$500,000 Immigrants

I'd feel pretty special if I was worth $500,000 dollars. Especially if people spent their free time with their eyes glued to their computer screen, hoping to catch a glimpse of me on streaming web video. Apparently, 4 such lucky people exist.

I came across an article (headline article, mind you) on CNN today about the recently installed cameras along the US-Mexican border. These aren't just any old cameras. Oh no - a series of 15 cameras, to the tune of a 2 million dollar cost, stream constant video via the web to anyone who's willing to watch. The purpose? So Joe Schmo, or Joe the Plumber, can sit on his arse at his computer from the luxury of his couch, bag of chips in hand, and live out his wildest Border Patrol fantasies. According to the article, over 200 million Americans have logged on to serve their "civic responsibility" of protecting our borders. Excuse me while I gag.
One such ICE-wannabe (ahem, 'virtual-deputy'), explained how he logs on from time to time in hopes of catching a fence jumper. If he sees one (or any other suspicious activity) he can email an alert to a real sheriff, who "might" do something about it. He was quoted in the article referring to himself as a part of an altruistic group of volunteers, out to help out the country. But what in it for him? Pure entertainment. He goes on to say, "It's no different than watching 'Everybody Loves Raymond' reruns," he said. "It's just something to do.

Read the article in all it's glory by clicking here.

This monstrosity of a project has cost upwards of 2 million dollars of taxpayer money, years of coordination, and led to a whopping 4 arrests of undocumented border-crossers. Like I said, to the tune of $500,000 a pop. What a deal!

If you are so inclined to test our your skillz as a border patrol, go all out at www.texasborderwatch.com. Register for your free account today. Then, please - go check behind all your framed hanging pictures. Just to be sure.

In the Spirit of Humility

Times of extended stress and multiple pressures often lead me to begin doubting myself. I usually have no problem handling things when stressors come only sporadically and one-at-a-time. However, lately I've felt as if I'm quickly piling task upon task and deadline upon deadline, and it's led to me feel quite scattered and stretched too thin. Anxieties begin to mount and soon doubt and second-guessing take over.

So, it'll come as no surprise that a post I encountered recently on Dumb Little Man, titled "8 Harsh Truths that will Improve Your Life," came as a much needed relief with essential life-lesson reminders I mustn't forget. Re-reading this list has served as comfort to me on several occasions lately, and hence I've decided to post it here, in the hopes that is may provide the same comfort to others who may be needing it's message.

So - here it is. Enjoy!