Gotta Have Room for Decency

Okay, I spend more time than I should watching the news channels.  I can name most of the talkers on FOX, several on CNN and a few on MSNBC.  I have my favorites but must admit that I frequently disagree with all of them.  Seems to me that most of time they beat the snot out of something or someone until there is no profit to be mad and then they move on.  That may be okay in some instances but when it comes to this cycles group of political candidate, appears to me that they have far too much influence in making or breaking a candidate.  Ratings may be a huge influence but showmanship seems to be a factor too in coverage of the political news.  catch phrases  appear to be more important than substance and the likelihood that a nominee will be chosen on talent and experience pales in comparison to the reckless promises of soundbites.  One can only hope that as the primaries draw near voters will recognize the recklessness of power bullies and place their support behind candidates with knowledge, experience and commonsense.  I am appalled that those who demand the eradication of 'political correctness' have failed to notice how easy it is to slip away from common decency.

We're Headed Where?

Beep, beep, beep, the barcode scanner identifies my three grocery purchases and the clerk asks, "Do you want to purchase the five day warranty on that milk?"  My face flushes as I question, "Are you telling me the milk may sour in the next five days?"  "Sir! Do you want the milk or not?"

Silly situation? Perhaps!  But just this morning I received a letter from Kitchen Aid offering  a one, two or three year warranty extension on our newly purchased, higher end dish washer.  Logically, I know that these extended programs are rarely used and are in general just a money maker for the company.   I wonder though if the manufacturers have gone one step beyond the 'planned obsolescence' which began in the 1960's and if the modern product is really not expected to last longer than the one year protection you get with the appliance purchase.

I know I'm being paranoid, but I can't help but remember that Crosley Shevador my folks bought in the early 1950's...it is still keeping the milk cold in Utah.  I wonder if that milk is under warranty?