These were taken from:
http://nospeedbumps.com/?p=606
Production time per vehicle:
GM = 34.3 hours
Toyota= 27.9 hours
Average worker salary:
GM = $31.35 per hour
Toyota = $27 per hour
Health care cost per worker:
GM = $1525
Toyota = $201
Average hourly labor cost:
GM = $73.73
Toyota = $48
END OF CITED SOURCES
Even though GM outsold Toyota in the US in 2008 so far the cost per vehicle prevents GM from winning the economic war with its Eastern rival.
In the first 11 months of 2008 GM sold 2,734,789 cars in the US.
Toyota sold 2,075,709 cars in the same period.
GM sold 640,000 more cars than toyota.
Through September of 2008
Toyota posted $17 billion net income
GM posted $38 billion net loss
So what's our answer? Bail them out. Give them money.
Does anyone remember when Japanese cars first began to get really popular in the US in the 80's, and we were screaming about how unfair it was that the Japanese government subsidized the exports?
What is the real answer?
I suggest letting the market do its work. Will it hurt? Yes.
But as they say, no pain, no gain.
Socialism is not the answer - it is artificial propping up of unsustainable enterprise.
The pain and loss will only be greater in the future if we continue down Obama's road.
You heard my opinion from me first.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Climate Derange
I lifted these quotes entirely from this site - if you want to be accused at all of having an open mind about this looming hoax, you should visit: http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=2158072e-802a-23ad-45f0-274616db87e6
“I am a skeptic…Global warming has become a new religion.” - Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, Ivar Giaever.
“Since I am no longer affiliated with any organization nor receiving any funding, I can speak quite frankly….As a scientist I remain skeptical.” - Atmospheric Scientist Dr. Joanne Simpson, the first woman in the world to receive a PhD in meteorology and formerly of NASA who has authored more than 190 studies and has been called “among the most preeminent scientists of the last 100 years.”
Warming fears are the “worst scientific scandal in the history…When people come to know what the truth is, they will feel deceived by science and scientists.” - UN IPCC Japanese Scientist Dr. Kiminori Itoh, an award-winning PhD environmental physical chemist.
“The IPCC has actually become a closed circuit; it doesn’t listen to others. It doesn’t have open minds… I am really amazed that the Nobel Peace Prize has been given on scientifically incorrect conclusions by people who are not geologists,” - Indian geologist Dr. Arun D. Ahluwalia at Punjab University and a board member of the UN-supported International Year of the Planet.
“The models and forecasts of the UN IPCC "are incorrect because they only are based on mathematical models and presented results at scenarios that do not include, for example, solar activity.” - Victor Manuel Velasco Herrera, a researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico
“It is a blatant lie put forth in the media that makes it seem there is only a fringe of scientists who don’t buy into anthropogenic global warming.” - U.S Government Atmospheric Scientist Stanley B. Goldenberg of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA.
“Even doubling or tripling the amount of carbon dioxide will virtually have little impact, as water vapour and water condensed on particles as clouds dominate the worldwide scene and always will.” – . Geoffrey G. Duffy, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering of the University of Auckland, NZ.
“After reading [UN IPCC chairman] Pachauri's asinine comment [comparing skeptics to] Flat Earthers, it's hard to remain quiet.” - Climate statistician Dr. William M. Briggs, who specializes in the statistics of forecast evaluation, serves on the American Meteorological Society's Probability and Statistics Committee and is an Associate Editor of Monthly Weather Review.
“For how many years must the planet cool before we begin to understand that the planet is not warming? For how many years must cooling go on?" - Geologist Dr. David Gee the chairman of the science committee of the 2008 International Geological Congress who has authored 130 plus peer reviewed papers, and is currently at Uppsala University in Sweden.
“Gore prompted me to start delving into the science again and I quickly found myself solidly in the skeptic camp…Climate models can at best be useful for explaining climate changes after the fact.” - Meteorologist Hajo Smit of Holland, who reversed his belief in man-made warming to become a skeptic, is a former member of the Dutch UN IPCC committee.
“Many [scientists] are now searching for a way to back out quietly (from promoting warming fears), without having their professional careers ruined.” - Atmospheric physicist James A. Peden, formerly of the Space Research and Coordination Center in Pittsburgh.
“Creating an ideology pegged to carbon dioxide is a dangerous nonsense…The present alarm on climate change is an instrument of social control, a pretext for major businesses and political battle. It became an ideology, which is concerning.” - Environmental Scientist Professor Delgado Domingos of Portugal, the founder of the Numerical Weather Forecast group, has more than 150 published articles.
“CO2 emissions make absolutely no difference one way or another….Every scientist knows this, but it doesn’t pay to say so…Global warming, as a political vehicle, keeps Europeans in the driver’s seat and developing nations walking barefoot.” - Dr. Takeda Kunihiko, vice-chancellor of the Institute of Science and Technology Research at Chubu University in Japan.
“The [global warming] scaremongering has its justification in the fact that it is something that generates funds.” - Award-winning Paleontologist Dr. Eduardo Tonni, of the Committee for Scientific Research in Buenos Aires and head of the Paleontology Department at the University of La Plata.
END OF QUOTES
My daughter had a report for 8th grade on "climate change"
I was so disgusted with the text book - but proud of my daughter.
She wrote the expected garbage about the earth soon becoming a ball of fire with no life left on it except for polluting man, and then followed with a paragraph citing dissenting views with references from the scientific world. She couched it in terms of "some scientists disagree with the findings of the UN report..."
She may be a contributor rather than a herd animal in life yet.
“I am a skeptic…Global warming has become a new religion.” - Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, Ivar Giaever.
“Since I am no longer affiliated with any organization nor receiving any funding, I can speak quite frankly….As a scientist I remain skeptical.” - Atmospheric Scientist Dr. Joanne Simpson, the first woman in the world to receive a PhD in meteorology and formerly of NASA who has authored more than 190 studies and has been called “among the most preeminent scientists of the last 100 years.”
Warming fears are the “worst scientific scandal in the history…When people come to know what the truth is, they will feel deceived by science and scientists.” - UN IPCC Japanese Scientist Dr. Kiminori Itoh, an award-winning PhD environmental physical chemist.
“The IPCC has actually become a closed circuit; it doesn’t listen to others. It doesn’t have open minds… I am really amazed that the Nobel Peace Prize has been given on scientifically incorrect conclusions by people who are not geologists,” - Indian geologist Dr. Arun D. Ahluwalia at Punjab University and a board member of the UN-supported International Year of the Planet.
“The models and forecasts of the UN IPCC "are incorrect because they only are based on mathematical models and presented results at scenarios that do not include, for example, solar activity.” - Victor Manuel Velasco Herrera, a researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico
“It is a blatant lie put forth in the media that makes it seem there is only a fringe of scientists who don’t buy into anthropogenic global warming.” - U.S Government Atmospheric Scientist Stanley B. Goldenberg of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA.
“Even doubling or tripling the amount of carbon dioxide will virtually have little impact, as water vapour and water condensed on particles as clouds dominate the worldwide scene and always will.” – . Geoffrey G. Duffy, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering of the University of Auckland, NZ.
“After reading [UN IPCC chairman] Pachauri's asinine comment [comparing skeptics to] Flat Earthers, it's hard to remain quiet.” - Climate statistician Dr. William M. Briggs, who specializes in the statistics of forecast evaluation, serves on the American Meteorological Society's Probability and Statistics Committee and is an Associate Editor of Monthly Weather Review.
“For how many years must the planet cool before we begin to understand that the planet is not warming? For how many years must cooling go on?" - Geologist Dr. David Gee the chairman of the science committee of the 2008 International Geological Congress who has authored 130 plus peer reviewed papers, and is currently at Uppsala University in Sweden.
“Gore prompted me to start delving into the science again and I quickly found myself solidly in the skeptic camp…Climate models can at best be useful for explaining climate changes after the fact.” - Meteorologist Hajo Smit of Holland, who reversed his belief in man-made warming to become a skeptic, is a former member of the Dutch UN IPCC committee.
“Many [scientists] are now searching for a way to back out quietly (from promoting warming fears), without having their professional careers ruined.” - Atmospheric physicist James A. Peden, formerly of the Space Research and Coordination Center in Pittsburgh.
“Creating an ideology pegged to carbon dioxide is a dangerous nonsense…The present alarm on climate change is an instrument of social control, a pretext for major businesses and political battle. It became an ideology, which is concerning.” - Environmental Scientist Professor Delgado Domingos of Portugal, the founder of the Numerical Weather Forecast group, has more than 150 published articles.
“CO2 emissions make absolutely no difference one way or another….Every scientist knows this, but it doesn’t pay to say so…Global warming, as a political vehicle, keeps Europeans in the driver’s seat and developing nations walking barefoot.” - Dr. Takeda Kunihiko, vice-chancellor of the Institute of Science and Technology Research at Chubu University in Japan.
“The [global warming] scaremongering has its justification in the fact that it is something that generates funds.” - Award-winning Paleontologist Dr. Eduardo Tonni, of the Committee for Scientific Research in Buenos Aires and head of the Paleontology Department at the University of La Plata.
END OF QUOTES
My daughter had a report for 8th grade on "climate change"
I was so disgusted with the text book - but proud of my daughter.
She wrote the expected garbage about the earth soon becoming a ball of fire with no life left on it except for polluting man, and then followed with a paragraph citing dissenting views with references from the scientific world. She couched it in terms of "some scientists disagree with the findings of the UN report..."
She may be a contributor rather than a herd animal in life yet.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Let's have a depression
I think we're about due, don't you?
By now you should be living green, have an organic vegetable garden out back, use alternative transportation for everywhere you go, and be recycling every bit of man-made flotsam that you use.
The politicians keep screaming about the 'crisis' we are in, and the Democrats especially keep telling us it is the "worst economy since the great depression". Well, they have talked us into a self-fulfilling prophesy, with all their gloom and doom, so let's show them what it is really like.
Governments cannot beat the market. None ever has, and I believe that none ever will. Propping up airlines, car makers, banks, et. al, is just another version of the giant train wreck that WAS the Soviet economy, before they discovered capitalism.
Now we appear to have eagerly turned down that old, lame road. Last one to the cul-de-sac please turn out the lights.
If Americans don't want American cars, then there is no need for American carmakers. And let me be first in line to say "screw the labor unions". Take your collectively-bargained wages and pensions that priced you right out of the market and eat them. They will go great with the Kale that you are growing.
If some banks close, others will open. There is money out there, and for the right price, lenders will lend it. The government does not need our hard-earned tax dollars to prop up mismanaged banks.
If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac go under, let them. They are NOT "too big to fail". They dealt in securities markets, badly, as it turns out. If the heaviest of players cannot determine what sensible investing is, then they have no right to continue trying to find out. Get your mortgage the old-fashioned way. Earn a bank's trust. Hold a job. Make timely payments. Only buy what you can afford. Buying a house because you are betting it will increase in value so you can sell it to cover your costs is a terribly risky idea, as so many have found out.
Yep - I think it is time for a hard economic lesson, and a full depression might be just the thing. To match the real deal, where stocks fell from 332 to 42 in '29, we will need to see our market decline to 1,755.
Next, we need job losses. LOTs of job losses. Not this piss-ant 10th of a point here and there, where unemployment "soars" from 5.5 to 5.7 percent. No, we're talking let's see almost half of us out of work. Let's go to 40 percent. If that happens, then a LOT of those high-earners we hate so much will be next to us in the soup lines. I for one, really want to see Bill Clinton trying to figure out how the hell you dig up a potato.
We can stop worrying about how we are going to afford that 72" flat screen, and start worrying about how we are going to feed our kids tonight.
We can stop complaining about global warming and start working to heat our homes through the winter, with wood, oil, or anything else that burns. Maybe our paper money.
We can stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and start looking after our own ass...er...sets.
We can actually GO hungry so we can stop bitching about how obese children in this country are "starving under our own noses".
And we can share a park bench with a homeless person, because many of us will be homelss. And we will quickly come to understand the difference between being in the street by choice and by necessity.
Yes, I think a depression is exactly what we need. And from the ashes of all the liberal crap ideas we have been force-fed during the last hapless century and the dawn of the current one, perhaps will rise once again a moral, hard-working, self-sufficient, competitive, and self-governing society.
As they often say: No pain, no gain.
By now you should be living green, have an organic vegetable garden out back, use alternative transportation for everywhere you go, and be recycling every bit of man-made flotsam that you use.
The politicians keep screaming about the 'crisis' we are in, and the Democrats especially keep telling us it is the "worst economy since the great depression". Well, they have talked us into a self-fulfilling prophesy, with all their gloom and doom, so let's show them what it is really like.
Governments cannot beat the market. None ever has, and I believe that none ever will. Propping up airlines, car makers, banks, et. al, is just another version of the giant train wreck that WAS the Soviet economy, before they discovered capitalism.
Now we appear to have eagerly turned down that old, lame road. Last one to the cul-de-sac please turn out the lights.
If Americans don't want American cars, then there is no need for American carmakers. And let me be first in line to say "screw the labor unions". Take your collectively-bargained wages and pensions that priced you right out of the market and eat them. They will go great with the Kale that you are growing.
If some banks close, others will open. There is money out there, and for the right price, lenders will lend it. The government does not need our hard-earned tax dollars to prop up mismanaged banks.
If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac go under, let them. They are NOT "too big to fail". They dealt in securities markets, badly, as it turns out. If the heaviest of players cannot determine what sensible investing is, then they have no right to continue trying to find out. Get your mortgage the old-fashioned way. Earn a bank's trust. Hold a job. Make timely payments. Only buy what you can afford. Buying a house because you are betting it will increase in value so you can sell it to cover your costs is a terribly risky idea, as so many have found out.
Yep - I think it is time for a hard economic lesson, and a full depression might be just the thing. To match the real deal, where stocks fell from 332 to 42 in '29, we will need to see our market decline to 1,755.
Next, we need job losses. LOTs of job losses. Not this piss-ant 10th of a point here and there, where unemployment "soars" from 5.5 to 5.7 percent. No, we're talking let's see almost half of us out of work. Let's go to 40 percent. If that happens, then a LOT of those high-earners we hate so much will be next to us in the soup lines. I for one, really want to see Bill Clinton trying to figure out how the hell you dig up a potato.
We can stop worrying about how we are going to afford that 72" flat screen, and start worrying about how we are going to feed our kids tonight.
We can stop complaining about global warming and start working to heat our homes through the winter, with wood, oil, or anything else that burns. Maybe our paper money.
We can stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and start looking after our own ass...er...sets.
We can actually GO hungry so we can stop bitching about how obese children in this country are "starving under our own noses".
And we can share a park bench with a homeless person, because many of us will be homelss. And we will quickly come to understand the difference between being in the street by choice and by necessity.
Yes, I think a depression is exactly what we need. And from the ashes of all the liberal crap ideas we have been force-fed during the last hapless century and the dawn of the current one, perhaps will rise once again a moral, hard-working, self-sufficient, competitive, and self-governing society.
As they often say: No pain, no gain.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
America is no more
Today we welcome the transformation to a Marxist society.
It's the change we voted for.
It's been a wonderful experiment for 200 years, this "freedom" thing.
But reality had to take hold sometime. It's far better to be protected by the state than to actually have to exercise personal responsibility.
Now I just need to get on this gravy train and demand my share. It's only fair, right?
It's the change we voted for.
It's been a wonderful experiment for 200 years, this "freedom" thing.
But reality had to take hold sometime. It's far better to be protected by the state than to actually have to exercise personal responsibility.
Now I just need to get on this gravy train and demand my share. It's only fair, right?
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Crash
OK folks, this one is short.
I thought the economy was in the toilet. I thought the crash had come. I thought the bottom fell out, and that we were entering the next Great Depression.
I guess all these things may yet come to pass.
But to gain perspective, I looked back at conditions during the first Great Depression.
The market fell from a high of 333 to a low of 42.
http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=%5EDJI#chart2:symbol=^dji;range=19281023,20081023;indicator=volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on
Unemployment reached 25 percent at its peak.
http://www.thegreatdepression.co.uk/unemployment-during-the-great-depression/
Today the market would have to go down to 1,754 to reach an equivalent decline.
Unemployment is hovering around 6 percent. I remember 8 1/2 percent under famed Democrat Jimmy Carter. That wasn't so long ago, now was it?
Well now that we are about to put a true Marxist into office and majority support for him into both houses of Congress, we shall finally see what a red America will look like.
I can't wait, can you?
I thought the economy was in the toilet. I thought the crash had come. I thought the bottom fell out, and that we were entering the next Great Depression.
I guess all these things may yet come to pass.
But to gain perspective, I looked back at conditions during the first Great Depression.
The market fell from a high of 333 to a low of 42.
http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=%5EDJI#chart2:symbol=^dji;range=19281023,20081023;indicator=volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on
Unemployment reached 25 percent at its peak.
http://www.thegreatdepression.co.uk/unemployment-during-the-great-depression/
Today the market would have to go down to 1,754 to reach an equivalent decline.
Unemployment is hovering around 6 percent. I remember 8 1/2 percent under famed Democrat Jimmy Carter. That wasn't so long ago, now was it?
Well now that we are about to put a true Marxist into office and majority support for him into both houses of Congress, we shall finally see what a red America will look like.
I can't wait, can you?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Global Warming Anti-Science
Hello all,
I have taken these tidbits from The American Policy Roundtable, and you may find the full text here:
http://www.aproundtable.org/tps30info/globalwarmup.html
"Global Warming" is the hypothesis that our atmosphere heating up due to the (man-made) increase in "greenhouse gases," such as carbon dioxide. The main source of greenhouse gas is burning of "fossil fuels" such as oil, coal, and wood. The increased gasses make the atmosphere act like a greenhouse and hold heat in - causing an overall rise in the Earth's temperature.
For anyone who professes to maintain a "scientific" attitude toward all things (Yes global warming fanatics, you are excused), here are some positions that refute the hypothesis of Global Warming:
A) Over 17,000 scientists signed a petition circulated by the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine saying, in part, “there is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of the Earth’s climate.” (Go to www.oism.org for the complete petition and names of signers.) Surveys of climatologists show similar skepticism.
me: Why should these 17,000 scientists be ignored, while the 1,500 that signed the 1997 “World Scientists Call For Action” petition be considered almost God-like in their prognostication? Why should scientific research that refutes Global Warming or even Man's contribution to Global Warming be any less valid than its counterpart?
B) Wikipedia lists many sources of temperature data. I see no global warming trend. Satellite temperature readings show no warming since such readings began, 23 years ago. Only land-based temperature stations show a warming trend, and these stations do not cover the entire globe. And what about introduction of human error?
C) "Global climate computer models are too crude to predict future climate changes." Predictions of global warming come from computer models rather than historical data. Richard A. Kerr, a writer for Science, says “climate modelers have been ‘cheating’ for so long it’s almost become respectable.”
D) The IPCC did not prove that man is causing global warming. Alarmists like to cite the executive summaries of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to support their predictions. What does the IPCC’s latest report say? “The Earth’s atmosphere-ocean dynamics is chaotic: its evolution is sensitive to small perturbations in initial conditions. This sensitivity limits our ability to predict the detailed evolution of weather; inevitable errors and uncertainties in the starting conditions of a weather forecast amplify through the forecast. As well as uncertainty in initial conditions, such predictions are also degraded by errors and uncertainties in our ability to represent accurately the significant climate processes.”
E) Let's be real. A little "global warming" wouldn't hurt anybody. Between 800 and 1200 AD "global warming" allowed the Vikings to settle in Greenland. Was that bad? What about creation of more hospitible and inhabitable land on earth? What about increased food production? What about more warm places to vacation?
F) Trying to reduce human greenhouse gas emissions quickly would be horrendously expensive, and it is doubtful that they would do anything to stop the climate from from changing. The Kyoto Treaty wanted us (America) to lower carbon emissions to 7 percent below 1990’s levels 2012. Reasoned estimates are that such a drive would cost 2.4 million jobs, over $300 billion in economic output, and more than $2,700 per year in household income.
For you libs: tax revenues for states would decline by nearly $95 billion because of lower earnings a property values. How are you going to pay to give illegal immigrants driver's licenses?
G) "The alternative to demands for immediate action to “stop global warming” is not to do nothing. The best strategy is to invest in atmospheric research now and in reducing emissions sometime in the future if the science becomes more compelling. In the meantime, investments should be made to reduce emissions only when such investments make economic sense in their own right."
The United States (under the reviled Bush, I might add) "spends more on global warming research each year than the entire rest of the world combined."
U.S. companies "are leading the way in demonstrating new technologies for reducing...greenhouse gas emissions." Let's help them out with tax breaks and other incentives. Let's not punish them for producing and innovating, as Obama desires.
If you want some legitimate reasons to question the absolutism of Global Warming, I have given them to you. If you are only interested in spouting the party line: "Man Bad, Mother Earth Good, U.S. Worst Of All", then you have wasted your time reading this.
I have taken these tidbits from The American Policy Roundtable, and you may find the full text here:
http://www.aproundtable.org/tps30info/globalwarmup.html
"Global Warming" is the hypothesis that our atmosphere heating up due to the (man-made) increase in "greenhouse gases," such as carbon dioxide. The main source of greenhouse gas is burning of "fossil fuels" such as oil, coal, and wood. The increased gasses make the atmosphere act like a greenhouse and hold heat in - causing an overall rise in the Earth's temperature.
For anyone who professes to maintain a "scientific" attitude toward all things (Yes global warming fanatics, you are excused), here are some positions that refute the hypothesis of Global Warming:
A) Over 17,000 scientists signed a petition circulated by the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine saying, in part, “there is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of the Earth’s climate.” (Go to www.oism.org for the complete petition and names of signers.) Surveys of climatologists show similar skepticism.
me: Why should these 17,000 scientists be ignored, while the 1,500 that signed the 1997 “World Scientists Call For Action” petition be considered almost God-like in their prognostication? Why should scientific research that refutes Global Warming or even Man's contribution to Global Warming be any less valid than its counterpart?
B) Wikipedia lists many sources of temperature data. I see no global warming trend. Satellite temperature readings show no warming since such readings began, 23 years ago. Only land-based temperature stations show a warming trend, and these stations do not cover the entire globe. And what about introduction of human error?
C) "Global climate computer models are too crude to predict future climate changes." Predictions of global warming come from computer models rather than historical data. Richard A. Kerr, a writer for Science, says “climate modelers have been ‘cheating’ for so long it’s almost become respectable.”
D) The IPCC did not prove that man is causing global warming. Alarmists like to cite the executive summaries of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to support their predictions. What does the IPCC’s latest report say? “The Earth’s atmosphere-ocean dynamics is chaotic: its evolution is sensitive to small perturbations in initial conditions. This sensitivity limits our ability to predict the detailed evolution of weather; inevitable errors and uncertainties in the starting conditions of a weather forecast amplify through the forecast. As well as uncertainty in initial conditions, such predictions are also degraded by errors and uncertainties in our ability to represent accurately the significant climate processes.”
E) Let's be real. A little "global warming" wouldn't hurt anybody. Between 800 and 1200 AD "global warming" allowed the Vikings to settle in Greenland. Was that bad? What about creation of more hospitible and inhabitable land on earth? What about increased food production? What about more warm places to vacation?
F) Trying to reduce human greenhouse gas emissions quickly would be horrendously expensive, and it is doubtful that they would do anything to stop the climate from from changing. The Kyoto Treaty wanted us (America) to lower carbon emissions to 7 percent below 1990’s levels 2012. Reasoned estimates are that such a drive would cost 2.4 million jobs, over $300 billion in economic output, and more than $2,700 per year in household income.
For you libs: tax revenues for states would decline by nearly $95 billion because of lower earnings a property values. How are you going to pay to give illegal immigrants driver's licenses?
G) "The alternative to demands for immediate action to “stop global warming” is not to do nothing. The best strategy is to invest in atmospheric research now and in reducing emissions sometime in the future if the science becomes more compelling. In the meantime, investments should be made to reduce emissions only when such investments make economic sense in their own right."
The United States (under the reviled Bush, I might add) "spends more on global warming research each year than the entire rest of the world combined."
U.S. companies "are leading the way in demonstrating new technologies for reducing...greenhouse gas emissions." Let's help them out with tax breaks and other incentives. Let's not punish them for producing and innovating, as Obama desires.
If you want some legitimate reasons to question the absolutism of Global Warming, I have given them to you. If you are only interested in spouting the party line: "Man Bad, Mother Earth Good, U.S. Worst Of All", then you have wasted your time reading this.
This too, shall pass
Wowsers - the Dow has lost 15% of its value in 1 week! That's a shaker, and no mistake.
Here's my take. We are building. We are buying. We are innovating. We are servicing. All this has not stopped, and will not stop. Oil is coming down in price. The dumb-o-cratic leadership have decided we may drill for our own oil - at least a little bit, and Obama even said we might relook at nuclear and clean-coal energy alternatives. Halleluja - the blind have seen the light.
I have stopped looking at my investments. They are as sound as any, and my losses so far are on paper. I will not cash out and make those losses real. I hope you refrain from such action as well.
My real regret right now is that I do not have some money laying around to dump into the market. These are the times that make people rich, if they have the resources and the nerve to invest. Warren Buffett must have confidence. He just bought $3 billion of GE stock. Now why do that if the world is going to hell in a handbasket? Hmmm?.
At the seasoned age of 51, I have now lived through 3 or 4 market "crashes" since I began investing. They all hurt. They are all frightening. But in each case, the recovery has been bigger and substantially more sustained than the crash. If you were to look at a stock market time line on Yahoo here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=%5EDJI#chart1:symbol=^dji;range=my;indicator=volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on;source=undefined
you will see that the current downturn is still not as drastic as it seems when looking up close. Check out the dip from January 1973 to July of 2004 (1.5 years) when the Dow went from 1,020 (that's right, one thousand and twenty) to 607.
That's a "loss" of 40% FORTY PERCENT, sustained over a year and a half. Funny - I don't even remember it being dinner table conversation in my house.
Now the Dow has been as high as 14,000, and is currently in the high nine thousand range.
Personally - I believe it will recover and do so quite nicely. It may take a little bit - maybe more than a week! Holy smokes. Can we ever survive?
Sure we can. Take a breath. Go for a walk. Watch a movie. Have some ice cream. Read a good book. Live your life. Stop watching the news. Just stop. We'll be OK.
Even if Obama gets into office.
Here's my take. We are building. We are buying. We are innovating. We are servicing. All this has not stopped, and will not stop. Oil is coming down in price. The dumb-o-cratic leadership have decided we may drill for our own oil - at least a little bit, and Obama even said we might relook at nuclear and clean-coal energy alternatives. Halleluja - the blind have seen the light.
I have stopped looking at my investments. They are as sound as any, and my losses so far are on paper. I will not cash out and make those losses real. I hope you refrain from such action as well.
My real regret right now is that I do not have some money laying around to dump into the market. These are the times that make people rich, if they have the resources and the nerve to invest. Warren Buffett must have confidence. He just bought $3 billion of GE stock. Now why do that if the world is going to hell in a handbasket? Hmmm?.
At the seasoned age of 51, I have now lived through 3 or 4 market "crashes" since I began investing. They all hurt. They are all frightening. But in each case, the recovery has been bigger and substantially more sustained than the crash. If you were to look at a stock market time line on Yahoo here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=%5EDJI#chart1:symbol=^dji;range=my;indicator=volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on;source=undefined
you will see that the current downturn is still not as drastic as it seems when looking up close. Check out the dip from January 1973 to July of 2004 (1.5 years) when the Dow went from 1,020 (that's right, one thousand and twenty) to 607.
That's a "loss" of 40% FORTY PERCENT, sustained over a year and a half. Funny - I don't even remember it being dinner table conversation in my house.
Now the Dow has been as high as 14,000, and is currently in the high nine thousand range.
Personally - I believe it will recover and do so quite nicely. It may take a little bit - maybe more than a week! Holy smokes. Can we ever survive?
Sure we can. Take a breath. Go for a walk. Watch a movie. Have some ice cream. Read a good book. Live your life. Stop watching the news. Just stop. We'll be OK.
Even if Obama gets into office.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Feeding the Hogs
How is it, friends and foes, that we are giving our money to the very people that caused our economic troubles, in order that those people might "fix" the trouble?
How is it, friends and foes, that the people that killed the messenger in 2001, 2004, and 2005 when warned of Fannie and Freddie improprieties, are today trying to escape all blame for the debacle? Why aren't Maxine Waters, Barney Frank, Bill Clinton, and Chris Dodd being investigated? Where are the calls to see Maxine Waters "frog marched out of the Congress"?
How is it, friends and foes, that a bill that is rammed down our throats as an "emergency measure" intended to fend off economic collapse has billions and billions of pork barrel spending added to it to convince reluctant representatives to even vote for it?
How is it, friends and foes, that the very folks that called again and again for reform of Freddie and Fannie in 2001, 2004, and 2005 are ignored and even excoriated for somehow being implicit in the collapse of these entities? George Bush, John McCain, and a host of other Republican lawmakers warned loudly and often of the coming crisis. Their reward was to have voters put Democrats in power in 2006. At the end of the Democrats' reign, the dam burst, we all are soaked, and no one seems to remember who was warning us that this would come to pass. How is this?
How is it, friends and foes, that the American Public would even consider voting for the very people that caused this to happen to us in the upcoming national elections?
We seem to be feeding the hogs.
I am at a loss.
How is it, friends and foes, that the people that killed the messenger in 2001, 2004, and 2005 when warned of Fannie and Freddie improprieties, are today trying to escape all blame for the debacle? Why aren't Maxine Waters, Barney Frank, Bill Clinton, and Chris Dodd being investigated? Where are the calls to see Maxine Waters "frog marched out of the Congress"?
How is it, friends and foes, that a bill that is rammed down our throats as an "emergency measure" intended to fend off economic collapse has billions and billions of pork barrel spending added to it to convince reluctant representatives to even vote for it?
How is it, friends and foes, that the very folks that called again and again for reform of Freddie and Fannie in 2001, 2004, and 2005 are ignored and even excoriated for somehow being implicit in the collapse of these entities? George Bush, John McCain, and a host of other Republican lawmakers warned loudly and often of the coming crisis. Their reward was to have voters put Democrats in power in 2006. At the end of the Democrats' reign, the dam burst, we all are soaked, and no one seems to remember who was warning us that this would come to pass. How is this?
How is it, friends and foes, that the American Public would even consider voting for the very people that caused this to happen to us in the upcoming national elections?
We seem to be feeding the hogs.
I am at a loss.
Friday, September 26, 2008
It IS Clinton's fault
Well kiddies,
this guy got it right, and had to put it in the form of a bedtime story for most "amuhruhcains" to understand.
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTRmNTE2ZGMyY2UwOGVhZDczYTcxM2MxNDU1ZGNkNmE=
The mortgage meltdown is Clinton's fault.
Repeat after me:
It's Clinton's fault.
It's Clinton's fault.
It's CLINTON'S FAULT, FAULT, FAULT!!!.
This story is really so simple it is amazing.
1) Government (read - meddling) tells banks they must issue risky loans to create opportunitiy for poor people and minorities to own homes.
Now children, all this really says is: banks must provide mortgages to people that cannot hope to pay them back. If they fail to make payments, then the government promises to redistribute your and my wealth to pay off the loans.
2) Government (read - meddling) tells Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that they must BUY the risky loans that the banks have made. Government (read - meddling) tells Fannie and Freddie that there will be PUNISHMENT if they do not buy the loans.
3) The banks are happy. The housing market is on a roll. Ever-growing home prices hide the risky loans, and allow banks to a) make more loans, and b) show more assets and accounts receivable on their books. This makes banks look fabulously wealthy.
4) Fannie and Freddie are happy. They buy more loans and list them as "assets".
5) George Bush and select Republicans begin warning congress that this has gotten out of hand. When? Oh, 2004. They begin shouting at congress in 2005. Congress could care less. In fact, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) stated he "has no plans to hold even a single oversight hearing to look into special “VIP” housing perks that Countrywide gave powerful congressional Democrats [Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad] at the same time it was hiking mortgage rates on you and me. See:
http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/surprise_democrats_block_investigation_into_countrywide_mortgage_scandal/
6) Nobody does nothing, not noway, not nohow.
7) House prices plunge, poor people and minorities default on their loans, and all those "assets" turn into "liabilities".
Can you spell "liabilities"?
I knew you could.
8) Banks and Fannie and Freddie run out of money to make loans because first they have to write down the new debt, and then their market capitalization falls dramatically because of it (i.e. their stock prices become nearly worthless).
Finally - when did all this start? Hmmm, let's see. Jamie Gorelick, Frank Raines, James Johnson, all Fannie execs. were advisors to Bill Clinton in the 90's, and basically drove Clinton's policy mentioned in item 1.
All of these, by the way, are now advising Barak Obama on economics. Holy Mother of God.
All of these, by the way, got fabulously wealthy from pay and bonuses as the mortgage giants racked (wrecked) up the books.
See: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=75586
Oh, and guess who was shouting loudest that we needed more oversight - especially with Fannie and Freddie? John McCain.
Who?
John McCain. 2005. He was calling for 'change' in 2005. He was ignored by: Barak Obama.
See: http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/09/17/obama-mccain-and-fnma-reform/
Who started the mess?
Well, all evidence points to Bill Clinton and the Democrats.
I always knew that scallywag was up to something! And we all thought it was just sex :)
James Jones
this guy got it right, and had to put it in the form of a bedtime story for most "amuhruhcains" to understand.
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTRmNTE2ZGMyY2UwOGVhZDczYTcxM2MxNDU1ZGNkNmE=
The mortgage meltdown is Clinton's fault.
Repeat after me:
It's Clinton's fault.
It's Clinton's fault.
It's CLINTON'S FAULT, FAULT, FAULT!!!.
This story is really so simple it is amazing.
1) Government (read - meddling) tells banks they must issue risky loans to create opportunitiy for poor people and minorities to own homes.
Now children, all this really says is: banks must provide mortgages to people that cannot hope to pay them back. If they fail to make payments, then the government promises to redistribute your and my wealth to pay off the loans.
2) Government (read - meddling) tells Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that they must BUY the risky loans that the banks have made. Government (read - meddling) tells Fannie and Freddie that there will be PUNISHMENT if they do not buy the loans.
3) The banks are happy. The housing market is on a roll. Ever-growing home prices hide the risky loans, and allow banks to a) make more loans, and b) show more assets and accounts receivable on their books. This makes banks look fabulously wealthy.
4) Fannie and Freddie are happy. They buy more loans and list them as "assets".
5) George Bush and select Republicans begin warning congress that this has gotten out of hand. When? Oh, 2004. They begin shouting at congress in 2005. Congress could care less. In fact, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) stated he "has no plans to hold even a single oversight hearing to look into special “VIP” housing perks that Countrywide gave powerful congressional Democrats [Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad] at the same time it was hiking mortgage rates on you and me. See:
http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/surprise_democrats_block_investigation_into_countrywide_mortgage_scandal/
6) Nobody does nothing, not noway, not nohow.
7) House prices plunge, poor people and minorities default on their loans, and all those "assets" turn into "liabilities".
Can you spell "liabilities"?
I knew you could.
8) Banks and Fannie and Freddie run out of money to make loans because first they have to write down the new debt, and then their market capitalization falls dramatically because of it (i.e. their stock prices become nearly worthless).
Finally - when did all this start? Hmmm, let's see. Jamie Gorelick, Frank Raines, James Johnson, all Fannie execs. were advisors to Bill Clinton in the 90's, and basically drove Clinton's policy mentioned in item 1.
All of these, by the way, are now advising Barak Obama on economics. Holy Mother of God.
All of these, by the way, got fabulously wealthy from pay and bonuses as the mortgage giants racked (wrecked) up the books.
See: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=75586
Oh, and guess who was shouting loudest that we needed more oversight - especially with Fannie and Freddie? John McCain.
Who?
John McCain. 2005. He was calling for 'change' in 2005. He was ignored by: Barak Obama.
See: http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/09/17/obama-mccain-and-fnma-reform/
Who started the mess?
Well, all evidence points to Bill Clinton and the Democrats.
I always knew that scallywag was up to something! And we all thought it was just sex :)
James Jones
Friday, September 12, 2008
Sh**t for brains
OK, I have tried to stay calm, but there are a few lines that have been crossed, and I simply must express my opinion. If this offends you, then we are so firmly entrenched in our separate beliefs that almost any political opinion I offer will offend you, and probably likewise.
That out of the way, here goes.
Matt Damon and Pamela Anderson must have mixed up the places where the intellect and the fecal matter go. In my mind these two are so hopelessly stupid, biased, and hate-filled that they are walking advertisements on why abortion should never be banned, even as late as the 117th trimester (Matt Damon) or the 126th trimester (Pamela Anderson).
Now have I lowered myself to their level? That is my intention.
Matt Damon is a college dropout that has turned looks and some acting ability into an outrageous fortune, which by liberal Democrat standards, he ought to be sharing copiously with the disenfranchised. Let's see it, Matt, before you open your substantial blowhole to impugn capable candidates with impressive resumes that participate in our political process (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk).
Pamela Anderson is a two-bit you-know-what that has been used and abused by the best of them and has been granted favorable consideration the country over in light of her good looks and acting(?) abilities. So what is the considered opinion of the Republican vice presidential candidate as offered by THIS mind-boggling intellect with the famous set of false...er...assets?
"She can suck it!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BU91ALzOak).
Let's match wits between, say Matt Damon: Harvard Dropout, Pamela Anderson: Street Educated, and the people they hate:
George Bush: Bachelors Degree from Yale, MBA from Harvard, F-102 pilot, Governor of Texas (reelected by landslide), and two-term President of the United States.
Dick Cheney: B.A. political scince, M.A. political science, Congressman, Senator, and two-term Vice President of the United States.
Sarah Palin: B.S. communications-journalism, Mayorof Wasilla, AK, Governor of Alaska, Chair of the National Governors Association, Vice-Presidential nominee.
Let's see a reality show where Matt and Pamela are locked in a room with George, Dick, and Sarah for about 2 hours, talking about everything they want to get off their (ample) chests. Let's see the whole thing recorded, with no edits, and viewed and reviewed by the couch-potato(e) public on evening TV.
A run-through of that one time is about all anyone would need to see the depth and breadth of the intelligence, compassion, and cognitive ability of two of Hollywood's "finest".
Wanna know what I think about Matt and Pamela?
"They can suck it!"
That out of the way, here goes.
Matt Damon and Pamela Anderson must have mixed up the places where the intellect and the fecal matter go. In my mind these two are so hopelessly stupid, biased, and hate-filled that they are walking advertisements on why abortion should never be banned, even as late as the 117th trimester (Matt Damon) or the 126th trimester (Pamela Anderson).
Now have I lowered myself to their level? That is my intention.
Matt Damon is a college dropout that has turned looks and some acting ability into an outrageous fortune, which by liberal Democrat standards, he ought to be sharing copiously with the disenfranchised. Let's see it, Matt, before you open your substantial blowhole to impugn capable candidates with impressive resumes that participate in our political process (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk).
Pamela Anderson is a two-bit you-know-what that has been used and abused by the best of them and has been granted favorable consideration the country over in light of her good looks and acting(?) abilities. So what is the considered opinion of the Republican vice presidential candidate as offered by THIS mind-boggling intellect with the famous set of false...er...assets?
"She can suck it!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BU91ALzOak).
Let's match wits between, say Matt Damon: Harvard Dropout, Pamela Anderson: Street Educated, and the people they hate:
George Bush: Bachelors Degree from Yale, MBA from Harvard, F-102 pilot, Governor of Texas (reelected by landslide), and two-term President of the United States.
Dick Cheney: B.A. political scince, M.A. political science, Congressman, Senator, and two-term Vice President of the United States.
Sarah Palin: B.S. communications-journalism, Mayorof Wasilla, AK, Governor of Alaska, Chair of the National Governors Association, Vice-Presidential nominee.
Let's see a reality show where Matt and Pamela are locked in a room with George, Dick, and Sarah for about 2 hours, talking about everything they want to get off their (ample) chests. Let's see the whole thing recorded, with no edits, and viewed and reviewed by the couch-potato(e) public on evening TV.
A run-through of that one time is about all anyone would need to see the depth and breadth of the intelligence, compassion, and cognitive ability of two of Hollywood's "finest".
Wanna know what I think about Matt and Pamela?
"They can suck it!"
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
All-in for Palin
Well, yep - I'll enter the ante.
Who'd a thunk the punk-boy had the cojones for this selection?
Now let me say I wish no harm on the maverick, but how I wish there were some way we could flip the ticket. Oh, how I wish.
Democrats are stunned and a bit frustrated. No matter what mud they throw, it doesn't seem to stick. Anybody remember 8 years of Clinton? Welcome to our frustration.
If the teflon gal holds up through it she'll carry Mr. McCain into the White House, I believe. It's refreshing to see how many people actually do hold more conservative beliefs than we are led to believe by all the tongues sitting at news anchor desks. Gee, to listen to the lot of them there are only 6 real conservatives in the whole United States.
But with Palin on the ticket, suddenly it seems conservatives outnumber liberals. It is pleasant to behold, if a bit amazing.
I'm not completely naive. A lot happens in the last 2 months of a presidential campaign. One thing is for sure - if the race stays within 4 points either way, the networks definitely won't be trying to call the election early as they have so many times before.
Remember that I am NOT voting for McCain. There is no political death-bed conversion that will enable me to do that after all the wounds he dealt conservatism over the years.
However, I will be happier if he gets in than I would be if the other side and all their hope for change because it is something to believe in change we can hope for if we just believe that we can change so that we can again have hope.
Almost makes me feel sorry for Hillary. Oh, wait. Not. Can't give much credit to 147 "I don't recall"s during the Whitewater hearings about her 60 hours of booked time for the Rose Law Firm.
And for the encore, how about Joe B? All excited at a rally mentions a guy in a wheel chair, and shouts "Stand up Chuck! Let everybody see you! Stand Up! Oh my, what amd I talkin' about? Well, everybody here is standing up for you, Chuck!"
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Funnier than Bob Dole falling off the stage in '96.
Who'd a thunk the punk-boy had the cojones for this selection?
Now let me say I wish no harm on the maverick, but how I wish there were some way we could flip the ticket. Oh, how I wish.
Democrats are stunned and a bit frustrated. No matter what mud they throw, it doesn't seem to stick. Anybody remember 8 years of Clinton? Welcome to our frustration.
If the teflon gal holds up through it she'll carry Mr. McCain into the White House, I believe. It's refreshing to see how many people actually do hold more conservative beliefs than we are led to believe by all the tongues sitting at news anchor desks. Gee, to listen to the lot of them there are only 6 real conservatives in the whole United States.
But with Palin on the ticket, suddenly it seems conservatives outnumber liberals. It is pleasant to behold, if a bit amazing.
I'm not completely naive. A lot happens in the last 2 months of a presidential campaign. One thing is for sure - if the race stays within 4 points either way, the networks definitely won't be trying to call the election early as they have so many times before.
Remember that I am NOT voting for McCain. There is no political death-bed conversion that will enable me to do that after all the wounds he dealt conservatism over the years.
However, I will be happier if he gets in than I would be if the other side and all their hope for change because it is something to believe in change we can hope for if we just believe that we can change so that we can again have hope.
Almost makes me feel sorry for Hillary. Oh, wait. Not. Can't give much credit to 147 "I don't recall"s during the Whitewater hearings about her 60 hours of booked time for the Rose Law Firm.
And for the encore, how about Joe B? All excited at a rally mentions a guy in a wheel chair, and shouts "Stand up Chuck! Let everybody see you! Stand Up! Oh my, what amd I talkin' about? Well, everybody here is standing up for you, Chuck!"
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Funnier than Bob Dole falling off the stage in '96.
Monday, August 25, 2008
She Loves You Yeh Yeh Yeh
On Saturday August 25, 2008 I had one of those sublime moments (few hours, really) where everything came together into a day of fun, fun, fun.
A good friend and fellow musician wanted to celebrate his **th birthday by throwing a bash at a public place, featuring a band made up of himself and friends, and playing all Beatles music. I joined the band by invitation, and after brief planning last Spring, we held 3 Summer rehearsals and amassed 40-odd Beatles tunes.
An invitation was sent. Responses came back. The weather was perfect! Over 100 people came to the Eagles Nest restaurant at the Prince William Marina in Occoquan, VA. The indoor/outdoor restaurant catered the event and served a buffet of great food, and drinks, including beer and wine to all guests for over 6 hours, on my friend's tab. (Good friend, eh?).
The band had 5 members, amazingly:
John (my friend),
George (his brother),
Paul (another friend),
Glenn (Paul's brother), and
Jimmy (me!).
We couldn't come up with anything good to combine Glenn's and my names, so we settled on: John, Paul, George, and "Gringos".
John and George played marvelous guitar and sang.
Glenn played in-the-pocket drums and sang.
Paul played superb bass and sang. Paul had a vintage Beatles Bass guitar on hand (Hofner 1962 4-string)
and I played keyboards and sang a little bit. The Beatles didn't use a lot of keyboard, but when they did the parts were memorable, like in Yello Submarine or Lady Madonna.
The music was, well, Beatles music. We performed it well enough to do it justice, with all harmonies and vocal inflections.
Simply put I had the best time and built a memory that I'll keep forever. Thanks to everyone who participated, and everyone who showed up for the fun.
Now we have to figure out a way to surpass this event. It will be difficult, indeed!
A good friend and fellow musician wanted to celebrate his **th birthday by throwing a bash at a public place, featuring a band made up of himself and friends, and playing all Beatles music. I joined the band by invitation, and after brief planning last Spring, we held 3 Summer rehearsals and amassed 40-odd Beatles tunes.
An invitation was sent. Responses came back. The weather was perfect! Over 100 people came to the Eagles Nest restaurant at the Prince William Marina in Occoquan, VA. The indoor/outdoor restaurant catered the event and served a buffet of great food, and drinks, including beer and wine to all guests for over 6 hours, on my friend's tab. (Good friend, eh?).
The band had 5 members, amazingly:
John (my friend),
George (his brother),
Paul (another friend),
Glenn (Paul's brother), and
Jimmy (me!).
We couldn't come up with anything good to combine Glenn's and my names, so we settled on: John, Paul, George, and "Gringos".
John and George played marvelous guitar and sang.
Glenn played in-the-pocket drums and sang.
Paul played superb bass and sang. Paul had a vintage Beatles Bass guitar on hand (Hofner 1962 4-string)
and I played keyboards and sang a little bit. The Beatles didn't use a lot of keyboard, but when they did the parts were memorable, like in Yello Submarine or Lady Madonna.
The music was, well, Beatles music. We performed it well enough to do it justice, with all harmonies and vocal inflections.
Simply put I had the best time and built a memory that I'll keep forever. Thanks to everyone who participated, and everyone who showed up for the fun.
Now we have to figure out a way to surpass this event. It will be difficult, indeed!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
School 'scool
Wow - I'm bushed. I mean physically and mentally tired, and the reason is, I think, that I may be trying to educate myself beyond reasonable limits.
In an effort to "find money" to ward off the IRS who were hounding me for some strong disagreements about positions on taxable income, I decided to go back to school. I know - you are probably a little confused. Really, it is simpler than it sounds.
I sign up for school - in this case an MBA program offered by the main on-line university 'round here. I apply for Student Loans. I get the money up front. Tuition is deferred - I will pay it later. I give the money to the IRS and they are off my back.
Friends - it is this kind of thinking that got me in trouble in the first place. Nothing works like I think it will. The money does not come to me. It stays in a "holding tank" until needed. I borrow from my Mother to pay Uncle Sam, and then I am still enrolled in school. Sheeeeesh.
Well school is tough. It is a lot of work. I am a perfectionist - must get all 'A's. I do. Seems like it will take forever. It doesn't. Exactly 21 months later as advertised, I am walking across the stage at Constitution Hall in Washington DC and collecting my diploma for a Masters in Business Administration. How cool is that?
So cool, that I immediately enroll for a doctorate in organizational management. I have completed 1 of 3 years for this degree, and the really hard work is yet in front of me. I wake up tired. Go through the day tired. Go to bed tired. You see, I manage dynamic family relationships, life activities, a full time job, and a 2.5 hour one-way commute to work each and every day. (That's right - 5 hours commuting every day).
So I have a right to be tired. But one thing I recognize is that the degree will come, and the sense of achievement, and the increased self and marketplace value. I will have accomplished another goal in this journey of life, and will rub my eyes in disbelief that this late-bloomer has been able to do it once again.
I keep saying to anyone that will listen that once done with this I "will never go back to school. Not no how, not no way." But the reality is that as long as I want to learn of something or how to do something, I will continue to seek education. I think that I am simply a perpetual student.
And that's OK. School's cool.
In an effort to "find money" to ward off the IRS who were hounding me for some strong disagreements about positions on taxable income, I decided to go back to school. I know - you are probably a little confused. Really, it is simpler than it sounds.
I sign up for school - in this case an MBA program offered by the main on-line university 'round here. I apply for Student Loans. I get the money up front. Tuition is deferred - I will pay it later. I give the money to the IRS and they are off my back.
Friends - it is this kind of thinking that got me in trouble in the first place. Nothing works like I think it will. The money does not come to me. It stays in a "holding tank" until needed. I borrow from my Mother to pay Uncle Sam, and then I am still enrolled in school. Sheeeeesh.
Well school is tough. It is a lot of work. I am a perfectionist - must get all 'A's. I do. Seems like it will take forever. It doesn't. Exactly 21 months later as advertised, I am walking across the stage at Constitution Hall in Washington DC and collecting my diploma for a Masters in Business Administration. How cool is that?
So cool, that I immediately enroll for a doctorate in organizational management. I have completed 1 of 3 years for this degree, and the really hard work is yet in front of me. I wake up tired. Go through the day tired. Go to bed tired. You see, I manage dynamic family relationships, life activities, a full time job, and a 2.5 hour one-way commute to work each and every day. (That's right - 5 hours commuting every day).
So I have a right to be tired. But one thing I recognize is that the degree will come, and the sense of achievement, and the increased self and marketplace value. I will have accomplished another goal in this journey of life, and will rub my eyes in disbelief that this late-bloomer has been able to do it once again.
I keep saying to anyone that will listen that once done with this I "will never go back to school. Not no how, not no way." But the reality is that as long as I want to learn of something or how to do something, I will continue to seek education. I think that I am simply a perpetual student.
And that's OK. School's cool.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Getting Gas Over Gas
What is this new indigestion? Good LORD, I have never been denied cash on my ATM card before, and yesterday while trying to fill up my gas-hog Dodge Ram pickup, the card "quit" at $75, but I had not yet topped out.
Now, I'll freely admit that driving a 12-mpg vehicle in today's climate is not exactly Harvard-quality thinking, but let's be friends and say that if I have the money and want to spend it that way, then I should not be artificially constrained by the bank!
You know what? I have my ideas about what is causing the high price of gasoline, as you, no doubt have yours. To avoid an argument, I will only stipulate that "It is NOT Bush's fault".
Beyond that, you may conjecture what you wish. Speculation, demand/supply, refining limitations, gas-guzzlers, conspiracy, etc. Maybe they are all true. The end result is painful, nonetheless, and appears to be severely holding back our economic growth.
I have noticed that our area restaurants are sparcely populated, and some have even closed. A very popular pizza parlor near me has been open in my county for over 15 years. Yesterday while I ordered a couple large, delicious, fat-loaded pies (before they are banned) the waitress told me that she didn't think they could survive a year with current business. She said everyone says the same thing: "gas is eating up all the spending money".
I would like to see movement on all fronts to try and reduce the price of gas. I will not be partisan here - this is what I hope for:
1 - open ANWR ASAP
2 - invest in alternative energy R&D ASAP
3 - build 10 new nuclear plants - buy them from France and install them - French technology has surpassed our own, and is well tested - we just need to determine geographic location
4 - build 2 new mega-refineries ASAP
5 - Give the owner of every car that will agree to switch to partial hydrogen conversion or alternative diesel conversion (i.e. restaurant waste oil) $400 immediately - ensure that they DO convert
6 - offer a $1 million prize to the first person that demonstrates total-efficiency fuel-cell technology
7 - open ethenol production to use beets and cane sugar as well as corn - let's help these food prices a little!
8 - Issue a 1-year federal and state moratorium on gas taxes (Hey - this is an immediate reduction of $0.50 to $1 per gallon)
Start all these today. I bet gas would be around $2 per gallon within the year, even though most of these actions would take much longer to generate any concrete results. The idea that we were taking fast and forceful action itself would drive speculation lower, in my opinion.
Instead, if we sit around with our thumbs up our rears and whine and cry, then we deserve what we get - higher prices, and a resulting change in our way of life.
Many people doubless welcome this change, and would be quite happy if we all had to walk, ride bicycles, or use mass transit.
All respect due to each preference, I enjoy an energy-abundant, independent, and mobile way of life. In my mind there is little if any reason to believe that the current astronomical fuel prices are sustainable.
That is, unless we will it so.
Now, I'll freely admit that driving a 12-mpg vehicle in today's climate is not exactly Harvard-quality thinking, but let's be friends and say that if I have the money and want to spend it that way, then I should not be artificially constrained by the bank!
You know what? I have my ideas about what is causing the high price of gasoline, as you, no doubt have yours. To avoid an argument, I will only stipulate that "It is NOT Bush's fault".
Beyond that, you may conjecture what you wish. Speculation, demand/supply, refining limitations, gas-guzzlers, conspiracy, etc. Maybe they are all true. The end result is painful, nonetheless, and appears to be severely holding back our economic growth.
I have noticed that our area restaurants are sparcely populated, and some have even closed. A very popular pizza parlor near me has been open in my county for over 15 years. Yesterday while I ordered a couple large, delicious, fat-loaded pies (before they are banned) the waitress told me that she didn't think they could survive a year with current business. She said everyone says the same thing: "gas is eating up all the spending money".
I would like to see movement on all fronts to try and reduce the price of gas. I will not be partisan here - this is what I hope for:
1 - open ANWR ASAP
2 - invest in alternative energy R&D ASAP
3 - build 10 new nuclear plants - buy them from France and install them - French technology has surpassed our own, and is well tested - we just need to determine geographic location
4 - build 2 new mega-refineries ASAP
5 - Give the owner of every car that will agree to switch to partial hydrogen conversion or alternative diesel conversion (i.e. restaurant waste oil) $400 immediately - ensure that they DO convert
6 - offer a $1 million prize to the first person that demonstrates total-efficiency fuel-cell technology
7 - open ethenol production to use beets and cane sugar as well as corn - let's help these food prices a little!
8 - Issue a 1-year federal and state moratorium on gas taxes (Hey - this is an immediate reduction of $0.50 to $1 per gallon)
Start all these today. I bet gas would be around $2 per gallon within the year, even though most of these actions would take much longer to generate any concrete results. The idea that we were taking fast and forceful action itself would drive speculation lower, in my opinion.
Instead, if we sit around with our thumbs up our rears and whine and cry, then we deserve what we get - higher prices, and a resulting change in our way of life.
Many people doubless welcome this change, and would be quite happy if we all had to walk, ride bicycles, or use mass transit.
All respect due to each preference, I enjoy an energy-abundant, independent, and mobile way of life. In my mind there is little if any reason to believe that the current astronomical fuel prices are sustainable.
That is, unless we will it so.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The old car
Ahhh - I have had a faithful friend in my Honda minivan. It's not considered a "man's" car, the minivan, but it has really been my favorite vehicle of all. Fun to drive, comfortable on long trips, incredibly nimble - more so than any car I've owned, great utility - carries people or belongings in a multitude of configurations, and relatively easy on gas at over 20 mpg. Oh, did I mention reliable? Yes - amazingly reliable. That is, until recently. At 9 years old and with 278,000 miles, that reliability is, I'm afraid, coming to an end.
Things are wearing out, and I am entering the struggle that a lot of us go through. When is "enough enough?"
Dropping $1500 or $2000 a year to keep a car rolling is now forcing me to consider picking up a car payment. Trouble is, I don't want to pick up the $500 or $600 a month a new car will cost. So I look at recent used cars, in the $12-$15000 range.
This is how I picked up the Honda. 3 years old, one owner, available on Ebay, close enough to go look a it and drive it. What a great find. Good enough that I will probably do the same thing and head for Ebay motors. [Disclaimer: I do not work for, or have any vested interest in EBay - it is simply a service that I have used with much success]
Now here's the trouble. The van just sucked out another $1500. Do I replace it now, or try to recoup some of my money by driving it longer. What happens if the motor dies? The transmission falls out? The brakes fail? All of these are real worries, and I must weigh them against picking up another monthly payment of $200-$300 for a late model used vehicle. That is $2400-$3600 per year (without interest) for hopefully trouble-free driving for a few years.
BUT - if I'm willing to spend $2400-$3600 per year, why don't I just keep spending $1500 on the OLD van? I mean I like it! It still looks good, inside and out. It has been my favorite car. And I AM on a pretty tight budget.
Still - the attraction of something new and different...
See?
Something that should be simple, is a dilema after all.
What would you do?
Things are wearing out, and I am entering the struggle that a lot of us go through. When is "enough enough?"
Dropping $1500 or $2000 a year to keep a car rolling is now forcing me to consider picking up a car payment. Trouble is, I don't want to pick up the $500 or $600 a month a new car will cost. So I look at recent used cars, in the $12-$15000 range.
This is how I picked up the Honda. 3 years old, one owner, available on Ebay, close enough to go look a it and drive it. What a great find. Good enough that I will probably do the same thing and head for Ebay motors. [Disclaimer: I do not work for, or have any vested interest in EBay - it is simply a service that I have used with much success]
Now here's the trouble. The van just sucked out another $1500. Do I replace it now, or try to recoup some of my money by driving it longer. What happens if the motor dies? The transmission falls out? The brakes fail? All of these are real worries, and I must weigh them against picking up another monthly payment of $200-$300 for a late model used vehicle. That is $2400-$3600 per year (without interest) for hopefully trouble-free driving for a few years.
BUT - if I'm willing to spend $2400-$3600 per year, why don't I just keep spending $1500 on the OLD van? I mean I like it! It still looks good, inside and out. It has been my favorite car. And I AM on a pretty tight budget.
Still - the attraction of something new and different...
See?
Something that should be simple, is a dilema after all.
What would you do?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sad day for me as I leave the Republican Party
The time has arrived for me to make this decision.
I lived through 8 years of George Bush trying to make nice with Democrats receiving the shoddiest treatment over and again by those he "befriended" on the liberal side. I took it on the chin along with Bush, hoping that those evil peoples' better nature might take over. No chance - they don't seem to have a better nature.
I put up with RINOs (Republicans in name only) pulling the rug out from under the President's and the Party's feet, time and again, thinking that in the end it would all work out. From the unconstitutional implementation of campaign finance reform, to the horrendous overspending that resulted in huge deficits in spite of the surge in treasury receipts resulting from tax cuts. From the sinking of judicial nominees and diplomatic appointees, to the outrageous criminal pursuits of Tom Delay and Scooter Libby, and the dangerous failure to support America's anti-terrorist fight.
I watched with disbelief as John McCain became the Republican presidential nominee, and finally, I made a tough decision. I would not mark the ballot for McCain. My presidential vote would go blank, but I would vote straight ticket Republican for the representative races, even if I had to hold my nose while doing so.
Then today I watched two Virginia Republicans endorse the Democratic candidate for Senate.
"According to the The Washington Post, Republicans Vince Callahan and John Chichester will officially endorse Democrat Mark Warner for Senate on Monday."
Gentlemen and ladies in the RNC: enough is enough.
If I go on, I will end up cursing you, and I want this to remain a family-oriented blog!
Therefore, I have decided today to bid the GOP a not-so-fond farewell.
I am mad, sad, frustrated, frightened, and depressed that the great launch of conservative ideas launched under Reagan and the 1994 Republican Revolution have come to naught.
Perhaps I can find a political home where these great ideas, coupled with great minds and with great achievers can once again become ascendant.
One thing I am certain of is that the Republican Party is not that place.
I lived through 8 years of George Bush trying to make nice with Democrats receiving the shoddiest treatment over and again by those he "befriended" on the liberal side. I took it on the chin along with Bush, hoping that those evil peoples' better nature might take over. No chance - they don't seem to have a better nature.
I put up with RINOs (Republicans in name only) pulling the rug out from under the President's and the Party's feet, time and again, thinking that in the end it would all work out. From the unconstitutional implementation of campaign finance reform, to the horrendous overspending that resulted in huge deficits in spite of the surge in treasury receipts resulting from tax cuts. From the sinking of judicial nominees and diplomatic appointees, to the outrageous criminal pursuits of Tom Delay and Scooter Libby, and the dangerous failure to support America's anti-terrorist fight.
I watched with disbelief as John McCain became the Republican presidential nominee, and finally, I made a tough decision. I would not mark the ballot for McCain. My presidential vote would go blank, but I would vote straight ticket Republican for the representative races, even if I had to hold my nose while doing so.
Then today I watched two Virginia Republicans endorse the Democratic candidate for Senate.
"According to the The Washington Post, Republicans Vince Callahan and John Chichester will officially endorse Democrat Mark Warner for Senate on Monday."
Gentlemen and ladies in the RNC: enough is enough.
If I go on, I will end up cursing you, and I want this to remain a family-oriented blog!
Therefore, I have decided today to bid the GOP a not-so-fond farewell.
I am mad, sad, frustrated, frightened, and depressed that the great launch of conservative ideas launched under Reagan and the 1994 Republican Revolution have come to naught.
Perhaps I can find a political home where these great ideas, coupled with great minds and with great achievers can once again become ascendant.
One thing I am certain of is that the Republican Party is not that place.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Charleton Heston - 2008 - My Hero
Well, one of my heroes has passed, and as with most icons, the last days have been anticlimactic. Mr. Heston, of course a monumental figure in movies and politics is perhaps better remembered by me as one who held strong beliefs and worked publicly and privately to promote his solid ideals: of liberty, morality, civil rights, and overall equality.
I loved Heston's quip to then Pesident Clinton in 1998: "America doesn't trust you with our 21-year-old daughters, and we sure, Lord, don't trust you with our guns." Heston was tireless in his work with the NRA to protect our 2nd-amendment rights, and of course I was heartily satisfied with his political and social conservatism. Heston's daughter shares my wife's name: "Holly Ann", which endears him to me even more.
It makes one proud to see individuals stand up to wrong ideas and actions even at great personal and professional cost. Hollywood became Heston's target, and he scored bullseye after bullseye on radical leftists ensconced at their mecca. Ed Asner certainly took a few well-aimed hits, and in my view never mounted a credible defense, and all of Hollywood's attacks on Heston fall on deaf ears here, as I know that Heston was active in the civil rights movement, working toward fair and equal treatment for everyone in this country. He was regarded as a great family man, and as of his passing leaves his one and only wife of 64 years. 64 years. 64 years. What love. I am inspired.
Good bye for now, Mr. Heston. Thanks for enriching my life, and for living a life that inspires and motivates others in the best way.
I loved Heston's quip to then Pesident Clinton in 1998: "America doesn't trust you with our 21-year-old daughters, and we sure, Lord, don't trust you with our guns." Heston was tireless in his work with the NRA to protect our 2nd-amendment rights, and of course I was heartily satisfied with his political and social conservatism. Heston's daughter shares my wife's name: "Holly Ann", which endears him to me even more.
It makes one proud to see individuals stand up to wrong ideas and actions even at great personal and professional cost. Hollywood became Heston's target, and he scored bullseye after bullseye on radical leftists ensconced at their mecca. Ed Asner certainly took a few well-aimed hits, and in my view never mounted a credible defense, and all of Hollywood's attacks on Heston fall on deaf ears here, as I know that Heston was active in the civil rights movement, working toward fair and equal treatment for everyone in this country. He was regarded as a great family man, and as of his passing leaves his one and only wife of 64 years. 64 years. 64 years. What love. I am inspired.
Good bye for now, Mr. Heston. Thanks for enriching my life, and for living a life that inspires and motivates others in the best way.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Wii Wii
Oh what a great blog title, and an exact expression of my sentiments on the topic!
In an earlier blog I presented the difficulty of obtaining the much-desired video game system
Well I landed one. Through the son of my sister who "has connections" in the gaming world. This fine young man got a friend employed at WalMart in another state to grab a box. Then he put me at the top of a list of 6 immediate prospective buyers, and sold me the system at NO MARKUP. (Hey E-bayers - how about doing the Christian thing and selling YOUR extra games at NO MARKUP?????? If you had tickets insted of Wii's, you would be called "scalpers").
Now I am a hero to my 13 year old, and I am happy. To all you unwashed waiting out there to secure your Wii, I cannot resist:
"I got mine!!!"
I hate socialism, and I loathe everything that Karl Marx's thoughts foisted on the world. But if Cuba guaranteed each of its citizens a free Wii I might consider transplanting. In the case of this game, capitalism has failed...
(JK)
In an earlier blog I presented the difficulty of obtaining the much-desired video game system
Well I landed one. Through the son of my sister who "has connections" in the gaming world. This fine young man got a friend employed at WalMart in another state to grab a box. Then he put me at the top of a list of 6 immediate prospective buyers, and sold me the system at NO MARKUP. (Hey E-bayers - how about doing the Christian thing and selling YOUR extra games at NO MARKUP?????? If you had tickets insted of Wii's, you would be called "scalpers").
Now I am a hero to my 13 year old, and I am happy. To all you unwashed waiting out there to secure your Wii, I cannot resist:
"I got mine!!!"
I hate socialism, and I loathe everything that Karl Marx's thoughts foisted on the world. But if Cuba guaranteed each of its citizens a free Wii I might consider transplanting. In the case of this game, capitalism has failed...
(JK)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Oui, Oui, We want Wii
I tried to buy a Wii, evidently still a very difficult proposition even though the game system has been out for over a year. For the grand occasion of my daughter's 13th birthday I made the mistake of picking the Wii off her wish list as the target present. She was thrilled.
We took a night off our regular schedule and trundled to Best Buy. There, in the video game section, were Wii boxes towering high amidst colorful ad posters and stacks of Wii games and peripheral controllers. Ahh, a smiling sales-boy approached. "Can I help you?"
A hundred questions ensued, along with earnest considerations of various games, controllers, and configurations. As time went on we slowly "built" the exact system we wanted, with enough controllers for the family, a satisfying inventory of games, and some extra equipment to make playing and maintenance easier. A half hour had passed. I was happy. My daughter was ecstatic.
"OK, I'll take it!", I beamed.
"Oh, we don't actually have the game sir, nobody does".
Stunned and uncomfirtable silence followed. Weakly I managed to emerge from my daze to murmur: "What? You don't have it?" I vaguely pointed at the stacks of boxes, which I now learned were actually empty displays.
I found out the hard way what everyone else in the world seems to already know: that Nintendo is not producing enough games to meet demand. Each truckload of a precious 10 or 20 games to a store is met by potential customers camping out as we did in the 70's for rock concerts, each hoping to get a precious ticket "allowing" them to take a game (1 per family!) home with them. Hopes for the remaining wishful buyers are gone with the last ticket, until the next truck comes in.
"When will that be?", I ask.
"Oh, we don't know until a day or so before just when the truck will come", is the dismal answer.
Well folks, I am 50. I am a bit jaded, and I don't want to wait outside a store for hours before it opens to get a video game system. They are upgraded and go obsolete as fast as computers. In a few months or so the Wii will begin to lose some of it's luster, I guess. Then I may spring for one. I consoled the daughter with a trip to the clothing stores and emerged several hundred dollars lighter - about the same as I would have spent for the Wii.
Nintendo's loss, I'm afraid.
I find it difficult to comprehend in the days of the global market, flexible manufacturing, advanced technology, and rapid-response, high-performance corporations that Nintendo's situation is anything but a marketing strategy. Kudos and raspberries to them, at the same time.
While the situation may be making Nintendo lots of money and generating lots of interest in the product in the short run, I predict that there will be a groundswell of resentment and ill will over time as more people are disappointed in the same manner as I.
I for one, am eagerly waiting for the next game technology release that garners interest away from Nintendo. It is a sad, sour way to be, but I feel righteous indignation as I take in the massive marketing for this vapor-ware, and then see the games popping up by scalpers on Ebay and other sites at serious premiums. They will not see my money either.
Today I got a flyer in the mail from Best Buy. The front page is nothing but Wii. Huge. Colorful. Promising great family fun and entertainment. The system, the controllers, the games, and the accessories are all there on the page. Prices are highlighted. A new store is open in my area! "Get everyone in on the action!!!! screams the headline. "We'll help you pick the right games and gear for your family!!!"
I open the Best Buy online website and search for "Wii".
Shipping: "Sold Out"
Store pickup: "Not Available"
Our price: "Sold Out Online"
Sigh.
We took a night off our regular schedule and trundled to Best Buy. There, in the video game section, were Wii boxes towering high amidst colorful ad posters and stacks of Wii games and peripheral controllers. Ahh, a smiling sales-boy approached. "Can I help you?"
A hundred questions ensued, along with earnest considerations of various games, controllers, and configurations. As time went on we slowly "built" the exact system we wanted, with enough controllers for the family, a satisfying inventory of games, and some extra equipment to make playing and maintenance easier. A half hour had passed. I was happy. My daughter was ecstatic.
"OK, I'll take it!", I beamed.
"Oh, we don't actually have the game sir, nobody does".
Stunned and uncomfirtable silence followed. Weakly I managed to emerge from my daze to murmur: "What? You don't have it?" I vaguely pointed at the stacks of boxes, which I now learned were actually empty displays.
I found out the hard way what everyone else in the world seems to already know: that Nintendo is not producing enough games to meet demand. Each truckload of a precious 10 or 20 games to a store is met by potential customers camping out as we did in the 70's for rock concerts, each hoping to get a precious ticket "allowing" them to take a game (1 per family!) home with them. Hopes for the remaining wishful buyers are gone with the last ticket, until the next truck comes in.
"When will that be?", I ask.
"Oh, we don't know until a day or so before just when the truck will come", is the dismal answer.
Well folks, I am 50. I am a bit jaded, and I don't want to wait outside a store for hours before it opens to get a video game system. They are upgraded and go obsolete as fast as computers. In a few months or so the Wii will begin to lose some of it's luster, I guess. Then I may spring for one. I consoled the daughter with a trip to the clothing stores and emerged several hundred dollars lighter - about the same as I would have spent for the Wii.
Nintendo's loss, I'm afraid.
I find it difficult to comprehend in the days of the global market, flexible manufacturing, advanced technology, and rapid-response, high-performance corporations that Nintendo's situation is anything but a marketing strategy. Kudos and raspberries to them, at the same time.
While the situation may be making Nintendo lots of money and generating lots of interest in the product in the short run, I predict that there will be a groundswell of resentment and ill will over time as more people are disappointed in the same manner as I.
I for one, am eagerly waiting for the next game technology release that garners interest away from Nintendo. It is a sad, sour way to be, but I feel righteous indignation as I take in the massive marketing for this vapor-ware, and then see the games popping up by scalpers on Ebay and other sites at serious premiums. They will not see my money either.
Today I got a flyer in the mail from Best Buy. The front page is nothing but Wii. Huge. Colorful. Promising great family fun and entertainment. The system, the controllers, the games, and the accessories are all there on the page. Prices are highlighted. A new store is open in my area! "Get everyone in on the action!!!! screams the headline. "We'll help you pick the right games and gear for your family!!!"
I open the Best Buy online website and search for "Wii".
Shipping: "Sold Out"
Store pickup: "Not Available"
Our price: "Sold Out Online"
Sigh.
Monday, February 25, 2008
The train is a mixed bag
Hey there,
I'm one of those patsies that moved away from the city so I could buy a nicer house on some land. of COURSE the good job is now 55 miles away, and consists of one of the very worst commutes in these United States: the I95/395 North corridor from Virginia into Washington DC.
On the best day the commute from my house to work by car is 1.5 hours to, and another 1.5 hours home. An average day is 2.5 hours one-way. The worst day I have ever had it took 8.5 hours to get home. Granted, that was during a snow storm in which 105 people managed to tangle their cars together, killing 2, because they thought it was OK to drive 65mph on an icy highway.
Guess what it was like on 9/11? OK - don't.
Still, I am a typical American, who loves the freedom that driving my own car brings. But even the most individualistic among us has limits. When gasoline reached $3 per gallon, I realized that even driving a Honda (well, a minivan, but still a Honda) was costing me $120 per week just for gas, never mind the miles and maintenance. Even a Honda breaks if you drive it almost 800 miles per week.
So I tried car pooling. In a word...ugh. Unreliable. Unfriendly after the first week's "honeymoon". Inconvenient. There are days when I or other poolers simply have to go home early for some urgency or other. It is a major pain in the patootie to have to call and say either: "I have to catch a bus" or "Can everybody leave early today?". It's the same frustration to get a call from the others: "Carl has to go home - can you be ready to go at noon?"
Then I checked out van pools and the bus. Very expensive. Very clique-ish. Try taking a seat that someone else thinks belongs to them. Whew-boy.
So I finally decided to try the train. $76 for ten one-way trips. That's cool. $76 per week instead of $120. Oops. The train goes to Union Station. I need to go to 16th and M. Add $16.50 for 10 metrorail rides. Oh. The closest metro station to my work is 4 blocks away. DC blocks can be pretty large. So on bad weather days, it is a pain. The train one-way is...1.5 hours. Well, at least I am not driving.
Next: what in the Sam Hill is WRONG with train designers? Did they go to school with Al-Qaeda? These cars are a disaster. I am 5'6", and not "large". The seats are too small for me. I pity the average 5'10" guy with a few extra pounds, and I think those over 6' qualify for federal disaster aid if they try to ride the train. There are no arm rests. Try a 1.5 hour ride where you have no place to put your arms. Try it. You will call Amnesty International. 6 cars. 1 bathroom. Guess which car fills first?
Next: The trains have the worst on-time rate of any system I have ever seen. Whether the cause is mechanical breakdown, "switching problems", or right-of-way delays (commuter trains have to give way to every other rail transport, including hand-cars, it seems), the Virginia Rail Express seems to arrive at my destination on time about 50 percent of the time. I know, airlines aren't much better, but how often do I fly?
There are benefits:
1) I can use my laptop. Sort of. I have an air card from Verizon. I just have to "reconnect" about 1,000 times along the way. Seems there are a lot of dead spots.
2) I can sleep...if you call dozing for 1 minute 60 times sleeping. Remember how comfortable the seats are?
3) I don't have to pay parking. Oh, wait. Yes I do. I pay my work for an underground space at my building. It took me 12 years to get that space as I waitied for people to retire. I am not giving it up just because I ride a train. What if I want to drive in? It happens.
4) My car is lasting longer. Good thing. I put 190K miles on it in 5 years. It's a Honda so it should go at least 300K before I have to get rid of it, not because it doesn't run, but just because I am so sick of driving it (hey - topic for another blog!).
5) There is scenery - the train travels North along the Potomac River - many beautiful sights.
I long for the day when someone learns how to make a comfortable train car. I long for the day when mass transit in the United states is as reliable as, say, the Soviet Union in 1935. I long for the day when I can ride an enclosed, elevated, moving walk-way all the way from the train station to the front door of my job. In other words, I am dreaming.
It's a long way from perfect. Heck, it's a long way from better-than-acceptable. But it's what we have, and it's what I will put up with since the environmental whack jobs refuse to let us: a) find new oil, b) burn coal, c) drill for oil, d) build nuclear power plants, e) build refineries, or f) basically become energy independent. As long as these loonies drive our politicians, we are at the mercy of the OPECS and the Chavezes of the world. So:
Happy training to me,
happy training to me.
happy #$!!$#**#%& training to me,
happy training to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I'm one of those patsies that moved away from the city so I could buy a nicer house on some land. of COURSE the good job is now 55 miles away, and consists of one of the very worst commutes in these United States: the I95/395 North corridor from Virginia into Washington DC.
On the best day the commute from my house to work by car is 1.5 hours to, and another 1.5 hours home. An average day is 2.5 hours one-way. The worst day I have ever had it took 8.5 hours to get home. Granted, that was during a snow storm in which 105 people managed to tangle their cars together, killing 2, because they thought it was OK to drive 65mph on an icy highway.
Guess what it was like on 9/11? OK - don't.
Still, I am a typical American, who loves the freedom that driving my own car brings. But even the most individualistic among us has limits. When gasoline reached $3 per gallon, I realized that even driving a Honda (well, a minivan, but still a Honda) was costing me $120 per week just for gas, never mind the miles and maintenance. Even a Honda breaks if you drive it almost 800 miles per week.
So I tried car pooling. In a word...ugh. Unreliable. Unfriendly after the first week's "honeymoon". Inconvenient. There are days when I or other poolers simply have to go home early for some urgency or other. It is a major pain in the patootie to have to call and say either: "I have to catch a bus" or "Can everybody leave early today?". It's the same frustration to get a call from the others: "Carl has to go home - can you be ready to go at noon?"
Then I checked out van pools and the bus. Very expensive. Very clique-ish. Try taking a seat that someone else thinks belongs to them. Whew-boy.
So I finally decided to try the train. $76 for ten one-way trips. That's cool. $76 per week instead of $120. Oops. The train goes to Union Station. I need to go to 16th and M. Add $16.50 for 10 metrorail rides. Oh. The closest metro station to my work is 4 blocks away. DC blocks can be pretty large. So on bad weather days, it is a pain. The train one-way is...1.5 hours. Well, at least I am not driving.
Next: what in the Sam Hill is WRONG with train designers? Did they go to school with Al-Qaeda? These cars are a disaster. I am 5'6", and not "large". The seats are too small for me. I pity the average 5'10" guy with a few extra pounds, and I think those over 6' qualify for federal disaster aid if they try to ride the train. There are no arm rests. Try a 1.5 hour ride where you have no place to put your arms. Try it. You will call Amnesty International. 6 cars. 1 bathroom. Guess which car fills first?
Next: The trains have the worst on-time rate of any system I have ever seen. Whether the cause is mechanical breakdown, "switching problems", or right-of-way delays (commuter trains have to give way to every other rail transport, including hand-cars, it seems), the Virginia Rail Express seems to arrive at my destination on time about 50 percent of the time. I know, airlines aren't much better, but how often do I fly?
There are benefits:
1) I can use my laptop. Sort of. I have an air card from Verizon. I just have to "reconnect" about 1,000 times along the way. Seems there are a lot of dead spots.
2) I can sleep...if you call dozing for 1 minute 60 times sleeping. Remember how comfortable the seats are?
3) I don't have to pay parking. Oh, wait. Yes I do. I pay my work for an underground space at my building. It took me 12 years to get that space as I waitied for people to retire. I am not giving it up just because I ride a train. What if I want to drive in? It happens.
4) My car is lasting longer. Good thing. I put 190K miles on it in 5 years. It's a Honda so it should go at least 300K before I have to get rid of it, not because it doesn't run, but just because I am so sick of driving it (hey - topic for another blog!).
5) There is scenery - the train travels North along the Potomac River - many beautiful sights.
I long for the day when someone learns how to make a comfortable train car. I long for the day when mass transit in the United states is as reliable as, say, the Soviet Union in 1935. I long for the day when I can ride an enclosed, elevated, moving walk-way all the way from the train station to the front door of my job. In other words, I am dreaming.
It's a long way from perfect. Heck, it's a long way from better-than-acceptable. But it's what we have, and it's what I will put up with since the environmental whack jobs refuse to let us: a) find new oil, b) burn coal, c) drill for oil, d) build nuclear power plants, e) build refineries, or f) basically become energy independent. As long as these loonies drive our politicians, we are at the mercy of the OPECS and the Chavezes of the world. So:
Happy training to me,
happy training to me.
happy #$!!$#**#%& training to me,
happy training to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Satellite Broadband (Not)
Live in a rural area with bad phone lines and no cable or DSL? Desparate for high-speed internet? Considering satellite?
I wouldn't take the plunge if I were you. Speaking from experience, I have both satellite and wireless (cell phone) internet access because I fall into the category listed above. My services are Verizon National Access (non-broadband) and Hughes Satellite Service (Broadband, or so they say).
The Verizon service costs me $60/month for unlimited access, and Hughes costs me $70/month for the medium plan of projected 1MB download and 200KB upload speeds.
So I pay $130/month for internet access. What do I get for this money?
Verizon gives me an "air card" that works on one computer at a time, or that can be plugged into a Kyocera router to create a wireless network. The speeds are good, but not broadband - typically around 100KB, which is better than the 18K my miserable phone lines allow with dialup. The router is at home, so I can use it there for all my PC's to access the wireless network, but when I take the card with me, my house is without internet. Verizon has no plans to change this.
So I fell for the Hughesnet ads, which are very attractive, with happily grinning people using their "broadband" from the high desert or a mountaintop, or an ocean island. This would be my home high-speed connection, and I would use my Verizon on the road.
The reality? I use my Verizon card at home almost as much as my Hughesnet.
Let's talk about Hughesnet Satellite:
1 - The speed at the practical end - my computer browser - is comparable to good dialup. Browser refreshes are moderate, and downloads are occasionally fast, but generally marginal. Visitors that check their email or other web sites at my house ask me "Don't you have broadband?"
2 - Storms, whether local or remote, can cause satellite failure. So the weather often causes loss of connection
3 - Multiple use in the house over the wireless connection causes the speed to vary dramatically. When my daughter is downloading songs and videos, I often have to ask her to stop so I can get my work done.
4 - Frequent browser refresh slowdowns are met with only one response from Hughesnet technical support: "run a satellite speed test". If the speed indicated by the test falls within the acceptable range (about 800K for 1MB service), they say "we can't do anything for you".
** note that I am semi-literate about PC's, and know how to clear cache, remove temporary files, and set cache sizes for optimal performance. I can also ensure that no wireless devices are interfering with the router. So why would 800K satellite speed appear as 24K dialup speed on my browser, and if there is an explanation, why can't Hughenet clue me in?
5 - There is a nasty little piece of Hughesnet policy called "fair use". This limits your downloads within short periods of time, say with network delivered movies like those provided by NetFlix. The first time we tried this service we made it 3/4 way through a good movie when we lost service. Nothing I tried worked, so the next day I called Hughesnet. It seems when I access movies I am "hogging" the shared bandwidth, so after 350MB Hughesnet "limits" my account for 24 hours. They will not reset it for any reason.
So there in a nutshell I have listed 5 reasons that I would not sign up for Hughesnet again if given the chance, knowing what I now do. Since I am on a 2-year contract with 1 year to go, I have no option but to pay my $70/month for another year.
Talking with other satellite users I have deteremined that my experience is not uncommon for satellite, regardless of the provider.
Therefore, I recommend that if you really need internet access because you have no cable or DSL and your dialup is useless, that you consider Verizon or another wireless provider, and skip the satellite for now.
My prediction is that you will hate satellite as I do. Not dislike it. Hate it.
If you experience what I have, you will get:
1 - dial up-like browser refreshes for the most part, regardless of indicated satellite "speed"
2 - interruption from storms or even cloudy skies
3 - slow response when others in your house access the internet at the same time as you
4 - low or no satisfaction from your technical "support" team
5 - hard limits on the amount of data you can download, jeopardizing attempts to watch videos or use "movies from your PC" services such as those offered by NetFlix.
If you choose to take the risk and sign up for satellite service, please feel free to commiserate with me by email or blog response after you have had a few weeks to experience internet access HELL
I wouldn't take the plunge if I were you. Speaking from experience, I have both satellite and wireless (cell phone) internet access because I fall into the category listed above. My services are Verizon National Access (non-broadband) and Hughes Satellite Service (Broadband, or so they say).
The Verizon service costs me $60/month for unlimited access, and Hughes costs me $70/month for the medium plan of projected 1MB download and 200KB upload speeds.
So I pay $130/month for internet access. What do I get for this money?
Verizon gives me an "air card" that works on one computer at a time, or that can be plugged into a Kyocera router to create a wireless network. The speeds are good, but not broadband - typically around 100KB, which is better than the 18K my miserable phone lines allow with dialup. The router is at home, so I can use it there for all my PC's to access the wireless network, but when I take the card with me, my house is without internet. Verizon has no plans to change this.
So I fell for the Hughesnet ads, which are very attractive, with happily grinning people using their "broadband" from the high desert or a mountaintop, or an ocean island. This would be my home high-speed connection, and I would use my Verizon on the road.
The reality? I use my Verizon card at home almost as much as my Hughesnet.
Let's talk about Hughesnet Satellite:
1 - The speed at the practical end - my computer browser - is comparable to good dialup. Browser refreshes are moderate, and downloads are occasionally fast, but generally marginal. Visitors that check their email or other web sites at my house ask me "Don't you have broadband?"
2 - Storms, whether local or remote, can cause satellite failure. So the weather often causes loss of connection
3 - Multiple use in the house over the wireless connection causes the speed to vary dramatically. When my daughter is downloading songs and videos, I often have to ask her to stop so I can get my work done.
4 - Frequent browser refresh slowdowns are met with only one response from Hughesnet technical support: "run a satellite speed test". If the speed indicated by the test falls within the acceptable range (about 800K for 1MB service), they say "we can't do anything for you".
** note that I am semi-literate about PC's, and know how to clear cache, remove temporary files, and set cache sizes for optimal performance. I can also ensure that no wireless devices are interfering with the router. So why would 800K satellite speed appear as 24K dialup speed on my browser, and if there is an explanation, why can't Hughenet clue me in?
5 - There is a nasty little piece of Hughesnet policy called "fair use". This limits your downloads within short periods of time, say with network delivered movies like those provided by NetFlix. The first time we tried this service we made it 3/4 way through a good movie when we lost service. Nothing I tried worked, so the next day I called Hughesnet. It seems when I access movies I am "hogging" the shared bandwidth, so after 350MB Hughesnet "limits" my account for 24 hours. They will not reset it for any reason.
So there in a nutshell I have listed 5 reasons that I would not sign up for Hughesnet again if given the chance, knowing what I now do. Since I am on a 2-year contract with 1 year to go, I have no option but to pay my $70/month for another year.
Talking with other satellite users I have deteremined that my experience is not uncommon for satellite, regardless of the provider.
Therefore, I recommend that if you really need internet access because you have no cable or DSL and your dialup is useless, that you consider Verizon or another wireless provider, and skip the satellite for now.
My prediction is that you will hate satellite as I do. Not dislike it. Hate it.
If you experience what I have, you will get:
1 - dial up-like browser refreshes for the most part, regardless of indicated satellite "speed"
2 - interruption from storms or even cloudy skies
3 - slow response when others in your house access the internet at the same time as you
4 - low or no satisfaction from your technical "support" team
5 - hard limits on the amount of data you can download, jeopardizing attempts to watch videos or use "movies from your PC" services such as those offered by NetFlix.
If you choose to take the risk and sign up for satellite service, please feel free to commiserate with me by email or blog response after you have had a few weeks to experience internet access HELL
Thursday, February 7, 2008
You know what? "NO".
Now I'm being asked to let bygones be bygones and support McCain.
You know what? "NO".
In 1991 President Bush raised taxes. He participated in, at that time, the largest single tax increase in U.S. history. I joined many other conservative republicans and issued a protest vote for Ross Perot. We killed ourselves. We gave us Clinton. Good God almighty we wrecked things for everyone for 8 years.
You know what? I don't care. I am fixin' to do it again. Democrats have no integrity. They can do or say whatever they want. They own that MO. We don't need to join them. When principles are at stake, they need to be stood up for. Bush 41 did not, and he suffered the wrath of his party.
Now it is McCain's turn. He has spit on conservative principles and on conservatives far too many times to be forgiven just because he is the nominee. Screw that. He is not a conservative. He does not have integrity. From Amnesty to taxes, abortion to Swift Boaters, and judges to marriage. He is on the wrong side of every issue. Not only that, but he has used stealth and subtrefuge to block honest conservative efforts in all areas, to compromise with the opposition (Democrats), and to disparage and discourage conservatives everywhere all during Bush 43's two terms in office.
I for one will not forgive McCain. I for one will not support McCain. And if I contribute to submitting the country to the disaster of Democrat rule for the next 4 years, so be it. If a liberal is going to be in office, it should at least be a liberal in both function and label. Not a liberal dishonestly masking himself as a conservative to get power.
If McCain becomes president I will only hope and pray that the office will make the man. It has happened before, and I wouldn't rule out the chance. But I will not lift a finger to help him get there.
For the first presidential election in my life since I have been able to vote, I choose to stay home.
You know what? "NO".
In 1991 President Bush raised taxes. He participated in, at that time, the largest single tax increase in U.S. history. I joined many other conservative republicans and issued a protest vote for Ross Perot. We killed ourselves. We gave us Clinton. Good God almighty we wrecked things for everyone for 8 years.
You know what? I don't care. I am fixin' to do it again. Democrats have no integrity. They can do or say whatever they want. They own that MO. We don't need to join them. When principles are at stake, they need to be stood up for. Bush 41 did not, and he suffered the wrath of his party.
Now it is McCain's turn. He has spit on conservative principles and on conservatives far too many times to be forgiven just because he is the nominee. Screw that. He is not a conservative. He does not have integrity. From Amnesty to taxes, abortion to Swift Boaters, and judges to marriage. He is on the wrong side of every issue. Not only that, but he has used stealth and subtrefuge to block honest conservative efforts in all areas, to compromise with the opposition (Democrats), and to disparage and discourage conservatives everywhere all during Bush 43's two terms in office.
I for one will not forgive McCain. I for one will not support McCain. And if I contribute to submitting the country to the disaster of Democrat rule for the next 4 years, so be it. If a liberal is going to be in office, it should at least be a liberal in both function and label. Not a liberal dishonestly masking himself as a conservative to get power.
If McCain becomes president I will only hope and pray that the office will make the man. It has happened before, and I wouldn't rule out the chance. But I will not lift a finger to help him get there.
For the first presidential election in my life since I have been able to vote, I choose to stay home.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Oh, those Clintons
They came out of nowhere freely using donations from communist Chinese through the Lippo Group. Clinton had promised during the campaign not to grant China "most favored nation" status, and mere months after taking office, that is exactly what he did.
To me it signals quid pro quo.
Contributor Huang moved from the commerce department (thus corrupted by Clinton) to a role as fundraiser for the DNC. Huang raised a LOT of money for Clinton from Chinese Americans, and eventually (after LOTS of US taxpayer money was spent trying to chase him down) plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges for campaign fraud.
Neither Clinton has ever been held accountable.
Then there was Whitewater. No trial because there was not enough evidence to convict, although Hillary was mentioned 35 times in partner Webster Hubbell's indictment. Well, never mind that there was missing evidence that turned up AFTER the investigation, that testimony given by all Clinton "participants" in the fraud used the 5th amendment or "I don't recall" to keep from testifying, and that the famous Rose Law Firm records turned up in the White House after the statute of limitations was past. (Hillary said "I can't recall" 250 times during her testimony to congress)
Believe me all you Clinton Fans, it DID drive us crazy on the right, and while you were laughing the rule of law was raped. (And you think we don't know how mad you are that you can't seem to get the goods on Bush no matter how hard you try?). Ha!
Then there was Monica. Even top Democrat Leaders said that if Clinton lied he should resign. Then he didn't. Then they all (and I mean ALL) switched their tune, just so they could stick thumbs in conservative eyes. Well it worked. The man stayed in office.
But really, what was the cost? Really, think it through.
And Hillary came out with her famous "If you see a turtle on a fence post..." speech. And it turned out that the responsible parties for placing turtles on fenceposts were....The Clintons!
Bill lies to us, lies to a grand jury, and is disbarred. And not one Democrat will even scan the piles of evidence gathered for his impeachment. Not one.
Ahhhhh.
There's more. Much more.
Which brings us to today. I thought I was rid of Bill. I thought Hillary would lose to Obama. But now I am not so sure. Hillary's people can imply that Obama dealt drugs, and they get a pass. They can say Obama hasn't done the "spadework" necessary to be president. They get a pass. I can imagine what would have happened to Trent Lott - oh, wait...it DID happen to Trent Lott!
And I've tried to navigate Hillary's positions on the Iraq war - it is impossible.
These two are populists and opportunists. They are patently dishonest as well. They corrupt everyone around them, and their greed for power seems to have no constraints. How I wish they would go away, but I fear I must hope to outlast them physically if I am ever to experience that sublime reality.
How's Bill's heart?
(can't ask the same about Hillary, she doesn't appear to have one).
To me it signals quid pro quo.
Contributor Huang moved from the commerce department (thus corrupted by Clinton) to a role as fundraiser for the DNC. Huang raised a LOT of money for Clinton from Chinese Americans, and eventually (after LOTS of US taxpayer money was spent trying to chase him down) plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges for campaign fraud.
Neither Clinton has ever been held accountable.
Then there was Whitewater. No trial because there was not enough evidence to convict, although Hillary was mentioned 35 times in partner Webster Hubbell's indictment. Well, never mind that there was missing evidence that turned up AFTER the investigation, that testimony given by all Clinton "participants" in the fraud used the 5th amendment or "I don't recall" to keep from testifying, and that the famous Rose Law Firm records turned up in the White House after the statute of limitations was past. (Hillary said "I can't recall" 250 times during her testimony to congress)
Believe me all you Clinton Fans, it DID drive us crazy on the right, and while you were laughing the rule of law was raped. (And you think we don't know how mad you are that you can't seem to get the goods on Bush no matter how hard you try?). Ha!
Then there was Monica. Even top Democrat Leaders said that if Clinton lied he should resign. Then he didn't. Then they all (and I mean ALL) switched their tune, just so they could stick thumbs in conservative eyes. Well it worked. The man stayed in office.
But really, what was the cost? Really, think it through.
And Hillary came out with her famous "If you see a turtle on a fence post..." speech. And it turned out that the responsible parties for placing turtles on fenceposts were....The Clintons!
Bill lies to us, lies to a grand jury, and is disbarred. And not one Democrat will even scan the piles of evidence gathered for his impeachment. Not one.
Ahhhhh.
There's more. Much more.
Which brings us to today. I thought I was rid of Bill. I thought Hillary would lose to Obama. But now I am not so sure. Hillary's people can imply that Obama dealt drugs, and they get a pass. They can say Obama hasn't done the "spadework" necessary to be president. They get a pass. I can imagine what would have happened to Trent Lott - oh, wait...it DID happen to Trent Lott!
And I've tried to navigate Hillary's positions on the Iraq war - it is impossible.
These two are populists and opportunists. They are patently dishonest as well. They corrupt everyone around them, and their greed for power seems to have no constraints. How I wish they would go away, but I fear I must hope to outlast them physically if I am ever to experience that sublime reality.
How's Bill's heart?
(can't ask the same about Hillary, she doesn't appear to have one).
Why is the government so big?
I think we've hosed ourselves, truly I do.
My paycheck this period is $4,554
My taxes are $1,109
One fourth of what I make as income is tasken from me up front.
I live in Virginia.
5 percent is added to EVERYTHING I buy, and handed over to the state treasury.
I use electricity and phones.
Take a look at your phone bill and utility bill, and see all the fees and taxes added to them every month.
When you are all said and done, if you are in my tax bracket, you will find that you are spending nearly 40 percent of total income in taxes and fees.
40 percent.
Who needs all that money, really?
OK here's what got me. Savings and Loan companies got into trouble in the 80's. Somehow the federal government ended up bailing them out, costing us taxpayers abotu $124 billion (Amadeo, 2008) Could stagflation reoccur? http://useconomy.about.com/.
Why?
Terrorists attack and kill thousands. For being in the wrong place at the wrong time the federal government gives each of the surviving families over $1 million.
Why?
Old men want Viagra. Can't go without sex, now, can we?
Problem is they don't want to pay for it. So we do, through Medicare.
Why?
Now people are in trouble with their mortgages. THEY refinanced into variable rate loans, paying interest-only, so they could get TEMPORARY low payments.
Rates rise, loans default, banks tremble, housing prioces fall, and those people are in trouble for THEIR decisions.
So we want the federal government to bail them out. Can't wait to see the final bill for that, and what it will cost taxpayers.
Why?
Hey, I'm all for emergency care for people in trouble. Heart trouble? No assets? We'll give you a bypass and medication. Sick? No money? call one number - be assigned to a doctor. Go.
Guess what? It'll be our doctors and generics.
Could you get better treatment? probably, but it's welfare after all - at least you get it.
Can you get your teeth straightened so you will look better? No.
Can you get your boobs enlarged? No.
Can you get your tummy stapled? Liposuction? An abortion? A face lift? No. No. No. and No.
Can you get antibiotics for Strep Throat? Yes.
Can you stay in a hospital overnight? Yes.
Can you live in a hospital? No.
Bet this would cut Medicare costs by billions.
Hungry?
No problem.
Warehouse in the town you live in. Stocked to the roof with balogna, eggs, cheese, milk, canned vegetables.
Go there. Or ask someone else to go there for you.
Guess what? You will eat what is provided. Total nutrition.
It will always be the same thing.
But you will be full.
No place to live?
No problem.
Homeless shelter in your town. 30 day passes, reviewed every month.
Oh - they don't feed you - you go to the warehouse for food.
Bet this would cut welfare costs by billions
Yeah I know - I sound so cruel.
But I believe at this point throwing money at people and their problems to assuage our guilt isn't helping. It is making matters worse. We have "fought the war on poverty" for more than 40 years now by throwing money at it. All we have done is made more poverty, broken up families, and increased the government's iron grip on our pocket books.
I don't think we can change it now.
It's too bad, but Will Durant (I think) said it best: "Nations are born stoic, and die Hedonistic" - or something like that.
Meaning we strive in the beginning to take care of ourselves, and after a while we grow to expect someone else to take care of us at little or no cost to us.
So we go out, whining and crying, big babies without the will or means to wipe our own heinies.
What a way to go.
My paycheck this period is $4,554
My taxes are $1,109
One fourth of what I make as income is tasken from me up front.
I live in Virginia.
5 percent is added to EVERYTHING I buy, and handed over to the state treasury.
I use electricity and phones.
Take a look at your phone bill and utility bill, and see all the fees and taxes added to them every month.
When you are all said and done, if you are in my tax bracket, you will find that you are spending nearly 40 percent of total income in taxes and fees.
40 percent.
Who needs all that money, really?
OK here's what got me. Savings and Loan companies got into trouble in the 80's. Somehow the federal government ended up bailing them out, costing us taxpayers abotu $124 billion (Amadeo, 2008) Could stagflation reoccur? http://useconomy.about.com/.
Why?
Terrorists attack and kill thousands. For being in the wrong place at the wrong time the federal government gives each of the surviving families over $1 million.
Why?
Old men want Viagra. Can't go without sex, now, can we?
Problem is they don't want to pay for it. So we do, through Medicare.
Why?
Now people are in trouble with their mortgages. THEY refinanced into variable rate loans, paying interest-only, so they could get TEMPORARY low payments.
Rates rise, loans default, banks tremble, housing prioces fall, and those people are in trouble for THEIR decisions.
So we want the federal government to bail them out. Can't wait to see the final bill for that, and what it will cost taxpayers.
Why?
Hey, I'm all for emergency care for people in trouble. Heart trouble? No assets? We'll give you a bypass and medication. Sick? No money? call one number - be assigned to a doctor. Go.
Guess what? It'll be our doctors and generics.
Could you get better treatment? probably, but it's welfare after all - at least you get it.
Can you get your teeth straightened so you will look better? No.
Can you get your boobs enlarged? No.
Can you get your tummy stapled? Liposuction? An abortion? A face lift? No. No. No. and No.
Can you get antibiotics for Strep Throat? Yes.
Can you stay in a hospital overnight? Yes.
Can you live in a hospital? No.
Bet this would cut Medicare costs by billions.
Hungry?
No problem.
Warehouse in the town you live in. Stocked to the roof with balogna, eggs, cheese, milk, canned vegetables.
Go there. Or ask someone else to go there for you.
Guess what? You will eat what is provided. Total nutrition.
It will always be the same thing.
But you will be full.
No place to live?
No problem.
Homeless shelter in your town. 30 day passes, reviewed every month.
Oh - they don't feed you - you go to the warehouse for food.
Bet this would cut welfare costs by billions
Yeah I know - I sound so cruel.
But I believe at this point throwing money at people and their problems to assuage our guilt isn't helping. It is making matters worse. We have "fought the war on poverty" for more than 40 years now by throwing money at it. All we have done is made more poverty, broken up families, and increased the government's iron grip on our pocket books.
I don't think we can change it now.
It's too bad, but Will Durant (I think) said it best: "Nations are born stoic, and die Hedonistic" - or something like that.
Meaning we strive in the beginning to take care of ourselves, and after a while we grow to expect someone else to take care of us at little or no cost to us.
So we go out, whining and crying, big babies without the will or means to wipe our own heinies.
What a way to go.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Java
Holy Lord, what have I gotten myself into?
I'm 50 years old. I grew up on COBOL, network databases, and text-based on-line applications. I moved OK to GUI (Windows) front-ends, relational databases, and interactive programming. Then I got waylaid into doing systems analysis and project management. In a seeming few years my skill set was hopelessly outdated.
So I asked to move to the web development team, got some training from one of those exorbitantly-priced off-site classrooms, and joined a small team working on enhancing an existing system.
Then it all fell apart.
I mean literally! They showed me the development tool (Eclipse). But wait! I need to load the Sun development kit! I need WebLogic. Oh - we have version 9 but I can only get 10. No problem, we will be aswitching to 10 soon. Oh, but current development is all 9, so I'm incompatible.
As we worked that out:
here's the java code
here's the JSP's
here's the custom tags
here's the oracle-stored procedures
here's the DAO's
here's the EJB's
here's the database
Huh?
me: OK - I need to change a screen message - where do I start?
mentor: Oh - you have to kind of figure that out
me: OK - I did - it isn't formatted right
mentor: check everywhere the table columns are defined
me: how do I do that?
mentor: Oh - you have to kind of figure that out
me: help, please
mentor: OK - (he searches) - done
me: why are the email addresses wrapping like that?
mentor: oh, that needs to be clipped, fixed, and put in a scroll-over
me: how do I do that?
mentor: I'll do it - you watch
me: OK
me: why do the fonts change like that?
mentor: I'll look into it
mentor: (phone conference with users) we're still trying to get the fonts right - it's being a pain in the butt...
and on, and on, and on it goes.
I am used to contributing, but folks I am out of my league here :)
I hope I can get up to speed, but the urgency of all the development makes that unlikely anytime soon, because we have to keep going back to the experts.
I am scratching my head and wondering how Java happened. Who was sleeping? Why does changing the heading on a screen take touching 7 different parts and redeploying an application?
Oh, and let's not even TALK about testing.
I just learned about something called J-Unit. I was frightened worse than when I snuck in to see "The Exorcist" at a tender young 13.
Realize please that I am ranting because I am scared.
I'll learn this stuff eventually, but this is the first time in my career that I've felt completely out of my depth.
Maybe I should ask for my old job back, instead, and wait 15 years 'til retirement
I'm 50 years old. I grew up on COBOL, network databases, and text-based on-line applications. I moved OK to GUI (Windows) front-ends, relational databases, and interactive programming. Then I got waylaid into doing systems analysis and project management. In a seeming few years my skill set was hopelessly outdated.
So I asked to move to the web development team, got some training from one of those exorbitantly-priced off-site classrooms, and joined a small team working on enhancing an existing system.
Then it all fell apart.
I mean literally! They showed me the development tool (Eclipse). But wait! I need to load the Sun development kit! I need WebLogic. Oh - we have version 9 but I can only get 10. No problem, we will be aswitching to 10 soon. Oh, but current development is all 9, so I'm incompatible.
As we worked that out:
here's the java code
here's the JSP's
here's the custom tags
here's the oracle-stored procedures
here's the DAO's
here's the EJB's
here's the database
Huh?
me: OK - I need to change a screen message - where do I start?
mentor: Oh - you have to kind of figure that out
me: OK - I did - it isn't formatted right
mentor: check everywhere the table columns are defined
me: how do I do that?
mentor: Oh - you have to kind of figure that out
me: help, please
mentor: OK - (he searches) - done
me: why are the email addresses wrapping like that?
mentor: oh, that needs to be clipped, fixed, and put in a scroll-over
me: how do I do that?
mentor: I'll do it - you watch
me: OK
me: why do the fonts change like that?
mentor: I'll look into it
mentor: (phone conference with users) we're still trying to get the fonts right - it's being a pain in the butt...
and on, and on, and on it goes.
I am used to contributing, but folks I am out of my league here :)
I hope I can get up to speed, but the urgency of all the development makes that unlikely anytime soon, because we have to keep going back to the experts.
I am scratching my head and wondering how Java happened. Who was sleeping? Why does changing the heading on a screen take touching 7 different parts and redeploying an application?
Oh, and let's not even TALK about testing.
I just learned about something called J-Unit. I was frightened worse than when I snuck in to see "The Exorcist" at a tender young 13.
Realize please that I am ranting because I am scared.
I'll learn this stuff eventually, but this is the first time in my career that I've felt completely out of my depth.
Maybe I should ask for my old job back, instead, and wait 15 years 'til retirement
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
University of Phoenix
I completed an MBA at University of Phoenix in 2007. While the UoP is known as an online school, I took the entire course "on the ground" (in the classroom). I compared the program with a workmate who was taking an MBA at Johns Hopkins at the same time. The program and the individual courses were very close. The level of instruction in both was superb. I did FAR more writing than my friend, and did not have to write a final thesis because I wrote one at the end of every class - 30 pages or more. Think about it. Content, quality, proper APA format, grammar, spelling, and substantive research (peer-reviewed, scholarly resources) required for each paper - one every 6 weeks.
Gahhhh
Well - I got the degree in 21 months. Some weeks I thought I'd quit. Some weeks I thought I'd die. Sometimes I wanted to kill members of my learning team(s). Always, I felt like I was 2 steps behind.
So what? I got the MBA with a 4.0 GPA.
Yes, I am proud of myself, and gained enough respect for the UoP that I decided to go on for a doctorate there.
This program is strictly online. What a difference. But so far, the same quality, same rigor, and at the same time, more fun. The school seems to have more respect for me as a doctoral student than it did as a mere post-graduate.
If you want a degree, want it to mean something, want to learn, want to work hard and get it in record time from an accredited university, then I recommend University of Phoenix.
The MBA will cost you over $36K.
The doctorate around $50K
So it ain't cheap.
And in my opinion, you DO get what you paid for :)
Gahhhh
Well - I got the degree in 21 months. Some weeks I thought I'd quit. Some weeks I thought I'd die. Sometimes I wanted to kill members of my learning team(s). Always, I felt like I was 2 steps behind.
So what? I got the MBA with a 4.0 GPA.
Yes, I am proud of myself, and gained enough respect for the UoP that I decided to go on for a doctorate there.
This program is strictly online. What a difference. But so far, the same quality, same rigor, and at the same time, more fun. The school seems to have more respect for me as a doctoral student than it did as a mere post-graduate.
If you want a degree, want it to mean something, want to learn, want to work hard and get it in record time from an accredited university, then I recommend University of Phoenix.
The MBA will cost you over $36K.
The doctorate around $50K
So it ain't cheap.
And in my opinion, you DO get what you paid for :)
Terry Goodkind
I started reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. I like them. Pretty bloody. Very bloody. Sort of like Stephen King, but not as scary. The book jacket describes characters as "flawed" heroes. I agree. Sometimes too flawed, though.
The one thing. Well, I think Goodkind writes like he is a girl. The interactions between the sexes, and the introspection of the male characters is decidedly female to me. Can't completely put my finger on it, because if I mention any one example, say like guys projecting outcomes of conversation, you may say "well sometimes guys do that". True, but it happens far too much in this writing. Most guys I know, including me will talk only until it seems action is better.
Also Goodkind's descriptions of things; food, scenery, male and female bodies, buildings, decorations, creatures, and such. Well - it seems to be coming from a female critic writing for the Washington Post Magazine, or something like that. "...the rich brocade of velveteen bordered in double braided cord spun of golden ropes completed the complement of the majestic uniform perfectly fitting his sculpted body..." (not a real quote, but you know...)
Anyway, aside from that I am enjoying the series. My wife looked in the back cover and said "whoa, weird looking guy...intense!"
If you've a strong stomach and a "tolerant" mind and enjoy action adventure with too much interrelationship wordplay, I recommend the series.
The one thing. Well, I think Goodkind writes like he is a girl. The interactions between the sexes, and the introspection of the male characters is decidedly female to me. Can't completely put my finger on it, because if I mention any one example, say like guys projecting outcomes of conversation, you may say "well sometimes guys do that". True, but it happens far too much in this writing. Most guys I know, including me will talk only until it seems action is better.
Also Goodkind's descriptions of things; food, scenery, male and female bodies, buildings, decorations, creatures, and such. Well - it seems to be coming from a female critic writing for the Washington Post Magazine, or something like that. "...the rich brocade of velveteen bordered in double braided cord spun of golden ropes completed the complement of the majestic uniform perfectly fitting his sculpted body..." (not a real quote, but you know...)
Anyway, aside from that I am enjoying the series. My wife looked in the back cover and said "whoa, weird looking guy...intense!"
If you've a strong stomach and a "tolerant" mind and enjoy action adventure with too much interrelationship wordplay, I recommend the series.
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