January 18, 2008
FOUR FOR FRIDAY
Q1 - National ID Card: In May of 2005, President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act of 2005 into law. Last week it was announced that enforcement of the Act--which requires people entering federal buildings, boarding airplanes or opening bank accounts to present identification that has met certain security and authentification standards--would be postponed for three years. In 2011, however, a Federal agency may not accept, for any official purpose, a driver's license or identification card issued by a state to any person unless the state is meeting the requirements specified in the REAL ID Act. According to recent reports, citizens born on or after December 1, 1964 will have to obtain a REAL ID by December 1, 2014, while those born before that date will have until December 1, 2017 to obtain theirs. How do you feel about being required to obtain a national ID card? Do you feel like it's just another hassle to have to deal with--like long lines at the airport and Presidential Addreses which interrupt nighttime television--or do you feel like the time has come for a national ID program and that it will help law enforcement and other others tell the good guys from the bad guys?
Q2 - Comfort and Security: For some people, listening to good Jazz music while sipping a stellar Martini after a long day of work is what it takes to make them feel like they're alive and that everything is going to be okay. For others, that feeling may be found inside a house of worship, on the side of a mountain, near the ocean, or even while vegging out on the couch with a good book or the television on. What does it take for you to feel everything is going to be okay?
Q3 - Disabilities: After scientific analysis conducted in November, the International Association of Athletics Federations (the IAAF is the world governing body for track and field events like the ones which take place at the Olympics) ruled that a double-amputee sprinter named Oscar Pistorius is ineligible to compete in the Beijing Olympics because of his prosthetic racing legs--which are made of carbon-fiber blades--give him a "clear competitive advantage" over his fellow competitors. According to the IAAF, Pistorius' J-shaped blades are a "technical aid" to his running and therefore may not be used in an able-bodied competition. Do you think disabled athletes should be able to compete alongside so-called able-bodied athletes?
Q4 - Telephone Numbers: There once was a time when I had to memorize all of my friends' and family members' telephone numbers or look them up in a telephone book or hardcopy address book. Nowadays, because everything is stored in my cell phone, I couldn't even tell you my best friend's number. Is it the same for you? Do you no longer take the time to memorize telephone numbers (because they're all stored in your cell phone), or are there certain numbers you still commit to memory?
Posted by Mikal at January 18, 2008 8:05 AM
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1) I think a national ID card would just be another card in my wallet and another $30 I have to pay Uncle Sam. It would help law enforcement any more than driver's license's do because the criminals are smart and they will come up with good fakes well before we all have the real IDs.
2) I enjoy the escape provided by a good book.
3) I think anyone should be able to compete as long as they meet the requirements of the competition. If the IAAF is the governing body and they say the prosthetic legs are not legal than that should be the case. If the prosthetics give an advantage, it is no different than using something else to increase your advantage like steroids or enhancement drugs. They probably won't let you use roller blades either.
4) I can only remember phone numbers that I knew before I had a cell phone, but I do have a list of all the numbers in my phone in case I lose the phone.
1. ID CARD: I think this is a great idea. It should replace all state IDs and licenses, but could be administered by the states. I think driver licenses are nothing more than a government jobs program and a bureaucratic hassle anyway.
2. ESCAPE TO BE ALIVE: A few things make me feel alive: a well-written article, essay, or book about the human experience; dance music; the sight of a hot young man; and an emotional encounter, whether in print, in person, or on film.
3. PROSTHETICS: I may seem old-fashioned, but I think able-bodied competitions should be just that, especially for the Olympics. Combined competitions are OK, but not as official Olympic records.
4. PHONE NUMBERS: More and more, I find I know fewer and fewer phone numbers of friends and acquaintances. The ones I most remember are the ones that have remained unchanged since the pre-texting & pre-caller ID eras.
1. National ID Card: One the one hand, we are 50 states. On the other, we are a united nation. No other nation (that I'm aware of) has 50 different ID cards. Make ID cards universal... like our money. I think it makes life easier for everybody. That is, assuming it replaces state ID cards.
2. Comfort and Security: Logic. A logical argument to myself that things will be okay (or that there simply isn't anything that can be done about it) is all I need. If I walked into a room and saw that there was a hydrogen bomb attached to a timer with 5 seconds left, I might be distressed -- but not panicked, since there is no logical reason for doing so -- for about 2 seconds, the amount of time it would take me to realize that there is no escape. That would give me three full seconds of peace before I die.
3. Disabilities: Disabled people ought to be able to compete against able-bodied people as long as they have no advantages other than the hot body God gave them. If the body isn't so hot, and bionic prosthetics that allow one to destroy all comers in arm wrestling are used... well then, that guy should not be allowed to compete in any event where his super-strong bionic arm gives him an advantage.
The IAAF made the right call in this case.
4. Telephone Numbers: I have a hard time remembering my own phone number. I honestly don't have the slightest clue what the phone numbers of any of my friends are thanks to speed dial -- I never have to dial their numbers anymore. Weird thing is, I still remember the serial number from my M-16 I was issued in boot camp in 1994, the phone number for the radio station I was a D.J. at in 1992, and the phone number for "Time & Temp." in my home town when I was a kid (from like the mid-eighties). That number is now owned by a private citizen. I wonder how many calls he gets from people wanting to know the time and temperature?
1- I tend to think of this as just a nuisance, because it’s just a matter of time until the bad guys make passable forgeries.
2- For me, it’s less about the act of doing any particular thing and more about having the time to break away from obligations long enough to do whatever it is I need.
3- The IAAF actually did some rather extensive research on the blades that Oscar Pistorius uses, and was able to determine that there is a rather notable mechanical advantage over flesh and bones. The way the argument goes down, it sounds like the committee is willing to let him in if he uses a prosthetic that is mechanically equal to the human leg in terms of sprinting performance, which I think is perfectly reasonable. On the other hand, Mr. Pistorius has yet to turn in a fast enough time with his current set up to meet the qualifying mark for the Olympics, so it might just be a moot point.
4- I have a handful of numbers I know by heart, just in cause my battery dies or I can't find my phone.
1. I think the federal government should just mandate that all state Drivers' Licenses have to meet whatever requirements are needed and then make sure that everyone gets those. You have to renew every 5 years or something anyway, so it seem like that would be easy. If they come out with their own separate federal ID that I have to get then I think that's lame and a waste of time and tax-payer money to set up a whole new system.
2. A hot bath. Yeah, it might not sound too manly, but there's nothing better then a good book/movie and a hot bath.
3. Oooh, tough call. I would say that with current medical technologies it seems a little silly, but then again I haven't seen Pistorius' carbon fiber legs. Still, I doubt that they could really be considered an advantage. I do not, however, doubt that some day in the not-too-distant future we will have the technology for bionics and prosthetics that very well could give advantages to athletes. In this case, the IAAF maybe establishing a precedent for future days--and that makes sense to me.
4. I couldn't even tell you my home phone number (which we actually use as a fax line). There are very few phone numbers I have memorized...unless you count Doba extensions.
Q1 - Criminals and stupid people are constantly doing things that result in further complicating the lives of intelligent, law-abiding citizens. This is just one more burden we have to carry because of them. Unfortunately, the criminals will find a way to skirt the law, so it will be a burden we carry in vain.
Q2 - A day on a warm, sunny beach with my family.
Q3 - If a "disabled" athlete needs performance-enhancing equipment to compete and gain an edge on competitors, then the person should be prohibited from the competition. Could you imagine the Six Million Dollar Man in the Olympics?
Q4 - I still memorize or look up most numbers. I also place calls to very few people.
1. Sounds too much like Big Brother's way of keeping track of it's U.S. citizens. Kind of creepy. I'm not so sure about this National ID thing.
2. Food, a comfortable bed and a nice quiet place to live, preferably with someone I like/love, and the knowledge that I am supported, seen, and known by that person and others. Oh, and a secure income.
3. It sounds absurd that people would be concerned with the superiority of two prosthetic legs when this person "has no real legs". I say let the man compete for gosh sake. If the other athelets are secure in their own abilities they shouldn't be worried about this person competing with them. I'm not sure how much of an advantage he would have over the rest.
4. I have memorized all the phone numbers I have known since childhood (family and some friends who still have the same numbers) and the numbers of people I call who don't use a cell phone. The thing is, back in the day there was only one area code for each state, now with cell phones there are multiple area codes aside from the original ones. Technology wants to make life easier, but it seems we give up some of our brain power for the convenience.
I think it is a waist of time but I understnd that it is important with all of the Terrosit acts happening. I really dont want to stand in line either.
when I am out spening money with my darling wife. Spending is what we do best.
I believe that there would need to be more research on how much the prostetics help. Otherwise let him compete.
Yes, most numbers I leave upto my phone storing, but any important numbers I will commit to memory merely because you cannot depend sloey on electronics.
Q1 - National ID Card: Better IDs!!! What a brilliant idea!!! That should solve all of the car bombings, assassinations, plane jackings, weapons exchanges, and hate crimes. How about we stop pissing everyone off. Right now I think our country is like the arrogant prep in school who is walking around like he never gave the foreign exchange student an atomic wedge two years ago and now he is totally surprised all of a sudden that this kid is all pissed off with him. So we go to the high school board and tell them that this foreign exchange student is crazy and should be dealt with, that we need protection because he attacked us in the hall. Now granted this foreign exchange student is acting a little irrational right now but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something to resolve the main issue with the prep. We need to stop forcing our opinions, “services”, and well we just need to eliminate force from our plan of execution….period. How about we wait until we are asked to help…then WE, as a country, can decide if it’s a good idea.
Q2 - Comfort and Security: I think a climb to the top of a 14,000ft mountain with 40+mph winds blasting you and massive storm clouds floating over your head with the chance of striking you with bolts of lightning helps you feel like everything is going to be ok. Because after that normal life seems to be so simple.
Q3 - Disabilities: When I think of disabled, I think of….Robocop. And Robocop had a pretty unfair advantage against the average human being. Like that combat scene in the drug warehouse where he thrashes all of those drug dealers….that was awesome. How would you feel if you worked all of your life to master the art of gun shooting and when you where able to get into a world broadcast contest, they told you your competitor was Robocop.
Q4 - Telephone Numbers: My wife’s…My best friend…my work…and the emergency line, everything else is in the pocket pc.
Q1 - National ID Card: Better IDs!!! What a brilliant idea!!! That should solve all of the car bombings, assassinations, plane jackings, weapons exchanges, and hate crimes. How about we stop pissing everyone off. Right now I think our country is like the arrogant prep in school who is walking around like he never gave the foreign exchange student an atomic wedge two years ago and now he is totally surprised all of a sudden that this kid is all pissed off with him. So we go to the high school board and tell them that this foreign exchange student is crazy and should be dealt with, that we need protection because he attacked us in the hall. Now granted this foreign exchange student is acting a little irrational right now but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something to resolve the main issue with the prep. We need to stop forcing our opinions, “services”, and well we just need to eliminate force from our plan of execution….period. How about we wait until we are asked to help…then WE, as a country, can decide if it’s a good idea.
Q2 - Comfort and Security: I think a climb to the top of a 14,000ft mountain with 40+mph winds blasting you and massive storm clouds floating over your head with the chance of striking you with bolts of lightning helps you feel like everything is going to be ok. Because after that normal life seems to be so simple.
Q3 - Disabilities: When I think of disabled, I think of….Robocop. And Robocop had a pretty unfair advantage against the average human being. Like that combat scene in the drug warehouse where he thrashes all of those drug dealers….that was awesome. How would you feel if you worked all of your life to master the art of gun shooting and when you where able to get into a world broadcast contest, they told you your competitor was Robocop.
Q4 - Telephone Numbers: My wife’s…My best friend…my work…and the emergency line, everything else is in the pocket pc.
Q1 - I think the National ID card is just another of many examples of the American people losing freedom. I really don't see how it would 'protect' us from anything. We are getting closer and closer to a police state. How long until we have to go through customs between state borders. Or until we have barcodes tattooed on our wrists?
Q2 - I rarely feel like life is too much to handle. And I like it that way. I'm really good at being laid back, a professional some might say, others might just say lazy. My perfect idea of a break from my low-stress life is to share some stories and some beers with my best friends around the campfire in the middle of nowhere.
Q3- We should only allow people with enhanced bodies to play baseball.
Q4 - I remember my Mom's home number because it's been the same number for 28 years. And I remember my best friend's home number from when we were kids but that's because it was a palindrome number. 426-8624, like racecar
ID - I don't mind the REAL ID. I suppose though that the people making the FAKE IDs are really gonna be mad.
Feeling Good - Coincidentally, jazz and a stellar martini are just the thing to make me feel warm and fuzzy.
Disabilities - I think the IAAF made the right decision in this case. Not mentioned is the advantage Oscar Pistorius would have in the "running on broken glass" competition.
Hello? - I used to have an amazing ability to remember numbers, then cell phones came along. Unfortunately, I cannot remember two or more numbers per person, and since the phone stores them, I have become lazy about it.
CRUD!
The one above Steve L's.
1. it's just a waste of time, if it were harder to get into a fed building, then a would-be terrorist would pick another target (bridge, mall, the next trade center). This solution is like Iraq and using outward force to evoke change, it would become what Louis Black metaphorically described as "wack a mole" methodology. It's not changing hearts and minds which is what they should be focusing on.
2. whenever I think I really screwed the pooch big time, then realize I didn't. I breath a sigh of relieve and am on a high from the narrow miss.
3. I don't know man, where are we to draw the line. I would feel a bit cheated if a wheelchair fellow blew by me with rocket boosters on the 400 meter run. Not like I'm a runner, but just sayin'.. Maybe have a challenge race, when they have the para, quad olympics, the gold metalists could from each could race the usual olympians. Just for fun at first, but later it could give evidence to merge them together.
4. I keep em all in a black book old school style, my sweetie keeps the cell. As a result I know by best friend's number by heart(801)555-1212 call him up!
1. I don't know yet what my stance is on this National ID idea. I'll need to germinate on this one.
2. Fresh Red Vines always make me feel good :)
3. I suppose if it's proven that the athlete with prothestics can actually best an "able-bodied" athlete due more to the prothestics than natural ability then there should be separate competitions.
4. Yep, I only remember the phone numbers I knew before I became attached to my cell phone.
1. I'm not too sure if it is being done simply because the REAL ID will be harder to obtain or forge. There's been a sharp inflation of federal bureaucracy in the last decade, and it sounds like they are drawing more lines between state and federal jurisdiction. They may just be telling people that it's safer because it's an easy sell...
2. 10 figures
3. I have seen a video of that guy running and it isn't accurate to call him disabled. He's more like an enhanced cyborg with those legs, albeit he isn't quite that upgraded. Perhaps there should be a new class of athletes that are all allowed to attach high-tech components to their limbs to enhance performance.
This could be a taste of the not-so-distant human race...
4. I can recognize numbers usually after seeing them once, but I couldn't recite from memory all of the numbers in my phone if I had to.
1. I don't care. GW can kiss my white ass for all I'm concerned.
2. Mindfulness meditation.
3. I don't care, but I personally don't have a problem with the J-shaped legs being included in the big race. Probably because I'm not his competitor, though.
4. I've got nada without the ol' cellphone.
Q1 - National ID Card: We are the United States, so an ID card that works across all States is expected and necessary; it has been needed for a while in my opinion. This ID though needs to store which State it also doubles as State residence ID. It does provide a state independent drivers license too, which is very nice. If medical information is stored on it, then all system across all the States will eventually recognize this data too.
Q2 - Comfort and Security: I have always found that coming home, seeing my kids and wife, goofing off for a while, and then watching American Idol works great for me ... or maybe just a great game of Hide-and-Seek with the kids when I get home.
Q3 - Disabilities: I have visions of the bionic man or woman competing in the Olympics ... I agree that from a precedent setting perspective, only able-bodied individuals should compete in the Olympics.
Q4 - Telephone Numbers: I don't even have my HOT Wife's cell phone number memorized ... I have to look at my Treo everytime. It is speed-dial or contact manager look-up for me ... or bust I guess!
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