So I was in the process of typing an email the other day and I realized that I spelled the word "caffeine" incorrectly. But what bothered me more than the fact I realized I couldn't spell "caffeine" is that I wasn't the one who found the error...my computer's spell check did. As I contemplated this mistake, I realized that, more often than not these days, I'm relying more and more on my computer to catch all of my spelling and punctuation errors than actually stopping to check over my own work myself or to take the time to actually look a word all on my own. How lazy have I become by following this line of thinking? I mean...does anyone remember back in the day when all we had was pen and paper to write letters or term papers with...maybe a typewriter if we were lucky...and if you came across something you couldn't spell, you had to whip out the dictionary and look it up or risk the dreaded Red Pen of Doom?? These days we just cruise along in what we're doing and just let the computer do the thinking for us.
Now don't get me wrong, this is all fine and dandy...but consider what relying on artificial intelligence has done for us...it makes us look like even more of a jackass than we can be all by ourselves. For example, just take the iPhone and it's oh-so-convenient auto correct function. There are entire websites dedicated to making fun of all the mistakes your phone makes while trying to second guess and interpret the crap you're punching on into it (http://damnyouautocorrect.com/). And although some of these mistakes are downright funny...you have to wonder what someone really typed in for these odd word combinations to pop up. And OK, some of these mistakes aren't intentionally made -- I mean, it's tough to text, drink coffee and apply mascara while driving. Those types of errors are understandable. But you have to know that some of these errors were also made by someone who truly thought that "dude I can't believe we're going to loose again" is correct.
Here's another thought that I find disturbing about our disintegrating ability to spell and self-spell-check; have you noticed that there are more and more errors in commercialized print? Books and magazine articles are starting to show more and more signs of spelling deterioration. It used to be that you'd almost never find a spelling error in a book...I mean, publishing houses have these whole divisions of people called "editors" for a reason, right? But time and time again, I'm finding more and more errors when I crack open a book. Is it just a cost-saving measure that these publishers are using by expecting a computer to catch these errors? Doesn't that make it worse that these companies are relying solely upon a computer to catch errors as opposed to having a set of real-life human eyes actually reading through an entire manuscript and catching these mistakes?
I realize that the tools that make our lives easier are also contributing to making us stupid (not like I need ANY help with that)...and that there's no way to go back in time to "auto correct" that flaw in the design. But I've decided that I'm going to try and make a concentrated effort to not let my brain go to mush completely. I'm going to go back to the "old school" method...I'm going to turn off the spell check function in my programs, put a dictionary next to my computer and see if I can remember how to think for myself.
Can't be all that changeling, right?
I meant challenging.
Damn.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Got a little something on my forehead there....
Today is Ash Wednesday. The beginning of the Lenten season for Christians, it is a time to reflect, pray, fast and the start of a month-long stellar seafood season for local fishermen. And while I am not, admittedly, the best practicing Catholic in the world...a Catholic I still am. It's been years since I went to church--I can't even recall the last time I stepped in a confessional booth. Sadly, my participation in either act will pretty much guarantee that said church would catch fire almost instantaneously. But although a lousy Catholic by definition, I do try to observe Lent as best as possible...including the requested sacrifice the season brings.
For those who make sacrifices at Lent, there are different opinions to what that should be. Others look at it as a chance to do something more positive like deciding to spend more time with family instead of in front of the TV, or to maybe to do one good deed each day. For others, it is a chance to rally around their religion and choose to be more observant of their specific faith and beliefs. For most, however, it is giving up that which is nearest and dearest to the individual, perhaps a bad habit, a favorite food, something.
For example:
I have a friend who decided to give up swearing. Yup...that lasted all of about one @#$&*(%'in hour.
I have another friend who decided to give up Facebook for Lent. Keep in mind that she let us know about it by posting it on Facebook.
I have another friend who gave up salt for Lent. I'm wondering if she tossed it over her shoulder for luck with that venture.
My sacrifice????? Well, let me give you this little hint.........my liver refers to this time of year as "Summer Vacation".
Now don't get me wrong....I'm not making fun of what anyone gave up this year. I merely am finding a way to smile early on--since it's given that, by early April if we've honored our choices, we'll be on the fast track to either a meltdown or some type of similar psychotic break.
I actually think it's a good thing--to make a brief sacrifice once a year--even if it's not part of your given religion or belief. I think it's good that you take a step back from something you take for granted--you have the chance for a fresh perspective. Maybe it's something you don't need in your life. Maybe it's something you'll be able to cherish more once the "fast" has ended. Or maybe it's a little of both--you'll be happy to have it back in moderation, and still be able to appreciate it when those splurge moments come along.
I don't know if you'll choose to give anything up for Lent...but if you do, I wish you the best of luck. It seems like a long way off, but Easter will be here soon enough and then we can indulge in our salt, suds and swearing once again.
Meanwhile, my apologies to Anheuser-Busch in advance for not doing my part to help kick off sales in the second quarter. I promise I'll make it up to you soon.
For those who make sacrifices at Lent, there are different opinions to what that should be. Others look at it as a chance to do something more positive like deciding to spend more time with family instead of in front of the TV, or to maybe to do one good deed each day. For others, it is a chance to rally around their religion and choose to be more observant of their specific faith and beliefs. For most, however, it is giving up that which is nearest and dearest to the individual, perhaps a bad habit, a favorite food, something.
For example:
I have a friend who decided to give up swearing. Yup...that lasted all of about one @#$&*(%'in hour.
I have another friend who decided to give up Facebook for Lent. Keep in mind that she let us know about it by posting it on Facebook.
I have another friend who gave up salt for Lent. I'm wondering if she tossed it over her shoulder for luck with that venture.
My sacrifice????? Well, let me give you this little hint.........my liver refers to this time of year as "Summer Vacation".
Now don't get me wrong....I'm not making fun of what anyone gave up this year. I merely am finding a way to smile early on--since it's given that, by early April if we've honored our choices, we'll be on the fast track to either a meltdown or some type of similar psychotic break.
I actually think it's a good thing--to make a brief sacrifice once a year--even if it's not part of your given religion or belief. I think it's good that you take a step back from something you take for granted--you have the chance for a fresh perspective. Maybe it's something you don't need in your life. Maybe it's something you'll be able to cherish more once the "fast" has ended. Or maybe it's a little of both--you'll be happy to have it back in moderation, and still be able to appreciate it when those splurge moments come along.
I don't know if you'll choose to give anything up for Lent...but if you do, I wish you the best of luck. It seems like a long way off, but Easter will be here soon enough and then we can indulge in our salt, suds and swearing once again.
Meanwhile, my apologies to Anheuser-Busch in advance for not doing my part to help kick off sales in the second quarter. I promise I'll make it up to you soon.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Sunday Morning Drive
It started off innocently enough at breakfast.
So Spanky and I decided that we needed to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and jet off to the countryside for an overnight trip. We had a lovely dinner with friends, got to enjoy watching a few snow flurries fall from the sky, and then awoke in the morning with anticipation as to where the day might take us. Blue skies...clear air...the whole day to ourselves.
And no freakin' idea as to what to do.
So there we were, noshing on eggs and waffles when inspiration suddenly appeared through the window.
Inspiration on 4 wheels. Gorgeously painted inspiration......with chrome...shiny chrome. And power trains.
Cars. Lots and lots of cars. But not just any cars. These were classic cars. Old Plymouths, Chryslers, Delahayes, Packards, Studebakers....all driving past the window. Cars of every year, body style and color. They were gorgeous. They were dream cars. And they were driving away......from the restaurant......to parts unknown.
Now first, let me interject here by saying that you can have all the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos and body styles and fiberglass you want in cars today. And yes, there are quite a few that are awe inspiring, day-dream-of-owning, drool worthy machines. But can you really say a 2010 CTS-V Coupe looks better against a '58 Coupe Deville? Or that an '09 Impala can really hold its own against a '59? Or how about trying to compare a 2011 Mustang GT against a 1957 convertible with.............oh.....wait. There are still ongoing discussions in regard to that particular match up. Speed and safety features aside, these classic machines just radiate class and engineering marvel. They've stood the test of time. I mean, don't get me wrong....newer makes and models definitely have a sexy factor about them. But the classics...well....they just never go out of style.
Back to the story:
So anyway.....there we sat, forks in hand, mouths wide open and in utter awe. And yet, we were trapped....food on the plate and an unpaid check on the table. There was no way to get out the door fast enough to try and chase after them. Hoping there was perhaps a car show somewhere in the general area, we asked our server with anticipation if he knew of any such event.
Nope.
So after inhaling the last of the food, we held out a random hope that we'd be able to track down the parade of steel just on hope and luck alone.
Nope.
We got to the last intersection where they were seen and......nothing. No signs of those beautiful machines...no lingering scent of gasoline penetrating the air....no heavy engine rumblings to be heard. We had missed our window of opportunity. Dejected, but still considering the possibilities of the whole day ahead of us, we decided that a bit of caffeine was in order....
Better hope you drive up the right lane or you'll be in for a bit of a shock.
So as we were getting ready to leave the Starbucks, what to our wondering eyes should cruise right past us...??
HOLY CRAP!!! They found us. We found them. Whatever...don't care. Follow that car!!!
And so follow we did. All across Santa Clarita.
No seriously. We followed 3 classic cars randomly across town with no idea where we were going or what these cars would lead us to. But let me tell you....we were not disappointed. Turns out, the three vehicles we followed were the lead in some type of Sunday morning rally. They lead us right to a restoration shop. And though at first we thought we were only going to have the initial three to admire...well...lets just say that our adventurous spirit was generously rewarded....
We were treated to a history lesson in automotive engineering as cars of all makes and models drove into the area. And then if that wasn't enough. We were also able to tour the shop and look at even more vehicles!
We spent nearly two hours just wandering around, peeking in the windows, talking with owners and other "chasers". And although I may not be a complete gear head, I know just enough to appreciate the engineering, admire their beauty and hope for the day when I'll be lucky enough to buy one of these classics, fix it up and join a Sunday rally just like this one. Although I do have to admit that, in a moment of complete stupidity, I actually referred to a Corvette as a Camero. Oye!
Oh well...in the meantime, I guess we'll just have to hang back and drool from afar. So many beautiful cars to enjoy. I don't think I'll ever get tired of cruising along the highway, wind in my hair, radio cranked, looking up and seeing one of those beauties in my rear view mirror.
Oh, wait....
Crap.
So Spanky and I decided that we needed to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and jet off to the countryside for an overnight trip. We had a lovely dinner with friends, got to enjoy watching a few snow flurries fall from the sky, and then awoke in the morning with anticipation as to where the day might take us. Blue skies...clear air...the whole day to ourselves.
And no freakin' idea as to what to do.
So there we were, noshing on eggs and waffles when inspiration suddenly appeared through the window.
Inspiration on 4 wheels. Gorgeously painted inspiration......with chrome...shiny chrome. And power trains.
Cars. Lots and lots of cars. But not just any cars. These were classic cars. Old Plymouths, Chryslers, Delahayes, Packards, Studebakers....all driving past the window. Cars of every year, body style and color. They were gorgeous. They were dream cars. And they were driving away......from the restaurant......to parts unknown.
Now first, let me interject here by saying that you can have all the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos and body styles and fiberglass you want in cars today. And yes, there are quite a few that are awe inspiring, day-dream-of-owning, drool worthy machines. But can you really say a 2010 CTS-V Coupe looks better against a '58 Coupe Deville? Or that an '09 Impala can really hold its own against a '59? Or how about trying to compare a 2011 Mustang GT against a 1957 convertible with.............oh.....wait. There are still ongoing discussions in regard to that particular match up. Speed and safety features aside, these classic machines just radiate class and engineering marvel. They've stood the test of time. I mean, don't get me wrong....newer makes and models definitely have a sexy factor about them. But the classics...well....they just never go out of style.
Back to the story:
So anyway.....there we sat, forks in hand, mouths wide open and in utter awe. And yet, we were trapped....food on the plate and an unpaid check on the table. There was no way to get out the door fast enough to try and chase after them. Hoping there was perhaps a car show somewhere in the general area, we asked our server with anticipation if he knew of any such event.
Nope.
So after inhaling the last of the food, we held out a random hope that we'd be able to track down the parade of steel just on hope and luck alone.
Nope.
We got to the last intersection where they were seen and......nothing. No signs of those beautiful machines...no lingering scent of gasoline penetrating the air....no heavy engine rumblings to be heard. We had missed our window of opportunity. Dejected, but still considering the possibilities of the whole day ahead of us, we decided that a bit of caffeine was in order....
Better hope you drive up the right lane or you'll be in for a bit of a shock.
So as we were getting ready to leave the Starbucks, what to our wondering eyes should cruise right past us...??
HOLY CRAP!!! They found us. We found them. Whatever...don't care. Follow that car!!!
And so follow we did. All across Santa Clarita.
No seriously. We followed 3 classic cars randomly across town with no idea where we were going or what these cars would lead us to. But let me tell you....we were not disappointed. Turns out, the three vehicles we followed were the lead in some type of Sunday morning rally. They lead us right to a restoration shop. And though at first we thought we were only going to have the initial three to admire...well...lets just say that our adventurous spirit was generously rewarded....
We were treated to a history lesson in automotive engineering as cars of all makes and models drove into the area. And then if that wasn't enough. We were also able to tour the shop and look at even more vehicles!
 |
| There's a bullet in the windshield. Do I want to know? Nope...just let that one pass... |
We spent nearly two hours just wandering around, peeking in the windows, talking with owners and other "chasers". And although I may not be a complete gear head, I know just enough to appreciate the engineering, admire their beauty and hope for the day when I'll be lucky enough to buy one of these classics, fix it up and join a Sunday rally just like this one. Although I do have to admit that, in a moment of complete stupidity, I actually referred to a Corvette as a Camero. Oye!
Oh well...in the meantime, I guess we'll just have to hang back and drool from afar. So many beautiful cars to enjoy. I don't think I'll ever get tired of cruising along the highway, wind in my hair, radio cranked, looking up and seeing one of those beauties in my rear view mirror.
Oh, wait....
Crap.
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