Opinionated Aprill

25 not-so-random things about One Laptop Per Child.

2009-02-06T21:55:00.003-07:00

I won't do the 25 random things about myself here. But here are 25 reasons I like One Laptop Per Child, the company behind the XO Laptop.

1. They know that education is the only real way to bring lasting change.

2. They have a real plan to provide information and opportunity around the world.

3. They understand the future.

4. It's a program for children, so you can't lose.

5. They don't see limits. They think big, using phrases like "freedom and empowerment". Their name is "One Laptop Per Child" and they mean it.

6. They have a Give One, Get One program.

7. The laptop is cheap! Only $200 now, and the price will drop as quantity goes up.

8. It is designed tough to work in any climate, including high heat and humidity.

9. The screen can be seen in direct sunlight, because many students study outdoors.

10. Handles!

11. It gets wifi.

12. Although the focus is on education, it has games too.

13. It can run on solar power.

14. The screen can fold out so it becomes an ebook reader, or a handheld game player.

15. It's green!

16. Kids can interact with other XO owners in their area through the "neighborhood" because they can connect to each other...

17. ...And while connected, if one has the internet, they ALL get the internet.

18. It does so much, but the developers are consciously avoiding featureitus, which affects too much technology.

19. They care about child ownership so kids also learn responsibility.

20. Because of the focus on connection, children learn from each other...

21. ...And they will interact in their own language and culture through the neutral computer.

22. The software is all free and open source.

23. Anyone can program software for it.

24. It's only $199 to buy one for a child somewhere to use the rest of their life.

25. This thing is amazing and it could change the world. It's real and it's already working.

Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat

2008-10-14T11:17:00.001-06:00

Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat. I'm not trying to sound smart. I recently learned that from this podcast. It means "ignorance of the law does not excuse". You can't get away with breaking the law just by saying you didn't know the law. It's impossible to prove ignorance, and that could lead to anarchy.

But, what if you really didn't know? For example, how can they ticket us for speeding when the limits aren't posted? Yes, this is personal. It was over a year ago, but I'm still bitter about the ticket I got. I was driving on North Temple between Redwood Road and downtown Salt Lake. On the west end, the speed limit is 45 MPH! It goes down incrementally until it's 30 MPH by the city. You can guess the story now. I turned onto the street, thinking it was 45, and got pulled over going way too fast.

Because ignorance does not excuse, the instant you turn onto a road you have to know the speed limit, but there are few speed limit signs. Every time I see a police car, I panic. And I cannot find a posted speed limit soon enough. I drive all over the valley for my job, and that happens too often. Would it be too much visual clutter to put a sign at each corner? Maybe they could paint the speed limit on the street itself.

There are some of you who don't get tickets. So, I'm curious. Do you always know the limit? Do you memorize the limits on all the roads you drive on? Or do you always just drive slow?

Sorry for doing a road-rage rant again. So much of my day is in the car. That gives me a lot of opinions.

Things Every Home Should Have

2008-10-08T23:21:00.003-06:00

a globe

a grandfather clock

a pet

a bulletin board

a dictionary and thesaurus

a piano

Anything else?

Jeans Aren't Comfy

2008-06-30T21:35:00.001-06:00

I need to learn to write about opinions soon after they come to me. I jotted this one down as an idea for my blog months ago, but now I don't feel so passionately about it. I still think it's true, but who cares? Anyway, I'll write it up, just so I can get a post.

Jeans are not comfy. They are work pants. They were invented for cowboys and industrial works to have something strong and tough. No amount of bleach can make them as soft as regular cotton.

Despite the uncomfortable button closures, I'd rather wear my dressy pants than jeans. If I'm going for nothing more than comfort, I might wear sweat pants because of the elastic waistband. But the overall most comfortable thing to wear is a skirt. I don't understand why people hate wearing them so much. They are absolutely non-restricting on your legs, and offer the most freedom of movement.

One requirement when wearing a skirt, that doesn't matter with pants, is watching how you sit. The longer the skirt, however, the easier that becomes. My favorite thing to wear is my super long floor length cotton dress. It has no slits and I can sit anyway, anyhow. It's not lady-like, but I can do it. I can cross my legs, prop them up on chairs, ...whatever.

So, wear whatever you want. I don't care. But if you are buying a gift for me, get me a skirt!

Spelling is Hard

2008-06-23T21:35:00.000-06:00

I was replying to a couple posts on my blog and I wasn't sure I had spell check. So I had to concentrate on every word. Later I saw the squiggly red line and relaxed. But until then, I was doubting myself over nearly every word. I can't spell.

My only 'C' grade in elementary school was in spelling. Spelling is hard. My problem is with the vowels, especially the middle sound, for example: comedy, president, difficult, crocodile, gravity, possibly, operate, majesty, celery, officer, accident, paragraph, or manager. There will be regional differences, but where I'm from, in day to day speech, all of those words could have a U as their middle vowel. They all have that 'uh' sound.

Say these words: probably, probibly, probebly, probubly, probobly. Unless you really enunciate, they all sound the same. This is why you can't spell by "sounding it out". Sound out "beautiful". Wouldn't you write, "butiful"? Learning to spell is really an exercise in memorization and memorization was never my thing. Just from sounding it out, how would you know "everything" and "several" each had that 2nd 'e'? A beginning speller wouldn't know. At least, I didn't.

By the way, this entry was typed using a spell checker.

Why Opinions?

2008-06-21T22:04:00.004-06:00

One more thing I want to mention: since my blog is all about opinions, I'd love to hear yours, especially if you disagree. I love the back and forth of differing opinions. Post a comment, or email me your thoughts. You might just change my mind.

A good debate depends on wiggle room. You can't debate fact, or it's just an argument. That turns into, "Yes it is" "No it isn't" "Yes it is". But if you have an opinion, tell me about it! And tell me why.

Why Blog?

2008-06-21T21:28:00.003-06:00

I have been going through my bookmarks and found some blogs from some old friends. (I made a blog link list on the left, if you're interested.) I realized that my blog isn't like most. True, I rarely update it, but that's not my point. It's different because it's not really about me. I guess when I set it up I didn't consider writing about the ins and outs of my life.

So, for a minute I considered writing about how I helped serve at a senior luncheon today. Or how I still haven't hung my wall decorations. Or how I found a streamlined way to clean out my Roomba. But then I realized that I have a journal for that. I'm going to spare you the boring minutia and stick with the opinions. In my opinion, that makes for a more interesting read.

I really do find it interesting to read blogs and catch up on what was going on in people's lives, even people I haven't talked to in a long time. I've been on a couple forums for awhile but only recently started posting a little. I'm dipping my toes in Web 2.0. I have to admit it's tough for me. I liked the selfish anonymity of the old internet. I go online, get the info I need, and get off. But that's the old way and the old me.

The new me includes finally setting up a Facebook account. And I've done the Linkedin thing. I may set up a photo album on Shutterfly when I get around to it. I doubt I'll ever post a video on YouTube. And I draw the line at Twitter. Really? NOONE wants to know that much about day-to-day operations here at Aprill Inc.

So, I'm old fashioned, but working on catching up. What's your attitude about the whole thing? Take the poll on the left and let me know your opinion.

Mornings Are Not For Working

2007-09-16T16:13:00.000-06:00

I have a great job. I get to set my own schedule for work, so I rarely start work till 10:00 AM, or later if I can help it. And I am a morning person. Really.

Evenings are not relaxing for me. At night I am tired. I have been working and stressed. There are only a few hours left in the day, and I have 5 more things on my to-do list that need to be done. Even if I'm sitting watching TV, I'm thinking about the dishes in the sink and paperwork due tomorrow.

That's why I'm a morning person. Mornings are for streching as I get up, curlling up to read the scriptures, eating a long bowl of cereal over the newspaper, checking my email, seeing what my tivo recorded last night, and general laziness. I can enjoy doing nothing. After all, I have the whole day ahead of me. It's the only time all day when I'm not in a hurry to do the next thing. It's the best feeling.

Unless I have to work. Then there is tension. Then I just have to hurry and shower and get ready. As I walk to my car I smell the morning air and sigh, knowing what I could be doing instead of working. Mornings are not for working.

Entertainment Snobs

2007-02-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hello. My name is Aprill and I love television. I've become a TV geek. I don't just watch my shows; I watch EVERY episode of my shows. And I read blogs about my show. . . and listen to podcasts about my shows. There is a daily television column in the paper. I read it, every day. It's really sad! I like to learn about what happens in the background, and what's in the future for the show. Just the other day I found out through the TV Guide blog that Grey's Anatomy may be making a spin-off based on Addison Montgomery's character. But not only that, it will include Tye Diggs who has a reputation for being on failed shows. And I learned that there haven't been spin-offs from a drama before, only comedies. See how fun that is???

I love my shows, and I love talking to people about what's been happening. It's like a shared memory. I can call my sister after Heroes and we understand each other. We have shared the emotions and we "get" each other. I love asking, "Did you see this?" when the answer is yes. We can laugh again, or console each other, or freak out together.

So when I ask someone if they watch a certain show and they say, "I don't watch TV", it makes me sad. Not only because that person missed out on great entertainment, but also because of the attitude implied. I recently asked a coworker if she watches The Office. She said, emphasizing the "I"--" I " don't watch TV." What does that mean? That she has better things to do with her time. She probably chooses a "better" form of entertainment. Movies, maybe? Theater? Or books?

The general argument is that TV is made cheaply and has a lower quality of writing and producing than movies, and less ability to capture our imagination than literature. Sure, there is a lot of crappy television, shows that fill the airwaves without any benefit to those who watch. I won't name them because I'd rather talk about the quality programming. On TV there is a lot of both good and bad ways to spend your time. But not just on television. Every year, more bad movies are released than good ones. And plenty of books that I would be ashamed to be seen reading. So is television different? Does television have a higher ratio of good vs. bad? I don't have the figures. It's irrelevant to me how many bad shows are being made. I choose to watch only what is worth my time. And there is so much that is good quality entertainment. Hundreds of channels, 24 hours/day. How can you not find something that makes you happy?

I was about to write that if I'd asked my coworker about her favorite book, I could have found a television show she would enjoy just as much. Surely with my vast geek knowledge I could find something for her. Then I changed my mind. Maybe it's not for everyone. Different strokes for different folks. Some people are way too into cinema. And that's ok for them. I just ask to be allowed my entertainment without judgment. If you don't watch TV, how can you say it's no good? So, I declare, there is no shame in loving television!

One Line

2006-10-18T21:01:00.000-06:00

I have been absent for a while. But that does not mean I have been without opinions. Here is the first opinion I have come back to share.

I always pick the wrong line. I don't mean to. In fact, I try really hard to get in the fastest line. I consider not only how many people are in a line, but how many items they have to ring up, how quickly they move, and how slow/new the teller seems. While driving I try to judge based on the type of vehicle, whether to get behind them or not. And I've improved my lane choices based on these judgments. But I still mostly get the slowest lines. A person that gets to the check out at the same time as me in another lane, will be out of the store before I can pay. A car that used to be behind me will change lanes and I will watch it drive away ahead of me until I can't see it any more.

Banks get it. Why don't grocery stores? Subway gets it. Best Buy gets it. Having one line for all checkers means no one gets stuck in the wrong line. Like in the bank, everyone who enters forms a line a safe, private, distance from all the tellers. When someone becomes available, they take the next person in line. You are served in the order in which you arrived. It's fair; and I like fairness. No one should get in and out faster than me because I got a teller-in-training and they were luckier.

Although it can't solve my traffic problems, 'One Line' is the fairest system for most stores. It would take some rearranging of the layout, and maybe my local grocery store couldn't do it as they are built now. But all new floor plans should include space for a main line to form. There shouldn't be a wrong line.

Working in Fast Food

2006-05-24T22:24:00.000-06:00

When I started this site, I thought I would be posting more often. But I get busy, of course.

When I was in high school I worked at a place in a mall food court for a few months and then Pizza Hut for a year. Later during one summer of college I worked as a delivery person for KFC. I have done my share as a fast food worker. I may not ever take that kind of job again, but I’m glad for the experiences I had.

I believe everyone should work fast food as one of their first jobs. The lessons available are valuable. While it’s not a given, it’s possible for a person to learn many virtues there, such as the importance of a good work ethic, customer service skills, and compassion for the common worker. I will focus on compassion.

In spite of the pressures of speed, accuracy, and co-worker drama, fast food workers are expected to deal pleasantly with a constant stream of customers. Working with customers is hard. They are not always right. They can be rude, or expect more than is possible. They can be accusatory. They sometimes talk on their phone and treat you like an order-taking machine.

But having worked in those jobs, I am not one of those horrible customers. I haven't become a push-over, but I am compassionate. I give people who help me the benefit of the doubt. I understand that the person I’m speaking with is not necessarily at fault for a mistake. I recognize the learning curve for a new employee and wait patiently. I never raise my voice. What are they thinking who raise their voice to a complete stranger who is just trying to do their job?

I know people make mistakes. Having worked fast food, I know that it is possible to remain upbeat and pleasant even under stressful situations, therefore, I do expect good service. But when things aren’t exactly as I would like, I try to have compassion.

Bikes on Roads and Sidewalks

2006-04-30T09:46:00.000-06:00

I will have many opinions big and small. Today is a small one. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I must state that I am not a bicyclist.

I have seen people ride bikes down busy roads as if they are cars. They get into the left turn lane and wait at the light and hold up cars behind them. They drive down the lane stopping at lights just as cars do. As they drive slowly down the street, cars must change lanes to get around them. Typical bicyclists ride at around 20 MPH (see Wikipedia). There is a minimum speed for public roads for a reason. It is dangerous to have vehicles going too slowly, and changing lanes unnecessarily. It affects traffic and puts the bicyclist in the most danger.

I understand that biking on the sidewalk also presents a sort of danger to pedestrians. But of the two risks, a bike/pedestrian crash is less harmful than a car/bike crash.

Most definitely, I believe bicyclists cannot have it both ways. The other day I saw a bicyclist do just that. He was driving down the lane as if a car. We came to a red light. He got up on the sidewalk and crossed as if a pedestrian, then went back out on the road and drove on!

Of course, it is the driver’s responsibility to watch for bikes and avoid accidents. But when bikes force cars to act dangerously, there is a problem. And my opinion is that bikes should ride on the sidewalk whenever possible.

Aprill

2006-04-22T13:54:00.000-06:00

Opinionated Aprill

2006-04-22T01:14:00.000-06:00

I titled my new blog "Opinionated" without apology. Many people, especially women, are afraid of that label. It's not considered an attracted quality for women. Well, I HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT THAT!

First of all, when I say, opinionated, I do not mean the kind of person who is closed-minded or bigoted. “Opinionated” in the thesaurus brings up prejudiced, dogmatic, and intolerant. There are people who will not even listen to an opposing point of view. They are often filled with hatred. Please don’t have this type of attitude.

It’s not in anyone’s best interest to be closed-minded. On the other hand, I believe an open, observant person is the most interesting person to talk with. An appropriately opinionated person isn’t offended when you disagree. They know friendly disagreements make for the best conversation.

So, I’m opinionated. I've always felt this way. I remember as a child having a discussion with a friend about grass. We were looking at blades of grass and I told her which I thought was better. She couldn’t believe that I would have an opinion about grass. I was surprised she couldn’t make up some reason to chose one blade over the other.

Growing up opinionated has been hard for those around me. I guess I can sometimes let on that I believe strongly about things that I really couldn’t care less. The important thing to remember is that I can argue passionately about both sides of most anything, and often do. So, although I have a lot of opinions, there are different levels. I can have an opinion about grass without passion. But there are many things I feel strongly about.

This blog will have my thoughts, both mindless and significant. Maybe no one will read it, but I will always have my opinions to keep me company. (If Aprill writes her blog and nobody reads it, is she still opinionated?)

I welcome *your* opinions as well.