Here We Go Again

Back in 2008 when I started this blog, it was just after we had completed a Federal Election here in Canada. Now here we are in 2010 and in New Brunswick, we are beginning a Provincial Election. I thought it only fitting to put a few words to computer screen in honour of that event.

The thing I think I love the most about elections in general is the fact that politicians are so determined to get themselves elected or re-elected that they promise everyone everything. Then they wonder why the public gets upset when they can't come through with the goods. We are only a couple of days into the process here in NB and already the promises are flying fast and furious. So far our politicians have promised to decrease taxes, increase spending and reduce the deficit. Now, I don't remember being overly good at math when I was in school, but I do know that you can't reduce income (taxes) at the same time you increase spending and reduce debt. Simple logic tells me this, not math genius.

Anyway, it will all be over in a month and we will be richer democratically for the experience, if not provincially. In anticipation of a long month of politicians promising me the world I give you my New Brunswick Election 2010 Playlist.

1. On The Road Again – Willie Nelson
   
2. Little Lies – Fleetwood Mac
   
3. Hard Times and Misery – Travis Tritt
   
4. No Honour Among Thieves – Toby Keith
   
5. Keep On Talking – World on Edge
   
6. A Little Less Talk & A lot More Action – Elvis
   
7. What Might Have Been – Little Texas
   
8. Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone – Glass Tiger
   

Enjoy the promises and electioneering. Don't forget to exercise your democratic responsibility. Vote.

Strange Bedfellows

Back around Father's Day I developed a new, kind of, sort of, hobby. For Father's Day I received a new iPod Touch and have been fascinated by the whole iTunes thing ever since. I know, I know, I'm coming late to the dance, but there it is.

What I find particularly fascinating is the variation of what pops up on the screen when browsing Apps for the device. As I understand it, in some search modes, the Apps that appear come up in relation to how popular they are. Not surprisingly, the first few pages that you browse are mostly games and productivity Apps. The things that help to make you both a better and worse user of time. It's the Apps that show up as you browse farther and farther into the selections that really crack me up. Not necessarily the uses for the Apps but the Apps that appear beside one another.

One day while browsing the offerings I noticed some pairings that seemed odd beside one another. Now I find myself looking for these incongruous couples almost every time I log on. In one grouping I found a listing for a pacifist group directory next to a directory of gun dealers in the U.S. Another time there was an App on how to deal with problem animals next to something for the SPCA. The one I really had to laugh at though was one that, given our society and the number of divorces and failed relationships, seemed to explain it all. It was a grouping of five apps on the same line. Reading from left to right there were apps for a dating service, a wedding planner, a sexual position guide, and a divorce info app and another dating service. Quite a commentary on how things are isn't it?