Dai Sijie Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
L.M. Montgomery Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery Anne of Avonlea
Kazuo Ishiguro Never Let Me Go
Elizabeth Birkelund Oberbeck The Dressmaker
L.M. Montgomery Anne of the Island
Laura Ingalls Wilder The Long Winter
Jon Krakauer Into the Wild
Toward the end of December, I wrote a posting listing every book that I had read in 2007. This year, I've decided to post a books-read list on a monthly basis. In the next few weeks, I'll post a review of one of these books. I want to give them time to sit in my mind and then I'll write about the one that left the greatest mark on my thoughts. As you can see, there have been a handful of children's books on my table this month, quick reads that charm because they remind me of the first time I read them and how much I enjoyed them. A good book is still good, more than 25 years later.
I always feel productive when I see a long list of books that I've read in the month, though I fear that I've set the bar high for 2008.
What have you been reading this month?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Some Thoughts on Fiscal Stimulus and Healthcare Reform, part II
In my January 27th post, I explained the definition of a recession and I wrote about the last time the U.S. faced one (back in 2001). Seven years later, the nation is once again worried about a recession, prompting Congress to propose some quick spending in the form of rebate checks to tax payers. The House proposal would send $600 rebates to most taxpayers; more for those with kids in the house. The Senate has yet to debate the proposal, but the safe money says that some sort of rebate will be coming our way on the next few months.
I am not convinced that a rebate is what we need. I would argue that our problem right now is more complicated than a recession. Instead, it looks to me like a combination of slow economic growth and inflationary pressures, a problem that is known is stagflation. I've already explained slow economic growth, and the sources of that problem are varied. Inflation (when prices increase without a change in the amount or quality of the good being purchased) is a normal part of the American economy. As long as income rises to cover it, inflation isn't a problem per se. But the average American in the last year has seen prices for certain non-negotiable goods rise sharply, while their incomes have not risen to cover those costs. Those non-negotiables are fuel (in the form of gasoline and home heating costs) and food (the short explanation is that the increase in gasoline costs added to an increase in the price of corn translates to higher food costs.. At the same time that we are suddenly spending more for food and fuel, a greater portion of our monthly income is also being spent on increased healthcare costs. Healthcare spending, (which you will recall was the second most popular way to spend the 2001 Bush rebate) isn't always considered when economists talk about increases in the CPI (the consumer price index). But it should be.
In 2001, Americans spent approximately 7% of their income on healthcare costs (the employee's share of the premium for insurance provided by employers; prescription co-pays; doctor's visit co-pays, and the like). In 2007, we spent 17% of our take-home pay on healthcare. That's a much greater portion of our income, and gives you some feel for how quickly healthcare costs are spiraling upward. In the process, healthcare spending consumes more of our income, and leads to reduced spending on other consumer goods. In combination with the increases in fuel and food, I think that healthcare spending is a major factor in the economic slow-down that we are calling a recession right now.
A rebate check may temporarily cover some of those healthcare costs, but it won't fix the problem for good. 2008 is a presidential election year and, by the looks of it, a lot of people are interested in the election. Healthcare is frequently identified as an issue that American are worried about. 47 million of us don't have insurance at all and many of us who do have insurance are paying thousands of dollars a year for that insurance. Our employers are paying more.
Our healthcare dollars largely support a system of healthcare insurance that has a profit motive. Universal care, using a single payer model, in which we all participate would save us billions of dollars and provide healthcare to all of us.
Is my idea radical? Absolutely. But the problem has reached epic proportions and for the billions of dollars we are spending, we could provide healthcare to all of us, every single person in this nation, and probably for less money. That we do not do so is morally shameful. And, in my view, it's one of the biggest economic problems we face.
I am not convinced that a rebate is what we need. I would argue that our problem right now is more complicated than a recession. Instead, it looks to me like a combination of slow economic growth and inflationary pressures, a problem that is known is stagflation. I've already explained slow economic growth, and the sources of that problem are varied. Inflation (when prices increase without a change in the amount or quality of the good being purchased) is a normal part of the American economy. As long as income rises to cover it, inflation isn't a problem per se. But the average American in the last year has seen prices for certain non-negotiable goods rise sharply, while their incomes have not risen to cover those costs. Those non-negotiables are fuel (in the form of gasoline and home heating costs) and food (the short explanation is that the increase in gasoline costs added to an increase in the price of corn translates to higher food costs.. At the same time that we are suddenly spending more for food and fuel, a greater portion of our monthly income is also being spent on increased healthcare costs. Healthcare spending, (which you will recall was the second most popular way to spend the 2001 Bush rebate) isn't always considered when economists talk about increases in the CPI (the consumer price index). But it should be.
In 2001, Americans spent approximately 7% of their income on healthcare costs (the employee's share of the premium for insurance provided by employers; prescription co-pays; doctor's visit co-pays, and the like). In 2007, we spent 17% of our take-home pay on healthcare. That's a much greater portion of our income, and gives you some feel for how quickly healthcare costs are spiraling upward. In the process, healthcare spending consumes more of our income, and leads to reduced spending on other consumer goods. In combination with the increases in fuel and food, I think that healthcare spending is a major factor in the economic slow-down that we are calling a recession right now.
A rebate check may temporarily cover some of those healthcare costs, but it won't fix the problem for good. 2008 is a presidential election year and, by the looks of it, a lot of people are interested in the election. Healthcare is frequently identified as an issue that American are worried about. 47 million of us don't have insurance at all and many of us who do have insurance are paying thousands of dollars a year for that insurance. Our employers are paying more.
Our healthcare dollars largely support a system of healthcare insurance that has a profit motive. Universal care, using a single payer model, in which we all participate would save us billions of dollars and provide healthcare to all of us.
Is my idea radical? Absolutely. But the problem has reached epic proportions and for the billions of dollars we are spending, we could provide healthcare to all of us, every single person in this nation, and probably for less money. That we do not do so is morally shameful. And, in my view, it's one of the biggest economic problems we face.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Mama Nirvana
Each night, I read to JT when I tuck him into bed. I've been doing that for nearly 8 years now and it's often the best part of my day. Since JT learned to read, he's also had the chance to read books to himself. But he hasn't yet tired of having me read to him......the feeling is mutual.
Lately, we've been reading The Great Brain series by John Fitzgerald. The books tell the stories of the Fitzgerald brothers, who grew up in southwestern Utah in the late 1800s. JT has enjoyed every book in the series, but Me and My Little Brain, the volume we are reading now, has really caught his fancy. Tonight, as we read about escaped outlaw Cal Roberts, JT was enthralled. After 20 minutes, when I told him I was done reading for the night, he didn't complain and picked up the book he is reading to himself (Stuart Little).
I left the room and ran a bath for myself and when I peeked into JT's room, I saw that he had picked up Me and My Little Brain and was reading it to himself. A few minutes later, as I was settling into the bubble bath with my book he rushed into the bathroom ------ he just had to tell me what happened. Then, as I sipped my cup of tea, he read the book to me so that I could get caught up.
I think that it is now safe to say that I have successfully passed on my love of books.
Lately, we've been reading The Great Brain series by John Fitzgerald. The books tell the stories of the Fitzgerald brothers, who grew up in southwestern Utah in the late 1800s. JT has enjoyed every book in the series, but Me and My Little Brain, the volume we are reading now, has really caught his fancy. Tonight, as we read about escaped outlaw Cal Roberts, JT was enthralled. After 20 minutes, when I told him I was done reading for the night, he didn't complain and picked up the book he is reading to himself (Stuart Little).
I left the room and ran a bath for myself and when I peeked into JT's room, I saw that he had picked up Me and My Little Brain and was reading it to himself. A few minutes later, as I was settling into the bubble bath with my book he rushed into the bathroom ------ he just had to tell me what happened. Then, as I sipped my cup of tea, he read the book to me so that I could get caught up.
I think that it is now safe to say that I have successfully passed on my love of books.
Monday, January 28, 2008
A Civics Lesson from My Seven Year Old
I considered live-blogging tonight's State of the Union address but, honestly, I plan on raising a rueful toast instead........it's President Bush's last State of the Union and, frankly, it's been a long 8 years. So I say good riddance to bad rubbish and will instead turn my attention to the contest to see who gets to give next year's State of the Union, a much more promising prospect than tonight's dog and pony show.
One of the big reasons that I have been exposing JT to politics this year is so that he will have memories of the 2008 presidential race. I want him to begin to view citizenship as both a privilege and a right. He knows the major candidates; he knows what they believe. He knows how I plan to cast my ballot(and why I feel the way that I do) when New Jersey participates in the Super Tuesday primary on February 5th.
He also knows that we have to wait another year to send President Bush packing. I have explained the primary election process to him and we have discussed the primaries as they have unfolded. The other day, he asked why the primaries are now and why George Bush won't be going away for several more months.
This question gave me pause. I know the answer, but how do I explain the front-loaded, costly, drawn-out American electoral landscape in terms that a 7 year old can understand?
I took a breath and prepared to wade in. But before I could offer an explanation, JT said, "Well, I guess that there are a lot of people in 50 states and if you want to be president, you should go to every one of them."
And, you know, that's a pretty good answer. My 7 year old was reminding me that elections are important and are worthy of our attention, perhaps even our drawn-out attention. American democracy is sometimes a spectacle, but it's still the greatest show on earth. I'm proud to share it with my son, just a my parents (and grandparents) shared it with me. I'm still not convinced that long, drawn-out and untidy primaries are a good thing. But I know that the alternative to our messy but free election is surely not an option.
One of the big reasons that I have been exposing JT to politics this year is so that he will have memories of the 2008 presidential race. I want him to begin to view citizenship as both a privilege and a right. He knows the major candidates; he knows what they believe. He knows how I plan to cast my ballot(and why I feel the way that I do) when New Jersey participates in the Super Tuesday primary on February 5th.
He also knows that we have to wait another year to send President Bush packing. I have explained the primary election process to him and we have discussed the primaries as they have unfolded. The other day, he asked why the primaries are now and why George Bush won't be going away for several more months.
This question gave me pause. I know the answer, but how do I explain the front-loaded, costly, drawn-out American electoral landscape in terms that a 7 year old can understand?
I took a breath and prepared to wade in. But before I could offer an explanation, JT said, "Well, I guess that there are a lot of people in 50 states and if you want to be president, you should go to every one of them."
And, you know, that's a pretty good answer. My 7 year old was reminding me that elections are important and are worthy of our attention, perhaps even our drawn-out attention. American democracy is sometimes a spectacle, but it's still the greatest show on earth. I'm proud to share it with my son, just a my parents (and grandparents) shared it with me. I'm still not convinced that long, drawn-out and untidy primaries are a good thing. But I know that the alternative to our messy but free election is surely not an option.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Some Thoughts on Fiscal Stimulus and Healthcare Reform, part I
Bear with me here, as I know that the title of the post has put you right to sleep. But please pour a fresh cup of coffee and stick with me....I promise that I'll at least get you thinking. My motivation has been some thinking I've been doing on the issue of healthcare reform; specifically what sort of political change is necessary to get the nation truly interested in a major restructuring of the American healthcare system.
First, a tiny serving of the dismal science in the form of some (very basic) economics. The current Congressional debate about a fiscal stimulus plan is driven by the concern that the economy is in a recession. Technically, the economy is in a recession when it does not grow for two quarters in a row. In simple terms, economic growth is defined as an increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the economy. Economic theory tells us that spending will get us out of a recession. The last recession was in 2001 and it prompted a fiscal stimulus in the form of rebate checks to American taxpayers. Most economists agree that the 2001 quick-fix did help to spur economic growth. But the spending did not spur increases in productivity, the real ticket to long-term economic growth. So 7 years later, and with problems like inflationary pressures and the popping of the housing bubble in the news, we've got trouble again. The dreaded r-word.
In 2001, when the Bush Administration paid out checks for a fiscal stimulus program, Americans spent the money as directed. The idea was that a quick infusion of spending would get the economy back up to speed. Most Americans, with our abysmal savings rates, needed little urging to spend extra cash and so we complied, spending the better part of the money paid out (which averaged $300 per taxpayer, more for people with a kid on hand). Our top three spending priorities in 2001: clothes, healthcare spending, and shoes (in that order). Clothes and shoes don't jump start the economy much because most of those items are made overseas, but they must be shipped and distributed and so that sort of spending did help the economy, at least marginally. Healthcare spending was mostly domestic . And no matter how you slice it, the 2001 tax rebate did put money into circulation in greater amounts. And spending ----- of nearly any kind ---- is the cure for a recession. So the 2001 tax rebates helped get us out of recession.
That brings us to this month's debate about what's up with the economy. There is the well-known bursting of the housing bubble, of course. There is also the fact that consumer confidence has fallen in the last few months, a factor that resulted in less consumer spending, as people hold on to their spare cash in case of a future (economic) rainy day. Many people argue that all of this spells the dreaded recession. And as you now know (are you still reading?): the solution to a recession is.............spending.
You've been very patient to read this far. Later on in the upcoming week, in our next economic lesson, I will explain how healthcare reform may be the answer to our economic woes.
Update: I've corrected my definition of economic growth per the advice of my sister, an actual dismal scientist and lurker extraordinaire who pointed out that "...you could produce the
same # of goods & services this year as last...and if the dollar inflates the total
dollar value will be more. but did your economy grow? Nope. You made the
same quantity as before."
First, a tiny serving of the dismal science in the form of some (very basic) economics. The current Congressional debate about a fiscal stimulus plan is driven by the concern that the economy is in a recession. Technically, the economy is in a recession when it does not grow for two quarters in a row. In simple terms, economic growth is defined as an increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the economy. Economic theory tells us that spending will get us out of a recession. The last recession was in 2001 and it prompted a fiscal stimulus in the form of rebate checks to American taxpayers. Most economists agree that the 2001 quick-fix did help to spur economic growth. But the spending did not spur increases in productivity, the real ticket to long-term economic growth. So 7 years later, and with problems like inflationary pressures and the popping of the housing bubble in the news, we've got trouble again. The dreaded r-word.
In 2001, when the Bush Administration paid out checks for a fiscal stimulus program, Americans spent the money as directed. The idea was that a quick infusion of spending would get the economy back up to speed. Most Americans, with our abysmal savings rates, needed little urging to spend extra cash and so we complied, spending the better part of the money paid out (which averaged $300 per taxpayer, more for people with a kid on hand). Our top three spending priorities in 2001: clothes, healthcare spending, and shoes (in that order). Clothes and shoes don't jump start the economy much because most of those items are made overseas, but they must be shipped and distributed and so that sort of spending did help the economy, at least marginally. Healthcare spending was mostly domestic . And no matter how you slice it, the 2001 tax rebate did put money into circulation in greater amounts. And spending ----- of nearly any kind ---- is the cure for a recession. So the 2001 tax rebates helped get us out of recession.
That brings us to this month's debate about what's up with the economy. There is the well-known bursting of the housing bubble, of course. There is also the fact that consumer confidence has fallen in the last few months, a factor that resulted in less consumer spending, as people hold on to their spare cash in case of a future (economic) rainy day. Many people argue that all of this spells the dreaded recession. And as you now know (are you still reading?): the solution to a recession is.............spending.
You've been very patient to read this far. Later on in the upcoming week, in our next economic lesson, I will explain how healthcare reform may be the answer to our economic woes.
Update: I've corrected my definition of economic growth per the advice of my sister, an actual dismal scientist and lurker extraordinaire who pointed out that "...you could produce the
same # of goods & services this year as last...and if the dollar inflates the total
dollar value will be more. but did your economy grow? Nope. You made the
same quantity as before."
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Cabin Girl
Thursday was crazy hat day in the lower school and after much debate, JT settled on a fancy pirate hat. All that velvet and gold could only signal one thing: he is the captain of the SS Sassafras. And that means that I am the Cabin Girl, as he promptly announced when he put on the hat.
"Hop to it, Cabin Girl," he ordered me, "and get me my breakfast."
I complied with the orders and then another job was thrown my way. "My ship is moving around too much and I had a bad aim in the bathroom," the Captain announced, "you'll need to swab the deck in here."
"Cook the breakfast and swab the decks?" I complained, "I don't want to be the cabin girl anymore."
"At least you have a job," the Captain responded.
Geez, now that I think about it, the Captain must be a Republican.
"Hop to it, Cabin Girl," he ordered me, "and get me my breakfast."
I complied with the orders and then another job was thrown my way. "My ship is moving around too much and I had a bad aim in the bathroom," the Captain announced, "you'll need to swab the deck in here."
"Cook the breakfast and swab the decks?" I complained, "I don't want to be the cabin girl anymore."
"At least you have a job," the Captain responded.
Geez, now that I think about it, the Captain must be a Republican.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Over It
It's midterm week here at my school and that means lots of grading.
Yippee.
Teachers all have their own way of getting things done. Mine is to place the exams in one pile, and then place the answer key just to the left of the pile. I'm right-handed and that facilitates fast movement with the pen of wisdom.
Or whatever it is.
So this morning, I'm having a difficult time and can't quite figure out why I'm having to reach across the answer key to make comments (thus covering up the things I've written on the key). I'm annoyed.......and for several more minutes than I care to admit in this public forum.
Then I realize: I've got my grading pile disorganized. Key on the right; pile on the left. Improper formatting.
Duh.
So glad that it's me in charge of this situation and not some incompetent teacher.
Yippee.
Teachers all have their own way of getting things done. Mine is to place the exams in one pile, and then place the answer key just to the left of the pile. I'm right-handed and that facilitates fast movement with the pen of wisdom.
Or whatever it is.
So this morning, I'm having a difficult time and can't quite figure out why I'm having to reach across the answer key to make comments (thus covering up the things I've written on the key). I'm annoyed.......and for several more minutes than I care to admit in this public forum.
Then I realize: I've got my grading pile disorganized. Key on the right; pile on the left. Improper formatting.
Duh.
So glad that it's me in charge of this situation and not some incompetent teacher.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Tough Crowd
The other night, JT got out a bunch of little guys and played school with them. It's an odd assortment of students, featuring some pirates, a few knights, and some of the settlers from Jamestown (those who survived the starvation, disease, and malnutrition). Many of the students attended class with weaponry in hand.Clearly, it's an unusual school.
If that wasn't already clear, the following conversation showed me that JT's Prep School is a special place.
JT (as the teacher): I like the way Bill is being so quiet.
Pirate student (also the voice of JT): Yeah, well Bill is so quiet because he's dead.
And when I looked carefully, Bill was a skeleton lying by a barrel of rum (he's on the left in the front row.....the bones are bleached out). I guess that would explain why he's so quiet.
Someone better call the Department of Education.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Real Life Conversations with JT: Faux Pas edition
The backstory: Today, I joined JT's class and several other 2nd grade parents for a baby shower for Mrs. Q (who expects to deliver a baby any minute now). When I left the party, I went over to the table where JT was sitting with several of his buddies. In an unguarded moment, I committed a parental sin: I kissed him on the head in front of his pals. To his credit, JT flinched only a little. I quickly covered up my inappropriate actions by then kissing every boy within reach. M and D couldn't escape me and got a kiss. A few others hopped out of reach while shouting "cooties." Tonight, as I was tucking him in bed, I kissed JT on the head and he looked at me askance.
Mama: Sorry about that kiss in front of your buddies today. I didn't mean to embarrass you.
JT: It was okay, but don't do it again.
Mama: Even if I kiss all the little boys in your class?
JT: Do that, and you'll have an angry mob on your tail.
I've been warned.
Mama: Sorry about that kiss in front of your buddies today. I didn't mean to embarrass you.
JT: It was okay, but don't do it again.
Mama: Even if I kiss all the little boys in your class?
JT: Do that, and you'll have an angry mob on your tail.
I've been warned.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Taming the Beast
When JT was a baby, my friend Janet made him two beautiful afghans. By the time he was a year old, these blankets were the top of the heap. We carried them everywhere; all of the time. Known as Blanky and Softy, they were his most favorite lovies. Even today, at the ancient age of 7, he still sleeps with them.
As part of the cleaning frenzy that occupied my day today, I washed Blanky and Softy. When JT spied me folding laundry and realized that Blanky and Softy were sweet-smelling and warm from the dryer, he cuddled right up with them.
It made such a sweet picture. And the quiet? That was pretty sweet as well.
As part of the cleaning frenzy that occupied my day today, I washed Blanky and Softy. When JT spied me folding laundry and realized that Blanky and Softy were sweet-smelling and warm from the dryer, he cuddled right up with them.
It made such a sweet picture. And the quiet? That was pretty sweet as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)