Biggles Big Ideas

Great quote

2009-01-19T14:06:00.001-05:00

"There are two kinds of people, those that allow reality and experience to define and constantly modify their ideas and those who insist that their ideas define reality. The first kind make things work. The second type (be they right wing creationists, or progressive purists) stand on the sidelines wringing their hands and criticizing the doers for their "heresy," because doing anything in the real world always equals compromise, learning and change. " Frank Schaeffer http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/obamas-critics-from-the-l_b_147173.html

Poem: Ain't never done right

2009-01-19T12:30:00.001-05:00

When I look back over my life
Such a vicious tally is what I see
I ain’t never done right by nobody
That has done right by me
So much negative karma
My soul could never be free

I spent part of the night trying to fall asleep
Bad thoughts running through my head
All kicked off by one thought, one sight
Seeing my dog licking her leg until it was raw
Seeing the pink skin where she was trying to stop the itching, the pain
And after I turned off the light, listening to her licking her leg
I could only think I hadn’t done right by her

I could only think I hadn’t done right by her
I could only think I hadn’t done right by anyone or anything in my life
My thoughts expanded from around my bedroom,
The unclean house
The unfixed doors
The unmown lawn
The crumbling porch
The half – done garden path
I reviewed more of my life
I hadn’t done right by my dog
I hadn’t done right by my friends
By my parents
By my brother
By my grandparents
By the rest of my family

I haven’t done right by my job
I haven’t done right by my coworkers

I haven’t done right by my ideas
By my intelligence
By my luck in life
By those that have helped me be in a place where I could be doing great things

I have a friend that people flock to
She makes everyone feel like a better person when they are around her
And warms their hearts when they think of her
She does more for people than it would even occur for other people to do
She’s so far in the positive side
She would never think how something would be for her benefit
And that’s what makes her great

My parents
I am not sure what I can say about my parents
I know they would do anything simply to make sure we kids were happy
Regardless of how it would affect them
We have taken advantage of that at times
Although I am trying not to anymore

I am an intelligent person, I can grasp big numbers
I can’t measure what I owe them
I can’t think of how I would begin to pay them back
To reciprocate for them, for anyone, what they have done for me
To get me to where I should be great
And it is much worse to know I am not great
I think I have talent and desire
Talent and desire without drive is utterly meaningless
Much more painful than failing
A much bigger sin to count

My friends have been so good to me
Tried to lift when I tired so hard to dive
And I have let so many of them slip away
I haven’t done right by them, not by a long shot

I haven’t given back anywhere near what I have received
I am the opposite of my golden friend above
She radiates love and is strengthened by it
I simply suck
Suck love given to me and am weakened by it
By not returning stronger than I get

I ain’t never done right by those that done right by me

10/5/05 1:42:32 AM

Diatribe on my pathetic-ness

2009-01-18T19:08:00.003-05:00

Hey there world. Wanted to tell you of a not real pleasant set of realizations. I have long wanted to be rich and/or famous. I really only wanted this for one reason - I want to have sex with beautiful women. That's it, and maybe go to some nice places, mainly to have sex with beautiful women, buy a few nice things, to get beautiful women. Maybe I want to buy some nice toys, electronics and such, and watch some great sporting events and play golf in great places to, which would likely not lead to sex with beautiful women. Those would be mainly to pass the time between episodes of sex with beautiful women. Sense a pattern yet.
I have been lonely for most of my life, and I have loved the female form for all my life. I have, and I said this long before 40 year old virgin, put women on a pedestal and never thought I deserved a beautiful woman, a woman, love, companionship, anything that others find makes life worth living.
I feel like the only way I can attract a woman is being rich or famous.
People try to tell me good things about me to cheer me up, but I can only think of the shortcomings that I know exist and the failings that have made up my life.
I have thought recently that the attractiveness formula is something like - beauty + confidence + money/fame. Since I am low on the first two, I would need excessive amounts of the third.
I did once have dreams of being a great writer, since that is the only thing where I have any skills, the amount can be said to be minimal, but I used to think I had just gobs of it. But to be a writer you need both talent, which I have minimal, and ambition. I have no ambition to change. I used to wait until I was inspired to write before I would. (This led to a lot of mediocre poems to waitresses and exotic dancers. I thought of publishing a book of these, and I actually had a good title that I can't remember anymore - something like Songs of Longing or something similarly pretentious.) But I rarely sat down to develop ideas for short stories or movies. Now I just don't get inspired anymore. I don't think it is a step forward.
If I could give up my want of beautiful women, and the amount of time I spend fantasizing and watching them, I think my life would be alot less depressing and I would get a lot more done. This week alone, I have been enraptured with Carrie Keagan, Salma Hayek, my best friend and Rosario Dawson. Each of them have taken up significant amounts of my time in my thoughts in appreciation of their beauty and my dreams of being with them. Mostly pathetic. A certain amount of desire is probably allowed, much of the entertainment industry is based on this, this much though is pathetic.
So my life is an unhappy one, and the problem is that is it my fault. i got myself into financial trouble (sure, which is close to being rectified, but still important), i am the one that has trouble getting to work on time, and i am the one that has never done anything to follow or force my way to my dreams. That seems like a good point. you don't follow your dreams, you force your way into them. i think this is why i am fascinated by the creative process, and enjoy learning about it, why i watch dvd commentaries, comedy documentaries, read books like Born Standing up by Steve martin (excellent by the way).
I think I keep waiting for a massive inspiration or the perfect girl to fall into my lap. or at least my line of sight. everybody does try to tell me this won't happen, which means i have to do something, but doing something is hard, and usually doesn't pay off. Right now (as of this writing) I am watching Otis Redding perform Satisfaction - i can't get no satisfaction - no matter how i try (C Jagger/Richards) - i am not trying. i think there are to many things i have to make an effort towards, so i want to do none of them. That has got to be wrong, as it hasn't really worked yet. i wish i could accept that i am not going to be great, or rich, or in love.

Two thoughts on the right

2008-09-10T22:18:00.002-04:00

So, I was thinking about the opposition to the windfall profits tax on oil companies. For some reason I was listening to RightWingTool2 (Hannity). He was railing against it, because the caller (whose dad was a geologist for the oil companies) complained that a windfall profits tax could not be imposed on foreign companies and especially governments. I doubt that is the case, the government has the right to tax whatever hits our shores, and most of those companies probably have local subsidiaries that do the business here and repatriate. Anyway, companies that are supposed to get the $18B or whatever in tax breaks in the current law are probably taxable.
I have fundamental problems with a windfall profits tax, but I disagree that it discourages investment - if there is money to be made, it will be made, regardless of what the companies would say:

BP Alaska, which runs Prudhoe Bay, said earlier this year that it had delayed the development in the western region of the North Slope as a result of the tax. ConocoPhillips cited the same reason for scrapping a $300 million refinery project.

I don't believe either of these, if they gave away a chance to make money, they are doing a disservice to their shareholders. Also, if more refineries are brought online, the price of gas would go down - refineries are the major bottleneck here.

I would rather just cut the tax breaks, instead of the government interfering with the market (which would effectively get the government out of interfering with the market in the tax code.) For the same reason, I don't like a gas tax holiday. But I do like the tax credit to middle-income families for gas. Good plan.

That's not what I wanted to talk about. The Right is talking up Palin in standing up to the oil companies, and for returning money to the taxpayers of Alaska. As I was thinking about this, and the $3K check that each citizen of Alaska will be receiving on Friday, something I heard a while ago popped into my head. Why doesn't the GOP mention that her standing up to the oil companies and returning money to the citizens of Alaska were the same act - she instituted a windfall profits tax on the oil companies, around the same time the GOP shot it down in Congress, to increase this years' check by $1200 per person.

Over the opposition of oil companies, Republican Gov. Sarah Palin and Alaska's Legislature last year approved a major increase in taxes on the oil industry — a step that has generated stunning new wealth for the state as oil prices soared.

I don't hear that story thrown around a lot. Does that seem hypocritical?

I was really listening to the Ed Schultz show (where America comes to talk). He had Michael Isikoff on to report on the ethics investigation in Alaska...

-- inner monologue -- ooh, that's not sexist is it, to talk about the ethics investigation, I think she is a woman. Well, I am going to brave it anyway. -- end inner monologue--

Michael talked about the rapid response team sent to Alaska to help (i.e. interfere) with the investigation by the McCain campaign. I think he mentioned 15 lawyers and staffers or something like that. He also talked about this team working to muddy the waters (his words) and try to screw up the process (my words). But my question there is: who is paying for them. To send 15 people to Alaska for a few weeks has got to be pricey. Are campaign contributions allowed to be used for this? Or the public financing McCain accepted? Should someone be looking into this?

CREW FACT SHEET: PALIN ADMINISTRATION NOT SO OPEN OR TRANSPARENT AFTER ALL | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

2008-09-05T22:41:00.001-04:00

CREW FACT SHEET: PALIN ADMINISTRATION NOT SO OPEN OR TRANSPARENT AFTER ALL Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington: "The Alaska Attorney General issued an opinion on August 21, 2008 concluding that state employees have a right to privacy while using state-issued communication equipment shortly after it was revealed that Governor Palin and her staff used their state-issued blackberrys and computers for communications related to Governor Palin’s efforts to have her former brother-in-law, Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten, fired. [read Alaska AG opinion here]

This is a radical departure from Alaska’s previous position that employees have no expectation of privacy in government email. [read AK State Policy Regarding Personal Use of State Office Technologies here]"

Why does this sound familiar?

Irony

2008-09-03T21:01:00.001-04:00

To me, this is the ultimate irony, watching C-SPAN showing people dancing to different songs between speakers. This was the first song I saw, around 8:30 pm EST on Wednesday night,

Everyday people - Sly and the Family Stone

Yes, Everyday People - a great song and really fun dance song. But here are the lyrics to Everyday People:

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/sly_and_the_family_stone/everyday_people.html

Sometimes I'm right then I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my songs
A butcher, a banker, a drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I'm in
I am everyday people

There is a blue one who can't accept
The green one for living with a
black ones tryin' to be a skinny one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and scooby dooby dooby
Ooh sha sha
We gotta live together
I am no better and neither are you
We're all the same whatever we do
You love me you hate me
You know me and then
Still can't figure out the bag I'm in
I am everyday people
There is a new man
That doesn't like the short man
For being such a rich one
That will not help the poor one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on scooby dooby dooby
Ooh sha sha
We got to live together
There is a yellow one that won't
Accept the black one
That won't accept the red one
That won't accept the white one
Different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and
Scooby dooby dooby
Ooh sha sha
I am everyday people

Based on the bolded lyrics and knowledge of the times of this song, it seems to be to be railing against the estabishment and their narrow mindedness about different people and different lifestyles. Not exactly what I think of when I think of modern Republicans, especially the Evangelical base. And then there is the very first line of the song - Sometimes I'm right then I can be wrong- when was the last time Republicans admitted they were wrong?

The next few songs -
Stray Cat Strut - a song about long haired freaks out dancing and acting tough
Footloose - Theme song from a movie about what - breaking out against an oppressive religous leader so they can dance. Have you heard of Republicans fighting against Religous Orthodoxy in order to dance?

Then Carly Fiorina came on to speak - she is the poster child for Republicans. She took over HP, engineered a terrible invasion, oops, sorry, merger of Compaq, then was forced out in disgrace by the board, but not before taking millions with her.

And they have no concept of the irony.

Does Palin's daughter need to be discussed

2008-09-02T14:44:00.003-04:00

Link above

Posted by Bonnie
Bucqueroux on Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 10:59 PM Sorry, George, Bristol's
pregnancy does matterPlease remember that Mother Palin wants to impose her
religious views on matters of choice and family values on us. And, as an
advocate of abstinence education, Palin expects us to pay for programs that
express her narrow views -- yet her own family shows us how ineffective such
efforts often prove to be. I want my tax dollars used to give young girls
information on birth control. Sarah wants families to handle such matters, but
clearly she didn't do a good job of teaching her daughter how to avoid a teenage
pregnancy. Or doesn't she believe in birth control?I also think it's outrageous
that Mrs. Palin accepted the offer to become vice president knowing that this
would put her daughter into the spotlight at what must be a difficult time for
this young girl. Why didn't Sarah "just say no"?It isn't the media who thrust
Bristol into the spotlight - it was her mother. I thought conservatives believed
in putting family first?

this is the first article to get close to expressing my thoughts on the value of this story. The hypocritical nature of the conservatives and their assuredness on their own opinion regardless of facts is the real story here - how can she advocate abstenance only when it clearly doesn't work with her own grandchild as evidence.

Also, some of the comments of this article show a narrowmindedness of the conservative movement.

Let's look at it from another perspective. After all the years of taxes going to
this ill fated project how many boys and girls, men and woman are still not
using proper birth control methods? For this reason we should eliminate this
funding. Why should my tax payers dollars go for an unsuccessful program
that
Bonnie wants her taxes to be used for?

Well, how about the fact that there are less teen pregnancies and cases of STD's in situations where all concepts are taught, not just one. This is the definition of narrow minded. Another comment, which actually uses the term.

I want my tax dollars used to give young girls information on birth
control.
Great, send a donation to the government. Unfortunately, in the real
world, you are forcing me, through the tax code, to pay for something I may not
agree with; or as you articulated "to pay for her narrow views". Perhaps I
believe your view is narrow. How is this situation any different?

I think I get it now - science, with it's facts and logical thought process is so narrow minded, especially since it interferes with the thought methodology of the right - if it feels right in the gut, regardless of evidence, it must be right. Truthiness at it's best. And the worst for anyone that thinks.

White House aides not immune from subpoenas, judge says - CNN.com

2008-07-31T15:35:00.001-04:00

White House aides not immune from subpoenas, judge says - CNN.com: "But the White House position 'is without any support in case law,' Judge John D. Bates wrote in a 93-page opinion released Thursday.
He said the notion that 'Miers is absolutely immune from compelled congressional process' is 'unprecedented.'"

Wait, the White House is trying to write it's own laws? Who would have thought that. I like this attempted restrain on the power grab by the White House, but I wish it had been years earlier. Maybe there is still some justice to be found.

Tougher codes kept quake damage down - CNN.com

2008-07-30T12:20:00.000-04:00

Tougher codes kept quake damage down - CNN.com: "Tuesday's quake 'was located in an area that's been almost completely built since about 1995,' seismologist Lucy Jones told CNN. 'We had major changes in the building codes because of what we learned in Northridge. And the most modern construction is really much, much better to withstand earthquakes than earlier buildings. There weren't many older buildings nearby.'"

Huh. I wonder how hard builders and landlords fought against those tougher building codes, and how many were free market repbulicans.

State allowed criminals to provide child care, audit reveals

2008-07-22T12:03:00.001-04:00

State allowed criminals to provide child care, audit reveals

"State oversight of child care providers was so ineffective that 1,900 people who were unsuitable for giving such care, including convicted sex offenders and child abusers, were not identified and prevented from doing so, according to an audit released today. "

So let's cut taxes for the wealthy, we wouldn't want to make sure that this type of activity was adequately funded.

Oh wait, it couldn't affect any of those people who need support to help care for their children, so never mind, who cares about funding this type of program.

Just a few thoughts on Sunday

2008-07-20T15:15:00.003-04:00

Just a few thoughts on Sunday. I watched Padraig play an amazing last few holes to win his second straight Open championship. I am glad I wasn't out there playing. I had a hard enough time in some rain on a easy course yesterday.

I played yesterday in an outing benefitting Sand Castles Grief and Loss Program. This program helps children 3-18 to work through the grief of losing a parent. The event was named for someone that had passed away a few years ago and his children really benefitted from the SandCastles services. It was touching to hear the widow talk about the program and how it realy helped her children. All in all a nice event, except for my lack of decent play and the rain.

I am watching the Tigers game now, and wondering why Sheffield is still a starter on this team, although I don't think this team is going anywhere. But I have a do have a question: Why does Jimmy "Two Smokes" Leyland rest more than one starter on given days? I understand the idea of giving rest, but can we spread it around a little better? Verlander is pitching really well. Rodney seemed to do well last night.

I read two things today: new Playboy - some scary articles, and yes I am reading articles. Mickey Edwards (eight term Republican congressmen from Okla) wrote a strong article about the administration fighting to protect the government from the people - by protecting the executive branch from scrutiny by the public and not answering to Congress.

::Tigers update:: Wait, did Leyland just pull Verlander with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth with a four run lead? In a game where Verlander has a bunch of hometown fans who made the 163 mile trip? Are you kidding me? Verlander shook his head in disbelief as he walked off the mound. /::Tigers update::

He gives examples of the signing statements and ignoring Congressional subpeonas. I was not able to find a link to the Playboy forum.

The other thing I was reading was Al Gore's book - Assault on Reason - and he wrote about the same thing, the secrecy of this administration (plus the massive amount of denial of objective information - pretty good book) and how that is destroying the fabric of democracy. Leads me to this thought, the next president should do two things. Fight to re-establish transparency

::Tigers update:: Jones put the first guy on. /::Tigers update::

in our government, go extremely overboard and publish blogs in an automatic fashion instead of classifying everything. This administration made attempts to take things out of the National Archives that have been public for ever.

::Tigers update:: Inge makes a great play at third to save Jones and Leyland. If Inge does not make that stop, Millar has a double, one run at least scores, and Luke Scott has a chance to tie it up. /::Tigers update::

To quote from Chapter 4 - Convienent Untruths

"To head off complaints from our nation's governors over how much they
would receive under federal programs, the Bush administration simply stopped
printing the primary state budget report.
When mass layoffs become too embarrassing, this administration simply
stopped publishing the regular layoff report that econonomists and others have
been receiving for decades.
More than six thousand documents ... removed from governmental Web sites
... one example, a document ... giving citizens crucial information on how to
identify chemical hazards near where their families live."

This is contrary to democracy and the American concept of good government that the founding fathers envisioned. The adminstration is fighting the Freedom of Information Act in anyway they can. Transperancy needs to be a hallmark of the next administration.

My other thought is that the two candidates should come out and say they are going to rescind most of the Bush administration's signing statements, especially those that are unconstitutional. Let's bring checks and balances back to the government.

Later.

One liners on Right wing editorials.

2008-07-13T15:09:00.005-04:00

Military lesson: Willpower often wins: "There are lessons aplenty in this story for us today. One is that the kindness of American soldiers -- the candy bombers -- can be a national asset. There are many similar stories out of Iraq and Afghanistan, even if today's media, unlike the media of 1948, are not disposed to tell them."

Slight difference - in 1948, the atrocities in Vietnam had not occured, and in Iraq, they don't want us there, and keep telling us that.

America's military power works -- with little thanks

If we had not gone to unnecessary war in Iraq - we might be able to help a few others, especially in our own country - would Guardsman have been useful in New Orleans and Iowa?

Why English still matters: "But such rhetoric obscures the detail that millions of immigrants do not learn English in part because government accommodation makes it unnecessary. Drop by Little Havana sometime and ask for directions."

Isn't this more a government responding to their constituency?

(Although I do believe in immigrants learning English and assimilating. That is the story of the country (yes, excluding native peoples)).

Thoughts on baseball

2008-07-09T22:29:00.003-04:00

Still working at 10:30 pm - been at the office over 13 hours so far. I rock. Waiting for ACL to count through 3.1 million records, plenty of time to post.

Anyway, i listened to the end of the Tigers game, I think I was too harsh on Cabrera and Guillen this seaon, they won it for us tonight, still not sure if this is a playoff team yet.

I went to mlb.com to check the ChiSox score and there was a picture of Carlos Zambrano. I thought, I fear for the mound of the next Miluwalkee/Chicago series if big Z and CC go against each other. That old mound at Wrigley might not make it.

Oop, files done.

Oakland County exec, Windsor mayor back Downriver border crossing

2008-07-09T19:58:00.000-04:00

Oakland County exec, Windsor mayor back Downriver border crossing:

Ok, there are several studies that show we need another bridge, and I am sure the construction jobs would be very helpful around here. I have a few thoughts about these comments.

Critics have slammed billion-dollar plans for another bridge to Canada as
expensive and unnecessary. The proposal would force demolition of up to 414
homes in the Delray neighborhood of southwestern Detroit, one of the city's most
hardscrabble and economically ravaged corners. A bridge would uproot as many as
56 businesses that employ 920 people, according to a draft of an environmental
impact study.

If the Delray neighborhood is so "hardscrabble and economically ravaged", wouldn't it be ideal to tear down and put up a bridge? I am sure there are plenty of homes in other parts of the city that might be nicer that are foreclosed or abandoned. The same thing with the businesses, there are plenty of buildings for lease or sale. Move them to other places.

The Detroit River International Crossing, a group of U.S., Canadian,
Michigan and Ontario officials studying the bridge, claims that eventually
traffic will rise along the border and necessitate another crossing.
The group prefers the proposed site in Delray because it would be less intrusive
than an alternative plan closer to the Ambassador Bridge.
The Delray bridge, which would cost between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, would lead
to the relocation of seven churches and three historic structures, the
report said.

Maybe you could create a new neighborhood by razing some area and combining the struggling residents from a few others that have been decimated in the last 40 years, and moving these churches, historic buildings and businesses to them. If thought out, this could become a great revitalization. Is this harsh and cruel, forcing people to leave homes they have had for their entire lives? Probably, but if we can make the deal a benefit to the people, with a nicer home, more dense, safer, newer neighborhood, it should be a win for everyone.

HUD secretary announces pilot program to reduce foreclosures - Crain's Detroit Business

2008-07-09T19:32:00.002-04:00

HUD secretary announces pilot program to reduce foreclosures - Crain's Detroit Business:

The program would stop foreclosures before they happened by creating a
market in which lenders and investors could sell their nonperforming
mortgages.
Preston said HUD would facilitate this sale, transferring the mortgage
loans to joint-venture partners that specialize in foreclosure prevention. The
partners would then be responsible for servicing the loan and helping families
stay in their homes.

I like this plan, since it seems to present a free market method to solving this crisis while letting people stay in their homes. Hopefully there will be sufficient oversight to minimize abuses.

Livonia to draw line with Northville - Crain's Detroit Business

2008-06-30T08:56:00.001-04:00

Livonia to draw line with Northville - Crain's Detroit Business

This is a very interesting article about the long legal battle between Northville and Livonia regarding some property that used to be (I think) a state mental hospital, but has been shut down for years. The whole controversy points to something I have been saying for a while, that maybe we don't need the number layers of government that we have. This development company has been playing off Livonia and Northville, and you see that all the time, with the tax breaks given to companies to settle in one place over another, the differences in police and fire forces because cities are different, the differences in schools because of a boundary line. Sub-optimal decisions are made because more decisions have to be made and different organizations can be coerced into making sub-optimal decisions buy companies or people that know how to play the game. I can't say I know the answer, but the idea of regional authorities for certain things does make sense on a lot of decisions.

Here is one idea. I think we should have a moratorium on greenfield building in the state. Instead of increasing our sprawl problem, we should go back into older areas and refresh them. Then, leave more green space outside the cities unspoiled. But if one city says they are not going to let any more greenfield building be done, then developers, smartly, would move to the next city, and the first city loses on the potential growth. To the developers, a few miles one way or another doesn't matter. But if the region says, we are not going to allow greenfield building, if you want to build new homes or businesses in this area, refurbish existing areas. Then developers have to do what is right for the region if they want to do business there, and more areas are refurbished, more green spaces preserved.

Tigers reach .500 with dramatic ninth-inning rally

2008-06-29T20:25:00.001-04:00

"Tigers reach .500 with dramatic ninth-inning rally: "Those are frustrating ones, to be honest with you,' Leyland said. 'You've got a three-run lead in the ninth and then you look up, bottom of the ninth and you're down one. But that's the life of a closer. Here's a guy who is 14-for-14 (in save opportunities). Pretty tough job when you're 14-for-14 and you blow one and get booed that bad. That's pretty tough.'"

Sorry Jim, we had every right to boo that lustily after that performance. The fact that he was cheered coming to Sunday's game was the correct response by the fans.

Update: Todd Jones the next day.
Jones, on the fans' reaction to him: "I was very thankful. I got a pretty nice ovation. I could hear it today. I was anticipating a Jason Grilli-esque greeting."

Bush is charming, but

2008-06-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

I was just reading an article about the Presidential Medal of Freedom presentation, and my overriding thought is that Bush is a charming guy, too bad he was such a terrible president. If he wasn't (or hadn't been) convinced war with Iraq was the right thing from the moment he took office, he might have accomplished something. Probably not, but maybe.

Rep Knollenburg wants to help Big Three

2008-04-29T13:48:00.002-04:00

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080429/BIZ/804290426/-1/rss

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg proposed spending more than $1.2 billion
over five years to aid domestic automakers as
they spend billions to comply with new fuel economy standards.
He also
proposed a rewrite of the tax code that could be worth as much as $3.2 billion
to Detroit's Big Three automakers in annual tax rebates.

Normally I would say I am against such subsides, but I see how this area is hurting and would support it if there were a provision that the money has to be spent in the US or somehow be guaranteed to help American workers. This money cannot be spent overseas.

Strategic Oil Reserve Controversy

2008-04-25T10:30:00.003-04:00

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/pelosi-wants-bush-to-stop-filling-petroleum-reserve-2008-04-24.html

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) Thursday called on President Bush to stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a way to reduce gas prices at the pump.

So here is my question - why are we still filling the SPR when prices are at an all time high, and why don't we start selling that on the open market to alleviate some debt or something?

I am sure there is a way I could research this, but I wonder if the 70,000 barrels a day is a higher or lower amount than previous - i.e. is Bush trying to move more public money to his Big Oil buddies?

Pistons thought

2008-04-18T13:50:00.001-04:00

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/SPORTS03/804180384/1051/rss16

It is very interesting that there is no talk in this article from the Pistons about how they know how to win, they are not worried. They sound like they are ready to make a better effort. Positive sign.

Tigers on Tax day

2008-04-15T22:06:00.004-04:00

So, I am watching the end of the Tigers game, and Rayburn made one heck of a play, even if it didn't quite work out. Had Young not scored, that would have been play of at least the week. Anyway, did I see Cabrerra try the hidden ball trick on Monroe? That wasn't mentioned.

Anyway, good win, need many more.

Oh and taxes due in 1 hour 52 minutes.

American Haiku

2008-03-11T07:02:00.003-04:00

Apparently there is a difference. I just found that out since I was looking up the form of haiku when someone else wrote one on the 10 spot blog yesterday, and then I wrote another. Here's one I wrote last night in bed.

Current conundrum
Giving seems to be growing
Poverty is too

Pryor already acting like a Buckeye

2008-03-10T10:58:00.002-04:00

Bad news Michigan fans, looks like Pryor is already planning on being a Buckeye:

Report: Pryor involved in fight following basketball
game
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH -- Michigan football recruit
Terrelle Pryor faces possible disciplinary action as the result of a fight
following a basketball game he played in on Saturday, according to the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Pryor is one of several Jeannette High School
basketball players involved in the fight against players from Pittsburgh North
Catholic following Jennnette's 86-60 win in a state quarterfinal playoff game at
Hempfield High.
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League
scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to determine what, if any, disciplinary action
should be taken.
Jeannette is scheduled to play in a state semifinal game on
Wednesday.
North Catholic coach Dave Long said some Jeannette players came
at his team in a hallway near the North Catholic locker room shortly after the
game. He said talking among the players during the game and in the post-game
handshake line might have played a part in the altercation.
The 6-foot-6
Pryor had 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots during
Jeannette's victory.
Pryor, a star quarterback in football, is considering
playing for Michigan, Ohio State or Penn State in college.

Now, the only potential glimmer of hope for Michigan is that he was trying to beat up Catoholics, so maybe he is just prepping to beat Notre Dame.

Iraqi Solution

2008-03-09T23:30:00.004-04:00

Here's an idea - tell the Iraqi government that we are pulling out in six months, and at that point, they can pay KBR and Halliburton and all the others for protecting their oil fields and pipelines. We are out of there, we can start spending that money on something for Americans, and Iraqis are in control.