I was watching C-Span (don't tell anyone!) and the President's press secretary was holding a q-and-a session. I got in on a question about the President taking a $500,000 donation from somebody and then getting rewarded with gov't largesse. The press secretary was great, "This President has had the most transparent and open administration of any President. No other President has been as forthcoming as this one. We can only hope later Presidents will match that." The questioner had a look of disbelief on his face when he asked the same question in another way, since he got a non-answer. The press secretary contined, "This President has had the most transparent and open administartion of any President. No other President...." A third time this happened and the reporter gave up and another one was picked for a question. It was something the press secretary knew nothing about and admitted it--and that's fine. Then a woman asked a similar question to the first and the press secretary replied, "This President has had the most transparent and open administration of any President. No other President...." I don't know if I laughed harder or got angrier. Is this guy delusional?????? How can he stand up there and say that? Let's not even start with birth certificates and college records (no, I'm not a birther or conspiracy guy). And let's ignore "The Chicago Way." But we can begin with the Czars. How about tossing in waivers to certain favored groups with ObamaCare. Yep, those have all been right out there in the open, with the press secretaries making those announcements. Oh, they haven't????? How about the tax cheats in the Cabinet and other administrative positions? Can we include the President's behind-the-scenes efforts to have important votes in Congress take place late Sat evenings and Chris Eve? How about the executive orders dealing with illegal immigrants? Or the White House directives not to pursue legal actions against, say, Black Panthers who intimidate voters in Philadelphia? Need I go on?
I know history isn't important, but it shows that who yells first and the loudest gets to write the history, whether it's accurate or not. How many examples of that do you need, yep, even in American History? Hitler and Goebbels knew that; the pursued "the Big Lie Theory." Tell a lie big enough, loud enough, and often enough and it becomes the "truth." Is that what's going on here?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Roads?
I heard one of the governor's spokesmen on the radio yesterday explaining the new plain for increased taxes on auto registration. The tax increase would pay to fix the roads. I'm not sure I buy it. And, the spokesman's explanation wasn't very convincing. He had some flaws in his argument.
First, the gas tax is now 19 cents/gal, but, due to inflation its now worth only 15 cents/gal compared to just a few years ago. Well, it may come as a surprise to the fellow, but inflation has hit us now, too. What was 19 cents for us is now 15 cents for us, too!
It was brought up that perhaps the sales tax on gasoline (which includes a sales tax on the 10 cents/gal gasoline tax!) could be used for the roads, in addition to the registration fees. But the guy argued that the sales tax on gas goes to the schools. Hmmm...the schools? There's a whole lot of difference on 6% of $1.50/gal than 6% of $3.50/gal. In other words, there has been a huge windfall with the price of gasoline over the past two years. Where is that extra money going, if indeed the schools are financially hurting? There should be no education budget crunch, if as this guy claims, the sales tax on gas goes to the schools. On gasoline purchases then, we have been giving twice as much to the state/schools in the past two years. Hmmm???
The guy claimed that if we "do nothing," costs of repairs will skyrocket in the future while the roads getting increasingly bad. Again, what's going on here? What is this guy talking about? "Doing nothing?" Who's "doing nothing?" Is there no road and highway budget now? Oh, there is? Then why isn't that considered "doing" something?
This seems like another half-baked idea from the governor's office, like the business tax cut that came free of any conditions, such as that companies would have to hire more workers or cut prices (which would lead to more hires) before qualifying for the cut. The gov's spokesman said the gov is "willing to listen" to other ideas, yet I've never received even a "go jump in the lake" from any of my e-mails sent to him.
Have you seen where a Canadian scientist's (a Canadian!) report has led the Canadian gov't (Canadian!) to delay the mandatory CFL bulbs instead of incandescent ones? Hmmm...Canadian! But not here. I wonder, just wonder, sometimes. Why isn't the American gov't doing the same thing, instead of telling us no more incandesecent ones by 2012? This Canadian scientist criticized the "science behind" the CFL bulbs. She cited the dangers and health hazards, not to mentions the inefficiencies, costs, and inconvenience. Where is our gov't on this? I've heard nothing; it's apparently full speed ahead on forcing the change/ban. I guess that leads me to one of several conclusions about why the CFLs instead of incandescents. Is somebody stupid? Is the fix in, with a bribe of sorts? Or, I suppose, the Canadian scientist seemed pretty astute, specific about her criticisms. Can we get a response or an honest and earnest answer from our gov't, one not fraught with ideology, but with real science? Doubtful.
First, the gas tax is now 19 cents/gal, but, due to inflation its now worth only 15 cents/gal compared to just a few years ago. Well, it may come as a surprise to the fellow, but inflation has hit us now, too. What was 19 cents for us is now 15 cents for us, too!
It was brought up that perhaps the sales tax on gasoline (which includes a sales tax on the 10 cents/gal gasoline tax!) could be used for the roads, in addition to the registration fees. But the guy argued that the sales tax on gas goes to the schools. Hmmm...the schools? There's a whole lot of difference on 6% of $1.50/gal than 6% of $3.50/gal. In other words, there has been a huge windfall with the price of gasoline over the past two years. Where is that extra money going, if indeed the schools are financially hurting? There should be no education budget crunch, if as this guy claims, the sales tax on gas goes to the schools. On gasoline purchases then, we have been giving twice as much to the state/schools in the past two years. Hmmm???
The guy claimed that if we "do nothing," costs of repairs will skyrocket in the future while the roads getting increasingly bad. Again, what's going on here? What is this guy talking about? "Doing nothing?" Who's "doing nothing?" Is there no road and highway budget now? Oh, there is? Then why isn't that considered "doing" something?
This seems like another half-baked idea from the governor's office, like the business tax cut that came free of any conditions, such as that companies would have to hire more workers or cut prices (which would lead to more hires) before qualifying for the cut. The gov's spokesman said the gov is "willing to listen" to other ideas, yet I've never received even a "go jump in the lake" from any of my e-mails sent to him.
Have you seen where a Canadian scientist's (a Canadian!) report has led the Canadian gov't (Canadian!) to delay the mandatory CFL bulbs instead of incandescent ones? Hmmm...Canadian! But not here. I wonder, just wonder, sometimes. Why isn't the American gov't doing the same thing, instead of telling us no more incandesecent ones by 2012? This Canadian scientist criticized the "science behind" the CFL bulbs. She cited the dangers and health hazards, not to mentions the inefficiencies, costs, and inconvenience. Where is our gov't on this? I've heard nothing; it's apparently full speed ahead on forcing the change/ban. I guess that leads me to one of several conclusions about why the CFLs instead of incandescents. Is somebody stupid? Is the fix in, with a bribe of sorts? Or, I suppose, the Canadian scientist seemed pretty astute, specific about her criticisms. Can we get a response or an honest and earnest answer from our gov't, one not fraught with ideology, but with real science? Doubtful.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Greed v Envy
(By the way, it's great to get comments!)
Is there a difference between "greed" and "envy?" Perhaps they are just degrees of the same thing. And maybe it's about time we began "labeling" things the way they really are. (I know, I know--"Let's not point fingers" and "Let's just move on" and "Let's not affix blame." If we don't do that, who, then, ever has to be held accountable? Doesn't that just throw responsibility out of the window? Ah, "Your public schools. There's no better place to learn.")
OK, the Wall Street folks, Big Oil, Bankers, and their ilk are all "greedy." I get that. They bear the label and maybe deserve it. After all, with much of the US in economic freefall, do the CEOs and other corporate managers really deserve the incredible amounts they get? Nope, not at all. And, I might argue, just like MLB players and other professional athletes, college coaches, Hollywood-types, and hippy-rock stars, they get far too much money. Who, seriously, is worth tens of millions of dollars a year? And, how much money is enough? Is money the only thing that drives people to success, to innovation? I hope not and don't think so. (How interesting that those who do think so--likely "conservatives--are giving credence to a philosophy of Karl Marx, the commie!) But, I don't begrudge them the money. Would I turn down more money if my employer offered it? Would I give back money from my paycheck? Nope. And my strong feeling is that not many people outside of Mother Teresa would either. In that sense, perhaps "greed" takes on new meaning or at least can be seen in another light.
But what about the Wall Street Protesters? What is it that drives them? Is it, as one of them was quoted in the newspaper this AM, "crony capitalism?" Indeed, if it is "crony capitalism," then they are protesting in the wrong place. They should be in Washington, DC! Is it that some people have things and they don't? Listen to some of them blathering away and that's a logical conclusion. They want what other people have. Isn't that "envy?" And, of course, isn't that "greed?"
Would I want more money? Of course I would. Even Mother Teresa would, although she would use it far differently than most folks. But I don't obsess over it and never have. (OK, this is where I was misunderstood in the schools. Far too many took the very simplistic view that I wanted more money and that was the root of my disenchantment. Those closest to me or those who actually listened knew better. Among other things, it was the dishonesty of my employers/bosses more than actually higher pay. It was the ridiculous ways things were done--policies, programs, and whatnot. But, I digress....) I don't covet what other people have or have earned (and, again, it's debatable whether CEOs who drive their companies to the brink or farther deserve or earn their salaries). What they get doesn't deprive me of what I have.
Thomas Sowell in his recent book (and thanks to Walter Williams for pointing this out) makes this situation abundantly clear. Two poor boys live in Russia. One has a goat; the other doesn't. The one who doesn't finds a magic lamp and, upon rubbing it, gets a wish from his genie. His wish is for his friend's goat to die. Huh? you wonder. Yep, that's what the Wall Street Protesters want. They want all those who have to not have. Looking at Sowell's example shows the folly in this. "Greed" or "Envy?"
Williams had just a great column! Oprah Winfrey made $290 million in 2010. Do you think she paid her make-up person $100,000? Even if she did, the make-up person "earned" about 1/2900 of what she did! And, remember, 1% is 1/100. According to Forbes Mag, the average salary of the best-paid CEOs was a bit higher than $100 million. (Of course I don't think anyone is worth that, but if that's what they can finagle out of others, more power to them!) So, hmmmm.... Why aren't the Wall Street Protesters picketing and sitting in on Oprah's house or studio? Or what about the studio of Lady Gaga, who made $90 million? Howard Stern took home $76 million. I wonder what he pays his sound man?????? The top ten CEOs averaged almost $43 million while the top ten celebrities averaged $100 million. And I wonder why the media and politicians don't demonize Tiger Woods ($75 million) and LeBron James ($48 million). I wonder how many protesters they could attract if they attacked these "superstars."
Yep, I know the answer...and so do you.
Is there a difference between "greed" and "envy?" Perhaps they are just degrees of the same thing. And maybe it's about time we began "labeling" things the way they really are. (I know, I know--"Let's not point fingers" and "Let's just move on" and "Let's not affix blame." If we don't do that, who, then, ever has to be held accountable? Doesn't that just throw responsibility out of the window? Ah, "Your public schools. There's no better place to learn.")
OK, the Wall Street folks, Big Oil, Bankers, and their ilk are all "greedy." I get that. They bear the label and maybe deserve it. After all, with much of the US in economic freefall, do the CEOs and other corporate managers really deserve the incredible amounts they get? Nope, not at all. And, I might argue, just like MLB players and other professional athletes, college coaches, Hollywood-types, and hippy-rock stars, they get far too much money. Who, seriously, is worth tens of millions of dollars a year? And, how much money is enough? Is money the only thing that drives people to success, to innovation? I hope not and don't think so. (How interesting that those who do think so--likely "conservatives--are giving credence to a philosophy of Karl Marx, the commie!) But, I don't begrudge them the money. Would I turn down more money if my employer offered it? Would I give back money from my paycheck? Nope. And my strong feeling is that not many people outside of Mother Teresa would either. In that sense, perhaps "greed" takes on new meaning or at least can be seen in another light.
But what about the Wall Street Protesters? What is it that drives them? Is it, as one of them was quoted in the newspaper this AM, "crony capitalism?" Indeed, if it is "crony capitalism," then they are protesting in the wrong place. They should be in Washington, DC! Is it that some people have things and they don't? Listen to some of them blathering away and that's a logical conclusion. They want what other people have. Isn't that "envy?" And, of course, isn't that "greed?"
Would I want more money? Of course I would. Even Mother Teresa would, although she would use it far differently than most folks. But I don't obsess over it and never have. (OK, this is where I was misunderstood in the schools. Far too many took the very simplistic view that I wanted more money and that was the root of my disenchantment. Those closest to me or those who actually listened knew better. Among other things, it was the dishonesty of my employers/bosses more than actually higher pay. It was the ridiculous ways things were done--policies, programs, and whatnot. But, I digress....) I don't covet what other people have or have earned (and, again, it's debatable whether CEOs who drive their companies to the brink or farther deserve or earn their salaries). What they get doesn't deprive me of what I have.
Thomas Sowell in his recent book (and thanks to Walter Williams for pointing this out) makes this situation abundantly clear. Two poor boys live in Russia. One has a goat; the other doesn't. The one who doesn't finds a magic lamp and, upon rubbing it, gets a wish from his genie. His wish is for his friend's goat to die. Huh? you wonder. Yep, that's what the Wall Street Protesters want. They want all those who have to not have. Looking at Sowell's example shows the folly in this. "Greed" or "Envy?"
Williams had just a great column! Oprah Winfrey made $290 million in 2010. Do you think she paid her make-up person $100,000? Even if she did, the make-up person "earned" about 1/2900 of what she did! And, remember, 1% is 1/100. According to Forbes Mag, the average salary of the best-paid CEOs was a bit higher than $100 million. (Of course I don't think anyone is worth that, but if that's what they can finagle out of others, more power to them!) So, hmmmm.... Why aren't the Wall Street Protesters picketing and sitting in on Oprah's house or studio? Or what about the studio of Lady Gaga, who made $90 million? Howard Stern took home $76 million. I wonder what he pays his sound man?????? The top ten CEOs averaged almost $43 million while the top ten celebrities averaged $100 million. And I wonder why the media and politicians don't demonize Tiger Woods ($75 million) and LeBron James ($48 million). I wonder how many protesters they could attract if they attacked these "superstars."
Yep, I know the answer...and so do you.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Stuff I Can't Make Up
Yep, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction:
According to ABC News (and that a member of the LameStream Media would report this is in itself astounding), the Obama Administration gave more than half a billion bucks to an auto company, purportedly to create jobs. That it did--about 500 jobs were created. 5oo! Using my calculator, as usual, that works out to about $1 million per job. I guess one might ask why we didn't just give, say, $100,000 to each worker. We'd have come out ahead, much farther ahead. Oh, and those 500 jobs? They were "created" in Finland. The auto plant was manufacturing electric cars (oh, the hallowed "green jobs!"). Of course, that explains a lot.
Electric cars.... Those cars the government is foisting on us (like television sets, light bulbs, incessant school testing, and even, locally, no Big Macs), those electric cars...the Chevrolet reportedly sold just about 300 of its Volts in the US in July. Turning, again, to my trust calculator, that works out to about 10 a day, one for every 5 states. I'd say, even with the gov't freely handing out our money as rebates to buy electric cars, even with gov't pressure on the car companies to make them (note the sudden increase of television ads!), Americans don't want them. I know this American doesn't want one--ever! Wasn't this already said, "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people?"
With that in mind, why aren't our two US Senators, Stabenow and Levin, fighting this tooth-and-nail, at every step, loudly? And, Stabenow is up for re-election. Her opponent, will it be Pete Hoekstra?, should bombard us with this reminder. But, I suppose, who can be against "green?" It's like opposing the 0.08 blood alcohol level (about two beers or a glass of wine in two or three hours)--who can be against MADD and SADD or for drunk driving? It's not for drunk driving--it's for a little bit of common sense. It's like opposing anything (and I mean anything) the schools do--who can be against "the kids?" After all, "it's for the kids." But it's not "for the kids," or, rather, it often isn't. For instance, "the kids" wait in the dark around 6 AM for there buses each day; is that "for the kids?" Class sizes are back in the mid-30s range; is that "for the kids?" Go "green!"
That said, it's hard to root for MSU these days. I guess I'm old-fashioned, but why did the MSU coach wait for the Big Ten office to suspend the player who not only threw a punch in the open field, but also, in a pile up (he didn't think he'd be seen?) tried to unscrew the UM QB's head? And last year, he started a player who had been released from jail just a few days before.n I know, I know....
Apparently Moammar Khadafy was killed after being captured. Isn't that, if not murder, but capital punishment--without a trial? I'm not saying he didn't deserve exactly what he got, but where are the protesters, in the US and throughout the world? They hold candlelight vigils at the execution sites of murderers and rapists here. The whole world condemns the US for its "barbarity" and worse. I don't ask these people to change their minds. They have a good point. I just ask, as always, for some consistency and a little less hypocrisy.
But, maybe it's just another reason to bash the US. Maybe it's a case of envy. I think envy is a worse attribute than greed. The Wall Street Protesters, more than being against greed, are envious. They want what others have earned or at least have. Listen to that boob (which goes a lot toward seeing what college students are like today? "Everybody goes to college!") who ranted, the rich should pay his college bills because he wants them to. I spoke with someone last night who agreed, it looked reluctantly, that the protesters, if they were in the shoes of the wealthy, would be just like the wealthy. Of course they would. It's not about greed, but envy. And the rest of the world is envious of the US and Americans and our wealth. Instead of trying to emulate the US and Americans, say in matters of government freedom and economics (you know, getting rid of tyrannical and "greedy" dictators!), it's easier to just hate and criticize us.
How does Smokey Robinson, in all the songs he wrote, always manage to strike a chord in people's (OK, in my) emotions? Beats me, but he does. From reminiscing to facing today, from sad to elated...he's right there many more times than not. I even pick out days, from playing football at the ice rink on Chase Rd to selling hot dogs at Orr Arena to the basement at TD. How cool!
Shopping last weekend, I spent about $35 on groceries. I hadn't shopped in two weeks and I'm not shopping this weekend. With coupons and returnables, I save more than $145! Yep. Now granted, $20 was a coupon for filling a prescription there earlier (one that cost $4, a generic). Still, that's a lot of money. And, to add to the savings, it's the equivalent of income and there is no income tax on it--federal or state. I don't understand why people don't clip and use coupons. (Admittedly, I don't save that much with every trip. But with double coups, it's unusual for me not to save at least $50 each time.) It really takes maybe ten minutes to cut them from the Sun inserts. In fact, they become sort of a game or, at the least, a hobby.
According to ABC News (and that a member of the LameStream Media would report this is in itself astounding), the Obama Administration gave more than half a billion bucks to an auto company, purportedly to create jobs. That it did--about 500 jobs were created. 5oo! Using my calculator, as usual, that works out to about $1 million per job. I guess one might ask why we didn't just give, say, $100,000 to each worker. We'd have come out ahead, much farther ahead. Oh, and those 500 jobs? They were "created" in Finland. The auto plant was manufacturing electric cars (oh, the hallowed "green jobs!"). Of course, that explains a lot.
Electric cars.... Those cars the government is foisting on us (like television sets, light bulbs, incessant school testing, and even, locally, no Big Macs), those electric cars...the Chevrolet reportedly sold just about 300 of its Volts in the US in July. Turning, again, to my trust calculator, that works out to about 10 a day, one for every 5 states. I'd say, even with the gov't freely handing out our money as rebates to buy electric cars, even with gov't pressure on the car companies to make them (note the sudden increase of television ads!), Americans don't want them. I know this American doesn't want one--ever! Wasn't this already said, "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people?"
With that in mind, why aren't our two US Senators, Stabenow and Levin, fighting this tooth-and-nail, at every step, loudly? And, Stabenow is up for re-election. Her opponent, will it be Pete Hoekstra?, should bombard us with this reminder. But, I suppose, who can be against "green?" It's like opposing the 0.08 blood alcohol level (about two beers or a glass of wine in two or three hours)--who can be against MADD and SADD or for drunk driving? It's not for drunk driving--it's for a little bit of common sense. It's like opposing anything (and I mean anything) the schools do--who can be against "the kids?" After all, "it's for the kids." But it's not "for the kids," or, rather, it often isn't. For instance, "the kids" wait in the dark around 6 AM for there buses each day; is that "for the kids?" Class sizes are back in the mid-30s range; is that "for the kids?" Go "green!"
That said, it's hard to root for MSU these days. I guess I'm old-fashioned, but why did the MSU coach wait for the Big Ten office to suspend the player who not only threw a punch in the open field, but also, in a pile up (he didn't think he'd be seen?) tried to unscrew the UM QB's head? And last year, he started a player who had been released from jail just a few days before.n I know, I know....
Apparently Moammar Khadafy was killed after being captured. Isn't that, if not murder, but capital punishment--without a trial? I'm not saying he didn't deserve exactly what he got, but where are the protesters, in the US and throughout the world? They hold candlelight vigils at the execution sites of murderers and rapists here. The whole world condemns the US for its "barbarity" and worse. I don't ask these people to change their minds. They have a good point. I just ask, as always, for some consistency and a little less hypocrisy.
But, maybe it's just another reason to bash the US. Maybe it's a case of envy. I think envy is a worse attribute than greed. The Wall Street Protesters, more than being against greed, are envious. They want what others have earned or at least have. Listen to that boob (which goes a lot toward seeing what college students are like today? "Everybody goes to college!") who ranted, the rich should pay his college bills because he wants them to. I spoke with someone last night who agreed, it looked reluctantly, that the protesters, if they were in the shoes of the wealthy, would be just like the wealthy. Of course they would. It's not about greed, but envy. And the rest of the world is envious of the US and Americans and our wealth. Instead of trying to emulate the US and Americans, say in matters of government freedom and economics (you know, getting rid of tyrannical and "greedy" dictators!), it's easier to just hate and criticize us.
How does Smokey Robinson, in all the songs he wrote, always manage to strike a chord in people's (OK, in my) emotions? Beats me, but he does. From reminiscing to facing today, from sad to elated...he's right there many more times than not. I even pick out days, from playing football at the ice rink on Chase Rd to selling hot dogs at Orr Arena to the basement at TD. How cool!
Shopping last weekend, I spent about $35 on groceries. I hadn't shopped in two weeks and I'm not shopping this weekend. With coupons and returnables, I save more than $145! Yep. Now granted, $20 was a coupon for filling a prescription there earlier (one that cost $4, a generic). Still, that's a lot of money. And, to add to the savings, it's the equivalent of income and there is no income tax on it--federal or state. I don't understand why people don't clip and use coupons. (Admittedly, I don't save that much with every trip. But with double coups, it's unusual for me not to save at least $50 each time.) It really takes maybe ten minutes to cut them from the Sun inserts. In fact, they become sort of a game or, at the least, a hobby.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Heroes
I heard the tale end of a radio show about heroes this AM on the way to class. I didn't catch the guest who was talking about heroes, but did get some of the host's comments and phone calls. (BTW, another radio host who said this AM, "It could have became...." is not a "hero.) We need heroes, as role models, as people whose good qualities we can aspire to emulate, for their ideas and ideals. I don't remember if it was the host or a caller who talked about one of my favorite nebulous days, "Presidents' Day." What kind of crap is that!?!?!? What happened to Lincoln's Birthday and Washington's Birthday, two days to honor two Presidents deserving of honor? Instead, some fool(s) decided we'd let Abe and George share their honor with the likes of W.H. Harrison, Jimmy Carter, Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, James Garfield, and even the racist and elitist Woodrow Wilson. As the host or caller asked, "How did we let that happen?" I guess we were too busy watching Dancing with the Stars, the NFL on CBS, or the Simpsons. In that vein, on more than one occasions I have suggested to the local school board that school names be changed to reflect "heroes," be they national, state, or local. Now, names reflect plants and bodies of water! Of course, I received no responses, none. But that was to be expected. Remember Mark Twain's observation of more than a century ago, with not much changing, "In the first place God created idiots. That was for practice. Then he created school boards." Let's share "the wealth" with that, too. In the three-county Detroit Metro area, only one high school is named after Lincoln (and it may be closed), none after Washington, and one after ML King. (Yet two are named after Adlai Stevenson, who didn't even realize when he had a quarter-size hole in the sole of his shoe and was swamped twice in elections by Ike!) Fools all around me....
"Greed." Isn't that one of the catchwords of recent times? Yet, flipping through the radio stations this AM, I heard talk of two MLB infielders (I never heard of them) who the Tigers should consider acquiring. Talk turned to their price tags. One was $8 million a year!!!!!! But the other was $12 million annually!!!!!! Why aren't the Future Bums of America, er, the Wall Street Protesters picketing on their lawns or, at least, MLB front offices? And the NBA is on strike (and, no, I don't know if the players won't play or if the owners locked them out--I don't care). I read on the op-ed page of a kid right out of high school, signed by the NBA to a six-year contract worth $126 million! Now, the players lament, that contract could only be as high as $76 million--yep, only $76 million. And remember that guard who complained about having to sign for three years at $21 million, "Hey, my kids have to eat, too!" Where are the FBA, er, WSP on that one?
K is watching some silly show about people buying houses. Invariably, young couples, in their 20s or early 30s, are looking for houses worth $500K or $600K or more! Sometimes I think the only lesson of history is that we don't learn anything from history. Of course, perhaps they've learned from the recent past: those who live within their means are increasingly being forced to pay for people who don't live within their means.
I've written how the CKLW radio lady in the AM seems to be a very hard worker, that her show reflects that whenever I tune in. I heard for a few minutes this AM and a caller was telling us we should know our history about Halloween being a pagan holiday, that Christmas shouldn't be celebrated because the early Christians picked a pagan date for it. I immediately thought, "A little knowledge is dangerous." The lady was right; we should know our history--all of it, though. She left out some important pieces of the puzzle in her assessment of these "pagan" holidays. She also, I guess, doesn't consider the joy of giving during the Chris season to be a Christian attribute.
Out to build a castle with blocks with the Codester and then finish grading a set of papers.
"Greed." Isn't that one of the catchwords of recent times? Yet, flipping through the radio stations this AM, I heard talk of two MLB infielders (I never heard of them) who the Tigers should consider acquiring. Talk turned to their price tags. One was $8 million a year!!!!!! But the other was $12 million annually!!!!!! Why aren't the Future Bums of America, er, the Wall Street Protesters picketing on their lawns or, at least, MLB front offices? And the NBA is on strike (and, no, I don't know if the players won't play or if the owners locked them out--I don't care). I read on the op-ed page of a kid right out of high school, signed by the NBA to a six-year contract worth $126 million! Now, the players lament, that contract could only be as high as $76 million--yep, only $76 million. And remember that guard who complained about having to sign for three years at $21 million, "Hey, my kids have to eat, too!" Where are the FBA, er, WSP on that one?
K is watching some silly show about people buying houses. Invariably, young couples, in their 20s or early 30s, are looking for houses worth $500K or $600K or more! Sometimes I think the only lesson of history is that we don't learn anything from history. Of course, perhaps they've learned from the recent past: those who live within their means are increasingly being forced to pay for people who don't live within their means.
I've written how the CKLW radio lady in the AM seems to be a very hard worker, that her show reflects that whenever I tune in. I heard for a few minutes this AM and a caller was telling us we should know our history about Halloween being a pagan holiday, that Christmas shouldn't be celebrated because the early Christians picked a pagan date for it. I immediately thought, "A little knowledge is dangerous." The lady was right; we should know our history--all of it, though. She left out some important pieces of the puzzle in her assessment of these "pagan" holidays. She also, I guess, doesn't consider the joy of giving during the Chris season to be a Christian attribute.
Out to build a castle with blocks with the Codester and then finish grading a set of papers.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fri Moanin'
It was great to read about one of the Wall Street protesters, one joining in on the "fun" in Detroit. She admitted to being a "30-year teacher" in Detroit, but can't make ends meet. Huh? If memory serves me correctly, Detroit teachers were paid more than I was. I'm not saying that Detroit teachers, at least some of them, don't deserve what they get (and maybe a lot more than that!). But I don't feel a lot of empathy for them either. 40+ years ago, out to save the world, I tried to get hired to teach in Detroit. Ivy League (Amherst) degree, a year and then two of experience, leadership in several areas, etc. When I didn't get word with my first application, I even hand-delivered a second one to the adminstration building (the Stevenson Bldg, I recall) on Woodward. Still, nothing. Of course, my family and friends thought I was nuts, but, again, I was going to save the world or, at least, Detroit. My guess over the years is that nobody in the Detroit administration ever heard of Amherst College. And, to let them off of the hook a bit, I did send out about three dozen applications in Southeast Michigan--gaining two, yep two, interviews. And one wasn't even for a job; the principal just wanted to interview somebody from an Ivy League school! I was finally hired, but only because the assistant principal used to be a drinking buddy/opposing swimming coach for one of my football coaches/teachers. But, I've digressed....
Anyway, why can't this Detroit teacher pay her bills? She claims she's making now what she made ten years ago. Well, join the club. My wife is making less than she did ten years ago--and that doesn't include paying more for her insurances. Of course, if this Detroit teacher is joining the protesters, it's likely she just wants other people's money, even if they've earned it. And, no doubt, she "deserves" the money other people have earned.
Hey, I just realized she's making $20K or more than I get with my pension. Maybe I should join the protesters to get some of other people's money??????
BTW, have you listened to any of the protesters when they are interviewed? If they are college kids, maybe they should go back to school before opening their mouths. In fact, some of them maybe should go back to high school. What they say is almost always stupid ("My college bills should be paid for me because it's just what I want."), most often incoherent, and should not be taken seriously by anyone with any sense at all. Then again, why would anyone need college--or high school for that matter--if they are going to be given other people's money?
I've asked this before, but it bears repeating. What if the Tea Parties had acted like these protesters? Unless a lot of people are lying and my ears are deceiving me, it's not just protesting these demonstrators are doing. Profanity probably pales to the open sex in the park, huh? Open drug use is also pretty prevalent. And apparently the right to have "sex with animals" is also a demand of theirs. Imagine if Tea Partiers took dumps on police cars?????? Once again the LameStream Media have shown their colors--they are biased, hypocritical, and dishonest. As I've said before, I have rarely identified myself as a teacher, past and present, because I don't want to be identified with the majority of teachers. If I was a reporter right now, I'd feel the same way.
Some guy in the newspaper wrote a letter that asked what US Postal Workers (those who deliver the mail) do that is different from the pizza delivery boy. He cited that they make $80K more plus benefits. OK, that got me to thinking. I have nothing against pizza delivery boys (or postal workers for that matter), but why does Karen earn what (perhaps even less!) than the pizza delivery guy gets? She's an elementary school secretary. Anyone who knows what el school secretaries do know they run the buildings. Over the years, I've learned that el principals are out of the bldgs as often as not. So, who do you think runs the show half of the time? Yep, the ones making less that the pizza delivery guy. Who disciplines kids? Who watches students when teachers throw them out of class? Who takes care of problems on the playground? Who watches the budget(s) and often is miscast as the bad guy? Who takes care in illness and injury? Who answers the angry questions from parents about bad teachers, lousy bus planning, and who knows what else? Yep, the ones making less than the pizza delivery guy.
I don't want to know why postal workers make a lot more than the pizza delivery guy. I want to know why school secretaries make less than he does. Hey, why don't the Wall Street protesters ask that question, too?
Off to learn more about the fur trade....
Anyway, why can't this Detroit teacher pay her bills? She claims she's making now what she made ten years ago. Well, join the club. My wife is making less than she did ten years ago--and that doesn't include paying more for her insurances. Of course, if this Detroit teacher is joining the protesters, it's likely she just wants other people's money, even if they've earned it. And, no doubt, she "deserves" the money other people have earned.
Hey, I just realized she's making $20K or more than I get with my pension. Maybe I should join the protesters to get some of other people's money??????
BTW, have you listened to any of the protesters when they are interviewed? If they are college kids, maybe they should go back to school before opening their mouths. In fact, some of them maybe should go back to high school. What they say is almost always stupid ("My college bills should be paid for me because it's just what I want."), most often incoherent, and should not be taken seriously by anyone with any sense at all. Then again, why would anyone need college--or high school for that matter--if they are going to be given other people's money?
I've asked this before, but it bears repeating. What if the Tea Parties had acted like these protesters? Unless a lot of people are lying and my ears are deceiving me, it's not just protesting these demonstrators are doing. Profanity probably pales to the open sex in the park, huh? Open drug use is also pretty prevalent. And apparently the right to have "sex with animals" is also a demand of theirs. Imagine if Tea Partiers took dumps on police cars?????? Once again the LameStream Media have shown their colors--they are biased, hypocritical, and dishonest. As I've said before, I have rarely identified myself as a teacher, past and present, because I don't want to be identified with the majority of teachers. If I was a reporter right now, I'd feel the same way.
Some guy in the newspaper wrote a letter that asked what US Postal Workers (those who deliver the mail) do that is different from the pizza delivery boy. He cited that they make $80K more plus benefits. OK, that got me to thinking. I have nothing against pizza delivery boys (or postal workers for that matter), but why does Karen earn what (perhaps even less!) than the pizza delivery guy gets? She's an elementary school secretary. Anyone who knows what el school secretaries do know they run the buildings. Over the years, I've learned that el principals are out of the bldgs as often as not. So, who do you think runs the show half of the time? Yep, the ones making less that the pizza delivery guy. Who disciplines kids? Who watches students when teachers throw them out of class? Who takes care of problems on the playground? Who watches the budget(s) and often is miscast as the bad guy? Who takes care in illness and injury? Who answers the angry questions from parents about bad teachers, lousy bus planning, and who knows what else? Yep, the ones making less than the pizza delivery guy.
I don't want to know why postal workers make a lot more than the pizza delivery guy. I want to know why school secretaries make less than he does. Hey, why don't the Wall Street protesters ask that question, too?
Off to learn more about the fur trade....
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Testing
Good letter in the newspaper this AM. I don't think the guy is a teacher. At least from his previous letters, quite a few, he didn't seem like one. He writes, "It is unfortunate that the Michigan Board of Education and professional academics believe that a single score on a standardized fill in the bubble test give to children whose brains are still developing means something. It's no wonder education isn't working since those in positions of power within the system and their partners in the legislature rely on a simplistic and globally discredited testing regimen to inform them about learning." Amen!!!!!
The Norwegian model of education shoots the "testing mania" out of the water. Hmmm...I guess "professional academics" includes administrators and teachers. And, "it's no wonder education isn't working since those in positions of power within the system...." must refer to the lack of intelligence, courage, and integrity (and any combination of them) shown by and within the education establishment.
Of course, who's going to listen to this guy when those with fake, er, "professional" degrees in education repeat "test," "test," test?"
I wonder if sooner or later we will ever start to listen, not only in education, but in all areas of life, to people who make sense. I'd like to think so, but I'm not counting on it.
The Norwegian model of education shoots the "testing mania" out of the water. Hmmm...I guess "professional academics" includes administrators and teachers. And, "it's no wonder education isn't working since those in positions of power within the system...." must refer to the lack of intelligence, courage, and integrity (and any combination of them) shown by and within the education establishment.
Of course, who's going to listen to this guy when those with fake, er, "professional" degrees in education repeat "test," "test," test?"
I wonder if sooner or later we will ever start to listen, not only in education, but in all areas of life, to people who make sense. I'd like to think so, but I'm not counting on it.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Radio
I continue to be surprised (but not surprised) at the lack of quality on talk radio. I'm not talking about ideas, whether I favor or oppose. It's the very poor English (and I get a laugh that some of the worst are the "English-only" folks!) and poor communication skills. They really don't explain things very well. Yet, these are the guys who, somehow, have the programs and, often, are the ones bringing down the big bucks. Go figure.....
That said, on the drive to class on Tue and Th AM, I sometimes tune in to CKLW. If Beckmann is talking about American Idol, I don't want to listen to sports with Shep, and Beck is more insufferable than usual, I switch to CKLW and Lynn Martin (I think that's her name). She doesn't always have interesting topics, but mostly she does. And she asks good questions. Mostly, though, I am impressed at how hard she works. She seems to really work at making her show/program a good one. More often than not I am glad I flip on 800 on my radio dial.
OK, tell me again how the Wall Street Protesters are different (superior?) to the Tea Partiers? Is it that they don't have jobs? That their ideas of more gov't are better than less gov't? (If so, they are very ignorant of history, both far in the past and more recently--that gov't policies helped lead to the current state of Wall St affairs. Why, according to eye-witness accounts, are the Wall St Protesters allowed to openly use drugs, engage in sex, hurl profanities, etc.? An even bigger "why" is why this isn't reported in the newspaper. How do the WSP get a "free pass?" Is drug use, open and public sex, profanity, etc., now within the realm of the acceptable? Why do I think that, had the Tea Parties engaged in this type of behavior, the LameStreams would have made it headlines? Like I rarely admit to being a teacher, I think I'd likewise not admit to being a journalist.
And why does Obama rant on certain wealthy people (you know, the airplane and big boat owners), but he never, never, never cites professional athletes, Hollywoood-types, and their ilk for being greedy, for not paying their "fair share," etc.? Is it really that hard to figure out why? No, not really.
Are the Republican bigwigs goint to foist Romney on us? I tried to like him; I really did. But his track record shows his true colors--a Democrat in Republican clothing, like most of the Republicans of the past 30+ years.
Out....
That said, on the drive to class on Tue and Th AM, I sometimes tune in to CKLW. If Beckmann is talking about American Idol, I don't want to listen to sports with Shep, and Beck is more insufferable than usual, I switch to CKLW and Lynn Martin (I think that's her name). She doesn't always have interesting topics, but mostly she does. And she asks good questions. Mostly, though, I am impressed at how hard she works. She seems to really work at making her show/program a good one. More often than not I am glad I flip on 800 on my radio dial.
OK, tell me again how the Wall Street Protesters are different (superior?) to the Tea Partiers? Is it that they don't have jobs? That their ideas of more gov't are better than less gov't? (If so, they are very ignorant of history, both far in the past and more recently--that gov't policies helped lead to the current state of Wall St affairs. Why, according to eye-witness accounts, are the Wall St Protesters allowed to openly use drugs, engage in sex, hurl profanities, etc.? An even bigger "why" is why this isn't reported in the newspaper. How do the WSP get a "free pass?" Is drug use, open and public sex, profanity, etc., now within the realm of the acceptable? Why do I think that, had the Tea Parties engaged in this type of behavior, the LameStreams would have made it headlines? Like I rarely admit to being a teacher, I think I'd likewise not admit to being a journalist.
And why does Obama rant on certain wealthy people (you know, the airplane and big boat owners), but he never, never, never cites professional athletes, Hollywoood-types, and their ilk for being greedy, for not paying their "fair share," etc.? Is it really that hard to figure out why? No, not really.
Are the Republican bigwigs goint to foist Romney on us? I tried to like him; I really did. But his track record shows his true colors--a Democrat in Republican clothing, like most of the Republicans of the past 30+ years.
Out....
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Update
Gee, I see where only one member of the state Senate (or was it the House?) voted against cutting retirement health benefits for members of the state legislature. Ah, but let's rail against teachers and other public employees and their (as opposed to "there") benefits. The hypocrites!
And how can the new Detroit school czar be given any credibility? First, he's a career administrator. Second, the school district he came from had lousy results. Hey, in light of those, let's give him a huge salary!!!!! All right.
I think the AL umpire behind the plate last night was pretty lousy. If that television strike zone is at all accurate, he was missing badly, very badly. There were at least a half dozen key pitches Verlander threw for strikes that were called balls. And, a Tiger, I forget who, struck out on a pitch that was apparently 3" or 4" outside. The next guy was put in a hole by a "strike" that was even more inside than that. These umpires are supposed to be better than that. And, in the NY series, they seemed to miss a lot of low pitches.
I was surprised, but not surprised to find out this weekend that the NBA doesn't have a rule book! That's what I was told. How great? That lends credibility to my view that the NBA isn't too far removed from the WWF. So, guys can just make up the rules as they go along?
There is plenty of evidence that gov't involvement in business, industry, trade is bad news. If you want that evidence, look at gov't's attempts in the fur trade two hundred years ago. More recently, check gov't's role in the development of the first airplane. The solution to failure is just to throw more of other people's money at it. Again, to quote Casey Stengel, "You could look it up." That is, you could unless you don't want facts to get in the way....
And how can the new Detroit school czar be given any credibility? First, he's a career administrator. Second, the school district he came from had lousy results. Hey, in light of those, let's give him a huge salary!!!!! All right.
I think the AL umpire behind the plate last night was pretty lousy. If that television strike zone is at all accurate, he was missing badly, very badly. There were at least a half dozen key pitches Verlander threw for strikes that were called balls. And, a Tiger, I forget who, struck out on a pitch that was apparently 3" or 4" outside. The next guy was put in a hole by a "strike" that was even more inside than that. These umpires are supposed to be better than that. And, in the NY series, they seemed to miss a lot of low pitches.
I was surprised, but not surprised to find out this weekend that the NBA doesn't have a rule book! That's what I was told. How great? That lends credibility to my view that the NBA isn't too far removed from the WWF. So, guys can just make up the rules as they go along?
There is plenty of evidence that gov't involvement in business, industry, trade is bad news. If you want that evidence, look at gov't's attempts in the fur trade two hundred years ago. More recently, check gov't's role in the development of the first airplane. The solution to failure is just to throw more of other people's money at it. Again, to quote Casey Stengel, "You could look it up." That is, you could unless you don't want facts to get in the way....
Rights
What is this "right to work" crap? Who, other than employers of large numbers of workers, can seriously support this?
First, how about if we have a "right to eat" state? Yep, "right to eat." I can go to the grocery store and buy the food I want/need, just like everyone else. Then, I decide I want the benefits of shopping at the store (the food and other stuff), but I don't want to pay for it. You know, like workers in a factory, school, or even a whole state who get the benefits unions have brought, but don't want to pay for them.
Second, from the gov't's own statistics, six of the ten states with the highest unemployment rates are "right to work" ones. Hmmm.... What does that do to the argument of those in favor of right to work who claim union membership costs jobs? Oh, I forgot...never let facts get in the way.... And, the average income in a union state is $6000 more annually than in a right to work state.
Third, c'mon...think about it. Who would really be behind the right to work movement? Isn't it really pretty obvious? It certainly shouldn't be workers--not when union membership doesn't lead to greater unemployment and that it does lead to more pay. Hmmm...gee, I wonder who wants right to work and what politicians have urged it? What's the adage? "Follow the money." Yep, follow the campaign money and you'll see a pretty clear picture.
Fourth, what other Bill of Rights guarantees can state legislatures throw out? How about freedom of religion or freedom of speech? Right to work attacks freedom of assembly. Yep, that's in there, right after religion, speech, and the press. As Casey Stengel once said, "You could look it up." Hey, all these right to work guys would probably also support state legislation limiting other rights, such as the right to keep and bear arms and even the right to a trial by jury, wouldn't they?????? Heh Heh Heh....
Now, all of this isn't to say, "Hooray for today's unions." There are lots of flaws in them. But that's up to the membership to straighten out. And, if they don't, then shame on them. They then deserve what ill-fate befalls them.
First, how about if we have a "right to eat" state? Yep, "right to eat." I can go to the grocery store and buy the food I want/need, just like everyone else. Then, I decide I want the benefits of shopping at the store (the food and other stuff), but I don't want to pay for it. You know, like workers in a factory, school, or even a whole state who get the benefits unions have brought, but don't want to pay for them.
Second, from the gov't's own statistics, six of the ten states with the highest unemployment rates are "right to work" ones. Hmmm.... What does that do to the argument of those in favor of right to work who claim union membership costs jobs? Oh, I forgot...never let facts get in the way.... And, the average income in a union state is $6000 more annually than in a right to work state.
Third, c'mon...think about it. Who would really be behind the right to work movement? Isn't it really pretty obvious? It certainly shouldn't be workers--not when union membership doesn't lead to greater unemployment and that it does lead to more pay. Hmmm...gee, I wonder who wants right to work and what politicians have urged it? What's the adage? "Follow the money." Yep, follow the campaign money and you'll see a pretty clear picture.
Fourth, what other Bill of Rights guarantees can state legislatures throw out? How about freedom of religion or freedom of speech? Right to work attacks freedom of assembly. Yep, that's in there, right after religion, speech, and the press. As Casey Stengel once said, "You could look it up." Hey, all these right to work guys would probably also support state legislation limiting other rights, such as the right to keep and bear arms and even the right to a trial by jury, wouldn't they?????? Heh Heh Heh....
Now, all of this isn't to say, "Hooray for today's unions." There are lots of flaws in them. But that's up to the membership to straighten out. And, if they don't, then shame on them. They then deserve what ill-fate befalls them.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Hmmmmm......
Interesting that GM workers receive a $5000 bonus for merely signing the new contract, yet I haven't heard the "G" word thrown their way. Nobody has, as far as I know, called them "greedy." I'm not saying they are. I'm not saying they shouldn't get it or take it. I'm just asking why they aren't being called "greedy" when practically everyone else (except those who take "free" government money) who makes some money is called "greedy." This becomes a bit more troublesome when other factors are considered. Has GM paid back the money taxpayers, er, gov't gave it? BTW, with that "loan," what interest rate was that again? And, what about all the stockholders and bondholders who got the fickey-doo, losing their investments/money? Well, at least we can't call them "greedy!" I'll bet GM could sell a lot more cars if it lowered prices on them, using, say, all those $5000 bonuses to lower prices instead. Oh, but I forgot--the GM workers "deserve" the bonuses.
How about those Wall Street protestors? And, aren't there similar protests scheduled for other cities? Gee, it would be great to join them if only the rest of us didn't have to go to work, you know, make money. I wonder where the protestors are getting their money? They are obviously not at work. Could they be getting gov't money, free money, from those who actually are working? Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh here. After all, the protestors "deserve" other people's money. BTW, how, again, are these guys different from the Tea Parties? I mean, how different other than the Tea Partiers aren't taking other people's property? How great to be able to be selectively indignant and outraged! I guess that's another way of say "hypocritical."
Out to research....
How about those Wall Street protestors? And, aren't there similar protests scheduled for other cities? Gee, it would be great to join them if only the rest of us didn't have to go to work, you know, make money. I wonder where the protestors are getting their money? They are obviously not at work. Could they be getting gov't money, free money, from those who actually are working? Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh here. After all, the protestors "deserve" other people's money. BTW, how, again, are these guys different from the Tea Parties? I mean, how different other than the Tea Partiers aren't taking other people's property? How great to be able to be selectively indignant and outraged! I guess that's another way of say "hypocritical."
Out to research....
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