I am so happy with the Democratic party today. Faced with waning support for their party as a result of the economy and other unpopular moves; the Dems have finally put aside their agendas and done whats right for the country. Politico.com reports today that several prominent Dems have lobbied the White House to refrain from pushing any Cap and Trade bills in 2010. This bill would have imposed tariffs on companies that exceed the carbon footprint allotted for a company of a particular size. This was a bill aimed particularly at energy companies and would have forced them to either "Go Green" or pay hefty fines. Either way who ends up paying but the consumer? This particular moment in our history is hardly the right time to impose added financial burden on Americans. Especially for something we use every moment of our day.
The reason I was against this bill is because 1) it really does nothing to improve our situation with the environment. The US already has some of the most strict environmental guidelines and without China or India cooperating it makes no difference what we do 2) We have to pay for the stimulus, we have to pay for healthcare for everyone, and now extra taxes would be imposed on our energy? It is not the time 3) The people that stand to gain from this are hypocrites like Al Gore, or mega billionaires like Warren Buffet whom have established companies that will allow them to make millions or billions by selling carbon offset.
Now what we have to examine is what prompted this move? Was it the widespread fraud reported in Europe's version of Cap and Trade or was it simply that passing three unpopular bills before mid term elections would have sealed the fate of the Democrats? Was it the recent scandal prominent Democrat Al Gore has been involved in? Either way, I am happy that they are taking steps to eliminate this energy tax. As I have stated before I will be fair on this blog and this is a move that I whole heartedly agree with.
27 December 2009
21 December 2009
Merry Christmas
I wanted to take a moment to wish all of my followers and readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah. I appreciate all of your emails and the time you take to read through my thoughts. I look forward to many more years of spreading my message.
My best in 2010 and beyond,
Enrique Enriquez
My best in 2010 and beyond,
Enrique Enriquez
18 December 2009
Stimulus Money
I found an interesting article on www.foxnews.com yesterday. It turns out that stimulus money went to twice as many Democratic districts as did Republican districts. Also, there was no correlation between the income or job losses to the areas that received money. In fact, the article states that higher income areas received more money than low income areas.
Just interesting tid bits of information. I'm not necessarily implying that the money went to donors in the congressperson's district. That couldn't possibly be true considering the high moral ground the Dems take. Especially after how hard Obama has gone after lobbyists, earmarks, and oh yeah, Republicans for doing the same thing.
Just interesting tid bits of information. I'm not necessarily implying that the money went to donors in the congressperson's district. That couldn't possibly be true considering the high moral ground the Dems take. Especially after how hard Obama has gone after lobbyists, earmarks, and oh yeah, Republicans for doing the same thing.
Democrat Destruction
I just wanted to recap some of the years most memorable moments. By the way I apologize to my followers for the extended leave but school and work were taking up a great deal of my time.
Some of the incredible Democrat debacles of the year:
Cap and Trade passes the house - A bill that makes all the current energy we use more expensive to the middle class tax payer. It establishes a carbon footprint for every company and after they exceed that number they get taxed, that means WE get taxed. Meanwhile people like Warren Buffet buy controlling stakes in railroads (who have the lowest carbon footprint/cubic ton moved) to sell the carbon offset to others. That means he gets more rich. Ironic that Warren Buffet has advised Obama?
Dem "Green Agenda" - Led by former Vice President Al Gore who got a Noble Prize for his documentary. Turns out the data was faked and that in fact Al Gore's statement that in a few years there would be no ice left in the polar caps was not based on any scientific evidence. Meanwhile he got rich. Oh, not to mention that his house, houseboat, and the jets he uses to usher him around leave quite a large carbon footprint of their own.
Awarding the Noble Peace Prize to Obama - Ridiculous. He hasn't done anything of worth. Awarding the peace prize to him shows how politically motivated that awarding process has become and undermines the whole meaning Alfred Noble first gave to it. Not to mention it demotivates the people who really are making efforts to improve our world.
Stalling on Afghanistan - Instead of taking a Generals advice the all knowing and all perfect Obama decided his version of the troop surge would be best and at his time table. He sends less troops than McChrystal asked for 2.5 months after it was suggested. Meanwhile insurgents organize and American troops die.
Health care Reform - The true Dem version of this bill is in shambles. Another testament to how ridiculous it was in the first place. Hopefully the Senators have some more sense than the House and don't pass it.
Expanding the Deficit Ceiling - The Dems voted to allow another $1.1 Trillion to be used to pay our bills. Money that we don't have. Money that we have to borrow from China, putting us further into their pockets.
Job Creation - Every time the Dems and the Fed comes out and says the recession is ending and jobs are picking up within we get huge job losses reported within two weeks. Doesn't seem like the road repair jobs our President and Congress created are helping much. Mind you, this is during the Christmas season when companies hire many employees for the season. Then again, job numbers should be seasonally adjusted.
Caulking is "Sexy" - Yes, this was a recent quote by our President as he spoke in Home Depot about tax cuts for caulking your house and installing a new "Green" Air Conditioning unit. Now we are creating caulking and A/C installation jobs to save the country. This while we cut defense programs employing hundreds of thousands of high paid employees. The same programs that help defend our nation against future threats.
Copenhagen Climate Summit - President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, 20 other members of Congress and their private entourages all flew to Copenhagen to show how important the climate talks were to the U.S. By the way, they flew in private Air Force jets and were picked up by limos. All this while committing $100 Billion a year to poor countries for them to become more "green". $100 Billion that we will have to borrow and will eventually pay through our taxes.
Beer Summit - Do you really think our President needs to get involved in a misunderstanding between a black professor and a cop? How many whites, Latinos, and blacks are stopped everyday and then let go because they are profiled. I guess it pays to be our President's friend.
Socialist "Czars" - I guess some of us have forgotten about the socialist czars Obama has appointed to positions whom later had to resign. People like Van Jones? I could go on if you like.
The only good thing is that the President's job approval has plummeted at a rate faster than any other President in his first term. This is dating back to the 1930's! For those of you that hated Bush: Yes, even fast than Bush. As a matter of fact Bush Jr had a much higher approval rating than Obama in his first year.
I don't know if America is waking up or if we are seeing this President, his Cabinet, and this Congress for what it's worth. A bunch of hard line liberals who want to redistribute the wealth America's elite and middle class have secured. All I know is that every time I see the President on TV, which is pretty much everyday, I turn away. The conversation next to me about someones daily drama is more interesting than what he has to say.
Some of the incredible Democrat debacles of the year:
Cap and Trade passes the house - A bill that makes all the current energy we use more expensive to the middle class tax payer. It establishes a carbon footprint for every company and after they exceed that number they get taxed, that means WE get taxed. Meanwhile people like Warren Buffet buy controlling stakes in railroads (who have the lowest carbon footprint/cubic ton moved) to sell the carbon offset to others. That means he gets more rich. Ironic that Warren Buffet has advised Obama?
Dem "Green Agenda" - Led by former Vice President Al Gore who got a Noble Prize for his documentary. Turns out the data was faked and that in fact Al Gore's statement that in a few years there would be no ice left in the polar caps was not based on any scientific evidence. Meanwhile he got rich. Oh, not to mention that his house, houseboat, and the jets he uses to usher him around leave quite a large carbon footprint of their own.
Awarding the Noble Peace Prize to Obama - Ridiculous. He hasn't done anything of worth. Awarding the peace prize to him shows how politically motivated that awarding process has become and undermines the whole meaning Alfred Noble first gave to it. Not to mention it demotivates the people who really are making efforts to improve our world.
Stalling on Afghanistan - Instead of taking a Generals advice the all knowing and all perfect Obama decided his version of the troop surge would be best and at his time table. He sends less troops than McChrystal asked for 2.5 months after it was suggested. Meanwhile insurgents organize and American troops die.
Health care Reform - The true Dem version of this bill is in shambles. Another testament to how ridiculous it was in the first place. Hopefully the Senators have some more sense than the House and don't pass it.
Expanding the Deficit Ceiling - The Dems voted to allow another $1.1 Trillion to be used to pay our bills. Money that we don't have. Money that we have to borrow from China, putting us further into their pockets.
Job Creation - Every time the Dems and the Fed comes out and says the recession is ending and jobs are picking up within we get huge job losses reported within two weeks. Doesn't seem like the road repair jobs our President and Congress created are helping much. Mind you, this is during the Christmas season when companies hire many employees for the season. Then again, job numbers should be seasonally adjusted.
Caulking is "Sexy" - Yes, this was a recent quote by our President as he spoke in Home Depot about tax cuts for caulking your house and installing a new "Green" Air Conditioning unit. Now we are creating caulking and A/C installation jobs to save the country. This while we cut defense programs employing hundreds of thousands of high paid employees. The same programs that help defend our nation against future threats.
Copenhagen Climate Summit - President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, 20 other members of Congress and their private entourages all flew to Copenhagen to show how important the climate talks were to the U.S. By the way, they flew in private Air Force jets and were picked up by limos. All this while committing $100 Billion a year to poor countries for them to become more "green". $100 Billion that we will have to borrow and will eventually pay through our taxes.
Beer Summit - Do you really think our President needs to get involved in a misunderstanding between a black professor and a cop? How many whites, Latinos, and blacks are stopped everyday and then let go because they are profiled. I guess it pays to be our President's friend.
Socialist "Czars" - I guess some of us have forgotten about the socialist czars Obama has appointed to positions whom later had to resign. People like Van Jones? I could go on if you like.
The only good thing is that the President's job approval has plummeted at a rate faster than any other President in his first term. This is dating back to the 1930's! For those of you that hated Bush: Yes, even fast than Bush. As a matter of fact Bush Jr had a much higher approval rating than Obama in his first year.
I don't know if America is waking up or if we are seeing this President, his Cabinet, and this Congress for what it's worth. A bunch of hard line liberals who want to redistribute the wealth America's elite and middle class have secured. All I know is that every time I see the President on TV, which is pretty much everyday, I turn away. The conversation next to me about someones daily drama is more interesting than what he has to say.
29 October 2009
Curb Your Enthusiasm's Distasteful Episode
I am a fan of the HBO show "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (CYE). The show is created, produced, and stars Larry David who was one of the executive producers of "Sienfeld". While I never got into the "Sienfeld" show I find CYE extremely funny and cynical. The show is always dealing with controversial issues such as homosexuality, religion, politics, race, etc. Until this Sunday the show in my opinion never crossed the line on any one of the aforementioned topics, sadly now I believe they have.
In Sunday's show Larry David makes fun of the Christian religion's belief in miracles by urinating on a painting of Jesus Christ and telling a woman that it was crying. I am not a practicing Catholic nor Christian but I find this distasteful and offensive.
As I have said before I am a proponent of free speech and it is CYE's and HBO's right to air contents of this nature. It is also my right to start my own little boycott of the show and spread my disgust on this blog. I have written them an email stating that I will keep spreading negative reviews about the show and the channel until they apologize formally. I told HBO that they should take the same consideration with Christians as they have with Jews. I have a hard time believing that any character on that show would urinate on a Star of David and I went on to tell them that they should keep those same standards for any religious article.
In the past I have told my friends and family how much I enjoy this show and how I highly recommend watching it. I now am telling you, my friends and family, to join me in boycotting "Curb Your Enthusiasm" until they apologize for this act. All religions should be treated with respect as there is much good to gain from each point of view.
When a commentator makes a negative comment about black people the Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are immediately on the airwaves calling them a racist. When someone sprays a swastika on a Temple the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) goes on high alert. Yet, when a Hollywood millionaire urinates on a painting of Jesus Christ HBO calls it "playful". This is ridiculous, one sided, and completely unacceptable. There is no reason to disrespect the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, or any faith for that matter. Is there anyone else out there who wants to defend Christianity? Or have we all succumb to the methods of groups like the ADL and the National Action Network: "He who screams the loudest quiets the other"
In Sunday's show Larry David makes fun of the Christian religion's belief in miracles by urinating on a painting of Jesus Christ and telling a woman that it was crying. I am not a practicing Catholic nor Christian but I find this distasteful and offensive.
As I have said before I am a proponent of free speech and it is CYE's and HBO's right to air contents of this nature. It is also my right to start my own little boycott of the show and spread my disgust on this blog. I have written them an email stating that I will keep spreading negative reviews about the show and the channel until they apologize formally. I told HBO that they should take the same consideration with Christians as they have with Jews. I have a hard time believing that any character on that show would urinate on a Star of David and I went on to tell them that they should keep those same standards for any religious article.
In the past I have told my friends and family how much I enjoy this show and how I highly recommend watching it. I now am telling you, my friends and family, to join me in boycotting "Curb Your Enthusiasm" until they apologize for this act. All religions should be treated with respect as there is much good to gain from each point of view.
When a commentator makes a negative comment about black people the Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are immediately on the airwaves calling them a racist. When someone sprays a swastika on a Temple the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) goes on high alert. Yet, when a Hollywood millionaire urinates on a painting of Jesus Christ HBO calls it "playful". This is ridiculous, one sided, and completely unacceptable. There is no reason to disrespect the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, or any faith for that matter. Is there anyone else out there who wants to defend Christianity? Or have we all succumb to the methods of groups like the ADL and the National Action Network: "He who screams the loudest quiets the other"
28 October 2009
The hidden truths about the Dem's "Green Agenda"
A central issue in the centrist-left's recent rise to power was the environment. Al Gore won a 2007 Nobel Prize for his works and a documentary combating global warming, President Obama won the election by promoting his "green agenda", and one of the most notable bills passed by Congress this year was the Cap and Trade Energy Bill. What I believe that the typical American doesn't realize are the politics behind every move in ANY Congress or President, whether it be Republican or Democrat.
President Obama and this Democrat controlled Congress haven't "changed" anything. One of the organizations that stand to gain the most from the aforementioned Bill is a company owned by Al Gore. This was reported by Glenn Beck in the end of May 2009.
Here is where this article from Politico.com comes into play:
Dems trump Obama's Green Agenda
Basically the article details how special interests have affected the climate change measures for the Democrats. It explains how Dems from states with a large livestock industry have shut down measures that the EPA wanted to include. Provisions allowing the EPA to measure and regulate the amount of Methane produced in livestock and manure farms. Methane, as a by product of cow digestion, is one of the largest contributors to the erosion of the Ozone layer.
The bill was also amended by politicians with links to maritime unions. Their supporters stood to fall under new regulations from the EPA for steamboats operating in the Great Lakes.
I am not criticizing the Democrats for their actions. There is still very little evidence to prove that human actions alone are contributing to climate change and that any of our minor "fixes" will have any impact aside from increasing prices of goods for Americans. What I am criticizing is the falsehood Democrats promoted in the most recent election: "CHANGE". There is no change from party to party. Politicians will always be motivated by special interests and they will usually not have the average American's well being in mind, just their own.
The only real change I have seen is the radical socialization of this country. If that's what you wanted then it's here. If you want change you have to understand the only change you're going to get is the name after Congressman/Senator and the little letter (R), (D), or (I). Most politicians are motivated by special interests, period. Anyone who doesn't understand that just doesn't read or care enough and it's a shame that people like that have the same vote that I do.
President Obama and this Democrat controlled Congress haven't "changed" anything. One of the organizations that stand to gain the most from the aforementioned Bill is a company owned by Al Gore. This was reported by Glenn Beck in the end of May 2009.
Here is where this article from Politico.com comes into play:
Dems trump Obama's Green Agenda
Basically the article details how special interests have affected the climate change measures for the Democrats. It explains how Dems from states with a large livestock industry have shut down measures that the EPA wanted to include. Provisions allowing the EPA to measure and regulate the amount of Methane produced in livestock and manure farms. Methane, as a by product of cow digestion, is one of the largest contributors to the erosion of the Ozone layer.
The bill was also amended by politicians with links to maritime unions. Their supporters stood to fall under new regulations from the EPA for steamboats operating in the Great Lakes.
I am not criticizing the Democrats for their actions. There is still very little evidence to prove that human actions alone are contributing to climate change and that any of our minor "fixes" will have any impact aside from increasing prices of goods for Americans. What I am criticizing is the falsehood Democrats promoted in the most recent election: "CHANGE". There is no change from party to party. Politicians will always be motivated by special interests and they will usually not have the average American's well being in mind, just their own.
The only real change I have seen is the radical socialization of this country. If that's what you wanted then it's here. If you want change you have to understand the only change you're going to get is the name after Congressman/Senator and the little letter (R), (D), or (I). Most politicians are motivated by special interests, period. Anyone who doesn't understand that just doesn't read or care enough and it's a shame that people like that have the same vote that I do.
27 October 2009
Excellent European Article
This article really made me happy. It made me happy not because of it's harsh criticism of our President Obama but because it tells me that people are starting to think again. It made me happy because it's possible that the world is starting to look past the illusion and the allure of the "perfect" Obamas. I hope that our honeymoon with this administration is over. I hope that the United States and even the world starting to see that our President has done nothing. As I have said to my close friends: President Obama is an eloquent speaker and there is no doubt that hearing his rhetoric will motivate even the most lazy soul, but that is exactly what he is; he is a speaker, and what we need right now is a "do-er".
Article by Toby Harnden of the London Telegraph
Come on America and the world! Demand more action from the President that everyone helped elect. Let's face it, everyone had something to do with this election. There was pressure throughout the world to get Obama elected. Now you got what you asked for.
Article by Toby Harnden of the London Telegraph
Come on America and the world! Demand more action from the President that everyone helped elect. Let's face it, everyone had something to do with this election. There was pressure throughout the world to get Obama elected. Now you got what you asked for.
Where is the H1N1 vaccine?
Over the weekend President Obama declared a national emergency because of the recent H1N1 infections across the United States. This has the effect of increasing the federal funds that are available to hospitals and all infrastructure slated to combat the flu. The big question is: Where is the vaccine?
On October 22nd Kathleen Sebelius, director of Health and Human Services, testified before Congress and explained that the production of the vaccine was going slower than was anticipated. Really Kathleen? So what you're saying is that the government has failed to acquire vaccines in the allotted time frame. The government failing to meet a deadline? Really? This must be the first time it happens. Never mind that everyday more people become infected with the virus because they have not been immunized. Schools are being shut down, fear is spreading, and people are dying.
But wait, did anyone tell you that we are not even sure if the vaccine works? Do you know that we are not even aware of the side effects it will have, if any? Did you know that yesterday the FDA approved an Intravenous version of this drug? How is it that some cancer/HIV drugs take years to pass FDA scrutiny without any guarantee of being approved and an IV medicine that didn't exist 1 year ago has already been accepted? It doesn't have anything to do with a government agenda, or does it? It couldn't be that the last thing the Obama administration needs is another domestic problem eating away at his popularity. There is absolutely no evidence to back this up but it is interesting to think about.
When our Congresspeople and Senators commence voting on the sweeping health care overhaul that seems to be imminent (Dems have threatened the "Nuclear Option"), remember that the government can't even procure a vaccine on schedule. Are these the people you want in charge of your life? If you get in an accident and need an emergency organ transplant do you want the government making the decisions for you or your family? I feel very bad for the people in the United States that don't have health insurance but you know what? I pay for it in my Medicare tax and as part of my employer provided health insurance. I stand with the majority of Americans that say "Leave my health care privatized".
On October 22nd Kathleen Sebelius, director of Health and Human Services, testified before Congress and explained that the production of the vaccine was going slower than was anticipated. Really Kathleen? So what you're saying is that the government has failed to acquire vaccines in the allotted time frame. The government failing to meet a deadline? Really? This must be the first time it happens. Never mind that everyday more people become infected with the virus because they have not been immunized. Schools are being shut down, fear is spreading, and people are dying.
But wait, did anyone tell you that we are not even sure if the vaccine works? Do you know that we are not even aware of the side effects it will have, if any? Did you know that yesterday the FDA approved an Intravenous version of this drug? How is it that some cancer/HIV drugs take years to pass FDA scrutiny without any guarantee of being approved and an IV medicine that didn't exist 1 year ago has already been accepted? It doesn't have anything to do with a government agenda, or does it? It couldn't be that the last thing the Obama administration needs is another domestic problem eating away at his popularity. There is absolutely no evidence to back this up but it is interesting to think about.
When our Congresspeople and Senators commence voting on the sweeping health care overhaul that seems to be imminent (Dems have threatened the "Nuclear Option"), remember that the government can't even procure a vaccine on schedule. Are these the people you want in charge of your life? If you get in an accident and need an emergency organ transplant do you want the government making the decisions for you or your family? I feel very bad for the people in the United States that don't have health insurance but you know what? I pay for it in my Medicare tax and as part of my employer provided health insurance. I stand with the majority of Americans that say "Leave my health care privatized".
23 October 2009
Excellent move by Mainstream Media
A must read article for everyone in the United States concerned with their freedoms and their rights to criticize the government. Remember THEY work for YOU!! Something we seem to have forgotten in recent years.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/23/white-house-loses-bid-exclude-fox-news-pay-czar-interview/
I applaud mainstream media for finally taking a stance against this administration. Hopefully the White House will soon realize the epic mistake they made in trying to isolate FOX News. I am not a blind follower of all of the opinions the OPINION shows make on FOX or any other network; but I will stand up for their freedom to have those opinions until my dying breath.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/23/white-house-loses-bid-exclude-fox-news-pay-czar-interview/
I applaud mainstream media for finally taking a stance against this administration. Hopefully the White House will soon realize the epic mistake they made in trying to isolate FOX News. I am not a blind follower of all of the opinions the OPINION shows make on FOX or any other network; but I will stand up for their freedom to have those opinions until my dying breath.
20 October 2009
Controlling the Press
A very interesting topic was reported yesterday by FOX News. This is a story that by my very limited search no other media has picked up. I found it interesting and I am leaving it for you to decide:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/19/white-house-official-says-obama-team-controlled-media-coverage-campaign/
It is ironic to me that the White House has attacked FOX News the way they have in recent days because in all honesty the actual news reporting at FOX, not the opinion shows, are very unbiased.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/19/white-house-official-says-obama-team-controlled-media-coverage-campaign/
It is ironic to me that the White House has attacked FOX News the way they have in recent days because in all honesty the actual news reporting at FOX, not the opinion shows, are very unbiased.
19 October 2009
Bad decision to delay troops
In recent weeks Gen. McChrystal recommended that President Obama supply an additional 60-80 thousand troops to supplement the war in Afghanistan. According to FOX News the President has officially said that he will not send any number of additional US troops until the election is resolved. THIS IS A HUGE MISTAKE.
There is no reason why any President, Democrat or Republican, should be making unilateral decisions on military tactics. The generals that are in charge of our military have received some of the best training in the world. These people are in the position they are in because they have worked their way there. Our generals are not going to make a recommendation that is bad for the successful outcome of the war. They have years of experience and study in war planning. President Obama has none.
When the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan first started the generals recommended that President Bush send a large amount of troops so that the war would be quick and decisive. The Bush administration did not follow that advice and so we have our situation today. In case you don't remember we were only successful in Iraq after a huge troop surge.
Again I will say this is a huge mistake. Britain has already committed 500 troops in anticipation of the committal from the United States. Delaying the surge will not only impair our ability to stem the Taliban in Afghanistan and in the region but will also hurt the relations with out closest ally. I guess Europe got what they asked for, Bush is out and a weak, pushover is in. My father and I have been wondering could his undeserved Peace Prize have affected this decision???
There is no reason why any President, Democrat or Republican, should be making unilateral decisions on military tactics. The generals that are in charge of our military have received some of the best training in the world. These people are in the position they are in because they have worked their way there. Our generals are not going to make a recommendation that is bad for the successful outcome of the war. They have years of experience and study in war planning. President Obama has none.
When the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan first started the generals recommended that President Bush send a large amount of troops so that the war would be quick and decisive. The Bush administration did not follow that advice and so we have our situation today. In case you don't remember we were only successful in Iraq after a huge troop surge.
Again I will say this is a huge mistake. Britain has already committed 500 troops in anticipation of the committal from the United States. Delaying the surge will not only impair our ability to stem the Taliban in Afghanistan and in the region but will also hurt the relations with out closest ally. I guess Europe got what they asked for, Bush is out and a weak, pushover is in. My father and I have been wondering could his undeserved Peace Prize have affected this decision???
15 October 2009
What is the truth?
Yesterday the Dow Jones climbed to 10,000 for the first time in a year. Some economists are saying the recession is over. President Obama is touting the success of the stimulus. And Timothy Geithner is praising US banks for their recent earnings.
You'd think with the plethora of good news that things would be better on mainstreet. The figures came out today reporting that from Summer to Fall foreclosures rose an additional 5%. Unemployment is "slowing" to the tune of 500,000 job losses a month. Banks aren't lending and unless you have a near perfect credit score you can't get a loan unless its FHA approved. Credit cards are raising interest rates to default levels even if you have never paid late or gone over the limit (my MasterCard did this to me). So my question is what is the truth? Why is the Dow Jones climbing when all I hear is negative reports? When was the last time the stock market gained 144 points because two companies had good earnings (Goldman Sachs and Intel)
Who is running this show and can you explain to me how it works?
You'd think with the plethora of good news that things would be better on mainstreet. The figures came out today reporting that from Summer to Fall foreclosures rose an additional 5%. Unemployment is "slowing" to the tune of 500,000 job losses a month. Banks aren't lending and unless you have a near perfect credit score you can't get a loan unless its FHA approved. Credit cards are raising interest rates to default levels even if you have never paid late or gone over the limit (my MasterCard did this to me). So my question is what is the truth? Why is the Dow Jones climbing when all I hear is negative reports? When was the last time the stock market gained 144 points because two companies had good earnings (Goldman Sachs and Intel)
Who is running this show and can you explain to me how it works?
14 October 2009
China controlling US?
Most of us know that China owns roughly 2.3 Trillion dollars in U.S. Treasuries. What that means is that China is the largest owner of US Debt. The U.S. Government will try their hardest to make it seem like this does not affect our decision making in any way but for the first time recently we got a glimpse of what our future could be like.
For the first time since 1991 a sitting US President did not meet with the Dalai Lama when he visited Washington. For those of you who are not aware the Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The Chinese have argued that they control Tibet since the 1300's and since the 1950's this has long been an area of tension and conflict for both the world and China.
Is President Obama's refusal to meet with the Dalai Lama a show of respect to the Chinese? Did he forget the human rights atrocities that China has committed within the borders of Tibet?
This is extremely scary to me and should be to you as well. Modifying actions for the Chinese is immoral and completely contrary to what the U.S. has stood for. A champion for the people like President Obama should defy China and all they stand for: Socialism, not listening to its citizens, media censorship.
But wait... it seems like that's where we are heading.
For the first time since 1991 a sitting US President did not meet with the Dalai Lama when he visited Washington. For those of you who are not aware the Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The Chinese have argued that they control Tibet since the 1300's and since the 1950's this has long been an area of tension and conflict for both the world and China.
Is President Obama's refusal to meet with the Dalai Lama a show of respect to the Chinese? Did he forget the human rights atrocities that China has committed within the borders of Tibet?
This is extremely scary to me and should be to you as well. Modifying actions for the Chinese is immoral and completely contrary to what the U.S. has stood for. A champion for the people like President Obama should defy China and all they stand for: Socialism, not listening to its citizens, media censorship.
But wait... it seems like that's where we are heading.
28 September 2009
Problems on his plate just not enough?
As if the mounting problems at home weren't enough; our President is heading to Denmark to pitch Chicago as the home of the 2016 Olympics. It seems to me like President Obama wants to try it all and be good at nothing.
Hasn't the President already figured out that mingling in things that are none of his business is bad, bad for his business. Remember the "Beer Summit", getting involved in the NY gubernatorial race, collecting lists of people against health care reform, using tax payer money to make art that promotes the President... the list goes on.
By the way, where is this "recovery"? When did the recession end? You talk to business owners that have been around for a while they will tell you their business is struggling now more than it has ever.
Mr. President, fix the big issues first, stop trying to make us a Socialist society and then maybe worry about games. The American public will thank you.
Hasn't the President already figured out that mingling in things that are none of his business is bad, bad for his business. Remember the "Beer Summit", getting involved in the NY gubernatorial race, collecting lists of people against health care reform, using tax payer money to make art that promotes the President... the list goes on.
By the way, where is this "recovery"? When did the recession end? You talk to business owners that have been around for a while they will tell you their business is struggling now more than it has ever.
Mr. President, fix the big issues first, stop trying to make us a Socialist society and then maybe worry about games. The American public will thank you.
25 September 2009
Such a difficult situation
There are so many situations going on in the world at the moment that are just at the point of boiling over. The most dangerous one in my opinion is Iran's nuclear situation. For a number of years now Iran has been enriching nuclear fuel for "peaceful" purposes such as providing electricity to it's people. The problem with this situation is that the fuel that is used in nuclear reactors can be further refined to create high grade radioactive bomb materials. This, coupled with a violent regime led by an insane Ahmadinejad, creates an incredibly dangerous situation in the Mideast.
It is my opinion that Israel will do anything to ensure it's survival even if that means attacking Iran. Israel simply will not allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon. Ahmadinajad has stated repeatedly that he feels Israel should be obliterated, taken off the map, and denies the Holocaust. I am sure that Israel takes these statements very seriously while the rest of the world sits and hopes some sort of U.N. diplomacy will work. The U.N. is increasingly becoming a body of useless rhetoric who's bargaining power has been greatly diminished in my eyes inaction is proving to be a very serious problem.
Iran's economy is in shambles, it's people divided, and in my opinion the sheiks lose their grip on that society more each day. I agree with Glenn Beck when he says that it is possible that an Israeli attack is exactly what Iran wants. A catalyst to unify the country against a historical villain.
It is a dangerous situation not only for Iran and Israel but also for the whole world. It is a situation that Obama will have to deal with, a situation that has the future of our world at stake. He will have to walk a very thin line when this day comes. How will he handle the situation without upsetting Russia, Tehran's most powerful ally? How does he denounce Israel for their actions without upsetting a historically liberal base here in the U.S? How does he make sure the situation does not escalate and disrupt vital Mideast trade on oil or turn into a World War?
It is a very difficult situation the President will be in and frankly I will not envy him at all on that day. I hope he has the strength to "stand up" to the real situation that is brewing and make the best decision for the U.S. and the world.
It is my opinion that Israel will do anything to ensure it's survival even if that means attacking Iran. Israel simply will not allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon. Ahmadinajad has stated repeatedly that he feels Israel should be obliterated, taken off the map, and denies the Holocaust. I am sure that Israel takes these statements very seriously while the rest of the world sits and hopes some sort of U.N. diplomacy will work. The U.N. is increasingly becoming a body of useless rhetoric who's bargaining power has been greatly diminished in my eyes inaction is proving to be a very serious problem.
Iran's economy is in shambles, it's people divided, and in my opinion the sheiks lose their grip on that society more each day. I agree with Glenn Beck when he says that it is possible that an Israeli attack is exactly what Iran wants. A catalyst to unify the country against a historical villain.
It is a dangerous situation not only for Iran and Israel but also for the whole world. It is a situation that Obama will have to deal with, a situation that has the future of our world at stake. He will have to walk a very thin line when this day comes. How will he handle the situation without upsetting Russia, Tehran's most powerful ally? How does he denounce Israel for their actions without upsetting a historically liberal base here in the U.S? How does he make sure the situation does not escalate and disrupt vital Mideast trade on oil or turn into a World War?
It is a very difficult situation the President will be in and frankly I will not envy him at all on that day. I hope he has the strength to "stand up" to the real situation that is brewing and make the best decision for the U.S. and the world.
22 September 2009
Obama in the news this Sunday
This Sunday President Obama appeared on 5 different news shows to answer generally weak questions on his agenda to date. During his rallying President Obama took a moment to criticize media as a whole and the "blogosphere" whom he basically called purveyors of lies.
It's funny to the think that a government official, politician, and lawyer would take the moral high ground on bending the truth. It must be the case that our government has never lied to us. That a politician has never gone back on a campaign promise (or supported an organization that promotes evading taxes and prostituting young immigrant women), and that a lawyer doesn't defend a person they know is completly guilty.
Media is now more polarized than I can remember. The "blogosphere" that the President criticized DOES provide a medium for heinous, false statements but it also provides an independent forum for people who seek to provide BOTH sides of the issue.
Mr. President, on this issue you are completely wrong. Just because at this juncture in your Presidency blogs are criticizing you more than supporting you does not make them wrong and you should not seek to devalue their message. A former Clinton media manager said this weekend that you have had 2 to 3 times the media exposure of Bush or Clinton at this point in their presidencies. In most of these situations you have had either no questions or weak ones posed to you.
You promote a Cap and Trade that is going to raise prices for the regular American yet help marginally at best with global warming. You promote a Health Bill that the majority of Americans oppose. You passed a ridiculously expensive stimulus package which 8 out 10 economists say has had little or no impact (completely contrary to what your office says).
If anything, Mr. President, the bloggers and webmasters seek to balance the playing field.
It's funny to the think that a government official, politician, and lawyer would take the moral high ground on bending the truth. It must be the case that our government has never lied to us. That a politician has never gone back on a campaign promise (or supported an organization that promotes evading taxes and prostituting young immigrant women), and that a lawyer doesn't defend a person they know is completly guilty.
Media is now more polarized than I can remember. The "blogosphere" that the President criticized DOES provide a medium for heinous, false statements but it also provides an independent forum for people who seek to provide BOTH sides of the issue.
Mr. President, on this issue you are completely wrong. Just because at this juncture in your Presidency blogs are criticizing you more than supporting you does not make them wrong and you should not seek to devalue their message. A former Clinton media manager said this weekend that you have had 2 to 3 times the media exposure of Bush or Clinton at this point in their presidencies. In most of these situations you have had either no questions or weak ones posed to you.
You promote a Cap and Trade that is going to raise prices for the regular American yet help marginally at best with global warming. You promote a Health Bill that the majority of Americans oppose. You passed a ridiculously expensive stimulus package which 8 out 10 economists say has had little or no impact (completely contrary to what your office says).
If anything, Mr. President, the bloggers and webmasters seek to balance the playing field.
17 September 2009
The "Defining Struggle"?
President Obama was just quoted as saying that health reform is the "defining struggle of this generation". Really? Does anyone remember 9/11/2001, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the tsunami that hit Thailand in 2004.
Those just three of the "struggles" we have faced on this planet in the last 8 years. A generation is usually defined as 18-25 years. Is the President really brash enough to say something like this? Did he really mean that revamping a system that is more healthy than not "the struggle of [a] generation"?
This seems to me like the same false rhetoric that Bush used to motivate Americans to go after Saddam Hussein, a person that at least posed a serious threat to humanity. It seems similar to the Bush rhetoric that Dems seemed to criticize unrelentingly for years.
Those just three of the "struggles" we have faced on this planet in the last 8 years. A generation is usually defined as 18-25 years. Is the President really brash enough to say something like this? Did he really mean that revamping a system that is more healthy than not "the struggle of [a] generation"?
This seems to me like the same false rhetoric that Bush used to motivate Americans to go after Saddam Hussein, a person that at least posed a serious threat to humanity. It seems similar to the Bush rhetoric that Dems seemed to criticize unrelentingly for years.
Missle Defense Shield
The U.S. is pulling out of an agreement to set up a missile defense shield in Poland and Czech Republic. The idea behind this shield was protection against radical regimes like Iran and Russia who has a long standing feud with some parts of Eastern Europe.
Russia as expected applauded this decision by the administration. Recently Russia approved a $2.2 Billion line of credit for Venezuela's Hugo Chavez to purchase Russian missiles. In effect giving a socialist, American hating leader sophisticated weapons which they would not be able to develop on their own.
Brilliant!
Give me back the last 8 years where we were hated abroad but protected within.
Russia as expected applauded this decision by the administration. Recently Russia approved a $2.2 Billion line of credit for Venezuela's Hugo Chavez to purchase Russian missiles. In effect giving a socialist, American hating leader sophisticated weapons which they would not be able to develop on their own.
Brilliant!
Give me back the last 8 years where we were hated abroad but protected within.
16 September 2009
Ex-President Jimmy Carter
This will be one of the shortest blogs I will ever write:
Ex-President Carter, your best contribution to the United States were the peanuts you grew and sold. It's a wonder you ever got elected and I look forward to the day that you are no longer relevant to any political scene in the United States. It's sad that they still allow you to be the face of this country on occasion.
Ex-President Carter, your best contribution to the United States were the peanuts you grew and sold. It's a wonder you ever got elected and I look forward to the day that you are no longer relevant to any political scene in the United States. It's sad that they still allow you to be the face of this country on occasion.
14 September 2009
Joe Wilson
Most people know that during President Obama's speech to the House on Healthcare reform a Representative from South Carolina, Joe Wilson, interrupted and screamed "You lie!". There has been expected fall out from this outburst which in my opinion was completely out of place and disrespectful.
Rep. Joe Wilson has since apologized for his actions and I'm certain that if everything was left status quo Rep. Wilson's seat would be highly jeopordized. Queue the Democratic run House. Now the House expects Rep. Wilson to apologize again on the floor and have been threatening to pass a resolution if he does not. The White House has already accepted Rep. Wilson's first apology and in my opinion he is correct in not issuing another one, especially when the person he disrespected has already put the issue behind him.
If the Dems let this issue go away Rep. Wilson looks like a classless, bumbling idiot. If they keep pushing their agenda, which they will. They will show the country that they are just as partisan as the Republicans that came before. Move on. Its over. The man is a moron and he has already apologized.
Rep. Joe Wilson has since apologized for his actions and I'm certain that if everything was left status quo Rep. Wilson's seat would be highly jeopordized. Queue the Democratic run House. Now the House expects Rep. Wilson to apologize again on the floor and have been threatening to pass a resolution if he does not. The White House has already accepted Rep. Wilson's first apology and in my opinion he is correct in not issuing another one, especially when the person he disrespected has already put the issue behind him.
If the Dems let this issue go away Rep. Wilson looks like a classless, bumbling idiot. If they keep pushing their agenda, which they will. They will show the country that they are just as partisan as the Republicans that came before. Move on. Its over. The man is a moron and he has already apologized.
04 September 2009
"GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra"
I saw GI Joe last night and I LOVED IT! This movie was non-stop action from start to finish. The fight scenes were just long enough to get you excited and at the same time not bore you. This movie has something for everyone. You have weapons of war, hand to hand combat, good looking people, developed plot, and nostalgia. The voice of Cobra Commander was AWESOME! Took me back to being a kid watching the cartoons.
At first I was hesitant to watch this movie because in the trailers you see the "Joes" in an "Ironman" type suit. I thought the producers were going to mooch off of "Ironman" popularity instead of preserving the cartoon imagery. Since those suits were not something that was in the cartoons and I thought the whole movie would be the same. That being said, the screen writers did an excellent job of incorporating 21st century weaponry and graphics into a show we watched in the 80's.
Overall I would highly recommend watching "GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra". If you like action, fighting, bad guys, and awesome military toys then this is the movie for you!
I will rate this 5 out 5 stars on Netflix. Get it!!
At first I was hesitant to watch this movie because in the trailers you see the "Joes" in an "Ironman" type suit. I thought the producers were going to mooch off of "Ironman" popularity instead of preserving the cartoon imagery. Since those suits were not something that was in the cartoons and I thought the whole movie would be the same. That being said, the screen writers did an excellent job of incorporating 21st century weaponry and graphics into a show we watched in the 80's.
Overall I would highly recommend watching "GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra". If you like action, fighting, bad guys, and awesome military toys then this is the movie for you!
I will rate this 5 out 5 stars on Netflix. Get it!!
03 September 2009
"Max Payne" - The Movie
I saw Max Payne the movie this weekend. This movie stars Mark Walhberg and Mila Kunis, two good actors that don't disappoint. I was especially impressed with Mila Kunis' performance. Sometimes its interesting to see goofy TV actors in serious roles. I believe she acted her part in this movie very well. Mark Walhberg as usual plays the tough guy that's in an impossible predicament. I personally enjoy Walhberg's acting and producing but I think his roles are starting to get repetitive. It seems he always has the same voice and even plays the same character. Kind of like Christian Bale except that Wahlberg isn't a pinhead in real life.
Overall I enjoyed this movie very much. It is an action packed movie and if you can get past the first 20 minutes which are EXTREMELY boring you will find that the movie is very entertaining. Max Payne is a detective whose wife is killed and as a result of his search for the last of her three killers uncovers a massive conspiracy. The movie is packed with excellent and realistic gun battles and incredibly hot women. At 100 minutes it is just long enough to complete the story and leave you wanting more.
I rated this movie 4 out of 5 stars on my Netflix rating system because of the entertaining battle scenes, good acting, its fun plot, excellent originality, good runtime, and outright good looking people. Let's face it, movies are made to give us some fun and having gorgeous people in movies has to factor in somehow. If one night you find yourself wanting to be entertained for 100 minutes then I suggest taking a look at Max Payne.
Overall I enjoyed this movie very much. It is an action packed movie and if you can get past the first 20 minutes which are EXTREMELY boring you will find that the movie is very entertaining. Max Payne is a detective whose wife is killed and as a result of his search for the last of her three killers uncovers a massive conspiracy. The movie is packed with excellent and realistic gun battles and incredibly hot women. At 100 minutes it is just long enough to complete the story and leave you wanting more.
I rated this movie 4 out of 5 stars on my Netflix rating system because of the entertaining battle scenes, good acting, its fun plot, excellent originality, good runtime, and outright good looking people. Let's face it, movies are made to give us some fun and having gorgeous people in movies has to factor in somehow. If one night you find yourself wanting to be entertained for 100 minutes then I suggest taking a look at Max Payne.
31 August 2009
Recycling Exs
I'm sure everyone knows at least one person that I like to call a "Recycler". These are men or women that call an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend for company or pleasure once they terminate a relationship. I'll say in my experience it's the women that I know that recycle.
I'm wondering what it is that attracts these people to this pattern? If you broke up with someone or they broke up with you it's probably because something wasn't quite going right. Is it because women don't want to add another guy to their "list". Is it because you feel less guilty about having sex with someone that you've already had sex with? Is it because you truly want a second chance? or a third?
There is always going to be more feelings from one side than the other. One person sees it as a an opportunity to make up for the mistakes they made, at least in the short term. The other side sees it as passing time. I believe that recycling actually makes it harder for you to find someone new because you are concentrating time and efforts on that person. Chances are the sex or the company was better in your mind than in reality.
I'd say a majority of the time recycling an ex doesn't work so why do people do it?
I'm wondering what it is that attracts these people to this pattern? If you broke up with someone or they broke up with you it's probably because something wasn't quite going right. Is it because women don't want to add another guy to their "list". Is it because you feel less guilty about having sex with someone that you've already had sex with? Is it because you truly want a second chance? or a third?
There is always going to be more feelings from one side than the other. One person sees it as a an opportunity to make up for the mistakes they made, at least in the short term. The other side sees it as passing time. I believe that recycling actually makes it harder for you to find someone new because you are concentrating time and efforts on that person. Chances are the sex or the company was better in your mind than in reality.
I'd say a majority of the time recycling an ex doesn't work so why do people do it?
26 August 2009
Randy Shannon and University of Miami football
When Larry Coker was on his way out in 2006 I was one of the first of my friends and family to throw Randy Shannon's name into my possible favorites for a coach. My father disagreed saying that he had too little experience managing an entire team. There was no doubt that Randy Shannon was one of the best Defensive Coordinators that UM has ever had but that did not convince my father that he could run the rest of the team.
Three years later and I want to be the first to say that if this is not a successful year for Shannon they should fire him. It is plenty obvious with the 1 year turn around that the Miami Dolphins have had that 3 years is enough time to allow a team to return to some form of contention. In college you have the benefit of recruiting any player you want and let's face it, UM is a jock's dream. Shannon ha shad more than enough time to turn this program around and I think this is a make or break year for him. Since his take over UM has lost 3 excellent recruits at the quarterback position and a number of pivotal and sometimes easy games. When the team gets punched in the face they dont seem to get mad, they back down. That is not Jimmy Johnson nor Butch Davis UM football.
The last 5 years of UM football have been difficult for any true supporter. Let's hope that this year they all get their act together for the sake of their fans and for the sake of a person whom seems to be a genuinely nice guy and a once great coach.
Three years later and I want to be the first to say that if this is not a successful year for Shannon they should fire him. It is plenty obvious with the 1 year turn around that the Miami Dolphins have had that 3 years is enough time to allow a team to return to some form of contention. In college you have the benefit of recruiting any player you want and let's face it, UM is a jock's dream. Shannon ha shad more than enough time to turn this program around and I think this is a make or break year for him. Since his take over UM has lost 3 excellent recruits at the quarterback position and a number of pivotal and sometimes easy games. When the team gets punched in the face they dont seem to get mad, they back down. That is not Jimmy Johnson nor Butch Davis UM football.
The last 5 years of UM football have been difficult for any true supporter. Let's hope that this year they all get their act together for the sake of their fans and for the sake of a person whom seems to be a genuinely nice guy and a once great coach.
Convicts get $250.00 Stimulus Checks
The U.S. Government sent 1700 convicts a $250.00 check as part of a stimulus payment after their records failed to show them those individuals were in jail. The government will begin an investigation this week to figure out how this could possibly happen.
Are these are the same people that want to be in charge of our health care system? 1/7 of the U.S. economy?
It's hard to believe that the U.S. Government is going to soundly run a $1 trillion program when they can hardly manage the less than 1/3 of a $787 billion stimulus that has been paid out so far. When a hospital makes a mistake they get sued, people get fired, and sometimes go to jail. When the government makes a mistake we all pay and they start an investigation.
Are these are the same people that want to be in charge of our health care system? 1/7 of the U.S. economy?
It's hard to believe that the U.S. Government is going to soundly run a $1 trillion program when they can hardly manage the less than 1/3 of a $787 billion stimulus that has been paid out so far. When a hospital makes a mistake they get sued, people get fired, and sometimes go to jail. When the government makes a mistake we all pay and they start an investigation.
25 August 2009
Consumer Spending
Since the recession our country has gone into saving mode. As many media outlets have described in detail this really makes the recession worse because we are a country of services. If no one is buying those services then the companies start to fail and lay off people. The more people get laid off the more fear is placed in the heart of Americans and the more we save for the "worst case scenario". Its a self fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
This blog is about the media and the information the administration is putting out there. The Obama administration and the media are very correct when they say that the way to get out of this recession is for Americans to start spending money again. We are the largest consumers in the world and as such everyone depends on our consumer confidence. My problem is the motivation that this "institution" is providing.
Sure, we have had a stimulus and a tax refund but in reality what did that represent to you? Did those $600 or $1200 really help you? Or did you simply pay down bills that you had accumulated over the last 10 years of seemingly unending prosperity?
My point is that the end of this recession will come when Americans start spending again and that is simply not the case at the moment. We are told that it is up to us to end this but what example is the administration setting? We have bailed out banks who now don't lend us our own money. We have created programs that funnel money to foreign auto makers hiring foreign workers. Our credit cards cut our limits while they are charging us 9-29% interest. All we hear is news of a growing deficit, more taxes, an unpopular and expensive health care reform that will be forced on us, and an IRS who is hiring unprecedented numbers of auditors to come after US, the people. The people that are supposed to be pulling the whole world out of this recession. Doesn't quite seem right does it?
Seems to me like we are beating the horses that drive this nation and the world.
This blog is about the media and the information the administration is putting out there. The Obama administration and the media are very correct when they say that the way to get out of this recession is for Americans to start spending money again. We are the largest consumers in the world and as such everyone depends on our consumer confidence. My problem is the motivation that this "institution" is providing.
Sure, we have had a stimulus and a tax refund but in reality what did that represent to you? Did those $600 or $1200 really help you? Or did you simply pay down bills that you had accumulated over the last 10 years of seemingly unending prosperity?
My point is that the end of this recession will come when Americans start spending again and that is simply not the case at the moment. We are told that it is up to us to end this but what example is the administration setting? We have bailed out banks who now don't lend us our own money. We have created programs that funnel money to foreign auto makers hiring foreign workers. Our credit cards cut our limits while they are charging us 9-29% interest. All we hear is news of a growing deficit, more taxes, an unpopular and expensive health care reform that will be forced on us, and an IRS who is hiring unprecedented numbers of auditors to come after US, the people. The people that are supposed to be pulling the whole world out of this recession. Doesn't quite seem right does it?
Seems to me like we are beating the horses that drive this nation and the world.
"The Time Traveler's Wife"
On Friday I watched "The Time Traveler's Wife". The movie was about a man with a genetic disorder that allows him to time travel. The movie stars two excellent actors Eric Bana (Hector, from "Troy") and Rachel McAdams (Claire, from "The Wedding Crashers") who do not disappoint.
My opinion is that the acting was in fact the best part of the movie. The plot is spotty, boring, and predictable. The movie has its funny and sad parts as any romance does but the basis of the story is outrageous and borders on being science fiction. The movie was not horrible to the point of desperation but I wasn't sad when it finished. Luckily the movie was only about 1 hour and 40 minutes long, not bad compared to most movies now that drag on for 2+ hours.
If want my advice and must watch this movie then save your money and rent it on DVD.
My opinion is that the acting was in fact the best part of the movie. The plot is spotty, boring, and predictable. The movie has its funny and sad parts as any romance does but the basis of the story is outrageous and borders on being science fiction. The movie was not horrible to the point of desperation but I wasn't sad when it finished. Luckily the movie was only about 1 hour and 40 minutes long, not bad compared to most movies now that drag on for 2+ hours.
If want my advice and must watch this movie then save your money and rent it on DVD.
24 August 2009
Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck, an ultra-conservative talk show host has lost more than 30 advertisers on his show after calling President Obama a racist. Well deserved Mr. Beck.
I had listened to Glenn Beck's show about 3 times before realizing that the man is completely off the reservation. There is no doubt that he makes good points on some issues and that he is an educated person but his views are completely one sided.
In my opinion there is no place now in this country for the either ultra-conservative nor the ultra-liberal. Political parties and talk shows should begin to understand this trend and move on from the bull shit Far Left vs Far Right issues. We are a nation of free thinkers and our government should follow OUR trends not the opposite way.
While I do not agree with most of the things the Obama administration has done to date I do not believe he is a racist. There is always the risk that the public will misconstrue a Black or Hispanic man complaining about any racial issue as racism towards whites. While I agree that our society still needs to learn that EVERYONE is equal, the Latino and Black communities need to move on and stop complaining and do something REAL about our situations. Buckle down, get educated, do good, and change the opinion of our races the right way; by becoming important and influential parts of our community.
In the end Mr. Beck played right into the hands of the far-left. Showing exactly why the minority communities rose up against the conservatives in the 2008 elections.
I had listened to Glenn Beck's show about 3 times before realizing that the man is completely off the reservation. There is no doubt that he makes good points on some issues and that he is an educated person but his views are completely one sided.
In my opinion there is no place now in this country for the either ultra-conservative nor the ultra-liberal. Political parties and talk shows should begin to understand this trend and move on from the bull shit Far Left vs Far Right issues. We are a nation of free thinkers and our government should follow OUR trends not the opposite way.
While I do not agree with most of the things the Obama administration has done to date I do not believe he is a racist. There is always the risk that the public will misconstrue a Black or Hispanic man complaining about any racial issue as racism towards whites. While I agree that our society still needs to learn that EVERYONE is equal, the Latino and Black communities need to move on and stop complaining and do something REAL about our situations. Buckle down, get educated, do good, and change the opinion of our races the right way; by becoming important and influential parts of our community.
In the end Mr. Beck played right into the hands of the far-left. Showing exactly why the minority communities rose up against the conservatives in the 2008 elections.
20 August 2009
Blackwater in Afghanistan
An article came out today that exposes a secret CIA mission that used contracted security through Blackwater to eliminate Al-Qaeda. There has been an uproar about this because the United States is not supposed to engage in assassinations of any kind. My question: When fighting an enemy that abides by no formal rules of engagement, why should we?
Terrorists have destroyed the World Trade Center, parts of the Pentagon, hotels and embassies throughout the world, ships, and attacked their own people. When they take a hostage there is no such thing as a Prisoner of War. A hostage of one of these organizations is dead once they are captured. Did Al-Qaeda follow rules of engagement when they cut off the head of Daniel Pearl? Why should we care if the United States assasinates their leadership? Controversies like this make our nation weak. There are too many organziations in existance today, too many media outlets that make our intelligence and military's job more difficult and our country less secure.
One of the aspects of the Obama administration that I admire is their willingness to continue Predator UAV attacks within the national borders of Pakistan. These are unmanned aircraft assasinating terrorist leaders. Guess what? Its working. Al-Qaeda does not know what to do about these relativley silent killers and ever since the Pakistani government stopped criticizing the attacks and started supporting them they have had positive gains in securing the lawless regions of that country.
What I'm saying is lay off. War is dirty and if those terrorists didn't want the full brunt of American power then they shouldn't have messed with us in the first place. Guess what liberal media and amnesty groups? If you don't like it then too bad. I, for one, hope they take out every terrorist on this planet. I hope they take them all out for my sake, my children's sake, and the sake of innocents all over the world and I really don't care how they do it.
Terrorists have destroyed the World Trade Center, parts of the Pentagon, hotels and embassies throughout the world, ships, and attacked their own people. When they take a hostage there is no such thing as a Prisoner of War. A hostage of one of these organizations is dead once they are captured. Did Al-Qaeda follow rules of engagement when they cut off the head of Daniel Pearl? Why should we care if the United States assasinates their leadership? Controversies like this make our nation weak. There are too many organziations in existance today, too many media outlets that make our intelligence and military's job more difficult and our country less secure.
One of the aspects of the Obama administration that I admire is their willingness to continue Predator UAV attacks within the national borders of Pakistan. These are unmanned aircraft assasinating terrorist leaders. Guess what? Its working. Al-Qaeda does not know what to do about these relativley silent killers and ever since the Pakistani government stopped criticizing the attacks and started supporting them they have had positive gains in securing the lawless regions of that country.
What I'm saying is lay off. War is dirty and if those terrorists didn't want the full brunt of American power then they shouldn't have messed with us in the first place. Guess what liberal media and amnesty groups? If you don't like it then too bad. I, for one, hope they take out every terrorist on this planet. I hope they take them all out for my sake, my children's sake, and the sake of innocents all over the world and I really don't care how they do it.
19 August 2009
People are generally good
Today while working out and watching the Bill O'Reilly show I noticed one of the stories that they were highlighting. It got me thinking about people in this country. It made me realize that in times of need people are generally good.
In this story a groom taking his wedding pictures by a river heard some voices screaming. It turns out that a grandfather had fallen in with his small granddaughter. The groom jumped in and rescued the two.
Stories like this happen everyday throughout the United States. Good Samaritans with good hearts put their own lives in danger to rescue others for seemingly no reason; in some cases ending up victims themselves. What makes us do this? Firefighters, Military, and Police run into situations that most people are running away from. The funny thing is that, as a former volunteer firefighter/EMT, you don't even think about your own life when you are doing it. You try your best to be safe but when push comes to shove its all about helping the victim. Fear was never even present for me. What inherent human instinct allows us to disregard our own safety for others?
The only thing I can figure is that people are instinctively communal and in a situation like that we revert back to our basic programming. We do our best to ensure every member of our "tribe" is safe.
In this story a groom taking his wedding pictures by a river heard some voices screaming. It turns out that a grandfather had fallen in with his small granddaughter. The groom jumped in and rescued the two.
Stories like this happen everyday throughout the United States. Good Samaritans with good hearts put their own lives in danger to rescue others for seemingly no reason; in some cases ending up victims themselves. What makes us do this? Firefighters, Military, and Police run into situations that most people are running away from. The funny thing is that, as a former volunteer firefighter/EMT, you don't even think about your own life when you are doing it. You try your best to be safe but when push comes to shove its all about helping the victim. Fear was never even present for me. What inherent human instinct allows us to disregard our own safety for others?
The only thing I can figure is that people are instinctively communal and in a situation like that we revert back to our basic programming. We do our best to ensure every member of our "tribe" is safe.
17 August 2009
"The 3-day Rule"
Most every guy knows about "The 3-day Rule".I was surprised to find after chatting with a few of my girlfriends that many women do not. The reason I am writing this blog is because I find the dynamics of a male/female relationship incredibly interesting. I had recently been searching the web for something completely unrelated and came across another blogger talking about the subject. So, I'd love to know what my girl friends think of this.
The 3-day Rule is simple. When you go out with a woman that you really like you wait 3-days to call. I must admit that I have no idea if this rule has transferred into waiting three days to text. The reason behind this waiting period is so that the woman you are dating does not think you are overly interested in her. As if though 3 days later you magically popped into our brains. Yeah right! The truth is most guys are dying to get to that third day to call you. And usually we have internal struggles as to the time we should call. "Should I call in the afternoon or at night?"
Most guys, even the most confident, have some fear of being rejected and it has been ingrained in us since an early age that women usually want the opposite of what we want. Example, if we are really interested in you and we let you know then you tend to be less interested. If we show that we might not be interested then you start thinking "what the hell does this guy think? I'm the one that will be doing the rejecting here". My girlfriends want to have their girl's night out until the boys want to start having guy's night out, whatever the case may be we never know what you want so we have established our own crazy guidelines. Hence, the 3-day rule. Showing you "the opposite" of what we really are. Now, if we could only get women to believe we really don't like sex!
I haven't believed in the 3-day rule in a long time. Sometimes to my advantage and sometimes to my disadvantage. That being said, I am of the opinion that if you have to be evasive at the beginning of a relationship then those patterns will persist throughout it. I do not feel I have the definitive answer as to whether or not the 3-day rule works. I'm sure women will say it's stupid and men will say it's necessary. What I do know is that it exists and that at some point most people have had experience with it!
The 3-day Rule is simple. When you go out with a woman that you really like you wait 3-days to call. I must admit that I have no idea if this rule has transferred into waiting three days to text. The reason behind this waiting period is so that the woman you are dating does not think you are overly interested in her. As if though 3 days later you magically popped into our brains. Yeah right! The truth is most guys are dying to get to that third day to call you. And usually we have internal struggles as to the time we should call. "Should I call in the afternoon or at night?"
Most guys, even the most confident, have some fear of being rejected and it has been ingrained in us since an early age that women usually want the opposite of what we want. Example, if we are really interested in you and we let you know then you tend to be less interested. If we show that we might not be interested then you start thinking "what the hell does this guy think? I'm the one that will be doing the rejecting here". My girlfriends want to have their girl's night out until the boys want to start having guy's night out, whatever the case may be we never know what you want so we have established our own crazy guidelines. Hence, the 3-day rule. Showing you "the opposite" of what we really are. Now, if we could only get women to believe we really don't like sex!
I haven't believed in the 3-day rule in a long time. Sometimes to my advantage and sometimes to my disadvantage. That being said, I am of the opinion that if you have to be evasive at the beginning of a relationship then those patterns will persist throughout it. I do not feel I have the definitive answer as to whether or not the 3-day rule works. I'm sure women will say it's stupid and men will say it's necessary. What I do know is that it exists and that at some point most people have had experience with it!
For or Against Gay Marriage?
In the news today, gay advocate groups are upset with the Obama administration after they back tracked on campaign promises to find the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. My question: Why is this an issue?
In many cases we have learned to recognize the partnership of two individuals whom are not married for cases such as insurance and property. Couples that are not married can have children, buy property, insure each other, and in the most grim cases pull the plug on someone. So why should we deny gay couples the same right?
I also agree that if a religious denomination chooses not to recognize the union then that it acceptable and their own right.
Gay and Lesbian couples should be accepted for who they are and allowed the same rights that any other civil union allows; it is only fair. There is no reason to deny them the advantages, disadvantages, happiness, or displeasure that is part of a union between two people.
The Obama administration should keep their promise and declare this Act discriminatory.
In many cases we have learned to recognize the partnership of two individuals whom are not married for cases such as insurance and property. Couples that are not married can have children, buy property, insure each other, and in the most grim cases pull the plug on someone. So why should we deny gay couples the same right?
I also agree that if a religious denomination chooses not to recognize the union then that it acceptable and their own right.
Gay and Lesbian couples should be accepted for who they are and allowed the same rights that any other civil union allows; it is only fair. There is no reason to deny them the advantages, disadvantages, happiness, or displeasure that is part of a union between two people.
The Obama administration should keep their promise and declare this Act discriminatory.
16 August 2009
American Airlines - Flight 1287 - August 15, 2009
Yesterday I flew back from Washington D.C. on American Airlines flight 1287 in what was one of the worst experiences I have had flying yet.
The flight was bad from the start. The flight attendants working this flight had some of the worst attitudes I have seen in a customer service profession in a long time. The lead flight attendant, Victoria Everett Leahy, spent most of the loading process criticizing the Spanish that was being spoken on the plane. As much as I agree that everyone should know English if you don't like to hear Spanish, don't work the Miami flights. American Airlines should make a point of putting at least one Spanish speaker on all flights to Miami.
It is not a flight attendant's job to help you with your luggage, I agree. That being said if someone does ask for help there is no need to chastise them. Ms. Leahy made a point of standing with her arms crossed next to a lady that had brought more carry-on than she could carry.
Later, another American Airlines employee joined the flight and could not find a location for her luggage near her seat. This time Ms. Leahy did have enough strength to move carry-on baggage, while complaining aloud that people should follow instructions by putting their carry-on in the correct direction. While I agree that people should abide by those suggestions if you have a problem with it as a flight attendant take care of it while it is going on; not after the fact when people have put their sensitive baggage like cameras near the front.
During the in flight service we had yet another unpleasant experience with Ms. Leahy. By the way, my family makes a point of not taking the small cup of soda the airlines give you. We think it is an insult to think that is "service". Frankly, I feel some people just drink it because they think they have to. Regardless, this time my mother was reading a book and Ms. Leahy reached over and swung her hand between my mother's face and the book to get her attention. Ma'am if we have our headsets on and aren't paying attention move on!! If we want something we will ask you later.
The flight was delayed in the air due to weather, not the airline's fault. However, when we finally arrived in Miami we waited and extra 30 minutes on the tarmac for a terminal to open. That is the airline's fault.
We did not know that the worst was yet to come. When we get to the baggage claim in Miami the 10 or so passangers that were actually staying in Miami got the best surprise. Not one piece of baggage showed up. There was an American Airlines employee in charge of belts 25-26 who informed us that we would need to file a claim because the luggage had not made it. He was rude, obnoxious, and refused to help. When my father spoke to the supervisor at the baggage service desk it was even worse. She was for lack of a better word, a bitch.
After an hour of waiting in line a very nice young customer service representative informs us that our luggage has been traced and was on the next flight in from D.C. arriving at 6pm. This is 3 hours after our supposed arrival time. This is the part that really upsets me. When our baggage did not show up at MIA the next flight out of D.C. had already taken off. That means American Airlines already knew our luggage was on the flight yet the obnoxious belt attendant and the bitchy supervisor did not give us that piece of information.
The most disturbing part of all this is that no one cares. The airlines will never refund your money for your troubles and when you actually do complain they send you a boiler-plate email which I might post for everyone's viewing.
It is disgusting and disturbing that service companies have lost complete sight of who they work for, US!
The flight was bad from the start. The flight attendants working this flight had some of the worst attitudes I have seen in a customer service profession in a long time. The lead flight attendant, Victoria Everett Leahy, spent most of the loading process criticizing the Spanish that was being spoken on the plane. As much as I agree that everyone should know English if you don't like to hear Spanish, don't work the Miami flights. American Airlines should make a point of putting at least one Spanish speaker on all flights to Miami.
It is not a flight attendant's job to help you with your luggage, I agree. That being said if someone does ask for help there is no need to chastise them. Ms. Leahy made a point of standing with her arms crossed next to a lady that had brought more carry-on than she could carry.
Later, another American Airlines employee joined the flight and could not find a location for her luggage near her seat. This time Ms. Leahy did have enough strength to move carry-on baggage, while complaining aloud that people should follow instructions by putting their carry-on in the correct direction. While I agree that people should abide by those suggestions if you have a problem with it as a flight attendant take care of it while it is going on; not after the fact when people have put their sensitive baggage like cameras near the front.
During the in flight service we had yet another unpleasant experience with Ms. Leahy. By the way, my family makes a point of not taking the small cup of soda the airlines give you. We think it is an insult to think that is "service". Frankly, I feel some people just drink it because they think they have to. Regardless, this time my mother was reading a book and Ms. Leahy reached over and swung her hand between my mother's face and the book to get her attention. Ma'am if we have our headsets on and aren't paying attention move on!! If we want something we will ask you later.
The flight was delayed in the air due to weather, not the airline's fault. However, when we finally arrived in Miami we waited and extra 30 minutes on the tarmac for a terminal to open. That is the airline's fault.
We did not know that the worst was yet to come. When we get to the baggage claim in Miami the 10 or so passangers that were actually staying in Miami got the best surprise. Not one piece of baggage showed up. There was an American Airlines employee in charge of belts 25-26 who informed us that we would need to file a claim because the luggage had not made it. He was rude, obnoxious, and refused to help. When my father spoke to the supervisor at the baggage service desk it was even worse. She was for lack of a better word, a bitch.
After an hour of waiting in line a very nice young customer service representative informs us that our luggage has been traced and was on the next flight in from D.C. arriving at 6pm. This is 3 hours after our supposed arrival time. This is the part that really upsets me. When our baggage did not show up at MIA the next flight out of D.C. had already taken off. That means American Airlines already knew our luggage was on the flight yet the obnoxious belt attendant and the bitchy supervisor did not give us that piece of information.
The most disturbing part of all this is that no one cares. The airlines will never refund your money for your troubles and when you actually do complain they send you a boiler-plate email which I might post for everyone's viewing.
It is disgusting and disturbing that service companies have lost complete sight of who they work for, US!
Mel Martinez
Mel Martinez, the Republican Senator from Florida recently resigned from the US Senate. It was common knowledge that Senator Martinez would not run for his second term as Senator and the wheels had been placed in motion for a popular Florida Governor, Charlie Crist to run for his seat.
His abrupt resignation leaves the Republican party in an interesting bind, one that I am anxious to see how they handle. The Governor must now appoint a replacement for the one term Senator and by my understanding he cannot appoint himself. Will the Republicans have him appoint a temporary replacement? Someone who knows they are only holding the seat before Crist runs? If so, what politician would do that? Politicians all become politicians because they want to "change" something and sometimes they do. But why then do they become career politicians? The answer is power and the financial advancement provided by public office.
It will be interesting to watch how the Republicans handle this situation. What they do with Mel Martinez after he criticized the party for their handling of Justice Sotomayor, then voted for her confirmation, and finally resigning all within a week.
I believe this is a small example of the discord and disarray inside the GOP. Instead of taking advantage of the battles they have won against the Democrats in recent months and the changing popularity they fray themselves with examples like this.
And as for Mel Martinez. Sir, if you didn't want the job in the first place you shouldn't have taken it.
DISGUSTING
His abrupt resignation leaves the Republican party in an interesting bind, one that I am anxious to see how they handle. The Governor must now appoint a replacement for the one term Senator and by my understanding he cannot appoint himself. Will the Republicans have him appoint a temporary replacement? Someone who knows they are only holding the seat before Crist runs? If so, what politician would do that? Politicians all become politicians because they want to "change" something and sometimes they do. But why then do they become career politicians? The answer is power and the financial advancement provided by public office.
It will be interesting to watch how the Republicans handle this situation. What they do with Mel Martinez after he criticized the party for their handling of Justice Sotomayor, then voted for her confirmation, and finally resigning all within a week.
I believe this is a small example of the discord and disarray inside the GOP. Instead of taking advantage of the battles they have won against the Democrats in recent months and the changing popularity they fray themselves with examples like this.
And as for Mel Martinez. Sir, if you didn't want the job in the first place you shouldn't have taken it.
DISGUSTING
07 August 2009
Hard to Believe Life or Pathological Liar?
Have you ever hung out with someone who's stories were just so outrageous that it's hard to believe they are true?
There is not much I hate more than a liar, but I have yet to figure out how to deal with someone who's life is unbelievable. They will tell you a story that is near impossible to believe and later the story gets confirmed.
Is it my lack of trust or is it that events take place in their lives that should not really happen? At what point does is get hard to separate the truth from a possible lie? Should you spend time dealing with someone that you cannot really read well?
I do not think that it is the fault of the person with that kind of life. As hard as it is for me to comprehend I do realize that people are sometimes placed in situation where outlandish things happen to them. I have experienced people with unprecedented drama; it even happens in my life from time to time but if you spend your whole time doubting everything that a person is telling you I think it is best to move on.
In my opinion those people are better handled by someone more trusting or gullible, whichever the case may be.
Any similar encounters?
There is not much I hate more than a liar, but I have yet to figure out how to deal with someone who's life is unbelievable. They will tell you a story that is near impossible to believe and later the story gets confirmed.
Is it my lack of trust or is it that events take place in their lives that should not really happen? At what point does is get hard to separate the truth from a possible lie? Should you spend time dealing with someone that you cannot really read well?
I do not think that it is the fault of the person with that kind of life. As hard as it is for me to comprehend I do realize that people are sometimes placed in situation where outlandish things happen to them. I have experienced people with unprecedented drama; it even happens in my life from time to time but if you spend your whole time doubting everything that a person is telling you I think it is best to move on.
In my opinion those people are better handled by someone more trusting or gullible, whichever the case may be.
Any similar encounters?
06 August 2009
Dating by Commitee
In my time dating I have come across a phenomenon that I like to call "Dating by Committee". This is when a man or a woman needs approval by their friends to date someone seriously. I'm sure that most people have experienced something similar to this and I would like to know how you feel about it.
In my opinion it is hard enough to have one successful relationship and keep one person happy. Having to worry about pleasing the personalities of 3 or 4 friends is 3 or 4 times harder. At what point do people who employ this tactic realize that not in all cases are your friends looking out for your best. There are friends who get jealous of you because they are single. There are friends who are upset because your boyfriend or girlfriend is more attractive or successful than theirs. There are friends who want you for themselves and just don't want to share you.
If you believe that none of your friends fall into one or more of these categories then you are misled. It's time people start realizing that friends are great and friends will be there for you most of the time but in the end there is only ONE person that is going to be there for you always and that's YOU. Live your life for you and not for someone else.
I'm glad recently I have been associating myself with women that realize this.
In my opinion it is hard enough to have one successful relationship and keep one person happy. Having to worry about pleasing the personalities of 3 or 4 friends is 3 or 4 times harder. At what point do people who employ this tactic realize that not in all cases are your friends looking out for your best. There are friends who get jealous of you because they are single. There are friends who are upset because your boyfriend or girlfriend is more attractive or successful than theirs. There are friends who want you for themselves and just don't want to share you.
If you believe that none of your friends fall into one or more of these categories then you are misled. It's time people start realizing that friends are great and friends will be there for you most of the time but in the end there is only ONE person that is going to be there for you always and that's YOU. Live your life for you and not for someone else.
I'm glad recently I have been associating myself with women that realize this.
Hillary Clinton and the Republican needs
As hard as it is for me to say it has become clear to me that the best choice amongst all the serious candidates for President was Hillary Clinton. Her experience after 8 years in the White House would have been much better suited to guide us through this time than Obama. You cannot doubt McCain's experience but he is unpredictable and Palin is a joke. It's almost as if though the Republican party knew they had no chance to win the general election and put Palin in there to attract a female contingency. I hope she stays out of politics. Frankly, I voted for the McCain ticket because I felt Obama was going to be exactly what he turned out to be.
It is very interesting how Clinton is the only Secretary of State in recent history that has not traveled everywhere with the President for the first 6 months of an administration. Is it possible that she is trying to distance herself from the mistakes that are being made? Could we possibly see an unprecedented event in 2012 where the Democratic party does not endorse the current President for another term?
I think it is unlikely but the Democrats need to realize that Hillary Clinton's time is running short.
As far as the Republicans go, they need to get in high gear developing a new personality. In my opinion the best choice would be Mitt Romney but then again it's hard for most people to put aside the faith issue. Apparently it's also hard for people to understand that if you model our country after a business and not a socialist movement it might actually succeed. The Clintons understood that too.
It is very interesting how Clinton is the only Secretary of State in recent history that has not traveled everywhere with the President for the first 6 months of an administration. Is it possible that she is trying to distance herself from the mistakes that are being made? Could we possibly see an unprecedented event in 2012 where the Democratic party does not endorse the current President for another term?
I think it is unlikely but the Democrats need to realize that Hillary Clinton's time is running short.
As far as the Republicans go, they need to get in high gear developing a new personality. In my opinion the best choice would be Mitt Romney but then again it's hard for most people to put aside the faith issue. Apparently it's also hard for people to understand that if you model our country after a business and not a socialist movement it might actually succeed. The Clintons understood that too.
20 July 2009
Time to redefine wealthy?
Part of the way that the White House plans to pay for our proposed healthcare reform is to tax the "wealthy". Wealthy in terms of taxes is defined as someone making more than $250k/year or a couple making more than $350k/year.
Does anyone really believe that should be considered wealthy anymore? Think about what $350,000 buys you anymore. You might get a good house in a decent neighborhood for that amount. A good car now a days will set you back $40-$50k.
As a high school student all of my classmates aspired to make something of themselves, whether it be a lawyer, doctor, business owner, etc. It might be optimistic but I would bet on the fact that most of them expected to make more than $250k/year as a reward for their struggles in school. I would also bet on the fact that if asked they would consider themselves "comfortable" not "wealthy".
That is exactly the point of this blog. When was the last time our government that includes Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr. and now Obama revisited the definition of a wealthy family? I don't see anything wrong in considering an individual making $1 million or more a year wealthy, but $250k? I think we are picking on the wrong American class.
Does anyone really believe that should be considered wealthy anymore? Think about what $350,000 buys you anymore. You might get a good house in a decent neighborhood for that amount. A good car now a days will set you back $40-$50k.
As a high school student all of my classmates aspired to make something of themselves, whether it be a lawyer, doctor, business owner, etc. It might be optimistic but I would bet on the fact that most of them expected to make more than $250k/year as a reward for their struggles in school. I would also bet on the fact that if asked they would consider themselves "comfortable" not "wealthy".
That is exactly the point of this blog. When was the last time our government that includes Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr. and now Obama revisited the definition of a wealthy family? I don't see anything wrong in considering an individual making $1 million or more a year wealthy, but $250k? I think we are picking on the wrong American class.
16 July 2009
57% Taxes
Some interesting news:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/16/terrifying-tax-looms-biggest-earners-nyc/?test=latestnews
It's ironic to me that some of the largest Obama donors reside in NY. I hope they get what they paid for. =-)
It's going to be interesting to see which individuals or corporations are going to gain from this. As you know there are always winners in any government program and the losers tend to be the American taxpayers.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/16/terrifying-tax-looms-biggest-earners-nyc/?test=latestnews
It's ironic to me that some of the largest Obama donors reside in NY. I hope they get what they paid for. =-)
It's going to be interesting to see which individuals or corporations are going to gain from this. As you know there are always winners in any government program and the losers tend to be the American taxpayers.
13 July 2009
What signal does it send?
Today our President tapped a very intelligent and able doctor for the position of Surgeon General. My question is: What message does this send as to the direction of our country?
Dr. Regina Benjamin gave up making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in a big city to start a practice in a small town. Dr. Benjamin would routinely provide free care to patients who could not afford to pay her. This is incredibly admirable and certainly Dr. Benjamin is a person that should be held in high esteem.
All of Dr. Benjamin's accolades aside, what message does this send to the rest of our country? Now more than ever our future doctors are graduating with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from an education system who's price is ever increasing. Doctors are faced with the constant threat of lawsuit and tasked with the pressure of saving our lives and working flawlessly under duress. Today our President taps a doctor who was introduced as a model doctor because she provides free healthcare. I understand becoming a doctor for the betterment of society but you can't expect salary not to play a role. What incentive do our doctors have now a days? Since President Obama expects our doctors to provide free healthcare to those who can't afford it is he going to cover the tuition bills for those doctors that have graduated, or will graduate? Would you go hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to be told you should model yourself after a person who has provided her services free?
There is no doubt that insurance companies are abusing the system and there needs to be an overhaul but we are sending the wrong signals to our young doctors. Everyday the American population gets older and the doctor to patient ratio keeps dropping. Maybe we should stick to the formula that has worked for the last 300 or so years. Maybe President Obama should look into protecting those big, bad healthcare professionals too, you know those people that are saving our lives day in and day out.
Dr. Regina Benjamin gave up making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in a big city to start a practice in a small town. Dr. Benjamin would routinely provide free care to patients who could not afford to pay her. This is incredibly admirable and certainly Dr. Benjamin is a person that should be held in high esteem.
All of Dr. Benjamin's accolades aside, what message does this send to the rest of our country? Now more than ever our future doctors are graduating with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from an education system who's price is ever increasing. Doctors are faced with the constant threat of lawsuit and tasked with the pressure of saving our lives and working flawlessly under duress. Today our President taps a doctor who was introduced as a model doctor because she provides free healthcare. I understand becoming a doctor for the betterment of society but you can't expect salary not to play a role. What incentive do our doctors have now a days? Since President Obama expects our doctors to provide free healthcare to those who can't afford it is he going to cover the tuition bills for those doctors that have graduated, or will graduate? Would you go hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to be told you should model yourself after a person who has provided her services free?
There is no doubt that insurance companies are abusing the system and there needs to be an overhaul but we are sending the wrong signals to our young doctors. Everyday the American population gets older and the doctor to patient ratio keeps dropping. Maybe we should stick to the formula that has worked for the last 300 or so years. Maybe President Obama should look into protecting those big, bad healthcare professionals too, you know those people that are saving our lives day in and day out.
New Blogger
While talking to one of my good friends today I unknowingly motivated her to start her own blog. I am very proud of her and I look forward to reading her posts. Next in line is Debbie, restarting your blog could only add valuable insight to our community.
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11 July 2009
Letting yourself go
Have you ever been dating anyone and held back saying something you really mean because you didn't want to seem weak? I know it has happened to me and most likely everyone at some point. Have you ever sat back to think about all the things you might have missed out because of that? I have realized that we need to go with the flow, say what you feel, text the person when you want to text them, call and say the things you really mean. There is no use hiding your feelings. Our society is too fake as it is. By admitting these things to our significant other and more importantly ourselves we get closer to living the most fulfilling lives possible.
10 July 2009
Environmental Action
The President is in Italy this week trying to convince developing countries to curb emissions and become more "Green" among other things. There is no doubt that protecting this planet is important and measures should be taken to preserve it's state. The current administration recently passed the "Cap and Trade" bill aimed at making our country more "Green". What it means to you and me is about a 25% increase in current energy costs. All of this occurring while the head of the EPA comes out and says there is no possibility of improving global warming threats while China and India continue on their current paths. Oh, I also want to mention that the President has failed to convince those countries to do anything. I am not an advocate of following suit and doing nothing but doesn't it upset you that we passed a 2 Trillion dollar tax bill that will essentially do nothing? Remind you of the stimulus we passed recently?
30 June 2009
Is this REAL?
I hope that in 4 years we look back at Obama's administration and say "Thank God it's over". Like the liberals with Bush, Obama has provided so much foder for debate yet it has been completely overlooked.
1) It took Obama about a week to say anything with any kind of substance about the unrest in Iran. Let me remind you that the current regime is one that has threatened to "annihilate" Israel, denies the Holocaust ever took place, is refining nuclear fuel, finances terrorists from other countries who go into Iraq to kill our soldiers, supports and finances Hezbollah, kills their own protesters, and has kidnapped British diplomats.
2) It took Obama one day to harshly condemn the military removal of a socialist in Honduras. A man that has been linked to Chavez, Castro, and Ortega. Furthermore, the U.S. backed the OAS initiative to restore Zelaya to power.
3) Out of the 749 Billion dollars approved for the stimulus to get our country back on track (a bad idea in the first place) only about 53 Billion dollars have made it to the hands of Americans in the forms of loans, etc. By the way, rumors are that the Obama administration has started to talk about a second stimulus... seriously?
4) The Democratic House just passed an estimated 2 Trillion dollar Energy tax in the form of a Cap and Trade initiative. Did you know about this? If you do I bet the only thing you know is that Obama came out and said this will make our country more green and create jobs. What that means to you and me? If you live in Florida and you own a home, chances are your electric bill will go up about 25% by 2012. That's just Florida's electric; you have to include Gasoline, Coal, Heating Oil, and any other "dirty" energy that will be taxed. Let's hope the Senate has more sense.
5) A 4th of July "Tea Party" protest was planned in Atlanta to draw light to the heavy taxation of Americans. All of the permits were pulled and everything was approved. About 1 week ago the organizers got a notice from the property managers that they did not allow any political demonstrations on their property. It turns out the mall is owned by Simon whom happens to be one of the largest contributors to the Obama campaign.
Remember my friends that only 1 in 8 mainstream media is conservative. While I am not advocating radical conservatism by any means I do believe that it should be at least balanced. One of my soldier friends made a point on his Facebook status. Why is Michael Jackson's death (while culturally important) the headline for 5 days when there is so many more important things going on in the world?
1) It took Obama about a week to say anything with any kind of substance about the unrest in Iran. Let me remind you that the current regime is one that has threatened to "annihilate" Israel, denies the Holocaust ever took place, is refining nuclear fuel, finances terrorists from other countries who go into Iraq to kill our soldiers, supports and finances Hezbollah, kills their own protesters, and has kidnapped British diplomats.
2) It took Obama one day to harshly condemn the military removal of a socialist in Honduras. A man that has been linked to Chavez, Castro, and Ortega. Furthermore, the U.S. backed the OAS initiative to restore Zelaya to power.
3) Out of the 749 Billion dollars approved for the stimulus to get our country back on track (a bad idea in the first place) only about 53 Billion dollars have made it to the hands of Americans in the forms of loans, etc. By the way, rumors are that the Obama administration has started to talk about a second stimulus... seriously?
4) The Democratic House just passed an estimated 2 Trillion dollar Energy tax in the form of a Cap and Trade initiative. Did you know about this? If you do I bet the only thing you know is that Obama came out and said this will make our country more green and create jobs. What that means to you and me? If you live in Florida and you own a home, chances are your electric bill will go up about 25% by 2012. That's just Florida's electric; you have to include Gasoline, Coal, Heating Oil, and any other "dirty" energy that will be taxed. Let's hope the Senate has more sense.
5) A 4th of July "Tea Party" protest was planned in Atlanta to draw light to the heavy taxation of Americans. All of the permits were pulled and everything was approved. About 1 week ago the organizers got a notice from the property managers that they did not allow any political demonstrations on their property. It turns out the mall is owned by Simon whom happens to be one of the largest contributors to the Obama campaign.
Remember my friends that only 1 in 8 mainstream media is conservative. While I am not advocating radical conservatism by any means I do believe that it should be at least balanced. One of my soldier friends made a point on his Facebook status. Why is Michael Jackson's death (while culturally important) the headline for 5 days when there is so many more important things going on in the world?
07 June 2009
Yes Man - Enjoying life
I recently watched the Jim Carrey movie "Yes Man" and it was an awakening experience. The movie, while exaggerated, hit on a point that is true in most circumstances. The point is that positive energy attracts positive energy.
While almost everything in my life has been going well, one thing has not and that is my dating life. It is very true that the majority of women I date I'm better off not dating but even the coldest person gets lonely every once in a while.
I recently went out with a beautiful and intelligent girl named "Yusmila". I met this girl in class and from the moment I saw her felt something was special about her. The last day of class I finally had the courage to ask her number and she gave it to me. Within two weeks Yusmila and I went on our first date.
The night was beautiful so I took her to a restaurant in Key Biscayne with an outstanding view of Miami. The date went well or so I thought. It turns out, and she was right, that I was very aggressive. Not in a bad way but just overly enthusiastic about being on a date with her. There is no doubt this is true. This woman is amazing in my opinion and I was glad to have a chance to date her. The next day I felt something was wierd and reacted in my usually cold fashion. Unfortunately Yusmila was not a girl that was going to tolerate that. After that day the responses were cold from her and sparse when they used to be warm and constant. I must admit I felt horrible. I was reeling from the experience and was just incredibly irritable. I was fed up with everything and I was on a short fuse for some time.
This is when I decided to get out of town and visit my best friend Mike in Jacksonville. I really wanted to get away from everything that was Miami, namely I wanted to be able to avoid Yusmila on my own terms, not her blowing me off. It is on this trip, on the first day, that I watched the movie "Yes Man". The movie reminded me about the impact of a positive attitude. Something that had gotten lost since my recovery from Leukemia just 7 years earlier. I was saying "No" to hanging out with friends when I really had nothing better to do. I was missing out on life. I was missing out on the very thing that I told myself I would take full advantage of if I got a second chance.
That trip was amazing. I only complained or bickered once on the entire trip and that was because I was extremely tired. When I got back to Miami I have been a different person at work, at the gym, and in my social life. I have said "Yes" within reason to everything my friends have suggested. I have been more nice to everyone and even let things go when before I would have argued.
It's amazing but the simple trip to Jacksonville reinvigorated me. It made me realize that I have amazing friends that really care for me; friends that I was putting off. I have an amazing family that stays with me and puts up with even my worst moods. And most importantly it made me realize that I do need to give people a chance and just go with the flow in dating.
So something was special about Yusmila. Yusmila helped me realize that no matter how amazing a woman is, I am amazing too. That is evident everyday around me, it is something I had forgotten and most importantly something that I had forgotten to thank those people around me for. The people that really do care for my company no matter how affectionate or grumpy I am.
While almost everything in my life has been going well, one thing has not and that is my dating life. It is very true that the majority of women I date I'm better off not dating but even the coldest person gets lonely every once in a while.
I recently went out with a beautiful and intelligent girl named "Yusmila". I met this girl in class and from the moment I saw her felt something was special about her. The last day of class I finally had the courage to ask her number and she gave it to me. Within two weeks Yusmila and I went on our first date.
The night was beautiful so I took her to a restaurant in Key Biscayne with an outstanding view of Miami. The date went well or so I thought. It turns out, and she was right, that I was very aggressive. Not in a bad way but just overly enthusiastic about being on a date with her. There is no doubt this is true. This woman is amazing in my opinion and I was glad to have a chance to date her. The next day I felt something was wierd and reacted in my usually cold fashion. Unfortunately Yusmila was not a girl that was going to tolerate that. After that day the responses were cold from her and sparse when they used to be warm and constant. I must admit I felt horrible. I was reeling from the experience and was just incredibly irritable. I was fed up with everything and I was on a short fuse for some time.
This is when I decided to get out of town and visit my best friend Mike in Jacksonville. I really wanted to get away from everything that was Miami, namely I wanted to be able to avoid Yusmila on my own terms, not her blowing me off. It is on this trip, on the first day, that I watched the movie "Yes Man". The movie reminded me about the impact of a positive attitude. Something that had gotten lost since my recovery from Leukemia just 7 years earlier. I was saying "No" to hanging out with friends when I really had nothing better to do. I was missing out on life. I was missing out on the very thing that I told myself I would take full advantage of if I got a second chance.
That trip was amazing. I only complained or bickered once on the entire trip and that was because I was extremely tired. When I got back to Miami I have been a different person at work, at the gym, and in my social life. I have said "Yes" within reason to everything my friends have suggested. I have been more nice to everyone and even let things go when before I would have argued.
It's amazing but the simple trip to Jacksonville reinvigorated me. It made me realize that I have amazing friends that really care for me; friends that I was putting off. I have an amazing family that stays with me and puts up with even my worst moods. And most importantly it made me realize that I do need to give people a chance and just go with the flow in dating.
So something was special about Yusmila. Yusmila helped me realize that no matter how amazing a woman is, I am amazing too. That is evident everyday around me, it is something I had forgotten and most importantly something that I had forgotten to thank those people around me for. The people that really do care for my company no matter how affectionate or grumpy I am.
04 June 2009
North Korea vs. Somali Pirates
Can anyone understand why so much media praise was given to the Obama administration for the Somali pirate incident in April, yet the escalation of tensions with North Korea seem to be just a sidenote?
Does anyone realize that the Somali pirates are just loosely organized thugs and North Korea is a semi-nuclear power launching long range missiles capable of hitting Alaska? No one sees a difference between the two? Seriously
Does anyone realize that the Somali pirates are just loosely organized thugs and North Korea is a semi-nuclear power launching long range missiles capable of hitting Alaska? No one sees a difference between the two? Seriously
02 June 2009
Father Alberto Cutie
For those of you not familiar with this story I will start with a brief summary. Father Cutie was a popular Catholic priest in Miami. His following extended throughout Miami and into Latin America. He is apparently a charismatic orator and is considered by most women to be attractive. Although I find the Father to be a rather average looking man there is something to be said about his leadership abilities. Recently Father Cutie was caught fondling and kissing a woman on the beach. A scandal broke out in Miami, national news, Catholic Diocese and possibly some of the world.
As with most things in Miami if there is a scandal it is the topic of every conversation. Last night I had the pleasure of hearing one of my friends, Maria, give me her point of view on Father Cutie. Like myself she believes that while Father Cutie clearly violated his vows as a priest and he should rightfully be punished, the vow of celibacy is outdated and should be changed. There are many religions that anyone can easily name where pastors are allowed to marry, have kids, and experience all of the blessings God can offer. In my opinion, these experiences can only enhance the outlook a priest/pastor has on everyday life. If you think about it a priest can only relate to the life of a single man. A single man living at his parent's house who has the whole community paying his bills. How often does that happen? and if it does, what are the majority of cases a priest sees?
I believe that the vow of celibacy a Catholic priest takes should be revisited. I believe it would only help the Catholic Church's recruitment and perception amongst average people if they allowed priests to date and marry. It might even help remove some of the pedophile stigma that has become synonymous with the Catholic Church. The world is changing and an ever increasing pace and the Church needs to realize that if they are to survive they need to stop resisting change and adapt, just like any corporation. It's funny to me that most people still don't realize that that is all organized religion is, a business.
Father Cutie has since left the Catholic Church, joined the Episcopalian Church, and is now looking to marry his girlfriend. Which would you prefer leading your congregation, counseling you, and spending time with your children? A married man or a pedophile?
As with most things in Miami if there is a scandal it is the topic of every conversation. Last night I had the pleasure of hearing one of my friends, Maria, give me her point of view on Father Cutie. Like myself she believes that while Father Cutie clearly violated his vows as a priest and he should rightfully be punished, the vow of celibacy is outdated and should be changed. There are many religions that anyone can easily name where pastors are allowed to marry, have kids, and experience all of the blessings God can offer. In my opinion, these experiences can only enhance the outlook a priest/pastor has on everyday life. If you think about it a priest can only relate to the life of a single man. A single man living at his parent's house who has the whole community paying his bills. How often does that happen? and if it does, what are the majority of cases a priest sees?
I believe that the vow of celibacy a Catholic priest takes should be revisited. I believe it would only help the Catholic Church's recruitment and perception amongst average people if they allowed priests to date and marry. It might even help remove some of the pedophile stigma that has become synonymous with the Catholic Church. The world is changing and an ever increasing pace and the Church needs to realize that if they are to survive they need to stop resisting change and adapt, just like any corporation. It's funny to me that most people still don't realize that that is all organized religion is, a business.
Father Cutie has since left the Catholic Church, joined the Episcopalian Church, and is now looking to marry his girlfriend. Which would you prefer leading your congregation, counseling you, and spending time with your children? A married man or a pedophile?
Introduction
This blog was created by my father and myself to express certain views and feelings that we have on issues affecting us today. I will also have the occasional rant. Most likely having to do with some dating story that has affected me recently. That is the initial purpose for which we have started this, however, I believe that as time goes on "The One Eyed King" (TOEK) will evolve into much more. That being said, let me introduce myself:
Enrique Frecci Enriquez: I am 26 years old in 2009. I have attended two Universities here in Miami. 1) University of Miami where I completed the majority of credits towards a Biology degree and 2) Florida International University where I am 9 credits from graduating with a Bachelors of Business Administration. My political views are typically center-right. I can usually argue well for both sides as I see validity and hypocrisy in everything that is politics, right or left wing. You will find out more about me as time progresses I'm sure. I will leave my father's introduction to him if he so chooses to make one.
Enrique Frecci Enriquez: I am 26 years old in 2009. I have attended two Universities here in Miami. 1) University of Miami where I completed the majority of credits towards a Biology degree and 2) Florida International University where I am 9 credits from graduating with a Bachelors of Business Administration. My political views are typically center-right. I can usually argue well for both sides as I see validity and hypocrisy in everything that is politics, right or left wing. You will find out more about me as time progresses I'm sure. I will leave my father's introduction to him if he so chooses to make one.
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