:Perhaps I am Too Cynical"

Perhaps I am Too Cynical

#1: According to the front page of USA Today November 26, 2012 high school students nationwide are cheating less. In a poll of 23,000 high school students nationwide, only 51% say they've cheated on a test in high school whereas 2 years ago it was 59%. In addition, 2 years ago 27% of teens said they had stolen from a store at least once and now it’s down to 20%. Progress?

My take is: Since all you have to do to get a “C” in most high school classes is show up, behave and stay alive during the term there is less need to cheat. Getting a “B” is what I said above plus you tried to learn something. You know how it works, every kid gets a trophy and every kid gets into college (unless they are felons by age 18) and even those get in a third  of the time. The point is there is less need to cheat. 

Perhaps I’m too cynical.

#2: My friend is distressed because she doesn't have much “discretionary” money this year for Christmas gifts. That time of year, artificially created by business and greeting card companies, to guilt people (like my friend) into becoming big time spenders so as to give one last end of the year boost to company bottom lines.

My Take is: No I am not THAT cynical! I love Christmas, love the good feelings and warmth between people. I love the trees, lights, eggnog, church and connections. It’s a time for sharing secrets and hot cider. What I don’t like is our buying into the idea that we must BUY things even when to do so often stresses us and our familes. Okay, I get giving all those non-cheating students a gift, and it is a great excuse to buy the baby often needed clothes and supplies but adults giving adults gifts? I told her forget the adults, our gift to each other is each other! Where would we be without each other? The people I care about and who care about me is my gift. 

Perhaps I am too cynical.

#3: A thoroughly pissed off state of Texas wants to secede from the Union. Recently 116,000 + signatures were gathered (only needed 15,000) to get this on a future ballot.

My Take is: The sooner the better. It will cost everyone more for “imported” ribs and steaks and players will need passports to play any Texas teams, but hey, why we’re at it can we throw Alaska in with the deal. We don’t need a state that is geographically closer to Siberia than mainland USA and that elects Governors that shoot animals from a helicopter (Palin). While we are at it, let’s let go of Hawaii. I know it’s beautiful, and the people are friendly but we didn't even think enough of this place to defend it (Pearl Harbor), the driving there is treacherous and don't forget they gave the rest of us Don Ho. Now we are down to 47 states, my solution is dividing California into 2 states: Northern California and Southern California. I mean the people in Virginia were wise enough to dump those western Virginia hillbillies into their own state so why not let’s accept that Northern California is nothing like Southern California. Now we are back to 48 Continental States and that means we could get back to even rows of stars on the flag. 

Perhaps I am too cynical.

#4: Susan Rice the embattled US Ambassador to the UN will likely face a stern challenge to her apparent soon to be announced appointment to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.  She is embattled because she made the rounds of all the Sunday talk shows 2 days after we lost four Americans at the overrun embassy in Libya telling anyone and everyone that the attack was a result of a local spontaneous outrage over a stupid, tasteless video about Islam made by an American. She did this then and for days afterwards said the same thing repeatedly. Come to find out, she (as did all of the White House and intelligence agencies) knew, right from the beginning, it was a terrorist attack timed to coincide with the anniversary of 9/11. The point is the American people were deceived about what happened for 2 weeks. She was the point person.

My Take is: Why question her appointment for Secretary of State?  She takes orders from her bosses, does what she is told even if it’s unethical, puts on a good face, can appear sincere on cue, is a good bull- shitter, can lie with a straight face and has no guilt or remorse. She’s the Democratic version of Condoleezza Rice. Perfect! 

Perhaps I am too cynical.

#5: In a recently concluded UCLA study, older folks that had consistent physical activity also had a 5% increase in gray cells over sedentary older people. In the study people between the ages 69-95 had 5% more cerebral cortex (gray cells) (information processing) if they were physically active than people that were less active. The study is clear, stay active as long as you can and you’ll stand a better chance of staying mentally sharper.

My Take is: If you don’t stay active you won’t even make it to 69 to get in the +5% group. How much money was spent on this research breakthrough: the more active you are (and the longer)  the better you do both mentally and physically? Really?  OMG!! 

Perhaps I am too cynical.

** I have to stop now, I must go be active, can’t afford to take any chances!!