4 February

18 January

2 January

11 December

11-11-11

23 October

24 September

Labor Day

21 August

6 August - Take 2

6 August

30 July

Independence Day

28 May 2011

Supplemental - 14 May 2011

14 May 2011

7 May 2011

10 April 2011

11 March 2011

27 February 2011

13 February 2011

3 February 2011

25 Jan 2011

13 Jan 2011

6 Jan 2011

Merry Christmas!

12 December

8 December

4 December

28 November

Happy Halloween!

10-10-10

4 October

13 September

12 September

Site updates

I've added four movies to the database.

Added a quote:

Can't talk now--some peace protesters are trying to kill me
The Ghost in The Ghost Writer

Government Motors

GM is going to offer stock ( http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100813/bs_nm/us_gm_ipo_8 ). Normally, I'd say, good for them. But GM is not a normal company: it's 60% owned by the federal government ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/31/government-motors-us-will_n_209578.html ), which in my mind means that we, the taxpayers, own a controlling interest in GM. I used to offer a free Chevy to a like-minded co-worker with the understanding that I own a small part of GM's massive global enterprise.

Why is this so important to me? Well, I was against the bailouts at the beginning, when it was unpopular, even "anti-capitalistic," to want to stand by and watch the big, historic businesses crumble and fail. I didn't want to see my fellow Americans without jobs, but I was more interested in keeping the government out of the motor industry.

I championed my viewpoint to my representatives in several letters, citing the diminished creativity resulting from the collecting of troubled English motor companies into British Leyland. Naturally, they ignored me. BL is a swear word for me because they tried to breath life into Triumph by using MG as a cash cow. The Midget and MGB didn't develop at all, except for Triumph hand-me-downs, during the reign of [BL] terror from '68-'80.

Like with BL (or should I say the British government), GM stock certificates became valueless. So now, here we go again, except this time, the government knows better. 'After all, that was Britain. What do they know? We're American politicians and we know what needs to be in a car.' Ha!

Back to my argument. So when Government Motors goes public and starts selling stock certificates, who will get this money? Will it come back to taxpayers as a tax refund? Will the money be used to pay back the bailout? Or will some government official (or, more probably, officials) "lose" it? It seems that it will go to pay back the bailout: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3133660/US-Auto-Bailout---General-Motors-%28GM%29--loan-terms

It would be good to see the government officials make good on their promises. I'd mark the day on my calendar. I just don't have a frame of reference to have any confidence. I'm glad that they will soon be directing those evil capitalist pigs who run health insurance companies. I don't mind health care service that's on par with the rest of the world: kids who used Cliff's Notes to pass their "everyone passes, because everyone is a winner" exams...

Site updates

I apologize for being delinquent with my site updates. A lot has been going on in my life getting ready for my brother and sister-in-law's arrival. This is on top of dealing with California's Department of Mentally Vanquished. I've had to pay my state's DMV to sic them on the department in the West Coast's second-most failed state (Oregon is first, of course!). Though, my vehicle registrations appear to be canceled once my new state sends them a confirmation letter. This is worth $15 a vehicle.

Six movies have been added to the GRS database.

I added ten new funny photos:

A British sports car tribute

I just finished watching the latest episode from BBC's Top Gear. Most notable is the tribute that the guys gave classic British sports cars. Previously, I had read an article by Jeremy Clarkson (the central Top Gear host) in which he said MG classic car owners were bearded men who didn't know what a woman was.

Well, it appears that he may have changed his mind--at least--about the bulk of classic British sports cars judging by this rather sentimental review of three classic Bri'ish convertibles.

I am, of course, taken by these quirky old cars. I drive one daily when the threat of serious snow is non-existant. Sure, I'm frequently searching under the hood for the source of a problem. However, I wouldn't trade this for a trouble-free Miata or S2000.

I like my noisy, smelly, rather scary handling, and primitive car. Not only has it done more than I expected by bringing four tires and four wheels (separate) to the tire shop, driving up the west coast of the continental US (and back), and bringing home a 36" tube TV ( read here ); but it has taken residence in my heart.

As the Top Gear presenters seemed to understand: these cars remind us to be grateful for the seemingly small things in life. Such as arriving at a destination without major catastrophe. (Minor ones are sometimes impossible!) The imperfection of these machines gives them a personality.

I found it especially touching that they ended this series by disagreeing about whose British sports car was the best. Sure, it's probably staged. However, it is a noble tribute to their country's automotive history, which has been shared by so many people around the world.

Postscript

Bob has related his unexpected adventure acquiring a visa for his wife in the eastern European country of Georgia in his blog. If anything, I recommend reading it to remind yourself how good we still have it in this country. The needless trouble that he encountered can also be proof that big government--even relics, as in Georgia's case--are needlessly oppressive for the individual.

Drivesatnight.com

Enough work

I was planning to re-adjust the valve clearances on the MG. I bought a neat tool by Gunson that makes this semi-annoying task easy and wanted to try it out. Here's the link to the product page.

I have three other Gunson tools and like their simplistic approach, which yields accurate results. I sound like a commercial! Where's the hot girl who seems to be in every car part commercial?

So instead of that, searching for that very annoying rattle, and checking oil levels; I'll drink beer and hold a monologue. This beer I brewed isn't great: it tastes a little funny. But it is the first batch since moving. It takes time for the equipment to settle. Also, I think I was drunk while brewing it. Hmm...

A few weeks back I finally purchased a small laptop computer. I have been traveling for work and wanted to be able to check e-mail and work on the computer. Watching TV in a hotel room can be dreary and the nightlife where I've been going is, well, pretty much non-existent during the summer (college town).

The new computer is one of those miniature jobs. I believe they're called netbooks because they lack optical drives (e.g. DVD-ROM) and a large screen. This one with the battery can't weigh much more than a pound!

Microsoft aka micro-crap or micro-shit

My laptop came with Windows XP, or "Win-blows Xtra Problems" as I like to call this operating system (OS). Though it is far better than Vista ("I can see clearly now--"oh wait, it's crashed again. Damn it!) or Windows 7.

I have the accursed 7 at work. The log-in screen is cutsy. The start menu is Vista-style and cannot be set to "classic" a la XP or 2000. Microsoft knows what I want and I have no choice. It's like a Soviet election: be sure to vote for the one choice.

Microsoft may not use a gun to ensure you pick the one choice, but I ask is not discontinuing support for XP much different than an AK-47? Fortunately, for my officemate I found a German who wrote code to bypass the Windows 7 start menu and replace it with a classic style menu.

It works damn well and is reliable. Jah, Das ist gut! This is pay back for that crappy Volkswagen that I couldn't repair. Of course, it did have 250,000 miles on it before the odometer broke. That was a choice automobile because then the fuel gauge broke. I started using Google maps and counting trips to know when I needed gas. I am truly spoiled by the MG, which has not only a working fuel gauge, but an odometer and (ah ha!) a trip odometer.

Back to ripping up 7. Also, gone is the flashing network icon that can be activated so you know when you're uploading or downloading from the Internet. Recall the icon of two computers connected by a line sitting in the bottom right of the screen? The screens flashed. That's gone in 7. However, the OS does come with "gadgets".

These things tend to be cutsy and a bit gay. But one of the gadgets measures and displays the upload and download rate on the desktop. Good. Enough of Windows 7. What a disappointing product.

So my laptop came with Windows XP. Of course, I installed Linux as an alternative choice. The first time that I let Windows XP connect to the Internet, it screwed up the hard drive: ruining my Linux installation.

New laptop

Microsoft called my bluff. I formatted the hard drive and installed just Linux. It now runs wonderfully and quick. It will boot from cold to Linux in less than 30 seconds! That's not bad for a baby laptop.

This tiny computer is just what I want in a laptop. I have a desktop computer that can crank out the heavy stuff. I just wanted something small to check e-mail and do basic stuff. The trick is to get the wireless card to work in Linux.

The "Patriot" Act

Remember this legislation passed during Bush's reign? Remember the outrage from people at being subject to surveillance without a warrant? Recall the Democrats saying they'd repeal the law when they resume power. Ahem, now would be a good time!

As I see it, they won't repeal this law because it takes away their power. Let's compare the typical politician to the typical spoiled child. (Rather a good comparison.) A spoiled child will scream and make tantrums until he gets what he wants. Then, he will be placated for a short while until he wants something else and repeats his tantrums.

Politicians are not much different. They sling mud at one another, don't have a real job, and produce nothing but shit. I say it's high time we stop the tantrums in Washington by voting the bastards out.

Perhaps the next batch will listen to us and repeal the "Patriot" Act? If not, then we vote them out and try another batch until they know that we control them. This is a far better solution than the forceful revolution that many believe are calling for.

Revolution, again?

They say we (a familiar reference to the eighteenth century men and women who freed our country) already did it once so we can do it again. I'd like to remind people that if we do proceed to this level of change, it will not be a fairly clean war like the Revolutionary War. It will be gruesome and brutal, more along the lines of the French Revolution.

Forget the brutalities of the French Revolution? Scan over the headlines in the Wikipedia entry here. Beheadings, the guillotine, senseless killing are the highlights. It was a brutal time. We have never seen such times in this country.

I don't debate that America is heading into the same predicament. We have a large and obstrusive government living lavishly while the common person struggles. We have an oligarchy that is completely out of touch with the plight of the common American. I just ask that people recall Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities."

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way..."

This is most of the opening paragraph of this novel by Dickens. It will always stand out in my mind because this novel almost made me fail ninth grade English. The trouble was that I wasn't quite mature to understand the text and I wouldn't just read the Spark Notes, like my classmates.

In this paragraph Dickens describes the differences between London and Paris. These two cities were the centers of two empires that had taken different routes. Of course, Dickens was English so he embellishes the English empire more than I would. (Britain was engaged, and loses, the American colonies during the beginning of this story.)

That aside, the British empire was in far better shape than the French empire. The British empire was more expansive than the French empire (link). The British could abuse their kingdom in burgeoning India. Spain has quite the empire at this time and wisely avoided taking part in the American revolt. Their fall came later when America became the power in the New World.

Back on subject... America is at a pivotal position. We seem to be balanced between belief and incredulity, which begs a religious clarification of "light" and "darkness". Many of us have "nothing before us" because of the bursting of the credit bubble, but some have everything before them (a good job and the ability to buy cheap goods). [Can I emphasize: deflationary period?]

"A Tale of Two Cities" nearly made me repeat the ninth grade, however, I learned a good lesson by reading the text and trying to understand Dickens. The easy route is not the most inspirational. Robert Frost, a good New England poet (albeit, not a native), wrote:

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Essentially, I feel that we all choose our own path. It's easy to follow the easy road. It's comforting to know that someone has been there before you. It's refreshing to know that you are protected by a safety net.

This, I believe, is the reason why government has swelled to its enormous size from the blood of its people. Like an inattentive dog owner, we must remove the ticks even if they are swollen with blood. I apologize for the graphic allusion.

Dickens plainly presents two worlds: one strangled by oblivious elitists and another not (so) strangled. I ask that we limit the powers of the oligarchy now (or really in November). I don't want to see Americans starving in the streets. I don't want to see them scurrying like mice when a wine barrel accidentally breaks in the street.

I have already seen RVs (of permanent "campers") overwhelming state parks in southern California. We cannot let this spread nationwide. We need to limit government, at least until we can afford their expenditures. Otherwise, it will be the worst of times in this fine country.

Why America is special

People driven to desperation by the "worst of times" will revolt and kill everyone who gets in their way. We cannot have this in America. We have always solved problems without killing everybody. Look at the Civil Rights Movement. Look at the Women's Suffrage movement. We are a peaceful people by nature.

We just can't shoot our neighbor because he is of another political persuasion. This is why I love America. I see the prejudices in Europe and Asia, and I am flabbergasted. We have a good thing going in this country. We tend to judge people by how they treat us or how hard they work.

Skin color, facial features, even bodily handicaps typically don't play a part in our decision. Of course, there are those who feel that a certain looking person is the devil. But, for the most part, Americans haven't the time to make lasting judgements. Of course, we see a person and start to formulate an opinion, but these theories are usually dissolved once we interact and get to know the person.

This is where we stick out as a people. Europeans may proclaim to be accepting of all peoples regardless of their background. The trouble is that they don't truly practice this belief. Deep down inside they hold reservations against a certain type of person.

I'll back up this bold statement, which doesn't apply to all Europeans, with history. Europeans have been free to do what they want for more than sixty years now. But here in America our ancestors have known individual liberty for more than two hundred years. Never did the Germans or Bolsheviks make a lasting impression in this country.

This could be a central reason why the government is pushing us to follow Europe. We are largely a fearless people. And we all know that a people without fear tends conquer lands. The Vikings and Mongols are two strong examples. They forget that Americans are unusual. The typical American doesn't want to conquer Africa or the Middle East. He just wants to have enough to do what he wants, which he currently has.

This may be why the government has been pushing us into foreign matters for fifty years now. We have what we want here in our own country and have no reason to invade another country. Strife is good business. Lack of strife is bad for business.

I'm not talking about the corner pharmacy business. I'm talking about global business that oversees the farming of narcotics and the mining of minerals in foreign countries. As Americans we are largely virgins when it comes to international exposure. Many Americans don't care to have a passport (reference).

Europeans see this figure and call us backwards. I have visited Europe and drove through four countries in one day. Europe is mostly a small place. But what I feel really are the central reasons that Americans don't travel is because we have plenty to see in our vast country and we are busy working.

The fact that we don't travel can be good and bad. It's bad because we don't realize what we have in our country. It's good because we aren't exposed to the bullshit that plagues the Old World. I've read both Thomas Jefferson's and George Washington's writings. Both proposed and funded educational institutions here in America. They knew that sending our youngsters off to Europe for training would expose them to the Old World BS.

Exposure can be good and bad. I speak just from my experience so take my statements with a grain of salt. I like Europe. I like the ease of mass transport. I love the history. I like the weather! But I really don't care for the fact that many people want to look and act the same. I also do not like the anti-gun mentality that engulfs much western Europe.

Guns can be dangerous if one doesn't understand the mechanism. Firearms are made to destroy. It's sad but as a race we have always been good at destroying. I'm not a yahoo that shoots everything. This is the image presented by the strong government advocates. I see the gun as a tool. It's just like a car. If the government, decides to cement its power by dominating the people, I can defend myself (probably to death) with a gun.

Here in America the Second Amendment states that you can possess a weapon. The first Americans knew that in history all peoples were subjugated by weapons, so they made it an individual right to carry the most advanced weapon at the time. I wonder if the same amendment to The Constitition was written today, if it would include a right to individually possess and wield a tank and nuclear missile.

Of course, right now you're probably laughing. I am serious. When the Second Amendment was made law, it allowed the American individual to wield an unspeakable power. The Second Amendment doesn't say one may only possess this power if you pass a safety course.

Think about it. The military has weapons far beyond those in our personal possession. How are we that much different than the subjegated peoples of history? Yes, I must be realistic. Possessing a nuclear device is different than a firearm. There is radiation and just the sheer power of the weapon is more than we would ever need.

Or is it? Some of the estates of these gold-digging politicians are large enough to contain the devastation of a low-yield nuclear blast. I don't mean to encourage or condone the suggested behavior. I simply use this as an example and ask that you realize the power held by the central government in the US.

Left versus Right

I share an office with a "lefty". (It's no matter that he has guns and believes in the Second Amendment.) I have listened to him debate with a "righty" co-worker. They both tend to take sides. Granted, my officemate has less tendency to proclaim that Marxism solves everything.

The trouble is that they continue to be divided on such subjects as foreign relations. My officemate wants to be out of every country. His "opponent" wants to protect freedom everywhere even if it means occupying a country.

Maybe I'm strange for thinking that the entire left-right disparity has been forced by those in control to create a schism. Is this not the "divide and conquer" strategy stated by Sun Tzu and practiced by the Romans? It's an age-old technique pushed by the British government after their loss of America. (resource)

So I ask why not be a traditional American and take a step back before blindly proclaiming a certain idea or person is wrong. I know it's tough in today's life of "I want it now". That doesn't make it any less important. Think for yourself. It's easy to take "the one less traveled by" but you really don't want to be like everyone else. Do you? Personally, taking the path less traveled is no mistake because it "made all the difference" in my short life.

If you are obligated to anyone you will tend to take on his (or her) beliefs. This is no way to live your life, at least in my opinion. If you eliminate your debt, you won't be responsible to anyone. Remember that credit means that someone thinks you are 'good for' something. It's all good until you are no longer 'good for' it.

That's when the big guys come knocking on your front door. Be glad it is nothing more than that. In this country we have lived on borrowed time. Repo men (and women, like my neighbor) have been largely restricted by laws. This could quickly change when corporations become ruthless. Please don't think that the government will protect you. Look at the inactivity of the government at British Petroleum's spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The oil spill is far larger than your thirty-thousand-dollar credit card debt. My advice is to pay off the debt regularly. (I know it's tough.) That is the price for living beyond your means. It is easy to do it. That doesn't mean it is right. It's easy to kill someone (run him over with a car, poison his food, stab him with a knife, shoot him with a gun) but you wouldn't do it, right?

The people who control this country have made it very easy to go into debt. The reason is because they can prey on debt. Debt means that "you owe". This is alright when we view it through American glasses: we must repay the money with interest. But through traditional European glasses, this means you owe. They don't care if you owe money because the debt will be repaid however the creditor wants.

This could mean, in an extreme, nothing to do with money. Think about this possibility the next time you freely swipe a credit card. I am not without blame, as I recently bought something for my brother, to use upon his arrival, with a credit card. It disgusted me to use credit, but I was lacking the liquid cash to immediately make the purchase.

I view credit as an emergency source of cash. Seeing that my brother and sister(-in-law) are due back shortly, I really needed to make this purchase. Of course, I run the risk of having to blow some banker. With this in mind I may just pay for this new purchase in my imminent monthly bill. It is something to think about before clicking "send" on that Internet page. (Personally, I just needed a few days.)

Being in debt means that you owe someone else, or a traditional definition means you have sinned or trepassed someone else. Personally, I am understanding of people who owe me. Not all are like me, most may be, but do you want to find out the hard way (no pun intended)?

This is why I love the American ideal. Do not owe anyone and work for what you have. Life is hard enough if you are not in debt. Why make it harder by being at the "beck and call" of a creditor. Don't indebt yourself. I care not to use credit myself, but still do occasionally, so I just ask that you pay off the balance every month.

Don't needless indenture yourself. We have easy credit here in the US. Pay it off so it doesn't become a major problem.

Site updates

I finally got around to adding some more movies. Six new ones are available to be read here.

I also added two funny photos:

Life

I still have a private-sector job, which is good. The MG is running well despite the heat and a rattle that's pissing me off. Last tank returned 35 mpg. This thriftiness combined with a low insurance premium makes the MG much cheaper to run than the Sentra! Of course, this doesn't take into account parts and my time I spend repairing it.

I've broken into my latest batch of beer. It's not bad. It's not great. I will try to blame it on getting used to another place, but really it was probably caused by getting quite drunk while brewing it.

I continue to have trouble with the california dmv. They can't get it into their heads that I have moved out of their land of taxation. Really, it's just that they hope I will become afraid by their threats and pay their vehicle registration bills and late fees.

I have been trying "to get off their books" since February. I paid my current state dmv to send them a form letter stating that my MG is registered in my state, which they seem to get despite continuing to send me notifications. I just sent a "statement of facts" form in which I stated that I have not been a resident since February and to basically fuck off.

If this does not work, then I will have to retain a lawyer and bring a suit against the california dmv. I fear that their unpaid bills will damage my credit. It is too bad that it seems to be getting to this point, however, I will not cow to a state that tries to push me around. Hell, I will not give in to anyone who tries strong-arm tactics with me.

What really disgusts me about this situation (now that they will not try to confiscate my MG to pay a $162 bill) is that I will not enter california. I wanted to plan a second trip to New Zealand, except this time with Mikey--who lives in LA.

New way of America?

That is the way of the world, and seems to be the new way of America: government gets in the way of the individual whenever possible. I'm completely disgusted with the big blue state in the Southwest and will not cross its boundaries until they stop persuing me for illegal taxes (i.e. vehicle registration for a car outside their borders).

I won't even lay over in their airports in the case that I may decide to buy something and support their BS government through a 10% sales tax. I know that I am going overboard. My defense is that I will not give anything to them until they recognize they made a mistake. I don't even want an apology: just stop!

Perhaps this is my form of supporting Arizona? I saw the mess in LA, a city where law-abiding citizens must take a handgun safety course before being allowed to buy a pistol. I see this as a direct violation of the Second Amendment. But then again, we're all told that The Constitution is "a living breathing" document. In other words, government can change or violate the blueprint for the federal government whenever it wants and cite a reason like modernism.

It doesn't matter that the limited powers of the federal government (Congress, President, Supreme Court) are described on only four sheets of paper, which are easily readable by even the simplest citizen of this country.

We are continuously deluged with new laws and stipulations. I'm at the point where I'm ready to act to protect my Constitutional liberties. Of course, if I ever become a large enough annoyance to the crooks running our government, then I will just be eliminated. The central government has this power and will use it against those they fear are free radicals.

Ron Paul recently gave a speech to the morons in Congress:

"I have often spoken about the excessive size of government, and most recently how waste and inefficiency needs to be eliminated from our military budget. Our foreign policy is not only bankrupting us, but actively creating and antagonizing enemies of the United States and compromising our national security. Spending more and adding more programs and initiatives does not improve things for us; it makes them much, much worse. This applies to more than just the military budget.

Recently the Washington Post ran an extensive report http://projects.washingtonpost.com/top-secret-america by Dana Priest and William M. Arkin on the bloated intelligence community. They found that an estimated 854,000 people hold top-secret security clearances. Just what are all these people up to? By my calculation, this is about 11,000 intelligence workers per al-Qaeda member in Afghanistan. This also begs the question: if close to 1 million people are authorized to know top secrets, how closely guarded are these secrets?

They also found that since the Sept. 11 attacks, some 17 million square feet of building space has been built or is being built to accommodate the 250-percent expansion of intelligence organizations. Intelligence work is now done by some 1,271 government organizations and 1,931 private contracting companies in about 10,000 locations in the United States.

The former director of national intelligence, Adm. Dennis Blair, has asserted that U.S. intelligence now has the authority to target American citizens for assassination without charge or trial. How many of these resources are being devoted to spying on American citizens for nefarious reasons at home rather than targeting foreign enemies abroad?

It has been pointed out how much information we had about the impending attacks on 9/11, but because of layers upon layers of bureaucratic inefficiencies, our intelligence community was unable to act meaningfully on that information. Obviously, we needed drastic change. But it was pretty clear that we did not need more bureaucracy, more confusion, more expenditures, and more government.

It is even claimed by some leaders that the intelligence community has grown this way by design, that it is advantageous to have more than one set of eyes looking at the same information. With this logic, is there any number of intelligence employees at which we achieve diminishing returns? Can there ever be too many cooks in the kitchen, in their view?

Are there any problems at all that the government wouldn’t attempt to solve by throwing more money at them? Even now, the government is trying to solve our economic problems related to too much government spending and debt with more government spending and debt.

The problem with our intelligence community before 9/11 was not an inability to collect information. Therefore, the post-Sept. 11 buildup of the surveillance state does nothing to enhance safety. Instead, what Americans have gotten in return for the billions of tax dollars spent on security is a surveillance state that reads our e-mails, wiretaps us without warrants, and strip-searches grandmothers at airports. This is yet another instance in which Americans would be safer, richer, and freer if our government would simply look to the Constitution and respect the boundaries it has set."

Think about this speech. Think about how much you prize your liberty. Personally, my e-mail messages and phone calls--what few I make--are harmless. I still don't like the idea that "Big Brother" is watching me. Truly, in my personal life I can only allow God to watch me, and will respect his judgement. Some yob in Virginia analyzing the gibberish of my communications must be bored, indeed!

It's the idea that the government is watching us that is disturbing. We have nothing to hide, but feel that our privacy is paramount. So, where is the outrage at the "Patriot Act" or the secret spying that we know must be going on today within our borders?

See it now?

Obama couldn't act to clean up the Gulf spill. Granted, British Petroleum is a foreign company. If this is the actual reason, then this is good news because it shows that globalization hasn't really come to fruition yet.

I just read an article that the Pay czar will not go after executives of big bankers ( Pay czar will not fight banks on $1.6B in exec pay) This "is change we can believe in."

I don't see the change, except that Obama is more intelligent than Bush Junior. We still have foreign wars. We still have a ballooning public debt. We still have the ultra-rich getting richer off of everyone else.

Though, Obama is trying to do just what he said. The health care reform bill will be in effect next year, along with a hoard of new taxes. The taxes on the high-earners has been increased. Notice that high-earners doesn't include those with tax havens or permanent rebates. So really, the taxes are just pissing off the folks who still sit in traffic with us, albeit in expensive cars, but they also give us jobs.

Meanwhile, Obama's un-Constitutional "czars" push through their agendas. Yes, here is where I diverge into conjecture. I ask why does a president need so many extra offices to serve us. Isn't the cabinet and appointing Chief Justices enough? Obviously not.

I know that as individuals we desire to represent our country with a single person. This is why the executive branch of the federal government has been allowed to become so powerful over the past decades. I understand it. I speak for myself and would like to see an individual speak for me on the international level.

The trouble is that we live in a republic. That means that no single individual can truly voice the complicated opinion of the majority. (It doesn't help that politicans are now throwing off their chains and proclaiming their own policy.)

This is why the writers of the Constitution gave Congress powers such as the singular power to declare war. Note that the last war that was declared by Congress was World War 2! Korea, Vietnam, Iraq 1, Iraq 2, Afghanistan, and probably soon Iran and/or Korea 2 are all not wars. That explains the disgust for the draft during the Vietnam "War."

By making these "conflicts" "policing actions" you don't have to change your lifestyle. You don't have to know that Americans are dying overseas. You can just go on drinking your cafe mocha lattes or whatever the current craze is this week. You don't have to fear a criminal bursting through your picture window.

What do you pay in return for this shielding? It's very simple your wealth is being debased and your retirement in the stock market is evaporating. It is not all intentional because the bankers may be greedy and want control over the money supply, but they know if you don't feel somewhat financially secure you won't spend yourself into debt.

Look at the media articles. Italian banks pass "stress test". Yeah, they must have passed the test because a hot Italian model was paid to lay in front of the doorway on that day. Sex overrides many impulses, and we all know the Italians ("I hate those fucking I-ties") are not the most honest people.

Hell, even stagnant General Electric is presenting profitable dividends. Do you own GE stock? Neither do I. I wonder if this is a hoax. Talk's cheap.

I see all this as a change in tactics. No longer are things as they seem. Backroom deals and intelligent convolution of mainstream news articles are being used to make American consumers feel comfortable spending themselves back into debt. My advice is don't do it. As long as you have debt, you are beholden to your creditors. Do you really want to answer to someone else?

My own research has revealed that the US public debt is accelerating. Since most Americans haven't the money to buy more foreign goods than they had in the past, I can only assume that the government (federal reserve bank) is trying to absorb the debt of Europe.

In their defense this is the ethical routine for a one-world economy. My intuition just asks why are they doing this before the "world economy" is established with a world currency. There must be something big coming.

Perhaps this isn't the change you believe in? Remember to exercise your control of government by voting. Don't fall into line with one of the two American parties, unless you want to. We are Americans and we can think for ourselves. Why not show your support for your ideal candidate. I "wrote in" my vote for president in 2008. This time it wasn't Mickey Mouse.

People will laugh if you say you wrote in a person. Remember that the laughter is subconsciously directed at themselves because they didn't think of doing it themselves. We need to end the two-party reign in this country. We can only do this by voting. (Obviously, protests will not cause much effect.) "Change we can believe in" starts when we think about what we individually want and act on our wishes. Being American means being a leader regardless of the social status.

Remember James Dean and Steve McQueen? What about genuine women like Grace Kelly? Would these people just say "that's good enough" and surrender their views to someone else?

Life isn't easy

I will never pretend that I lead a hard life. I don't have to worry about being invaded by a foreign military. I don't have to worry about being persecuted for thinking, or speaking, a certain way. My neighbors don't try to shoot me. I can drive to work without dodging holes in the road made by road explosives.

Looking at my life, I can understand and be thankful for what I have. In fact, I think about it every day. It's great not hearing gunshots and I can only imagine the tension of living in a country that is already occupied by a major foreign power.

Bob doesn't have these luxuries. He can't just trust that his home will be there in Georgia (not the US Georgia). It still sticks in my mind that he told me that his wife's sister put up her arm as a challenge to the Russian GIs rolling-- or not rolling--through Kutaisi in Soviet-era tanks. If anything, that is the defiance that made America! It's awesome to hear a Georgian standing against the Russian tanks.

This really sums up the true Georgian spirit. They are strongly defiant and bring to my mind colonial Americans. I cannot count the Americans who lost everything to maintain their freedom, and to secure it with a war.

This is why I am glad that Mrs. Hillary Clinton proclaimed that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are occupied by a foreign power. Though, she may be far to the left of me in politics, I applaud her belligerence. I'm impressed by her. Perhaps my mother's belief in her is not unfounded?

Lord knows, it would be really convenient if my brother and his wife can make it to the States without me having to fight my way into Soviet (I'm sorry, I was a bit confused by the old policies. I mean "Russian") territory just to retrieve my loved family members.

Perhaps Mrs. Clinton understands that the Russian government has no interest in building the lives of their society? If so, I am impressed. It takes a strong individual to think for oneself, at least, in politics.

I do admit that I am not fluent in Turkish, and would rather stand out in an Arabic country. As for the AK-47 (or Kalashnikov, as it seems to be called over there), I think I could make it work. I read that this gun, though totally reliable, is not particularly accurate. Could I ask for a more equal companion in arms? (I'm not a particularly good shot but am very hopeful!)

I hope, and pray, that Bob and Mira can arrive in the States safely, and soon. I know that Bob would think differently of me for praying for his safety. (I can only do so much and then I must ask a greater being.) I see the powerplays going on in this world and realize how insignificant I am outside of my own country I really am...

the economy

Please notice that I do not capitalize the word economy or its article. Some experts are declaring that we are entering a deflationary period. This is temporarily good because those living on credit cards will have to pay less for food and heating (or cooling).

However, in an economic model of constant expansion; any contraction, irregardless of the scale can be devestating. Let me present a few examples to show what I mean. You get your electric bill, and you are one of the few who thinks nothing of paying each monthly bill (count yourself lucky). You're surprised to find it is lower, much lower, than you expect; considering you ran the air conditioning.

You think nothing of it and gladly pay the bill. The next couple of months are also low. You just think you're part of a windfall. Then, your electricity is shut off. You ring the phone company and--after waiting for the few folks answering the phone--are told that the electric company has changed hands. It has been taken over by the government because the electric company couldn't make any money and gave up the business.

The government stepped in to help avoid interruption of service to its constituents. I am no fan of the government, as I am sure you know. They may mean well but just lack the motivation to make it happen. And they don't disappoint me: you have no electricity for weeks, and then months.

You find a way without mains power. You shave using a power converter in your car. No one worries that you are shaving in your driveway because they are doing the same. Really, they're looking for the neighbor who has a big convertor that can run a TV.

Most people at this point will say I am a pessimistic with conspiracy theoristic tendenecies. I will be the first to welcome these insults. I just ask that you present me with true evidence that the government has repaired obvious problems with our economy. Write on the "Technical Problems?" because I will obviously need technical adjustment.

Otherwise, I remind you that Social Security is a joke. Hell, I recall my brother asking our mother how it could possibly work. Mind you, he was still aged only in the single digits. This speaks poorly of the people running our government. Of course, sadly and disappointingly, this is amplified when it comes to the people who elected these obvious bozos into office.

So I ask an obvious question: why do you trust that these political nothings will solve the problems in our country? I know you are having a lot of trouble making ends meet, but you are despondent. You continue to think for yourself. You take odd jobs to make ends meet.

I remind you that you do this to take care of what's yours because in your heart you know that no one else will. It's your economy (yes, there was a definition before it became synonymous with nations and the world) that has made America great!

As Americans we are inventors, dreamers, lovers, entrepreneurs, etc. It is our differences that has made us great. We only conform when we have to. We only do it because we respect our fellow Americans.

Why Arizona is right

Arizona's laws have become a subject of sensitivity. In polite company this great state is not mentioned. I am all for Arizona's laws. They may seem extreme to me here in the Northeast, however, I am not surrounded by illegal foreigners who will not work but think that I should take care of them.

Fuck! I applaud the Arizonans for being so understanding. They took more than I would have. Bravo! (I would have started shooting the bastards as they crossed the border long ago.) This is why I don't understand why the feds are so upset. Yes, there is a federal law about immigration. Obviously, the feds are as attentive to it as we are to BS laws like stop signs in the middle of nowhere.

Coming back and saying "no, you can't do that" is like suddenly raising the income tax in one tax year. Oh wait, California did that! Maybe this is why I can't shake the "golden child" off my wallet? Or maybe it's because they know they are in trouble and are grabbing at anything with the hope that we will just cow to their wishes.

Personally, I tried to be nice to California. I wrote them a letter and did what they wanted. Yet, their stupid computers are not attended by a human, if a CA DMV can qualify as such. It is to the point that I will not enter this state. This angers and disappoints me. I was planning a trip to New Zealand with my youngest brother. I figured we would connect in LA.

If he is reading, he can thank the DMV for my postponement. Maybe leaving a flaming bag of shit on their doorstep is necessary? Of course, since they are on furlough most of the time, the place would probably just burn down. I'm so glad to be out of Kalifornia. 'I can tell you why people go insane.' - Audioslave

Until Kalifornia shapes up, I will not enter this state, even on an international flight. This, I fear will take some time. Greece is nearly on collapse, and will likely be followed by the other Mediterranean nations of Italy, Spain, and Portugal. France has long been teetering on the brink so it's hard to tell when they will fall into difficulties.

As ironical as it may sound I see Germany and the UK as the last standing in Europe. I am no one to celebrate because it will not be long before this country falls to the same disease. A currency based on faith and credit has only intrinsic value.

The definition of intrinsic value varies between the bean counters and those of us with ethics. Us, normal people, view intrinsic value as that usefulness that an object can impart on our lifestyle. Allow me to make an example with a commonality. My little MG is priceless to me. The intrinsic value is only that of a reliable transport. What is the cost of reliable of transportation in this part of the country? I'd say $2,000 a year.

You see how quickly a priceless object is reckoned upon? Little does intrinsic value consider that my little MG is a bit of rolling history. It's just a means of transporting me to a job. And it has performed well so far, but could very well fail tomorrow.

So according to this theory of intrinsic value my MG is worth the same as a beat-up, though worn-out Honda. Let's say that is $400. That is more than what I paid for my first car, but am still disappointed.

My love for my MG aside, I wish--or hope--that I had progressed beyond the purchasing power that I had in high school. It's just that, and we see it in our lazy unions, we have not progressed as a people.

How do we expect top price for our land or our cars, if the rest of the world has advanced relative to us? It used to be that we were far and away ahead of the rest of the world. This is just not the case anymore. I'm not surprised because in a computer simulation I found that it was easy to fall behind.

Yes, that was only a computer simulation. My defense is that computers don't take sides: they just calculate and then present the facts. The facts are we produce very little (it's tough to find real products made here... soap doesn't count) and we should do our best, with what wealth we still possess to support these companies.

Wal*Mart makes life easier (or whatever the fucking commercials say). Just ask yourself: where are these items produced. If you are alright supporting other countries, then I will say OK. This country was founded on choice. Just know that, unless you are without any means, you entrust your child's future to the stars.

A nation that cannot support itself is doomed to collapse. It may seem obvious until it is applied to the "eternal USA." Most Americans that I ask about our future say: "we'll always be here." 'Wrong answer, McFly!'

Like the fragile future, or "destiny" portrayed in the Back to the Future movies, America isn't permanent. We need to always to struggle for what we have. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

Are you the ones making the plans? Or are our "representatives" making our decisions? Do they really even know what you want? Do they see you as a constitutent or as an annoyance, or worse a revolutionary?

It is getting to the point that we all have to think about being revolutionaries. Or, maybe you are happy just getting "I will do this and that" letters from our "representatives"? Why are you running away from your feelings? Make them feel your opinion. If they will not accept it, vote them out. This is your power in a republic.

What happened?

Most times that I am different than the norm, I am immediately categorized as a "weirdo". You'd think I made the same mistake as Peewee Herman, but I just proceed against the "common progression of life."

Curiously, it is better in New England than in southern California. Yeah, imagine that! The few peculiarities that I possess could be unsightly in California, the land of nuts. The world has gone very wacky, indeed.

And I am very tame by most standards because I can still get up and go to work the next day--if it's a work day. I don't care what people think about me. I wonder if I can just live in a world that has trouble tolerating me: what will happen to the true partiers?

It used to be "do what you want, as long as you don't hurt anyone else." Now it seems to be "do this and only just this." What happened to living and let live? Now it seems you have to fit a mold.

The fact that we don't fit a mold is why I love this country and its people. If I wanted everyone to look the same, act the same, and have the same routine; I would live in London.

The idiots trying to govern this country don't get it. They think they can make every American fit into a cookie cutter. They try to brainwash us during our education, but somehow we still all end up being unusual.

So I ask what happened to letting people be who they are. When did society start forcing people to be lawyers or politicians when they really want to be artists or writers?

Hell, I fell into my current profession because it makes money. I don't mind it, but I would be more comfortable writing or perfecting machines. My personality is not a competitive one. I even avoid many personal relationships so I don't have to prove myself to someone else!

However, I make it in the world. But I still ask what happened? Why have we let ourselves become so addicted to money that we have no room in our lives for the "least productive" and the "least competitive"?

I continue to hope that we can vote a change in this country in November. I used to say politics would never impact me, and fervently avoided the subject. Even the casual observer must feel some impact in his or her life from the current (and past) political decisions?

While we still have a choice, I ask that you vote as you feel. Ignore TV, radio, newspapers, the internet, other people, etc. and think about what you want.

The individual and his or her sacrifice made this country. Again, it seems, that we are called to save our country from domination. It will not be easy. We have already lost a lot, and we will lose more. However, I ask do you now truly miss what you have lost? Do you feel that you want so much, as you used to?

Chances are you said no. This is the American spirit. We're not just a bunch of fat idiots 'who don't know the first thing about Bach.' OK, we don't know much about Bach but we will rise to any opportunity. All that fat is stored energy ready to be unleashed on anything, or anybody, that stands in our way.

Let's not let what happened in England and Rome, happen here. We need to bring government spending and foreign domination under control. It is my opinion that we should cut support to all countries. Hell, most countries see us as idiots so why not repay the opinion by stop sending money?

Of course, this cannot happen because politicians make too much money by plundering the resources of foreign lands. (Hmm, sound like Great Britain or the Roman Empire?) So no matter what the populace may say: they will not stop their "wars." Understand that war is only a reason to distract us so they can plunder.

Fuck, I liked the Viking way of plundering a lot more. They all went in and took what they wanted. Of course, "now we are civilized." This just means that we hide our warring and taking behind nuances and poor media coverage. A "policing action" just means that the politicians haven't finished picking the bones of a victim country yet.

Don't believe me? Take Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and soon, Afghanistan, as examples. What happened to us? Did we stop Communism or terrorism? We used to be a nation of workers. Now we are a land of a few workers, lots of social dependents, and a few, but very powerful, crooks.

My free speech will probably ban me from more than just the Air Force IP addresses. Maybe I'll work my way through the other branches of the strung-out federal government? If so, I hope that you remember my words and will stand up as an individual leader.

If we all have the qualities of a true leader, they can't keep all of us down. It's not easy. I understand. It's not trivial. It will land us in trouble. Perhaps this is why I am so vocal? I have no one to take care of and no children. So I can have the liberty to have a dissenting opinion. I can be truly American.

Site updates

I've added five movies to the GRS database.

Also, I added a backlog of funny photos. You may view them all on this page.

Celebrate our individual ideas

As has become my custom, today I watched V for Vendetta. I find it appropriate to watch this film during our independence celebration to remind me why this country was founded. It was created as a safe haven for the individual seeking freedom to better himself.

We see many forces working against our individual liberty every day: "political correctness;" needless wars for the profit of politicians under the guise of protecting freedom; taxation to maintain a ruling class, which is above the law; governmental control of major companies (e.g. GM, Chrysler, AIG, DRS, etc.); demands that our history be erased to protect religious equality; the "guns kill people" mentality; the destruction of our manufacturing and farming; complicated laws that require a law degree to comprehend; etc.

However, this movie always inspires me to stand for what I believe. The majority of Americans seem to have similar ideas. Long live our ability to peacefully unite with the common goal of preserving our ways of life through individual liberty, personal strength, and compassion!

Life goes on

I have added nine new movies to the database. I apologize for being delinquent with my updates.

I continue to ignore the idiocy and greed in our government. I am still bitterly angry at the greed that the "banksters" eminate. However, that is their trouble. I will take care of my own troubles.

The vacuum cleaner's empty collector continues to gape at me in wonder: how could you put off cleaning for so long? My response is if you picked up stuff instead of just spitting it out the back at my feet, I'd be more excited. The fact that I have to clean my feet after every vacuuming session makes me wonder if using the machine is effective. Could I not just take a broom and swing it around with the same effect?

The MG has been running well. I had a minor incident with it spurting antifreeze out of the fancy water shut-off valve between the head and the heater box. I have replaced it with a spare but still have a minor leak. This weekend, after recognizing our independence from a major world power, will see to fixing this leak.

Otherwise, the MG is running well. It rattles a bit. There is one rattle that irritates me because it is so loud and makes the car sound like it is running over metal poles. Sigh. I will attempt to find it again this weekend. There are enough people out there who "know" that English sports cars are the Titanics of oil leaks. I don't want to give them any ammunition with rattles.

Though, my little black Midget has been regularly obvious on roadways for quite some time now. Rattle or not, that is a small triumph (no pun intended). As it stands I can feel the engine. The gauge may say it's getting a bit hot at the radiator, but you know, I could tell by the running of the engine that something wasn't quite right.

This is something that has become part of my life. It may sound lame that a car is a noticeable part of my life. I defend myself stating that why can't a vehicle be important. In semi-rural areas of the US it carries us from point to point. Modern vehicles do this with no fanfare, until they have major problems.

I contend that we all need a good dose of old cars. Perhaps wondering if we will get home without overheating will do us good. Maybe a bit of uncertainity will break up our ordinary lives and remind us about the easy lives we lead? There's nothing like being on the side of the road regreting leaving a certain tool at home to sober us up.

John Lennon said "life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans." Isn't he right? We save our pennies to buy a house. We long for that luxury car. We dream of seeing the world. We already know that we can't make it all happen. We have to focus on what we want. While we do this, our life will form in front of our eyes.

Plan on observing the country from above while flying to California and you meet a model on the flight. Set out for Alaska and you find you cannot leave the continental US just yet. It is only when you leave life up to chance (or God) that you can begin to experience it.

Bob and I just went with the flow on a couple of trips. Who would have thought a plane ticket and hotel reservation in Paris would mean we would see Luxembourg, Germany, and Belgium? (Remember Brussels where we almost hit by a tram?) What about traveling to the south to see what we can find? (Recall the truck driver who was a little too good at imitating "Rusty Nail" in Pennsylvania?)

Life is what happens to you. If you don't let it happen, it never will. There must be uncertainity in life. It can start as small as choosing a different parking space at work, evolve into staying up late on a week night, and could grow into letting loose in a foreign country.

I reminded my office mate today that Americans need to see the world and understand what we have in this country. It's really tough to understand our freedoms and limitations without seeing a contrary way of life firsthand. Fuck, the Discovery channel!!! They show just what you want to see as the typical American.

It's really no wonder Americans don't travel. They see the disease and uncertainity in foreign countries. They don't understand that there are adventures to be had and people to meet. One must not be afraid to experience life. If that is the case, then give up being an American. Americans conquered the West. They would not take "no" as an answer. This is something that the Europeans don't get.

I don't blame them. The have a long history of war and occupation. They have learned to understand one another. They have no frontier like we did. The idea that we should be like Europeans is like saying we have no undiscovered lands. We have no hidden minerals. We have no drive to make a life for ourselves from just the land.

I do not mean to say that Europeans are defeatists. I simply state that we are still discovering ourselves. We cannot hang up right now. There are forests to explore and frontiers to settle. America is the youngster when compared to the Old World.

Life

...is what happens to you... huh?! I have been trying not to squander my days by thinking about the future. I walk and enjoy nature during my lunch hour. A mile or so does the body good. I don't need the stress relief like I did at my previous job. Folks at this place may complain about stress but I don't see any of it.

Life is good for me. The cars are running. The MG has eaten a distributor cap and rotor. I wondered why there was a stumble at high speeds, light load but could never find a blackened plug. I went to check the points and found a ruined graphite center electrode under the cap.

It is my determination that it was eaten up by the previous incarnation of this engine. Recall the head-gasket-eating, BMW-trouncing monster that would rev to more than 8,000 rpm and just slowed because the ignition couldn't keep up? Well, now I wonder if it wasn't just the points floating at those high revs!

I've been driving the Sentra for a couple days now. Previously, I had been driving the MG exclusively. The other day I had a minor incident as I drove to exchange cars: the high tension wire to the center of the MG's distributor cap popped off. Literally, I heard a "zzz" and everything went dead. Fortunately, I was on a country road and had plenty of space to coast and stop.

After fixing that I went to get the Sentra. As it turns out I left the door open and that drained the battery flat. I couldn't find my battery jump pack so I used the MG battery. I checked everywhere for the booster pack. It must be buried in the shelves deep inside the garage next to the MR2.

Soon Bob will know if he can return to the States. I hope and pray for it. It would be awesome to have someone like me around. And he'll bring his personable and lovely wife along! There seems to be so few decent women so her prescence will be a refreshing change.

As for me, I continue to strike out. I seem to attract the wrong type of women. Perhaps I seem like a different person than I actually am? For instance, I was quite obvious about my un-PC view that personal firearms are the perfect tools to protect ourselves and loved ones against crime with one of them. Even a seemingly anti-gun woman--as most women seem to be--was supportive. I start to wonder. Does desperation play a part in this case?

Of course, it's tough to know for sure. There were other flags that went up. I don't need that. I will not tolerate a woman always telling me what to do. On to the next one. Thanks to our generous population, there are plenty to choose from.

Site updates

Now http://lady.billsuniverse.com, and it's original link http://www.billsuniverse.com/lady.html, now redirect to a random previous lady.

Why The Constitution is in the way

I was taught that The Constitution is "a living breathing document." Doesn't this make it sound more appealing than a yellowing document with ideas scribbled in old American? Another school of thought taught me that The Constitution is too difficult to understand because it's old. You can begin to understand how the brainwashing works?

It is not unlike the politically correct stuff. We all strive to treat others as we do ourselves. So they thought up a term to limit our behavior to only socially appropriate actions. If done correctly, this can form a utopia of sorts.

The trouble is that youth is frequently blind to the greed, aggression, and anger of adults. And adults were the ones who thought up these ideas. So on paper, it sounds excellent. We could develop into a future where all frolick amongst the stars exploring the depths of the universe. Enter Star Trek.

The problem is that if a few adults are given control over how we think and act, greed and aggression will drive them to oppress us. It is human nature. This is the very reason why The Constitution begins with "We The People."

The writers saw the oppression in Europe governments. They had just about overthrown their dictator and these foul ideas were fresh in their nostrils. The deaths of their countrymen lingered as grim watchdogs. An optimistic, working, people looked up to them for some sort of unity so they could weather the international winds dominated by the great empires of England, France, and Spain.

It was with the weight of this responsibility upon their shoulders that our "founding fathers" wrote the widely-copied contract between the people and the government. Like any other contract, there are responsibilities for both parties and consequences.

Continuing:

"in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Here we learn that this contract was commissioned to form a more perfect nation where the people are just and orderly. The government's responsibiltiy is to defend the individuals of the nation, protect their rights and individual liberty (or freedom) for all Americans living and unborn.

Immediately we see the government letting down its side of the agreement. Americans have been killed by foreign nationals while within our own borders. I'll contend that it also not defending our individual liberty. However, I will not defend my theory at this time. (Wait until we get to The Bill of Rights.)

So that's The Preable, or prelude of The Constitution. Already we can see that this is a powerful document. Written during the turmoil of English/French wars where great navies pummelled each other for domination of the oceans and destroyed one another to control lands in Africa and Asia, all in the name of their kings.

You can understand the shock that the "civilized" world felt when Americans presented a government constituted by the people. Quickly they noticed that royalty was missing and wondered who would fill this void. Many Europeans could not imagine that the people, through a republican form of government, could elect other individuals to serve the country in offices of government.

True, the English had Magna Carta. This document influenced the Western world significantly and brought about the Houses of Parliament in the English government. However, to this day, the acts of the Parliament must be approved by the monarch. If the Queen does not agree with a law, she could abolish it.

Of course, if Queen Elizabeth did this today there would be a public outcry and it would be viewed as almost preposterous. But that does not take away from the fact that her power is absolute, given her by God.

Remember that even though England seems to have become largely athiest, monarchs are given their power by God. This is why during the Middle Ages people followed their monarchs into war. They believed that the monarch spoke the word of God.

Even the Canadian and Australian governments can be overruled by the English monarch. They never formally renounced the English monarchy. This is what makes our form of government so special, and unique to this day.

In the eighteenth century the idea was laughable. Europe thought there's no way that a rabble of farmers and fishermen can undertake the complexities of government.

And I can see their point. The strict rules of conduct that the monarchs and lords followed was (is) complicated. This is why Princess Diana made such ripples and, perhaps, was why she was so widely admired.

But as you read The Constitution, you realize that the described government cuts out this BS. It focuses on promoting the prosperity of the people by defending their persons and their rights.

Thomas Jefferson frequently wrote in his letters that the English newspapers ran stories about the absolute anarchy here in America. He remarked that it is no wonder that the English people thought the previous colonists were nuts. (Such techniques continue to this day in Russia with regards to Georgia, Ukraine, etc.)

Jefferson used to point out that the American government may not be the richest, and at times, was appallingly weak. He worried and warned that a foreign military could invade and take control of the government quite easily. This did happen during the War of 1812 when Washington was burned to the ground by the British.

However, in the same stroke Jefferson warned against too large a government. A government can trample individual liberty if given too much power. Fortunately, geography was on the side of the fledgingly nation. It was several weeks sail from Europe and America was off the beaten path. Much as Australia is today.

This physical isolation is why our form of government survived the incubation period. Had such an idea been introduced in, say the Republic of Georgia, it would have been quickly stifled by neighbors. And I have no doubts that such forms were attempted in such exposed lands.

Athens comes to mind. This democracy (which in concept is quite different than a republic) was a power until corruption and in-fighting weakened it to the point that the Persians (if I recall correctly) were mounting an invasion. This threat of war, and certain annihilation, spurred a unification. Unfortunately, Athens had already been weakened and had to call upon help from its long hated enemy, Sparta. A famous battle of this war was the basis for the terrible movie 300.

To make a long story short: the Spartans fought off the baddies and then took over Athens. The militaristic Spartans were more regimented and more unified than the every-man-for-himself Athenians. The "founding fathers" were well aware of Athen's demise. This is why they chose a representative form of government, the republic, originally pioneered by Rome.

They knew that representatives would buffer the dramatic viewpoints of individuals. These moderated views could then be more easily compromised with and form an agreeable environment for the majority.

Keep coming back. I'll continue my analysis of The Constitution in ensuing days. You'll learn where else the feds are slipping up. Damn, I sound like a bloody commercial!

Site updates

I've added two movies and a TV program to the GRS database.

I also removed the link to Kiva on my links page. I've decided that my money is better kept in this country. I am glad that entrepreneurs are making a start in foreign countries, however, we have problems right here in this country. I've been pulling out my money. It's a tidy little sum.

Economy recovering?

How? They haven't solved the problems of corruption, excessive greed, and petty thieving. Why would anyone believe the propaganda of the mainstream media which blows up a miserably small growth?

Keep holding on to your money. The job market has been improving slightly. But there are still millions upon millions who are still looking for work. Since our economy is largely based on consumption, the economy will not improve until people start buying lots of stuff again.

Are you buying a lot? Are you instead paying down credit cards? Many people are in this boat. Now that the "stimulus" money (e.g. "cash-for-clunkers") is working out of the system, we're going back down.

This is a case of using the old hangover remedy of drinking a beer to calm your head. You are still dehydrated and suffering from withdrawal. The beer merely temporarily cures the symptoms. Fortunately, people have woken up and are paying down debt. We may still have a chance. But this is due entirely to the fortitute and sacrifice of the public.

Geithner is becoming impatient with the Chinese reluctance to put its currency into the "free market" where all other currencies reside. First, little Timmy you can't bite the hand that feeds you! The Chinese have absorbed our debt for decades. The trade deficit to China is a vast sum. Though lately, the Chinese government has been unloading dollars in exchange for commodities.

Also, the Chinese see how well our debt-based currency functions in a downturn. They are not stupid. Why would they want to hand over their wealth to the bankers who'll use it via fractional banking to debase and destroy their economic machine?

It will be very interesting to see what happens in the next couple years. The US economy is no longer great, so the bankers are looking to move to the next, upcoming power. It will probably be China but could be India, as their service sector is profitable. This is why Timmy wants China to allow the "free market" to control the yuan.

Geithner has been promised (or blackmailed) a place next to the bankers if he can get China to toe the line. Of course, little Timmy plays a mean game because he still has to beg the Chinese government to supply our nation with credit. It's like walking a tight rope.

Site updates

Thanks to those who fought for our independence, we still have more liberty than most parts of the world.

I've added three movies to the GRS database.

2012?

Just the other day my office mate was snidely remarking that in a couple of years the world will end. It's funny but left-leaning folks like him are the only ones who mention this to me. Maybe it's coincidence?

I guess why I'm surprised is because lefties tend to be highly educated, or so I'm told. That's why I wonder why they bother with an old calendar created by a people, which no longer exists, and hasn't for a long time.

These same people bash old books like The Bible and The Koran. Granted, many kill in the name of religion. [Organized (regulated and taxed?) religion is not something I will tolerate being a part of.] However, why do they notice the calendar completed by the Mayan civilization?

The Mayans were not exactly a model of peace. They practiced human sacrifice, though if not as widely as the Aztecs. Still holding someone down and cutting open his chest makes the prison at Guantanamo Bay look like a resort.

Yes, we all do have our justifiable exceptions to our ideals. None of us are perfect. I just don't agree with the hysteria surrounding 2012. It's not unlike the excitement of New Year's Eve 1999. And, we made it through that one, without all the nuclear weapons being launched and general mayhem!

I try to always be prepared for a catastrophe. I don't think the restarting of a calendar based on the movement of the stars signals impending doom. I believe that when something happens: it will be sudden and swift. There will be no two year deadline.

Site updates

I've decided to put the Lady on hold for a while. You can still comment on previous Ladies.

New movies ratings will come tomorrow.

Let there be light

I've received the lamps that I ordered on eBay. I'm ashamed to stated that, far as I know, Americans no longer make lamps. I am not a fashion-conscious person but yet I couldn't find a simple lamp made in the US.

I am slowly receiving the posters that ordered online to adorn the walls of my apartment. So far I am happy with the quality of the posters. I ordered some fairly unique posters so one must always be suspect until the poster is received!

See the trees

I am really enjoying my new home. I love trees. I can tolerate the pollen they blanket on my world. I don't mind rain. I'm to the point that I am enthusiastic about weather. Most people tolerate me, probably thinking I'm a silly Californian, but a few remain stalwart and ask why am I so happy.

It's tough to explain to an individual the beauty of trees because he or she knows no other life. It may be like trying to explain an automobile to a caveman. Without a common ground, the speaker is just wasting his breath.

I am really nothing. I just have experienced some different lifestyles like that on the west coast. As much as I may have disliked the popular experience in California, I could see past the beautiful girls in bikinis and understand that it was not for me.

There's a cute girl at work who noticed me when she learned that I was previously living in southern California. Now that we're in summer she comments about the temperature and its relevance to going to the beach. Just today she comments that 70 is too cool for a beach weekend.

Need I mention, that she is no Einstein? "Ignorance is bliss" can be a welcome fallacy especially from a well-dressed and shapely girl. The trouble is that after a while... OK, a long while... I would want to exchange ideas and thoughts.

This is the trouble with America. The system attempts to pidgeon-hole us and then prescribe an educational medicine that will keep us complacent. Teachers recognize a physically beautiful person and push her or him to want to be as externally beautiful as possible.

I don't mean to undermine the works of good teachers. I guess I should have written society or TV (!) creates the pressure. It's just that my own mother is a wonderful teacher and I tend to compare all teachers to her, and am cautious.

She keeps her large class of youngsters in line. I was very impressed when I was guest in her classroom. She did not let anyone interrupt me. She knew that all questions asked of me were useful even if she didn't know my response. This is a real teacher. One who sees the trees and not the forest.

Life is tough. There is no way around it. You may live in a country that is secure with running hot water, continuous electricity, choice of good products, etc., but you must also continuously fight for such luxuries. Some may say this is nitpicking. I say it's seeing the trees in the forest.

This is a reason why I chose to return to northern New England. People around here complain almost continously. This can be depressing if you take it on face value. What I have grown to understand is that they complain to keep what they have. They must complain to maintain what they have.

Of course, there are some who take it to a new level and complain about everything. New Englanders can tend to complain about the weather even when it's 70 and sunny with a gentle breeze. This is a trade-off.

I'm not a fan of complainers, but you know, if they keep the incompetence away: I can't complain. Life is never perfect. Look at Santa Barbara today!

George Washington

He's not just a dead guy who crossed the Delaware River, which some guy imagined and painted. He is a man that will live on in our hearts and way of life.

I have been reading his writings. He was not as prolific as Thomas Jefferson, but you should know, it doesn't matter. His character eminates from his few speeches and stands just as proudly as Jefferson's numerous letters!

The more writings of the founding fathers I read, the more I say "what is going on?" Why are we at war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa? Why do we have soldiers in South Korea, Germany, Japan, etc.? We need to mend the problems here in our country. We need to close our borders to illegals and ensure that Americans can take jobs and prosper. The foremost problem is that politicians need to represent us and put their foot down against this corruption and greed on our behalf.

Of course, the founding fathers were not career politicians. They had an income outside of the butt-kissing of politics. Jefferson wrote many times that he hated being in the public view. However, he continued (reluctantly) to serve the nation because he saw it as his duty. He didn't think: this is my cash crop so I need to perpetuate this job. Washington is no different. This is the key difference. Career politicians should never exist!

I will continue to defend this verity and renounce the opinion that these great men were just a bunch of "evil slave holders." What slander! Do not most of us possess cars? Don't we know that cars contribute to pollution? So why don't we immediately stop using cars? We can't, of course. We've become dependent on the automobile. We need it to perform our function in society.

As much as I hate to say it: slaves were similarly ingrained in the culture of colonial America. Society cannot change overnight. Though, Washington was one of the few great men who freed his slaves.

So if you want to hate someone, don't hate the George Washington. I read his rules of civility, which he translated from an original Italian author. Reading these short rules, I found that I was violating several at my workplace.

I used to count myself as a gentleman, however I now cannot make that claim. Specifically, I do not keep both feet on the ground while sitting and I tend to open my mouth or chew a lip in public.

Yes, times may have changed, but people still are irritated by such things that Washington warns against (e.g. coughing loudly while a person is talking). So I try to keep both feet on the ground and keep my mouth closed in public.

Keynes

One British economist named John Maynard Keynes is claimed to develop a rather retarded form of economics. Wikipedia tries to embellish it here. I want you to read and make your own evaluation of this form of economics.

I do not agree with it. I feel that the theory pushes too much power to the government. You probably know, like I do, that the government is not a problem-solver. It is only good at regulating industry that is running rampant against the will of the majority.

Good ole John theorizes that the government should consume especially since the public is not demanding goods. Don't save too much money because that hurts the general welfare of the state. An old house-mate said that we have to spend money to help the economy.

He's a prime product of the Keynesian way of life that is being forced on our youngsters. You can call me a redneck, a hillbilly, or an ignorant moonshiner. (Yes, I brew beer, which, yes, is similar to moonshine.)

The trouble is that I don't care what anyone thinks of me (excepting my close family). You could call me a country-bumpkin who has an education consisting of cursive writing and basic arithmetic.

Being the casual idiot, I would just say "alright." Yes, I can make squiggles on paper and I do know that eight times seven is fifty-six. I guess what aggravates me is the prejudices against country people.

There is an idea that farmers are morons who think they will drop off the earth if they go too far west or east. Fuck! Farmers are some of the most level-minded individuals that I have met. They know what it takes to run small businesses. They know what it means to plan for the future. They keep enough resources to keep their family healthy during the winter. What is wrong?

Am I an idiot for rejecting an untried theory over a proven concept that has proven itself since pre-history? Yes, the idea may not be high-tech. Yes, it may not be dependent on the government. Dare I say, isn't this a good thing?

Keynes wanted to control everything. I hate to say it, but that is what powerful individuals in Europe see as the only way. If we don't fight here in America, we will just become pampered slaves of such geniuses.

America

We have withstood the onslaught of big bankers and a faceless royalty for decades. Please, consider your situation. Do you really want someone to come in and tell you what to do? Obama and friends may promise a balanced health care. They may say that you should now attack the banks and support his financial reform.

As one individual to another, I beg that you think about what is going. Do you really want the government (the tax-man) to know exactly what you have socked away in a bank? Don't you wonder, "hey, he may want to tax me for having more money than others?"

It is not American to demand that you tell how much you earn or have saved. Times are changing. If we are not careful, the government will know just how much we have in the bank. Laugh, or say I am a crazy.

I will remind you that not one, but two banks, that I did business with were taken over by the FDIC. Each time my balances were transmitted to the federal government. Yes, that is part of the insurance that the taxpayer is financing these accounts, no matter how large they are, but you don't get to know anything.

Don't you understand that the forthcoming financial bill will be a grab at any money you have in US accounts? Yes, the financial industry (if you can call it that) is out of control. I hate the banksters as much as you.

Handing over your accounts information to the government will not solve the problem. You have to speak with your money. Hell, they don't think anything of speculating with your thousand dollars and making far more than the fifteen cents that they give you as interest.

I've close my "savings" account because I could not justify giving my money to folks that clearly make plenty of money with my dollars while still demanding that I wait twenty-four hours before having access to any deposit.

It's the American way to protest an illegal taxation. I demand to know why I must wait and then am told that is corporate policy. My response is I will keep only the money in your accounts to cover my bills. Otherwise, I will withdrawal it through your ATMs or spend it. Fuckers, you can only try to make so much money off of my wealth.

This is the attitude that some Americans share. It is only a matter of time before they all realize it. Signs already point to a change in investments. The government and the puppy-dog media may exagerate small points with the hope that we will buy into the bullshit again. The trouble is that it is to the point that such ploys are not largely possible.

Watch out. Now that the cash cow has stopped mooing, the social farmers (or banker-fuckers) are looking around for their next profit. But, unlike normal farmers, these pricks have a massive capital backing.

A farmer would never be able to order tax hikes. They could never say that it's right to give your modest savings to them. Times are tough, right?

They would never demand that you pay for any future sales on goods? Government (who are ungoverned) have no such qualms. Get ready for it.

Small joys

There's a cute girl at the local supermarket with whom I have already enjoyed a few conversations. She cheerfully works at a supermarket and is cautiously optimistic when I ask about how her progress finding a job to fit her training.

I am not one to fall for women. Lord knows that I have been bombarded by their beauty. I claim that it must be God's guidance to keep me from "porking" these women. (To be defiant, Lord knows, they want it.) However, I still watch for this smiling and cheerful girl at my supermarket.

She may not be that Eastern European model, who seems to ignore my advances, or is too fearful, but you know I love that this hardworking American girl wants to be a teacher. She continues trying. Every time I talk to her she say "I've done this and that but I am getting no response."

It takes what little reservation that I have to resist reaching over and embracing this girl. I know I have an affinity towards teachers because of my closest experiences.

I continue to be a bit embarrassed. I would love to be loved by an aspiring teacher. I love that she always smiles. I have seen how she treats other customers, and I love it. It could be that she sees me (if i can be so immodest) and puts on an act.

I may be self-conscious while telling the stunning girl at work that she looks devastating in a certain outfit. But I am downright self-conscious if I were to go beyond asking about the accomplishments of a casually beautiful (you may think she is just happy but plain) woman.

These are the small joys of life. The feeling that one could have a jewel, but could just as easily lose it with some idiotic remark. Perhaps this is commonplace, as men we lust after gorgeous women and then subconsciously focus on a real woman.

Or maybe it is a realism that we are not the muscle-bound, seven-foot giant, who according to anatomical proportionality should have penis the size of the Eiffel Tower? Of course, some women want such proportions. I do wonder if it's to please a social requirement.

After all, the women I have met are not enthusiastic about anything very large being inserted into them. They can understand, and learn to love, something if it is placed with love. But, perhaps, I am just a country-bumpkin who has no understanding of city life, which according to publicized standards is the way of life.

The idea that a woman remains pure until marriage is viewed as disgusting. I say what is the problem knowing that the loose women view any virgin as an old-fashioned prude. I may be just another guy, but for what it's worth, I wish there were more girls who stood up for their beliefs.

I find it hard to believe that all girls want to be roughly turned into women by a guy who is trying to impress his friends. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Most girls want to find that one guy who will take care of them forever. Girls are romantics.

I guess I find small joys in life with women, real women, who resist the trite persistance of guys. Being a guy myself, I cannot commend our sex. I respect women who do what the truly believe in.

This does not mean that I want a woman who bosses me. There must be a balance. She can suggest courses of action for me. If I feel they are not correct, then my decision is final. As young American men we find making this decision difficult. But we must.

As much as we love women, as much as we swear to protect them, we know they are not always correct. We must not let them run our lives. Yes, I know am being very un-PC. I do not mean to undermine the women's rights movement. Obviously, I believe that are equal to me.

This does not mean that I women are better at jobs that men currently occupy. Women are the best at organizing and maintaining. But when it comes to fighting or conquering something new, women should keep back.

I mean only to state that men are good at fighting and taking something. Then, a woman or women can move in and make something of the destruction.

What happened to women making something from a vast openness? I know, in this country, frontier is physically difficult. But why can't women see the void in bachelor's lives? We don't mean to use you just for kicks like on the TV. Could it be, just, possible that we want one woman for our lives.

Of course, it is easy to assume that all men are sexual predators. (I originally spelled the word predator without is "r.") But I am just one of those men who will be avoided because I don't want to abuse women. I don't get it.

This is why I avoid the gorgeous blondes that seem to always drift by in front of me. Enough. If you want a man, then follow through. If you don't want a man, then don't tempt him. Of course, it's some sadistic ploy to build an ego that these young girls wander by.

I don't even look below their necks anymore. Enough. I want an entire woman. Breasts are cheap enough for now (wait till universal health care kicks in) so I can ignore that. If a girl cannot smile, then she is useless.

If a girl can smile and engage me in intelligent conversation, then I do a double-take. That's why I am so taken by this aspiring teacher at the supermarket. She is optimistic but yet keeps working a job that is obviously under her abilities.

I guess like attracts like. This is probably why I don't ask her out. It's alright to be shut-down by a sun-bathing woman who thinks the sun revolves around us, but a woman who can think is different. I could be rejected but it would show that she, and what she is doing, is respectable.

I say respectable because many girls have been sucked into the idea that fucking as many men as possible shows their value. It may sound idiotic. It's what I have observed. Is it any wonder that I have mostly given up on American women?

Obama

I am beyond calling Obama names. I don't need to do so anymore. He can undermine his own credibility by himself. He is an example of what happens when an inexperienced politician with a big ego is given power. He may talk a good fight, however when the gloves are off, he wimps out.

Alright, it's granted that he "marketed himself" as a pacifist. I agree with him: we have enough problems in this country so I feel that we should bring our soldiers home. (Hell, many nations want our boys to go away.)

The trouble is that America is a vast world power of immense strength and when suddenly a leader decides that America is careful (or timid), all hell breaks loose. North Korea is flexing their muscles to help highlight Kim Jong's retirement from control. Russia's puppet president Medvedev is now flaunting his power in the Black Sea.

I know that these places are far away from you. I know that you have trouble pronouncing the names of these leaders, and have even less understanding of their ambitions.

I will not pretend to understand them. I just know that we have been thrust into these international conflicts by our treasure-seeking leaders. Mind you, I have family who are very dear to me in the republic of Georgia. (Georgia borders the Black Sea.)

My closest friend and my new, lovely sister live in this small country. I read the Georgian news every day with the hope (in prayer?) that Russia has not invaded this small sovereign country.

But, I try to separate my feelings while I write here. This doesn't mean that I won't get over there and pick up an AK-47 rifle and fight off the invaders so I can get back my brother and sister: I will. I will destroy anyone who gets in my way. It may be an Old Testament way of doing things but it works.

The fact that I am contemplating flying into Turkey and crossing into Georgia to break out my family shows that America has turned a corner in foreign relations. I wouldn't have expected to do this to rescue an American and his wife during Bush Junior's reign.

I do not mean that I am pro-Bush. He was a moron. He, or his people, were pro-corporation. This disgusts me, as you probably know. Corporations combined with the greedy government have destroyed this country...

The point is that Obama is a committee organizer. He has no clue how to run wars or a large country. He talks a good talk but when it comes to doing, he lacks a lot.

Take a look at the current British Petroleum (and others) oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. You know if a US submarine with active nuclear weapons or top secret information had sunken to the floor of the Gulf, a military submarine would have recovered the warheads or information weeks ago.

But this is just a real environmental proProportionalitblem, and nothing happens. Why doesn't the mainstream media demand Obama do something now? Why don't they say this guy is just a "nigger with a jive talk" that is as useful as a butterfly farting into the wind? Why doesn't the New York Times demand that he take action? After all he is supposed to control heavy industry (i.e. GM).

Am I missing something really big? Tell me by clicking here! I am sick and tired of Obama and his cronies in big government telling me what to do.

I don't want health insurance forced on me. I don't want a VAT ("value-added tax"), as in Europe. I want politicians to shut up, take a pay-cut (like I did), and work for a living. Politics was never supposed to be a mode of income. It should be a civic duty.

Good speakers and strong individuals stood up against the British Empire to give us the America we know. They didn't expect payment or compensation. They did it because they believed in an ideal. They believe in a nation of people. Don't let anyone tell you that it has to be complicated today for a government to function. Just respond saying: why. And when they stammer; continue with government is made of people just like me who makes rules for me. Why should they be any different than me?

The idea that big government can overshadow big business (the current plan) is bullshit. It's wrong. It's idiocy. Government is meant to keep people from destroying one another. It has few purposes beyond that. Big business has reached a point (thanks to career politicians) that if it occupies a big space in our economy.

I continue to try to explain that big government is no replacement for big business. I had big business. I have set foot in Wal*Mart a total of three times in ten years. I realize that we need some government. Total anarchy is not good because innocents die.

However, the advocates for a strong government power will build up small incidents to reinforcement their opinion. Remember, the more power you give a government (who is largely ungoverned), the more restrictions on your lifestyle... unless you are an internet junky who never leaves the house. You can wait until Obama, Pelosi, and big government declare they should restrict the Internet to keep order.

Incumbents be gone

It's obvious that the people don't want the sort of dramatic change that is being pushed down our throats. Incumbents are being voted out. Bravo! I don't care what party they are.

"I'm an anti-social anarchist dyslexic so and so, They say I'm just a stupid kid,
Just a crazy radical"

I'm just some sort of idiot who believes in myself and, possibly my country. I'll be first to declare that I and my loved ones come first. I'm sick of being burned by idiotic leaders with their fake promises.

I will not vote for any incumbent because I am sick of these idiots in government. Some people may say: what if you get someone really bad in office. I just say at least he (or she)'s a different bad than before. I can deal with different bad. It's the continuous bad that I cannot deal with.

Last Hope

Please don't disillusion yourself by digesting the BS that is transmitted on TV. Don't listen to the Wall Street pricks saying, "we're sorry: we'll do better." If you don't agree with something a politician says, then you are probably not alone. I was taught a similiar phrase: 'if you have a question, then chances are other students have the same question. Ask it.'

Government is no different. If you question it, then speak up. It's never easy to be the first to say something (I know), but you will find others will back you up. Hell, they may even think you are the best thing since sliced bread!

All I ask is that you speak up. Voice your opinion and listen to the response. I would bet that a lot of people would then pipe up and say "yeah, what about [so-and-so's] question?" This is the life we live in. People are afraid to voice their feelings.

Fear is the first step to a totalitarian government. You must speak out. You may seem like you're alone at first, but as soon as you speak: you will be joined by many people.

Do not take my word for it: I have spoken out against the idiocy of a corporate policy. People agreed with me, despite my being laid off. OK, I know you value your job, as I did I, however, I was not willing to work weekends just 'because' or cancel international trips.

So I ask how you or any company can be so desperate for any individual, and then lay him or her off? Stand for what you believe. Please ensure that you have paid down your debts. Your life comes before any cause.

I am in a unique position because I have not been enraptured by a woman, and thus pushed into a high mortgage, car payments, and credit card debt. Of course, this is no fault of my own. I will be immodest by declaring that I have avoided the snares, as beautiful as they may be.

Some will say that I am gay because I haven't married by now. I say, let them declare it. (Those close to me know that I am not a homosexual.) I don't state that being gay is evil. I don't agree with it personally, however, I feel that is not my place to judge anyone.

I may be old-fashioned with a belief that I will not judge anyone. Really, I find freedom. Instead of judging others, I can do what I care about. I can be what I want to be.

This doesn't mean that I believe in homosexuality. It simply means that I will let people do what they want. Yes, [the ideal of] California has rubbed off on me. I say live and let live. God will decide.

Either way we have a great country. We cannot give in to softness. Life is hard so why must we make it easy for illegal immigrants? I've been through a process just to get my lovely sister legally here. Why should Mexicans cross the border and then declare they want this and that?

My ancestors renounced the Czar of Russia to come here. You may think "yah, yah, whatever." I ask that you understand that citizens in the western parts of the Soviet Union weren't as free to travel as we are as Americn citizens. I saw the document in which my great- grandfather renounced the Czar of Russia.

Imagine that: declare that the US is so bad that you move to another country. Denounce your citizenship just to be somewhere else. How bad would it be that you said, I have to leave here because I want my children to have a future?

Do you want Europe?

This is a foreign subject to Americans. We have never really known true subjugation. The taxes are bad. The laws are idiocy, but we can never know the subjegation implemented on the European nations.

Do not mis-understand me: I love Europe. The history, the culture, the peoples, are fascinating to me. When I return to the States (it may be a trial in incompetency) I am glad. We are removed from the idiocy of Europe. We have made a life for ourselves so why must we make up for ignorance, or poor decisions, of Europe?

I repeat: we must cut Europe loose. The central bankers will never let go of Europe. They come from there. They only see America as a land of plunder. Don't take my word for it: Obama (a European sympathesizer) has yet to make any real solution in the Gulf oil spill.

Of course, despite environmentalist demands, this spill will remain just an accident. Greenpeace can bomb only so many ships. If one controls the media, these infrequent incidents can be blocked from the mainstream meia.

I'll give it to you bluntly: do you want the second American revolution to be like the French revolution? Do you really want blood in the streets? Do you want people scrabbling, and fighting, for food? Do you want people shooting each other in LA or Arizona for water?

Do not say: oh, that's out west. We have signed up to stand as a union. California and Arizona are very important parts of our nations. Yes, you may not know a minority majority that controls politics. (You are lucky.) It doesn't mean that you can ignore their hardships.

"Just lay next to you
As though I'm unaffected
And who should I be
When they're judging me
As though I'm unaffected?

It's only a matter of time before you are affected... unless you give a good blowjob. Don't you understand what is happening? No longer are people judged by their ability. They are judged by their ability to pleasure a superior.

Don't be an ostrich

DON'T BE AN OSTRICH. "What happened to us: we used to be so happy?" Pull your head out of the sand. Please, don't just call me an idiot moron who listens to extremists. I simply ask that you make a stand. I promise if you don't speak up right now, our free system will be over.

Need a time frame? Of course, that is the way of the world... thanks to the corporations. Alright, I'll continue the corporate way of life by giving a definite timeframe. Come this time next year, life will be different for you, regardless of where you live in America.

It is my opinion that any money you have in the stock market will not recover. Be objective: would you give money to a friend who dabbles in drugs (legal or illegal) or is part of major city gang? These are a couple of the players in the current stock market. Don't believe me: wait and see. The falling Euro is just a step to down. I guess it depends how tall you are, or, really how much you are willing to lose.

Thoughts

Many foreigners and Americans living outside of the US think that those of us living in this country are sheltered and unacquainted with the rest of world. This is probably true.

Americans have been jokingly called virgins by Europeans. Our old-fashioned take on new ideas and our reluctance to embrace new innovation is evidence.

I have seen other parts of the world, some of which are not good. So I ask what is so bad about our reluctance to "pop our cherry" on government health care or government heavy industry (i.e. GM)?

We've grown up thinking that each of us can make something for ourselves. Our mothers taught us that we could have anything if we worked hard enough for it.

It is this simplistic and idealistic viewpoint that most Americans possess. We are not hammered into place by population crowding, elitism, or favoritism. For the most part, we still have the ability to make a good life for ourselves, and to do what we want.

This is why I am fiercely against Obama and Pelosi. They feel that we have reached a point where we must become adults and realize that we can make no individual difference in the world. Personally they have already realized this opinion and thus are looking for someone bigger than them to help them. This explains their die-hard beliefs.

I contend that most Americans still want to be children in this regard. We don't care what happens in Thailand (though I think we should) and we see the economic breakdown of Greece as just a problem in a far-away country.

This is why I feel that many Americans are disapproving of the direction of the current government. Like children, we asked why does John corporation have a big car and our parents still drive an old Ford. It was a snap reflex that elected Obama because he promised to reign in the unimaginably rich.

I do not disagree with this reaction. Now it makes sense to me. But what we have in power now is not what they wanted. They wanted everyone to be happy and taken care of. They did not want people to be told what to do or taken over by the government.

This is why there's a strong opposition to incumbents in the legislature. We may be children but, at least, we know what we like and what we don't like. You can only promise chocolate ice cream with sprinkles so many times before we know you are full of it!

Bob's cool updates

Bob has found some awesome photos of 1940s London, in color. It is one city that I will always love no matter how much a country-bumpkin I become. You can see the photos here.

Bob, as is his way, has used his free time to be immensely creative. He made some animated GIFs. I think they're awesome... and so should you! Take a look here. Long live British TV!

Following Bob, I hope to focus on the good in life and revel in it. It is not easy with all the crap going on that I see. But if Bob can deal with a post-Communistic country, then I can calm down in America. I will try to have the patience of Bob. That sounds like a novel... Hmm, an idea

Site updates

I added a few photos to funny photos page.
I've added eleven movies to the GRS database.

I apologize

I apologize for being silent for so long. As an excuse I offer moving house and getting my life sorted out. I didn't realize all the things that I had been putting off until I was in my own place again...

Troubling times

Here in America we are sheltered from the discomforts of this time. In Thailand people are protesting the government, and being met with bullets. Greece has long been engulfed with discontention. Spain and Portugal are not far behind.

Ireland is finding it difficult to avoid asking for financial aid from the EU. (Though I would think twice before selling the Irish short. They may drink a lot, but they are an industrious people.)

In the previous greatest empire, the voters recently replaced the Labour government with one promoting a conservative viewpoint. Of course, conservative in Britain is quite different than in the States. Regardless, the termination of a lengthy form of government is not with its turmoil.

And it's pretty much quiet in this country. Yes, we have the illegal immigrants in LA protesting Arizona immigration laws. However, for the most part people are calm in this country.

Why is this so? I feel it's because Americans are typically a wonderfully understanding and easy-going people. Many foreign media see this and call us fat and complacent. However, I'd like to point out the Australians. They are a calm and cool people. They live in a largely desert island and yet still can be happy, calm, and well-fed.

I think these two nations can remain largely unconcerned with the ways of the world because of their natural seclusion. Sure, one may argue that the airplane has made the world smaller. And, in fact, it has. However, it is still six hours or more flight time from the East Coast of the US to Europe. It is more than a day to Australia from the West Coast of the US.

Now that transportation costs are rising, continents are becoming further away. Tourists now think about the cost of transport when they choose between Cancun and Hawaii or Jamaica and the Bahamas.

No matter how you cut it: money talks. I hate the love of money as much as the next guy. Loving money is destructive to even the most stalwart of individuals. However, everybody has to live within their means, especially these days.

The isolation and ingenuity [of the US] is the reason why, I believe, the few in control of the world financial system haven't let everything collapse and just sail away in super yachts. They realize our potential and want to milk it before leaving. And as long as we control our government through free elections, we will continue to surprise them.

SITE UPDATES WILL BE FORTHCOMING

Greece

Today's Greece's credit rating was reduced to junk. Financial advisors are saying get out while you still have anything to get out.

Doesn't it bother you when an entire country, which is already experiencing riots, is labelled as a worthless investment?

This is not some two-bit backwards country. This is Greece. Greece gave the world the idea of Democracy, Socrates and Plato. Athens was the first city-state that gave women the right to own property. This city is proclaimed the "cradle of Western civilization."

But how quickly people forget. Perhaps it is a lack of proper education, or maybe it's just a "sucks to be him" mentality. When I told my office mate that Greece's credit rating was downgraded to "junk," he said "fuck 'em."

Have we descended into a subclass of human that has no sympathy? Are we, as a people, so afraid to lose our jobs, or are so heavily in debt, that we have no compassion?

Maybe we are. Of course, these people will say "oh, the Athenians were stupid and worshipped gods on Mount Olympius." I will counter by asking don't people in this country worship politicans, money, and celebrities?

I'd be more tempted to be afraid of an invisible, all powerful being than just some idiot in Washington or disconnected idealist in Hollywood.

So there's talk of bailing out the country of Greece. The EU ("eee-you") is in a bad position. At least when the Icelandic government nearly collapsed because of the banking speculation this island country wasn't part of the EU...

Of course, now the tough Icelanders feel they must apply for EU membership to help combat this devastation. They know that the UK and other EU countries caused the problem. However, they have no recourse because they lack a productive economy to build their way out of the catastrophe.

People just don't get it. The shit is starting to hit the fan in Europe. Why do people still continue to hope the worst is behind us? I think it's a realization that we have little control over our idiot government and sly bankers.

It will take a while to unravel the excellent system here in America, however, they are working on it right now. China is the next obvious step for international bankers. Though they are a bit unsteady because of the rapid growth of the Chinese economy.

Dramatic, overnight, growth is tough to rape and pillage. The money moves around too quickly and is difficult to delay (and profit on). Think about it: how many times do you transfer money from one of your accounts to another and are told you have to wait a couple of days to access it?

You don't think that they patiently wait with your money while you cannot use it, do you? No, for every transaction they are making money. The banks speculate with the money.

This is why, I feel, New England hasn't been hit as hard as the Southwest during this economic downturn. People around here use cash. They don't bother with credit cards or debit cards. Their annoyance with being tracked has kept the banks on the run, at least partially.

Greece may be a "nothing" country to many people in this country, but aren't states you have never visited "nowhere" to you? But yet life still happens there. People still live there. Just think, Greece's economy must be on par with many of the smaller states in this country. Wouldn't it be shocking if Arkansas or Oregon failed?

Eliminate the individual?

What makes the United States great is that it is a land of individuals. Few will debate this observation with me. The individual is the sworn enemy of centralized power like a king or dictator. No one will disagree with this fact. So why, I must ask, do many Americans try to fit a norm?

Is it out of fear of standing out? Being different in the workplace can be good but is, unfortunately, mostly bad. If you're terrible at your job, then you would want to avoid sticking out to keep your job. If you're very good, then you will probably draw the scorn of poorer workers. This can lead to the same mentality.

I can understand this thinking. It makes sense. The trouble begins when "fitting in" transitions into everyday lives. Sure, there a lot of forces out there pushing for all to equalize.

The equal-rights extremists who think that everybody is exactly the same and thus deserves exactly the same rights is one pusher. The labor unions and corporations see people as numbers that can make them rich are another dealer. And even supermarkets and pharmacies are now coercing people into carrying membership cards by tempting them with reduced prices!

But who really is out there promoting the individual? Many organizations will claim that they see the individual as the base of their ingenuity. Though, I ask how many of these organizations will stand up for a worker who disagrees with their way of doing business. It can be suggested that insubordination, such as individualism, upsets the order and thus cannot be allowed.

This is clearly the reason why the Tea Parties are receiving little or no media coverage and Obama and Clinton are condemning them. Curiously, the Tea Parties are still leaderless organzations of citizens like you and me.

By now I thought someone would have risen to the top (like dead fish) as is common in most organizations. But the Tea Party remains true to countering Big Government and Big Business with, as I call us; "Big People."

The Constitution--an agreement--of our country does state "We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." This is a declaration that our government derives its power from us, the legal citizens of these fifty states.

It doesn't say that the government promises to take care of the citizens or try to be good to them. No, it says that "we" establish this government for us. Be wary of any government official who doesn't understand this. I have already confronted my old representatives with this reality, of which they had nothing to say in retaliation.

So I will continue to be an individual. I'll continue to drive my unusual cars. I won't stop enjoying British comedy over dark beer. Finally, I will not succomb to the ideas of Big Brother Obama or Big Sister Pelosi.

The new Fairness Doctrine, like most movies coming out today, is a remake of the Post War policy. It reminds me of George Orwell's Nineteen Eight-Four: the government monitoring and censoring the people according to its own desires and needs. Be careful, thinking too much is a thoughtcrime...

Site updates

I've uploaded six new movies into the GRS database.

Enough with reality TV

Tonight was one of those nights that I had to relax. As I played my Tropico game, which was going quite well, in the background the TV decided America's next top model.

These decisions are obviously left to women. Do you ask why I am so sexist? Have you ever asked what is the purpose of this odd program? It's a bunch of young, and obviously attractive, women competing to impress New York modeling agents.

If men were in control, they would all win. Doh! The show would be only fifteen minutes long. All would be winners...

What sickens me is people really respect the presenter's conclusion: they long for it. Come on, a girl is a good runway model or she is not. It is a hard lifestyle, I can imagine. However, I don't care to know why some models are not good at it. Maybe it's because I'm a guy, we are not too fussy...

Boston marathon

The Icelandic volcanic smoke is disabling European air lines. All that can be reported here is that "isn't it so bad that African runners will not be here in time to register to run." As my step-father so aptly put it: "maybe an American will win this year's marathon."

I completely agree with him. Enough of us supporting African nobodies. I am not a Scrooge. I have visited many countries outside of this country, so I can freely understand that many peoples in Africa are really hard up. I sympathize because these immigrants see moving to America as the only way to gain any personal wealth.

(Is this not the greatest proof that what we are doing, which Obama and friends claim is inhumane, is the right way?)

Think about what you hear. Analyze it before you agree. I'm listening to a bullshit review that a drifter from Maine stole a plaque from an idiot's house in Mass. All I can say is that if I was homeless I wouldn't go after a plaque unless I could eat or drink it.

Why?

Why do so many people lock themselves into a routine lifestyle? All I can accept as a reason is the sense of security that comes with doing the same thing day in and day out. Get up, go to work, shoot the shit and wait for 5 PM, watch TV, sleep, and repeat.

It sounds like a trivial life, doesn't it? Of course, there are highlights like fire drills at work, a favorite movie unexpectedly aired on TV, or a good dream. However for the most part, life is the same day in and day out.

This is the price that is paid for sameness, which is often confused with security. Once we know a certain sequence of events, we feel that we can control them, and thus feel secured. This is the reason why it makes big news when someone starts shooting co-workers or fellow students here in America.

If you objectively evaluate the lifestyle and the effect of the shooting, you will agree. I am not attempting to give the OK to going "postal." Not at all, because that only gives ammunition (bad pun) to the anti-gun wackos.

I merely highlight the routine that many live with day in and day out. Hell, tonight a dog was telling his mistress that it's time to go to bed by barking at her. The dog figured because his master was in bed, she must also go to bed, also.

Dogs are notorious for their strict adherence to routine. Like children, most dogs must have a schedule. It offers them a sense of security. So now I ask are we no better than dogs?

I love dogs and their wonderful sense of loyalty, however, I also feel that we have more being than dogs. Or have we forced ourselves into an ill-fitting mold of servitude? Through our love and respect for dogs, have we regimented our lives?

So back to the question: why do we put up with routines? Yes, some individuals are mentally crippled and need a routine to maintain their composure. I do not argue against those individuals. In fact, I wish our society would do more to help them in everyday life because such kindness and sacrifice is a sign of a civilized society.

But why do individuals who are independent accept a routine lifestyle? Could it be that they are working hard now to secure a retirement in the future? That would make sense, however, the latest economic downturn really challenges the financial security of any working person. Could it be that they don't want to stick out of the crowd? If so, then I'm really frightened for the future of America.

We are notorious for being individuals. We stick out wherever we go. We can fit the stereotype by wearing a cowboy hat and speaking with a drawl or we can act and dress as we see as normal. Either way, we stick out and are seen as American.

Henry Ford didn't inherit a fortune. He was the son of Irish immigrants who had nothing. He built his company with his ingenuity and personal drive. It is this strive to make something of ourselves that made us so admirable by the rest of the world. They don't want to be like Roosevelt, Kennedy, or Obama.

Foreigners come to our country with the hope to be the next Ford, Edison (or Tesla), Gate, etc. Or if they can't be well-to-do, then at least they will be able to make their own way without living off the government. This is the promise inscripted below the Statue of Liberty.

Currently, we have a government telling us that we need health insurance, even if we cannot afford, or justify, it. The excuse is that this country is civilized, like Europe, so we must have this mandatory requirement.

Fuck! It hasn't been that long since Europe got their shit together and stopped invading and blowing each other up. Meanwhile in America our forefathers were designing and building a better world.

So I ask why do you want to make America like Europe? Think back when you were in kindergarten. Did you want to be like the boy or girl who picked on everyone? Of course not, you wanted to play with your finger-paints or chase girls [or boys].

This brings up another question: why the hell do we keep meddling in other countries' affairs? I say leave them alone. Let them wallow in their misery. Fuck 'em. If they attack us or ask for our help, then we can address that problem at that time. This policing of the world nonsense has to stop.

Depending on any government is not American. Americans have never been told what to do as soon as they reached our shores. I wonder if it's something in the water. Whatever it may be: "don't thread on me" is our mantra.

Perhaps my approach to world affairs is a bit elementary, but I did, after all, enjoy chasing girls. Alas, I wasn't much of an artist, a talent that still evades me to this day! (Though both my brother and mother more than make up for my inferiority.)

Away too long?

I have bucked the trend by finding a job after being unemployed for too long. This is why I haven't been writing more regularly. However, I am pleased to report that my third week at this job is passing well.

Today I was paraded in front of a few individuals from the mother company, for which I am contracting. My superior claimed that I was a very big help to bring the program back on course. I couldn't help but blush as I am merely performing my job as a drafter.

If only my hair was long; I could twirl it, thus completing the image. Of course, then I'd have to ensure that I had the proper boob job and low-cut shirt! Perhaps I lived in California too long? Writing in this manner can't be normal :)

California [is] bust

It used to be that you could go to California, expect to work hard, and make a good living. Right now, it's far the opposite. If you can find work in southern California, you either know someone important or give good blowjobs. Well, really there are so many people willing to do anything, you really have to know someone.

This is why I am very happy to be in New England. The people are rude until you get to know them, and some times they're still rude. But that is the price of living in the real world: people will not kiss your ass even if they hate your guts. It's a law of nature. So why not assume that everybody hates you?

If you can do that: welcome to New England... unless you don't know your way around without road signs. I love the quirkiness of New England. If you let it get to you, it will bring you down. If you act like they do and shove off the crap, you'll find a reasonably happy population living in a gorgeous area of the country.

I admit that I am prejudiced because I enjoy cold weather, fog, and snow. These pecularities break up, otherwise, steady sunshine. I find myself raising and lowering the sunshade in the car as I drive to and from work. Perhaps my Nordic background is emerging, but I just see this as a fact of life instead of a nuisance.

It could be because I moved back from a smog-filled urban desert? I commented the other day that it was wonderful to see grass growing without having to water it. Yeah, I know I'm odd. I'm still recovering from southern California. And, I'll say that this recovery is wonderful, perhaps better than recovering from a drug? I do love trees.

Site updates

I've added a trip page describing my trip across the US in February. You can see it here.

I also added five movie ratings to the GRS database.

Welcome to Socialism

It reads like a sign you see when you drive into a country town where the inhabitants wax their cars with cats and dogs walk their owners. Only this is reality and there's no way to drive out of it. Obama has signed into law the health care reform bill.

Many, including, myself believe this is a prelude to total government control over the individual. So commencing in 2014 you must have health insurance that meets federal government standards. That means all unemployed will have to pay another bill. Or else the taxman will be knocking on your door, or tent.

Also, you know those job positions that many of us were holding out for? I wouldn't count on them materializing now. Since health insurance is now mandatory and heavily regulatated, doing business has just become more expensive. Worse yet, this expense is now immediately traceable to individual employees.

I don't care how much the feds say that old people deserve insurance rates that are as cheap as say a 25-year-old: the cost will always be higher. Old people use their health insurance more than youngsters.

So what this means is that old people will now become more of a target for accountant-run (penny-pinching) corporations. Combine the typically higher wages of older people with the high cost of regulated insurance and anyone over 50 is the first choice for layoff.

Young people are not going to benefit either. Many youngsters are coming into the job market with advanced degrees because otherwise they cannot find any job that pays more than McDonald's. These professional jobs are usually accompanied by high-quality, high-cost, health coverage plans.

And such a high-quality plan could be deemed as politically-incorrect and the feds will levy a tax against such a "Cadillac plan." Obama, Pelosi, and the other inexperienced dreamers say this will level the playing field and ensure that all have health insurance.

That remains to be seen, in my opinion. Individuals in other countries don't care for their public plan. The United Kingdom has a fledgling private health system that is competing with the public system. Canadians used to come here for surgery. I am, of course, assuming that this reform is a prelude to a single payer health care system. This is a fair assumption with Pelosi stating that this is only the beginning of the change.

All I can say is wait till November. Come Election Day either these rogue representatives will be voted out or we'll know for sure elections are rigged in this country. Either way these progressives will be removed.

It will be good to have the Democratic Party back again. National socialists are typically popular until the populace realizes what they are doing. This has already happened in Germany. They called them Nationalsozialismus. We called them Nazis.

Site updates

I'm about halfway through the latest trip page. I hope to have it done by the end of the week.

I'll also upload a few more movie reviews later this week.

Free markets

The trouble with what Obama and company are doing is that they don't understand that choice is the key to job creation, economic growth, improvements in health care, etc. If the market is minimally regulated, to ensure that the public is fairly protected, then individuals will develop new ideas.

Many of these ideas will improve all industries, including health care. And while the individuals strive to become rich, they'll have to hire people to work for them. These workers will then have money to buy other products and services, thus increasing the size of the economy.

History

This system has worked for over two hundred years in this country. Of course, Obama et al. would like to control what is written in textbooks. I've heard that some wish to start American history with the 1870s. Skip the writing of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution?! These are two of the most important documents in modern history.

Why would they choose to start our history there? Could it be that this was when the West was being settled? What comes to mind first when you think of the move west? Cowboys and Indians? The Oregon Trail?

What do these two subjects have in common? I think death and a lack of order is common to both. Whether it's a gun fight in a dusty street or people dying of dysentery, people were being killed from seemingly avoidable mechanisms.

Today we think these things are fantastic (based in fantasy). And why is that? We're used to our protected lives. We go to the supermarket and there's always food there. If we are exposed to crime, we ring the police.

Life can be almost predictable and is very safe these days. However, I wonder if we have gone too far. People are used to conflict and a bit misery. That's life.

While living in LA, this fact became clear to me. In Los Angeles weather is not a problem, ever, and so people make other problems for themselves. Many times the problems are trite but they satisfy the basic need for conflict.

Obama and chums prey on people's need for order and safety to grab more power. It's terrible that many people don't have good health care. I can sympathize because I have no health insurance.

However, I don't want the government or anyone to give me health insurance. I want to earn it myself. I don't think I'm alone. Sure, there are some people who want something for nothing. But, I still have faith that most people want to make their own way.

I think it's good that we have to work for what we have. It gives us a sense of pride and reminds us of the value of these things. I feel that if people who are living on welfare were forced to work, many would overcome their addictions to drugs, alcohol, or eating.

Opportunity

If you give a man a fish, he'll expect more. If you teach a man to fish, he'll catch his own fish... Of course, some government officials want to outlaw fishing in some waterways. Don't you think that these same people want to just give you fish?

This is a reason why I moved out of California and gave up unemployment benefits. I know how to fish and just need my bit of river to prove myself. It used to be in this country that there was plenty of space for everybody.

Now governments are grabbing space, power, money, businesses, etc. California believes strongly in this scheme. Now that I live in a "red state" I can clearly look back on this governmental control.

Power corrupts is the old adage. That indeed is what has happened in California. I don't miss LA at all.

I've already had a few recruiters contact me with jobs and I've only been looking for a couple of weeks. This is a far cry from the silence I experienced in California. And if I cannot find work in my industry, then I can find work at one of the many small businesses in my new home town.

This is the opportunity that I sought. I don't need a spot in the unemployment line. I need a job. Whatever the job may be, I am helping myself and have a future. Living on unemployment is like living in your parent's basement. You may be a hit in the chat rooms but add nothing to society!

I think it's clear that the American people want an opportunity. They don't want a hand-out. This opportunity only comes from businesses.

Tropico: a study in economics

I play a strategy game where you can play a dictator of a small Caribbean island. I've found that if people are employed, they are happy. Crime is reduced and they spend money on entertainment.

I also played with the immigration laws and found that full employment was difficult to maintain with open-door immigration. I had to throttle the immigration (and follow through) to keep the economy running smoothly. For instance, allowing entrance to only educated workers during recessions (yes, the game has depressions) reduced the duration of hard times.

There is another aspect that is really clear with a small scale economy like this game. There must be a strong manufacturing or farming base to support engineers, bankers, lawyers, doctors, etc. This is a fragile thing too because one has to keep the people on the bottom happy and working to be able to pay those few on top. The scales tilt quickly if you're not watching. Attacting good doctors, engineers, etc. could be difficult, which is why proper, useful education on the island was necessary.

Of course, one can also declare martial rule, execute any opposition, and maintain a police state. The trouble is that the people start to learn how to work around your control. One must also pay police and soliders very highly to entice them to keep kicking the shit out of their countrymen. This is also unsustainable.

So I'll repeat what I have written so many other times. We need more manufacturing or farming/ranching in this country and less high level positions. Also, I believe that the Democratic Party, which has been over-run by "progressives," is starting to show losses because people can only be paid so much money to ignore and beat up their constituency.

Site updates

I organized the funny photos into categories. This should make it easier to find a particular picture. Take a look here.

I'm working on the latest trip page. Stay tuned.

Site updates

I'll write more later. Miss the rants about corruption and the government?

A new Lady is up. Don't forget to vote for your two favorite photos. You can comment about the photos on the results page.

I've added two new movies to the database.

I've added five new funny photos to that page. I need to organize this page into subjects so it's easier to find a particular photo!

Arrived

I've finally moved my stuff and cars to New England. I took my time to see the sights along the way. It was good to see family during this trip, also. (A trip page will be forthcoming.) Now I need to find some type of work and rebuild my life.

I traveled about 5,200 miles and the MR2 averaged 34.3 mpg with a maximum and minimum of 36.8 and 30.6, respectively. This is actually 2 mpg less than the MG returned when I went to the Northwest. That's a bit surprising! But that was in the early autumn and not late winter.

Site updates

I've added one quote:

The government is a body of people, notably ungoverned
Shepherd Book in Firefly

And eight new movies/TV programs have been added to the movie database.

I also added another "recipe" to the MG Midget cookbook.

Moving

I got my rental truck today. I've been packing boxes while waiting for breaks in the rain. Yeah imagine that, rain in southern California. I dislike moving during the winter.

WISE can see!

NASA's satellite, which I worked on, has now opened its eyes. Click this link to see the photo.

It's not unlike a child's first word; this landmark photograph is. It's reassuring to know that our effort wasn't wasted ... and we await the great discoveries of this little satellite. Now, where's my cigar?

That's life

With Randy's help, I figured out what ails the MG. Thank you for suggesting checking the compression! It slipped my mind. It seems obvious now.

The compression in two cylinders is only 92 psi while the others pump up to 205 psi. A blown head gasket is the fault. Curiously, the center two cylinders are the ones that gave up. One would think the outer cylinders would leak first.

I've got a couple of gaskets on order from a business in northern California. I hope that they will be here by the weekend so I can repair the engine in the warmth.

I still haven't received the registration for my single operable car. You'd think owning three cars I would always have a choice. This harkens back to my college days when both cars were broken and I had to fix one to get to school.

I'm walking where I need to go. People think it odd (to walk in LA) but I will not be immobilized by the system. My cars may be declared gross polluters or disabled by poor quality gas, but I will continue to travel.

I will not give up. Life could be far worse for me. Where there is a will, there's a way. The key is maintain one's will against anything and everything. This will be useful in the near future for all of us.

It's sad to uproot onion plants before they've formed bulbs. That is life. I count myself lucky that I could grow anything during winter. My tomatoes that I harvested prematurely are ripening on bits of vine.

Their taste is alright. It's on par with the "vine ripened" tomatoes available in supermarkets. Home grown is still far better.

As my last week in LA begins, I feel little remorse for leaving. I almost feel like I should avoid the door hitting me on my way out. The DMV is a nuisance. The warm weather has produced a lot of smog. Many acquaintances ignore me now that I am unsavory type who's leaving.

Feel stimulated?

I am not alone. I see many houses for sale or rent in my "Midwest" neighborhood. Times are tough here in southern California. We may have a new sign on 91 declaring it part of the repair projects in the stimulus package, but I see no workers or progress on the road.

Somehow I don't think the straight representatives expected nothing but a sign or two when they voted for that bill. Hell, I wonder if this is a "Big Dig" for the government.

Instead of shady contractors we have dodgy representatives who feel they're doing the greatest works for America. You may say they represent us so we have control over them.

I would love to agree with you because that is how our government is intended. But I have written countless times to my "representatives" with no response or a form letter stating that "I will do this or I believe in this."

Representatives, by definition, should represent or promote the thoughts and feelings of those who elected them. I just don't have that power any more.

Perhaps it is because I am not a native Californian or am currently unemployed? OK, so I need to fit a criterion to be listened to? Do I not vote and keep you in the lap of luxury at our expense? One thing is for sure that I will not vote for incumbents any more. They are too sly and devious.

Power to the people

Bring the power back to the people. Don't blindly accept the bullshit offered by the extreme left. Global warming may be happening but make up your own mind; don't listen to Al Gore whose gigantic "carbon footprint" dwarfs many of ours.

Don't believe that terrorists took down the World Trade Center towers and managed to leave a couple of passports on the street. I know you've seen the videos citing evidence that the bombings were staged. So form your own decision.

These are two examples that attack both American political parties. Doesn't it make sense to investigate both? Just because someone says "no, don't look at that" do you not wonder?

Ignoring the "man behind the curtain" is a good way to become brainwashed and unable to think for yourself. No matter what the ethics of the "man behind the curtain" may be; do you really trust him?

Of course not. This is why we must all think clearly without political slants. Understandably the politicians will want us to hate the other side. It is hatred, which begets fear, that makes us easy to control.

No matter what your personal fears are, politicians will attempt to use them to maintain and expand their power over you. It is these fears that will be harnessed during the grope for control. Fear is power. Power is, most times, control.

Site updates

I've added seven new entries into the GRS. This will be the final update for some time. I have discontinued my subscription to Netflix to curb my expenses. I'm sure I will manage to add a movie every once in a while so don't give up hope.

MG woes

Yesterday I filled up with winter-blend California gas. That was a poor decision because now my MG is having problems. "Like, totally..."

I knew this engine was always going to be pushing what could be done with 91 octane pump gas. I had previously made it run quite well but now I think the game may be up.

I've asked a couple of older, and more experienced, car guys for advice. Hopefully, they'll have ideas to keep the MG going a bit longer. Needless to say, I am looking forward to New England 93-octane fuel. I think it will make a noticeable difference.

And then there was one

Agatha Christie is probably spinning in her grave at such a heading. I do feel like I'm observing the Ten Little Indians story. First, my Sentra fell to the smog police and was relegated to private property. Now my MG is wronged by the gasoline cops.

I only hope that the MR2 can withstand the abuses of California to drive me out of here. I guess Texas is the next state that has 93 octane. Of course, fuel injection is a lot easier to please because computers can retard the ignition timing and change fuel duties to avoid pinging.

Speaking of the MR2, the DMV cashed my check ($118) to register the car last year and I still haven't received the registration. It's a good thing that soon the government will control our health care. I would like to bleed to death while waiting for a few stitches. And it must be tough to complete an A-B form with a broken writing arm...

Long bowing

Tom and I went shooting again. This time the weather was typically southern California. Oh well. Tom said that I am improving. I did feel more confident with the bow.

I have a correction. The draw force of the bow is only 55 pounds. This is the force of a hunting longbow. I apologize for the mistake.

Again this time only my left shoulder complained. Tom explained that this shoulder not only resists the drawing motion of the right arm and back, but it must also control where the arrow will hit.

I think the control and fine muscle control is my shortcoming. Practice will improve this aspect. It has worked well with my speaking. (I no longer rip apart idiot southern Californians. Tolerance.)

Again, I really enjoyed the longbow. It's beautiful and powerful. I hope in the future I can afford to buy one.

Unfortunately, this session marked the retirement of "Will." Tom's other bow is named "Will" and it developed a crack. A fellow archer noticed and pointed out that the bow was bending oddly. It is too bad, but that is the disadvantage of traditional English longbows.

I also got to draw back a couple of modern longbows. I didn't like them. They were not as smooth as the English longbows. I mean when you pull on a bow string you'd expect the force to be uniform through the entire length. Right?

The modern bows that I experienced aren't like that because they "grab" (have higher instantaneous draw forces) at certain parts. It bothered me. Sure modern bows will not break and fire a lot faster, but they seem less human.

Maybe it's like comparing a normal person to a BMW-driving dipshit (or whatever the modern euphenism is)? I'm just not power-crazy or addicted to speed so I don't care to compete with other people. I'm satisfied with my modest ability.

What is life?

Aside from a catchy George Harrison tune, I think life depends on the individual. My brother, a great philosopher (yes, I'm prejudiced, and proud of it) said "life really is just a series of moments."

When he said this I felt it profound, but didn't really feel it. Now I get it. I'm more experienced and grown up and now couldn't agree more. I recall my life as a series of episodes.

Whether it's racing through Paris to get back to the car rental agency on time, because Bob and I took a bunch of wrong turns, or dozing off while Bob criticized a boring movie; my memories are just a pile of moments.

It doesn't take a foreign city or a boring movie to make a memory. All it takes is being open-minded and easy-going. Memories can be made anywhere. I feel that what makes good memories are the people I share them with.

I have good memories of New Zealand when I visited the country alone but they are not as vibrant as those countries I visited with Bob. Or should I call him Old Bob?

When people here in LA ask me where I want to go to eat, I say I don't care because the company is what matters. Most stop listening as soon as they hear "I don't care" and start choosing where they want to go.

Of course, I gave them that liberty. What is upsetting is that they don't care about the company. They only care about the restaurant. Not all in this sprawling mess are so callous, but most are.

This is not limited to LA, but it is surely localized here. I don't mean to sound arrogant about this smoggy and hot city (it was 73 and sunny today). This is the strangest place I have lived. What kind of fucked-up place in the northern hemisphere is so warm during January?

I've wandered off course, as is my tendency. Even here in LA, I have pleasant memories. The company is what makes the memory last. The spontaneity capable of being generated by two or more individuals is the key. These memories are our reward for living life.

So it's not all "location, location, location" as real estate agents like to say, it's with whom you experience a location. The Eiffel Tower is just a bunch of steel girders and would have been taken down except for its effect on the Parisian people. Remember it was only built for the 1889 World's Fair?

Fascism

Like many I thought that fascism was an example of extreme right politics. But I began to wonder if communism and fascism are at opposite sides of the left-right political axis, what makes them so different? Both want control over the individual.

Albeit, both have different excuses to rob you of your liberty. Communism claims that all individuals are the same and should all have equal opportunity to live life. Fascism proclaims that individuals should be proud and they should maintain this respect to live life.

Both concepts sound good on paper (or on a computer screen!), however, they're both incompatible with personal freedom. Communism requires a strong managing force to ensure that all get equal opportunity. Fascism mandates a strong control to reinforce the reason to be proud.

Both forms of government require a strong leader or group. Two infamous examples of such leaders are Vladimir Lenin and Adolf Hitler, respectively. Both were ruthless leaders who crushed resistance without mercy. The good of the nation was the usual excuse. Both dissolved the body of elected lawmakers. Pesky lawmakers debating important laws--pfft... They just get in the way.

Like communism, fascism is all about control. The fascists in Germany took control of the banks and heavy industry (e.g. vehicle fabrication) before launching an invasion of Europe. Also, as we all know, Hitler was obsessed with the Nordic race (incorrectly called Aryan).

So Hitler killed millions of Jews, Russians, gypsies, homosexuals and other "undesirables" who would make the German people less proud. An early manner of this extermination was via eugenics. This is the science of selective breeding and sterilization of "unacceptable" individuals.

I have heard statements that Cass Sunstein, the regulatory czar (Director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs), wants to sterilize retards and cripples. It's only what I hear and I can't prove it, but if it's true; I'm scared.

I'm not too retarded and have use of all my appendages, but I wonder how long will it be until those with fair skin, and hair, are deemed recessive and weak and are not strong components of the American populace.

Just because the Nazis loved the Nordic people doesn't mean those in power will love them this time! Genetically fair people are less likely to reproduce fair people. Excuse the pun. Expediency affords one a bit of abbreviation.

Here are some of my last thoughts about fascism. Don't think of it as conservatives who are scarily different than you. Hitler was both anti-communism and anti-capitalism. Mussolini destroyed anyone who stepped in his way.

The Nazi party was also known as the National Socialist German Workers' Party. Notice the word socialist? Both extremes like to proclaim their false allegience to the society. So would you prefer a national socialist or a socialist republic (USSR)?

If we're not careful, fascism could be the other "red" meat:

Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's chief propagandist, credited Italian Fascism with starting a conflict against liberal democracy, saying: "The march on Rome was a signal, a sign of storm for liberal-democracy. It is the first attempt to destroy the world of the liberal-democratic spirit[...] which started in 1789 with the storm on the Bastille and conquered one country after another in violent revolutionary upheavals, to let... the nations go under in Marxism, democracy, anarchy and class warfare..."

After all, it happened in Italy, Germany, Romania, Spain, Brazil, Austria, and Japan. Why couldn't it happen here while we're not watching?

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism

Site updates

I've added six movies to the GRS.

Added the following photo:

Longbow

A few days back an ex-coworker taught me how to shoot an English longbow. True to English tradition, the bow was named. Maurice (pronounced the British way "Morris") is six feet and six inches long with a draw force of 90 pounds.

I've shot a number of firearms but really enjoyed the longbow. It takes more skill to hit a target. My teacher, Tom, said that I did very well. I missed the hay bale only about six times. Out of thirty shots, that's pretty good.

The longbow requires a fair bit of physical strength and employs different muscles than we're used to using. My shoulder ached a bit after the session. Otherwise I felt good. The weather was beautifully English with a gentle rain and 55 degrees.

The power of the longbow was shocking to me. At about ten yards the arrows would bury themselves into the hay. Some were nearly a foot into the bale! So next time you watch a movie and see arrows barely causing flesh wounds, you're welcome to laugh! At ten yards an arrow could easily pass through a human body.

This could make it more deadly than a firearm. Tom was very happy with my skill. I told him I had English heritage and said it must have been that blood. I also got to shoot a few handmade arrows built exactly the same as those fired during the Middle Ages. Talk about a treat!

These arrows shot differently than the modern ones I practiced with. They were smoother, and seemed more organic. The closest analogy that I can make is the difference between driving a '60s sports car and a modern sports car. The modern product is quicker and easier to drive but, on the flip side, it's tamer and lacks some of the passion of the older machine.

When I get some money, I'm going to buy a longbow and arrows. They're really works of art as well as being powerful weapons.

Tom told me that war bows had a draw force of 150 pounds. If one could pull that much, that weapon would probably be more powerful than any small firearm. These weapons could penetrate armor and reach ranges of 400 yards. I can't imagine hitting a target from four (American) football fields away.

Tom explained that boys were raised with longbows and by the time they were middle-aged (25 years) they were very skilled. It seems it's like how we grow up with wheeled vehicles and by middle-age we're old hats at driving cars. Practice makes perfect.

Comments

Today I received an e-mail declaring (almost celebrating?) bullshit law cases that were won this year. I'm not talking about getting a settlement from your neighbor for a dog that destroyed your fence. I'm concerned about the moron that tripped over her own dog and sued a business.

This is the bullshit that is destroying American business. I wouldn't (workers of the world) celebrate just yet. American businesses have been accused of a lot of things (some true) but they have employed millions of Americans. This in turn pays taxes to support the large government that we have grown into.

Say what you want about American business, but I know it is more good than bad. It is what made this world an industrial behemoth. They are what brought the polio vaccine, among others. Universities have been funded by industry for a century. As much as we want to see free love and peace (I freely admit that I want this), in the real world it is difficult.

I would love to see a world where I could embrace Iraqis and Africans without a gun in my back. Unfortunately, these dreams are quickly squashed by reality. Obama may be clever but he cannot make America look favorable to the extreme left of the world. And I ask would you really want to go to the far left?

It's great to be loved by your classmates and neighbors, and it's another thing to be loved by a foreign people. I have visited a few countries and found very few that genuinely wanted me in their country. Most just tolerated me. And, I'll have you know that I am not an overtly obnoxious American. I am calm abroad. This is mostly because I know that being American is not always good.

You're welcome to disbelieve me. Travel abroad and see for yourself.

It has been my personal experience that only the Irish, Kiwis (New Zealanders), and Georgians have welcomed me. The Irish could have been impressed that I was a lone American traveling for pleasure. It is very possible, however, I still miss the friendship in Dublin pubs. This was the only place in western Europe when I didn't seem a drunkard. I loved it! Bless the Irish!

The New Zealanders have the politeness of the English but there's something else. They seemed to respect my presence because they knew that if I was a destructive idiot they could resign to their own lands and be done with me. Though, city folk on the streets in Auckland are wonderfully hospitable. I know that the Aussies, outside of big-city Sydney, are just the same. It would be wonderful to experience Australia... this time for real.

The Georgians are a curious people. They have been beaten down for centuries. Imagine that. It has only been a couple of hundreds of years since America was formed to fight hatred and discrimination. The Georgians have struggled under the yoke of the Russians, and later the Soviets for centuries.

They laugh at our small tribulations. I don't blame them. America is a young country. Like toddlers we rely on older nations to guide our walk. I know my words fall like the last leaves of the autumn, but I suggest that American politicians look at older nations like Georgia.

They can show us the way forward by shunning the great power and its allure. The Georgians have already declared their independence from the Soviet Union, and we could learn a lot from their example.

We haven't progressed to the point that we have a ruling class who tells you what to do. But, mark my words, unless we stop what is happening right now in America we will have a ruling class. Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and the other rogue representatives will not listen to us.

Is this so much different than the Soviet Union? For instance, the Soviets outlawed religion. Has not Washington DC expressed its negative opinion of religion? I don't mean that we should all become bible-thumpers. I just want us to express our freedom of religion. You believe in God. Great, show it. Many of the leaders don't believe in religion and want to abolish it.

I admit that I am not a frequent church attendee. I would be seen as an athiest by most churches. I have no problem with that. That doesn't mean that I want to see the multitude of religions disappear from America. It is this freedom that may be the number one reason why we are great. Jews can practice free of Nazi oppression.

It's American to not care what religion you are. This is why we are a great people. We judge people on what they say and do. We don't care if your mother was Muslim and your father was Jewish. You are still American.

It is our tolerance that makes us free. We appreciate all people. We may not agree with other people but we protect their freedom to be who they want to be. That is America. Being American you know this.

Today we are presented with examples to hate and seclude ourselves. The recent example on a plane bound for Detroit is no exception. It is difficult to avoid being sucked into the fear. As long as we are not fearful we will be alright. When the American people becomes afraid of anything, American liberty is over. Don't fear.

Liberty is fearlessly knowing that your beliefs are right. This may seem contradictory to my previous statements but they are not. If you believe in something greater than yourself, you have nothing to fear. I feel that it doesn't matter if it's the Jewish god Yahweh, Christ's God, or allah.

I, of course, have my opinions but this does not restrain you from your beliefs. This is the promise of the New World. The Old World seems forever frustrated by religion but in the New World we are free of this. We are tolerant, yet true with our beliefs.

One of my favorite philosophers Doctor Who said "One day I shall come back... Just go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine." This probably betrays my Christian (resurrection) beliefs but I hope that you can still take the words and use them.

New England or bust

Today I reserved a moving truck. I cannot find work in California. I have no misgivings towards Los Angeles because it was here that I was able to see many of the unusual parts of the world. I am changed forever because of my experiences.

It's just too bad that I couldn't find work here. I will miss the deserts. However, there has been an element in me that has been fighting for four-season weather. I admit that I will welcome snow with open arms. It may be accompanied by sleet and freezing rain but I know nothing is perfect.

Life has difficulties no matter where you live. Yes they may change, but they are always difficulties. In LA one must really love oneself because loneliness is the mode. I have friends, some that declare that I am very important, but when it comes down to it; I am alone.

It is a dark fortelling of death. I'd rather be in New England where people are a bit preoccupied by death but appreciate and love the living. That is the thing about New Englanders. Previously, it upset me. Now I understand that it is an honor for the dead.

Of course, I don't choose New England willy-nilly. I have family and friends there. I do not mean to pass over western New York, which is full of relatives. I just think that I will have a chance as an infrared engineer in New England as opposed to (sadly) oppressed Buffalo. I admit to being selfish.

California has done me right. I leave with good thoughts and some coin in my pocket. What more could I ask?

Site updates

I've added ten movies to the database. Enjoy!

WISE launch video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY4gEt0IKdk

Camping, brewing, etc.

Mike and I are going camping this weekend. It's always good to get out of the city. I noticed today that my ATV has nearly 500 miles on the clock!

I have been brewing a lot of beer recently. I recently bottled a Bavarian wheat beer. It should be ready for Christmas. I racked a Newcastle clone to the second fermenter earlier this week. I'll bottle it next week so it will be ready for consumption in the new year.

Last night I sold my swamp cooler. The guy was originally from Chicago so we talked about the oddities of LA people. I've been selling and trashing stuff to make me able to move quickly in the case that I find a job outside of California.

Leaves are falling off my two oak trees. I've been raking them up to avoid angering any neighbors. It's good exercise and it's helpful to feel productive at something. A negative aspect of being unemployed is that one starts to feel useless.

Site updates

I've added four new quotes:

Maybe she's just a lazy whore. That happens, right? They can't all have hearts of gold and good work ethics.
Jaye in Wonderfalls

Progress means not just changing, but changing for the better
C.S. Lewis

There is nothing progressive about being pig headed and refusing to admit a mistake
C.S. Lewis

You cannot make men good by law: and without good men you cannot have a good society
C.S. Lewis

You can see them all on this page.

I also added three movies to the database.

WISE launch

Early on Friday morning the Wide-field Surveying Explorer satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The significance of this particular telescope is that it will scan the entire sky from orbit using infrared detectors. It's supposed to find "brown stars." These stars are invisible to existing space telescopes (e.g. Hubble) because they emit only infrared light.

Infrared (IR) is invisible to our eyes too. But you have probably seen colorized images from IR cameras. Paris Hilton (I really hate that woman) filmed a sex tape using an IR camera that used green as the coloring agent. Now you know what I mean!

So why do I know so much about this particular telescope? Not only did I work on the detectors that are the "eyes" for the telescope, but I attended a presentation put on by the lovely Doctor Amy Mainzer, a research scientist from JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). She explained that this telescope may help to explain the happenings in the galaxy through "brown stars."

It's fascinating stuff! I believe that an atlas of the sky will be put together from the information. Click here to go to a web page that shows an artist's rendition of the WISE satellite.

The detector that I worked on is hidden inside, protected from the elements and in a vessel (cryostat) to be kept at a regulated temperature. Here's the official photo of one of the detectors.

I tested the cable (extreme right) by cycling it from room temperature to the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 Kelvin, which is -321 Fahrenheit or -196 Celsius). As you can imagine it took me quite a while to warm up the cable from that chilly temperature. I remember being excited to cycle the cable one hundred times because I could get out of the cubicle and do something productive. I've always been a hands-on guy.

I took the following photo just before testing:



I connected wires to each side of the cable so I could test for electrical continuity. Continuity is just a fancy word for both ends of the cable being connected with low resistance. I tested the continuity at room temperature and at LN2 (liquid nitrogen) temperatures every ten thermal cycles.

Here's a shot of the connector that directly connects to the detector assembly, which you saw in the official photo:



The cable was fabricated by Pioneer Circuits and afterwards it was found that a black strip of epoxy was necessary. It wasn't the fault of Pioneer but a design error. I forget the exact purpose for the epoxy. You can see the epoxy in the before-mentioned photo.

My thermal cycling and continuity tests were not enough, of course. For space projects people are very, very careful. This paranoia is understandable because service calls to orbit are a lot more costly than having the plumber out on the weekend or holidays!

So I sent the cable off to the Arizona office of Sonoscan in Scottsdale. I recall speaking with Ken Tylor because he didn't strike me as caught up in the corporate bullshit. He just wanted to sell his service without promising the world. They are good, down-to-earth, people.

I remember my company's design engineer questioning the service of these people. Steve, the design engineer, was getting pressure from management to provide perfectly clean results, and didn't get them, so he called into question the proficiency of the ultrasound scan provided by Sonolab. It was cleared up when JPL okayed the results.

Back to the detector: the white piece with the green piece on top is the actual detector assembly. This is the mercury cadium telluride (MCT) detector. There is also a second detector made of silicon arsenide (SiAs).

I'm not privy to the design details, because I was a manufacturing guy for this project, but I would presume that two detectors were necessary to see different bands of IR. IR is big chunk of the electromagnetic spectrum (many times larger than the colors that we can see).

Here's a photo that Juanita (the technician who did the assembly work) took of the MCT assembly:



Notice that a cover has been installed over the cable and capacitors. This is how the detector was installed into the satellite.

Also, the cable that I tested is not connected in this photo. Instead a shorting connector is fitted. The shortening connector is the black unit attached outside the black case. You can see a snake of wire connecting all the pins together. This is why it's called a shortening connector. It shorts all the pins together. The idea is that all sensitive circuits are connected to the ground planes (local grounds) to help prevent electro-static discharge (ESD).

You can make ESD on a dry day by scuffing your feet on a carpet and touching a door knob. It hurts, huh? Well, a far smaller amount of ESD is all that is needed to toast the delicate circuits like those in the WISE detector.

I also drilled out the holes of the black case that encloses the detector. Another design error... Notice that the holes are grey instead of black. That's because when I enlarged them I cut away the anodized layer.

Anodizing is used as a protective layer for aluminum. Aluminum doesn't rust in the conventional sense. Unlike steel, contact with air and water doesn't produce a flaky and reddish material. No, bare aluminum produces a white powdery substance.

Since any debris floating around in a box in space can spell disaster, the case and all aluminum components are anodized. Anodization is a process by which a metal is oxidized under controlled conditions (heat and vacuum). This forceful "rusting" of aluminum creates a natural barrier to water and air. The idea is not unlike how rusty steel tends to rust more slowly than bare steel. In this case a black coloring was added during the process so the coating can be visually checked.

Working on WISE, like all the space programs, was a high point of my career at DRS. There is nothing quite like working on something that will orbit many miles above my head and help explain our universe.

Clarification

I do not mean to promote hysteria about the economy. I don't think that an apocalypse is coming. "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!" No, nothing of the sort. The dollar may lose its value and become good for little more than TP. But I know that the American people will survive. Many will lose a lot of weight (like that's a bad thing?) and some will become so angry that they go crazy.

However, the typical American will make a way. Yes, it would be tough because we are a relaxed people. But I merely relate things we can do to help avert this disaster so we can maintain our comfortable lives of watching TV and turning a blind eye to the happenings around us.

We can only try to make the world better ourselves. Politicians and other leaders have too much on the line to do the right thing. They don't serve us anymore because we don't seem as powerful as lobbyists, special interests, and labor unions. If all hell breaks lose, then they will know how powerful we are. We are the sleeping giants.

So I suggest that you maintain your advantage by what I listed in the previous entry. Knowing how to do something as simple as weaving is more useful, in desperate times, than politicizing. Being able to produce something or providing a basic service is key. Playing the piano or violin could also be useful as entertainment. Face it, we will always need entertainment. God bless the American people.

Unemployment numbers explained

So our fearless leader has claimed credit for the unemployment rate dropping from 10.2% to 10%. Is credit really due him? I don't think so. However, I don't want to go on an Obama rampage today.

I'm sick of fixing the blame. (Obama is an over-educated twat with a head the size of Chicago.) What I care more about is the diminishing private sector and out-of-work Americans.

Allow me to delve into the Department of Labor statistics, or sadistics as I called them in school. I'll make it fun and colorful. Hell, you may even think you're reading a government propaganda web page! Except I will be using facts instead of just feeding you more Kool-Aid laced with tranquillizers.

Unemployment is not simply one percentage quoted by the government. Rightly so they have catagorized the numbers. What is commonly quoted is the U-3 percentage. This is the "Total unemployed, as a percent of the civilian labor force."

Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t12.htm

I have mentioned in the past that the U-3 number doesn't include those people who have given up looking for work. These are labeled "discouraged workers" by the government. These folks are captured in the U-4 stat.

Here is where it starts to become foggy. One may still be receiving an unemployment check but have given up actively looking for work. This is when you are called a "marginally attached worker". Yes, these people are becoming sanitized for your protection! They are reported in the U-5 stat.

Then, the unemployment checks stop coming. So why bother filling out the government form and wasting a stamp? These unemployed people become part of the U-6 stat. Curiously, the government also groups in the folks who can only find part time work with those not receiving checks.

From an accounting point of view it makes sense. They are not a financial liability because they're getting by on part time work. The U-6 number is, understandably, the least precise percentage and currently stands at 17.2%. This is the national average. I can imagine that Michigan and California are far higher, probably nearly 25%. That's one in four!

Though considering just the "U-" numbers is like looking at your speedometer and noting the speed as you head for a tree. We need to delve into the numbers. This is where the pretty charts come in. Try to contain your excitement!

Let's change gears and talk about the number of Americans who are unemployed. Percentages don't do them justice.


The link to the above chart shows the unemployed subdivided by the length of their misfortune. Notice that this time last year more than ten million were unemployed. This year has added more than five million! That's a fifty percent increase.

The scary part of this chart is that the green section (those unemployed for nearly seven months, and more) has been steadily growing since February. This tells us that once laid off or working part time, many people are not being hired by another employer.

This is a long-term detriment for the economy for several reasons:

One, people are out of work and have no disposable income to boost the economy (remember consumerism made up 70% of our economy?), not to mention money for food and shelter.

Two, the longer people are out of work the less valuable their skills become.

Three, working people work harder and longer because they don't want to be fired. Thus they don't take vacations (lost revenue for Mickey Mouse) and subsequently will be more easily angered. I wouldn't be surprised if crime has gone up this year too.

Four, fewer people working means that the transportation market will be hit. Fewer gas station attendents will be needed. Roads will last longer. Tire manufacturers will see less demand. Oil prices will continue to drop to attract buyers. Unless Obama and the first comrade family continue to waste fuel by jetting around the world to talk about global warming and apologizing for us.

FYI: I'm part of the yellow group and I have no doubt will become green soon. Hey, Obama would like that sentence! Because I have no job I won't use as much energy and will become more green. Maybe this is his motive?!

This chart shows the average number of jobless weeks for those lucky enough to have lots of free time.


There is one possibly hopeful bit of data on this chart. The median value is rising more quickly than the average value. This suggests that the unemployment may be slowing. However, this still does not help those of us who are already out of work.

Realistically, I think that this is just a hiccup in the steady march towards Soviet levels of unemployment (15%). Why do I say this? I believe that last month retailers were hiring people in anticipation of the Christmas spending season. Furthermore, I believe that many businesses stopped laying off workers to avoid workers "going postal."

These seasonal workers will be let go during the retail slump of January and February. Unlike past years I don't see many, if any, becoming permanent employees. Businesses anticipate being hit by taxes to pay for the "universal" health care and unemployment. Not to mention other business sectors continuing to trim their workforce with the hope to weather the Obama storm.

If you want a job, I think you'll have to apply for a government job. Yes, that's right. Try GM or a bank.

Or if you think your current boss was clueless, apply at Chrysler. I hear the government team is working wonders there! Rumor has it they're working on the all-new Chrysler Idol. They don't know which engine they'll put in yet, but they do know that it will come with a CD of Obama's speeches. Marketing thinks it will be the biggest hit since FDR's fireside chats!

What can we do?

So what can you and I do to help avert this disaster? It's obvious the government hasn't a clue. I continue to recommend paying off debt and avoid using credit. Every time you use a credit card the money is transferred from one bank to another. Along the way they can make money on it. This is fractional banking.

Buy American products. If you're fortunate to live in the countryside, buy from a farmer. If all hell breaks lose and the value of the dollar disintegrates, then you'll already know the farmer.

Trade some of your dollars for something tangible. It can be precious metals, automobiles, food, beer, wine, or anything you can touch. This will help to preserve your wealth because tangible goods will always have some value. A gallon of gasoline can move a car 20-30 miles. Alcohol will always be a luxury that will be in demand.

Exercise and eat well. If (more likely, when) this health care reform bill passes, you won't want to go to the doctor. Also, keep your mind active. Read a book, build a model, keep a tally of the number of times Obama apologizes, be nice to everybody you meet and see how many people hate you for it, or empty your garage out into your driveway and lawn and find all the stuff you've lost over the years. Your yuppie neighbors will thank you for the last task! The possibilites are endless!

Life

The growth of the garden is slowing. The nights are dropping into the high 40s periodically and the days are shortening. However it is still growing, which is something. My makeshift compost bin is starting to produce soil. Yummy.

The Sentra is up for a smog check this month. Hopefully it will pass. The MG still has a minor intake leak. I think I know where it is. Soon I will re-organize the garage.

I bottled a batch of beer this past week and started another batch. Until then I've been drinking Seagram's vodka. Since I will only buy American products, my choices of vodka is limited. This stuff is pretty good. It's not as good as the Georgian vodkas.

I've been watching quite a few movies lately. Some are bad but a couple were really good. Netflix's service seems to be improving. I can usually get a new movie within two days. That includes transit times both way. If only the Postal Service would be so prompt with all the mail...

I've been making most of my food. Nothing fancy, of course, but it saves a lot of money and time. It's fun to find a recipe that will combine left-over foods sitting in the fridge. The Internet makes cooking easy. Even a blockhead like me can follow the steps and make something tasty.

Site updates

Added five new movies to the database.

A new, and beautiful, Lady is up. Don't forget to vote for your two favorite photos!

Health Care Bill Part 3

Section 5101 establishes the National Health Care Workforce Commission. Yet another government group that is disconnected from real life but still wants to dictate how we live our lives. It's classic Obama. No, no, you're not smart enough to make your own decisions. And who will be on it? Cronies: "The Commission shall be composed of 15 members to be appointed by the Comptroller General, without regard to section 5 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)."

And yes, it is as bad as it sounds. the FACA was put into law to limit the power of the executive branch:

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (or FACA) is a United States federal law (Pub.L. 92-463, 6 October 1972), which governs the behavior of federal advisory committees. There are now approximately 1,000 such committees. In particular the Act restricts the formation of such committees to only those which are deemed essential, limits their powers to provision of advice to officers and agencies in the executive branch of the Federal Government, and limits the length of term during which any such committee may operate. Further, FACA was an attempt by congress to curtail the rampant "locker-room discussion" that had become prevalent in administrative decisions. FACA declared that all administrative procedures and hearings were to be public knowledge.

----

The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires a database that may be accessed by all Federal agencies to manage advisory committees government-wide. The database is used by the Congress to perform oversight of related Executive Branch programs. It is also searchable and available to inform the public, the media, and others, to stay abreast of important developments resulting from advisory committee activities. Members of each of the various committees are listed with information such as term of service and corporate affiliation. Facts sheets, reports, expenses, charter, and other information is included in the database.

The Act is frequently cited in Federal legislation as follows: "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)".
Source: Wikipedia

You thought this was only about health care? Shame on you. This is yet another power play. And we'll pay for the benefit. These folks will have base pays of $143,500 to $153,200 per year. That's more than one and half million just for starters. Hell, they even have term limits (Sec 5101(c)(3)). It's like a mini Congress. Health-gress?

With the newfound banking capabilities, this bill will also put up loans for students (Sections 5201, 5202, 5203).

Section 5401 defines grants to schools that are "Centers of Excellence." While it does specifically list that the school must win a certain amount of non-fed money, I can easily see this Section being abused. Fifty million dollars a year is a healthy chunk of change! It is also something that we'll have to pay for to get our "free" health care.

They are nothing if thorough. Section 5506 describes the redistribution of patients if a hospital closes. Is this really thorough or just foreshadowing the future? Some hospitals already are running capacity with nearly no profit. More paperwork from this bill could finish them. Not to mention what would happen if physicians retire en masse as some claim will happen if this bill becomes law. I hope you don't mind waiting longer for a doctor.

In Section 6101 of Subtitle-Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement is the following:

(1) DISCLOSURE. A facility shall have the information described in paragraph (2) available (A) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection and ending on the date such information is made available to the public... for submission to the Secretary, the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, the State in which the facility is located, and the State long-term care ombudsman...

Paragraph 2 lists all people connected to the nursing home. So the government will know how much you pay to get your parents out of your hair and exactly what facilities they have. This is blantantly part of the redistribution of the wealth idea. Later the Section goes on in part (b) to state that this information will be available to the public. Knowing how much company A pays it's fitness teacher will be very useful information for company B.

"Business is war." In this case it is possible that companies will fight it out while the government nursing home, which need not disclose anything, gathers more customers. All the while our elderly suffer. "A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying," If that weren't enough, Section 6111 describes the fees and penalties levied against non-conforming nursing homes. Not a pretty picture.

Section 6301 creates a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute that will take much of the innovation out of medical research by forcing researchers to to what the government feels is urgent. Necessity may be the mother of invention but soon medical researchers will need permission. Thanks, Uncle Sam.

Of course this institute will be manned by a panel of 17 useless directors each with a base salary of $153,200. That's another two and a half million per year.

Section 6507 sets up a mandatory national coding initiative. Yet another way to make all states the same.

Section 9001 states that if "there is any excess benefit with respect to the [health insurance] coverage, there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 40 percent of the excess benefit." This is the "Cadillac tax" that some have spoken of. "The term 'excess benefit' means, with respect to any applicable employer-sponsored coverage made available by an employer to an employee during any taxable period, the sum of the excess amounts... In the case of 2013, the dollar limit... is— (I) in the case of an employee with self-only coverage, $8,500, and (II) in the case of an employee with coverage other than self-only coverage, $23,000."

So if you have your own insurance, say you own your own business, you cannot pay more than $8,500 per year (or $708/month) without being hit with a 40% tax for the overage. I did a quick check on ehealthinsurance.com for a fifty-nine man who doesn't smoke. Bottom-of-the-barrel coverage is $250 a month and top-of-the-line (for the Internet) is $1,400. Not only would this man have to pay a high premium, but he'd have to pay $3,400 ([1400-700]*12*40%) in taxes in 2013 for the privilege! Is this really what we want? The employer has to pay this tax not the individual. This will also impact flexible spending accounts (d)(2)(B) & Section 9002 (a)(14)(B) & Section 9005(a)(i).

Section 9008 taxes branded prescription drugs. Wouldn't it be logical that these companies will raise their prices to pay the tax. How does this help the consumer?

"Each covered entity engaged in the business of manufacturing or importing branded prescription drugs shall pay to the Secretary of the Treasury... For purposes of this section, the term 'covered entity' means any manufacturer or importer with gross receipts from branded prescription drug sales."

Section 9009 taxes medical device companies. (No new jobs there, now.) And finally the health insurance companies are taxed in accordance with Section 9010. There's a figure of $6.7 billion. Put the private insurance companies out of business by overtaxing them and we all get to enjoy Obama/Pelosi/Reid-care. Gotta love it.

Section 9015 will tax individuals earning more than $200,000 a year to pay for hospitals. Section 9017 will allow 5% of the cost of cosmetic surgery to be taxed. Hopefully, government types are exempt. I'm tired of looking at their ugly faces. At least if they were better-looking, I wouldn't mind being rear-ended.

Well, those are the high points that caught my eye. There's lots of shit in there so I, no doubt, missed some important stuff. But now you know more than most of "our representatives" in Washington. Read it here.

Summed up

Glenn Beck sums up what I've been saying and complaining about in this clip from his show.

http://video.foxnews.com/#/12092175/the-one-thing-1130/?category_id=7d5c39e633ccf8113bd2cce634b1447d3376587d

Right on, Mr. Beck. Thank you.

Site updates, etc.

I added eight movies to the database.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I feel many people voted Obama into office with the idea that he would be different and stamp out corruption. This begs the question is replacing Big Business with Big Government a good idea?

Site updates

My brother has added a column in the GRS search results so you can see where your search phrase shows up in the movie entry. Try it out by typing in something in the search box in the right part of this page. It only works for cast and comments. We felt it superfluous for the other search parameters. Thanks Bob!

Health Care Bill Part 2

Continuing my selective study of the Senate health care reform bill...

Section 1555 explicitly states that you don't have to participate in the federal health insurance.

Section 3011(a)(2)(B) states that the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services "shall ensure that priorities... will (i) have the greatest potential for improving the health outcomes, efficiency, and patient-centeredness of health care for all populations, including children and vulnerable populations", etc.

All the aspects relevant to consumers of the health industry seem listed. And part nine is a catch-all-- other areas as determined appropriate by the Secretary. So if you partake of federal health care all aspects are taken care of. Don't worry because if there's a trial vaccine out there (e.g. H1N1) then you will get it if the government thinks you should.

Continuing along in this section I find under the Strategic Plan the following Strategies to align public and private payers with regard to quality and patient safety efforts. (b)(2)(E) Can I ask how they plan to make public and private payers receive the same quality?

Don't advocates of health care reform want cheaper insurance premiums? With this in mind, I'd say that part E then states that private premiums will decrease. This is wrong on two accounts. First, government control of the private sector is fascism. That's what gave Hitler his power to invade Europe. And secondly, how will private insurance companies function with a sudden reduction in their revenue?

Let's put this into perspective. Imagine one day your paycheck is cut in half. Your bills would remain the same. How would you pay your bills? You could do it for a while taking loans or using saved money. But in the end you would have to reduce your spending or find a better paying job.

On the other hand, the quality of the public option would be brought to the level of the private industry. This is costly because if you think of the government as a newcomer in the industry. The government will have to make business connections and learn about healing people while reducing costs. We know that the government cannot function like a business. If it goes overbudget, it takes more money. So what will happen is that our taxes will go up even if we don't partake of the public option.

In Sec. 4001 a National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council would be formed. We don't need another money pit but the members of this council is what draws my attention. Here is the list:

Surgeon General - chairperson

the Secretary of Health and Human Services;

the Secretary of Agriculture

the Secretary of Education

the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission

the Secretary of Transportation

the Secretary of Labor

the Secretary of Homeland Security

the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

the Director of the Domestic Policy Council

the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

the Chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service

the head of any other Federal agency that the chairperson determines is appropriate

OK, I was saying alright right up till the Chairman of Federal Trade Commission. What the hell?! To me it seems like this council will not only try to control government health care but transportation, labor, domestic security, pollution, and businesses. I can understand because doctors touch all of these aspects to provide people with medicine. I guess I just can't see why they need to have direct links to all these agencies. Let's continue reading...

after obtaining input from relevant stakeholders... you mean the people of the United States? Why can't Americans be written here? Is it some legal taboo not to specify the intended audience? I don't think so because in the same sentence the following phrase appears: the health status of Americans and reducing the incidence of preventable illness and disability in the United States

Notice that both words Americans and United States are used. So who are the stakeholders? Are they shareholders like in a joint stock company? If so, then we should be the shareholders. If we're not, then who is?

Here's another purpose of the council: provide... changes in Federal policy to achieve national wellness, health promotion, and public health goals, including the reduction of tobacco use, sedentary behavior, and poor nutrition

Reading this statement I just think of a quote from Demolition Man:

Edgar Friendly: You see, according to Cocteau's plan I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think; I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I'm the kind of guy likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder - "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?" I WANT high cholesterol. I wanna eat bacon and butter and BUCKETS of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section. I want to run through the streets naked with green Jell-o all over my body reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to, okay, pal? I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiener"

What will this cost us? The following amount of money will be taken from the Treasury of the US each year: for fiscal year 2010, $500,000,000; for fiscal year 2011, $750,000,000; for fiscal year 2012, $1,000,000,000; for fiscal year 2013, $1,250,000,000; for fiscal year 2014, $1,500,000,000; and for fiscal year 2015, and each fiscal year thereafter, $2,000,000,000.

Yes, you read correctly. That's five-hundred million next year and increasing by a quarter of a billion every year until two billion is achieved. That works out to $1.68 per American per year. That's not bad, right? It begs the question: how will this work? Right now, I can get very basic insurance for $30 a month.

Is the competitive market really 180 times more expensive? Are the health care companies really making 18,000% profit on us? I see the cost of simple painkillers in the pharamacy and they cost dollars, not fractions of a penny.

The media campaign that they've included to "encourage" weight loss, to stop smoking, etc may include the use of humor and nationally recognized positive role models. This cracked me up. I can see some fed telling the advertising agency not to be too funny. It could create more hospital visits. The price for this campaign isn't funny: Not to exceed $500,000,000 SEC. 4004(h). Damn, we're in the wrong business!

Want to read the bill yourself? Download it here.

New Prisoner TV program

I learn from my brother that the AMC remake of the beloved British TV program (The Prisoner) is total CRAP! The original program depicted authoritarian power challenged by individual choice. The fact that the new program is crap is not surprising because American media is mostly obsessed with nudity (but not too much skin now) and violence.

The reason for these two aspects of humanity is completely lost on the average American viewer. Fighting for what you believe in is what matters. Oh wait, many Americans don't know what to believe in, or are too ignorant to comprehend any reason. Also, they're afraid of their government. So why would they even think about fighting for anything?

Health Care Bill Part 1

I downloaded a copy of the Senate health care reform bill. It's lengthy at 2,074 pages. Fortunately, it has a table of contents so I am going through the sections that I feel are a concern.

These are my comements for roughly the first seventh of the bill.

"To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the first-time homebuyers credit in the case of members of the Armed Forces and certain other federal employees, and for other purposes" I guess the other purposes are health care reform? So much for being straightforward.

Section 1312(c) - A health insurance issuer shall consider all enrollees in all health plans (other than grandfathered health plans) offered by such issuer in the individual market, including those enrollees who do not enroll in such plans through the Exchange, to be members of a single risk pool.

So young people will be lumped in with old people? That will bring down old people's premiums and raise those of youngsters. Won't both parties be so pleased.

Section 1312(d)(1), CONTINUED OPERATION OF MARKET OUTSIDE EXCHANGES

(A) a health insurance issuer from offering outside of an Exchange a health plan to a qualified individual or qualified employer; and (B) a qualified individual from enrolling in, or a qualified employer from selecting for its employees, a health plan offered outside of an Exchange.

Is this a potential loophole? This must make up for the 4% who allegedly won't receive coverage.

Section 1312(d)(3), VOLUNTARY NATURE OF AN EXCHANGE. (A) CHOICE TO ENROLL OR NOT TO ENROLL (B) PROHIBITION AGAINST COMPELLED ENROLLMENT...

These paragraphs state that you can opt-out of the government option.

Section 1312(c) INDIVIDUALS ALLOWED TO ENROLL IN ANY PLAN - A qualified individual may enroll in any qualified health plan, except that in the case of a catastrophic plan described in section 1302(e), a qualified individual may enroll in the plan only if the individual is eligible to enroll in the plan under section 1302(e)(2).

This means if your health plan doesn't meet the minimum (bronze plan) you have to have the government option. The bronze plan is "1302(d)(1)(A) BRONZE LEVEL.A plan in the bronze level shall provide a level of coverage that is designed to provide benefits that are actuarially equivalent to 60 percent of the full actuarial value of the benefits provided under the plan.

This begs the question: what does actuarial value mean? I dug in and followed the references. I came up with this definition:

The Secretary shall ensure that the scope of the essential health benefits under paragraph (1) is equal to the scope of benefits provided under a typical employer plan, as determined by the Secretary.
--Sec 1302(b)(1)(A)

So who is this secretary? She's the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Her name is Kathleen Sebelius. Joy. So this department, which I had never heard of before this time, will get more control of our lives. Doesn't this break the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Yeah, I'm quoting text from those six or seven yellowed pages that every President is sworn to uphold.

According to Sec. 1312(f)(1)(A)&(B) prisoners and illegal immigrants won't be included. Well thank God for that. Oh wait, that would mean that falsifing government documents was impossible or impractical. I guess I shouldn't bring up the incidents where dead people vote en masse for a candidate.

It is curious that Sec. 1212(f)(2)(b) doesn't allow the government option to extend to the large group market until 2017. The large group market is a business that employs at least 101 people (Sec. 1304(b). Obama said he wants to help small businesses. How does excluding large employers from the scrutiny of the government and coercing small businesses into strict health care requirements help them?

The states can "say no" to the fed health reform. They just cannot expect any tax rebates for their citizens. SEC. 1332(a)(3) Since some states are in terrible fiscal condition, they will have to continue to cave to the federal government. They need businesses to grow in their state to generate taxes so they cannot allow their businesses to be taxed even more than they will be because of this bill.

While reading Section 1332, I become disgusted with the federal government. They feel that they are more powerful than the states. Nowhere in the Constitution does it state the federal government can lord over states. It is there only to settle state disputes, provide the common defense, and protect our (yeah, the individual's) liberties.

Sec. 45R(d) says that a small business is only eligible for a continued credit if the average of its employees' wages are less than $20,000 (otherwise the credit diminishes quickly). I don't know about where you live, but in LA you will just survive (or not--if you're shot by a gang member) on 20 grand. That means you work full-time and walk to work. And many know that "no one walks in LA." Is 20 grand any better in your town?

This is why I hate the government poking its nose into individuals' salaries. Sure, we need something like the Department of Labor so we can have something to complain to when we're not paid a living wage. But we call them. They aren't always watching. It's a matter of individual choice. This is what is lost in this bill.

Want to read the bill yourself? Download it here.

Site updates

I've added two movies to the movies database.

Site updates

I've added ten new movies/TV ratings to the movie database.

Armistice Day

Ninety-one years ago today the first World War ends.

It can see! It can see!

I polished the headlamps of the Sentra. They had yellowed. This was one fifteen-minute-job that produced a wonderful result. Instead of the usual job that turns into a prelude to a day's task.

Garden & beer

No, I haven't created a beer garden yet. The garden will be steadily producing fruit in a couple of weeks. A friend told me that garlic, liquid dish soap, and water will kill bugs. My radish leaves were being eaten by small green worms. No more.

My latest brew, a bitter, turned out pretty good. The carbonation is a bit lacking. I think I need to fill the bottles more. Also, it may be a bit watered down. It's a light-colored beer so I could be just not used to it. I'll keep these in mind when I start a new batch tomorrow.

Walking, flags, etc.

I've been walking almost two miles a day to maintain my sanity and health. Today I saw an unusual flag flying on a house. It had seventeen stars in the blue field that normally has fifty stars. It looked pretty much like the JP Gillis flag. I can't remember for sure if there were only three stripes.

The story behind the flag is that a man named JP Gillis, a major in the army, flew this flag on Independence Day to celebrate the Confederacy's independence. This was July 1861.

He was stifled and the flag confiscated by Jack Biderman because the Union didn't want California to join the rebels. Read more here.

What if California had become a Southern state? Maybe the outcome of the war would have been different? Maybe the Southerners would have had their way with a loose confederacy of powerful states instead of a strong central power and weakened states.

These days many schools teach that the American Civil War or War Between the States was entirely about slavery. This is not correct. The conflict arose from the Southern states defying the federal government.

Sure they wanted to maintain slavery because their economy was so dependent on it. However, these states were also not thrilled by some folks in Washington telling them what to do. They were so adamant about it that they went to war.

What came out of it? A stronger central government, perhaps a step to where we are today, the abolition of slavery (which was shortly thereafter replaced by immigrant labor), and a decimated South.

So we know what happens when you get in the way of the Federalists. Look at our present situation. Pelosi calls the tea party protesters dangerous and scary. Obama's administration has "declared war" on Fox News Network and has severed contact with the network.

Now the health care bill is being rammed through Congress. The Senate majority leader Harry Reid, who is rumored to have be related to a Wild West criminal, has said this 1900 page bill will be passed before the year's out.

I appreciate that health care costs are skyrocketing. But giving the government an option to mess around with it is like claiming that your car needs a tune-up and then taking it to the car wash. The car may look better but won't run any better and will only deteriorate.

The real solution, in my opinion, is that the government pass regulations to encourage competition among the health companies. It's the government's job to regulate as the majority wants and needs. But that would assume that our system was a republic and not an oligarchy.

The representatives are above the law (e.g. Senator Kennedy's murders) and once elected are set finacially for life. This sounds like aristocracy to me. They put these self-serving laws into effect while the American people wasn't watching. But now many are unemployed so they are watching.

States are heading towards bankruptcy. Banks are failing left and right. The public debt is skyrocketing. Precious metals, the traditional storehouse of wealth, are buying more dollars every day. I don't see how they can keep it going with more than one in ten out of work.

Sources:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20091111/D9BTJMPG1.html
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

The Fifth of November

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why the gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Bank failure hits home

My bank, Cal National, has been taken over by the federal government. The FDIC claims that the bank was unstable and couldn't function properly. I wonder if there are other reasons.

Let's take a trip into the hypothetical world, play the what-if game, and be called conspiracy theorists. I seem to wear that label along with "right wing extremist" quite a lot these days. Or I'm just called a pessimistic.

So what metric does the federal government use to determine the solidity of a bank? I found this long winded article. More than halfway down it cites FDIC regulations and says the bank is undercapitalized. I'd rather think that the world is over-dollared.

We're told that our money is insured, and mine may very well be. But I can't help thinking that either the bank didn't want to play ball with the federal government, which is possible because Cal National used to be privately-held by a few men in Chicago.

Or this is part of the "change the system" philosophy. Socializing the banks is the first step towards to greater central government. Let's think about this realistically. The big banks (Bank of America, Chase-Manhattan, etc.) have already taken government bail-outs. But they are large and easily pressured. Small privately-held banks aren't as easy to push around. So what can the central government do?

Perhaps claim that they are unsafe and take them over, in the interest of the people? I know that many Americans hate anyone telling them what to do and think. I know if Cal National had come out with their troubles and offered a way for the investors and creditors to own part of the bank in exchange for us trusting them, many would have agreed. This is especially prevalent right now with all the government take-overs.

Sure we would be taking a risk. That's life. That's Capitalism. Oh yes, I dare write the "c" word! I've seen the mess left behind by Communism, and I'll take greed any day. Michael Moore should have set his film in Russia where they are experiencing excessive inflation, government abuse of the people, and widespread poverty. I'm proudly a capitalist pig.

Back to the banks... Another reason why they may like taking over small banks is because they can then have ready access to the savings and loans of the patrons. Why would the government care about this? The could formulate new taxes aimed at small groups of people. Or, if you think deviously, they know who has some money and is not yet dependent on the government.

It'll be interesting to see what happens in Cal National's case. Maybe I should start stashing money under a mattress? Now I have to use US Bank. A bank that received a $6.6 billion bail-out in November 2008. This is roughly 10% of the bank's total value. This doesn't include the banks given to it by the federal government like Cal National (not "California National," get it, US Bank?)

Sources:
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/storysupplement/bankbailout
http://seekingalpha.com/article/45582-why-is-it-so-difficult-to-value-u-s-bancorp

During this last asset take-over U.S. Bancorp agreed to $14 billion of loans from the feds. That brings the total owned by the government to over 30%. It should be called U.S. federal government bank.

Source:
http://www.gurufocus.com/news.php?id=73135

Some may be saying that I'm overreacting. Maybe I am. However, I don't like the idea of the government owning my bank. Sure, they could already get to all my accounts. (Thank you, Patriot Act.) I guess the thought that now they know my business without having to try is very annoying.

Got water?

Our water recently started leaving a white haze on the dishes. If it was a purple haze then it would be, at least, cool. We've also noticed that periodically the water smells like a sewer. We've switched to bottled spring water... and no, they don't come free in a Thai hotel room fridge. No traveler's dysentery this time !

I'll research what material causes the white haze. It's probably nothing bad. The sewer smell does bother me, though. Now they need to raise the water rates for the extra sensations!

Electricity has already gone up. Verizon has also raised the cost of FiOS (fiber optic internet). Could this be an early sign of the environmental "cap and tax" bill?

Site layout

I'm going to resume work on a new site layout. It's hard to believe, but the current layout will be five years old in January! (Don't worry I change my underwear every day.) So far the new layout seems "out of this world." I may upload a sample in the future and ask for comments and suggestions. Stay tuned.

Life

I'm pretty boring lately. Not wanting to spend money puts a damper on life. However I am still receiving unemployment from California, which is good. Now that my housemate is probably moving out next month, I can look for work anywhere in the US, except Washington DC and Oregon. I won't work there.

I'm hoping in the new year, when businesses traditionally resume hiring; I'll find work. Until then I've been keeping busy by studying my old college books. This is one sure way to feel dumb! I don't remember dynamics being this difficult. Also, I'm going to resume practicing trumpet. I have a mute with a microphone in it so I won't be too embarrassed while recovering my embouchure.

The garden is growing well. The tomatoes are producing again. I had a few locusts. I've also planted more radishes, lettuce, and carrots. I'm trying onions but they grow slowly.

The cars are in good shape. It helps not driving them frequently. I need to buy and replace a snap on the MG's tonneau cover. I still haven't cleaned the Sentra after the camping trip.

I'm waiting for my new vacuum cleaner to arrive. Mike vacuumed up silica pellets with the old one and they caused the motor to short out and smoke. It would work alright for a few minutes and then start shorting and smoking. I took it apart and tried to get the (now liquid) silica out but to no avail. Don't vacuum up silica pellets!

I installed and am using wattOS. It is a Ubuntu-based distribution. For non-geeks readers, it's a Linux operating system that replaces Windows.

I like it! It's doesn't have all the bells and whistles that were bogging down my machine. It's fast. I've had issues with the sound but am getting better at figuring out Linux problems.

The sound issue was caused by hardware addresses. I have an onboard sound card that no longer works so I am now using a separate sound card. I needed to direct Linux to use that. That wasn't all but I won't bore you with the details.

Site repairs

I corrected several bugs in the Lady comments subroutine. Now it seems that you can comment on any Lady regardless of the number of photos in the set. This is an important achievement as the problem have been existing since December of 2007!

I also tidied up the pull-down selection in the previous Ladies page. Furthermore, I tested the comments in Firefox, Opera, and IE. I'm still not pleased with Internet Explorer, however, Opera has gotten quicker. Or else, Firefox is slowing down.

Camping

I forgot to say that my camping trip passed well. The temperatures were in the mid 90s during the day and the low 50s at night. It was pleasant. I got to try single malt scotch. Well, I got to drink a lot...

The trailer faired well. The only damage was a cracked taillamp assembly, which I have already repaired with silicone. The previous time when Mike and I drove all over looking for a campsite, both fenders fell off. Light is right. Soon this will be a trailer that Colin Chapman wouldn't mind calling friend!

I'll fabricate new fenders if I move to a place where it rains, or if the police cite me for the bare wheels. It looks kind of cool.

The excitement at the campground was an ATV being hit by a train. Oh yes. A pair of ATVs were using the railroad bridge to cross the Mojave River. The river was deeper than normal. Take a look at what was left of the sport ATV after the train hit it. Here's a closer shot of the wreck pinned between the train and the bridge support. The train wasn't badly damaged.

On a lighter note, here's me towing a dirt bike through the river. This way he didn't have to worry about flooding his engine with water. Though his air filter wasn't situated much lower than my ATV's.

Still no work

I am still without work. Times are very tough. I see jobs elsewhere in the country so I will probably have to move to find work. This wouldn't be a problem because I've been wanting to move back to the real world. The snag is that my brother just moved out here.

I'd like to see him set up with a good job before I leave. He's been working hard on getting the qualifications that he needs. The California bureaucracy is slowing him up. Hopefully he's in the home stretch.

I got my registration renewal the other day. Now I have to get the Sentra (my tow vehicle) to pass the smog check (emissions test). It's been borderline for years now. Aside from all the usual tune-up stuff, I had been troubleshooting the EGR system. This is a leading cause of high nitrogen oxides. I still can't figure it out. The engine probably needs to be rebuilt and then I would figure out the problem.

Site updates

A new Lady is up so don't forget to take a look and vote for your two favorite photos!

Also, I uploaded seven new movie and TV entries. Enjoy them here.

Here's a question ponder:

What part of 'pursuit of happiness' don't you understand?

Camping

I'm going camping and riding this weekend. It should be perfect weather in the desert. It'll be good to see the old crowd again. Hopefully, Steve will be able to make it.

Keep Europe in Europe & Keep America here

I really like Europe. I've seen a fair bit of it. For instance, I've been to the UK twice. I love London but I don't love the surveillance cameras everywhere. It makes me think Big Brother (the government) is watching me.

Instead of observing people to keep them from committing crimes, people need to be properly educated. This is why I was aghast seeing children in New Jersey singing prais to Obama.

It's good to be proud of a leader, but, face it, the typical child cares very little about leaders, or at least they shouldn't! The teachers and adminstrators taught the kids these songs. Haven't the teachers read history that they're supposed to teach? Hint: the Hitler youth.

No, children need to be left alone to dream, play, and do otherwise time-wasting activities. They're going to be working and thinking about politics and money for the bulk of their lives so give them a relaxing childhood.

While I'm complaining about parents, I'd like to add that dragging children to multiple sports teams is not a childhood of relaxation and dreaming. That is just an excuse for not spending time with your children. Or a way to stroke your own ego. Either way the children lose out. Just leave them alone.

One of the things that was popular for boys was shooting guns. Lately the "Governator" signed into law another gun control rule. In 2011 all buyers of ammunition will have to be fingerprinted. Where do they think up this stuff?

I guess I'll have to wipe down all my ammo before killing someone. Bypassed that one, now we can repeal the law and rid our lives of yet another bit of bureaucratic bullshit!

Back on topic... Europe is a good place to live if you like the non-criminal public to not carry guns. Except Switzerland where every male is conscripted into the military and keeps his gun on exit to act as militia. Of course, Switzerland also believes the car is destroying the planet. Can't move there.

Leave Europe in Europe. If you want that life, then move there! Much of the world hates America. You know why? It's not necessarily because our military is just about everywhere, it's because they're jealous of our relaxed and easy life.

Why do you think we have a relaxed and easy life (for now)? It's not because the government provides health care for us. It's because traditionally we are a self-reliant people who avoid expanding government.

Europe has viewed America as backwards. Thomas Jefferson wrote from Paris to an American colonel just after the Revolution:

"The British ministry have so long hired their gazetteers to repeat, and model into every form, lies about our being in anarchy, that the world has at length believed them..."

Thus, I don't think Obama should apologize to other nations. It's like saying: "We give up. Yes, we have been living in anarchy. Can we come back into the collective?" Leave Europe in Europe.

Another aspect that is becoming more obvious to even common people is that the bankers have much of the money and are still being given money (bail-outs). Today I had a short conversation with a grocery store cashier about it.

Banking is a European tradition. Before the ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913, the European bankers were essentially shut-out of America. Is it coincidental that sixteen years later, the stock market crashed? Put European bankers back in Europe.

The Senate bill no. 773 named "The Cybersecurity Act of 2009" would give the President power to declare a state of emergency and close the Internet. Though the typically lengthy bill does not specify what type of event constitutes an emergency.

This could be a way to silence Fox News and news radio? Didn't Washington lead an army against a ruler who confiscated newspaper presses and who also violently disbanded public protests? Leave Europe in Europe.

Things like this must make you think or question. You are not alone. Yahoo! has an active poll running asking visitors to vote on a clear and concise question. Take a look here.

Testing new shield for MG

It works well except for an intake leak. I may have to spring for new gaskets. No biggie. I can make them. The throttle actuation is smoother and not as heavy. (It had been binding pretty badly before.) The choke works well. I'll check everything tomorrow and see if anything has shifted.

Weather

Autumn has arrived here. It's a cool 60-65 with sun and a gentle breeze. This is ideal weather, in my opinion, and why I continue to live here!

I saw people with sweaters as I popped the quarter-light vent on the MG, to let in more air. Last night it was in the low 50s. Again, this is ideal. Life is good.

New shield for MG

I've been working on a larger heat shield to replace the dinky OEM one on my MG. It took two days but I managed to fabricate a large two piece shield. The shield itself is aluminum and the bracket to hold the accelerator cable is steel. I choose steel so it could withstand the vibration and not fail due to fatigue. Aluminum fails quickly due to oscillation motion.

OEM:
Mine:

It looks much more effective. I haven't driven the car yet so hopefully it works and doesn't vibrate.

Site updates

As promised, I have updated the site.

There are seven new additions to the GRS database

I've also added twelve new photos, and none are political. See them at the bottom of this page.

And the 2009 special Lady is up. I hope you enjoy it and don't forget to vote and guess which past lady you think each photo is. Summer may be over but these ladies don't seem to have figured that out...

My thoughts

As the health care reform vote nears, I wonder if this is the end of the American system as I know it. Michael Moore released a movie proclaiming that capitalism is the bully of the world. Obama has been doing what he promised by making life easier by removing decisions.

I don't use doctors, in fact I hate visiting them, but I am still interested in what happens. It is symbolic to me. If Obama succeeds in heavily regulating health insurance companies, then I wonder when will grocery stores be told that they cannot sell certain foods because they make us unhealthy. Don't laugh because California has already outlawed trans-saturated fats:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/907675/california_bans_trans_fats.html?cat=17

I want to see all people healthy and normal but that is not the definition of a free society. The idea of free choice means that we will make mistakes. Yes, we may buy hamburger instead of salad! That is our freedom of choice.

I understand that you may think that I am overreacting with this health care reform because the "public option" is being rejected. What is the difference when the government can tell your insurance company whether or not to give you that necessary test? You may not be directly paying the government for health care (but you will pay for it with higher taxes, mark my words) however if this reform passes, the choices will be made by the federal government and not you.

Oregon already has a state-option for health care. To combat expenses, the state will not pay for treatment unless the patient has more than a 5% chance of survival. I'm sure this has crossed Obama's mind:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,392962,00.html

Enough about health care. I don't care too much about it now because I have no health problems. Heaven help the old or sickly people. What I really see is the changing climate of American society. We have radical politicians in control who are dismantling our society.

First, they "bailed-out" (bought-out) General Motors. And with Chrysler in dire straits, the only domestic choice is Ford. I've never been fond of Fords, but have found myself surfing the Ford site to build my perfect Mustang, a black GT500, a couple of times. I am not much of a fan of the Mustang but I am a fan of private enterprise and the Mustang still represents that.

So why can't GM just pay back the government loans and be private again? You may say, that is, after all, what happened to Chrysler during Iacocca's reign in the '80s. This brings me to the next point.

Remember that some major banks received bail-out money? Well, lately they seem to think that they're in good shape again and have tried to repay their bail-out grants.

http://www.reflector.com/news/state/report-bank-of-america-offering-to-repay-some-aid-806990.html

But the government is saying not unless you have most of the money. Admittedly, this makes sense however I still can't disregard the possibility that Obama is trying to control the banking industry too.

So which industry is next? I don't know. Maybe this is why we can't find jobs? Businesses are hoarding money to avoid becoming Obama's pet if they take bail-out money. It makes sense.

When a nation doesn't mass-produce anything, they don't need workers. This has been happening for decades. Production has been moving to foreign countries because they have cheap labor. But what can we do about that, you may ask? Stop buying products made elsewhere. It's difficult but if you have a job, take the time and ensure that the product is made in America.

I'm in the midst of researching a new vacuum cleaner because after my brother sucked up some silica pellets, they melted and messed up the motor. I disassembled the cleaner but couldn't get the crap out. It's too bad. I looked into a replacement Hoover but read that many are being built in Mexico. American-made cleaners are quite expensive so this purchase may wait until I get a job.

Site updates will follow shortly.

Thank you

The protest in Washington about the health care reform has made some impact on our representatives. Thank you.

Obama and the liberal Democrats probably think we're hillbillies for this protest. Think what you want. I was proud to see people speaking out against the atrocities being undertaken in the capitol. This is the American people that I love!

Site updates

I added seven movies to the movies database.

I've also added my latest trip.

Angry

OK, I'm pissed off now. Americans and some of the representatives have said no to ObamaCare. This means they're content with what they have. That doesn't mean push for a $3,800 fine to be levied against those who don't buy health insurance. What the fuck?

This country was founded on individuals doing what they thought best for themselves. Why do we need a government in Washington DC who hasn't seen the situation in our hometown telling us to buy insurance?

We're not babies. If you want people who want the government to control your life, then I suggest you move to Europe. Europeans have an excellent standard of living. They don't have to worry about anything. They have "free" health care that they die for. They trust the government.

I prefer to distrust the government and look out for myself. I'm sick of Oh-bummer trying to turn the last country of choice into a gated community of sheep. I can provide my own health care when I need it. Being American means we have a choice. The blinded ultra-liberals (the Obamanation) have never picked up a first-hand account history book in their lives.

"Progressives" destroy our educational syste with the hope for peace. Do you really want to give up your freedom to drive your car and choose what you want to buy? The illusion of security and peace come at a price. Of course, if you're taught to think a certain way, you will not know any better. That is the problem with American schools. No longer do we teach children to think. The system teaches them WHAT to think.

Immediately we have a crisis of idiots in control of our nation. In the long term we need to change our delicate educational system. We need to resume teaching our children to think. They need to question and wonder. They are the ones that make the great breakthroughs in science and technology.

H'obama (or his masters) thinks the world will be better with one central leader. Don't you see where this is going? When has a central leader been good for humanity? Hitler destroyed millions. Caesar destroyed millions. Stalin destroyed tens of millions. Napoleon destroyed millions.

As much as I believe in the individual, I shrink away from one individual gaining too much control. Power corrupts. This is why I am angry with Obama. He has too much control (or his masters obviously do) and it's not right. A republic is shaped by the need of the populace.

I welcome the dream of one individual in the private sector (what's left of it) because their greed to be rich is what has made progress in our century. You can't tell me that communism and socialism are responsible for the vaccine for polio, the decimation of malaria, the invention of the automobile, the advent of air conditioning, the advances in air travel...

This is why I am very, very angry with what's-his-face making a movie about capitalism and how terrible it is. Yes, I am not a fan of greed. However, a certain amount of greed makes people strive to better themselves or makes advances. Money talks. If you eliminate money, you destroy incentive. Then, you have the Soviet Union.

After five decades what did the SSR produce? A few beautiful athletes and artists emerged, but for the most part, nothing. Imagine that; fifty years of nothing. An economy that stagnated. Meanwhile in the US diseases were destroyed, transportation was improved, music blossomed, and life improved.

For those still not convinced that Obama isn't a Marxist (communist) should briefly review the history of the [U]SSR. The government owned all the industry (in the interest of the people) and a small group of people controlled everything while the rest nearly starved. I can see a "party" emerging in our fine country.

I'm not saying that you should be racist or hateful. This is the main defense of Obama. I wish I wasn't white so my meaning would be taken without a racist twist. I just ask that people think for themselves. Yes, it's not easy. You may make a mistake or disagree with your buddies. Why not take a chance? Are you so afraid of being wrong?

Back

OK, I didn't make it to Alaska. I ran out of energy. The MG brought me to Washington State and back without any problems. And it averaged 36 mpg. That average includes racing a Corvette in northern California and screaming around the twisting PCH along the central California coast. The impressive little machine did more than 2,600 miles without a problem.

The scenery was good. I wasn't impressed by Oregon. Most of the people were grumpy or angry. The economy seemed especially depressed in that state. Maybe that's why? Or it could be because they are not pleased with Obama? I saw many Obama bumper stickers and posters.

Washington seemed good. The Redwoods of northern California were cool. They are very tall. Such immense plants make me remember how insignificant and unimportant I really am! A trip page will be coming soon.

Individuality

I know I rail and rant about keeping power with the individual. Well, I'm glad to say that a Michigan representative has spoken up for the individual about the proposed health care reform. Bravo. You can watch the video here.

Maybe all the representatives in Washington shouldn't be hanged. As I sit here unemployed, but in a very good financial situation, I think about how stressful I would be if I had followed the herd mentality. If I had "gotten into a house" (bought a house in the Southland) with the hope of "flipping it" (selling at a profit) later, I'd be stuck with a big anchor. I could have gotten an adjustable- rate-mortgage and afforded a good place in Riverside but now I would be stressed.

I could have responded to that BMW billboard ("u owe u") on 405 just in the South Bay and bought a car that I could just make payments on. It probably would have impressed the neighbors for a few weeks. And maybe "old man grumpy" wouldn't say that my car was dirty and was bringing down the value of his house?

But I didn't do it. I like my beat-up Sentra and my smelly MG. I learned the hard way that driving around a 20 thousand dollar car is dangerous. (I crashed my new Honda into a tree and only recovered half the money from the fair insurance company.)

Granted, I do own a valuable MR2. However, this car is more of a safeguard against inflation. I won't go into that because you know where I stand on government spending and the current mad printing of money. Though, the car has appreciated $500 in three months...

It's easy to forget how much money something costs. If you use credit cards, like I used to do, you can ignore fairly large amounts. I used to use my credit card for everything. I bought gas ($30) then picked up some food ($40), etc. So when I went to pay two hundred dollars, it wasn't difficult because I was used to swiping the card.

The credit card company doesn't care if it's $20 or $200 so I became psychologically desensitized to spending money. Now that I'm paying cash, I find that I am more careful. Today I bought a $109 alternator for my Sentra. (It quit and fired up two idiots lights on the dash while driving home after a late-night party.) As I doled out six twenties I realized that I was paying a good bit of money. Previously I would have put it on the card and paid it at the end of the month.

I'm not saying credit cards are evil. I am a pretty good saver but I'll admit that I was becoming accustomed to large values of money by using the card. So I just say do what feels good to you. You can change. You have the right to do as you please. (Don't forget to fight for it!) This is what makes us individuals, and thus great. It is you and I that makes America the greatest country in the world. Without the individual, America would be just another failing empire.

Site updates

I added one movie to the database.

Adventure

I'm going to try something bold tomorrow. I'm going to attempt to drive to Alaska in my '65 MG Midget. You can say I've lost my mind! Though, now is the best time seeing that I'm out of work, the MG has a fresh engine, and Alaska is still warm.

I have my doubts that I'll make it. I think the car will be good but I just don't know if I have the energy to drive more than four thousand miles to get to Alaska. But, at least, I'll get to Seattle and see the Northwest. That's something I've wanted to do for years.

Whatever happens it will be an adventure. I plan to camp, eat in diners, and see small town America. I'm not going to take the Interstate highways because they're boring.

Site updates

I added two new movies to the database. I've also added some cool photos to the misc photos page.

Obama's plight

I almost feel bad for him. He's meeting with strong resistance from the unemployed American people over his health care reform. That is his own doing. You cannot have a happy unemployed population. They may seem happy or supportive but their support is always fickle. That's what history teaches us. Oh, savior Obama didn't study history?

Poor bastard. People who have what they feel is nothing will become angry. Forcing a health reform now is the worst thing you could have done. Then again, I know that Obama is just a tool.

It's sad. I wanted the first African-"American" president to overturn the obvious racism in this country. In fact, I would have rejoiced if Obama would have fought for minority rights. But the fact is that he cares nothing for them, and just wants to make a name for himself.

What a rejection. Imagine if he had supported truly equal opportunity in business. What if he hadn't been selfish in his desire to see a minority suceed in America? I'm ashamed. He could have been the greatest hero of minority America. Instead he is just another asshole who believes only in himself and his wants. Fuck us.

If Obama is a real American black, he must feel some sort of remorse? Time will tell, of course. At this time I think Obama cares about no one except his personal success. I am sorry for the minorities of America. They may have jobs but they still have to deal with backward thinking and ignorance.

What sort of change is this? It just means that their hope is wearing thin. Come on, Obama. OK, I know that I may be just another hysterical citizen. I guess my modest years as a Caribbean dictator are nothing? Calling the shots on Tropico are nothing?

What a shame. I found that I learned so much of the people during those forty years. They really opened up to me... If you do not understand what I am eluding to, know that a pasttime of mine is commanding a small Caribbean island via a computer game.

Yes, I'm a fake. I have seen economies play out on Tropico. When the economy starts recessing, your only chance to survive is by cutting extra jobs, social programs, and un-employed. Yes, this is only a game... but it makes sense.

Increasing government spending on Tropico during a recession is cataphoric. It means that you last a few months instead of a few years on Tropico. Yes, Tropico may be a smaller economy than the US. So that just means that Obama will last a few years longer than El Presidente.

As much as people hope that economics will take an exception to them, they are merely dreaming. The size of the economy may slow the outsing of a ruler, but it cannot prevent it. And I ask why would the working people want to stop it? Do we benefit from some stupid shit who crashed our economy, keeping in control? Do you want someone who says rules apply to us and not him?

I searched Google looking for when Mrs Obama forced Londoners to face a wall as she visited a fish shop, but couldn't find it. Don't believe me, and call me a heretic. I don't really care. Call me an angry "right-wing extremist."

Regardless of what you may call me, I just ask that you wonder about the "first family." They may seem fashionable, equitable, or cool. They aren't cool when their American security back Londoners against walls so the "first family" can get some fast food. What the fuck!!!

Is the entire London population less than the secruity of three American women wandering around London? Obama needs to get his head on straight and not trust his family in London. These people may like you right now but they don't like it when they are shoved into a wall.

Obama, you, may not understand that the population of the UK are not thrilled with American prosperity. They may not be thrilled that you ask them to stand against a wall to let a woman and children walk by them. It's not that many years since women were let to vote and children weren't compelled into slavery.

The British people feel they have succeeded beyond us. They think that we are not much better than a bunch of barbarians. They see us as on the verge of anarchy. Obama, your wife's secruity forces pushing everyone to the wall did nothing to alleviate this conception. You must be proud.

No matter how you look at it, we're screwed. Our ancestors believed in a country of the people and for the people. They proclaimed this against the power of the European monarchs. They exclaimed their freedom against the powerful countries of the world.

Don't you understand? What we have in this country is not approved. The rest of the world wants to destroy us. They are jealous of our personal liberty and want our freedoms. That's why we have people trying to make us like the rest of the world. Health care is only the beginning.

If you believe in adventure, stay. If you want everything to be the same every day, then go to Europe. (The trick will be persuading the soft-minded to leave our free country.) Legislation continues to be pussified so soon it will come to an impass. We may be there now. Now may be the time to decide if you are happy with your life now or if you desire something more.

eBay & Paypal

I'm near the end of selling the stuff I had kicking around. I have mixed feelings about eBay. It does allow one to advertise to many people around the world, but eBay seems to screw the seller a lot.

I had a listing removed without warning just before it ended. I had inadvertently violated the fine print. It would have been good business practice if they warned me or removed the link in violation. I wouldn't have minded but removing the listing without warning and not refunding the listing charge is underhanded.

Also, many people pay promptly. It's the 10% who have to be threatened that are disappointing. eBay should add a function that says "threaten seller with lawsuit"! After sending an invoice for five days with no response, I then send an invoice threatening to open a non-payer claim. What a pain.

Why do people bid on something that they have no money to buy? This attitude is what caused the credit crunch! That aside Paypal is a pretty good service, if a bit expensive, for the seller (4%). Getting money out of Paypal is a pain. Unless you give them a credit card, checking account, and social security number you can only withdrawn $500 every month.

I don't mind the fees but holding my money is not cool. I'm losing any possible interest and the access to the money. I'm going to think twice before selling things using Paypal in the future. It's really geared more for large businesses and not individuals like me.

One guy who bought my intercooler is going to put it on his racing motorcycle. His web site is in Danish but the translation tells me that he's going to be running 36 psi of boost! Here's his page:

http://www.team-paddy.com/?BIKES:Sven_Fagan

Here's the translated page:

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.team-paddy.com%2F%3FBIKES%3ASven_Fagan&sl=da&tl=en&history_state0=

Site updates

Added three movies to the movie database.

Uploaded a new Lady.

Site update

I've uploaded my latest trip page to New Zealand. I hope you enjoy it! If you find a typo, please report it by clicking the Technical Problems? link at the bottom of this page.

"Cash for clunkers"

I know people are hard up. I know they are looking for a way out. I just don't see crushing cars as the solution. Even grossly polluting cars like my MG make up an insignificant percentage of air pollution.

I understand that there is a lot of pressure to put people into new cars. It temporarily boosts the new car market, makes people -temporarily- happier in their situation, and makes the tree huggers feel good about themselves.

As a "tree hugger" who used to own one of the first hybrid cars (in 2001), I can tell you that buying a hybrid car is not as good as you think. It may give you increased fuel economy but the damage to the environment caused by the mines that harvest the materials for the batteries is devastating.

I know it's ironic. So this is why I am strongly against the "Cash for Clunkers" program. They intend the best. However, they don't realize that creating a new car is very destructive to the environment. If you want to be a real "tree hugger," go buy a used Honda. It's already built and you will be buying it from an American who needs cash.

Oh-bummer should be saying buy cars from your neighbors, if he was a real socialist. That is not the case. The Obamanation wants us to be entirely dependent on them so re-using an automobile that your neighbor has is taboo. Oh, it's "so not green."

In other words, it doesn't put green into their pockets! I hate to write this because I believe in preserving our wilderness and always pick up trash during my walks. But you must practice what you believe so think about what you're doing before you trade in your trusted car for a new car.

Furthermore, you could get a lemon. Wouldn't that be worse than what you have? You could get something that is so useless that it has no resale value. Wouldn't you be pissed to lose all the purchase price in a couple of years?

My advice is that you wait for this "cash for clunkers" thing to go for a few years before hopping on the bandwagon. Yes, I understand that the Senate had just today approved more money for the depleted fund. Remember that the media likes to kick up your life into a frenzy. There is a reason why they didn't put a lot of money into that program.

Do you really think something as expansive and pervasive as the Federal government has only a little bit of money to throw into such a publizied program? This "cash for clunkers" program will continue for much longer than we, the taxpayers, want.

All that I know is I will never surrender my '65 MG Midget. I like the fact that it wrinkles the noses of the tree-humpers. Its little 1320cc engine can create enough honest pollution to keep most every car far behind it. It's a matter of self-preservation. This little car is loud, small, and smelly.

Are you surprised that average, self-conscious southern Californians given it a wide berth? It's wonderful. I don't really need my smilie face antenna to catch the attention of SUV drivers because they need a telescope to see it! Very few motorists tailgate me because it upsets their nose.

So I'll never trade in my old, smelly car. It is safe and noticeable. Not only will no one get close enough to hit it, but no one will ever try to steal it. They know that if people see anyone but a capped blond guy behind the wheel, the cops will be behind the car.

So I'm saying don't give up your old car. It has personality. You know its problems and can pick it out in a parking lot. Imagine an America where everyone drives a Smart car... I don't know how people will stand it. I have enough trouble finding my rental car because it is similar to other cars. What if I am forced to buy a photocopy of my neighbor's cars? Well, I'd say fuck this shit and drive my MG until they arrest or kill me!

This is not Japan. We don't all come from the same background. We don't all want the same thing. America is the land of the individual. If you don't like it, then too bad. You can't change our heritage of individualism. If you want to be a number with a compartment to live in, then go to Japan.

I have strayed from the original subject. But I have for good reason, we are all different and that is what makes us great! Why should we all be forced into the same health care program run by the government (who has yet to figure out Medicare)? Why do you really want a new car subsidized by the government? That is what you get when you trade in your car on the "cash for clunkers" program!

You never succombed to the bully who wanted your lunch money. Why give in to the new bully, the government? This time they don't want just your lunch money. They want all your retirement and your savings. Don't you think it strange that the Federal Reserve commercial bank will not answer Congress when they ask where the bail-out money went?

The Fed is happy with total control of the money supply of the most powerful country in the world. They don't care if you have some. I'll put it simply. Imagine that you have a lottery ticket and you play the same number every week in the hope of winning. The laws of probability would dictate that eventually you could win.

The Fed (central bankers) know this routine so they counter-play it. You may think you know what they're doing but you haven't a clue. The trouble is they don't work so they have all the time in the world to figure out the game plan. They fix the probabilties. You cannot win.

That's why I recommend just leaving the stock market and buying tangible goods. They have a lot less control of real goods in your possession, as opposed to numbers in your 401k. Bankers are in business to make money. Today banking has become very lucrative and that means that they must be vicious and aggressive. It's a case of Yin and Yang. You cannot have big profit without big loss. And we are losing big.

Stuff

I'm working on the New Zealand trip page. I had almost forgotten how lovely that country is. Photos may not do it justice, but they give you an idea.

I broke down and bought some beer tonight. I had been avoiding drinking beer until I got another job. Though I have made $500 on eBay in the past two months so I figured I could afford a couple of six-packs.

I have been buying only American beer to help our country survive the economic bullshit. This limits the possibilities dramatically. I love English ale, however very few American companies brew it.

I'm drinking New Belgium's Skinny Dip now. This bicycling brewery was not my favorite when I sampled it in the bar. The Skinny Dip is no better in the bottle.

I feel like I have been smacked in the face with a dead skunk. The aroma makes me want to skip using deodorant for a few days. The color isn't piss yellow but the taste is so terrible that I have a subconscious aversion to it.

Fortunately I have also bought a six-pack of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat. Named for a patriot who would be astonished that we let the government and bankers put us over the barrel. Samuel Adams was a great man, a rabble riser.

He's what we need now that many Americans have been forced into silence by the pressures of their debt. However, we cannot hold off being Americans just because we need a leader. The real American is strong because he believes in himself and doesn't just go with the herd or mob.

I am thoroughly enjoying unemployed life. I don't have to get up early to go to a job so I can beg for authorized hours to do my job all while being micro-managed. Fuck that shit. I don't believe in corporations but I am willing to work very hard, unless I have to beg for authorization to work.

Life is good now. I have sold quite a bit of stuff on Craig's List and eBay. Though, right now I am disappointed with eBay. They closed one of my auctions because I mistakenly violated one of their many rules. I admit my mistake but wish they had given me a chance to rectify it before closing the auction. But they, like Amazon, assumed that I was trying to gyp them. That's too bad.

In the near future trust will be very useful in business. We should always trust until there is reason not to trust. Being burned is a risk of doing business. But modern corporations are headed by accountants who feel that anything but a "sure win" is risky.

Fuck, what if Christopher Columbus had said "I doubt that there is a quicker route to the Indies? So why bother sailing west?" He wouldn't have discovered our fine land. (Admittedly, America had been discovered decades before Columbus, but he brought it to attention during an opportune time.)

What if the uneducated parents of Jonas Salk hadn't pushed their children to go to university? Most probably many more children would have been paralyzed by the polio virus.

You see what I am saying? Without risk there are no rewards. This is what plagues American business right now. I'll be the first to admit that we're not particularly good at making consistently reliable products or producing a zillion exactly-the-same products (leave that to the Germans and Japanese). However, what we are good at is being creative and stylish.

We are dreamers. Whether we dream of being rich, or famous, we all have our individual dreams. The pursuit of these dreams is what made America great. Many dreams weren't achieved, but during the struggle a lot of wonderful things were brought to light.

If the possibility of realizing your dream is taken away, then why try to follow your dream? This is why I am so adamantly against "Oh-bummer" and the strong centralized government. What we need is less government. We don't need some government "official" trampling our dreams with "Oh, you can do that. It's against the law."

Basically, if you want lots of government and aristocracy like Obama and the other idiot politicians, then move to Europe. There you can choose between worshipping the Queen of England, French public servants, the ever-changing rulers of Italy, the Russian Mafia, etc.

There is a reason why many European countries model their government after the one described in our Constitution. As much as they try, they cannot get past their history. This is a reason why I love America. We are a young country. But we must be aware. We have an emerging class of rulers: the politicians anonymously ruled by the bankers and the Hollywood celebrities.

I am vehemently against career politicians becuase they have no balls. They do exactly what their biggest investors say. Many of the original American politicians held the posts because they wanted to give something to their country. They didn't do it to make money. They were farmers or fishermen. (Yes, some were slave-owners and other rich merchants but they did indeed have other businesses aside from politics.)

Politics should not be a career. It should be a service that one willingly gives to the country. Thomas Jefferson is my favorite. Yes, he operated a large plantation with slaves. I dislike the idea of one man owning another. However, we have such servitude these days even though we don't call it slavery.

Don't laugh. We aren't as advanced as we may think we are. The slavery today may not require chains but it is servitude nonetheless. Debt makes you a slave to your job. You have to work to pay that "minimum payment" to the credit card company.

Sure, you may say "I can always go bankrupt." Yes you can, but I hope you don't ever expect to purchase land or a house during your life. Credit is a fragile thing, despite what recent events may suggest.

Let me explain myself. Imagine if your neighbor continuously comes over to ask for sugar without ever giving anything back. Wouldn't you start not answering the door when you saw him? Credit card companies are no different. Once they decide that you are not going to pay off your debt, you are useless.

When you have debt you are at the mercy of the lender. He can decide to give you more money or not. He doesn't care if you just need a hundred dollars for groceries or not. Money talks. You are simply a potential profit. You are not a person to these bankers.

To finish up, get out of debt and don't succomb to the bullshit in the media. The "recession" is far from over. Pay off your debt and then save money. Buy only what you need. The future will not be easy.

Latest political thoughts

Obama is fixated on socialized health care. There are many downfalls to this system. That's why in the UK, which has had social health care for decades, a private system is popular.

I won't reiterate the commonly known shortcomings. There's another fact that Obama doesn't realize. There is a substantial percentage of the working population (1 in 50) that works just to have health insurance. These retirement age people realize that they cannot afford their health insurance on their pension.

Obama's plan would seem a good idea for them. Not quite. If all these people can afford to stop working, then businesses will lose a lot of talent. This is a serious problem. The younger generation is, by no means, not talented. It's just that we were never encouraged to be creative in the workplace like the 55+ generation.

This brings me to another Oh-bummer declaration. He says that the "spirit of innovation" is the key to the future. I don't see it. The real innovation going on these days is in China. That's because the Chinese have real wealth to invest into improving their businesses.

Obama is right that innovation is essential, however, one must have a solid manufacturing or farming base to be able to look to inventing. One cannot learn to run before learning to walk. And yes, we need to learn how to walk again in this country. Crippled by political correctness, "equal opportunity," accountants CEOs, etc. American businesses are quickly losing their advantage.

Look around you. How many people do you know change the oil in their car? Hell, how many people wash their own car? Does your neighbor know how to light his pilot light? Does he know how to repair a leaking faucet, or even turn off the water 1main? We're becoming a people who know only how to use computers!

In the grand scheme of real life these skills are useless. What happens when you can't afford to pay the maid? One old guy says he wouldn't know where to start to clean a toilet! Your computer cannot roll up its sleeves and clean your bathroom!

Another thing that I find frightening. People are turning to social Web sites to hide from the real world. I realize that Twatter, Buttbook, Myvoid, Classhates, Flappr, ChainedIn, etc. are good tools for meeting people. I have no problem with that. Communication helps us learn.

But these people who live day in and day out logged onto computers are not healthy. When I was a kid we used to tell people who holed up in their house and didn't come outside to get a life! So I'm saying the same thing to those who are virtually, socially connected.

Use computers to meet people you wouldn't otherwise meet, then meet those individuals face to face. I wonder if people learn to interact in real life, if some of our societal problems would disappear. I'm going to take my own advice and finish writing now.

Life

I've been released back into the wild. In other words I now have all the time to contemplate the mysteries of life. Now that I've been laid off, I am less stressed. It sounds strange, huh?

Let me explain. I saved quite a bit of money while working and I have a frugal lifestyle, and no debt, so I can take some time off from work. I'm not lounging around though. I am selling stuff in the garage. I'm going to sell the MR2.

Then, I'm going to drive up the west coast to Alaska. I figure a little adventure is in order before I go back to work. This time around I'm going to try holding out for a contracting position. Obviously, being a direct employee isn't secure so why not earn more money and not be under a corporation's thumb?

Last night I went to visit a friend and help him set up a Lionel train. This guy's got the right idea with one track in the living room and another in his bedroom that now extends into the spare room. He buys worn track and cars cheaply and repairs them, which keeps the cost down.

The tomato plants are producing steadily now. The carrots still stunted. I need to fertilize the dirt when they're finished.

The water temperature/oil pressure gauge is back from Nisonger. They rebuilt it because the temperature needle was sticking. They did a wonderful job, as always. I'll install it in the car later today.

I've been watching a number of movies lately. Some are good and some are not so good.

Site updates

I added a couple dozen of new funny photos. See them at the bottom of this page.

I added eleven additional movies to the database.

I'm working on the New Zealand trip page. I'm about a third of the way through it.

Site updates

A new Lady is up. Don't forget to vote!

Hope for change

People are starting to question the government's actions. Just today my neighbor complained to me about the rising taxes here in California. It may have taken a doubling of the car registration and sales tax hitting 10% in some counties, but it happened.

There is hope that the individual will stand up for his or her liberty and rights. Perhaps we'll stop Obama before he becomes the next Hitler? We can speak out and hope for a change for a better future for us and our children.

Flywheel

The transaxle in my MR2 is on its last leg. I plan to replace it with an uprated unit that also has an additional forward gear (bringing the total to six). At the same time I will replace the clutch and flywheel. Today the Fidanza flywheel arrived in the mail.

I run a Fidanza 'wheel in my Midget. It does its job well and hasn't caused me any problems. I am confident that fitting one to the MR2 will be just as uneventful and advantageous.

For those not particularly familiar with engines, let me explain. A flywheel is a round chunk of metal that is bolted to the end of a crankshaft. It's purpose is to smooth out the power strokes provided by the pistons.

The power needs to be smoothed out because imagine the power of a campfire that you light up with gasoline. It can nearly knock you off your feet with the flame that shoots up into the sky. The explosion in each cylinder of your car engine is not much different. So you can understand that there's a lot of power all of a sudden, and then nothing.

A flywheel, because it is bolted to the crankshaft and thus connected to the pistons that are suddenly pushed down by the explosion, will spin. The weight of the flywheel spins because of the power of these explosions. But in between the explosions, or "power strokes" of the pistons, the flywheel continues to spin because of its weight (or momentum).

The higher the weight of the flywheel, the more tendency it has to maintain a constant speed. (Think of how much tendency there is for a large semi to keep going at speed compared to a bicycle at the same speed.) Most of today's sedans and many sports cars are fitted with heavy flywheels so the engine idles smoothly. Remember that many of today's engines are four or six cylinders so there are fewer power strokes for a certain amount of time. This is why heavy flywheels are used.

In many cases with real sports cars (i.e. cars with uprated suspensions, sedan engines, and light-weight bodies) the entire engine is harvested from the donor sedan. This was the case with my MG. The stock flywheel weighed 15 pounds! That's 6% of the entire weight of the entire engine.

A lighter flywheel allows the engine to spin faster and slower more quickly. The 'wheel I bought for the MR2 weighs in around 8-1/2 pounds. Curiously, it looks very similar to the one that I fitted to the Midget. I'd be willing to bet that the ring gear diameter is exactly the same! Only the pressure plate contact area is thicker.

Now I need to buy a replacement clutch. eBay is the best vendor for this part. Speaking of eBay, I have removed my oil pan. My brother Mike needs one and mine will fit his MR2.

New with me

The temperature gauge on the MG has quit working. I have removed it and will look for a place to rebuild it. Previously a place outside of New York rebuilt the speedometer and tachometer. Maybe they can fix this one too?

The tomato plants are putting out a lot of fruit. The carrots are stunted pretty badly. Their dirt is not too good. I have fertilized another section so I can plant lettuce in the autumn. I'll do the same where the carrots are and plant onions.

I'm selling more parts that I bought from Bob. The latest is the drain pan from the MR2. See the listing here. I've also listed a few other stuff on Craig's List. Light is right!

Site updates

I've added six movies to the GRS database and some 11 funny photos. You can see them at the bottom of this page. I need to upload another Lady. Have any suggestions? Use the technical problems at the bottom of this page. I'm having trouble getting the Lady suggestion page to work.

Back

New Zealand was awesome. Picturesque and full of friendly, down-to-earth people... I was at home. I'll upload a trip page soon.

Politics

Today I was about to proclaim that I no longer had to wonder about political affairs. Unfortunately I read a disturbing article that "Oh bummer" wants to pass a bill to silence the Internet on command. Don't believe me, read about here. Attempting to silence the folks on the Internet will be about as successful as sitting down with Russians and persuading them to "play well with others."

Obama is such an idiot. If this bozo had ever truly visited foreign countries, he'd understand. Jetting around in a private plane to choice cities is no way to experience the world.

He could fly over New York and say: "what a wonderful city." Oh wait, he's done that except without telling the poor inhabitants of Manhattan! I speak from experience here: if you stray outside of the sugar-coated tourist areas, you will begin to learn about a country.

Most peoples either hate us or only like our money. This is the fact. I hate to say it. I'd love to think that foreign peoples love us for our "freedom" but they just see as idiots or manipulators. We have control of most of the wealth of the world. Thus, naturally, many of the world's people hate us. Wouldn't you hate if your life savings hinged on whether some asshole in Wall Street made the right decision?

I am not the most Internet savvy guy out there. Luck would have it I can figure out how to operate this site, but I know that I believe in the "last liberty" that exists on the Web. I do not want the government to censor my browsing. I want to be readily exposed to all the good and bad of the Internet. That is what it means to have liberty!

Of course, an essentially useless organization like the US government wants to remove this freedom. Hell, you may find out that people in Georgia live with more liberties than you. Wouldn't that be bad for immigration? Knowledge is power. Ignorance is control.

Obama is pushing ignorance with his "hopey-changey" bullshit. Do not trust him. Think for yourself. If you truly believe in Obama, then I have no quarrel with you. But if you just blindly believe in everything he says, then you are a moron. Think for yourself! Question authority.

You cannot think that just because he is a "subjegated" black that he has all the answers for this country. Life is not black and white. There is no more slavery. There is no reason why you should feel guilty that your ancestor had black slaves! You did not have any slaves yourself. America was founded with the hope that a person would judge another person by his deeds and not by those of his parents.

If you believe in family ownership and aristocracy, then get the fuck out of my country. Here you are judged by your actions. If you are an asshole, then we'll hate you. If you're a hardworking person, then you're cool. It's that simple. We (Americans) don't give a shit if your father's, father's, brother's brother owned African slaves! We judge you by your actions. So if you're a bullshitting asshole, then you will find yourself in manure... humanely away from the asshole of the bull. Shit, we Americans are humane. Isn't that why you tried your bullshit in this fine country?

Obama may be different but that doesn't make him your savior. The definition of a savior is one who rescues or delivers. I don't feel particularly rescued. Granted, I have a job and can pay for my own health care. Perhaps I am the worst judge?

No, I am the typical working middle-income American. I scrimp so I can take short trips around the world. I infrequently go out to eat and only buy stuff that I need. I set my priority on travelling. This is what I want to do. I will live a poor life in Los Angeles to achieve it. But I still pay my health insurance, and I still have a job. Maybe that's why Obama has been trying to put me out of a job by cutting the defense industry?

Oh, I'm sorry. I found this job by myself and keep it by working hard. I should just be a slough and beg the government for a job. I'm so sorry--scratch that, fuckers, I'm happy to have made my life without the government's help!!! This makes me proud. I just would wish that people would wake up and realize that if you work for the "Man" (High Comrade Obama), you are employed at his will.

The few of you who are sheltered by the economic crisis may not understand my previous statement, so I ask that you lucky few count your blessings. Obama will be after you soon. Private enterprise and personal achievement are all but gone. If there is no aspiration for total success (being rich), an individual will just say "fuck it, I'll do just what I have to do."

You see Obama wants all of us to work for him. Not unlike Hitler, Obama wants to have all his ducks in a row. I understand his propensity towards control. Many of us want to make the world a perfect place. It makes sense. But only a few of us understand that life is never perfect no matter how much we try.

So we can try and hate ourselves when we destroy a fallible, but working, system; or we can just say "life is too short to change everything." I chose the latter. I used to believe that I could change the world. But now I only want to be at peace with myself and offer personal peace to others. Many will never realize the peace I offer, but I continue to be who I am and remind people that life is more than money, just for the hell of it!

Think for yourself. Obama has his own ideas that he wants to force on you. For the time being you have the liberty to say no. Exercise this freedom. Don't forget that Obama has his own agenda. He may say that "change" is good and you should "hope" for the best, however, this doesn't mean that you should place all your "hope" in him and accept his "change" without question. Think for yourself.

No one wants you to be happy; the man in control wants only to be rich...

Life

My brother Mike is now living in southern California with me. I helped him drive here last weekend. A 24-foot Penske truck with a car carrier is tiring to drive. It's almost as long as a semi.

The MG now has 90 thousand miles on the clock. I've since replaced the engine and done a lot of restoration & repair work to it. I've owned it for 11 years and put 25 thousand on it.

Have you seen the new design for the US penny? I discovered one by accident a few days ago. It's too bad that the news doesn't report on these new, cool coins. I admit that I am negative about the politics and economics in this country but it is worth celebrating a new coin design. This is the first change to the penny since 1934. You can see the new penny backs here.

The other day I received a letter from my US representative Dana Rohrabacher. It was filled with "I want" and "this... doesn't work for me." I was amazed to see this in print. I wrote him (his secretaries) back saying that I don't give a shit about his opinion because his job is to represent me.

Either Senator Boxer or Feinstein was quoted saying "my constituents want this but I want this." I warned Rohrabacher about trying this. I said I wouldn't vote for someone who will not represent me. Thomas Jefferson would be upset if he could see what representatives are doing.

The garden is growing well. It's sunny and warm so I have to water every day. Next year I will have to better prepare the soil because both the lettuce and carrots are growing slowly.

Most of the contractors have been laid off at work because Obama's defense spending reduction is taking effect. I have some work but am, by no stretch of the imagination, overworked. It does seem that the satellite business will pick up, and that's where I started, so I should be alright. If not, then I'll find another job.

Site updates

Added 15 new funny photos: a few are political, but I couldn't resist. See them at the bottom of this page.

You can see what I thought of another ten movies in the GRS. The database now has more than 1,000 entries! Amazing!

The 88-year-old who could

I'm irked by the latest shooting at the Holocaust museum in Washington DC. Yes, the 88-year-old shooter--OK let's think about this realistically please. An 88-year-old killed a security guard with a .22.

There is something very fishy about this story. I don't care if this ancient man swung from the banisters screaming "crucify all Jews to make up for Christ." I just find it hard to believe that an 88-year-old is able to cause so much trouble.

It is my opinion that this man is a fall-guy for some cover-up. Have you seen the movie Murder at 1600? Do you remember that at the close of the movie a guy mixed up the facts to make them simpler and more deliberately "connected" for the media.

Could this not be happening here? Ask yourself, how many 88-year-old men do you know want to kill people and cause a major headline? I know only one man in his eighties and he is one of the coolest men I know. The strongest comments that I get from him is when he reminds me that I need to tolerate my job as long as they pay me.

Frankly, I don't believe in this latest occurrence. I think that they just want to push a belief that guns are a terrible thing for individuals to possess. They suggest that if an individual has a gun, he is dangerous.

Second Amendment

This is bullshit. The reason why the founding fathers specifically amended The Constitution with the Second Amendment was not to give hunters a way to shoot at birds and deer: the Second Amendment allows you to protect your personal freedom against a commanding force.

Understand that I grew up believing in peace and non-violence. I still believe in it. I just want people to live with others without killing. However, I now realize that I must be also a realist. This is why I have a gun.

I believe that my ideas and hopes and dreams matter. Sadly, without a gun I cannot protect my thoughts and freedom. This is why the Second Amendment was ratified. It secures the liberty that each and every American deserves.

I never pretend to know the answers, however, I know what I believe in. It has taken me thirty years to stumble through life and discover myself. I am not about to trash my ideas just because someone else says that I am wrong. This is the reason for the Second Amendment.

You and your ideas are important. We know you are not a moron. You think the way you do for deliberate reasons. Never ignore yourself. If you feel that something is wrong, then chances are that something is wrong.

This is why I will protect my ideas and beliefs to my last shell. The gun-grabbers will have to take my gun from my dying hands. You may laugh and say this could never happen in America. This is why we must all be on guard. As soon as you assume that you have something, it can be taken away.

Being American

I promised to myself that I would stop obsessing about politics. I have not quite made it, obviously. Please forgive this weakness. I do strongly believe that what you think and want is important.

Today I waited in a cubicle at work while a contractor prodded and needled a permanent employee to believe that he should give in to a vendor. I said nothing. I bit my tongue till it bled. I wanted to say something and support my fellow permanent employee, however, I knew nothing about the argument.

I know that Rich (the permanent employee) would have liked my help. I felt terrible leaving him on a limb. In fact, it hurt me because I really like Rich's views. But I knew that I had to hold my tongue until I knew more.

This reservation obviously affected Rich because when he was free of the argument I asked him to check my design of his tool, and his help was half-hearted. I wanted to tell him that I couldn't stand up for his side because I knew nothing, even though emotionally I wanted to rip his opposition a new asshole.

Thank you, corporations. I directly blame greedy accountants for not having a closed office in which I could speak my mind to Rich without the opposition next door overhearing. This corporate stuff is shit.

I understand the desire for change

I begin to understand why people voted for "change." They were sick of their current predicament. Maybe they were sick of corporate accountants stuffing people into cubicles (or file folders). I understand this complaint. I share it.

I think that these people are starting to realize that the change that Obama promised is not what they wanted. They didn't necessarily want to upset the social and political structure of this country. They just wanted to be respected a little more.

I understand. I also love and applaud the aversion to Obama's "change." I was told that a simple billboard along I-5 in Los Angeles has simply four words. Mind you, this billboard is proudly and plainly displayed in LA. LA is known for being left-leaning.

Well, the four words form a valid question "where is the birth certificate?" When I was told this I nearly cried. I hate the fact that Obama has never provided a legitimate birth certificate (come on, computerized birth certificates weren't even around when I was born!) It plainly says in the Constitution, the law of the land, in Article II, Section I "No Person except a natural born Citizen or a Citizen of the United States, at the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President."

If Obama cannot produce a real birth US certificate or prove that he was alive during the 1780s, he cannot Constitutionally serve as President as the United States. Maybe you're disappointed that Obama is increasing the American debt or maybe you are no thrilled with the "change," your recourse is to push for a birth certificate.

If Obama is found to not meet the requirements to be President of the United States, all of what he has done will be revoked. Granted some of his actions cannot be reversed, but most can still be reversed. Think about it. Write you representatives and remind them.

Thoughts about San Francisco International Airport

7:40 PM, Thursday

I'm in San Francisco Airport. This airport is very strange. Let me explain. As the captain announced that we'd be landing, I solved a riddle in my puzzle book. "Fabulous" was the answer. I am serious. I knew something strange was going to happen when a British puzzle reveals the secret word is "fabulous." I half expected the book to speak the word with a lisp and then say "oh, please.' I hadn't even gotten off the plane yet!

As I disembarked and walked up the jetway, I smelled a very strong scent of grape. It takes a strong smell to get through to my nose, which is dulled by LA smog. I thought a woman put on too much perfume. Then, it got stronger. The jetway smells of fucking grape!

In the terminal I smelled more perfume as I briskly walked along the carpet. The smells in this place! Of course, I don't dislike pleasant smells, however, these smells had the intensity of those little trees that you buy for cars: overpowering and obviously artificial.

That wasn't all. The shops in the airport seemed to want to rival the big-name stores in Manhattan or London. Isn't this an airport? Why would I want to buy Gucci shoes in an airport?

I continued to the international terminal and saw a mural that stopped me dead in my tracks. I walked over for a closer look. It depicts Latinos frolicking under the sun. I'm not a racist but... well, I have no words. It's no wonder people were staring at me: I'm not "all happy: and rejoicing in my ethnicity.

I write this as I wait at the gate for my flight to Munich (and then to Tbilisi). I snapped off the eraser from this cheap pencil. I swore, picked it up, and looked around for a rubbish bin. I didn't see one--only three recycle bins so I swore again. If the city is like this, I'll maintain my sanity and avoid it!

Site updates

I've added three movies to the GRS database. Bob has helped me update the database because I was running out of numbers. It's hard to believe that I've rated nearly one thousand movies!

I've added the following quote:

I'm going to tell you a story that'll make your balls shrink to the size of raisins.
Spike from Notting Hill

I added my latest camping trip to Broadwell Lake. You can read about it here.

Beer and other parts of life

I'm going to bottle another batch of beer tomorrow. It's a cream ale. I've finished reading The Odyssey. It was enjoyable. I'm now reading Jefferson's Letters. Thomas Jefferson wrote to many of his contemporaries like John Adams and James Madison.

The tomato plants are growing like weeds. Even the rose bushes in the backyard are doing well. Take a look:

Soon I will fly back to New Hampshire and help my other brother Mike drive to Long Beach. He's moving out here to find a job. It'll be great to have him around. No doubt it will help to temper my rants against the government!

This will be the third time that I have been fortunate enough to drive across our large country. Seeing it does make one wonder if global warming is actually caused by our sparse population.

Unemployment

He's over in the Mideast talking with the Muslin rulers while Americans are out of work. Why should we pay for a fake person to discuss aristocracy with foreigners while many of us are without jobs?

Even mainstream media admits that the unemployment, in a country based on working, is approaching one in ten. So those of us with jobs are supporting a significant percentage (10%) who sadly cannot find work.

Obama needs to sort out his own house before trying to clean others. Wake up! Your (Obama's) high taxes and meddling in business are detrimental to this country. This is not north Africa or the Middle East where the sheiks call the shots and decide who gets a job. (Don't go crying to mama.)

Here it should be free. Why not try to be a real American man and stick up for your out-of-work constituents? Why not stop being a sock puppet for the rich man? Why not consider the people that are laid off by your idiot decisions?

This is not a video game. You cannot push reset and try again. Americans are on the edge of their meager savings right now. Granted, I don't agree with their paycheck-to-paycheck way of life, but they are my fellow Americans.

Mister Obama

Obama you should be taking care of the American people. Yes, I know they may not be your people but you have been elected as the president of the United States of America. And only a dickless and spineless man turns his back on the workers who need help in this country.

I'll put aside my anger that you were never proven to be born on American soil if you stand for my fellow Americans. You need to prove yourself by earnestly trying to encourage jobs in the private sector. Realize that we cannot all work for the government. A majority of us must work for private businesses. The government can then tax those businesses and provide for the less fortunate.

Look, I'm coming down to your level and offering suggestions! What more can I do? I won't pretend that prosperity comes from the government. Socialized health care is about as successful as socialized retirement. I remember my brother Bob, as a young child, questioned the idea of US Social Security. (He was a brilliant child... far cleverer than me, and little has changed.)

Mr. Obama, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) is dead. His ideas did not succeed. He only perpetuated the Great Depression. Sure we got lots of roads and dams from FDR, however, these did not come into use until business fired up after he left office and began using them for power and transportation.

I know that FDR was so comforting over the wireless during the '30s. Words are just words. Actions speak louder! If you, Mr Obama, care one ounce about America, then you will stop meddling and reduce spending immediately!

Businesses that generate wealth do not expand when taxes are going up. Businesses do not expand because they wonder if they will be taxed heavily in their new endeavor. Isn't it obvious that much higher taxes are coming and, more immediately, the dollar will be devalued to equalize the trillions of dollars you've spent. That's supply and demand! The more of anything makes anything less valuable. Get it? The dollar is not magical. It is governed by the laws of supply and demand. What are you thinking?

America

If the spending and debt continue to spin out of control, it's only a matter of time before the government tries to assert its control over us. This may subtly appear as gun exchanges. (The educational system is already overrun with the teddy-bears-for-guns idea.) Or it could be as forward as a "gun grab." My advice tell them to grab the wrong end and squeeze the trigger.

Also, they may come to you asking for you to invest in the country with your silverware or gold coins. They'll say "save America from insolvency." Why not respond: why should I give you money when you will only spend it? Like a drunkard, the government will only waste money it is given. If they don't go away see the "gun grab" solution listed above.

You worked hard for what you have. If you have no debt, then there is no reason why the government should come after you, but that will be the exact reason why they want you to "donate." They know you have not squandered your wealth so they want it.

If you have some wealth, you have a lot of power. The US government is bankrupt and only awaiting the Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The ironic part is that these laws are enforced by the United States government. Who will enforce them when the judge goes bankrupt?

No matter what they try, you, as the individual, has rights and cannot allow yourself to be persuaded to give up your wealth. I have already decided that the only way they can take what little wealth that I have is by killing me. And with the fancy guns they have this is very easy (how do you think that political enemies of the US are silenced so easily and silently).

I just hope that in an emergency, the military, who is proficient with these weapons) will go AWOL and protect their families. They probably will because they care more about their families then about some bit of cloth or the idiots politicians.

Site updates

I've added six ratings to the GRS.

Also, I've uploaded my latest trip page when I visited Georgia in April. It's been that long. Shit. I am slow. I hope it was worth the wait. You can view the page here.

I apologize for my tardiness.

Obama

What the fuck? Obama claims that the occupation of GM is going to be short term. Yeah, that's like the Nazis telling the French that they won't be occupying Paris any longer than necessary.

What does the government have to do with the affairs of a once major automotive company? Why should the government dictate what the, now bankrupt, GM builds? Well, the corporation took bailout money. It allowed its CEO to be removed by a political figurehead.

The idiots in management who hadn't turned a bolt or welded a seam in decades, if ever, decided that they'd fucked up. Shit, those all-expenses-paid vacations to the Caribbean may not have been the best choice, huh?

The trouble is that these idiots are so removed from the activities of their business that they could never reproduce the work of the folks they fire. Is this right?

Obama seems to think this is alright. He had pushed GM into bankruptcy which has, and will, result in Americans losing jobs. Don't try to tell me that we need to make GM smaller so it can be viable.

That is bullshit. GM and Chrysler made vehicles that most Americans wanted. These monstrosities forever plagued the views of sports car drivers. I freely admit that I wanted to see fewer SUVs and large pick-ups on the roads.

I just never expected them to go because the government forced their production to stop. Fuck! I wanted to see registration taxes to become based on vehicle weight or fuel taxes to go up. I never expected the government to mandate certain mileage ratings and emissions standards.

This is coming from me, a guy who drives a tiny MG amongst SUVs, so fight back. We need to stop Obama now. I may not like large pick-ups and SUVs but I would never try to stop them. People should have the liberty to buy them.

The economy

The deflationary period is over. We are now experiencing inflation. Even cashiers admit it. You can't just say only gas prices are going up. Have you priced beer and other non-regulated food stuffs?

The media may say that we've rounded the corner (or "hit bottom"--I hate that term), however, this is not true. The stock market is only going up in volume because there is more money around to put into stocks of failing businesses.

Remember learning about the Crash of 1929? Yes, it could very well happen again. This time people aren't necessarily buying the stocks with borrowed money: the government is. We can thank the Federal Reserve commerical bank and the puppy dog US Treasury for the fact that the dollar continues to grow in quantity.

Together they have been busy shuttling money around creating lots of M2 money. Read about the different types of money on Wikipedia. You may notice that M2 money has been increasing impressively since '95.

Yup that means that not only Obama and moronic neo-conservative Bush but our smooth-talking, diplomatic Clinton, have been in on it. Of course they are simple puppets of the big bankers. Bernanke of the Federal Reserve commercial bank is even the lapdog of these silent but extremely powerful men.

To combat them, I believe that we need to keep what little wealth we have remaining in this country. Buy American products if you can. I have resolved that I will only buy American beer. I buy a fair amount of beer to supplement my own brewing, so this will make a small impact. Of course, that means that all my beer money goes to Sam Adams. I don't drink pee.

Ron Paul is finally getting some support for his bill to audit the Federal Reserve commercial bank. It's about time, if a little too late. However we must be optimistic that we can overcome the destructive changes already put in.

Why not look up the name of your representative using this web page? I checked to make sure mine was a co-sponsor of Mr. Paul's bill. Why don't you check to make sure yours is also a co-sponsor? Click the show cosponsors link on this page. Use the find feature because they're not in alphabetical order.

Why?

So why do I write so vehemently about the economy. Why don't I write about women or cars? These subjects are interesting but I believe that until we can sort out the mess in the economy, we are in trouble.

Furthermore, I wish I could pretend that all is wonderful. The fact is that it isn't. Now that we have an arrogant, narcissist running around like an angry two-year-old, our future is on the brink of disaster. Obama is dangerous.

I didn't like Bush, however, at least he was a moronic president. He couldn't cause too much trouble because the puppet masters couldn't spark a fire inside him to do anything. He was that stupid. Now Obama is intelligent and well-educated.

Who was said that ignorance is bliss? He was correct! The few men running the Federal Reserve commercial bank, and thus America, could never direct Bush to do anything destructive because they'd always have to explain what fractional banking is.

On the other hand Obama won't say anything without a teleprompter. Guess who controls the prompter. Yes, I'm willing to bet they are the few rich families that run this country via the Federal Reserve commercial bank.

I don't expect you to believe me. I know you think I'm a conspiracy theorist. Maybe I am. But do you really want to stake your money on the fact that I may be crazy? Why not entertain my ideas?

What you can do

Stop shopping at Wal*Mart & Costco. Most of the money that you spend at these stores goes overseas. If you want to be a real American don't buy a Wal*Mart US flag and fly it on flag days, instead go to shops that sell mostly American products. Buy gasoline from a station that imports little oil from abroad. You'll have to search the internet a bit to find the name of local oil companies selling North American oil using this page.

Look at the food you want to buy. Does it say "Made in America"? Or is, at least, made in Mexico or Canada? We have to stop this hemmorrhage of money to the Middle East, India, and especially China. Yes it may cost 50 cents more, but don't you feel better giving the money to North American businesses where it will be paid to American individuals? I know I do.

Are you thinking of buying another car? Right now it is attractive, if you have spare money, because cars haven't really started appreciating. Why not buy a car already owned by an American? I sadly agree that the Japanese make the most reliable cars, so buy a used car that is already on our shores.

America made Japan

You do know that the only reason why the Japaense make reliable cars is because of an American engineer? Don't believe me? Read about Dr. Deming in Wikipedia. And not to sound a rascist, if it weren't for free-thinking, hardworking Americans, Honda would still be making scooters and Toyota cars and trucks would probably have never made it here.

Think about that the next time you're driving your Prius and cutting off "clunky" American cars on your way to the carpool lane. If it weren't for American initiative and ingenuity, your inefficient hybrid car wouldn't exist.

I'll freely admit that the American motor industry has fallen to the depths of Hades. I have driven the new Mustang, which is supposed to be so great: it was only alright. It pales in comparison to Japanese and European cars.

Unions (idiocy) destroyed America

The united auto workers and the corporate executives ruined the American companies. The auto workers gained power in the '50s and then starting naming terms in the '70s during the gas crunch. Not coincendentally, that's when American car quality diminished.

I've owned one American car (if you can call it that: it had a lot of metric fasteners!). The car was reliable despite being terrible on gas and loud. Lately I rented a Chevy Aveo (imported from Korea) and hated it. I wanted to like it so I could buy a reliable everyday car sold by an American company.

Instead I purchased a used Japanese car. Recently I considered the new Challenger. I liked the American styling and coolness. I figured it would easily be a good tow car and reliable transport. Little did I know that an entry level one weighs 3,800 pounds!

America has become pussy

That's more than how much my Sentra, trailer, and ATV collectively weigh! I was astonished that this behemoth, the Challenger, had a maximum tow rating of only 1,000 pounds. Fuck! My little 1.6 liter Sentra is rated for a Class 1 hitch and will tow 2,000 pounds.

What happened to the spirit and drive? I couldn't see Kowalski bitching that he'd damage the '70 Challenger that he was delivering on commission by driving it in the desert. He'd laugh and say this is what I'm going to do.

America has turned into a land of pussies who look at the numbers before they take a shit. Do something that you may regret: live a little. Tell that cute brunette in the next cubicle that she looks great in tight jeans. Don't think--fe-eeel! Don't concentrate on the finger! (smack) (Remember Bruce Lee?) Don't wonder if you shouldn't do that because it could affect your raise. Just do it! (Thank you, Nike.)

Tell suitable women that they look good and reward attractive decency. When it comes down to it, unless you blow the boss you are probably going to get a raise that is below that of inflation. So why not be a human and compliment your co-workers. I know I am just talking about women here: do the same for men if you're a woman... or gay. There's nothing wrong with that. "Everyone boogies at their own speed," as my buddy Danny says.

No matter what you believe in, you must hate a few people calling the shots on our currency. Speak up and let the world know what you think. Yes, you may be avoided by others. They may look at you funny but remember that there's a reason why you can think. Your ideas are important.

Life

Today was cloudy, which is unusual for southern California, so I could drive around without a hat and the fear of getting sunburned. I took all three cars out for runs. Like horses, one should never neglect an automobile.

The Sentra conveyed me to the Lowes so I could buy some bits for my trailer and a gift card for Father's Day. I used the MG to fill up my ATV gas cans.

I took the MR2 out during rush-hour for its first fill-up at my hands. I drove bare-headed because I didn't have to fear the sun (normally I wear both a cap and sunglasses) and it was a short drive. This seemed to draw a lot of attention. People along the side of the road stopped and stared. Motorists got out of the way. I wondered if I had an ambulance on my tail trying to get by. (I may not have noticed because the new radio goes quite loud.)

No, there were no emergency vehicles behind me. Surprisingly not even a cop! They must be looking because I'm driving around on a "cold" (low 60s) cloudy day with the top down. I was comfortable and enjoying myself. I wondered why more days couldn't be like this one!

At the fill-up station I pulled up too far. The short hose wouldn't reach my car. I wanted to correct the problem quickly without starting the engine (and drawing attention to myself) so I tried to push the car backwards. It took me about twenty seconds to figure out where to grab and push the car.

As I started pulling the car backwards (grabbing the rear bumper is the best), a woman came running up to the front of the car. Utilizing a defense mechanism that is necessary to live in LA, I shot a questioning look at her. She smiled and said that she saw me struggling with the car and thought she should help.

I smiled and thanked her. I thought common decency was dead in this city. I guess I'm wrong because obviously one must just be a blond guy in a loud, topless car on a cloudy, cool spring day.

I suppose it may be that she mistook my humble Toyota for a more expensive Porsche Boxster (an easy mistake: I've done it myself). I'd hate to think that she saw "an in" to a semi-rich guy instead of saw a person in need.

I've never had anyone dart over to help me push a car. Perhaps I look like a weakling? I doubt it in this instance because I was wearing my "Stick It To The Man" T-shirt, which is a bit undersized. Being small it accents what muscle I have left after more than two years in a desk job. (I should resume lifting weights soon.)

Life is good. I have three black cars. I'm almost caught up with my projects. I'm selling stuff on eBay.

The latest item is the gas pedal that I bought with the hopes that it would single-handedly allow my aftermarket carburetor on the new MG engine to fully open. Alas it did not, so I ended up changing the accelerator cam on the carburetor so it would open up quicker. This makes the car more difficult to drive, but allows me to fully open the carb and feel the full power of the engine.

The little high-performance 1.3 liter engine is a force to be reckoned with while in my diminutive Midget. I find that I can stay in front of anything in LA. That's mostly because it gasses them and they stay far back to avoid breathing fumes

So I'm selling the gas pedal after modifying it to accept a rubber pad. It's going for more than I paid. See it here. I guess this makes me an entrepeneur.

Skins

I just watched the last two episodes of the first group of kids on Skins. I was shocked by a death and felt bad to see these characters, to whom I had grown attached, go off with their lives and leave the show.

This is how 24 should have been. After the 'longest day of [his] life' Jack Bauer should have been replaced by another group of people with their "longest day." In Skins that is what has happened. The cast that I grew so attached to is now mostly gone and will be replaced by another one.

This is why I enjoy British TV over American. Yes the humor is more to my liking, but what I really appreciate is that the producers know when to stop. They don't run a TV program until the ratings drop off. They seem more true to the art.

So if 24 had acquired a new cast at the end of Season 1, I would have watched Season 2. That's what a British show would have done. But no, they kept on going because the ratings were still high. That's a load of bollocks!