Yesterday, I went to Best Buy - after going to two GameStops - trying to decide on whether I would break down and buy a Nintendo DS for my son. As I circled the DS aisle a fifth time, I heard two fathers talking about the craziness of it all. A ten year old stood between them as they spoke about accessories. I paused to see if I could glean any information to sway me one way or the other, when the boy spoke up telling the fathers what to buy - why such and such accessory was good and why they didn't need the other one. Both fathers began questioning the boy and the boy had all of the answers. What a sight. Three fathers - strangers - huddled around a kid asking him for advice.
Once the father and son - with the right equipment - left, the other father and I continued our discussion about the DS. He said, "I've been at this for five hours." He'd gone to Toys R'Us for the system, Game Stop for the games and was at Best Buy for the accessories. Five Hours! I was happy I had only spent two up to that point.
But I must say, the sense of camaraderie the child fostered amongst the lost fathers made for a much more pleasant experience.
And believe it or not, after all that, I did not buy a DS at Best Buy.
I bought it an hour later at Blockbuster.
: )
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Positives and Negatives of Work (so far)
I'm finishing up the third week of my seasonal job, and wow, who knew it'd make such an impact on my life.
Negatives:
Writing has become a very rare pleasure - 3 hours in 3 weeks.
I've been able to stay awake until midnight only once since I've been working - previously that was my bed time. Just too tired.
Losing touch with my children's school activities (this is the biggest negative):
-The wife helps the kids with homework now.
- I was unable to volunteer at the school's christmas workshop and family night book fair.
- I just found out my son's teacher is leaving within a week. The meeting discussing this was last night. I never got the message.
Positives:
Wife is preparing dinner nowadays.
Wife is helping kids with homework now. (Yes, its a positive and a negative.)
Finding out how generous the parents in my community are with their time, eagerly helping me put together the cub scout meetings and outings and getting the supplies, as well as stepping in to take over my volunteer activities at my kids' school.
Earning money.
Working in a new industry.
So that's where I'm at now. That's why the blog hasn't been updated in awhile. But, as someone told me tonight, the whole getting wiped out by a new job wears off after a couple of weeks. If tonight's any indication, it looks like I'm turning the corner. I'm writing and I'm still awake at 10:08.
Negatives:
Writing has become a very rare pleasure - 3 hours in 3 weeks.
I've been able to stay awake until midnight only once since I've been working - previously that was my bed time. Just too tired.
Losing touch with my children's school activities (this is the biggest negative):
-The wife helps the kids with homework now.
- I was unable to volunteer at the school's christmas workshop and family night book fair.
- I just found out my son's teacher is leaving within a week. The meeting discussing this was last night. I never got the message.
Positives:
Wife is preparing dinner nowadays.
Wife is helping kids with homework now. (Yes, its a positive and a negative.)
Finding out how generous the parents in my community are with their time, eagerly helping me put together the cub scout meetings and outings and getting the supplies, as well as stepping in to take over my volunteer activities at my kids' school.
Earning money.
Working in a new industry.
So that's where I'm at now. That's why the blog hasn't been updated in awhile. But, as someone told me tonight, the whole getting wiped out by a new job wears off after a couple of weeks. If tonight's any indication, it looks like I'm turning the corner. I'm writing and I'm still awake at 10:08.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mister Pip
Nice style. I liked the author's varied sentence construction. That, more than the story itself, kept me reading. Protagonist also had a strong voice. Novel starts off interesting, but I started to lose interest in the latter third. Some of the scenes felt redundant/repetitive. But more serious was the fact that a couple major decisions taken by the principal characters didn't make sense to me. Spoiler alrert: and it got a whole lot gritter than it needed to be.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Prop. 8 Aftermath
This is not an article on Prop. 8, but an article against people who are punishing others for expressing their personal or religious beliefs as enshrined in the Constitution.
I can understand Prop. 8 opponents are outraged by Prop. 8’s passage. I can understand the public protests. I agree with investigating the Mormon Church to see if they illegally crossed the line separating church and state by donating to the passage of Prop. 8.
What I cannot understand is destroying people’s livelihoods and careers because they voiced their opinion. But John, you say, these supporters of Prop. 8 destroyed their right to the pursuit of happiness.
True. But everyone can’t do everything they want. There are laws. Whether just or unjust, everyone has laws curtailing certain activities. Smoking, public drunkenness, sodomy, etc. And yes, lots of these laws are based on the religious beliefs of our founding fathers.
Voters have blocked them from being "married", but their lifestyle – way of life - that they’ve been accustomed to for decades, except for the past year, has not changed when they were given the opportunity to get married in California.
Yes, it’s horrible for homosexuals that the majority of Californians voted twice that marriage is only allowed between a man and a woman.
But by targeting the majority of Californians, with financial and economic ruin will only have this majority make sure marriage is never allowed between same sex couples.
But John, they’re not doing that? Oh yes, they are. Look at the firing of Scott Eckern because of his support for Prop. 8. And I wonder, can’t he sue the California Musical Theatre for discrimination? I thought firing someone over their political or religious beliefs counts as discrimination. (Talk about hypocritical. Aren’t Prop. 8 opponents fighting against discrimination?)
When someone is bullied, they either cave-in, full of resentment, wondering how to get back, or they dig in deeper and swear they will never change their opinion. (Yes, I can see how Prop. 8 opponents could feel the same way – being bullied by the majority of Californians by preventing them from getting married.)
But do you think those businesses and people who lost their jobs or business at Christmas time will ever forgive them? Umm, no.
Just remember that people reap what they sow.
(And of course, not all Prop. 8 opponents are advocating fiscal punishments, just a few, and those few piss me off.)
I can understand Prop. 8 opponents are outraged by Prop. 8’s passage. I can understand the public protests. I agree with investigating the Mormon Church to see if they illegally crossed the line separating church and state by donating to the passage of Prop. 8.
What I cannot understand is destroying people’s livelihoods and careers because they voiced their opinion. But John, you say, these supporters of Prop. 8 destroyed their right to the pursuit of happiness.
True. But everyone can’t do everything they want. There are laws. Whether just or unjust, everyone has laws curtailing certain activities. Smoking, public drunkenness, sodomy, etc. And yes, lots of these laws are based on the religious beliefs of our founding fathers.
Voters have blocked them from being "married", but their lifestyle – way of life - that they’ve been accustomed to for decades, except for the past year, has not changed when they were given the opportunity to get married in California.
Yes, it’s horrible for homosexuals that the majority of Californians voted twice that marriage is only allowed between a man and a woman.
But by targeting the majority of Californians, with financial and economic ruin will only have this majority make sure marriage is never allowed between same sex couples.
But John, they’re not doing that? Oh yes, they are. Look at the firing of Scott Eckern because of his support for Prop. 8. And I wonder, can’t he sue the California Musical Theatre for discrimination? I thought firing someone over their political or religious beliefs counts as discrimination. (Talk about hypocritical. Aren’t Prop. 8 opponents fighting against discrimination?)
When someone is bullied, they either cave-in, full of resentment, wondering how to get back, or they dig in deeper and swear they will never change their opinion. (Yes, I can see how Prop. 8 opponents could feel the same way – being bullied by the majority of Californians by preventing them from getting married.)
But do you think those businesses and people who lost their jobs or business at Christmas time will ever forgive them? Umm, no.
Just remember that people reap what they sow.
(And of course, not all Prop. 8 opponents are advocating fiscal punishments, just a few, and those few piss me off.)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Job
I got a new job! Today was my second day. The people are nice. I'm in a bookstore, so at my breaks and lunch I can check out the books. And at some point I'll get a pay check!
The main draw back is that since I now have a steady job, it's hard to find the time to write. But one has to eat.
Hey the promised rain has finally arrived. All day long, people in my office kept going outside looking for it, and at 8:45 pm, it finally arrived. I'm sure my friends in the fire areas are grateful.
(Don't mind the date at the top of the post, the 24th. That's when I started this post, I actually finished it on the 25th.)
The main draw back is that since I now have a steady job, it's hard to find the time to write. But one has to eat.
Hey the promised rain has finally arrived. All day long, people in my office kept going outside looking for it, and at 8:45 pm, it finally arrived. I'm sure my friends in the fire areas are grateful.
(Don't mind the date at the top of the post, the 24th. That's when I started this post, I actually finished it on the 25th.)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Overheard Quote of the Day
"If she wants to earn her respect around here, she'd better give some."
A conversation between two women in a grocery store parking lot soliciting donations for a homeless shelter. What a great quote. Thinking about it now, it almost has a biblical quality to it: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
What can I say, it's been a long day.
A conversation between two women in a grocery store parking lot soliciting donations for a homeless shelter. What a great quote. Thinking about it now, it almost has a biblical quality to it: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
What can I say, it's been a long day.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
So I took a walk today...
My last post said how I was stuck in a fiction world of writing, so I took a walk today to see what I could find outside my head. This is what I found:
It was hot today.
A blazing blue sky.
Perhaps a remnant of the fires.
A white sliver of ash floated by.
Someone had owned it once:
A chair, a roof, or wall perhaps,
Or perhaps it'd been a tree or leaf.
Did it come from Sylmar, Chino or Anaheim?
Where would it land before it was kicked up again:
Pasadena, El Sereno, Downtown?
Would it make it to the sea?
Change of scenery.
Cooks in white.
Servers in black.
Tables brown.
Booths red.
Kitchen steel.
A pink pig lit up outside.
...
Spanish being sung in the kitchen.
Texting between burger flips.
The Big Three begging for money overhead.
Reality.
Basketball analysis up there as well.
Escapism.
An interesting world when one gets a chance to open their eyes and ears and think about it for awhile.
It was hot today.
A blazing blue sky.
Perhaps a remnant of the fires.
A white sliver of ash floated by.
Someone had owned it once:
A chair, a roof, or wall perhaps,
Or perhaps it'd been a tree or leaf.
Did it come from Sylmar, Chino or Anaheim?
Where would it land before it was kicked up again:
Pasadena, El Sereno, Downtown?
Would it make it to the sea?
Change of scenery.
Cooks in white.
Servers in black.
Tables brown.
Booths red.
Kitchen steel.
A pink pig lit up outside.
...
Spanish being sung in the kitchen.
Texting between burger flips.
The Big Three begging for money overhead.
Reality.
Basketball analysis up there as well.
Escapism.
An interesting world when one gets a chance to open their eyes and ears and think about it for awhile.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Star Wars Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv5iEK-IEzw
Okay, I know a blog is a supposed to be literary, but the first video in my Video Bar to the left is hilarious. I also posted the link above.
After working on resumes and cover letters for the past three weeks, all my free-writing time has been devoted to fiction/escapism - futuristic skin heads running from the law, a thirty-foot-tall giant taking on a band of knights, a pale femme-fatale lurking in a corner, and so on and so forth.
I'll find something soon that will be real and interesting to write about.
Until then, enjoy the video.
Okay, I know a blog is a supposed to be literary, but the first video in my Video Bar to the left is hilarious. I also posted the link above.
After working on resumes and cover letters for the past three weeks, all my free-writing time has been devoted to fiction/escapism - futuristic skin heads running from the law, a thirty-foot-tall giant taking on a band of knights, a pale femme-fatale lurking in a corner, and so on and so forth.
I'll find something soon that will be real and interesting to write about.
Until then, enjoy the video.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Imperium
I just finished the historical novel, Imperium, by Robert Harris. It is the story of Cicero's rise to his first consulship, also known as Imperium, in 63 B.C. as told by his secretary Tiro. The novel is a fascinating read about Cicero's rise to power in the political hotbed that was Rome.
I normally need to see swords drawn and armies clashing to find a historical novel engaging, but through Harris' descriptive powers and being able to bring characters to life on the page, he was able to show just how exciting and lethal words and oratory could be.
One only has to look at our recent elections to see how effective an extremely good speaker can be in mobilizing the populace.
I highly recommend this book.
My only lament is that I wanted to see how the next twenty years of Cicero's life played out.
Needless to say I read about it on Wikipedia before I wrote this blog.
I really hope Harris will write a sequel to the rest of Cicero's amazing life.
I normally need to see swords drawn and armies clashing to find a historical novel engaging, but through Harris' descriptive powers and being able to bring characters to life on the page, he was able to show just how exciting and lethal words and oratory could be.
One only has to look at our recent elections to see how effective an extremely good speaker can be in mobilizing the populace.
I highly recommend this book.
My only lament is that I wanted to see how the next twenty years of Cicero's life played out.
Needless to say I read about it on Wikipedia before I wrote this blog.
I really hope Harris will write a sequel to the rest of Cicero's amazing life.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Elections - What the...!!!!!
When I walked in to my polling place this morning, I noticed two men standing outside the door to the polling stations. One wearing a McCain/Palin t-shirt was talking loudly and negatively about Obama and his supporters. I went inside voted and came out. The two men were still standing by the door and the one McCain guy was still talking loudly about Obama. Here is the law on electioneering at polling stations from justicia.com (http://law.justia.com/california/codes/elec/18370-18371.html):
******18370. No person, on election day, or at any time that a voter may be casting a ballot, shall, within 100 feet of a polling place or an elections official's office: (a) Circulate an initiative, referendum, recall, or nomination petition or any other petition. (b) Solicit a vote or speak to a voter on the subject of marking his or her ballot. (c) Place a sign relating to voters' qualifications or speak to a voter on the subject of his or her qualifications except as provided in Section 14240. (d) Do any electioneering. As used in this section, "100 feet of a polling place or an elections official's office" means a distance 100 feet from the room or rooms in which voters are signing the roster and casting ballots. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. *****
So I asked the McCain supporter if he was a poll worker because I remembered as a former poll worker that poll workers could not wearing political clothing and something prohibiting electioneering near a polling station. The McCain supporter said he wasn't a poll worker and asked me why? I explained because poll workers can't wear political clothing. At which point the other man identified himself as a poll worker and that he had asked the McCain supporter to leave the polling station. At which point the McCain supporter started yelling that I had no right to tell him his beliefs and what he could and could not wear and that if I didn't like it we could take it outside. I said I didn't want to take it outside, only that a poll worker couldn't wear political clothing. He continued to vent at which point I asked him if he was trying to intimidate me. He paused, then continued his rant, urging me to take it outside. Fortunately, I remembered seeing a cop half way down the block. As I exited city hall, the McCain supporter followed me, so I made a beeline for the cop. I started to explain to the cop that this individual had threatened me, when the McCain supporter jumped in and said that I was intimidating him, telling him who to vote for, that he was a fire fighter and he knew his rights. (Me intimidating him? The dude was 6'2" and I'm a whopping 5'8".) I said that's a lie and that I had witnesses at the polling station that could verify that he was threatening me. At that point the McCain supporter finally shut up--for a moment. But then he went back into how I was attacking his beliefs and freedom of expression. The cop said he didn't know the law but if we've both voted the McCain supporter should go to his truck and I should go in the opposite direction. We did so. As the McCain supporter passed the polling station he said something to the poll worker he had been speaking with earlier, then moved on. It turns out the poll worker had been watching the exchange with the cop.
Damn, dude, I thought this kind of stuff only happened to other people and in other states. California isn't even a battleground state. I can't imagine what's happening in other places.
Truly insane.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Raiders of Halloween
The pumpkins were lit and the trick or treaters assembled:
Demon Ninja, Peter Pan, Obi Wan Kenobi, Darth Reaven, Spiderman, Catholic Witch, Little Witch, Supergirl, and a Baby Bumblebee.
And off went the pack of costumed children. Merging with the massive freaky horde that was already combing the streets, descending upon the neighbors houses.
Warnings of graveyards, skeletons and spiders did nothing to deter the hungry masses. In fact, the fifteen-foot-long spider and walking, grumbling twelve-foot-tall skeleton drew the biggest crowds.
Homeowners were helpless against the onslaught. Within an hour, the least prepared had turned off their lights, defeated, their plunder taken.
And as the little army's jack-o-lanterns overflowed and arms grew heavy, the creatures, soldiers and heroes of the night returned to their brightly-lit lairs to enjoy their plunder.
All except for two, who said there's no mercy for the weak. They dumped their plunder onto the backs of the weary and set forth again to continue their assault. And continue they did, the Demon Ninja in the lead, roaming the darkening streets for more tempting victims. The one with the orange mists, the one with the web spreading across the entire yard, the one with the hellish screams, and on and on. For an hour more they continued their march, whipping up the weary to continue on.
And just when the neighborhood felt a bit safer, that two more had ended their assault, a rumour was heard. About a house with so much plunder and such scary sights, that they couldn't return just yet. They placed on their armor, grabbed their jack-o-lanterns and climbed into their black chariot. And searched for this place of horror. From two blocks away they saw it. The one with the fiery smokestacks. But the black and red facade of towers and walls, unholy lit by an eerie red light with witches writing spread across the lawn warning all to stay away, did not deter Demon Ninja or his father. They walked inside, witches and ghouls grabbing at their clothes and legs, trying to prevent them from getting their just rewards. But just when they thought all was lost, they met familiar faces within, and together, the group of six made it through the black lit rooms and out into the cloudy, muggy Halloween Night.
And then they were done. The best house found and pillaged. They climbed into their chariot, returned to their lair and dreamed the sweet dreams of victory.
Demon Ninja, Peter Pan, Obi Wan Kenobi, Darth Reaven, Spiderman, Catholic Witch, Little Witch, Supergirl, and a Baby Bumblebee.
And off went the pack of costumed children. Merging with the massive freaky horde that was already combing the streets, descending upon the neighbors houses.
Warnings of graveyards, skeletons and spiders did nothing to deter the hungry masses. In fact, the fifteen-foot-long spider and walking, grumbling twelve-foot-tall skeleton drew the biggest crowds.
Homeowners were helpless against the onslaught. Within an hour, the least prepared had turned off their lights, defeated, their plunder taken.
And as the little army's jack-o-lanterns overflowed and arms grew heavy, the creatures, soldiers and heroes of the night returned to their brightly-lit lairs to enjoy their plunder.
All except for two, who said there's no mercy for the weak. They dumped their plunder onto the backs of the weary and set forth again to continue their assault. And continue they did, the Demon Ninja in the lead, roaming the darkening streets for more tempting victims. The one with the orange mists, the one with the web spreading across the entire yard, the one with the hellish screams, and on and on. For an hour more they continued their march, whipping up the weary to continue on.
And just when the neighborhood felt a bit safer, that two more had ended their assault, a rumour was heard. About a house with so much plunder and such scary sights, that they couldn't return just yet. They placed on their armor, grabbed their jack-o-lanterns and climbed into their black chariot. And searched for this place of horror. From two blocks away they saw it. The one with the fiery smokestacks. But the black and red facade of towers and walls, unholy lit by an eerie red light with witches writing spread across the lawn warning all to stay away, did not deter Demon Ninja or his father. They walked inside, witches and ghouls grabbing at their clothes and legs, trying to prevent them from getting their just rewards. But just when they thought all was lost, they met familiar faces within, and together, the group of six made it through the black lit rooms and out into the cloudy, muggy Halloween Night.
And then they were done. The best house found and pillaged. They climbed into their chariot, returned to their lair and dreamed the sweet dreams of victory.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Changing
Funny how the air changes the higher a person goes.
How things look around them.
The way their opinion alters ever so slightly as they move on.
How things look around them.
The way their opinion alters ever so slightly as they move on.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Strange World of Job Hunting
As my job hunt continues, I found today to be quite interesting. I applied with three different companies, all within the same industry and all for the same position. I was surprised by how different the application process was for each company.
The first company wanted the applicants to print out the application at home, complete it and then personally turn it in to the manager.
The second wanted the application to be completed online, including a psychiatric survey of some sort, and when I was done, there was a message saying basically if you meet our criteria, a manager will call you for an interview.
The final one was currently accepting applications, wanting them physically turned in, but the associate I spoke to didn't know if there were any openings because the manager of each department was responsible for staffing. In the end, in the position field, I wrote "open".
I'm not saying one process is better than any other. Obviously, all three processes work as the three companies have all been in business a long time. I just found it interesting how varied each company's method was in finding the right people to make their company succeed.
The first company wanted the applicants to print out the application at home, complete it and then personally turn it in to the manager.
The second wanted the application to be completed online, including a psychiatric survey of some sort, and when I was done, there was a message saying basically if you meet our criteria, a manager will call you for an interview.
The final one was currently accepting applications, wanting them physically turned in, but the associate I spoke to didn't know if there were any openings because the manager of each department was responsible for staffing. In the end, in the position field, I wrote "open".
I'm not saying one process is better than any other. Obviously, all three processes work as the three companies have all been in business a long time. I just found it interesting how varied each company's method was in finding the right people to make their company succeed.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Johnny Sokko and Hulu.com
About six months ago, I walked into a store that specializes in selling movies and asked if they had the old Giant Robot episodes I used to love to watch as a kid in the 70's. The clerk said no, but that there were a number of people who had asked her the same question.
So I googled Giant Robot and found that I was calling the t.v. series by the wrong name - it's official title is Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot. Go figure. Anyways, I was extremely excited to find that a website Hulu.com had all of the episodes for free along with other old classics.
Then yesterday, I was looking at the site more in depth and found that they also have about three dozen movies on their site - for free. So last night I watched "The Professional" and tonight I watched "Dragonheart." Old movies to be sure, but good ones.
Check it out.
http://www.hulu.com/
So I googled Giant Robot and found that I was calling the t.v. series by the wrong name - it's official title is Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot. Go figure. Anyways, I was extremely excited to find that a website Hulu.com had all of the episodes for free along with other old classics.
Then yesterday, I was looking at the site more in depth and found that they also have about three dozen movies on their site - for free. So last night I watched "The Professional" and tonight I watched "Dragonheart." Old movies to be sure, but good ones.
Check it out.
http://www.hulu.com/
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A Bottomless Pit
Sometimes doing something rather than doing nothing is actually worse. For example, dropping $700 billion into a bottomless pit. I like how the day after the bailout was approved - suddenly reporters and analysts were shouting it wasn't enough. More needed to be done. Where were all these reporters and analysts before Congress' vote saying the $700 billion was just a start? All the bailout is going to do, aside from cutting taxes by $150 billion from the sweeteners attached to the bill, is clean up a few financial institution balance sheets, but do little to loosen the credit markets. Perhaps we need to nationalize the entire financial system, get rid of the laws that permitted the RBSs and CBOs that came about with the push for deregulation of the financial system by the banks in the late 90's. Whatever was needed to be done - obviously the bailout package wasn't it.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Failed Bailout Package
I've been off the blog way too long. My apologies.
Let me start by saying, I have mixed emotions about the failed package. Something should be done to help Americans, but without snatching away $700 billion dollars from taxpayers and giving it to firms that made risky investments.
All firms are supposed to be able to cover their debts. Just like all homeowners are supposed to pay their mortgages. When a homeowner can't pay, he goes into foreclosure and has to declare bankruptcy. The government doesn't walk up and say, hey, I'll take all your credit card debt, auto loan, and anything else you have to pay for, so you can still have your house. But that's exactly what the bailout was for corporations.
And even worse, the choice on which debts were purchased and which firms were saved was completely arbitrary. It seems on recent experience, the largest firms were rescued and the rest allowed to fail.
So your neighbor builds that second level, or buys that enormous McMansion across the street, while you stay in your one-story, but when you both lose your job, since your neighbor has the bigger loan, he gets the helping hand and you get nothing.
There has got to be a better plan in Congress. Something that is fair to the majority of Americans, that will help the majority of Americans, not reward selfish risky behavior.
I remember the big push ten years ago by banks and investment firms to try and deregulate the market. And here's what we got.
My wife was in WaMu a day before they went belly up to renew a CD and the New Accounts rep asked her if she would like to put her money in a money market account. Beautiful. The banks are getting exactly what they deserve. Sell, sell, sell the associates are told - and if they don't they lose their commissions or their jobs if they don't meet their goals. Sell these crappy risky products that are now worthless to the unsuspecting bloke off the street.
I know America will go through a tough financial situation now and for the next few years, but maybe, just maybe, for a few years a few lessons will be learned and remembered.
Look at the Great Depression, it's lessons were learned and held on to for over 50 years. Then the S&L thing blew up during the last bid to deregulate the financial markets and McCain was known as one of the Keating Five. But the lesson from that debacle lasted less than 20 years. McCain was in DC the entire time. You think he would've learned.
I wonder how long our government and Americans will remember their lessons from this disaster.
Hopefully, a lot longer.
Let me start by saying, I have mixed emotions about the failed package. Something should be done to help Americans, but without snatching away $700 billion dollars from taxpayers and giving it to firms that made risky investments.
All firms are supposed to be able to cover their debts. Just like all homeowners are supposed to pay their mortgages. When a homeowner can't pay, he goes into foreclosure and has to declare bankruptcy. The government doesn't walk up and say, hey, I'll take all your credit card debt, auto loan, and anything else you have to pay for, so you can still have your house. But that's exactly what the bailout was for corporations.
And even worse, the choice on which debts were purchased and which firms were saved was completely arbitrary. It seems on recent experience, the largest firms were rescued and the rest allowed to fail.
So your neighbor builds that second level, or buys that enormous McMansion across the street, while you stay in your one-story, but when you both lose your job, since your neighbor has the bigger loan, he gets the helping hand and you get nothing.
There has got to be a better plan in Congress. Something that is fair to the majority of Americans, that will help the majority of Americans, not reward selfish risky behavior.
I remember the big push ten years ago by banks and investment firms to try and deregulate the market. And here's what we got.
My wife was in WaMu a day before they went belly up to renew a CD and the New Accounts rep asked her if she would like to put her money in a money market account. Beautiful. The banks are getting exactly what they deserve. Sell, sell, sell the associates are told - and if they don't they lose their commissions or their jobs if they don't meet their goals. Sell these crappy risky products that are now worthless to the unsuspecting bloke off the street.
I know America will go through a tough financial situation now and for the next few years, but maybe, just maybe, for a few years a few lessons will be learned and remembered.
Look at the Great Depression, it's lessons were learned and held on to for over 50 years. Then the S&L thing blew up during the last bid to deregulate the financial markets and McCain was known as one of the Keating Five. But the lesson from that debacle lasted less than 20 years. McCain was in DC the entire time. You think he would've learned.
I wonder how long our government and Americans will remember their lessons from this disaster.
Hopefully, a lot longer.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bailouts
I was going to write about the current discussion surrounding the the drinking age from 21 to 18, until I saw today's news article, U.S. may broker the rescue of Lehman.
I find it funny, albeit sad, that these big investment firms such as Lehman and Bear Stearns whose clients and bankers espouse the idea of limited government and lowering taxes are now seeking massive amounts of tax payer money to help them survive.
Yes, I'm generalizing, but this argument can be applied to all those who complain taxes are too high and the government wastes the money. Every one of those employees at Bear Sterns, Freddie and Fannie should be the biggest fans of a tax system that allowed them to keep their jobs and in Freddie and Fannie's cases, the disgraced CEOs to walk away with $24 million piece.
Bear Sterns and Lehman brothers are not banks. They do not have as many restrictions on their operations as banks. By playing by the FDIC's rules, the banks were unable to reap as much profit as these investment firms during the good times, but as we see now, they had a firmer footing during the current down turn. Having worked at a bank in the 90's and early 2000's, I remember the banks were lobbying to loosen the rules. Looks like it was a good thing they weren't. Now we have a perfect example of what happens to financial entities with loose regulation: investment firms are crying to our government, begging for tax payer dollars so they can keep their jobs.
I don't fault these firms for asking our government for assistance. If I was a business owner and I was facing bankruptcy, I'd be asking the government for assistance as well. But, it's up to our government officials to ensure rules are followed, government actions are fair, and tax payer money is used for the good of the nation.
Was IndyMac bailed out by the government when they went under? No. Why? Because they were too small. I mean what other differences are there be between IndyMac and Bear Stearns? One's on the west coast, the other on the east? The players at the investment firms probably (I haven't researched it) have more contacts in DC - more alumni from the same Universities as those in Washington. I've heard the argument, Bear had so many deals with other banks and investment firms and hedge funds, that to allow them to fail, could cause massive economic damage to our financial system. While I don't doubt this as true, it should be a clear sign that these firms need some type of security in place that either prevents them from entering contracts with regulated industries (i.e. banks) that if they were to fail, they could take everyone with them -or- if they want to be eligible for government help, get ready to be much more heavily regulated to ensure their risk to the average taxpayer is minimal.
In closing, I feel this real estate mess is due in large part to greedy people. Greedy people at investment firms, mortgage brokers and bankers who came up with new ways to turn a quick buck like the Junk Bonds of the 80's and greedy home buyers who bought homes to flip in order to make a quick buck causing home prices to soar, forcing those few who had limited funds but feared being priced out of ever being able to buy a home into making bad decisions.
The government definitely should not bail out anyone in this mortgage mess. They should only enforce the laws, create new laws to prevent the abuse that has occurred over the last ten years, prosecute the criminals who drew up these nefarious financial plans/strategies/products and bail out only those firms and individuals that our current laws allow for.
It just pisses me off see 100's of billions of tax dollars (yes, Freddie and Fannie alone, each cost us tax payers $100 billion - more than our first year in Iraq) going to people who played the market and got burned and now are begging for help. Worse, that our government is actually doing this. And most of this help is going to corporations and not the home owners. (See the current mortgage rescue plan passed by Congress.)
I find it funny, albeit sad, that these big investment firms such as Lehman and Bear Stearns whose clients and bankers espouse the idea of limited government and lowering taxes are now seeking massive amounts of tax payer money to help them survive.
Yes, I'm generalizing, but this argument can be applied to all those who complain taxes are too high and the government wastes the money. Every one of those employees at Bear Sterns, Freddie and Fannie should be the biggest fans of a tax system that allowed them to keep their jobs and in Freddie and Fannie's cases, the disgraced CEOs to walk away with $24 million piece.
Bear Sterns and Lehman brothers are not banks. They do not have as many restrictions on their operations as banks. By playing by the FDIC's rules, the banks were unable to reap as much profit as these investment firms during the good times, but as we see now, they had a firmer footing during the current down turn. Having worked at a bank in the 90's and early 2000's, I remember the banks were lobbying to loosen the rules. Looks like it was a good thing they weren't. Now we have a perfect example of what happens to financial entities with loose regulation: investment firms are crying to our government, begging for tax payer dollars so they can keep their jobs.
I don't fault these firms for asking our government for assistance. If I was a business owner and I was facing bankruptcy, I'd be asking the government for assistance as well. But, it's up to our government officials to ensure rules are followed, government actions are fair, and tax payer money is used for the good of the nation.
Was IndyMac bailed out by the government when they went under? No. Why? Because they were too small. I mean what other differences are there be between IndyMac and Bear Stearns? One's on the west coast, the other on the east? The players at the investment firms probably (I haven't researched it) have more contacts in DC - more alumni from the same Universities as those in Washington. I've heard the argument, Bear had so many deals with other banks and investment firms and hedge funds, that to allow them to fail, could cause massive economic damage to our financial system. While I don't doubt this as true, it should be a clear sign that these firms need some type of security in place that either prevents them from entering contracts with regulated industries (i.e. banks) that if they were to fail, they could take everyone with them -or- if they want to be eligible for government help, get ready to be much more heavily regulated to ensure their risk to the average taxpayer is minimal.
In closing, I feel this real estate mess is due in large part to greedy people. Greedy people at investment firms, mortgage brokers and bankers who came up with new ways to turn a quick buck like the Junk Bonds of the 80's and greedy home buyers who bought homes to flip in order to make a quick buck causing home prices to soar, forcing those few who had limited funds but feared being priced out of ever being able to buy a home into making bad decisions.
The government definitely should not bail out anyone in this mortgage mess. They should only enforce the laws, create new laws to prevent the abuse that has occurred over the last ten years, prosecute the criminals who drew up these nefarious financial plans/strategies/products and bail out only those firms and individuals that our current laws allow for.
It just pisses me off see 100's of billions of tax dollars (yes, Freddie and Fannie alone, each cost us tax payers $100 billion - more than our first year in Iraq) going to people who played the market and got burned and now are begging for help. Worse, that our government is actually doing this. And most of this help is going to corporations and not the home owners. (See the current mortgage rescue plan passed by Congress.)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Apple/Raspberry Picking
I had a great time apple and raspberry picking in Oak Glen. Oak Glen is a small community of u-pick-it farms 80 miles due east of Los Angeles nestled at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. This year we went to Los Rios Rancho (last years we went to Riley's Family Farm). One of the biggest differences between the two is Los Rios Rancho has been purchased by the Nature Conservancy while Riley's Family Farm is owned by the Riley family which has been in Oak Glen over 100 years and owns most of the land in the area. One interesting character trait of the Riley Farm workers, and in the small town center, was the abundance of piercing blue eyes among the workers. I assume the reason for the abundance of blue eyes was because the Riley's owned most of the farms and land in Oak Glen. But who knows, maybe its the air. Oak Glen is a mile above sea level.
But getting back on track.
The first task when we arrived in Oak Glenn was finding my other family members who drove up earlier. Cell phones get poor, if any, reception up there. It's amazing how dependent we are on our cell phones. Compounding the problem was the fact that Los Rios has two separate ranches: one for picking fruit and another for the gift store, nature walk, picnic areas, food, etc. Fortunately, my mother drives a bright yellow SUV, so after cruising around a bit we spotted the SUV and the note she stuck in her windshield wiper.
It turns out different apple varieties are ready to harvest at different times in September and October. We were there during the earliest harvest, 9/1, which meant our choice of varieties to pick were only the Galas and Spartans. Of course being a military history buff, I was immediately drawn to the Spartans. I pictured Kind Leonidas eating his red apple as his Spartans buried the mountains of dead Persians in the background.
Okay, back to the trip.
So the Galas we learned are the sweet apples and the Spartans are a bit firmer and sour. This meant the Spartans were good for baking pies and the Galas for eating plain. (I baked a pie today with the Spartans and it was delicious!)
While apple picking was fun, my boys and I really enjoyed picking the raspberries. The fun was searching for the best raspberries. Picking out the good from the bad amongst the dozens of hedges. My boys were running everywhere yelling they found one or two or a whole bunch. And it seemed to take forever to pick enough raspberries to fill a little 16 oz. box. (That's a good thing.) Now I know why they're so expensive in the grocery stores.
From here we hopped back in the car and head down the road to the tourist trap area.
We had brought a picnic lunch, while the rest of my family purchased theirs from the restaurant. The prices weren't too bad. $9 for a tasty tri-tip sandwich. The nephew liked the hot dog. We all liked the cider, but no one liked the raspberry shake. Too many seeds and it tasted like it was made with yogurt not ice cream. There was s great picnic area and our kids had a great time rolling up and down the hill and climbing the trees.
We took the tractor ride and learned a little about the valley, apple varieties and how the Nature Conservancy has replanted some of the orchard and planted Sequoias. That's right Sequoias! Our driver didn't seem too pleased about it, pointing out that the awesome view from the farm will be blocked the new trees in a few years. He said the Conservancy was conducting a beautification project.
Hmmm. I have to agree with him. The view was amazing. Besides, one doesn't go apple picking to see a small stand of Sequoias.
There was also a petting zoo, cider pressing and lots of things one could buy in the gift store.
Somehow we avoided spending money on these other items, only to be suckered into paying the $5 per kid to go into the giant jumper/slide in the small town center on our way out.
When we asked the kids the next day what was their favorite part of the trip, they said the jumper.
Kids. You gotta love 'em.
But getting back on track.
The first task when we arrived in Oak Glenn was finding my other family members who drove up earlier. Cell phones get poor, if any, reception up there. It's amazing how dependent we are on our cell phones. Compounding the problem was the fact that Los Rios has two separate ranches: one for picking fruit and another for the gift store, nature walk, picnic areas, food, etc. Fortunately, my mother drives a bright yellow SUV, so after cruising around a bit we spotted the SUV and the note she stuck in her windshield wiper.
It turns out different apple varieties are ready to harvest at different times in September and October. We were there during the earliest harvest, 9/1, which meant our choice of varieties to pick were only the Galas and Spartans. Of course being a military history buff, I was immediately drawn to the Spartans. I pictured Kind Leonidas eating his red apple as his Spartans buried the mountains of dead Persians in the background.
Okay, back to the trip.
So the Galas we learned are the sweet apples and the Spartans are a bit firmer and sour. This meant the Spartans were good for baking pies and the Galas for eating plain. (I baked a pie today with the Spartans and it was delicious!)
While apple picking was fun, my boys and I really enjoyed picking the raspberries. The fun was searching for the best raspberries. Picking out the good from the bad amongst the dozens of hedges. My boys were running everywhere yelling they found one or two or a whole bunch. And it seemed to take forever to pick enough raspberries to fill a little 16 oz. box. (That's a good thing.) Now I know why they're so expensive in the grocery stores.
From here we hopped back in the car and head down the road to the tourist trap area.
We had brought a picnic lunch, while the rest of my family purchased theirs from the restaurant. The prices weren't too bad. $9 for a tasty tri-tip sandwich. The nephew liked the hot dog. We all liked the cider, but no one liked the raspberry shake. Too many seeds and it tasted like it was made with yogurt not ice cream. There was s great picnic area and our kids had a great time rolling up and down the hill and climbing the trees.
We took the tractor ride and learned a little about the valley, apple varieties and how the Nature Conservancy has replanted some of the orchard and planted Sequoias. That's right Sequoias! Our driver didn't seem too pleased about it, pointing out that the awesome view from the farm will be blocked the new trees in a few years. He said the Conservancy was conducting a beautification project.
Hmmm. I have to agree with him. The view was amazing. Besides, one doesn't go apple picking to see a small stand of Sequoias.
There was also a petting zoo, cider pressing and lots of things one could buy in the gift store.
Somehow we avoided spending money on these other items, only to be suckered into paying the $5 per kid to go into the giant jumper/slide in the small town center on our way out.
When we asked the kids the next day what was their favorite part of the trip, they said the jumper.
Kids. You gotta love 'em.
Friday, August 29, 2008
McCain's running mate - Sarah Palin
First Impressions.
Wow! Suprising! Smart!
Of course she's from Alaska, another big oil producing state. And with all the government corruption up there with Senator Stevens and his bridge to nowhere, one can definately see pay for play politics at its highest form.
By picking someone three years younger than Obama, McCain just made himself the biggest hypocrite possible. Throughout his campaign he's been knocking Obama for his youth and lack of experience - foreign policy and in everything else. Now he picks someone three years younger than Obama. A person who will take over if something happens to McCain. Someone who has less experience than Obama in politics and Washington.
Obama and the editorials should have a field day with this. If McCain says anything about Obama's lack of experience, Obama only has to point out that McCain feels Palin is capable of taking over as commander-in-chief if something should befall him - because that is the primary role of a VP.
Realistic, rational, best-for-our-country thinking aside, I think McCain's camp made a brilliant choice in choosing a female VP. He should've chosen a women perhaps ten years older just for the experience quotient, but still a good move.
I am sure a number of women and maybe some others who were voting for Hillary because she was a woman, will switch their votes. I don't know how many, but there will definately be some.
As long as Palin is a capable speaker and debater she can only help McCain. I don't know enough about her to know if she is or not. Her speech at next week's Republican Convention will be very telling.
The only way McCain's choice for VP will backfire is if during the VP debate, Biden is able to talk circle arounds Palin much like Kerry did to Bush during their first debate. Adding to that train of thought, Obama's camp will need to remind people that if something happens to the elderly McCain, Palin would be the President. Right now.
I don't think it'll draw away the youth vote from Obama who were voting for Obama because his youthfulness in and of itself symbolized change. The reason: McCain is still have an old geezer with conservative ideals and out of touch with the average American and he'll be making policy not her.
This pick will help McCain and keep the race tight. But it will also make some of McCain's most effective attacks against Obama - inexperience - less effective.
****
I think if McCain is elected or even if he fails, four years from now - or eight - she could definately be a top candidate for presidency - if she is capable and not another Dan Quayle. Wow, imagine for the women of this country a Clinton vs. Palin election in 2012 or 2016.
Of course, I've said all this without knowing much about her. Only that she is three years younger than Obama, a woman, governor of Alaska, strong anti-abortionist and has a child in the National Guard. I know nothing about how she runs Alaska. It'll be interesting to learn more.
Wow! Suprising! Smart!
Of course she's from Alaska, another big oil producing state. And with all the government corruption up there with Senator Stevens and his bridge to nowhere, one can definately see pay for play politics at its highest form.
By picking someone three years younger than Obama, McCain just made himself the biggest hypocrite possible. Throughout his campaign he's been knocking Obama for his youth and lack of experience - foreign policy and in everything else. Now he picks someone three years younger than Obama. A person who will take over if something happens to McCain. Someone who has less experience than Obama in politics and Washington.
Obama and the editorials should have a field day with this. If McCain says anything about Obama's lack of experience, Obama only has to point out that McCain feels Palin is capable of taking over as commander-in-chief if something should befall him - because that is the primary role of a VP.
Realistic, rational, best-for-our-country thinking aside, I think McCain's camp made a brilliant choice in choosing a female VP. He should've chosen a women perhaps ten years older just for the experience quotient, but still a good move.
I am sure a number of women and maybe some others who were voting for Hillary because she was a woman, will switch their votes. I don't know how many, but there will definately be some.
As long as Palin is a capable speaker and debater she can only help McCain. I don't know enough about her to know if she is or not. Her speech at next week's Republican Convention will be very telling.
The only way McCain's choice for VP will backfire is if during the VP debate, Biden is able to talk circle arounds Palin much like Kerry did to Bush during their first debate. Adding to that train of thought, Obama's camp will need to remind people that if something happens to the elderly McCain, Palin would be the President. Right now.
I don't think it'll draw away the youth vote from Obama who were voting for Obama because his youthfulness in and of itself symbolized change. The reason: McCain is still have an old geezer with conservative ideals and out of touch with the average American and he'll be making policy not her.
This pick will help McCain and keep the race tight. But it will also make some of McCain's most effective attacks against Obama - inexperience - less effective.
****
I think if McCain is elected or even if he fails, four years from now - or eight - she could definately be a top candidate for presidency - if she is capable and not another Dan Quayle. Wow, imagine for the women of this country a Clinton vs. Palin election in 2012 or 2016.
Of course, I've said all this without knowing much about her. Only that she is three years younger than Obama, a woman, governor of Alaska, strong anti-abortionist and has a child in the National Guard. I know nothing about how she runs Alaska. It'll be interesting to learn more.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Da Vinci Code
I know the book came out five years ago and I've already seen the movie, but after reading a few dry and slow moving books I decided to read a record breaking bestseller because it had to be good. I mean, millions of people couldn't be wrong.
They weren't.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code. It had an engaging plot. All the historical back story was relevant. I was interested in every character. The antagonists' motives were understandable. There were clear delinations of P.O.V. And finally, the way Dan Brown broke up the chapters - most of them short to very short - made for a quick read.
This was one of the best books I've read in awhile.
If you need something negative, the only thing I didn't get was the identity of the principal antagonist. I'll say no more.
They weren't.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code. It had an engaging plot. All the historical back story was relevant. I was interested in every character. The antagonists' motives were understandable. There were clear delinations of P.O.V. And finally, the way Dan Brown broke up the chapters - most of them short to very short - made for a quick read.
This was one of the best books I've read in awhile.
If you need something negative, the only thing I didn't get was the identity of the principal antagonist. I'll say no more.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Fantasy Football
Fantasy Football - I love it. But it's definately for someone without a family.
---A quick indoctrination for those of you unfamiliary with Fantasy Football (FFL), FFL is where ten to twelve people (players) get together and form a league. Then each player picks a roster of National League Football players for their fantasy team, and monitors their progress over the NFL season getting points depending on how well their players perform.---
My friend and I had a laugh the other night about how we used to mail, fax and phone calls in order to make changes to our roster and update our statistics every week when we first started. And then ESPN came along with their online league for $29.99 and did everything at the touch of a button. Now joining a league is free. How times have progressed.
But back to the point of why FFL isn't for a family man. This week was our league's draft. I'd purchased one of those fantasy guide books as I had every year for the last eleven years and joined the same league I've been in for just as long. After getting the boys to bed, I tried to cram my football research into my head, but most nights I found myself waking up in the wee hours of the morning with the guide book on the floor, the couch or my chest not sure where I left off, but sure I hadn't progressed more than a page.
Doing well in FFL (Fantasy Football) requires lots of research. More than that, it requires watching the games. Sure a family man can read the papers and statistics after the kids go to bed, but as for watching the games forget it. Especially, after Monday Night Football left ABC for ESPN. And watching football is the most important thing a Fantasy Footballer can do. That's the only way one can really get a feel for how NFL players and NFL teams are doing. The drop balls. The steadiness of a quarterback in the pocket. How good the running back really is versus the offensive or opposing defensive line.
So John, why don't you watch the games, you ask For example, have your kids watch the game with you or tell the wife you're going out? First, young kids are hard pressed to sit still and watch anything for three hours that doesn't have light sabers or hot wheels flashing across the screen. Not to mention constantly wanting your attention (I've got my kids to sit through a quarter of football, but that's it.) As for leaving the wife and kids to go to a bar? A weekend consists of two days. Do I really want to give up one of those two days to watch football instead of being with the kids? It's a hard choice, but in the end, the kids win out-most of the time.
So my FFL record:
Prekids - most years I reached the playoff round.
Since the kids - I don't think I've made it once.
Why do I keep playing? I like it. Also, when I tried to bow out last year my old friends used all kinds of creative terms to force me to maintain some sense of male pride. It's also given me ample ammunition into shaming anyone of those "old friends" who try to bow out now.
So if you're that guy who bowed out this year or the other guy who thought about it, don't forget to put on your skirt the next time you step outside.
---A quick indoctrination for those of you unfamiliary with Fantasy Football (FFL), FFL is where ten to twelve people (players) get together and form a league. Then each player picks a roster of National League Football players for their fantasy team, and monitors their progress over the NFL season getting points depending on how well their players perform.---
My friend and I had a laugh the other night about how we used to mail, fax and phone calls in order to make changes to our roster and update our statistics every week when we first started. And then ESPN came along with their online league for $29.99 and did everything at the touch of a button. Now joining a league is free. How times have progressed.
But back to the point of why FFL isn't for a family man. This week was our league's draft. I'd purchased one of those fantasy guide books as I had every year for the last eleven years and joined the same league I've been in for just as long. After getting the boys to bed, I tried to cram my football research into my head, but most nights I found myself waking up in the wee hours of the morning with the guide book on the floor, the couch or my chest not sure where I left off, but sure I hadn't progressed more than a page.
Doing well in FFL (Fantasy Football) requires lots of research. More than that, it requires watching the games. Sure a family man can read the papers and statistics after the kids go to bed, but as for watching the games forget it. Especially, after Monday Night Football left ABC for ESPN. And watching football is the most important thing a Fantasy Footballer can do. That's the only way one can really get a feel for how NFL players and NFL teams are doing. The drop balls. The steadiness of a quarterback in the pocket. How good the running back really is versus the offensive or opposing defensive line.
So John, why don't you watch the games, you ask For example, have your kids watch the game with you or tell the wife you're going out? First, young kids are hard pressed to sit still and watch anything for three hours that doesn't have light sabers or hot wheels flashing across the screen. Not to mention constantly wanting your attention (I've got my kids to sit through a quarter of football, but that's it.) As for leaving the wife and kids to go to a bar? A weekend consists of two days. Do I really want to give up one of those two days to watch football instead of being with the kids? It's a hard choice, but in the end, the kids win out-most of the time.
So my FFL record:
Prekids - most years I reached the playoff round.
Since the kids - I don't think I've made it once.
Why do I keep playing? I like it. Also, when I tried to bow out last year my old friends used all kinds of creative terms to force me to maintain some sense of male pride. It's also given me ample ammunition into shaming anyone of those "old friends" who try to bow out now.
So if you're that guy who bowed out this year or the other guy who thought about it, don't forget to put on your skirt the next time you step outside.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Most important event on 8/8/08
I know everyone expects me to say the Olympics, but what struck me as the most important event to begin that day was Russia's invasion of Georgia.
It's the first time the old Bear invaded another soverign nation since Afghanistan. As of today, four days after hositilities began between Russia and Georgia, there is a shaky cease-fire. What was most amazing to me, was the overwhelming amount of force Russia used against Georgia to supposedly defend their soldiers and citizens in South Ossetia. Yes, Georgia was stupid for thinking they could just waltz into South Ossetia and the Russian "Peacekeepers" would just melt across the border back into Russia proper. It should've been obvious that they were just waiting for a reason to punish Georgia for leaving the Communist Bloc and seeking membershiop in NATO. That Georgia allowed themselves to be baited so cleanly, caused over 2,000 people to be killed. The speed with which Russia counterattacked Georgia, the volume of forces arrayed against Georgia proved that Russia was waiting for an appropriate provocation. The rhetoric out of Russia all these years telling Georgia to leave Souther... alone or else, matched the rhetoric of Georgia's president saying he would take back Souther... at all cost.
If the ceasefire does hold, the result will be that all the newly independent countries in Central Asia that emerged from the fall of the Soviet Union now realize just how tenuous U.S. support is for their regimes. If Russia herself - not a satellite like Serbia - sets foot on another country's soil, the US will back away, rather than face a full blown war.
Russia is back, and as aggressive as ever.
It's the first time the old Bear invaded another soverign nation since Afghanistan. As of today, four days after hositilities began between Russia and Georgia, there is a shaky cease-fire. What was most amazing to me, was the overwhelming amount of force Russia used against Georgia to supposedly defend their soldiers and citizens in South Ossetia. Yes, Georgia was stupid for thinking they could just waltz into South Ossetia and the Russian "Peacekeepers" would just melt across the border back into Russia proper. It should've been obvious that they were just waiting for a reason to punish Georgia for leaving the Communist Bloc and seeking membershiop in NATO. That Georgia allowed themselves to be baited so cleanly, caused over 2,000 people to be killed. The speed with which Russia counterattacked Georgia, the volume of forces arrayed against Georgia proved that Russia was waiting for an appropriate provocation. The rhetoric out of Russia all these years telling Georgia to leave Souther... alone or else, matched the rhetoric of Georgia's president saying he would take back Souther... at all cost.
If the ceasefire does hold, the result will be that all the newly independent countries in Central Asia that emerged from the fall of the Soviet Union now realize just how tenuous U.S. support is for their regimes. If Russia herself - not a satellite like Serbia - sets foot on another country's soil, the US will back away, rather than face a full blown war.
Russia is back, and as aggressive as ever.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Paris Hilton for President
How could someone not vote for her after this speech:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/05/paris-hilton-responds-to_n_117137.html
It was one of the most intelligent comments on energy policy I've heard a politician give this year. Her being photogenic doesn't hurt either. But don't worry McCainanites and Obamasans, unfortunately she's under the legal age limit so I have to vote for one of your candidates.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/05/paris-hilton-responds-to_n_117137.html
It was one of the most intelligent comments on energy policy I've heard a politician give this year. Her being photogenic doesn't hurt either. But don't worry McCainanites and Obamasans, unfortunately she's under the legal age limit so I have to vote for one of your candidates.
Friday, August 1, 2008
"...terrific premise...", but...
On the cover of the sci-fi novel, The Sky People, the following is a blurb by Publisher's Weekly "Rollicking...(A) terrific premise."
While I have to agree that the story has a terrific premise, I don't agree with the rollicking part. It'd be interesting to see what the full review by Publisher's Weekly said.
The premise of cold war settlements on Venus interacting with alien races and what happens when the aliens obtain a bunch of AK47s sounds cool. Stirling created a vivid world and explained in great detail how things were similiar and disimiliar to earth. Flipping through the book now, I notice the author used a preponderance of long paragraphs filled with richly, detailed descriptions. Unfortunately our protagonist was mirred in these lenghty descriptions, while some of the side stories were much more exciting.
I set the book down at page 55, but whether it was because my mind was on other things or my mind wasn't in a sci-fi mode this month I've determined not to finish it. I left off where the protagonist went on a science expedition, that he himself was not excited about, which in turn left me uninterested. It was time to move on.
While I have to agree that the story has a terrific premise, I don't agree with the rollicking part. It'd be interesting to see what the full review by Publisher's Weekly said.
The premise of cold war settlements on Venus interacting with alien races and what happens when the aliens obtain a bunch of AK47s sounds cool. Stirling created a vivid world and explained in great detail how things were similiar and disimiliar to earth. Flipping through the book now, I notice the author used a preponderance of long paragraphs filled with richly, detailed descriptions. Unfortunately our protagonist was mirred in these lenghty descriptions, while some of the side stories were much more exciting.
I set the book down at page 55, but whether it was because my mind was on other things or my mind wasn't in a sci-fi mode this month I've determined not to finish it. I left off where the protagonist went on a science expedition, that he himself was not excited about, which in turn left me uninterested. It was time to move on.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Comic Conventions - Updating Perceptions
For the first time since high school I went to a comic book convention. Not just any convention, but San Diego's world famous Comic Con.
There were lots of promotions for movies based on comic books; video games - some based on comics, most not; panels on upcoming movies and t.v. shows with actors and directors; an artist area; tables of female "models" selling pictures of themselves; toy companies like Lego and Hasbro; and oh yes a small area devoted to the selling of comic books.
I remember when, yes here I go dating myself, that comic book conventions consisted of a large room filled with tables loaded with comic books. Behind these tables on big boards would be pasted the highlight of comic fans the most prized and valuable of comic books: X-men #1, the first issue of Spiderman in his black suit, really old issues of Superman and so on. Scattered about would be a t-shirt seller or artist or comic related toys or supplies (boxes, boards, plastic covers of varying quality). There would also be one room that had science fiction or animated movies playing in between a rare speaker. The conventions were crowded and had the funk of too many sweating bodies in one area, but everyone was doing the same thing, buying comics, haggling for comics and sitting along the wall reading comics.
How things have changed. It hasn't changed in a bad way, it's just changed. And while I had a great time, it took a little while to get used to it. For example, the official DC and Marvel promotional stalls had lots of costumed superheroes walking around, movie displays and plastic models of characters, but I couldn't find an actual comic book - for sample or for purchase.
And then there was the Lego stand. My son loves Legos, and would've been like a kid in a candy store - for that's what it was - a full lego store in the center of the convention selling the newest lego sets. Complete with lego tables for kids to build to their hearts' content. Again, a bit odd for a comic book convention. Although they did have Mr. Farshety autographing his Bionicle comic books which both of my boys spend hours looking at again and again. This must have been Lego’s in.
Lucas films had a booth as well promoting the upcoming Clone Wars with Bobby and Jenga Feet and storm troopers. Very cool. Comic related? Sure, why not. Nowadays every popular t.v. series or movie seems to be depicted in a comic book. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek and yes CSI. LOST must have a comic also, since their huge display area had one of the longest lines the convention for free t-shirts.
See what I mean. Very different from back in the day. An experience where one would be hard pressed to find themselves bored – especially men.
Which brings me to the men carrying around cameras. Not little digital cameras, but ones with the full on adjustable lenses. For you see, beautiful women have this weird power over men to make us do silly things. Before we know it we're lured into their booths staring at a hacked up corpse on a motorcycle or allowing a voluptuous brunette place a bright red lipstick tattoo kiss on our neck promoting her company's upcoming movie, The Secret.
Yes, I got kissed. And so did so many other men (and women I'll add) that by the end of the day, other vendors were asking me why everyone had a lipstick kiss on their neck.
So to conclude, I had a great time updating my perception of what a comic convention is, while grabbing free stickers and flash drives and bags and comics and gawking at beautiful models.
Will I go again? Sure. But next time I'll take a better camera.
: )
There were lots of promotions for movies based on comic books; video games - some based on comics, most not; panels on upcoming movies and t.v. shows with actors and directors; an artist area; tables of female "models" selling pictures of themselves; toy companies like Lego and Hasbro; and oh yes a small area devoted to the selling of comic books.
I remember when, yes here I go dating myself, that comic book conventions consisted of a large room filled with tables loaded with comic books. Behind these tables on big boards would be pasted the highlight of comic fans the most prized and valuable of comic books: X-men #1, the first issue of Spiderman in his black suit, really old issues of Superman and so on. Scattered about would be a t-shirt seller or artist or comic related toys or supplies (boxes, boards, plastic covers of varying quality). There would also be one room that had science fiction or animated movies playing in between a rare speaker. The conventions were crowded and had the funk of too many sweating bodies in one area, but everyone was doing the same thing, buying comics, haggling for comics and sitting along the wall reading comics.
How things have changed. It hasn't changed in a bad way, it's just changed. And while I had a great time, it took a little while to get used to it. For example, the official DC and Marvel promotional stalls had lots of costumed superheroes walking around, movie displays and plastic models of characters, but I couldn't find an actual comic book - for sample or for purchase.
And then there was the Lego stand. My son loves Legos, and would've been like a kid in a candy store - for that's what it was - a full lego store in the center of the convention selling the newest lego sets. Complete with lego tables for kids to build to their hearts' content. Again, a bit odd for a comic book convention. Although they did have Mr. Farshety autographing his Bionicle comic books which both of my boys spend hours looking at again and again. This must have been Lego’s in.
Lucas films had a booth as well promoting the upcoming Clone Wars with Bobby and Jenga Feet and storm troopers. Very cool. Comic related? Sure, why not. Nowadays every popular t.v. series or movie seems to be depicted in a comic book. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek and yes CSI. LOST must have a comic also, since their huge display area had one of the longest lines the convention for free t-shirts.
See what I mean. Very different from back in the day. An experience where one would be hard pressed to find themselves bored – especially men.
Which brings me to the men carrying around cameras. Not little digital cameras, but ones with the full on adjustable lenses. For you see, beautiful women have this weird power over men to make us do silly things. Before we know it we're lured into their booths staring at a hacked up corpse on a motorcycle or allowing a voluptuous brunette place a bright red lipstick tattoo kiss on our neck promoting her company's upcoming movie, The Secret.
Yes, I got kissed. And so did so many other men (and women I'll add) that by the end of the day, other vendors were asking me why everyone had a lipstick kiss on their neck.
So to conclude, I had a great time updating my perception of what a comic convention is, while grabbing free stickers and flash drives and bags and comics and gawking at beautiful models.
Will I go again? Sure. But next time I'll take a better camera.
: )
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
War of 1812
1812: The War that Forged a Nation by Walter Borneman was a very interesting and well put together read. Nothing like relearning one's American History.
Byproducts of the War of 1812 included the composition of the Star Spangled Banner, the USS Constitution being nicknamed 'Old Ironsides', the American victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans, the burning of Washington DC by the British, discussion of secession by the Northeastern United States from the Union. A few of the notable Americans during the war were Andrew Jackson, the Pirate Lafeyette, Winfield Scott, Admiral Perry, Dolly Madison, James Monroe and many others. The subjects I mention above are only a few of the events and people the average American vaguely remembers from grade school - like me. Borneman does a good job fleshing out these iconic events and names, and relating them to the modern reader as to why these people and events were so significant. His discussions of battles and their imports were my favorite parts. They were well described and Borneman had plenty of maps throughout the book.
My only gray comment is a couple of the backstories were placed awkwardly just before a few of battles, while at other times, a general's or commander's name would be thrown out there and I had forgotten if the man was British or American and would have to go back a few pages to find out. But these were very minor flaws that happened very infrequently.
A very good book for anyone wanting a refresher on one of the most important events in our young nation's history.
Byproducts of the War of 1812 included the composition of the Star Spangled Banner, the USS Constitution being nicknamed 'Old Ironsides', the American victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans, the burning of Washington DC by the British, discussion of secession by the Northeastern United States from the Union. A few of the notable Americans during the war were Andrew Jackson, the Pirate Lafeyette, Winfield Scott, Admiral Perry, Dolly Madison, James Monroe and many others. The subjects I mention above are only a few of the events and people the average American vaguely remembers from grade school - like me. Borneman does a good job fleshing out these iconic events and names, and relating them to the modern reader as to why these people and events were so significant. His discussions of battles and their imports were my favorite parts. They were well described and Borneman had plenty of maps throughout the book.
My only gray comment is a couple of the backstories were placed awkwardly just before a few of battles, while at other times, a general's or commander's name would be thrown out there and I had forgotten if the man was British or American and would have to go back a few pages to find out. But these were very minor flaws that happened very infrequently.
A very good book for anyone wanting a refresher on one of the most important events in our young nation's history.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Update to Topics Previously Discussed
Movie reviews: Saw Hancock, thumbs down. It wasn't bad enough that a white man had to show a black man how to be civilized, but then the movie committed the most mortal of sins, the hero couldn't even save himself (to make it worse, the white man had to save the black man). Talk about stereotypes. I'm surprised Will Smith signed on once he read the script.
Wall-E - two thumbs up. Aside from the visuals, the story itself was unique and very heartwarming. Endearing even. I took my kids with me, but over half of the audience was adults without kids.
Politics: Obama and McCain are both moving towards the center, what else is new. Whoever wins, will go back and serve their more radical constituents. Obama is probably wishing the elections were held next week so he doesn't suffer any more reversals.
Wall-E - two thumbs up. Aside from the visuals, the story itself was unique and very heartwarming. Endearing even. I took my kids with me, but over half of the audience was adults without kids.
Politics: Obama and McCain are both moving towards the center, what else is new. Whoever wins, will go back and serve their more radical constituents. Obama is probably wishing the elections were held next week so he doesn't suffer any more reversals.
Book Review: SPQR IX The Princess and the Pirates. The writing was very engaging although a bit unorthodox. The protagonist kept going into these speals about various historical details. Unlike Pompeii, the Robert's laying in of details seemed a bit smoother. Not as suffocating. But the tone of the story was strange, like the protagonist knew his audience was 21st century readers. Strange, but quite engaging. My only problem, just like Star Trek 3 (that was the one with the Hot Headed Klingon chasing Kirk all over the galaxy itching for a fight, right?) was that there was no fight. We read all of these nautical details about how good the pirate captain is and all these interesting tricks and all of the naval manuevers our protagonist is running his men through, but in the end, there is not single sea battle. Mind you, this novel is call the Princess and the Pirates. And with Roberts' eye for detail and good fight scenes on land and the book was less than 200 pages, not having the big fight he had been alluding to throughout the novel was a big let down. Isn't the old saying if there's a gun on page 1, it had better be fired by someone on page 50? If you've got warships, marines, sailors and pirates you'd better have a naval engagement.
That's all for now.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Movie Reviews
Iron Man
Decent actors, decent plot, great special effects. It's just a shame that the Iron Man movie - cartoon version - is very similiar, if not identical, to the the live action movie. It took away a bit of the surprise of what was going to happen next. Hopefully, Marvel doesn't do the same thing with future superhero movies based on other comic books. I'm leery of the Hulk movie, as the Hulk's antagonist is a creature called Abomination; the same as it was in the animated Hulk movie put out by Marvel a couple of years ago.
Speed Racer
Perhaps I went into the movie with lower expectations than I had for Iron Man or it was due to the fact that I was huge Speed Racer fan as a child, but whatever the case I thought the Speed Racer movie was great. When I told a friend how much I liked it, he said from the previews it looked like the racing was confusing and hard to follow - all flash and bang. I agree, some of the editing could have been better, but the storyline, actors, making the movie so close to the cartoon series, and some great racing scenes, I was taken back to my childhood. The only part I didn't like, was that so much of the movie was done like a cartoon - the world, the cars, the fight scenes - that it really bugged me when they showed some guy getting beat while tied to a chair (busted lip, bloody nose, blood on shirt etc.).
Yes, I have kids, but I'm so damn sick of seeing torture in every goddamn movie I see - even one rated PG.
I don't know what's up with Hollywood always doing this. The point in the movie was to show how low the bad guys were, but either Hollywood has gotten lazy or just forgot how to make a bad guy seem really menacing without "showing" him or his henchmen beating someone into a bloody pulp. What ever happened to the good old threat of violence stand on it's own. It really made no sense showing the blood in a movie rated PG and obviously oriented towards children. Every other fight scene except for this was comical - in a good way.
My son after the beating scene said lets go, because he was scared. But then the racing took over for the next hour and a half he forgot about it. But the same thing happened in Iron Man- 10 seconds of rough treatment at the hands of the Afghanis. That's it, but completely unnecessary. And in Transformers - Bumblebee being tortured by the humans. Pirates of the Carribbean-a prisoner gets his eye plucked out by a bird. King Kong. Lord of the Rings - Smegal tortured by the orcs. The last Bond movie - beating him and breaking his nuts - there was no friggin' point for that. But John, you say, it shows our hero's strength. Or it show's the danger he's in. Besides it was an R rating. Dude, who enjoys watching someone's nuts get smashed? Only someone sick and demented. I think most people go to see a Bond movie to see the cool gadgets, awesome cars and fine women and how he gets out of his predicaments. - On a side note, what the hell is that all about when we take the women out of the Bond intro and put in fight scenes. Hollywood once again proves it perverse prudish logic that its better to show violence than the sensuality of a woman's body.
And so many more movies. I'm not saying this because I want all my movies rated G. I love action films and have no problem with appropriate movie violence. I just wonder why all these great movies devote thirty seconds to include a torture quotient. Especially, when the movie has nothing to do with horror. Maybe its the "24" phenomena of Jack Bauer where torture became a regular thing. Or Hostel. Or Abu Grab(?). But when people go to see these movies: Speed Racer, Transformers, Bond, etc : they go to escape and have a good time - not to feel their insides clench.
So if you're listening Hollywood and wondering why kids aren't flocking to see Speed Racer in droves, its because parents like me tell my neighbors with families: Speed Racer was great, except the one scene where someone gets their face beat up. But John, kids see violence everyday. True, I say. But then why in the rest of the entire movie, did you not show a single ounce of blood in any scene even when a monkey was bouncing a wrench on someone's head. See, no reason for it. New scene. Guy tied to chair. Bad guy says something threatening. Good guy scared. Bad guy shows example of what might happen. Then ...well I don't want to give away the movie for those of you who haven't seen it.
In conclusion, I liked Speed Racer better than Iron Man. My son came out of the movie running up and down the aisles pretending to be Speed Racer he liked it so much. And parents, the movie is great for most of kids. I don't mean to scare you away The great special effects and heart pumping racing scenes are something any kid who likes racing should miss out on.
Decent actors, decent plot, great special effects. It's just a shame that the Iron Man movie - cartoon version - is very similiar, if not identical, to the the live action movie. It took away a bit of the surprise of what was going to happen next. Hopefully, Marvel doesn't do the same thing with future superhero movies based on other comic books. I'm leery of the Hulk movie, as the Hulk's antagonist is a creature called Abomination; the same as it was in the animated Hulk movie put out by Marvel a couple of years ago.
Speed Racer
Perhaps I went into the movie with lower expectations than I had for Iron Man or it was due to the fact that I was huge Speed Racer fan as a child, but whatever the case I thought the Speed Racer movie was great. When I told a friend how much I liked it, he said from the previews it looked like the racing was confusing and hard to follow - all flash and bang. I agree, some of the editing could have been better, but the storyline, actors, making the movie so close to the cartoon series, and some great racing scenes, I was taken back to my childhood. The only part I didn't like, was that so much of the movie was done like a cartoon - the world, the cars, the fight scenes - that it really bugged me when they showed some guy getting beat while tied to a chair (busted lip, bloody nose, blood on shirt etc.).
Yes, I have kids, but I'm so damn sick of seeing torture in every goddamn movie I see - even one rated PG.
I don't know what's up with Hollywood always doing this. The point in the movie was to show how low the bad guys were, but either Hollywood has gotten lazy or just forgot how to make a bad guy seem really menacing without "showing" him or his henchmen beating someone into a bloody pulp. What ever happened to the good old threat of violence stand on it's own. It really made no sense showing the blood in a movie rated PG and obviously oriented towards children. Every other fight scene except for this was comical - in a good way.
My son after the beating scene said lets go, because he was scared. But then the racing took over for the next hour and a half he forgot about it. But the same thing happened in Iron Man- 10 seconds of rough treatment at the hands of the Afghanis. That's it, but completely unnecessary. And in Transformers - Bumblebee being tortured by the humans. Pirates of the Carribbean-a prisoner gets his eye plucked out by a bird. King Kong. Lord of the Rings - Smegal tortured by the orcs. The last Bond movie - beating him and breaking his nuts - there was no friggin' point for that. But John, you say, it shows our hero's strength. Or it show's the danger he's in. Besides it was an R rating. Dude, who enjoys watching someone's nuts get smashed? Only someone sick and demented. I think most people go to see a Bond movie to see the cool gadgets, awesome cars and fine women and how he gets out of his predicaments. - On a side note, what the hell is that all about when we take the women out of the Bond intro and put in fight scenes. Hollywood once again proves it perverse prudish logic that its better to show violence than the sensuality of a woman's body.
And so many more movies. I'm not saying this because I want all my movies rated G. I love action films and have no problem with appropriate movie violence. I just wonder why all these great movies devote thirty seconds to include a torture quotient. Especially, when the movie has nothing to do with horror. Maybe its the "24" phenomena of Jack Bauer where torture became a regular thing. Or Hostel. Or Abu Grab(?). But when people go to see these movies: Speed Racer, Transformers, Bond, etc : they go to escape and have a good time - not to feel their insides clench.
So if you're listening Hollywood and wondering why kids aren't flocking to see Speed Racer in droves, its because parents like me tell my neighbors with families: Speed Racer was great, except the one scene where someone gets their face beat up. But John, kids see violence everyday. True, I say. But then why in the rest of the entire movie, did you not show a single ounce of blood in any scene even when a monkey was bouncing a wrench on someone's head. See, no reason for it. New scene. Guy tied to chair. Bad guy says something threatening. Good guy scared. Bad guy shows example of what might happen. Then ...well I don't want to give away the movie for those of you who haven't seen it.
In conclusion, I liked Speed Racer better than Iron Man. My son came out of the movie running up and down the aisles pretending to be Speed Racer he liked it so much. And parents, the movie is great for most of kids. I don't mean to scare you away The great special effects and heart pumping racing scenes are something any kid who likes racing should miss out on.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Pompeii
I finally finished reading Pompeii by Robert Harris. I say finally, because it took me almost a month to finish it.
The first hundred pages were loaded with great details, but so many that I found myself skimming. The lack of connection with any of the main characters in the first third of the story was my principal problem and allowed me to set the novel aside and read something else to often. But then the next two hundred pages blew me away. (No pun intended.)
It wasn't the protagonist who saved the story, but the antagonist and how he impacted/influenced those around him. And whether it just took me awhile to get used to Harris' writing style or finally feeling for his characters, his excessive attention to details really served him well once Vesuvius blew its top.
I'm extremely glad I didn't put the novel down for good before I finished the first third of the book. But man, was I close.
The first hundred pages were loaded with great details, but so many that I found myself skimming. The lack of connection with any of the main characters in the first third of the story was my principal problem and allowed me to set the novel aside and read something else to often. But then the next two hundred pages blew me away. (No pun intended.)
It wasn't the protagonist who saved the story, but the antagonist and how he impacted/influenced those around him. And whether it just took me awhile to get used to Harris' writing style or finally feeling for his characters, his excessive attention to details really served him well once Vesuvius blew its top.
I'm extremely glad I didn't put the novel down for good before I finished the first third of the book. But man, was I close.
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Rutles Show
Last night, I went to see the entertaining musical, Rutlemania, a spoof of the Beatles. The music and background movie were fine with some funny elements, but the two go-go dancers really stole the show. I know what you're thinking, typical guy, but my mother and aunt agreed. The go-go's smiles were infectious and their enthusiasm for their roles (as dancers, groupies and even puppeteers) was great. My mother said, That's their job. That's what they get paid for.
Give them a raise, I say.
Give them a raise, I say.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Equality
900 people will soon decide who will be the Democratic presidential candidate.
900; not the 20,000,000 who have voted over the last two months.
900; not the 20,000,000 who have voted over the last two months.
1 man, 1 vote? Not so my friends.
As Mr. Orwell once said, "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others."
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Huckleberries
Until today, my experience with the word, Huckleberry, was limited to a blue dog that sang Oh My Darling Valentine when I was a child.
Imagine my surprise as I walked through the snow-covered town of McCall, Idaho this morning to find a store selling huckleberry syrup, huckleberry honey and huckleberry-flavored popcorn. Next door a candy store was selling huckleberry ice cream and chocolate-covered huckleberries.
So of course I bought a scoop of ice cream and wow was it good. Imagine the taste of fresh blueberries, but without any sourness. Even though I had never had one before, I immediately associated the huckleberry's aroma with childhood - a soft, warm, fuzzy smell.
When I asked the saleswoman if they were grown wild or farmed, she said a past time in Idaho is to go up into the surrounding mountains and pick huckleberries. When you find a good patch, you keep it a secret as long as possible.
I'm sure glad I found this treat before my vacation was over.
I wonder if they make huckleberry wafffles?
Imagine my surprise as I walked through the snow-covered town of McCall, Idaho this morning to find a store selling huckleberry syrup, huckleberry honey and huckleberry-flavored popcorn. Next door a candy store was selling huckleberry ice cream and chocolate-covered huckleberries.
So of course I bought a scoop of ice cream and wow was it good. Imagine the taste of fresh blueberries, but without any sourness. Even though I had never had one before, I immediately associated the huckleberry's aroma with childhood - a soft, warm, fuzzy smell.
When I asked the saleswoman if they were grown wild or farmed, she said a past time in Idaho is to go up into the surrounding mountains and pick huckleberries. When you find a good patch, you keep it a secret as long as possible.
I'm sure glad I found this treat before my vacation was over.
I wonder if they make huckleberry wafffles?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Real Democracry? Part 2
Ha ha ha, to those of you who asked me if I'd ever taken U.S. History.
(I'm happy to know more than one person is reading my blog.)
However, I must've been sick the day my instructor explained that when Americans vote, they are voting for Presidential Electors who have signed a piece of paper stating that they WILL vote for a certain candidate, BUT that they don't have to.
That's a lot of power in the hands of 538 people.
Let me ask this: Why are Americans voting for President at all? Why aren't the presidential candidates holding meetings with members of the Electoral College, swaying them to their side, rather than spending tens of millions of dollars on national ad campaigns? It appears the only purpose of the popular vote in the presidential elections is to create a facade of legitimacy?
I know, you all are asking, "But John, have you forgotten the elections of 2000?" No, I haven't forgotten that farce. My understanding is that Bush won, based purely on the mathematical consequence of how many delegates are awarded to the president based on which states he won - that's why the popular vote didn't matter. Some states had larger populations, but were given only a limited number of electoral votes. But with my new understanding of the political process, when the Electoral College voted 41 days later, they didn't have to listen to the popular vote of the Floridian election. If the electors had decided to vote for Gore, I'm sure there may have been riots in the street for disregarding the Floridian popular vote, but legally, Americans would have had no recourse to change those electors' votes.
Only Michigan and Minnesota have state laws in place to render invalid the votes of faithless electors (those who don't vote as they agreed to, when they applied to become electors). In 22 other states, there are laws to punish the electors after the fact, but once the votes are cast, they can't be changed. If America keeps the Electoral College as an institution, we should impose a federal law rendering all faithless electors' votes invalid.* It will provide a greater sense of legitimacy.
(*Except in the case of when a candidate dies or becomes incapacitated between the time of the popular vote and the Electoral College vote, which has happened twice.)
(I'm happy to know more than one person is reading my blog.)
However, I must've been sick the day my instructor explained that when Americans vote, they are voting for Presidential Electors who have signed a piece of paper stating that they WILL vote for a certain candidate, BUT that they don't have to.
That's a lot of power in the hands of 538 people.
Let me ask this: Why are Americans voting for President at all? Why aren't the presidential candidates holding meetings with members of the Electoral College, swaying them to their side, rather than spending tens of millions of dollars on national ad campaigns? It appears the only purpose of the popular vote in the presidential elections is to create a facade of legitimacy?
I know, you all are asking, "But John, have you forgotten the elections of 2000?" No, I haven't forgotten that farce. My understanding is that Bush won, based purely on the mathematical consequence of how many delegates are awarded to the president based on which states he won - that's why the popular vote didn't matter. Some states had larger populations, but were given only a limited number of electoral votes. But with my new understanding of the political process, when the Electoral College voted 41 days later, they didn't have to listen to the popular vote of the Floridian election. If the electors had decided to vote for Gore, I'm sure there may have been riots in the street for disregarding the Floridian popular vote, but legally, Americans would have had no recourse to change those electors' votes.
Only Michigan and Minnesota have state laws in place to render invalid the votes of faithless electors (those who don't vote as they agreed to, when they applied to become electors). In 22 other states, there are laws to punish the electors after the fact, but once the votes are cast, they can't be changed. If America keeps the Electoral College as an institution, we should impose a federal law rendering all faithless electors' votes invalid.* It will provide a greater sense of legitimacy.
(*Except in the case of when a candidate dies or becomes incapacitated between the time of the popular vote and the Electoral College vote, which has happened twice.)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Real Democracy? Part 1
Super Tuesday is on its way, so I thought I'd do some research about our democratic process. Did you realize the popular vote for President didn't exist prior to 1824? Also, our vote for the President of the United States is an indirect vote? That means Americans vote for Presidential Electors (ie the Electoral College) whose votes don't always reflect their constituents' preferences.
As stated on Wikipedia, "The constitutional theory is that the Congress is elected by the people, while the President and Vice President are elected by the states."
To say the least, I was very surprised.
As stated on Wikipedia, "The constitutional theory is that the Congress is elected by the people, while the President and Vice President are elected by the states."
To say the least, I was very surprised.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Opening of Doors
The message is sent.
The watchers read,
But nothing is said.
The author is unsure of how to proceed.
Labels for post? Content Policy?
He just wants to write.
An idea forms.
Footsteps echo through a rundown hallway.
Time to go.
The watchers read,
But nothing is said.
The author is unsure of how to proceed.
Labels for post? Content Policy?
He just wants to write.
An idea forms.
Footsteps echo through a rundown hallway.
Time to go.
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