Reality meets Reality

I am not a huge fan of reality TV shows. The reasons for my non-fandom are several.

First, beyond the initial idea for the show, there seems to be almost no creative input into nor output from the show. And, there appears to be very little investment in the show beyond production costs (something that I'm sure appeals to the networks putting on the shows).

Second, each show's dramatic moments appear to be scripted in near identical ways that can be predicted and possibly timed down to the second. (cue foreboding music - duhn, duhn, DUHN)

Third, I feel that the attraction to most reality TV shows is our voyeuristic need to see other people succeed, fail, suffer, be dealt with badly and unfairly and so on. Said another way, I feel that reality TV appeals to one of our lower level human qualities.

Many reality shows track a competition between the shows players. The competition can be in almost any endeavor and in some shows the competition is about the contestants improving themselves, with the most improved contestant winning the show.

In the self improvement shows, I applaud the efforts of the contestants. Their accomplishments are real and their work to reach their goals is valid and useful to them and their families.

There are many reality shows that simply have a camera operator and a sound person follow people around in their lives. These are the shows that completely fit my third reason for not being a fan. I have a difficult time being interested in anyone's life: to whom I am not related; is known only because they are a reality TV show "star"; or whose life I do not, in almost any way, want to emulate.

Could I learn something valuable from watching reality TV shows? Maybe. There is always a chance that the stars might face a situation similar to a situation I might face. Should I spend the time watching reality TV shows in the hopes that I learn something of value? I do not think the small probability of learning something valuable is worth the amount of time spent watching the show. The expected value of a reality TV show then, is almost zero (maybe even negative in some cases).

If you enjoy reality TV, that's great for you and I hope you continue to get value from the show. Personally, I hope (probably against all odds) that reality TV falls out of favor with the viewing public and that well written, creative shows take their place. Maybe there could be a reality TV show with a competition about writing good TV shows . . .

Have a good one. KipK

Presidential politics

Every four years, I vote for a presidential candidate. I vote for the candidate who most reflects what I think about the major issues of that time and who reflects my own philosophy of living, economics and personal freedoms. I have voted for the president ever since I became a voter.

My recollection of the political campaigns of the past is that they seemed to last about a year, the length of the election year for which the campaign was being run. I remember watching the conventions with a lot of interest, even before I was a voter. The first interesting facet of a convention I remember was the boycott of lettuce by New York (I think). I'm not sure why they were boycotting lettuce, but they raised that point in their state's speech (when they tell the convention who their votes are going to support). There several states who vocally added their support of the boycott.

I don't remember seeing a lot of debates in my early voting years. There were some. I remember vividly, Ronald Reagan's quip about age. There had been many pundits who expressed open concern that Ronald Reagan was too old to be president. In a debate with Senator Mondale, when asked about his years as compared to his opponent's, Reagan said,"I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."

It seems like, for the last few presidential elections but maybe just recently, the political process, especially the presidential campaigning, advertising, debating and selection process starts up almost immediately after the election is finalized. That is, for example, right after President Obama was elected in 2008 and took office in January of 2009, there has been campaign ads, discussions and candidates declaring.

I don't know how many Republican presidential candidate debates there have been so far. I question whether there is a true need for all of the debates. I also question whether we really need to discuss the run for the presidency for four years. Maybe we do, but I think not. That said, here's to a great political campaign, primary, conventions and debates year in 2012. I hope all the political pundits, poly sci majors, local, state and national politicians have a great year and enjoy their time in the limelight.

I may not watch all of the goings on. If there is a primary in my state, I'll vote for the party candidate of my choice. Then, once they have been determined, I may just watch a debate or two between the presidential candidates. I'll read about their views and listen to them speak when the opportunity arises. And, I'll vote for the candidate of my choice. If there is a candidate who could eliminate the three wasteful years of campaigning leading up to the election year, he/she may just get my vote.

Have a good one. KipK

Golf this summer (2011)

This year, 2011, I played a bit of golf, practiced quite a bit and shot several good scores. After moving to Connecticut to start a new job, I was able to go to the range 3-4 times per week in the evenings before going "home" to my small studio apartment.

I played in my company's golf league this summer and had some good rounds where I not only scored well but hit the ball extremely well, especially with my driver. One round, in particular, I hit my drives at or over 300 yards and straight down the middle. I happened to win that match, coming back after going several holes down in the beginning.

I also played in the Columbus Amateur Championship in August. The coolest part of playing in the CAC was playing in the same foursome with my good friend Jack. In the first round, I made quite a few mistakes and ended up with a mediocre score of 84 at Turnberry. Jack was the leader of our flight, shooting an 81 and another guy in our foursome was in second. I was tied for fourth in the flight.

The second round, at Champions, started well for me. We started on the back nine and after a poor tee shot on 10, I chipped very close and got an unexpected par to start the day. The guy in second had a super tee shot, within birdie range but missed the putt and parred the hole as well. I played the rest of the back nine well and had a 41 going out. Jack struggled and soon played his way out of the lead and the tournament. The guy in second place played okay but I had passed him with my 41.

The guy in second place then put two balls out of bounds on #1, our 10th hole. He eventually took an 8 on the hole, shooting himself out of the tournament.

For me, the second 9 started out pretty well too. I didn't play #1 well but only bogeyed the hole. On #2, I hit a 6 iron, wanting to get the ball to the hole and not end up short. The tee shot was a good one and tracked the flag the hole way. I saw the ball bounce close to the hole and then past, settling at the top of the green and rolling a little back toward the hole. Walking to the hole, I laid my bag near the path and took my putter. As I turned to the hole, I saw that my ball had kept on rolling and had settled within an inch or two of the hole. I almost had a hole in one and hadn't even seen it.

I played okay from 3-5, parring 3 and 5. #6 was my downfall. I hit a really bad tee shot and compounded the error, eventually scoring a 9 on the hole, the highest score I have ever made on the hole. I went par, bogey, bogey from there in and ended up with an 87 (which could have been could have been an 81 - I tripled the 4th hole). I thought I had played my way out of the tourney. Surprisingly, I ended up finishing 3rd, something good for the 16 good holes I played.

This summer I had many good scores and my career best, a 76 on the Tunxis course in Farmington, CT.

I was happy to play some good rounds and to play in the GE league. It is a nice way to meet people and play once a week. I don't think anything will ever top the TOCGL for friends, fun and playing a great golf course, Champions. I'd like to find a league that plays Timberlin, the local course close to our new home. I have yet to play Timberlin but intend to play it quite a bit next year.

One of the coolest things that happened in golf this year was Mari went with me several times to the range. We had a great time, hitting the ball off the tees, putting and chipping. She really loved it and wondered why she hadn't played all the years she could have. I hope we can continue going to the range and maybe taking a lesson or two together and possibly playing a game or two together. Who knows where it will all go.

My golf goals for the coming year are:
- have fun, always have fun when playing or practicing golf
- go to the range many times with Mari (once a week?)
- take a lesson or two with Mari (need to find a good, friendly lady pro)
- practice 2-3 times per week on my own
- play in a league 1-2 times per week (GE and local)
- practice putting either at home or at the range 2-3 times per week
- putt past the hole (or in)
- chip past the hole (or in)
- play in the CAC in Columbus
- play in an amateur tourney in CT
- break 80 more than once
- play 15-20 full rounds
- play 15-20 nine hole rounds
- take a Florida or California or Arizona vacation to play golf in 2012

Have a good one. KipK

unbelievable

Gas prices yesterday, in the northeast, were over $4.25 per gallon for regular (and about $0.10 more for each grade going up in octane). It's pretty unbelievable that gas has gotten so expensive. I wonder a few things about it:

Is this a simple supply demand thing where the troubles in the middle east and northern Africa have caused the supply to tighten up against an increasing demand?

Is this the OPEC cartel (and any other cartels that are in cahoots) turning down the spigots to create the higher price?

Is this a political manipulation by the powers that be to do something (proactively push people to use less gas?)?

Whatever the reason (probably some combination of the above), it is absurd that the price of a product could go up exponentially so fast and without anyone explaining, taking credit/blame or offering some kind of solution.

I hope that our leaders understand the strain this sudden and very impactful upsurge in price puts on everyone, especially those who use their cars and trucks to do their jobs. I hope that they also understand and want to stay the ripple effect that comes from high fuel costs (higher grocery costs, higher product costs).

I hope that the dialogue that is coming from our leaders is focused and has real power behind it (not just words but actions) so that something gets started and done to reduce the price.

I hope that the oil and gas companies do not start announcing record high profit levels and that the only reason the prices are higher is that these oil and gas companies raised the price together to see how much they could make.

Meanwhile, I will look at being more economical in my driving, making one trip and combining a lot into that trip. I hope that you are able to continue in your work and support of your family and that this current price gouge does not affect you significantly.

Have a good one. KipK

driving while driving

I know that a long time ago (relatively speaking), I posted an entry that spoke about people doing things while they were driving that distracted them and endangered others.

This past week, as I was waiting at a light, getting ready to get on the highway, I saw that the driver of the car ahead of me was putting on mascara. If you read my previous post, you'll know that I am not sympathetic in any way with any one who does non driving activities while driving. Applying mascara is one of those activities. In this case, I was hopeful that the driver was only applying make up while stopped.

From the light (once it turned green) to the highway, I had to follow my make-up artist driving friend (the driver did not let driving get in the way of the make up mission). After we turned on to the highway, however, the driver was traveling slowly enough (and a little erratically, perHAPS due to the driver's secondary activity) that I was able to pass and continue on my way without further concern, until, about 10 minutes later, the driver came ripping by at a great rate of speed (by the way, still working on her make up).

I hope that this driver made it to her destination and that colleagues or students or friends appreciated the make up job. I also hope that I don't see this driver again on the road. I have a feeling that, while she is likely very skilled at both driving and applying mascara, at some point she may get distracted or have the brush poke the brush in her eye to the point where she causes a problem either for herself or for herself and drivers around her. Actually, I hope that a patrolman sees her while she applies the mascara and stops her.

Here are some things NOT to do while driving:
Do not:
apply make up, mascara, under arm deodorant
tie your tie, take off your tie, put on or take off a jacket
text, read texts you have received, e-mail or read e-mails you have received
read anything other than a street or highway sign
reach for anything that requires you to take your eye off the road

Instead, do all of those tasks before you get in or start your car. You'll be better off and so will everyone around you (including me).

Have a good one. KipK

really good 2011 Masters Tournament

To all my golfing friends, I hope you enjoyed the 2011 Masters. It was a barn burner and I remained interested to the very end.

The winner was Charl Schwartzel from South Africa, who shot a 14 under par total. He beat a host of Australians, two of whom, Adam Scott and Jason Day who each ended up at 12 under par. In his best total tournament performance in a long while, Tiger Woods finished tied for fourth at 10 under par.

Have a good one. KipK

where not to buy breakfast cereal

So, I was coming home late on Saturday evening and needed some breakfast cereal for the morning. Due to the lateness of the hour, the grocery store was closed. My last hope was one of the two gas stations near the highway.

From my past experience, (you probably have the same kind of experience with this matter), breakfast cereal is not an area of strength for gas stations. Gas stations are good at: gas, soft drinks, potato chips and other snack foods, beer and the like. Cereal, breakfast cereal is sometimes found at gas stations but it is usually in very small and very overpriced boxes. And, the variety is usually limited to Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes and maybe Fruit Loops.

Sin embargo (however), knowing that the chances either station carried breakfast cereal were slim but also knowing that I needed what I was looking for, I pulled up, parked and went into the first gas station. I looked on all the rows but found only the aforementioned chips, snacks and soft drinks, no cereal.

Across the street was the second station and my last hope for something breakfasty in the morning. I entered and began looking and quickly spied a bottom row of 6-10 boxes of a wider than expected variety of breakfast cereal. Potential Jackpot!

Knowing that prices for everything are higher at gas stations, I looked for the price tag and confirmed that indeed I was going to pay the price.

A related thought then crossed my mind, again drawn from experience with gas stations and convenience stores' products, pricing and tendency to not turn over their goods as quickly as a regular grocery store might, that I should check the expiration date (sometimes called, euphemistically, the "best if used by date"). So, I looked for the date on the box of Frosted Flakes. Upon investigation, the price tag was covering the date. Being the curious sort (or suspicious / cynical / doubting / skeptical sort), I gently peeled back the price tag and found that the expiration date was June 2009. I gently pushed the price tag back into place and moved to the next box.

The second box of cereal (do not remember the brand) had a price tag placed in the same place, over the expiration date. While I was not completely sure the price tag placement was not just a coincidence, my first thought was "I'll bet they're trying to cover up expiration dates that are past". I gently peeled the second box's price tag back to find an expiration date of May 2010. While a full year closer to the present date, I was not interested in testing just how good for you old cereal can be and put the price tag bag where I found it.

Some people, at this point, would say to themselves "all their cereal is going to be old, do something else for breakfast tomorrow". Did I follow that sage advice? Of course not, where's your spirit of adventure. I still had several of boxes that might still be good (although, statistically, my odds were probably not as good as I thought they were). Moving along to the third box, which was Apple Jacks, a former favorite of mine and one which I still occasionally enjoy if I find it in the hotel breakfast buffet selection, I pulled back the price tag (which, as you have deduced was over the expiration date - three in a row, who would of thunk it?) to see that the cereal was good until June of 2011. SCORE!! (see, most of you would have given up before the success . . . see below).

Without a single reservation (okay, maybe I did have a little bit of skeptical wonder in my head), I pulled the box of Apple Jacks up, grabbed a half gallon of milk (which I also needed) and went to the register. Always being a helpful soul, I told the guy working the register that there were two boxes of expired cereal on his shelves. His reaction (or maybe non reaction is more apt) did not surprise me (but perhaps I should have higher expectations). He scanned the milk and the cereal, gave me the total and did not verbally acknowledge that I have even spoken to him.

The rest of the story is, when I had a bowl of the Apple Jacks, with milk, they were not the freshest cereal I had ever consumed nor were they the tastiest. My next act, just after breakfast was to throw away the box of cereal. While I consider myself to be on the financially prudent side, I was not going to worry about the sunk costs of that box of bad cereal. On Monday, I went to the grocery store and bought two boxes of very fresh Frosted Mini Wheats, with which I have been very happy (tasty, fresh, crunchy, sweet).

As a post mortem, I did call the gas station's headquarters and told them of my experience. A very nice lady named Maureen listened very patiently and seemed genuinely concerned about what had happened. She did pass the customer feedback along as within the hour, the owner/manager of the station called and asked me about what had happened, asking me to bring back the expired cereal for a refund.

So, if you did not already know NOT to buy cereal from a gas station, please let this be a vicarious experience from which you can learn.

Have a good one. KipK

asparagus

I like asparagus and feel that eating it is a good, healthy thing to do. I like it when it has been cooked until the spears are just a little bit crunchy. My most favorite asparagus are the thin ones.

While I enjoy and feel good about eating asparagus, I could do without the immediate side effect that follows. If there were a way to have the fun of eating asparagus without the side effect, the vegetable would be at the top of my list for good foods.

With respect to vegetables in general, I have always been a fan of most of them. When I was a kid (until I was about 22 or so and still a little bit now) I did not appreciate tomatoes. I thought they were awful, without even having to taste them. I could not see the appeal. I liked beans, potatoes, broccoli, spinach (due to Popeye's influence), cauliflower and brussel sprouts.

My feelings on tomatoes have softened to the point where I like tomatoes if they are part of a cheeseburger or if they are of the cherry tomato variety and are in a salad covered with Ranch dressing. I know they are good for me, but I still do not like them by themselves.

Other vegetables I have grown to appreciate are: mushrooms - when fresh and on a salad; onions - fresh on cheeseburgers, cooked on quite a wide variety of foods, particularly roast beef and potatoes.

Today, as part of the complementary lunch for a bunch of my colleagues and I, after completing a morning of Junior Achievement, we were served a chicken cordon bleu with asparagus (which was tasty).

This weekend and in the coming week, I hope to eat some healthy food that is good tasting. I hope you do too.

Have a good one. KipK

accomplishments in 2010

It's a bit on the late side, but I just read my second to last post, which was about my New Year's resolutions for 2010. With that in mind, here are some of my accomplishments or my impressions about the accomplishments:

gospel - I felt like I served and was a better home teacher this past year. I give the credit for that to my lovely wife, who sets such a great example with her visiting teaching that I have to do/be better just to keep her in sight.

reading 1 - I did read the Book of Mormon through again and was blessed with many great scriptural and spiritual insights for having made the effort.

reading 2 - I read many books in 2010, more than my goal and enjoyed almost all of them. There were a couple of books which I finished with effort as the writing was poor, the plot was lacking, etc (I kept hoping they would get better).

running - Jessica and I ran the Mardi Gras New Orleans Marathon together in February. It was a hard one, with Jessica getting injured about half the way through. On the plus side, I had a lot of talking time with her as we made our way through the miles and encouraged each other along the way. And, I was randomly chosen to be the King of the marathon (cool). That was most of the running I did, as a few weeks later, I had the Hallux Rigidus in my right toe removed in surgery. It took a couple of months to recover. I began to run again in the late summer/early fall.

golf - I had a good year and accomplished several goals. I finished third in the GACC with an average round at Turnberry (not Mentel as in the past) and a consistently good round at Champions, making up about 5 places on the golfers in my flight. One of the coolest things to happen was that a member of my golf league came and caddied for me on the final day, contributing to my success.
weight/fitness - interestingly, I did accomplish my goal of losing a little weight and will continue with those positive efforts.

My next post will be about my goals for the coming year.

Have a good one. KipK