Ahhhh.... welcome, summer! With the exception of blistering temperatures, we get along really well. How about you, friends? Are you excited about summer?
Here is our situation on this holiday Monday:
1) GIF: So last week, GIF (graphics interchange format) inventor Steve Wilhite reiterated, during his acceptance speech of a lifetime achievement award, that the GIF mnemonic is pronounced with a soft g ("jif").
Importantly, the Oxford English Dictionary (as an aside, one of the first things Skip and I bonded over was our shared reverence of the OED) accepts both pronunciations (gif or jif - a hard or soft g). Wilhite says, "They are wrong. It is a soft 'G,' pronounced 'jif.' End of story."
First, I think we can agree that the OED is the authority here, and therefore, we can discount anything that is said after the words "they are wrong." It's the OED; they're not wrong. Second, we are talking about graphics interchange format as opposed to jraphics interchange format. Correct? Finally (and this has been buzzing around so much I'm not sure who deserves credit), are we supposed to pronounce GUI (graphical user interface) JUI now?
Sorry, Mr. Wilhite, but both pronunciations are going to have to be acceptable. Huge props on that dancing baby thing from 1996, but it's going to take more than that for me to set aside the findings of the OED.
2) Apple: So Skip has been in a concerned state regarding Apple's tax strategies*. I haven't listened to Tim Cook's congressional testimony in full yet (but I will, as soon as time permits), but the excerpts are compelling. A) Apple is America's largest corporate income tax payer. B) Apple currently pays $16 million in taxes daily. While there is certainly an economy of scale, writing out a $16 million dollar check each day (and that's how my mind works because I certainly could never grasp the year-end figure) is torturous. There is no question the money is owed, but the pain involved in relinquishing those dollars explains why legal tax strategies are deployed. Is it ethical? Perhaps... perhaps not, but it's legal (Skip interjection: Just because you can doesn't necessarily mean you should).
As I analogized to Skip, when we met with our accountant the first tax season after William George was born, we could have declined to list George as a dependent, thereby declining the additional exemption. We could have said, "You know... the average American household has 1.6 children, and therefore, it doesn't seem ethical to claim more than that." However, we listed him, and then we literally "high-fived" when our return increased. Our return is squeaky clean and totally legal, but we could have opted to pay more. Would it have been more ethical? Or is it a ridiculous notion to expect people and entities to pay more than they legally owe?
If the strategy is unethical, consider changing the law. Otherwise, Cook can hardly volunteer to pay more taxes and remain Apple's CEO.
(Skip Interjection: Cook's performance was validating in terms of Jobs having made a good choice to succeed him. He was disarming, credible, and -- by the end of the testimony -- had even folks who were ardent critics on the way in eating from his hand. Not bad for an Alabama boy.
However, the essence of the problems that Apple illustrates remain. Specifically, there were 16 Top Fortune 50 companies that, at one time or another since 2009, paid NO corporate income taxes. Apple, in some of the facts I read, had some revenue streams of BILLIONS of dollars on which their effective rate of taxation was tenths of a percent. With love and respect to my dear wife, that's not the same as the analogy above, i.e., in no case were there years where we JUST DIDN'T PAY. And, there have been no cases where Uncle Sam said to large portions of our income (in Chris Rock voice), "You don't have to worry about those dollars, Mr. and Ms. Lindsey. We're doin' just fine. Shelter those dollars!"
In fewer words, it's a mess, and it's entirely emblematic of messes we have all over the place as a country. We don't have the fortitude to put simpler, non-lobby-able principles and rules in place, and say, "this is the playing field. Same rules for all." Why not?)
Again, Apple is the largest tax payer in America. $16 million per day. Apple pays dearly.
*Because of my love for Apple, Skip brings any negative news story to me and expects an explanation, as if I sit on the Board of Directors**. Yes, of course, I do the same thing to him with any brand to which he is loyal.
**Only in my wildest fantasies.
3) Cook: Speaking of Tim Cook, I do have to laugh about the above assessment of Cook's performance. As Skip and I have joked, a congressional hearing probably pales in comparison to having Steve Jobs (God rest) yell at you on an hourly basis. On the relativity scale, a congressional hearing was probably mildly stressful for him.
4) Target: Leaving the tech world and moving on to another favorite, I was astounded last week to discover an Instagram feed devoted to Target. @Targetdoesitagain is the product of Los Angeles-based user @ascotfriday and showcases the stylish goodness of Target. I've been unabashedly candid about my love of Target and cannot believe this feed has been around for 34 weeks without my knowledge. While I may not have the same fun style as the author, the concept and feed itself are fantastic! Also, I may have discovered the only person who spends more time at Target than I do.
Anyrate. That's what is happening with us. What's going on with you?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Memorial Day
As we kick-off summer this weekend with a luxurious three day weekend, let us pause and remember the sacrifices of many for whom this weekend is dedicated.
The Wallbreakers previously shared photos from Life Archives that were taken at Penn Station in 1943, capturing couples in their departing embraces. How heartbreaking to think that this may have been a last kiss for some of these couples! Sadly, that reality exists every time our soldiers defend our great country. Some return and are reunited; others do not and are mourned.
May we never forget.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Kindergarten Graduation
Last Friday we celebrated the Kindergarten Class of 2013. Although kindergarten graduations are becoming a thing of the past, our school thoughtfully marks the transition from kindergarten to first grade, and our children love nothing better than an opportunity to celebrate. That's a win-win, and the duo will tell you win-win is Habit 4 of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People -- just one myriad concepts they learned this year.
Gracie's thoughts on kindergarten: I love kindergarten because I like to write in my journal.
Lauren's thoughts: I love kindergarten because it's fun, like math work and 1, 2, 3, 5 and ABC's and new tricks and new songs and PE. That's all fun. We get to write in our writer's notebook!
The class performed an adorable program consisting of Mickey Mouse songs and some of the songs they used in class this year.
They did an outstanding job! Then the class received their certificates of completion.
Gracie was initially displeased to be assigned to the "tall" row, but she was a trooper.
Lauren and Gracie also received certificates of accomplishment from their physical education teacher, congratulating them for running 38.4 and 33.8 miles, respectively, during the 2012-2013 school year.
After certificates were distributed, they were declared official first graders! Best of all, there was cake!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Last Day of School, 2013
Tomorrow is the last day of school, although the duo have decided to end their school year today and forgo the last official day of school.
This is, until I sounded the "It's the LASSSSSTTTTT DAAAYYYYYY!" song and dance this morning (and you should say the "last day" part Oprah-style to really appreciate the sentiment). By the time George and I dropped the girls at school, Lauren was sure she wanted to attend tomorrow as well. Gracie, on the other hand, is fine with hanging up her backpack today, and I really don't blame her. Gracie has had a full week, whereas today marks Lauren's first day at school this week.
At any rate, either today or tomorrow we will putting Kindergarten "in the books". We have had a great year, are looking forward to a wonderful summer break, and will excitedly return next year, when we will get to see all their old friends again. (They are relieved not to be saying goodbye like last year.)
Gracie and Lauren have grown by leaps and bounds during this school year. Here they are on the first day:
And here they are today, with different (permanent teeth) smiles, added height and loaded with new knowledge and fun experiences:
The duo started a new habit after spring break. They requested an alarm in their room so they could wake up, get dressed (from the clothes we lay out the night before), make beds and comb hair. I didn't want to jinx this fragile habit, and therefore, haven't mentioned their initiative until now. For the last eight weeks, they have gotten themselves ready in the morning, with only minimal assistance from me in the way of conflict resolution, footwear patrol and hair styling. Of course, Skip has remained on breakfast duty. But waking, dressing and making beds? That is huge!
William George has continued to supply his full assistance in the "go bye-bye!" department, and he helped his sisters with their backpacks one last time (?) this morning.
They have had a great year, and now we're ready for some summer fun!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Enumerated Update
Happy Tuesday, friends! We are running a little behind schedule and are hoping to catch up soon. How are things with you?
1) Fun Fact: I prefer beverages cold, as in ice cold. Really I prefer crystallized ice in whatever beverage I am drinking. Actually, to be completely honest, having the drink served partially frozen is ideal. To get to that perfect state, admittedly, a few drinks have burst in my freezer over the years. This is unpleasant at home, but is especially embarrassing if the freezer in use is a community freezer, say, a workplace freezer, but that has only happened a few times. Those clean ups were performed in record time - to avoid witnesses. Also, I am an impeccably neat microwave user, and that should mitigate the freezer admission somewhat. Lastly, since the freezer thing might make you not want to share an appliance with me, please be assured that no one knew about the explosions, as the ensuing clean-up was completely thorough.
A couple of weeks ago, the trio were seated at the kitchen table completing homework. I was standing at the counter, next to the freezer, when a loud "SSSSHHHHPPPOOWWWW" sound came from the freezer. "What was THAT???!!" the children wanted to know.
"Oh, nothing," I reassured them, thinking of the beverage I had placed there hours earlier, while quickly launching into clean up mode. After that type of situation, I always vow to never put a drink in the freezer again, and the promise remains intact for a little while.
But then this happened. For Mother's Day, my mom brought a surprise.
I think you know where this is headed. So, of course, my favorite vice (I know how bad they are for me, but this is my only real vice -- my worst habit.) is exponentially better served in the glass bottles. Sipping this beverage from a glass bottle is the way God intended, and the only thing better is when the drink is ice cold. The last time I had the glass bottles I found myself cleaning both frozen soda AND glass out of the freezer. And Coca-Cola glass? It splinters, friends, to the point that there are tiny slivers and shards of glass all over one's freezer contents. I really did vow to never burst a glass bottle again, but the thing is bottles freeze faster. For example, an aluminum can may take 4-6 hours to actually burst, but a bottle will burst in about an hour. Or so I have heard.
But this time I caught the situation just in time:
Note the ice at the top, but that the bottle itself is still intact. Whew.
The pay off? Delicious, icy goodness that's more than worth the risk.
2) Extracurriculars: We have been completely maxed out, schedule-wise, over the last 10 days or so. Updates coming soon on Kindergarten graduation, piano recitals and softball awards night.
3) Year-end: This is the duo's last week of school, and we are having a tough time making it to class. Gracie was sick last Thursday, and Lauren was home yesterday and today. William George is thrilled, of course, but posting is lighter than usual, considering doctor visits, activities and more hands-on wrangling.
What's happening with you?
1) Fun Fact: I prefer beverages cold, as in ice cold. Really I prefer crystallized ice in whatever beverage I am drinking. Actually, to be completely honest, having the drink served partially frozen is ideal. To get to that perfect state, admittedly, a few drinks have burst in my freezer over the years. This is unpleasant at home, but is especially embarrassing if the freezer in use is a community freezer, say, a workplace freezer, but that has only happened a few times. Those clean ups were performed in record time - to avoid witnesses. Also, I am an impeccably neat microwave user, and that should mitigate the freezer admission somewhat. Lastly, since the freezer thing might make you not want to share an appliance with me, please be assured that no one knew about the explosions, as the ensuing clean-up was completely thorough.
A couple of weeks ago, the trio were seated at the kitchen table completing homework. I was standing at the counter, next to the freezer, when a loud "SSSSHHHHPPPOOWWWW" sound came from the freezer. "What was THAT???!!" the children wanted to know.
"Oh, nothing," I reassured them, thinking of the beverage I had placed there hours earlier, while quickly launching into clean up mode. After that type of situation, I always vow to never put a drink in the freezer again, and the promise remains intact for a little while.
But then this happened. For Mother's Day, my mom brought a surprise.
I think you know where this is headed. So, of course, my favorite vice (I know how bad they are for me, but this is my only real vice -- my worst habit.) is exponentially better served in the glass bottles. Sipping this beverage from a glass bottle is the way God intended, and the only thing better is when the drink is ice cold. The last time I had the glass bottles I found myself cleaning both frozen soda AND glass out of the freezer. And Coca-Cola glass? It splinters, friends, to the point that there are tiny slivers and shards of glass all over one's freezer contents. I really did vow to never burst a glass bottle again, but the thing is bottles freeze faster. For example, an aluminum can may take 4-6 hours to actually burst, but a bottle will burst in about an hour. Or so I have heard.
But this time I caught the situation just in time:
Note the ice at the top, but that the bottle itself is still intact. Whew.
The pay off? Delicious, icy goodness that's more than worth the risk.
2) Extracurriculars: We have been completely maxed out, schedule-wise, over the last 10 days or so. Updates coming soon on Kindergarten graduation, piano recitals and softball awards night.
3) Year-end: This is the duo's last week of school, and we are having a tough time making it to class. Gracie was sick last Thursday, and Lauren was home yesterday and today. William George is thrilled, of course, but posting is lighter than usual, considering doctor visits, activities and more hands-on wrangling.
What's happening with you?
Monday, May 20, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Friday's Quote
I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The library, and step on it."
-David Foster Wallace (Infinite Jest)
-David Foster Wallace (Infinite Jest)
Bun Heads
Each year we receive a few questions about the shellacking of the duo's hair for their ballerina buns. Our strategy, with a few secret weapons, is outlined below.
1) Start with damp (but not wet) hair. Mist hair thoroughly and style into a sleek ponytail. (I prefer a slight side part in the front versus the hair all brushed straight back.)
This is probably obvious, but I would be remiss in not mentioning it. Please do use a substantial pony tail so that the pony is firm, doesn't droop and can support the weight of the bun. (I like Goody's Ouchless.)
2) Apply Paul Mitchell's Wax Works, otherwise known as "Secret Weapon 1".
3) Twist hair into a bun and secure with spin pins, otherwise known as secret weapon 2:
The spin pins are invaluable. Prior to discovering them, I used 25-30 bobby pins to secure Gracie's hair. Now I simply slip two spin pins in place, and the bun stays tightly secured for hours.
4) When the duo were younger, we had to utilize a hair net to keep their baby fine hair secure. Hair nets can be somewhat obscure so allow some time to shop around. To procure ours, we went to Walgreen's (I think my exact words were, "I'm here on a hot, hair net tip... do you have them?") and Rite Aid. With the latter, Skip talked the friendly associate into "checking the back," where a few were finally located. This is secret weapon 3 and is optional, depending on hair length and texture. (We no longer use them, but they were necessary our first year of dance.)
5) Apply hair spray liberally (obviously).
Ta-da!
Hopefully, this makes getting ready for performances and recitals easier.
1) Start with damp (but not wet) hair. Mist hair thoroughly and style into a sleek ponytail. (I prefer a slight side part in the front versus the hair all brushed straight back.)
Gracie, shown with a side part
This is probably obvious, but I would be remiss in not mentioning it. Please do use a substantial pony tail so that the pony is firm, doesn't droop and can support the weight of the bun. (I like Goody's Ouchless.)
2) Apply Paul Mitchell's Wax Works, otherwise known as "Secret Weapon 1".
3) Twist hair into a bun and secure with spin pins, otherwise known as secret weapon 2:
The spin pins are invaluable. Prior to discovering them, I used 25-30 bobby pins to secure Gracie's hair. Now I simply slip two spin pins in place, and the bun stays tightly secured for hours.
4) When the duo were younger, we had to utilize a hair net to keep their baby fine hair secure. Hair nets can be somewhat obscure so allow some time to shop around. To procure ours, we went to Walgreen's (I think my exact words were, "I'm here on a hot, hair net tip... do you have them?") and Rite Aid. With the latter, Skip talked the friendly associate into "checking the back," where a few were finally located. This is secret weapon 3 and is optional, depending on hair length and texture. (We no longer use them, but they were necessary our first year of dance.)
5) Apply hair spray liberally (obviously).
Ta-da!
Hopefully, this makes getting ready for performances and recitals easier.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Feline Friend
We currently do not have any pets. After having a very long run with a dog and much-beloved cat (and with the introduction of children), we are taking a break from pets at the moment.
William George befriended a cat at one of the girls' first softball games. He followed this little cat around for a long time saying, "Kitty!" and "Meow!"
Our feline friend appeared healthy, well-cared for and was very gentle with George. There were other children George's age who were forbidden from touching this sweet kitty, but that's not how we roll.
William George befriended a cat at one of the girls' first softball games. He followed this little cat around for a long time saying, "Kitty!" and "Meow!"
Our feline friend appeared healthy, well-cared for and was very gentle with George. There were other children George's age who were forbidden from touching this sweet kitty, but that's not how we roll.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
First Aid
William George has picked up some first aid tips. He rifles through the toy doctor's kit until he finds a bandage.
He carefully applies said bandage, applying pressure.
He checks his work to make sure the bandage will stay put.
And then he's back in action.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Ballet, 2013
The duo's dance recital was Saturday night, and to say that excitement at our house was running high would be a gross understatement. There is something about putting on a new costume and heading to the theatre that makes them giddy.
This year, they took the performance much more seriously.
Although they were literally jumping up and down in their seats, they pulled it together on stage.
Gracie's long arms and legs look especially graceful this year.
Lauren enjoyed herself so much she was genuinely sad to leave the theatre once the show was finished.
Gracie, on the other hand, was on an adrenaline high and was not the least bit sad.
After the morning's rehearsal and before the afternoon show, we walked around and took some posed photos.
The had their own ideas about posing, of course.
When first learning the studio held recitals each year on Mother's Day weekend (see how I just extended Mother's Day to an entire weekend:), I was a little baffled. However, after watching dozens of little girls dance excitedly around the theatre, the scheduling makes complete sense.
Watching these beautiful girls dance on the stage is the best gift, and the timing could not be better.
Congratulations, Lauren and Gracie, on the best recital yet!
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