Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Binders full of women - is this so bad?

Mitt Romney has been the butt of many jokes for his turn of phrase "binders full of women" as a solution to workplace equality.

Maybe I'm too much of a geek, but I didn't see anything wrong with the comment.    Based on this turn of phrase, I am thinking that

  1. He and/or his organization are researching competent women as part of a hiring plan for his administration.  
  2. He recognizes that you should be planning ahead and assembling sufficient information to be able to provide a solution.  
  3. He and/or his organization groups  the information into meaningful units for better analysis 

How is a bad thing?  Wouldn't we want a future president to do this?

As for the comment about a binder being "old technology",  I still think of my electronic groups of files "folders" in "binders."   Hey, Mitt . . . put me in your binder.     I need a job . . .

 



Monday, October 22, 2012

Making a List, Checking it Once - the Christmas rules

Though I am not ready to start hearing carols yet, I have started the list.    Actually it started last Christmas, so you know I am way ahead of the super moms

As I simplify to reduce stress, I realize we have evolved to a few Christmas rules that totally streamline the process.
  1. Three or less presents a person.  For kids, they can't play with that many items, and only one will be the favorite.   The others might as well not be there.  Of course, there is the pressure to hit that one, so . . .
  2. Fund a family outing as a present to all of you.  And sell that it is a present.  For example:
    • a favorite waterpark hotel that is kind of pricey
    • go to the movies at the most expensive time and buy anything you want for snacks
    • see a live show at a local theater
  3. Let the stockings flaunt rules 1 and 2 as needed. Big things can come in small packages, and don't underestimate the power of a gift certificate.
And new pajamas for Christmas Eve.  

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Christmas List OneUpManship

Do you have that friend who always has their shopping done earlier than you?   And no matter how early you finish, they are still done first?

Do you ever exaggerate how soon you got your shopping done ?  (done a week early, a month early, mid-July, or even, last year?) 

Do you wonder it's a contest to get done first?   And why you care?

I wonder.   I need me some Christmas rules to reduce the stress. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Buying toys for the Tween-ager

I was informed by my tween last Christmas that Christmas without toys is not her vision.   She does not feel ready to give up My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop.   She smiles at the clothes, but the toys are what she is looking for.

So I am out there trolling for the latest and greatest, such as the My Little Pony Wedding.  And the Littlest Pet Shop has DVDs and a show coming out on the Hub in November, which I'm sure I will see turn up on the DVR recording schedule.  (Too young to give up toys, but old enough to program the DVR so it fills up with cartoons and can't record my shows.)

My older one in her twenties said adult Christmas sucks, because her list has to include new tires, a vacuum cleaner, and a mixer.    She also said thanks. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Totally Useless Waste of Brainwaves aka My Dancing with the Stars Predictions


Even though I know applying logic to Dancing With the Stars is like painting your front door with gold leaf, I cannot resist.   With incredible Spockian use of logic and analysis, I am predicting the final three couples for the all-star season of Dancing With the Stars.

My powers of observation have told me that all former champions are going to eliminated before the finals.   Deep down, the public feels they had their turn, and the runner-ups deserve another chance.  What's more, couples with a professional dancer who has never won will have even more support.    SO, in no particular order, here are the final three.


  • Sabrina Bryan and Louis Van Amstel -  Sabrina was totally robbed and Louis has never won.  Louis is an awesome choreographer, second only to Derek Hough.
  • Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani -  Melissa is cute and a good dancer, but Tony is the partner who brings all the karma.   He suffered through many marginal partners, and most famously, Kate Gosselin.   Kate couldn't manage to shut up and follow directions that made her dance better.   Tony has been to the final but never taken the trophy home.   Melissa is the best partner he ever had, though not necessarily the most interesting.
  • Kirstie Alley and Maks - Everyone loves watching a train wreck.   You never know what will come out of either of their mouths.  Maks has been so close to winning but never quite made it.  I was most disappointed when he and Scary Spice didn't make it. 
Sorry, Bristol, but Mark's former championships doom your prospects.   Same for you, Gilles, because Peta, even worse, is last season's champion.  And the rest of you former champions - pack your bags, your red light is coming.