Aamas 2004 blog

Posts Tagged ‘america’

Paris Explore America 1000

This intelligent critique of America picks up on some serious problems. We’re a society in real trouble, less equal, less free, less masters of our own fate. Alperovitz notes correctly that we’re moving dangerously towards an oligarchy or plutocracy, and I agree with this sharp observation (echoed by excellent journalists like Bill Moyers.)

As I write this, after the recent election of a Democratic president, there’s a sense of relief that right-wing ideological policies of the past administration which have proven to be a huge disappointment are past us now, and there’s relief just to have a change. No doubt the United States will lean to the left in the next decade or so, and this is natural, and the fact that the nation oscillates every generation or so between a right-leaning agenda and a left-leaning agenda provides a healthy measure of protection for Americans. The two parties play against each other, and this long term competition between competing mindsets is one positive factor keep the United States from getting out of control.

My problems with Alperovitz’s prescription, however, is that he’s pulled tired ideas from the socialist bag of tricks. He likes worker-owned firms. He favors community-owned enterprises. He suggests municipalities should own businesses and real estate, and cites Boston’s Faneuil Hall as a case-study in successful management. While there may be some exceptions, I think there are few examples of workers successfully running a business firm. It’s not what they’re good at. These ideas deserve to be heard, of course, but I think the direction of the country shouldn’t be left or right but rather center. I think the whole idea of citizenship needs to be examined. Things that bother Alperovitz tend to bother most socialists, such as wealth inequality — he points out (along with writers like Kevin Phillips) that the richest one percent own half of all stocks, securities, trust equity, and business equity. This concentration of wealth is a
America Beyond Capitalism Reclaiming

I received my Kindle earlier this week and forced myself to wait at least 48 hours to talk about it in order to make sure that I really did love it as much as I initially did upon opening the lovely box in which it was packaged. The Kindle arrived elegantly packed in a simple, brown box reminiscent of books and recycled packaging – what a clever, beautiful juxtaposition of materials and design!

I love to read real paper books and was initially hesitant to purchase a Kindle site unseen. So, I decided to visit Barnes and Noble to investigate the Nook. After 45 minutes with the B&N Nook, I still was no closer at figuring out how to maneuver the controls on the LCD (correct name?) screen, but I did see how eInk looked on a glareless screen. It was stunning. I went home and ordered the Kindle.

When the Kindle arrived, I was able to figure out how to operate it within 5 minutes. It so easy to use and the screen is spectacular to look at: the words on it look as if they are printed on paper, and the background is paper-colored (beige). Because I can change the size of the font, I don’t need my reading glasses when using the Kindle. I immediately purchased the Mobi version of Jane Austen’s works and started reading her novel, Persuasion, for the first time ever. Yesterday, I purchased the Mobi versions of the works of the Bronte sisters and of Robert Louis Stevenson. These versions are highly rated because they (1) contain all or most of the works of these authors and (2) are well-indexed. I recommend potential purchasers read the reviews about them.

Even though I’ve used a PC and/or Mac since the mid-80s at work and later at home and email since the late 90s, I am hesitant about purchasing and using technology for technology’s sake. My cell phone, for example, serves the primary purpose of keeping in touch with my elderly parents on a moment’s notice. In fact, I only deliberately decided to text friends with the cell 2 weeks ago – yes, literally 2 weeks ago
Epson America Inc 9pin

Love it, love it, love it!!! This scale was exactly what I was looking for. It doesn’t deviate…the second or third time that you get on the scale it is just the same as the first time. It has a very sleek appearance that I like…it is not white or black, but glass. Very sexy, I think. This scale isn’t fancy with BMI, etc. but it does display .2, .4, .6, or .8 lbs and that is so cool. Anyway, I will purchase EatSmart products again in the future because I am so impressed with this purchase. Works just fine!
America The Beautiful

I use this card in a Canon Vixia HF200 camcorder. 1080 videos shot at 30fps require class 6 speed, and this card delivers nicely. I did have to wait a while to get my card as these are a hot item. Maybe a week? Best of all, not in that stupid anti-shoplifting/display packaging.
America s Music The

Does exactly what I wanted it to do. Vacuum. And do it well. Period.
Fantasia 30031 Club America

This is the easiest pedometer I have ever used. The readout is large enough to see without my glasses and I love the way it zeros itself out overnight. It’s easy to clip on or carry in your pocket. It’s very accurate and fun to use!
Baseball America

This cable supports 1080p at 60hz nothing more, will not do the job for me cause i have a 240hz tv, besides that it is a fine cable
The Real America in