Saturday, February 24, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Giving in to North Korea?
It’s disheartening to see that the 6 party talks around shutting down the N. Korea nuclear weapons program has resulted in, essentially, a “buy off”, of $300 million, in the form of fuel oil and cash.
This has been criticized by former UN Ambassador Bolton, who has said that the deal with the N. Koreans will open the door for other communist states and other “axis of evil” countries to jump on the bandwagon for free handouts.
He’s absolutely right…the US will have its hands full in the coming months dealing with the other countries of the world, like Iran, and others, who will also expect to get something to stop their programs.
What this will do is essentially tie up much needed energy resources at home for others in the world, at a time when oil is slowly creeping up.
For other countries, such as Venezuela, chances are Chavez will now look to pry more money from the US, by making veiled threats of cooperation with his counterparts in other parts of the world, which could conceivably be the next “axis of evil”.
This development has opened the doors for other countries, to hold out their hands for a bailout or a helping hand, way beyond the means of the free world. With the price of oil continuing up, OPEC reducing output, the US will be strained to meet all the demands of the fringe countries that feel they are capable of developing warfare for the “good of their countries”.
How long will N. Korea be standing alone? Not long.
This has been criticized by former UN Ambassador Bolton, who has said that the deal with the N. Koreans will open the door for other communist states and other “axis of evil” countries to jump on the bandwagon for free handouts.
He’s absolutely right…the US will have its hands full in the coming months dealing with the other countries of the world, like Iran, and others, who will also expect to get something to stop their programs.
What this will do is essentially tie up much needed energy resources at home for others in the world, at a time when oil is slowly creeping up.
For other countries, such as Venezuela, chances are Chavez will now look to pry more money from the US, by making veiled threats of cooperation with his counterparts in other parts of the world, which could conceivably be the next “axis of evil”.
This development has opened the doors for other countries, to hold out their hands for a bailout or a helping hand, way beyond the means of the free world. With the price of oil continuing up, OPEC reducing output, the US will be strained to meet all the demands of the fringe countries that feel they are capable of developing warfare for the “good of their countries”.
How long will N. Korea be standing alone? Not long.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Anna Nicole Smith...No Love Lost
I've tried not to comment on the death of Anna Nicole Smith...it's a tradegy when a mother prematurely dies, especially with a baby at home. That is the extent of my compassion on the matter.
I've never liked her, and with all the publicity in the last few years, she has acted like an idiot. All things aside, I am sure the Marshall family is ecstatic. She was a skank.
How many more "fathers" are going to come out of the closet for the baby? So far we have 3, and my bet is that there will be a few more.
Having access to a potential windfall of $400 million, I am sure, will entice the scourge of society to come forth to lay claim to the baby's position to go after a portion of the estate.
I've never liked her, and with all the publicity in the last few years, she has acted like an idiot. All things aside, I am sure the Marshall family is ecstatic. She was a skank.
How many more "fathers" are going to come out of the closet for the baby? So far we have 3, and my bet is that there will be a few more.
Having access to a potential windfall of $400 million, I am sure, will entice the scourge of society to come forth to lay claim to the baby's position to go after a portion of the estate.
CNNMoney is Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel
I subscribe to a few news feeds, and get emails every morning, that basically makes up for the lack of having a newspaper delivered...it's cheaper, and I can filter out the news I do want from the other crap.
As part of the CNN daily email, there was an article about how the housing slump is hurting a guy in Florida who has been flipping houses for 30 years...because there is a slowdown this year, he has been out of pocket $160,000 on a house that's been sitting on the market.
Are the CNN staff writers stupid? The article is written, so that the first part of it implies that the guy is bragging about making $80,000 in the first four months of 2005...then goes on to explain how he has been sitting on a house and is out of pocket. The article seems to want some sympathy for this guy!
Sorry, not going to get any from me. If you play the game, you have to take the good with the bad. It's unsettling that CNN staff writers are having to scrape the barrel for stories, and conjure up a spin on a guy that has probably been making tons of cash flipping, and we only hear about the one that got away.
For the sake of integrity, I hope that future articles from staff writers at CNN don't try to make victims out of people that have made a concious decision to try and make money this way. Not one bit of compassion goes out to these people for their "problems".
As part of the CNN daily email, there was an article about how the housing slump is hurting a guy in Florida who has been flipping houses for 30 years...because there is a slowdown this year, he has been out of pocket $160,000 on a house that's been sitting on the market.
Are the CNN staff writers stupid? The article is written, so that the first part of it implies that the guy is bragging about making $80,000 in the first four months of 2005...then goes on to explain how he has been sitting on a house and is out of pocket. The article seems to want some sympathy for this guy!
Sorry, not going to get any from me. If you play the game, you have to take the good with the bad. It's unsettling that CNN staff writers are having to scrape the barrel for stories, and conjure up a spin on a guy that has probably been making tons of cash flipping, and we only hear about the one that got away.
For the sake of integrity, I hope that future articles from staff writers at CNN don't try to make victims out of people that have made a concious decision to try and make money this way. Not one bit of compassion goes out to these people for their "problems".
Death Penalty Warranted?
There are some things in this world that just don't need any more justification that what is presented in the news. With William Lorenzo Page, knocking his 2 year old daughter unconcious then TAKING her outside to freeze to death, it just doesn't get any easier for authorities. This, simply, is a guy who is one of the biggest pieces of shit ever. Not many things faze me these days, but reading about this is tragic.
If anyone ever doubts whether it is worth taking someone's life due to the brutal death of another, this news should sway your opinion. On top of that, he has been charged with sexual assault on another child in the house.
Too much...the world is going to hell in a handbasket...
If anyone ever doubts whether it is worth taking someone's life due to the brutal death of another, this news should sway your opinion. On top of that, he has been charged with sexual assault on another child in the house.
Too much...the world is going to hell in a handbasket...
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Karla Homolka a Mom…So What!?!
Latest and greatest out of Montreal is that Karla may now be a mom, and the media is having a field day. There are questions out there that suggest that she shouldn’t even consider being a parent, due to her past with Paul Bernardo. But, with her debt paid to society, what gives everyone the right to criticize her life after prison? I have said this before…the Crown messed this case up in the beginning, by only giving her 12 years for her crimes. Sure, I think she should have been locked up forever, but, with all the changes and leniency within our justice system, anyone can get a deal, and basically do little time, and get on with their lives.
I resent the fact that the media is consistently chasing her whereabouts and actions, when they should be focusing on pressing getting to the bottom of the real issues, which is the state of disrepair of our legal system. Our legal system made the mess in the first place, so we all have to live with the result. I’m not impressed with her being free to begin with, but I certainly don’t have a right to condemn her living her life as a free woman, fully paid in the eyes of the law. Everyone who criticizes Homolka being a parent after what she did, should also line up and permanently take the driver’s license away from anyone ever convicted of vehicular manslaughter, that has done their time. At the same time, let’s ban bank robbers from using ATMs because of their past too. While we are at it, let’s cut off the left hand of anyone that ever lifted a candy bar from a corner store, and not allow them to go into stores anymore.
Get off it already…the real criminals in this case was the government for letting the people down in the first place with only giving her 12 years. Media should be putting pressure on the government to make the criminal code mean something, and give judicial substance to law enforcement to do their job to keep the streets safe for the rest of us. At the very least, sentences should be mandated for certain crimes, and be non-negotiable. The harsher the sentence, the more of a deterrent they will be. Only then can we actually back off and consider “time served” as enough of a payback to society, and let them get on with their lives. Maybe then, after someone is released, we can sit back and have faith that “justice has been served”.
I resent the fact that the media is consistently chasing her whereabouts and actions, when they should be focusing on pressing getting to the bottom of the real issues, which is the state of disrepair of our legal system. Our legal system made the mess in the first place, so we all have to live with the result. I’m not impressed with her being free to begin with, but I certainly don’t have a right to condemn her living her life as a free woman, fully paid in the eyes of the law. Everyone who criticizes Homolka being a parent after what she did, should also line up and permanently take the driver’s license away from anyone ever convicted of vehicular manslaughter, that has done their time. At the same time, let’s ban bank robbers from using ATMs because of their past too. While we are at it, let’s cut off the left hand of anyone that ever lifted a candy bar from a corner store, and not allow them to go into stores anymore.
Get off it already…the real criminals in this case was the government for letting the people down in the first place with only giving her 12 years. Media should be putting pressure on the government to make the criminal code mean something, and give judicial substance to law enforcement to do their job to keep the streets safe for the rest of us. At the very least, sentences should be mandated for certain crimes, and be non-negotiable. The harsher the sentence, the more of a deterrent they will be. Only then can we actually back off and consider “time served” as enough of a payback to society, and let them get on with their lives. Maybe then, after someone is released, we can sit back and have faith that “justice has been served”.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Are Bloggers Social Outcasts?
I couldn’t help but comment on this article on canada.com. Seems that Michael Keren thinks he knows bloggers and what makes them bare all or even comment on events within cyberspace.
I am not looking for celebrity status, and neither is the majority of bloggers out there. I definitely don’t consider myself a social outcast or a weirdo. Why blog? Well, I am sure there are various reasons out there, but I do it to practice my writing, and to just keep a personal journal of what happens in the world, from my perspective. Current events, or even personal events, serve as great reading for my future generations. There will be a day when my kids grow up, and it will be nice to be able to pass on more than just family photos. The one thing that we miss in our ancestry is the ability to get the true feelings and ideals each of our ancestors had years ago. Passing of old photographs is nice for the time, but why not express your ideas and thoughts, on many other issues of the day? What did I find humorous? What bothers me with world events? This blog, which I will give access to my kids down the road (whether in the present format or other media), will give them more of an idea of what their dad really was like – how I thought, things I felt strongly about, and even my interests.
So, Mr. Keren, before you go and paint the blogosphere with the same brush, consider why others might be blogging these days, instead of being as narrow minded as to say that we are all insecure, lonely outcasts. With my busy life, this is a welcome break to get some alone time, and think back on events that have shaped who I am and what is about me. If others read it, then so be it. Living life and reading/writing about it, is interesting, and a lot better than watching the TV all night. Maybe if you got out more into the blogging world instead of the nine you tracked for your book, you might come to a different conclusion.
I am not looking for celebrity status, and neither is the majority of bloggers out there. I definitely don’t consider myself a social outcast or a weirdo. Why blog? Well, I am sure there are various reasons out there, but I do it to practice my writing, and to just keep a personal journal of what happens in the world, from my perspective. Current events, or even personal events, serve as great reading for my future generations. There will be a day when my kids grow up, and it will be nice to be able to pass on more than just family photos. The one thing that we miss in our ancestry is the ability to get the true feelings and ideals each of our ancestors had years ago. Passing of old photographs is nice for the time, but why not express your ideas and thoughts, on many other issues of the day? What did I find humorous? What bothers me with world events? This blog, which I will give access to my kids down the road (whether in the present format or other media), will give them more of an idea of what their dad really was like – how I thought, things I felt strongly about, and even my interests.
So, Mr. Keren, before you go and paint the blogosphere with the same brush, consider why others might be blogging these days, instead of being as narrow minded as to say that we are all insecure, lonely outcasts. With my busy life, this is a welcome break to get some alone time, and think back on events that have shaped who I am and what is about me. If others read it, then so be it. Living life and reading/writing about it, is interesting, and a lot better than watching the TV all night. Maybe if you got out more into the blogging world instead of the nine you tracked for your book, you might come to a different conclusion.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Black Superbowl? Who Cares...
Watching ESPN pre-game show today, there is a lot of hype surrounding the fact that this is the first time 2 black coaches will be facing off against each other. Who cares??
Instead of perpetuating the milestones of black achievement, in sports or otherwise, maybe the NAACP should go on a crusade to eliminate the need for announcing and sensationalizing these types of milestones.
Will there be a day when we can just look forward to an event, without having to put a race spin on it? I expect guys like loud-mouthed Al Sharpton will have something to say, and of course, will mean nothing. Jesse Jackson may also jump in, just to stay in the limelight. The real problem in all this is those 2 yahoos getting into the foray of public debate.
Get a life...2 black coaches is no big deal. Just like it wouldn't be a big deal if 2 white coaches were there. Maybe the Asian community will be the next group to say something about not having any Asian coaches in the NFL.
On a side note, Indy is my pick, by 10. Good luck Bears, but you are not the team from 1985.
Instead of perpetuating the milestones of black achievement, in sports or otherwise, maybe the NAACP should go on a crusade to eliminate the need for announcing and sensationalizing these types of milestones.
Will there be a day when we can just look forward to an event, without having to put a race spin on it? I expect guys like loud-mouthed Al Sharpton will have something to say, and of course, will mean nothing. Jesse Jackson may also jump in, just to stay in the limelight. The real problem in all this is those 2 yahoos getting into the foray of public debate.
Get a life...2 black coaches is no big deal. Just like it wouldn't be a big deal if 2 white coaches were there. Maybe the Asian community will be the next group to say something about not having any Asian coaches in the NFL.
On a side note, Indy is my pick, by 10. Good luck Bears, but you are not the team from 1985.
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction 2007 – A Disappointment
I know it’s a bit late for this post, but I was disappointed with the auction this year. In the past, I have made sure that the Speed channel is on at all times when the auction is on, to catch something on the classic cars gone by. My first car was a 1971 Buick Skylark…boy, I wish I had it now. In previous years, the auction was good, however, it is becoming more and more of a game between a bunch of old men with more money than brains, who think that if they “top up” a bid for a “good cause”, that the “make you feel good” component of the event justifies the outrageousness of money being thrown around, and pocketed by Mr. Jackson and friends.
There are a few things I disagree with, as far as the auction costs are concerned. There was a fee for both the buyer (8% of hammer price) and seller (10% of hammer price), which is ridiculous. Based on receipts of $100 million, this gives B-J (funny acronym, considering the fleecing…maybe the winning bidders got kissed first, but who is going to complain about a BJ?) $18+ million. Keep in mind, that this is just the cars…don’t forget the outrageous entry fee to be a bidder, to even stand on the floor!!! ($500 USD, by the way…). Shelby’s Cobra was nice though…not worth $5 million, but still nice to look at;
I am not against free enterprise, or someone trying to make a buck, but if eBay tried to screw you for costs coming and going on an item, I would think that there would be a revolt. Since we don’t have a revolt amongst the rich guys at the auction, I can only assume that they do, in fact, have more money than brains.
If fees are not an issue with these guys, then do you really get the value of the car through their auctions? I doubt it. I know that when I was fantasy bidding, I kept thinking like a buyer, and undercutting myself on the hammer price, just thinking about the 8%/10% fees. Needless to say, I didn’t win the LCD TV.
What I didn’t like, was that everyone was jumping on the band wagon, trying to squeeze just a few more bucks out of these old guys, by pumping up guest appearances and trying to sell other vehicles, that don’t even belong. Concept soapbox vehicles (“gravity racers”), and trying to get a rise out of the bidding audience by selling the original written lyrics for “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, with Alice Cooper in the background trying to sell his Zephyr mod, the Playboy Nomad (so they claim…), hinders on the original concept of the auction to sell prized and collectible cars. Commercialization at it’s best. Too much.
I think from now on, I will have to be selective on how much of the auction I do watch in 2008, and to realize that the auction is no more the place where true classic car lovers can go to get something of their dreams, without contributing to the lack of testosterone that the “ol’ boys” try to covet. Keep the $5 million Shelby…I hope it’s worth every penny. I’ll take a classic split window Corvette any day, and save myself a bundle.
There are a few things I disagree with, as far as the auction costs are concerned. There was a fee for both the buyer (8% of hammer price) and seller (10% of hammer price), which is ridiculous. Based on receipts of $100 million, this gives B-J (funny acronym, considering the fleecing…maybe the winning bidders got kissed first, but who is going to complain about a BJ?) $18+ million. Keep in mind, that this is just the cars…don’t forget the outrageous entry fee to be a bidder, to even stand on the floor!!! ($500 USD, by the way…). Shelby’s Cobra was nice though…not worth $5 million, but still nice to look at;
I am not against free enterprise, or someone trying to make a buck, but if eBay tried to screw you for costs coming and going on an item, I would think that there would be a revolt. Since we don’t have a revolt amongst the rich guys at the auction, I can only assume that they do, in fact, have more money than brains.
If fees are not an issue with these guys, then do you really get the value of the car through their auctions? I doubt it. I know that when I was fantasy bidding, I kept thinking like a buyer, and undercutting myself on the hammer price, just thinking about the 8%/10% fees. Needless to say, I didn’t win the LCD TV.
What I didn’t like, was that everyone was jumping on the band wagon, trying to squeeze just a few more bucks out of these old guys, by pumping up guest appearances and trying to sell other vehicles, that don’t even belong. Concept soapbox vehicles (“gravity racers”), and trying to get a rise out of the bidding audience by selling the original written lyrics for “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, with Alice Cooper in the background trying to sell his Zephyr mod, the Playboy Nomad (so they claim…), hinders on the original concept of the auction to sell prized and collectible cars. Commercialization at it’s best. Too much.
I think from now on, I will have to be selective on how much of the auction I do watch in 2008, and to realize that the auction is no more the place where true classic car lovers can go to get something of their dreams, without contributing to the lack of testosterone that the “ol’ boys” try to covet. Keep the $5 million Shelby…I hope it’s worth every penny. I’ll take a classic split window Corvette any day, and save myself a bundle.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Playing With Picture It! Premium
I had this photo editing software package that I got from Microsoft, and I just started to use it recently now that I am interested in taking some pictures. I always enjoyed photography...and with a digital camera (even a point and shoot like I have), or the DSLRs, this kind of software seems to do a good job of "fixing" the pictures I have. Since I got the camera in April '06, I have amassed a few hundred pictures, and I figured a good winter project would be to sort through them and edit where needed.
The Falls pictures in the previous post are an attempt to improve the shots, however, I forgot to save the original for a comparison. No cropping was done to those.
So, what I did was work on the picture below, and here is the result;
This was taken down by the Falls in June '06, at one of the golf courses. I'm impressed with the editing software, and I am sure there are others. This seems to do this amateur photog just fine. Stay tuned for more in the future, as I get used to it. They will be scattered amongst my comments and thoughts.
The Falls pictures in the previous post are an attempt to improve the shots, however, I forgot to save the original for a comparison. No cropping was done to those.
So, what I did was work on the picture below, and here is the result;
This was taken down by the Falls in June '06, at one of the golf courses. I'm impressed with the editing software, and I am sure there are others. This seems to do this amateur photog just fine. Stay tuned for more in the future, as I get used to it. They will be scattered amongst my comments and thoughts.
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