Scribblings

Those Terror Alerts

Tuesday Newsday

What do you think of the terror alert system? Does it do any good? Is it confusing? Is it "the boy who cried wolf?" Do you have any idea what the colors mean?

On a slightly different front, as the alert was raised to Orange for the IMF, World Bank and New York Stock Exchange, I just read that the Statue of Liberty will be reopened for the first time since 9/11. Would you go visit and climb it now? And if you were working at one of the threatened companies, would you feel threatened?

I have my doubts about the terror alert system. I think it could do a lot of good but that people could become ?deaf? to the warnings. The National Weather Service stays on top of bad weather. They predict the intensity of hurricanes and other storms. When they first began to issue warnings to batten down or evacuate, people paid attention and did what was recommended. What happened? The storm system would weaken or it would turn aside. After enough of what some people would characterize ?false alarms? people began ignoring the warnings. I think the same thing will happen with this terror alert system.

About the colors: I understand what orange and red means. The other colors signify less threat.

The news came out that the terror threats on the IMF, World Bank and New York Stock Exchange are three years old. I would feel threatened. I think we are at risk almost anywhere but I don?t think that we should hide and avoid work or travel. That would be another way to let the terrorists win.

About the Statue of Liberty: I would not climb the steps now but that?s more because they are narrow and winding. I am too big to get up there and I?m sure I?d be winded before I was halfway up.

In Other Words:

First there is a time when we believe everything, then for a little while we believe with discrimination, then we believe nothing whatever, and then we believe everything again - and, moreover, give reasons why we believe.
 Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

I?ve seen this quote before somewhere and I sure hope I didn?t answer a prompt about it on this blog! That would be embarrassing! This is like growing up. Young children believe just about anything they are told, especially if it?s the parents. They believe in God, the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter bunny equally even though they can?t see any of them. When they?re older, the realize the tooth fairy, Santa Claus and the Easter bunny are make believe. Even though they can?t see God, they still believe. When the kids are teenagers, they begin questioning everything. Some kids don?t believe in God anymore. Others wonder if He is really there. Then kids grow up and become adults. Along the way, they have experiences that convince them one way or the other whether God exists. They can tell you why they think that way.

Good News Department: Linda has broken off with Kennan yesterday. Obviously he hasn't gotten it through his head yet because he called twice today. The second time, Kristin answered and said: "Linda doesn't want to talk to you, Kennan." He said thanks and hung up. He showed up for counseling. Linda was too tired to go and stayed home. When she didn't show up the therapist told Kennan she couldn't talk to him. It wouldn't be ethical. Heh. Linda has broken off with Kennan before but now circumstances are different. She has Little T and she also has a means of supporting herself -- enough that having her live here isn't a financial burden. So I think this time it will work! Yay!

Ten On Tuesday:

Ten Underappreciated Actors/Actresses

David Selby ? from Dark Shadows and Falcon Crest

Jason Bateman

Ed Harris ? from The Right Stuff and The Truman Show

William H. Macy ? from just about everywhere! He?s a great character actor!

Kathy Bates ? from Titanic and Fried Green Tomatoes

Jessica Tandy - she & her husband (right below) have been terrific in their movies

Hume Cronyn - One was Cocoon and another Foxfire

Cate Blanchett

Holly Hunter

Alan Rickman