Obama Tweets Into a Brick Wall

Two days ago, in an effort to encourage a resolution of the US debt crisis, US President Barack Obama tweeted out to his followers, "ask them (Republican Congressmen) to support a bipartisan solution to the debt crisis." Using an #compromise hashtag, Obama hoped to energize Twitter-handy Americans to send out a message of cooperation to their congressmen hopelessly in deadlock over the debt crisis.

The result? Obama lost over 36,000 followers. Who knew politics could be so divisive...

Of Obama's more than 9 million followers I suppose this is merely a drop in the bucket, but if I lost 36,000 of anything I would still analyze why it happened and try to avoid it from happening again. But more than anything, I feel this latest debacle south of the border is more proof of the divide between Americans.

As I've learned that the US has raised its debt limit 78 times since 1960, I had to wonder why it's a big deal. By borrowing more money, the US would secure its AAA bond rating, but, of course, the decision would raise its debt higher. Since 2002, the debt limit has gone from $6.4 trillion to what it is now (page 14). To be fair, $14 trillion dollars is an unfathomable amount of money compared to the speck in the universe of money I will ever make in my lifetime. But being militarily involved overseas fighting two wars since Sept. 11 has accounted for nearly $1.3 trillion of US debt alone. That's a good chunk of change right there, but not the only issue the US has been forced to deal with in recent years. The mortgage crisis gave the US economy a permanent bruise, entitlements are on the rise as baby-boomers retire, and no one can foresee a complete US pull from the middle east any time soon.

The last thing President Obama wants to do is borrow more money. This crisis is political brinksmanship to make Obama look like he can't get anything done. As electioneering for the 2012 presidential election is already sputtering to life (the election is only 15 months away after all), the Republicans are simply looking to kick more sand in Obama's face.

It's a bitter pill to swallow, and they do it simply because they can.

As of this morning, there appears to be progress. There's only two days left to agree on a plan, but there had better be a solution before the stock markets in Asia open for business a few hours from now and especially before North American stock markets open on Monday morning. If the stock sell-offs late last week were any indication, beware the Ides of August could become a mantra.

Out With the Old, In With the New

One of my favourite things to do in the summer is cycling. In an earlier post, I showed you how my interest for cycling began at an early age with my little three-wheeler, Thistle. Even as an adult, I take every opportunity to go for a quick spin to get a breath of fresh air or work out a few cobwebs in my brain.

I'm a bit of a stickler for how my bike and I interact. Once I plant myself onto my seat, I need to feel secure in how all of the parts operate. I have to feel connected to it. So, when I realized about a week ago that I finally needed a new pair of shoes for cycling, I decided to go a different route and install a set of clipless pedals.

I quickly discovered that there are many different types of clipless pedal available. In the past, I've been a bit hesitant to have my foot locked to my bike. One of the real fears is that in a moment of surprise or panic I won't be able to quickly "un-clip" from the pedal. When this happens, gravity takes over and a rider will plunk to terra-firma and onto his or her side. In the least, it's embarrassing; at worst, a rider can fall into harm's way. When I built my bike over a decade ago, I chickened out and opted for a nylon strap toe clip for my pedal (though I still managed to fall over on at least two occasions during that learning curve).

So far, I love my new Shimano pedals. I've rolled out with them about four times now, and I will put them to the test again this afternoon at Birds Hill Provincial Park. As an added measure of safety, the tech who installed them on my bike at Bikes & Beyond–a store I would recommend to any cyclist (excellent customer service)–set up the tension on the pedal to unclip on the easiest setting. As my comfort level improves, I can tighten the tension on the pedal to hold my shoe tighter and thus eliminate any accidental un-clipping from my bike–this were to happen at all, it would only be on the upstroke as this adds to the downward force on the crank as I pull up on my shoe thus enhancing the mechanical advantage.

That was far too technical. I hope it made sense and I got it right.

So, if you're thinking about an upgrade to your current ride, I highly recommend this one. The only issue I've had so far was that I found more trouble getting my shoe into the clip than getting out of it. A reverse problem that likely won't find me laying on my side because I couldn't clip out of my pedal in time.

Ride safe (if you're so inclined), and enjoy your summer!

It's not Science Fiction, It's Just Flash CS5

So, as I boldly prepare to begin my new career on July 11, I've been keeping myself busy with non-profit volunteer work for The Winnipeg Humane Society and iDE Canada. I recently completed a 2'x4' banner for iDE that will be on display at Birds Hill Park during the Winnipeg Folk Festival. It's bright red with a cornucopia of images inside the outline of a treadle pump. If you're at the WFF, check it out. It turned out really well and iDE's staff appreciated the effort.

The project that I'm working on for The WHS has put me in unchartered territory (not TerriTori). As far back as last February, I offered to put together a cat spay and neuter video for the animal shelter. The Director of Communications & Public Affairs was happy to accept my offer, and she left me with an open deadline for its completion. One thing that slightly scared me about our discussion was when I asked her what type of content might be of the most help. One of the first sentences that came from her mouth was, "maybe something with a little animation."

Eek. It wasn't essential, but I like to give people what they ask for whenever possible.

Creative Communications taught me many things, but animation is not part of the program. If a student is so inclined, he or she can certainly use it in a project, but CreComm involves other essentials. But if CreComm has taught me anything, it was to be resourceful and maintain a desire to learn.

This is my first Adobe Flash CS5 effort (and I know there is better work out there), but I think The WHS will enjoy the end result. All of the more active scenes in the animation are complete, but now I am working to resolve a few "artifacting" issues that have cropped up when I export to QuickTime. As usual, the Internet has been my unfailing tutor during this experience; I couldn't have done it without you O' Knower of All Things! All I have left to compile are a few "call to action" scenes about how The WHS' Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) is there to help cat owners.

Above is a screenshot from one of the scenes in, "Spay and Neuter Is Better Sooner." I have yet to add audio, but my music choice will be excerpts from Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." Narration will (hopefully) be supplied by my niece. Failing that, I'll offer any 9-12 year old kid ten bucks and a milkshake to read the copy whilst I record it for use in the animation. :)

When The WHS chooses a proper time to include my little nugget on its website, I'll tweet the link for you to check it out. Until then, take care, and happy Canada Day!