Too many people are freaking out about this last snowfall. Did you think that since we had a few warm days that winter must be over and we’ve seen the last of snow for the season? The snowfall wasn’t very bad. The city wasn’t paralyzed as I’ve heard some say. The roads were fine. They weren’t perfect, but they weren’t buried under sheets of ice and snow. There were many other snowstorms this winter that were so much worse. This was a gentle snowfall really. People are blowing this all out of proportion simply because when the snow started melting they set their brains for ‘Spring mode’. That’ll teach you. Winter is a harsh mistress. She’ll leave when she’s good and ready, not at your convenience.
I find I have no more tolerance for these young college kids with with a warped optimistic view of what the world is and what it could be, yet their parents pay for their schooling and provide all the funds to facilitate their lifestyle. If you want to see the true nature of humans and the world around you, survive by your own means. The world is a harsh place. There is good to be found, but there is no overwhelming aura of good in this world. It’s so easy to be carefree when your rent, food and bills are paid by another person.
If I ever hear some child of suburban yuppies expound about Buddhism or eating Vegan ever again, it will be too soon. I also don’t care to hear about their trips to study abroad or vacations in far away lands. I’ve traveled and seen many things. I’ve studied, learned and forgotten many things. I’ve done all that with money I’ve earned.
If you live off your parents, you are worthless. Cut the strings and start making your own way in the world.
I’ve been watching the original version of The Office that was produced in the UK. I’m often told that the UK version is far superior. I have to wonder if those people have ever seen the British version. Some people like to speak out of their asre and feel the need to claim movies and television produced in other countries are so much better. I’ll admit to the fact that a lot of garbage is produced in the US. I grew sick of reality television seven years ago, but the majority of shows in production are the ‘reality show’ format. Thankfully there are still some good shows out there, be it too few and far between.
One of the funniest elements of the US version is the interaction between Jim and Dwight. That is totally lacking in the UK version. I can recognize plot ideas used in the US version that were nearly identical to the UK version, but the US version pulls it off much better. I think most of it comes down to the actors. John Krasinski, who plays Jim, has a way at looking at the camera and with just a glance he communicates so much. Martin Freeman, the British actor that plays Jim’s counterpart in the UK version, is a great actor. He’s a funny guy and I love a lot of the characters he’s played. He just doesn’t do well in this role. In fact, all of the actors in the US version outshine their UK counterparts. The writing of the UK version is also weak. The characters in the US version have much more going on. Each character has a dynamic relationships with their co-workers. In the UK version the relationships are very generic.
Perhaps something is lost with the language barrier. They may be speaking English, but it’s loaded with slang and references unfamiliar to the American public. However, I don’t place much stock in the language difference since I really enjoy the new Doctor Who and unfamiliar English is used in that program.
If someone tells you the UK version is superior and the US version is a cheap copy, tell that barmy duffer to sod off! Seriously, the UK version is boring, but it’s better than watching an episode of Two and a Half Men or The Biggest Loser.
SPOILER WARNING: If you enjoy The Biggest Loser, you’d be interested to know who the biggest loser is. Everyone involved with the show and everyone watching it are all equal losers. How did they sell the premise of that show? Let’s make a show about losing weight, but it will be a contest and winning is not the result of losing weight, but rather stupid challenges and voting against your rivals. Idiocracy is happening and we have a front row seat.
This winter has really tested everyone in Wisconsin—a record snowfall, freezing rain, hail, thawing and refreezing. Most neighborhood streets are covered under a thick layer of ice. Snow is piled up everywhere possible. The Dane County Airport and the 115th Fighter Wing have also been struggling to manage the snow and ice. It’s not possible to keep every stretch of pavement clear of ice. The budget for plowing, salt and deicing fluid has been expended. Emergency funds keep the plows running, but there’s no salt available to purchase. The essential areas such as runways, taxiways and aircraft parking ramps are cleared regularly and are safe. However, the paved areas not used by aircraft are often buried under heavy sheets of ice. The plows do try to clear the areas, but since they must conserve salt and deicing fluid for aircraft areas, there’s little they can do. Some days the temperature soars high enough to weaken the ice and large tractors scrape the ice away. But most days this winter it only gets warm enough to melt some snow, which puts more water on top of the ice where it freezes at night adding to the problem. Where I work at the Munitions Storage Area between the military ramp and the main runway, we’ve been buried under layers of ice and snow. Only a few days this winter have you been able to see the pavement.
I have a video of The Dude ice skating on some pavement in the Munitions Storage Area. If you’re reading this from the index page you’ll need to click the ‘more’ link to see the video.
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