Concerned about the government slowly eroding the rights of individual citizens? You should be. If you want proof, look no further than Los Angeles who just approved a one-year moratorium on fast food restaurants. Don't be confused by what action the LA City Counsel took here. They are attempting to regulate the behavior of their citizens. They don't want you to eat fast food because it is bad for you. This is the mommy state they are trying to build. And people should be concerned.
Yes, the government should protect citizens. But not by infringing on the rights of citizens to make choices. If someone chooses to eat fast food over healthy alternatives, that is their choice. Is someone chooses to smoke cigarettes, than that is their choice. To attempt to regulate human behavior by creating new codes that punish people for making legal choices is asinine.
I'll be anxious to see if this one-year ban actually sticks. I would definitely fight it if I lived in Los Angeles simply on the basis that if they can regulate something like this, who knows what they will go after next. It's not a good precedent. Let's see what other city tries to follow suit.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Brickyard 400
I'm a casual NASCAR fan. I keep track of who's winning, who's losing, who's dumping their team to go elsewhere. And I generally catch a majority of the races during the season. I don't revolve my schedule around NASCAR races like I once my have...but I try to keep track and definitely catch the big races like Daytona, Charlotte, Bristol. The good ones. And, despite the lack of good racing, I always try to catch the Brickyard 400 because it's at Indianapolis and it's a big race.
Well, imagine my disappointment yesterday when I wasted a better part of my Sunday afternoon watching one of the biggest NASCAR debacles I have ever seen. In case you missed it, NASCAR had to throw a caution every 10 laps because the tire Goodyear brought to Daytona kept falling apart. If you ran more than 11-12 laps on the tire, you were going to tear up the racecar. I couldn't believe what I was watching and I can only imagine the disappointment of the 250,000 fans who paid to watch one of NASCAR's premiere events.
Goodyear obviously brought a poor tire to Indy but the blame must fall on NASCAR who did not require mandatory testing at Indianapolis. The new COT has eaten tires at just about every track and to think it would be different at Indy is asinine. I don't think there's much NASCAR could do every the race started but there was plenty that could have happened before it began.
Oh well...I guess that's how things go sometimes. It was an embarassment for NASCAR and I'm sure they won't let it happen again. Given the choice, it was better to throw the cautions every 10 laps instead of letting everyone wreck trying to stretch it a whopping 11 laps. But I'm not sure there were any winners at Indy yesterday other than Jimmy Johnson. I know NASCAR and Goodyear definitely lost. As did the fans.
Well, imagine my disappointment yesterday when I wasted a better part of my Sunday afternoon watching one of the biggest NASCAR debacles I have ever seen. In case you missed it, NASCAR had to throw a caution every 10 laps because the tire Goodyear brought to Daytona kept falling apart. If you ran more than 11-12 laps on the tire, you were going to tear up the racecar. I couldn't believe what I was watching and I can only imagine the disappointment of the 250,000 fans who paid to watch one of NASCAR's premiere events.
Goodyear obviously brought a poor tire to Indy but the blame must fall on NASCAR who did not require mandatory testing at Indianapolis. The new COT has eaten tires at just about every track and to think it would be different at Indy is asinine. I don't think there's much NASCAR could do every the race started but there was plenty that could have happened before it began.
Oh well...I guess that's how things go sometimes. It was an embarassment for NASCAR and I'm sure they won't let it happen again. Given the choice, it was better to throw the cautions every 10 laps instead of letting everyone wreck trying to stretch it a whopping 11 laps. But I'm not sure there were any winners at Indy yesterday other than Jimmy Johnson. I know NASCAR and Goodyear definitely lost. As did the fans.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
RIP Sophia Pitrillo
Estelle Getty passed away on Wednesday, July 22nd. Getty is best known for playing Sophia Pitrillo on the Golden Girls. I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a risk by admitting fully that I watched the Golden Girls. I watched it when they were on the air originally and I watched the reruns over and over again on Lifetime. And I enjoyed the Golden Girls.
The show was very funny and very well-written. And, by today's standards, very clean. Sure, there was some promiscuity by Blanche, played by Rue McClanahan, but that's about as bad as it got. The show won numerous awards over the years, including 11 Emmys in their 7 seasons. Not too shabby. It was a heckuva show really. And I just found out that Getty was actually younger than Bea Arthur. That's pretty amazing.
Anyway, Getty was also in Tootsie and Mannequin and she unfortunately co-starred with Sylvester Stallone in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. Bad, bad movie. Thankfully, Getty will always be remembered as Sophia Pitrollo and not for playing Sylvester's mother. So, I leave you with a Golden Girls clip:
The show was very funny and very well-written. And, by today's standards, very clean. Sure, there was some promiscuity by Blanche, played by Rue McClanahan, but that's about as bad as it got. The show won numerous awards over the years, including 11 Emmys in their 7 seasons. Not too shabby. It was a heckuva show really. And I just found out that Getty was actually younger than Bea Arthur. That's pretty amazing.
Anyway, Getty was also in Tootsie and Mannequin and she unfortunately co-starred with Sylvester Stallone in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. Bad, bad movie. Thankfully, Getty will always be remembered as Sophia Pitrollo and not for playing Sylvester's mother. So, I leave you with a Golden Girls clip:
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Al Gore Should Love Me
As I was leaving my home this morning I turned my thermostat up to like 78-degrees. And it occurred to me that environmentalists everywhere should be singing my praises. My thermostat rarely goes below 74-75 in the summer and rarely above 67-68 in the winter. When I'm not home, I set it to 78 or so in the summer and 65 or so in the winter. I'm making an effort. Of course saving a little money is a good motivator too.
In addition to that, I also save some gas by carpooling a bit to work. It's only one other person but that's one less vehicle on the road. One less car waiting gas. Isn't that the goal for environmentalists? I don't litter. I don't really pollute too much. I'm sure my "carbon footprint" is far less than that of Al Gore.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not an "environmentalist" or anything but I'm not against conserving or protecting the environment either. Honestly, who can be against the environment? Who hates trees or clean air? No one, that's who. But the likes of Al Gore try to vilify anyone who doesn't believe in extreme forms of conservation. It is no enough to just turn up the thermostat or save a little gas. You must turn off the air and walk or ride a bike. That is not realistic and is why so many people have a negative view of the green movement.
Honestly, everytime I hear Al Gore on one his rants, I feel like cranking the air down to 55 and letting my car idle in the parking lot. Instead of encouraging minor changes to make differences, the fringe of the green movement call for unncessary, wholesale changes that would greatly effect everyone's everyday lives. And expect us to make these sacrifices without making them themselves. And this pits people who do care about the environment against those who look at environmentalist as their sole concern in life.
It's a shame really because there is so much misinformation being thrown about by the likes of Al Gore. And it's a shame that he must try to guilt people into making changes that turn them completely against his cause. Everyone can make a difference but as long as environmentalist continue to act in the manner they are, most will continue to tune them out.
In addition to that, I also save some gas by carpooling a bit to work. It's only one other person but that's one less vehicle on the road. One less car waiting gas. Isn't that the goal for environmentalists? I don't litter. I don't really pollute too much. I'm sure my "carbon footprint" is far less than that of Al Gore.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not an "environmentalist" or anything but I'm not against conserving or protecting the environment either. Honestly, who can be against the environment? Who hates trees or clean air? No one, that's who. But the likes of Al Gore try to vilify anyone who doesn't believe in extreme forms of conservation. It is no enough to just turn up the thermostat or save a little gas. You must turn off the air and walk or ride a bike. That is not realistic and is why so many people have a negative view of the green movement.
Honestly, everytime I hear Al Gore on one his rants, I feel like cranking the air down to 55 and letting my car idle in the parking lot. Instead of encouraging minor changes to make differences, the fringe of the green movement call for unncessary, wholesale changes that would greatly effect everyone's everyday lives. And expect us to make these sacrifices without making them themselves. And this pits people who do care about the environment against those who look at environmentalist as their sole concern in life.
It's a shame really because there is so much misinformation being thrown about by the likes of Al Gore. And it's a shame that he must try to guilt people into making changes that turn them completely against his cause. Everyone can make a difference but as long as environmentalist continue to act in the manner they are, most will continue to tune them out.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Random Stuff
- I really, really wanted Greg Norman to win the British Open. If you didn't watch any of the Open, you missed what appeared to be the most miserable golf tournament ever. In the past I've heard people complain about the conditions at the US Open but at least the wind isn't blowing 35+ MPH and it's 50-degrees. Of course, what can you do about weather?
- I watched the ESPY's last night. Could a network possibly suck up to one player more than they did to Brett Favre last night? Of coures, David Beckham wasn't far off either. Victoria Beckham looked miserable. As did I.
- Went and saw The Dark Knight over the weekend and it was actually good. The 2 1/2 hours went by relatively quickly which is very surprising considering I'm a clock watcher. I would actually recommend going to see the movie.
- Is Barack Obama the president? Really? Oh, I would he was already judging by the amount of press coverage he gets.
I think that's about it for the moment. Thought I should update and don't have enough material for an entire article. I guess I could make fun of Brett Favre some more but he's just making it too darn easy.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Oil Prices Even Out
A drop in oil prices is a big concern to many around the world this morning. Three consecutive days of sharp drops were only slightly negated by a rebound this morning, which was caused by some issues in Nigeria. With demand dropping, oil prices could easily collapse. And some countries are relying solely upon the high oil prices and the Americans who buy it to support their whole economy.
If oil prices don't rebound next week, I would expect to hear talk about production cutbacks. The simple fact is that many of these countries can't afford oil to cheapen. If there's even the slightest hint that they may be oversaturating the market, they will pullback immediately. Essentially what this means is that $3.50 - $4.00 gas is here to stay unless the United States completely revamps their energy policy. Which has turned more into a political issue than an actual problem that anyone wants to solve.
Of course if you listen to the rhetoric of the blowhard Al Gore, you would see that there is no compromise possible and the only energy policy the US can pursue is one in which everyone suffers. Suggesting we have a mere 10 years to come up with a carbon-free energy policy is ridiculous. But I would expect nothing less from Gore who claimed 3 years ago that the world only had 10 years left...but now he has 10 years to come up with a new energy policy. Yep, it's a shame we didn't elect that guy...
If oil prices don't rebound next week, I would expect to hear talk about production cutbacks. The simple fact is that many of these countries can't afford oil to cheapen. If there's even the slightest hint that they may be oversaturating the market, they will pullback immediately. Essentially what this means is that $3.50 - $4.00 gas is here to stay unless the United States completely revamps their energy policy. Which has turned more into a political issue than an actual problem that anyone wants to solve.
Of course if you listen to the rhetoric of the blowhard Al Gore, you would see that there is no compromise possible and the only energy policy the US can pursue is one in which everyone suffers. Suggesting we have a mere 10 years to come up with a carbon-free energy policy is ridiculous. But I would expect nothing less from Gore who claimed 3 years ago that the world only had 10 years left...but now he has 10 years to come up with a new energy policy. Yep, it's a shame we didn't elect that guy...
Monday, July 14, 2008
American Government - Provider to All
With the weekend announcement that the US Government is going to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the United States took a huge leap towards a full-blown socialist society. For two centuries this country stood on the belief of free enterprise with a government that only stepped in to assist in the most dire of situations. Now the government has become the prime lender for millions of Americans who are relying on the government to pay their home loans and prop up the banks that made them.
The question is whether we can ever get back to where we were? The government used to make loans available at decent rates and expected the money to be repaid. Now it makes sure loans are available to middle class Americans for housing and education and supports the banks that make risky or bad loans. And this all falls on the backs of the American taxpayers.
For those that have missed it, the federal government is not only buying out the housing market fiasco but President Bush agreed in May to buy federally guaranteed student loans so banks would have more capital to continue lending. Why did the Bush Administration agree to puchase the loans? Because banks that made the loans were having problems selling the investments linked to those loans and, therefore, would be unable to make the next set of loans.
I'm not saying the government should stand by and watch the economy collapse but expanding government to prop up failing entities is not a solution that I like to see. For generations, the US has preached to the world the word of Capitalism. In Japan, Americans called for an end to their willingness to save failing banks and let the companies fail. Now when faced with the same problems, the American government won't allow these companies to fail.
Perhaps Fannie and Freddie are to big to allow to collapse. Perhaps if they fall, so does the American economy. But this is a mess that has been created by too much government meddling in hopes to increase home ownership and educational opportunities. Those opportunities can exist without government intervention but it wouldn't have been as easy. Well, let me ask now, how easy was it really?
The question is whether we can ever get back to where we were? The government used to make loans available at decent rates and expected the money to be repaid. Now it makes sure loans are available to middle class Americans for housing and education and supports the banks that make risky or bad loans. And this all falls on the backs of the American taxpayers.
For those that have missed it, the federal government is not only buying out the housing market fiasco but President Bush agreed in May to buy federally guaranteed student loans so banks would have more capital to continue lending. Why did the Bush Administration agree to puchase the loans? Because banks that made the loans were having problems selling the investments linked to those loans and, therefore, would be unable to make the next set of loans.
I'm not saying the government should stand by and watch the economy collapse but expanding government to prop up failing entities is not a solution that I like to see. For generations, the US has preached to the world the word of Capitalism. In Japan, Americans called for an end to their willingness to save failing banks and let the companies fail. Now when faced with the same problems, the American government won't allow these companies to fail.
Perhaps Fannie and Freddie are to big to allow to collapse. Perhaps if they fall, so does the American economy. But this is a mess that has been created by too much government meddling in hopes to increase home ownership and educational opportunities. Those opportunities can exist without government intervention but it wouldn't have been as easy. Well, let me ask now, how easy was it really?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Joe Cocker/Steve Miller Band
Headed up to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Saturday to see Joe Cocker and the Steve Miller Band perform. Wasn't exactly sure what to expect considering both performers are 64-years old and Joe Cocker hasn't had a hit since 1989 with "When the Night Comes" and Steve Miller's last hit was "Abracadabra" in 1982. Let me just say they certainly didn't disapoint though...
Joe Cocker played fora solid 70-minutes and sounded really good. His body contortions are nearly as dramatic as they were 30-years ago but he still makes some interesting gestures while he sings. And he ends nearly every song with a jump...which was interesting. The crowd went crazy when he did the grunt? in the middle of "With a Little Help From My Friends," which was the last song of his set. He came out and did a couple encore numbers. The band was pretty good and his backup singers/dancers were definitely up to par. He also had a very good saxophone player. It was a great show and I wasn't sure Steve Miller would be able to live up to it...
Steve Miller Band took the stage with "Swingtown," which was the theme for their entire set. They played all the classics Steve Miller songs like you would expect but they threw in three blues numbers, which were pretty awesome. The band just added Sonny Charles, formerly of the Checkmates, Ltd., who sang the blues songs, which included a Bo Diddley number. When Charles wasn't singing, he was an amazing dancer...
Steve Miller can still tear up a guitar, switching several times throughout the concert. The whole group sounded pretty awesome and they played for about 2-hours. They saved the best for the end when they played a 4-song encore set that included "Take the Money and Run" and "Jungle Love."
Overall, I thought it was pretty darn good. I think that was pretty much the concensus of all the people around us too. Steve Miller is putting the finishing touches on his blues album and hopes to have it released by the end of the year. Judging from what I heard on the stage, it might be worth a listen if you like that kind of thing. If not, you can still listen to the classic Miller and Cocker and enjoy it because it's still better than 98% of everything being released today. No doubt.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thank You, Brett Favre
I couldn't script it any better for myself. A few months after Favre "retires," he asks for his unconditional release from the Packers so he can play football again. I said that I didn't believe his retirement back when it was first announced and Favre proves me right. And, in the process, holds the Packer organization hostage again. Oh, Princess Favre, welcome back!!!
Of course, Favre is counting on the Green Bay fans to pressure the organization into...releasing him? Nah, he wants the fans to create an uproar so the Packers will bring him back as the starter. But the Packers organization has finally stood up to the Princess and invited him back...as a backup quarterback. Let me be the first to say "LOL." The likelihood of Brett Favre agreeing to be the backup is about as likely as me being the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh next year. Possible...but not likely.
I can't wait to see how all this story plays out. This has to be the first time anyone in Green Bay has ever told Favre "no." I'm sure in his mind he already has been released and he's looking forward to starting with Tampa Bay or some other team next year. But I believe the Packers may actually stick to their guns on this one and force Favre's hand. Maybe Favre won't be playing next year after all...the funny thing is that it won't have been his choice at this point. Favre and Barry Bonds...forced retirement! (Let the hatemail begin...)
Of course, Favre is counting on the Green Bay fans to pressure the organization into...releasing him? Nah, he wants the fans to create an uproar so the Packers will bring him back as the starter. But the Packers organization has finally stood up to the Princess and invited him back...as a backup quarterback. Let me be the first to say "LOL." The likelihood of Brett Favre agreeing to be the backup is about as likely as me being the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh next year. Possible...but not likely.
I can't wait to see how all this story plays out. This has to be the first time anyone in Green Bay has ever told Favre "no." I'm sure in his mind he already has been released and he's looking forward to starting with Tampa Bay or some other team next year. But I believe the Packers may actually stick to their guns on this one and force Favre's hand. Maybe Favre won't be playing next year after all...the funny thing is that it won't have been his choice at this point. Favre and Barry Bonds...forced retirement! (Let the hatemail begin...)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Be Careful Taking Days Off
Oh, poor Tim. Tim decided that he would like a couple days off work and left on Thursday for a short vacation. Of course this gave us just enough time to come up with a little office prank for Tim to come back to on Monday. After a little deliberation, we figured we needed to destroy some backup tapes anyway...what better place than Tim's office...
So, we setup a fan and attached the tape reels to the front of the fans. And, well, those fans certainly knew how to take care of a tape reel...
Looks innocent enough really. How much could 15-20 tapes really do? It would be funny to have everything covered in tape, right? Well, here's the end result...starting with opening the door like Tim will have to do on Monday...
I know I'm going to try my hardest to beat Tim into the office on Monday because I definitely want to see his reaction. I just hope he doesn't quit...that would be bad...
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Rod Drops the Rope...Again
Much like being the coach at WVU, Rich Rodriguez ran when the going got tough in his $4 million dollar dispute with WVU. The university was uncovering more and more evidence that Rodriguez knew he would be required to pay the $4 million and that the University of Michigan was also aware of the buyout. And there was no disputing that Rodriguez knowingly signed the contract that he knew contained the buyout clause.
The argument that Rodriguez and Garrison reached some type of verbal agreement to lower or eliminate the buyout was lame. I'm not saying it isn't true that there was some type of conversation but for Rodriguez to believe a casual conversation with the President-to-be would void an contract is ignorant at best if not a complete fabrication.
The simple fact is that Rodriguez, his wife and his agent were all aware that the buyout was in place and the University of Michigan knew WVU would want to collect the money. UM and Rodriguez were hoping WVU would settle for less money like they did with John Beilein but the university would not back down after being stabbed in the back by Rodriguez.
This morning the Eric & Kevin Show said WVU should stipulate that Rodriguez must personally present the money to the university on one of those big checks like lottery winners get. I really, really like that idea. Seeing Rodriguez personally hand over the money would go a great way to helping Mountaineer fans finally move on from this whole fiasco. And while they might move on, don't expec them to ever forgive or forget. Even is Rodriguez does present a big check.
The argument that Rodriguez and Garrison reached some type of verbal agreement to lower or eliminate the buyout was lame. I'm not saying it isn't true that there was some type of conversation but for Rodriguez to believe a casual conversation with the President-to-be would void an contract is ignorant at best if not a complete fabrication.
The simple fact is that Rodriguez, his wife and his agent were all aware that the buyout was in place and the University of Michigan knew WVU would want to collect the money. UM and Rodriguez were hoping WVU would settle for less money like they did with John Beilein but the university would not back down after being stabbed in the back by Rodriguez.
This morning the Eric & Kevin Show said WVU should stipulate that Rodriguez must personally present the money to the university on one of those big checks like lottery winners get. I really, really like that idea. Seeing Rodriguez personally hand over the money would go a great way to helping Mountaineer fans finally move on from this whole fiasco. And while they might move on, don't expec them to ever forgive or forget. Even is Rodriguez does present a big check.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
None of the Above?
I'm having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that I have to cast a vote for Barack Obama or John McCain for President. Out of the 300 million residents in this country (some of which are actually legal citizens), are these two really the best to lead this country? Out of all the people who would like to be president, these are the two we are going to have to choose between?
First, you have Barack Obama. This guy is the blank slate. He won't really take a stand on any issue but he's credited with the greatest ideas ever. He supposedly gives us "change we can believe in" while playing typical politics. Obama attacked the Clintons while claiming to be above the political fray. And it's become very obvious that the media isn't going to hold him to task for his political maneuvering. Obama allegedly stands for change. The only change I can see him making is to the tax code, and increasing taxes on everyone and growing the government. That's not change I want to see. But when he never gives details, what are you going to do?
On the other side you have John McCain, who has a spotty record at best. McCain is also a politics-as-usual kinda guy, despite his "straight talk." McCain has often followed the lead of the media when it comes to his position, which is what made him popular when he ran against Bush. The "finger in the air" approach isn't necessarily what I want from the next president. He's vowed to make tax cuts permanent but if the public turns, he may turn with them. On a positive note for McCain, he has at least unveiled from policy initiatives. But, going against a blank canvas like Obama, that may be a mistake.
Neither of these candidates inspire a lot of confidence in me which is why I have been pretty much avoiding politics over the past month. But the conventions are approaching rapidly and I'm slowly acquiescing to the fact that these are the choices. I'm not necessarily happy about it but there's not much more I can do about it at this point. Let the fun begin.
First, you have Barack Obama. This guy is the blank slate. He won't really take a stand on any issue but he's credited with the greatest ideas ever. He supposedly gives us "change we can believe in" while playing typical politics. Obama attacked the Clintons while claiming to be above the political fray. And it's become very obvious that the media isn't going to hold him to task for his political maneuvering. Obama allegedly stands for change. The only change I can see him making is to the tax code, and increasing taxes on everyone and growing the government. That's not change I want to see. But when he never gives details, what are you going to do?
On the other side you have John McCain, who has a spotty record at best. McCain is also a politics-as-usual kinda guy, despite his "straight talk." McCain has often followed the lead of the media when it comes to his position, which is what made him popular when he ran against Bush. The "finger in the air" approach isn't necessarily what I want from the next president. He's vowed to make tax cuts permanent but if the public turns, he may turn with them. On a positive note for McCain, he has at least unveiled from policy initiatives. But, going against a blank canvas like Obama, that may be a mistake.
Neither of these candidates inspire a lot of confidence in me which is why I have been pretty much avoiding politics over the past month. But the conventions are approaching rapidly and I'm slowly acquiescing to the fact that these are the choices. I'm not necessarily happy about it but there's not much more I can do about it at this point. Let the fun begin.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Arnel Pineda
If you haven't heard the new singer for Journey yet, you should give him a listen. Somewhere Steve Perry isn't very happy, I'm sure...
Friday, July 04, 2008
Fairmont's Father's Day Question
On July 5th, Central United Methodist Church will celebrate the 100th observance of the "First" Father's Day. For as long as I can remember, the City of Fairmont has declared itself the founder of Father's Day. And while you can argue that Fairmont may have celebrated the first Father's Day back in 1908, most do not credit Fairmont as the true birthplace of Father's Day but rather Spokane, Washington.
The real driving force behind the establishment of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA.
Sure, this is a full two years after Fairmont celebrated the first Father's Day but all indications appear that the Fairmont Father's Day was but a small, local gathering while the movement was actually led by Mrs. Dodd. In 2001, during his annual Father's Day Proclamation, President Bush also credited Mrs. Dodd for being the driving force behind Father's Day. Most places that discuss the history of Father's Day also credit Dodd for the creation and note that Spokane is the founding location of Father's Day.
The argument can be made that Fairmont actually celebrated the first Father's Day but if no one believes it, then what makes the difference. It's probably too late to steal the crown from Spokane at this point. Unfortunately I was unable to find Coolidge's Father's Day Proclamation that made it a holiday in 1924 but I would be anxious to see if he credits Dodd. My guess is that it is far more likely Dodd is credited than Fairmont, if any such credit is given. Locally, we can continue to give credit to Fairmont but, matter of factly, most do not see it that way.
The real driving force behind the establishment of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA.
Sure, this is a full two years after Fairmont celebrated the first Father's Day but all indications appear that the Fairmont Father's Day was but a small, local gathering while the movement was actually led by Mrs. Dodd. In 2001, during his annual Father's Day Proclamation, President Bush also credited Mrs. Dodd for being the driving force behind Father's Day. Most places that discuss the history of Father's Day also credit Dodd for the creation and note that Spokane is the founding location of Father's Day.
The argument can be made that Fairmont actually celebrated the first Father's Day but if no one believes it, then what makes the difference. It's probably too late to steal the crown from Spokane at this point. Unfortunately I was unable to find Coolidge's Father's Day Proclamation that made it a holiday in 1924 but I would be anxious to see if he credits Dodd. My guess is that it is far more likely Dodd is credited than Fairmont, if any such credit is given. Locally, we can continue to give credit to Fairmont but, matter of factly, most do not see it that way.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Inflation Hits Home
It's finally happened...real people are getting affected by inflation. Yesterday afternoon I headed up to the lounge to purchase a soda with a quarter and dime in hand only to find that my $.35 was not enough to buy a Pepsi any longer. As of yesterday afternoon, a can of pop cost a quarter, a dime and a nickle. I was forced to put my change back in my pocket and go pop-less the rest of the day (basically because I was too lazy to walk back down to my desk to grab a nickle and go back up to the lounge for a pop I really didn't need.)
But, what I'm getting at is that inflation is hitting everywhere now including the pop machine in the lounge at work. Even worse, the inflation spread to the snack vending machine. A bag of Tom's Potato Chips raised from $.35 to $.40. Same with pretzels and hot fries. A Snickers went from $.45 to $.50. Same with other candy bars and candies, like M&Ms and Milky Ways. Even harder hit were the Power Bars which raised from $.85 to $1.00. That's a whopping 17% cost increase in a matter of minutes.
Sure, we may all be crying about high gas prices but I want to know what the government is going to do about these unjustifiable increases in my snacking habits. I really think there should be some type of windfall tax against the vending people. It's ridiculous to think I'm paying $.40 for a can of pop when the vending companies are raking in billions every year while sticking it to the consumers. Or the government needs to lift the ban on new soda refineries. It is a travesty that there hasn't been a new soda manufacturing plant built in this country in over 30 years. How high must the price get before the government intervenes?
In the meantime, I suppose I will try to cut back on my soda. Maybe drink a little slower to try to get it to last longer throughout the day. I would prefer everyone else cut back though so I can continue to drink as much as I want. I suppose I'll adjust somehow...but if prices get too much higher, I'll really get mad and just might do something about it. Or not.
But, what I'm getting at is that inflation is hitting everywhere now including the pop machine in the lounge at work. Even worse, the inflation spread to the snack vending machine. A bag of Tom's Potato Chips raised from $.35 to $.40. Same with pretzels and hot fries. A Snickers went from $.45 to $.50. Same with other candy bars and candies, like M&Ms and Milky Ways. Even harder hit were the Power Bars which raised from $.85 to $1.00. That's a whopping 17% cost increase in a matter of minutes.
Sure, we may all be crying about high gas prices but I want to know what the government is going to do about these unjustifiable increases in my snacking habits. I really think there should be some type of windfall tax against the vending people. It's ridiculous to think I'm paying $.40 for a can of pop when the vending companies are raking in billions every year while sticking it to the consumers. Or the government needs to lift the ban on new soda refineries. It is a travesty that there hasn't been a new soda manufacturing plant built in this country in over 30 years. How high must the price get before the government intervenes?
In the meantime, I suppose I will try to cut back on my soda. Maybe drink a little slower to try to get it to last longer throughout the day. I would prefer everyone else cut back though so I can continue to drink as much as I want. I suppose I'll adjust somehow...but if prices get too much higher, I'll really get mad and just might do something about it. Or not.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Trip to Ocean City, Part 1
Not sure how many parts there are going to be...this may be the only part of the entire series. Only time can tell...
Anyway, on the trip to Ocean City we decided to stop in Frederick to eat lunch. Instead of going to a typical, run-of-the-mill location, we decided to eat at Barbara Fritchie's Fine Food. And, surprisingly, the name "Fine Food" was misrepresenting what we received...
The waitresses at Barbara's Fine Food did a fine job in doing their job. The atmosphere was interesting and it appeared clean. Unfortunately, Barbara Fritchie was unavailable to meet with us. Or anybody for that matter. For those who do not know, like myself, died on December 18, 1862. Fritchie was a friend of Francis Scott Key and was an American Patriot during the Civil War. At 95 years of age she waved the Union flag out of her window despite opposition from Stonewall Jackson's troops, who were passing through Frederick in the Maryland Campaign. This event is the subject of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem of 1864, Barbara Frietchie.
But I digress. I also met an interesting lady who happened to be from West Virginia. She told me a story about A. James Manchin being football coach at Hundred High School. As her story went, during his tenure as coach, the Ku Klux Klan decided to burn a cross in Manchin's yard. As the team returned to the school following a game they could still see the cross smoldering in his yard. Can't confirm anything but did find something that showed Manchin was a teacher at Hundred...so it might be legitimate.
Barbara Fritchie's Fine Food was so fine that we actually decided to return to Barbara's on the way home from the beach. You know that it must be good to stop twice. If you're ever in Fredrick, I suggest you look up Barbara Fritchie's. And, if you get a chance, go see her historic house. Unfortunately our time restrictions did not allow such a visit but I'm sure it would have been amazing.
I may or may not write more about the trip...but, regardless, I present to you Tina Turner:
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Top 15 Greatest Guitar Players
I present to you two distinct lists of what could be considered the greatest guitar players of all time. Please review the list and submit which is the better overall list either with comments, e-mails or whatever. Go ahead and tell your friends to vote too. Voting is open until Tuesday...which is when I will be back from a short, but much deserved, vacation:
LIST A
1-Jimi Hendrix
2-Eddie Van Halen
3-Eric Clapton
4-Stevie Ray Vaughan
5-Dimebag Darrell
6-Rhandy Rhoads
7-Joe Satriani
8-Brian May
9-Steve Vai
10-Yngwie J. Malstrom
11-John Petrucci
12-Paul Gilbert
13-Ritchie Blackmore
14-Jimmy Page
15-Slash
LIST B
1-Eric Clapton
2-Jimi Hendrix
3-B.B. King
4-Stevie Ray Vaughan
5-Jimmy Page
6-Eddie Van Halen
7-Jeff Beck
8-Brian May
9-David Gilmour
10-Pete Townsend 11-Bo Diddley
12-Ritchie Blackmore
13-Steve Vai
14-Chuck Berry
15-Duane Allman
LIST A
1-Jimi Hendrix
2-Eddie Van Halen
3-Eric Clapton
4-Stevie Ray Vaughan
5-Dimebag Darrell
6-Rhandy Rhoads
7-Joe Satriani
8-Brian May
9-Steve Vai
10-Yngwie J. Malstrom
11-John Petrucci
12-Paul Gilbert
13-Ritchie Blackmore
14-Jimmy Page
15-Slash
LIST B
1-Eric Clapton
2-Jimi Hendrix
3-B.B. King
4-Stevie Ray Vaughan
5-Jimmy Page
6-Eddie Van Halen
7-Jeff Beck
8-Brian May
9-David Gilmour
10-Pete Townsend 11-Bo Diddley
12-Ritchie Blackmore
13-Steve Vai
14-Chuck Berry
15-Duane Allman
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Horrible Commercials
Have you seen the new Charmin commercials where the little Charmin bear has a bit of an issue with the toilet tissue? Am I the only person who is slightly disgusted by the commercial showing a bear with little bits of toilet paper stuck to his rear while the parent bear attempts to remove it with whatever is available? I find it an odd marketing campaign and it's disturbed me a bit. I tried to find the YouTube video for it but, for whatever reason, it's not there.
Another series of commercials that aggravate me are the constant commercials for the Bill Engvall show on TBS. For some reason, they decided to interrupt other television shows to show commercials for the Bill Engvall show. So I could be sitting here watching Family Guy on TBS and it would pause the show and show Bill Engvall plugging his show. Even worse, they interrupted Law & Order on TNT to do the same thing. If the commercials were funny, I wouldn't mind as much...but they aren't. And I attempted to watch the stupid show and it is less funny than the commercials. Bill Engvall could quite possibly be antifunny. If you have too much funny in your life, I suggest you watch the Bill Engvall Show to rid yourself of it.
The last commercial that I'm not real fond of at the moment is the commercial for A&W food where a couple off-duty officers or whatever are sitting around and the guy at the table proclaims "At A&W I get whatever I want, even if I didn't order it." He then proceeds to steal a hamburger from his companion while saying "hahaha, rookie." It's not funny. It's dumb. If someone steals your burger, there's something wrong. How does that sell an A&W burger? I'm thinking that if I go by an A&W burger, there's a good chance someone is going to steal it. Is that what A&W wants? Dumb.
Another series of commercials that aggravate me are the constant commercials for the Bill Engvall show on TBS. For some reason, they decided to interrupt other television shows to show commercials for the Bill Engvall show. So I could be sitting here watching Family Guy on TBS and it would pause the show and show Bill Engvall plugging his show. Even worse, they interrupted Law & Order on TNT to do the same thing. If the commercials were funny, I wouldn't mind as much...but they aren't. And I attempted to watch the stupid show and it is less funny than the commercials. Bill Engvall could quite possibly be antifunny. If you have too much funny in your life, I suggest you watch the Bill Engvall Show to rid yourself of it.
The last commercial that I'm not real fond of at the moment is the commercial for A&W food where a couple off-duty officers or whatever are sitting around and the guy at the table proclaims "At A&W I get whatever I want, even if I didn't order it." He then proceeds to steal a hamburger from his companion while saying "hahaha, rookie." It's not funny. It's dumb. If someone steals your burger, there's something wrong. How does that sell an A&W burger? I'm thinking that if I go by an A&W burger, there's a good chance someone is going to steal it. Is that what A&W wants? Dumb.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Obama's Ethanol Connection
The New York Times spent some time today explaining Obama's ties to the ethanol business and his standing when it comes to importing ethanol. The article is pretty fascinating as it shows how much the National Corn Growers Association has influenced Obama's stance when it comes to deciding the future of America's energy policies. Acting as the politician who is above politics as usual, it's funny to see how Obama's policy is tilted by the corn industry, which proves Obama is a politician just like all the others. Not saying there's anything wrong with that...just making the point.
The fact that Obama supports the 54-cent tariff on ethanol imports and dismisses the government subsidies for ethanol production shows exactly how influenced he has been by the corn industry. As McCain pointed out, sugar cane ethanol is more efficient than corn ethanol and the insistence to use only corn ethanol has dramatically increased the cost of corn for consumers. And, as I have said before, ethanol is not the panacea that many claim it to be.
On one hand, Obama talks about energy independence while supporting an industry that will not lead us there. If Obama truly cared about energy independence, he would support additional drilling in the United States while encouraging the development of better, renewable energy sources. But instead Obama proves he is "politics as usual" by supporting the Corn Growers Association and the production of an inefficient alternative. He's not the first, but his image of being above the normal politics should not exist.
The fact that Obama supports the 54-cent tariff on ethanol imports and dismisses the government subsidies for ethanol production shows exactly how influenced he has been by the corn industry. As McCain pointed out, sugar cane ethanol is more efficient than corn ethanol and the insistence to use only corn ethanol has dramatically increased the cost of corn for consumers. And, as I have said before, ethanol is not the panacea that many claim it to be.
On one hand, Obama talks about energy independence while supporting an industry that will not lead us there. If Obama truly cared about energy independence, he would support additional drilling in the United States while encouraging the development of better, renewable energy sources. But instead Obama proves he is "politics as usual" by supporting the Corn Growers Association and the production of an inefficient alternative. He's not the first, but his image of being above the normal politics should not exist.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Golf Returns to Boring
Tiger Woods is going to sit out the rest of the 2008 season. So much for big golf ratings. After Tiger's amazing run to the win the US Open over Rocco Mediate, it looked like the PGA was poised for a great summer with lots of people watching to see just how many tournaments Tiger can win this year. But with the announcement he will have surgery, ratings will head back down to where they usually are for golf.
No one can pull an audience like Tiger Woods. Rocco Mediate was the "everyman" of the tournament and the underdog but you still got the impression from the crowd at Torrey Pines that they wanted to see Tiger win. Despite being the most dominant athlete in his sport, Tiger is still beloved by fans, which is unusual. Usually fans grow to despise the winners in sport, but Tiger has bucked that trend. Missing the rest of the 2008 season is a major disappointment.
In other news, Boston won the NBA championship which means I can watch the NBA next year. Do you think Michael Jordan would have ever allowed the Bulls to lose a Finals game by 39 points? I'm sick of the Kobe/MJ comparisons...there is no comparison. There will never be another Michael Jordan. On the court or off.
No one can pull an audience like Tiger Woods. Rocco Mediate was the "everyman" of the tournament and the underdog but you still got the impression from the crowd at Torrey Pines that they wanted to see Tiger win. Despite being the most dominant athlete in his sport, Tiger is still beloved by fans, which is unusual. Usually fans grow to despise the winners in sport, but Tiger has bucked that trend. Missing the rest of the 2008 season is a major disappointment.
In other news, Boston won the NBA championship which means I can watch the NBA next year. Do you think Michael Jordan would have ever allowed the Bulls to lose a Finals game by 39 points? I'm sick of the Kobe/MJ comparisons...there is no comparison. There will never be another Michael Jordan. On the court or off.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tax Everything
I was reading today about the 10% drink tax in Pittsburgh and had to laugh because the 10% tax is on top of all the other taxes a consumer pays to take a drink. Everything is taxed and retaxed and taxed again just for good measure. Buy a product, pay a sales tax. And you know the business selling the product previously paid a tax on that good. And the company that produced the good paid a tax on creating that good. And the seller and the manufacturer had to pay taxes for the employees that created the product. And the employee obviously has to pay taxes on the wages he collects for making the good. And that employee pays taxes on the mode of transportation he uses to get to the place to create the good.
Obviously tax revenue is important for many public projects but the country cannot tax itself to properity. Continuing to raise taxes on an already overtaxed population only further damages the unstable economy. Allowing consumers to keep their own money will allow the tax base to grown which will increase revenue for the country. Tax cuts work everytime they're tried but most politicians are too short-sighted to understand. And, as always, it's the consumer that suffers. Maybe they can make a tax to pay for our mental anguish.
In other news, Tiger made a remarkable comeback in the US Open and I nearly called off work today to watch the playoff but...well, I'm an idiot for not calling off work to watch the playoff. And LA won Game 5 which means that series goes back to Boston. If LA wins the championship, I will honestly never, ever watch the NBA again. Seriously.
Obviously tax revenue is important for many public projects but the country cannot tax itself to properity. Continuing to raise taxes on an already overtaxed population only further damages the unstable economy. Allowing consumers to keep their own money will allow the tax base to grown which will increase revenue for the country. Tax cuts work everytime they're tried but most politicians are too short-sighted to understand. And, as always, it's the consumer that suffers. Maybe they can make a tax to pay for our mental anguish.
In other news, Tiger made a remarkable comeback in the US Open and I nearly called off work today to watch the playoff but...well, I'm an idiot for not calling off work to watch the playoff. And LA won Game 5 which means that series goes back to Boston. If LA wins the championship, I will honestly never, ever watch the NBA again. Seriously.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A Banana and Some Water Walk Into a Bar...
The water orders an orange and turns to the banana and says "orange you glad I didn't say banana..."
Yeah, that's not funny. Anyway, I had a survey the other day regarding the ripeness of a banana. The pictures I posted of that banana may not have necessarily reflected the ripeness of said banana. As a matter of fact, I may have done a little photoshopping on said banana to make it appear a little more green than it should have been. The banana may have actually been past ripeness...but, hey, whatcha gonna do? So, here's the real banana pictures:
Yes, I attempted to cheat on the banana ripeness contest here at work. Yes, I am ashamed and, yes, I admitted to attempting to cheat. It was all in good fun but Abe Vigoda would not approve...
In other news, Stanley and I had a full day water drinking contest here at the office to which I also must admit defeat as part of my retribution for the banana debacle. While I drank an impression 28 glasses (probably around 16 ounce per) of water throughout the 8.5 hour day, Stanley drank an incomparable 35 glasses. The glasses weren't completely full but the standard was pretty high. Needless to say we crushed a 5-gallon tank + over the course of the day. And I spent a measurable amount of my afternoon traveling between my desk and the nearest restroom. Thankfully Friday was a slow workday compared to almost every other day. The co-workers enjoyed the spirited contest and, well, I'm not sure I did.
So now it is Saturday and I have been called into work and am waiting for a return call for a support issue that has arisen this morning. I was rudely awakened at 8 and traveled into the office to be greeted by the Clarksburg 10K. What should be a 24-minute travel time turned into a 45-minute travel thanks to all the closed roads in downtown Clarksburg. That made me very pleased. Now I must sit here and hope someone else works on a Saturday. And I'm going to stay away from the water...and that banana, which is still laying around here somewhere...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ripe Banana?
We're trying to settle a bet at work and I need some input. Is this banana ripe or not?
Please either leave a comment with a vote or e-mail me a vote. Thanks.
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Precarious State of Oil
Gas prices have doubled in the past year. For the first time, the national average for a gallon of gas raised above $4. Oil prices spiked $11 on Friday alone. And, as always, OPEC refused to do anything to curb the meteoric rise. They're riding a wave of unparalleled revenue and know they could see a collapse as quickly as the rise has been.
If OPEC raises production, they could saturate the market which could cause a quick decline in prices. If OPEC doesn't raise production, they maintain prices where they are now which could lead to a decline in the demand for oil and lower prices. That's why Saudi Arabia is refusing to increase production and is calling for a correction in the market. They want prices to decrease slightly while maintaining levels that keep demand high.
It's a very difficult situation because prices could continue to increase out of control and put the world economic market in recession (which would eventually lower demand and damage OPEC). And if you want to know what would happen is there was a complete price collapse in the oil market, look at the US housing market.
I believe prices are somewhat artificially high. Obvious demand is high but the weak dollar is also to blame for the outrageous prices. The dollar will eventually turn, hopefully sooner than later, and the high prices will dampen the consumption a bit. It may be 2009 before we see any real relief but I just can't believe these oil prices can continue to rise. Of course I called for a collapse in prices several months ago and it still hasn't happened so I may be completely offbase. I sure hope not though because I'm not sure how much more the economy can take.
If OPEC raises production, they could saturate the market which could cause a quick decline in prices. If OPEC doesn't raise production, they maintain prices where they are now which could lead to a decline in the demand for oil and lower prices. That's why Saudi Arabia is refusing to increase production and is calling for a correction in the market. They want prices to decrease slightly while maintaining levels that keep demand high.
It's a very difficult situation because prices could continue to increase out of control and put the world economic market in recession (which would eventually lower demand and damage OPEC). And if you want to know what would happen is there was a complete price collapse in the oil market, look at the US housing market.
I believe prices are somewhat artificially high. Obvious demand is high but the weak dollar is also to blame for the outrageous prices. The dollar will eventually turn, hopefully sooner than later, and the high prices will dampen the consumption a bit. It may be 2009 before we see any real relief but I just can't believe these oil prices can continue to rise. Of course I called for a collapse in prices several months ago and it still hasn't happened so I may be completely offbase. I sure hope not though because I'm not sure how much more the economy can take.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
