income Equality: With weak and non-existent union representation the middle-class’s share of national income has shrunk.


• Access to Health Care: Again, because of union membership, the 1950s saw an increase of affordable workplace sponsored health insurance. Today corporations are cutting health care benefits and fighting tooth and nail to repeal the Affordable Care Act.


• Fair hours: In 1870 the average work week was sixty-one hours. Workers once again found relief in the 1950’s with the 40-hour a week schedule. Since the 1980’s Americans at “good” jobs are now working more for less—a growing number work under sweat shop conditions.

Some of the most profitable corporations pay the least wages. Teachers are underpaid and our schools suffer. Fast food workers wonder how to care for their families on minimum wage. Government is top-heavy; with management and leadership making extraordinary salaries as they negotiate against line-staff, who take the brunt of media attention for making too much and holding on to job and financial security. The gap between haves and have-nots grows to a new level that is beyond cuckoo and it will destroy America’s greatness.  Happy Labor Day!

 

 

Working For A living, Everday

Military Maddness

Military Madness

No matter how you feel about what’s happening on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, you can’t ignore the U.S. surplus weaponry now carried by local law enforcement, against US citizens.  Apparently the Pentagon 1033 Program allows state and local police to stock up on excess US military equipment free of charge. The Pentagon’s Law Enforcement Support Office’s website brags that it can help save the American taxpayer’s investment by arming local community enforcers against civilian unrest.

This cost effective government strategy was initially born out of a need to fight “The War On Drugs”, which we all know has been highly successful. Then after September 11, 2001 we needed better weapons against terrorists. Now we can watch the same guns, helicopters, tanks, and night vision equipment that we fight with in the Middle East, deployed against our own US citizens—should they decide to protest—for whatever reason. The same citizenry, by the way, that pays the taxes, that are overspent, on never used military equipment, while every other social program is cut. I have to ask, “Would it be beyond cuckoo to use the excess military budget to raise the minimum wage?”—Maybe cut down on some of the frustration? Or we could fund our school programs, maybe teach job skills, so it becomes possible to earn a middle class living.  Maybe if folks could afford food, clothing and consumer goods the economy would grow and our neighborhoods would become safer. It might even cut done on the looting by those that see a riot as a chance to score some free shit. Who knows? You tell me.

Military Maddness

Full Of Bull

Full of Bull

Hemingway enthusiasts have long discussions on the Machismo elements in “The Sun Also Rises” and the many layers of social commentary released on its pages. Yet, all anyone seems to identify with these days (especially men) is the excitement and danger that surrounds the running of the bulls. So much so, that there is now a traveling show that challenges common sense and lures crowds to “Grab Life by the Horns!” and run with real bulls—mostly at county fairgrounds.

They advertise this event as an inexpensive family outing that is sure to get your adrenaline flowing. Apparently you are not encouraged to run in front of the bulls, who clock in at 35 miles per hour, but to run alongside. You wait until 18 +/- bulls are released at the end of a fenced bull run and you jump in at that special moment for the thrill of a lifetime. They do warn that chaos is the norm and if you get in the way, that the bulls WILL run over you. Sound like fun? Wait there’s more.

If you prefer to not harass animals and you prefer people, you can join in on the “Tomato Royale”. This is a classic family event geared towards good clean violence, where “you can hurl tomatoes at your family, friends, and fellow participants, without guilt, inhibition, or remorse.”  There are some guidelines:

• You must be at least fourteen.


• Squished tomatoes are less dangerous


• Try not to hurt anyone?


• You should stop throwing when the victim says enough!

Okay, so let’s say we’re dealing with loving, responsible people, who like to humiliate others in a safe environment. Maybe it improves their sex life at home? Who knows what turns people on? Of course, they will be careful, sober, and know when to stop. Oh and did I say that cold beer is a perk that comes with registration?  Repeat after me, “This IS Beyond Cuckoo!” Just ask the nearest Bull.

 

Full Of Bull

Auto Pilot

Auto Pilot

Okay, so am I the only one concerned about these new driverless cars that Google’s come up with? Rest assured that I am all for anything that helps the disabled to move through this world in comfort. However, should a sightless person be driving? Well, maybe. How much worse could they be? At least they couldn’t text and drive.

Seriously though, let’s look at the logistics. The subcompact car will look something like a computer mouse. It has no steering wheel, gas or brake pedals and, at first, will go no faster than forty miles per hour. The passenger pushes buttons to start and end the ride. The route is set with either manual or verbal commands to a Global Positioning System (GPS). Cameras and sensors conceivably will prevent accidents.

So, I can see this in controlled situations. You know, college campuses, hospitals, factories, airports,  maybe even golf courses and parks. An entire new generation of blind golfers could emerge and join the ranks of the too lazy to play real sports crowd. All they need is a way to get around the sand traps and water hazards. What could be more perfect?

But, street legal? Supporters of this idea say that these cars could eliminate drunk and distracted driving. This is a good argument? What if you spill your coffee, cocktail, soft drink or nail polish on the dashboard and the whole thing shorts out? Computers crash just like cars and simply stop—in real or internet traffic.

Finally I ask, “What IS Google’s real purpose here?” Google as the largest provider of geo-location information, and with the car’s computer  dialed in to their data systems, what are the chances that they will follow you? Google collects data through e-mail and search engines,  now they’ll be able to tell where you drive, how often you go there and whatever else you do in or with your car. Jealous spouses might like this idea, but to me it’s simply Beyond Cuckoo.

 

Auto Pilot

The Devil Made Me Do It

The Devil Made Me Do It

 

Hunting season is in full swing. Armed and dangerous people are on the loose in restaurants, shopping malls, and college campuses. I took a two hour class at work to teach me what to do when (not if) an armed and crazy person leaps the interview room counter and sprays bullets throughout the office. What the fuck is going on? Is this Beyond Cuckoo or what?

Then I see the Pope on TV making one more attempt to bring the world closer to peace. I haven’t been a Catholic for some time; yet I recognize truth in religion when I see it. I think Pope Francis is on to something. What if there really is a Satan, a devil, a dark side, an evil force, a fallen angel etc. that periodically invades our minds, souls and collective reasoning to create havoc in the world?

One of my favorite comedic movies is Ghostbusters—you can’t help but love these guys who say, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” And mean it. They vaporize them and take back New York City—no small feat. Yet, I’m afraid. I came of age in New York City, and those years are tame compared to how I feel today. Ghosts, goblins and devils seem to have the upper hand. Do you agree? If you do, what do you do about it? How are we to get through this darkness? How do we stay alive?

Here’s what I suggest::

   Hang with folks that don’t scare you..

  Adopt folks that need help. This includes all species of animals, plants, and people. Some of us can only take care of a cactus and others make orchids bloom. A dog may be too much, but a goldfish might work. Pick a level you can handle, but use it to get out of yourself. This only happens when we put someone or something else first.

   Protect yourself. Be aware of the surroundings. Don’t take it to the point of paranoia, but know that all is not right with the world.

   Give others a chance. Everyone can’t be friends, but we can treat each other with respectful honesty. Turn aggressive arguments into healthy debates. Play by the rules—not everything is open game.

    Don’t kill yourself or anyone else.

 

http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-pope-francis-israel-palestinian-peace-20140608-story.html

 

The Devil Made Me Do It