Main Street Shrugged

In my never ending quest to be the Devil's Advocate, I find it important that both sides of the story be heard before comment and judgement is made. The big story to date is the American economy: are we approaching the recession that so many have predicted? Commodity prices are going way up, gasoline is over $3.25/gallon, and large financial companies are adding huge amounts to reserves to offset even larger losses, especially in the credit markets. Some are blaming the corporations for their greed; no surprise here, given the well-known insider sentiment that corporations exist solely to survive and (more importantly) advance the price per share for the holders of record, all else be damned, and when times go bad, the fingers point to the folks in the ivory towers and their "above-average" compensation. This doesn't help the newly unemployed -- their struggle is relentless. The easy solution is to break the principle down to its bare components: don't live beyond your means. Joe Sixpack struggles to survive and gets frustrated while watching his neighbor get another new car or the latest and largest audio/video appliance for the house. Mr. Sixpack wants to keep up, but cash is short and credit is scarce -- the only thing free is vocal resentment and jaded opinion. Meanwhile, the rich get richer, and the divide widens. We've seen this before, back in the late 70's. The middle class is less defined, unemployment increases as the market is slow to adjust to the changes in the global economy.
Housing is taking all the heat right now, because foreclosure rates are going through the roof. Suddenly everyone is surprised to see that people can't afford their mortgage. Pundits are screaming that we should have not let this happen, that we dropped the ball and proceeded with reckless abandon and loose underwriting guidelines, but that's all gone now. Wait a minute -- let's think about this: the housing market boom was created because Wall Street found another conduit to make big money in slick fashion by way of mortgage-backed securities. Nothing wrong with the idea, but like everything else, it has a limit, and that limit was raped and pillaged by the barbarians at the gate, and no one looked back until 10 months ago.
My suggestion is to not blame the cause, but blame the effect. Yes, housing guidelines got out of control, but not before gas prices and food prices. I seriously wonder if any of these economic/political pundits have EVER shopped in a grocery store or pumped their own gas for an extended length of time. I doubt it. If they did, they would have seen the problem a long time ago. When you only make so much per month and your disposable income continues to shrink every month because everyday commodity prices rise beyond expectations, you run out of options and you pull back. Now multiply that by 100 million or so and you can imagine the wave being created. Of course, if you make more than that average American (and you never have the need to balance your checkbook), this is irrelevant, and to that I say "congratulations, take your place in Myopiaville." In the real world, people are walking away from their homes, and it all trickles down from there. Wall Street doesn't get this -- they think the important thing is retail sales and housing sales and consumer sentiment, and they're wrong. Those items exist by way of the trickle-down from disposable income, not the other way around.
The popular sentiment today is that Greenspan and Congress created this housing mess and that's why the financials are getting killed. Actually, the financials are getting "spanked" for being out of line, i.e. too greedy. Look at it as the economy being the parent, and the financials being the spoiled kid: the kid pushes and pushes until it gets into trouble, and then the parent comes in with discipline and sends the kid to the corner until it learns its lesson. The financials loved these MBS deals cuz they were making a boatload of money, but then they got caught with their hand in the cookie jar one too many times. If you're really serious about solving this crisis, try this idea: do everything possible to lower gas prices by $1/gallon for an extended period of time. The market needs euphoria and hope, and it starts with the boots on the ground. If Joe Sixpack feels better about his dollar being able to afford more, he'll be much more likely to spend money on other consumerables. And don't skimp on the amount -- you have to show a big enough savings to change the sentiment, and $0.25/gallon won't do it.
Otherwise, don't be surprised when you read about the increasing number of foreclosures and bankruptcies. That's your sign that Main Street (and Joe Sixpack) is reacting the only way they know how -- by hoping that their sighs and shrugs will shake loose the over-abundance of greed and maybe, just maybe, Wall Street will feel the tremors enough to share in the experience and suffer their own losses. Just don't expect any sympathy from Main Street when it happens.

Where are our Priorities?

I'll cut to the chase: I have a problem with Congress using our tax dollars to discuss the steriod-HGH scandal in baseball, while another month brings us another deadly campus shooting and nothing is said or done about it. As a baseball fan, I appreciate the concern of our legislators, but I'm more concerned that there are bigger fish to fry here and they are ignoring it. Is it because they're too detached (personally, emotionally or otherwise) from the incidents and therefore not ready to act, or is it because of something bigger, like purposely staying clear of the big stick that is the NRA?

Congress will be quick to bitch about the mortgage meltdown and point fingers at the lenders, but God forbid that they cast a wary eye towards consumers who are all too willing to spend beyond their means. Hey, you know that Congress is smart enough to know not to shit where they eat: no sense in scolding potential voters, especially in an election year. And we all know that there's lots of voters who also luvvv their gunnns, so no need to piss on them until that fateful day when a Congressional kid is killed in the same random and reckless style. As constituents, we must demand an investigation. We must demand proaction, not reaction.

Those who don't remember the past...

are condemned to wear hip-huggers (or "lo-risers", as the kids say nowadays) and unwashed hair -- and support retro movies like "Semi-Pro"...

For those of us who remember, and especially for those who don't and want a refresher course, here's a tidbit (special thanks to Conde Nast Portfolio.com):

http://www.portfolio.com/interactive-features/2008/02/Stagflation

Keep On Truckin' !

Sheep in Wolf's clothing

So the US Dollar is taking a POUNDING lately, and the pundits are saying this is not good. I say "Au Contraire, my friend". Let's think about it: our Dollar is worth much less than the Euro, which means that more of them will be coming over here instead of us going over there. Hmm, if they come over here, they're going to spend money at our restaurants, shops, upscale retail outlets and the like. Isn't this what we want all along -- more shoppers net net? If your market has dried up, if your cheese has moved, what do you do? You go to where the market is. You change your tactics to increase your market share. Or, in this case, in addition to all of the above, you welcome the new shoppers that are coming to YOU. Sure, it's not a proud moment to admit that your national currency (the national currency of the world's strongest power, by the way) is worth less than the upstart Euro, but hey, if the "tactic" keeps you afloat and helps you pay your bills, what's your beef? The economy will slowly come back, thanks not just because of Fed intervention via economic stimulus, but also because of natural market events, such as the new underground cash flow created by the Euros coming to America and spending here (did I just say "such as"? That Miss South Carolina is rubbing off on me...yikes!). Already we are hearing of Euros buying up discounted real estate in Florida. Yes! That's what we need! They'll invigorate the real estate market and who knows? Maybe that will trickle down to help the rest of the r/e market. So what if they buy low and hold until the market returns and they sell high -- they'll take their profit and do what? Buy more! Now, political pundits will say that this may result in a growth pattern that the new administration will take full credit for, but the saavy ones will know the truth that it wouldn't matter what administration is in office, the market moves independently regardless. I'm not pushing aside Fed interaction completely, but as a long-time watcher and investor of the markets, I for one realize the logic of the markets as being an animal unto themselves, and no one can predict or control speculation (and Calvin Coolidge had it right: The business of America is business). So, bring me your Euros, your Drachmas, your Yen -- let's welcome your business with open arms, cuz we'll take the cash infusion!

Roger Reject

Clemens is sticking to his steroid-enhanced (allegedly) guns, but we all know McNamee is not as big a threat as Petitte's testimony -- if Andy gives him up, it's all over for the Rocket. And now we get word that Rocket's wife was shot up, too? Hey, you know what they say: The family that juices together, stays together. I'm sure Rocket will not take this well, and we may see an outpouring of rage -- no, wait, nevermind...And does this make Jose Canseco legit after all?

Toute Le Monde, 2/11/08

1. Hillary making a major staff change: Pundits reading the tea leaves are painting this as a bad sign for the Clinton campaign. The O is coming on strong, and his message is becoming infectuous. I think they should join forces and run together on one ticket, but I don't see how one of them will step aside and take the Veep position. As a long-time registered 'publican (yet no stranger to independent and non-partisan voting), even I can see that if Clinton is the nominee, the Dems will lose because the 'publican war machine is salivating and ready to pounce; the opposite is true if The O runs against The Old Man.
2. The Huckster is still hanging on: Can't figure out why Huckabee wants to stay in the race, but I admire his tenacity. And I'm always on the side of Question Authority, yet he's got to be very careful not to step on graves while marching through the cemetery. The Mitt has done the honorable thing and has fallen on his sword -- plus I'm sure his FP has been yelling at him to stop the madness or the Mitt Family will be eating StarKist instead of sushimi for generations to come, and we can't have that. I'd like to see Mitt take the Veep spot with The Old Man, it makes sense from a Wall Street position (even though it's not fiscally responsible to blow millions on a losing campaign). Just what is the Huckster hanging on for?
3. Bill Maher: bitch bitch bitch! But where's the solution? Bill, your constant condescending comments of the President is getting old and disrespectful, but I still support your show because you are the only one that's willing to put both sides on the air to have a somewhat intelligent discussion. Your audience, however, needs a lobotomy, and it makes your show more circus and less likely to be taken seriously, which is a shame. Your anti-Bush guests bring nothing to the table except weak complaints and no solutions, and whenever your conservative guests produce great talking points, you can't come back with anything except nervous jokes or weak counters. Gee, I wonder why you don't put on Joe Scarborough or Dennis Miller on your show anymore? Cuz you can't hang with them, that's why!
4. Bob Knight, man or myth? I'm glad he walked away. Why force someone to do something they don't want to do? Who wants that around their program? But please, Coach Knight, please don't come back unless it's to Indiana. You both deserve each other. Meanwhile, I think your son is set up for failure and won't last long, but hey, at least his resume will include a head coaching position (which TT owed you for your help in putting them back on the map).
5. Grammys: oh, Kanye, you got bitch-slapped, and by Vince Gill of all people? Even Usher was smaking on you! Why? Because your bitching is stupid and narcissistic -- who in music hasn't suffered to get their music on air? That's part of being an artist -- or are you only in it for the money? You need to decide what's more important to you -- your talent or your materialism. What did your mother die for? Meanwhile...how 'bout Le Winehouse! She looked incredibly lucid and sober, and I was glad to see it. She's different and compelling, and there's nothing wrong with that. Question is, will this make her party like it's 1999, or will this snap her out of it? Hate to say it, but I'm not taking her out of the Death Pool Top Five List just yet...and what about the show in general? I thought it sucked out loud. MTV, again you have been given a huge gift -- you can make your show harder, faster, stronger, better, but as usual, you won't -- you'll do something you think is cutting edge but will miss by a mile. Is there no one out there that can produce a music awards show that's fun and entertaining to watch, with appropriate music guests playing relevant (read: not last year's) songs?
6. Microsquash rejected by Yahoo: Hmm, I wonder if Google had anything to do with this? Let's see a hostle takeover!

UPset Special

Wait a minute, I had it right -- I did say that the winning team would win by 3, thanks to a last-minute TD drive....oh, yeah, I picked the wrong teams to win/lose. But hey, I was closest, does that count? I don't remember the commercials (except for the Victoria's Secret spot at the end of the game -- hubba hubba!)....

Congrats, Giants. Is it baseball season yet?

Out of the Blog Closet, Part Deux

1) Don't hold back. If you think you have something to contribute, whether it's long-winded (like most of my stuff) or short and sweet, then let it rip.
2) Try not to think this is beneath you or that you can't measure up. I've hobnobbed at several black-tie events, and I've had to rely on public transportation to take me to and from work. I've easily mingled with some bright and successful people, and I've broke bread with some simple down-home folk. I can say with certainty that everyone, no matter what background or education, can contribute something of value to this world.
3) Use a nickname if you want. That goes for Doc, Dog, Dagwood, HairGoddess, and anyone else.
4) Try not to have a thin skin. Constructive criticism can be a good thing (except for me, I'm still working on it).
5) Since I just KNOW you are curious -- the name of the blog comes from a procedure used by a former bank employer of mine, and I always swore I'd use it as the name for my rock band, but since that didn't happen (yet), it goes here.

stupor bowl predictions -- who ya got?

The Gang (you know who you are) and I recently shared emails about our predictions for the Big Game (with all due respect to the Goodell Syndicate). I took a leap by supporting my favorite AFC team with a swami-like call of a 20-17 New England victory, thanks to a last-minute incredible TD drive by Gisele's boyfriend (lucky guy!). Plus, I want to see history being made. Giants came a long way, but the jury's still out on whether Eli has finally risen to his pre-pro career expectations, or is he just Kerry Collins incarnate.
I've been invited to a SB party at a buddy's house down the street, but it's also a workday and schoolday tomorrow, bright and early, so I don't see myself staying too long. Where will you be for the game, and Who ya got?

And be prepared to be asked about your reactions to the commercials (and what you did at halftime).

Out of the Blog Closet

'The time has come,' the Walrus said, 'To talk of many things...'

For a few years now, I have sporadically (at best) worked on a personal blog, mostly for selfish reasons -- I fancied myself as having a hidden writer just dying to get out, and this may be the best conduit to help me achieve that objective. After all, it's no secret to my former professors (by their grading and comments at the time) or those close to me that I have a "gift" for writing, especially when pressed for time. Only problem is that I find "the spirit has to move me", as they say in the vast cultural wasteland of (insert your favorite cultural wasteland here), or else the hidden writer stays beneath the surface for another week, or month, or months.
I still want to write, but I also have recently come to the conclusion that I know many people, all or most being your average person-next-door, who have the ability to contribute unique and equally interesting ideas that I feel not only need to be heard (or in this case, read), but can create a honest rebuttal for others, concluding (I hope) in food for thought. These people I know are a small group, but they vary in age, experience, culture, political partisianship, and gender, and I find them refreshing and capable of providing a counterpoint when the need arises. With that in mind, I have decided to open the floodgates, if you will, by exposing this blog to them, and hopefully they will respond in kind with their opinions, and their friends' opinions, and any others who wish to join the party. I only ask that we keep this somewhat above-board -- have some respect for your fellow contributors. I'm not a prude per se, and I love a funny joke (adult or otherwise) just as much as the next person, and there may be times that a funny joke or cartoon or caption is used to amplify a point, but let's not go overboard if we can help it. Personally, if my blog is fortunate enough to receive contributions from who I think will write in, then I believe we'll have nothing to worry about.
And so it begins...

(special thanks to Lewis Carroll)

Number Four with a Bullet!

Yes, I'll admit it -- I'm slightly superstitious. I sit the same way and don't move my position during a crucial part of the game, as if it somehow helps my team. I only wear certain shirts while watching my team play, because I've worn shirts/jerseys before that always Always resulted in a loss for my team, so I don't do that anymore. And if I email some smak talk to my friends, my team always loses their next game. It's as if the Big Guy likes to feed that humble pie with authority, and with a sense of humor. Now, it's no secret amongst my friends and family that I am a staunch non-believer of ghosts or supernatural stuff or spirits or anything like that. I'm too much of an amateur scientist to believe in the human side of the unknown -- it's illogical to me. And yet I dread saying anything about my Sun Devils, because I fear they will lose their next game because of my bragging about them and their #4 ranking. In April of this year, I got on everyone about how I thought this was most definitely the year for my Dodgers, and they fell flat on their ass in September and not only missed the playoffs but were this close to finishing dead last. And around that same time in April, I was also boasting about how the Hurricanes would make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals, and they promptly missed the playoffs entirely. So there you have it. Don't expect me to say anything proud and loud about my Sun Devils. I'll let them speak for themselves.

Second Season

I'm a big baseball fan, and I love the Dodgers, thick or thin, but I still try to be impartial (except for those lowlifes in SF)...

Dodgers vs. Friars: Who's the contender, and who's the pretender? Consensus says L.A. is to be taken seriously as a WS contender. My feeling is they are a starter away from making it happen. Trading deadline is coming up, and everyone wants our young talent. We're not giving away the farm this time, we can be patient. Thank God Buehrle is off the market -- he's way overpaid for an underachiever. I'm sure one of our young studs is on the way out, I just hope they make the right choice. Then again, the farm system is the best it's been since the 80's, so we're back. Friars don't have Bochy anymore to carry them down the stretch, so I'm not threatened by them. That leave the D'Backs, who also need an arm, plus they need Ran-day to come all the way back (I'll take the latter, since he's on my Fantasy Baseball team). Come September, the Cardinals and Sun Devil Football will be on the front page of the sports section in PHX (same as it ever was). Dodger Blue will win out.

Reds: What sucks is that my local Turner South station has committed to showing the Reds' games this year. What did I do to deserve this?? Repeat after me: "Playing Out The String". 'nuff said.

YankMe's: oh, they're getting closer! They gotta jump over what,10 teams? Could it happen? Don't see how, but you can never fully count them and the Braves out of it. Yanks need consistent quality starts, don't see it on this roster. Again, July 31st is coming up, and Cashman is on the short leash...

Sawks: oh, another loss last night! To the lowly Jays! Is that a gag reflex I hear? Local sports radio dedicated Wednesday to all baseball fans, to get their prognostications for their fav teams in the 2nd half (remember, Charlotte is a melting pot thanks to all the relocated bankers from the north and west). Yanks fans were optimistic, Sawks fans were concerned. At 10.5 games out??? True, Manny and Papi haven't hit yet, but what if they don't? You gonna hitch your star on Kevin Youkilis? Francona sounds calm, but his team's fan base is starting to wring their hands, while A-rod and Co. are talkin' smak. My prediction? Wilbon will be hatin' life come September, cuz you know Mr. Tony won't let go of this story.

NL Central: The story will be LOU and the CUBS. All that crap we saw earlier this season, he was just being the Step-Dad marking his territory and erasing the crud from the old regime. Now his team knows what he expects from them. Prepare to see the Cubs make a strong move to the finish.

AL West: Of course I love the Halo's, but don't forget about the A's. As Vlad goes, so do the Angels. Billy Bean is a genius. Lost or dumped most of his starters and is still in contention. Love it.

NL East. Braves could make some noise, but the Mets are just too loaded. Barring a collapse, the wild card will again go to the NL West. Bravos don't have a bullpen, and that's what gets you into October.

AL Central: Tribe all the way, with maybe a push from the Twinks. Pale Hose will implode, and Ozzy will be managing in Florida next year...

Independence Day

I was listening to the local conservative newsradio pundit the other day, and he mentioned something that I found made sense. Even though I'm a registered 'publican, I don't always agree with the party line because I still believe the common people should be given some consideration from time to time. This makes me not always in lock-step with the constant dribble of fabricated urgency on such issues as immigration, foreign oil, immigration, the Iraq war, and oh did I mention immigration?
But I do agree with the sentiment that our national holiday in July has been compromised by way of what it's called and how it's marketed. The holiday is Independence Day, and the date is always July 4th. We don't wax on and on about "Dec 25th" or "Feb 20th" or "May 30th", we call them Christmas Day or President's Day or Memorial Day. Yet we see ads for July 4th, we talk about the July 4th parade, we get July 4th off from work. As the man on the radio says, this diminishes the true meaning of the holiday from what it represents -- it is quickly becoming a notable day off, a kick off to summer, but not enough emphasis is placed on what it really means to us and how it all came about. Maybe it's because school is out and we (parents and children) are more interested in the summer holiday mindset instead of using mental faculties to focus on the meaning of it all.
Independence Day is more than a Will Smith movie (although I do enjoy watching it every time it comes on). I don't think people realize just how tenuous and dangerous it was to create this country as an independent state. You don't get that message in grade school, you just hear about how we were created and the war that ensued. Let's not forget that people were killed, reputations and careers were lost or changed forever, and the world was never the same after that episode in history (because of the result).
I made a conscious effort this week to correct anyone that said "July 4th" in conversation to please say Independence Day. Especially my kids and their friends. And they reacted favorably and wanted to know more, which to me is always a good thing. It's the ultimate grass roots effort, but it's a start, and I'm motivated to spread the word, especially to marketing folks who run those ads on TV, radio and print: let's reprogram ourselves to call it what it is -- INDEPENDENCE DAY. And who knows? Maybe it will generate more creative thought as well as being an excuse to load up on hot dogs and beer and fireworks...

Imus vs. Sharpton

Imus: What he said was stupid, especially on public radio/tv. But let's be honest. This is what happens when (1) old rich people get too comfortable in their daily lives and forget the everyday trials and tribulations of the poor and/or less fortunate, and (2) our daily lexicon is weakened from the constant bombardment of trivial and useless jargon, to the point of exhaustion, until someone decides to call "foul" and demands an apology or, even better, some one's head on a platter.

Sharpton: What a pompous, good for nothing hypocrite. I can't believe he has control of the African American voice of reason. Will anyone have the balls to stand up to this charlatan? All of NY knows what a fraud he is, and that's why he left that state, he has no support. And how dare he come down here, to NC, to publicly protest the THEN ALLEGED, NOW FALSE rape charge against the Duke lacrosse players. Imus is right to ask When will Sharpton apologize to the Duke players? This is bullshit at its finest. I'm sick and tired of never seeing anyone stand up within their own ranks to protest the crap going one within their own people, instead they want to focus on what other races are doing (are you paying attention, American Muslim leaders?). Where is the justice?

Imus was past his prime. But if he's smart, he can turn this around by making it a personal vendetta to expose Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and Anne Coulter and Rosanne Barr and Bill Maher for what they are: boneheads.

Life isn't' always fair, but it never fails that what comes around, goes around. 'nuff said...

Gen. Pace's personal opinion vs. America's

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. military officer, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, tried on Tuesday to calm anger that erupted after he described homosexual acts as immoral, saying he was expressing only his personal views."

Reading the papers (and the comments from people across America), I see there's lots of strong opinion on this. Is there ever going to be a reasonable solution to this? Or is it no different that the Yes or No on going to war?

The Immigrant Solution

The buzz is all about how to keep the illegal aliens out of our country. The POTUS is in favor of a 9-foot wall along the US/Mexico border. Same with the VEEP and others in similar lock-step (yet no such talk for our northern neighbors, even though the 9/11 terrorists came thru Canada). Seems to me that the main reason illegals come here is for a better way of life. So, if that's the case (for the most part), then maybe we should look at what drives them here instead of staying home. After all, they leave most of their families behind, and Western Union is doing big business with international money transfers.

Here's an idea: how about investigating what makes their home country less desireable, and try to help change it? If we all agree on the above-mentioned main reason, then what can be done to make that happen in the motherland? Freedom is relative, especially if you realize that one has the ability to control their level of freedom when they can control their level of personal wealth.

Frost conditions in California had hit the citrus market hard. Expect higher prices on the consumer level...Frost conditions in Florida have also hit the citrus market hard. Tomatoes are the most expensive they've been in a very long time. Why not look at taking advantage of the warm weather in Mexico by way of fostering more crop production for human consumption? Get Big Agro to invest in Mexican farmlands for crop production. Get the Mexican government to sign off on it via "revenue allocation" to certain influential individuals. Establish committments and incentives to stay long-term. Get the IMF involved -- the IMF should be receptive to getting their loans repaid or (even better) get assurances that their loans will have a stronger liklihood of being repaid, and providing a biz plan for long-term revenue streams that are (on the surface) generated for politically correct crop production for global consumption should be a huge compensating factor.

Think about it. Get Dole or Del Monte or Hunt's or Heinz (Theresa!) or Contadina or Borden or Libby's or Kraft to work on NAFTA-enabled projects, and if managed properly, with UN or WHO or G7 support, you suddenly create an empire that can help feed the world (and make a little coin to boot). Nothing against CA or FL produce -- there's no taste substitute for their locally-grown produce, so they should keep on keeping on. We've got world hunger and/or portions of the world that do with less than the daily requirements of healthy produce because such items cannot be readily available. Here's an idea that gets everyone participating, and more importantly, creates a viable revenue stream that can produce a market with wages and taxes for local governments to help re-develop and recreate themselves as a place to stay and grow from within.

Yes, there's lots of details to work out, both good and bad, but I present to you this general idea for all to work on. Like the Gulf war, international support is key, because it helps to strong-arm the idea forward, especially when skeptics still can't see the forest from the trees. And when I say "support", I mean it in several ways: political, corporate, humanitarian, ecological, and monetary. Your thoughts are welcome -- let's discuss.

this war

what is it good for? Military Intel. Plain and simple. Strategery. Establishing a presence smak dab in the middle of the friggin desert. At the cost of 3000+ lives and countless new gimps with psychological impairments. All paying the ultimate sacrifice or very close to it. But it just amazes me that with all the techno brains we have in this country, we can't get any closer to resolution. Or maybe we have, it's just not public knowledge. And that wouldn't surprise me. There's a shitload we don't know about. Exit the old plan, enter Queen Nancy. Takes a visit to Iraq, and at the end of the day, what does she say? The same they all say after their first visit: "we've gained a newfound appreciation of what is going on here", or some bullshit line like that. And so it begins. Again. The more things change, the more they stay the same. But at least I'm glad to see her royal Frisco worshipfulness is allowed to see the light.

So what's the deal with negotiation? Do we not do that on a global level anymore? And what happened to the UN? Do they still exist? Well, I hope this is all worth it some day, if not for my sake, but for the sake and safety of my daughters as they assume this massive debt and international responsibility.

Welcome Back.

The pursuit of happiness

Just got back from a long weekend with the family. Took them out camping, by a lake, with lots of trails and activities. They seemed to enjoy it. We left on Friday morning, got back on Sunday afternoon. Next thing I know, it's Monday and we're all back to school and work. It makes me wonder: is this part of life's mystery? The Pursuit of Happiness? Statistics would dictate that this would happen more often to some, and not very often (if at all) to others, but per the Bell Curve, most of us strive for it and obtain it, in whatever level.
We are given opportunities, and we are allowed to make choices. We don't always act on the opportunity, for various reasons (it's disguised, it's difficult to discern, it takes effort). And we don't always make the better choice (for many human reasons). So it's possible to act on the opportunity, but the choice is mis-handled. Or the opportunity is very well hidden, but the right choice is acted upon and the door is opened much easier. All choices can be and should be characterized as pursuit. The result is indetermined because of cause and effect, which is another subject...

the WTC movie

I'm not a New Yorker. I'm not a Muslim. I'm not connected to the Pentagon in any way (that I know of). Am I'm not interested in seeing the new WTC movie. What's the point? Seriously, I don't see the pros, but I'm not promoting the cons, either. Nah, I won't say it's explotation by the studios. I think the actors would not want to be a part of it if it was so apparent. I do feel strongly that the towers should be replaced, but I also can see, having worked in a 20-story building, how company employees would be worried about being an everyday target. But they should build them back. By not building them back, does that mean that the original model was structurally and conceptually defective? Didn't Trump have an idea about putting them back, bigger and better? I don't know what the deal is about why they don't give Trump a shot at this. It's as if they're afraid he'll get too much power out of it. Hmmm. There must be more to the story. Back to the movie: I guess it's just too soon. Documentaries about the event? OK by me. But a full-scale fictional account partially based on fact and interpreted with dramatic license? I'm not interested.
(But wait...as I write this, I just remembered how much I enjoyed "Titanic" by Cameron. What am I missing here?)

Buck Rogers

As of today, I'm the proud recipient of my own personal wireless internet connection. Now THIS is cool. I still have the old (but mostly reliable) desktop upstairs, but I'm using the company's notebook for the trial run. And today it just so happens that the first game of the NFL season starts with the HOF game. Ok, so I'm surfing the web while watching NFL football in my garage...or on my screened-in deck...or in the living room on the comfy leather chair/couch...or in bed while smokin' a blunt and getting serviced. Well, as for that last part, that's Christmas Yet To Come. Anyway this is just way too Manly. And I like it. Kids are upstairs, playing on their new educational software, and I'm down here enjoying the show...Yes, I have heard stories about how dangerous this can be, with all the damn hackers out there, and how they can bring on serious damage. My connection, from what I see, is encrypted, so I'm hoping that is doing the trick, or at least be better than nothing... Anything else I should be concerned about? Besides wasting time?...