Take Your Daughter (and/or son) to Work Day

Today is "take your daughter and/or son to work day." Initially this day's purpose was, "for girls to achieve their full potential, whether it is in the home, workplace, or community, boys also must be encouraged to reach their potential by participating fully in family, work, and community." Now the program has been expanded to include boys.

I think "take your daughter to work" is a great concept. I, myself, participated in this activity as a child and I learned a lot by going to work with my dad. But why must the day be scheduled during the school year? Kids (who participate in this program) typically have 3 months over the summer, 2 weeks off in December, and 1 week off in the spring, to go to work with parents. Their vacation time provides parents with amble time to take their children to work. Why take time away from the already short school year to do something that parents should insist on during one day of their kids' vacation? I mean, doesn't telling kids that they can dismiss their responsibilities as a child enrolled in school to skip classes send the wrong message?

According to the program, taking a child during a school day is an important part of the learning process. "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day is organized during the school year so girls and boys can take what they learn in workplaces on Thursday and apply it to the classroom on Friday. By involving whole communities—schools, girls and boys, parents, workplaces, and mentors—the program helps young people make connections between what they learn in school and their future goals."

I don't buy it. Of course the program is a great idea and helps kids grasp the working world that their parents face everyday, but at whose expense is this program really benefitting?

Airbus

In Blagnac, France today the world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, successfully took off on its maiden flight.

According to reports, this giant plane is equipped with four engines, 280-metric ton 308-ton fuselage, and can accommodate up to 555 people in its double decker cabin.

The flight capped 11 years of preparation and $13 billion in spending. Spectators camped out by the airport to be there for what some said was Europe's biggest aviation event since the first flight of the supersonic Concorde in 1969. The A380, with a catalogue price of $282 million, represents a huge bet by Airbus that international airlines will need bigger aircraft to transport passengers between ever-busier hub airports.

The pictures of the A380 is totally amazing. The experience of flying can take on a whole new meaning. Cramped leg room, nasty airplane food, and small luggage compartments could be the complaints of yesterday. Airbus says that the A380 enters service for Singapore Airlines in mid-2006.

I can hardly wait.

Sanitized Movies

There was an ABC News Poll that was done about the unauthorized "sanitizing" of Hollywood movies, with the sex and violence cut out.

According to the article, a few video rental companies have been cutting sexual or violent scenes out of Hollywood movies and offering these edited versions for rent on video or DVD, calling it an alternative their customers want. Studios and directors have sued, saying it violates their copyrights and damages the integrity of their editorial products.

I don't know where I stand on this issue. On one hand you have to protect intellectual property rights but on the other hand if there is demand for a product on the market, then just increase the supply. I could relate to both sides. As a consumer, I am willing to pay to watch a movie that has some of these explicit sex scenes and extreme violence taken out of the movie. I don't feel that I should have to subject myself to these scenes just because they are in the movie. Granted, I could just fast-forward through these scenes, but why would I if someone would be willing to alter the scenes so that I wouldn't have to miss the possibly important dialogue? Granted, I think the movie should have a label saying that the movie has been edited for its content, but other than that I don't see a problem with that. On the other hand, if I were an author of a book and critics just started going to libraries and ripping out three pages because they were "editing" my content without my permission, I would be upset too.

So I don't know.

Traffic Signals

There was a report released last week by the Washington based Institute of Transportation Engineers that stated the nation's traffic lights are woefully inefficient and outdated, forcing frustrated commuters to sit in congestion, waste gasoline and pollute the air. The group found that two-thirds of 378 traffic agencies in 49 states don't actively monitor traffic lights, or they simply respond to problems as they occur.

As a driver, I can tell you that it is extremely frustrating to sit at a red light when there are no other cars around. I am sure that everyone has experienced this, driving your car during the wee hours of the night and/or morning, but having to sit at a traffice light for a good few minutes waiting for the light to turn green. Meanwhile, there is not another car in sight and you are getting more frustrated by the minute. With gas prices soaring and your frustration level increasing, I am sure that more cars tend to run red lights hoping to decrease their time at a red light but also to save valuable time.

According to the study, ideal management of traffic lights would cut delays by 15%-20%, reduce travel time by up to 25%, cut emissions by up to 22% and reduce gas consumption by up to 10%. The survey estimates that improving traffic signal operations would cost about $965 million a year. Therefore, giving the nation's traffic signals an overall D-minus.

Pigs

The report is out. Pigs are multi-talented animals. They are great as farm animals, probably make great pets, and of course taste great with a side order of eggs. So who ever thought pigs were athletes?

In Shanghai, China pigs aren't only seen as farm animals and pets, but as real athletes (minus performance enhancing drugs, I'm sure). Yesterday, the pig olympics was the talk of the town.

Pig Olympics?

Yes, Pig Oylmpics.

These pigs have been training since birth to compete in obstacle courses, diving competitions, and swimming races. After the events were completed, pigs were awarded medals of honor for all their hard work.

I wonder, does that mean that since everyone is a winner, they all receive a slice of the...bacon?

AH-Hahaha!

Our Governor

So California Governor Schwarzenegger was in San Francisco yesterday and raised eyebrows again saying the current policy on preventing illegal immigrants is too loose and that America should "close the borders."

He said, "It's a federal issue, and the only thing that I can say and add to this is really, close the borders. Close the borders in California and all across Mexico and in the United States. Because I think it is just unfair to have all those people coming across, have the borders open the way it is, and have this kind of lax situation."

Since Schwarzenegger is an immigrant himself, I am surprised by his comments. But I find myself in agreement. Close the borders. Illegal immigration is a big problem in California and along many states bordering Mexico. As a member of society and a tax-payer, I feel that illegal immigrates abuse our community and privileges, but are cannot be held accountable for their actions.

For example, illegal immigrants need to find work to stay in the country (whether they are employed legally or illegally is a moot point right now) and they tend to drive to work. They would be driving on roads and contributing to its wear and tear, but they are not paying for its repairs. Plus if they get into an accident with me and are unable to take responsibility or are not able to be held accountable for the accident, the damage cost is all on me. Now I am not saying this is the case for each illegal immigrant or that people should not be allowed to immigrate into our country.

All I am saying is that if people want to immigrate into the country, they should follow our rules. I am aware that the process takes awhile, but staying in our country is a privilege not a right. So unless there is a better way to crack down on illegal immigrants, then please close the borders.

A New Pope

The world has a new pope.

A few minutes ago, white smoke rose from a Sistine Chapel chimney and bells rang, signaling the selection of a new pope.

Now I am not a religous person, so this decision does not really impact my daily life and I don't see it affecting my long term outlook on life. But I know that choosing a new pope is a big deal. This brings me to my big question. Does religion have a purpose in my life?

As a person not having faith in the unexplainable but relying on factual and imperical evidence and reasoning, I have questions and concern with religion. Now I have no problem with people practicing religion, I just question its relevance in my life.

But maybe there is something I am missing. Many highly educated people and leaders of our society, have some sort of religious belief. As demonstrated in the past national election, I find myself part of the minority of society.

It's probably me.

Hunting Cats

I was watching the news this morning and to my surprise I heard about this new proposal in Wisonsin. Supposedly, Wisconsin residents have backed a controversial proposal to allow hunters to stalk and kill feral cats.

The issue of whether to make feral cats an unprotected species, meaning they could be hunted and killed, was put Monday night before the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, an independent organization created by the state 70 years ago to take public input on conservation issues.

The vote doesn't make it open season on cats in Wisconsin, but it does mean the Conservation Congress will consider the proposal at its annual meeting in May. The congress will send its recommendations to its board and the DNR, but any further action would have to be carried out by the Legislature.

The proposal, which was raised five years ago and voted down by the Conservation Congress, was revived after a 2004 University of Wisconsin study that found non-native feral cats were a threat to native animals such as lovebirds.

My take on this would be, why not? Now I'm not a big cat fan, so I may not be the best judge on this subject. But feral and stray cats can be a nuisance to a neighborhood and dangerous to be around. I'm not saying that stray cats shouldn't be trapped and taken to pet shelters, but when the population in the shelter is too overwhelming and stray cats are still dominant in the neighborhoods, then I say, have at it.

Tensions on Asia

So just when you start to think things are getting better in Asia, you find out that China and Japan are still at odds. Big surprise, right?

Well, yeah, kind of.

Just yesterday, India and China agreed to form a "stategic partnership" which would create a bond between Asia's two emerging powers. In the past, these two nuclear countries have long been defined by mutual suspicion. But now these two powerful countries have joined forces. How strong are their ties? I'm sure that is not defined as of yet.

But now, this issue with Japan.

China has always been wary of Japan, and I doubt that it will change anytime soon. After countless invasions and many atrocities against the Chinese people, China will not let Japan off the hook very easily. Last weekend, tens of thousands of Chinese took to the streets demonstrating a new Japanese history book they say fails to admit the extent of Japan's World War II atrocities. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told reporters today that Japan must "face up to history squarely" and that the protests should give Tokyo reason to rethink its bid for a permanent U.N. security council seat. "Only a country that respects history, takes responsibility for past history and wins over the trust of the people in Asia and the world at large can take greater responsibility in the international community," he added.

According to The Economist Global Agenda, Japan's leaders have so far apologized to China on no fewer than 17 occasions since the two nations restored diplomatic ties in 1972. Although it is a step in the right direction, I hardly think a mere apology will mend this broken relationship.

But it should be a start, right?

Busy

I haven't posted in awhile and today I find myself very busy.

Maybe it has something to do with my no-work on Friday policy.

Anyway, the definition of busy is "sustaining much activity."

Interesting...I don't know why I am writing this. Goes to show what happens to your brain when things are just too busy.

The End of March Madness

So it is April 1st. Meaning March Madness is almost over. I have looked at my chart and am saddened to report that my top two teams did not make it to the finals. But that's alright, I came pretty close. Not bad.

Now onto baseball and the San Francisco Giants. They played their first exhibition game last night against the Oakland A's and beat them in the 10th inning with a score of 6-5. The Giants home opener is next Tuesday at SBC Park against the L.A. Dodgers. It should prove to be a good game.

There is no news yet on whether Barry Bonds is going to be playing in their season opener or if hottie, Noah Lowry, will be pitching.

I guess we shall see.