The Law Of Entropy

Since laying down the pen four years ago on this blog, I've focussed on things that really matter in this world.

- Can you really tell the difference between a single malt and a mixed scotch?

- Why do so many people watch Major League Baseball on TV? Seriously, that's like 12 hours of your life you'll never get back.  Go outside or something.

- Trying to find a history show on the History Channel.

And yes, I might as well embrace the horror now.  Our electoral process.  This magnificent experiment in democracy is starting to remind me of my college chemistry class. There were experiments, too, but chemistry is complex and I'm easily distracted by, well, anything other than studying chemistry.

The experiments usually went horribly wrong. Something burned (sometimes it was my flesh), the professor was disappointed, and I usually stayed after class to accomplish what everyone else did during class. But, most of my fellow students went afterwards to watch baseball on TV, so I guess it all works out.

I guess the point is, sometimes experiments go horribly wrong. I'm not saying our democratic process has gone horribly wrong.  But I'm also not saying it's going gloriously right.

As I thought about burning things in chemistry, I was reminded of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, specifically the factor of entropy.  You see, entropy states that eventually everything breaks down.  Systems decay.  For example, if I decide to burn a newspaper, I can't reconstruct the newspaper in reverse.  I would have to use new materials to remake that newspaper.  I got this from a episode on the History Channel.  See what I mean?

Evolution poses a unique challenge to this idea.  If the Big Bang created everything, then how did we become?  That is, the destruction in the Big Bang actually created more complex things than more chaos.

Deep stuff.  But I'll solve the meaning of life in another post.  How hard can it be?

Many in the Republican Party believe that they must tear down the current structure of the party to create something better. You see, to these folks, destruction is good.  It leads to something better.

And here is where entropy comes into play.  If you follow the law of entropy, then you can't just put something back together after it is destroyed.  This logic would state that the outcome of the decision to destroy the party (elect a non-Republican and non-conservative, while at the same time calling for the ouster of current party leadership) is irreversible. The destruction of the party will lead to...well...the destruction of the party.  It will never "be" again.

But, if you contemplate evolution, there must be a different version of entropy.  Evolution shows that even though things were destroyed in the Big Bang, it led to more complex and advanced life.  To people who follow this logic, the Republican party will develop into a more complex and advanced party after it is destroyed.

Hmm.  I'm guessing, though, that a lot of people who think the destruction of the party is a good idea believe in divine inspiration rather than pure evolution led to the human species.  That's a head-scratcher, huh?

Anyway, should be fun to watch to see what happens!  I'll grab the popcorn and a good single malt.  Oh look, Swamp People is on History Channel.  I'm game.

OK Then

Well,

The fun part about DVR technology is the ability to pause anything, anytime.

And then press play when you're ready.

I'm ready.

And back.

Let's do this.  All previous posts have been "re-published."  You know.  For posterity.  

So Long and Thanks For All the Fish!

"All my life I've had this feeling that there's something big and sinister going on in the world."
"No that's perfectly normal paranoia.  Everyone in the universe gets that." - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe

If you're looking for websites, Hotair.com, newsbusters.org, and cdrsalamander.blogspot.com are all great sites.  Give them a look.

Well, guess this is goodbye.  I raise my glass to you and wish you all the best.  Thanks for reading my posts and be good to each other.  We're all in this together, you know.

Coincidence

"When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion - when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing - when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors - when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you - when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice - you may know that your society is doomed." - Ayn Rand

Point 1:

Tax Tyranny

"The United States has the most progressive (i.e., unequal) tax system in the world. The bottom 50 percent of income earners, on average, receives more in tax benefits than they pay in taxes — while the highest earners pay a wildly disproportionate amount of their income in taxes — despite the myth that Warren Buffett has a lower tax rate than his secretary. A progressive income tax only meets the test of “consent of the governed” when a majority of each class of taxpayers consents to its tax rate. Otherwise, it is tax tyranny of a low-tax-rate majority against a vote-poor, high-tax-rate minority. The apologists for the progressive income tax claim it is only “fair,” ignoring the fact there is nothing at all “fair” about taxing at a higher tax rate those who work longer and harder and/or spend more time acquiring an education and work skills. It is destructive and tyrannical for a society to tax the most productive, innovative and job-creating people at a higher rate than others."

Point 2:

Forcing Trade

"The Obama administration is quietly diverting roughly $500 million to the IRS to help implement the president’s healthcare law.

The money is only part of the IRS’s total implementation spending, and it is being provided outside the normal appropriations process. The tax agency is responsible for several key provisions of the new law, including the unpopular individual mandate."

Point 3:

Control the Message

"Dept. of Labor Forcing Media To Use Government Computers"

"Unrest is simmering in some quarters of the Washington news universe regarding changes in the way the Department of Labor (DOL) manages its pre-release media “lockups” on sensitive data like weekly jobless benefits and unemployment...The system insures that major news organizations get the data as soon as possible and allows journalists covering the release get a jump on providing analyses and opinion about the data.

But Carl Fillichio, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis’ top communications advisor, circulated a memo earlier this week to interested media informing them that everybody is being required to re-submit their credentials requests.

Fillichio reminded participants that there are only 20-30 seats available for the lockups and that priority will be given by DOL in selecting participants to those that “are primarily journalistic enterprises.”

He also offered a one-sentence assurance that 'the department will not consider editorial or political viewpoints in making credentialing decisions.'

Whatever grumbling might be occasioned by being forced to go through the credentialing process again, the element of the Fillichio memo that has journalists worried is this paragraph:

'Second, as a measure toward enhancing security in its main lockup facility (the DOL news room), the department will supply and maintain standardized equipment with a standard configuration for all participants. This change means that privately owned computer and telephone equipment, including hardware, software, cabling, wiring and Internet and telephone lines will be replaced with equipment owned by the department.'

In other words, journalists will no longer be allowed to bring their laptops or other equipment to the lockups, they will have to use government-supplied equipment, described by Fillichio as including 'a virtualized desktop running a Windows operation system, a web browser, word-processing software, an Adobe Reader application and secure file transfer capability. Equipment provided will not have wireless networking capability. Provisions will be in place for news organizations to transmit their stories over the Internet.' "

Point 4:

The Bottomless Pocket

"The government spent at least $205,075 in 2010 to 'translocate' a single bush in San Francisco that stood in the path of a $1.045-billion highway-renovation project that was partially funded by the economic stimulus legislation President Barack Obama signed in 2009...the bush—a Franciscan manzanita—was a specimen of a commercially cultivated species of shrub that can be purchased from nurseries for as little as $15.98 per plant. The particular plant in question, however, was discovered in the midst of the City of San Francisco, in the median strip of a highway, and was deemed to be the last example of the species in the 'wild.' "


Ah, I'm sure I'm just using pieces of news stories to try and make some pithy argument.  Apparently, libertarians like myself are extreme (and would spit in the face of Dr. King, hate the people, hate the brown folk, the gays, the lesbians, the people with piercings and tattoos).  Extreme in the idea that each of us should enjoy the least possible restraints on our behavior and lives, only restraining ourselves when that behavior interferes with the freedom of others.  Government has a place...in enforcing personal property and law.  It should not be our big brother who we run to whenever there is a problem.

But, oh, I'm probably being extreme.  Yeah, that's probably accurate.  I mean, what's the point of looking at the big picture?  What has that ever solved?

Target Practice

I stole this from CDR Salamander, but this is too good not to try and spread around the world.


You see, bad people respect power.  Especially pirates.  You know, we have a colorful history with pirates...remember?

Anyway, I think this is a great video.  Correction:  awesome video.

It does remind me of something else though. Can't seem to place it.

Oh, now I know.

Numeracy

Those who know numeracy, know where this comes from when I speak of it.  Hey, it's not a curse word, ok?

So, England's Department of Health has stated that 1 out of 10 early deaths can now be linked to eating red meat.

"The Department of Health was last night urged to review its guidance on red meat after a study found that eating almost half the daily recommended amount can significantly increase the risk of dying early from cancer and heart disease...These results indicate that replacement of red meat with alternative healthy dietary components may lower the mortality risk...Scientists added that people who eat a diet high in red meat were also likely to be generally unhealthier because they were more likely to smoke, be overweight and not exercise.

In an accompanying editorial Dr Dean Ornish, of the University of California, San Francisco, said that eating less red meat could also help tackle climate change...He said: 'In addition to their health benefits, the food choices we make each day affect other important areas as well. What is personally sustainable is globally sustainable. What is good for you is good for our planet.'"

Ah, yes, might as well throw in climate change, whatever the topic.  Cow farts and the such.

So, red meat kills 1 in 10! The horror!

Let's look at this another way...the way the article did not.

Out of all the ways to die early, red meat can cause cancer or heart disease (because red meat doesn't kill you) 10% of the time.

Yup, the horrors of red meat only have a 10% chance of killing you...early.  There are other things which add up to 90% which have a chance of killing you...early.  If you die early, there is a 90% chance that it was NOT red meat.  If you die early (and what is considered early?), the chances of red meat being the cause are the same as the chances of being killed in a road accident.

So, by the UK's Department of Health guidance, you should completely stay away from cars and roads.  They have a 1 in 10 chance of killing you too.

Good luck with that.

As for me, I'm off to eat a greasy, fat, big ol' piece of red meat while driving my motorcycle weaving in and out of traffic with lots of cars on big roads, heavily distracted (I'm talented).  If I don't blog again tomorrow, there's a 10% chance that I died early due to the heart disease caused by the meat.

There's a 90% chance that I don't blog because I didn't feel like it.  Or something else.

Wee Willie Winky

Ok, so let's just get this out of the way before I go any further...

...all is well in the bedroom.  I have no problems being a man.  I am a great and powerful man.

Fine.  Ok then.

Anyway, a state senator from Ohio believes that government should regulate men's reproductive health, aka Viagra.  If it were up to Senator Nina Turner (hmm, would "Nina" be a woman's name?), men in Ohio who want Viagra would have to:

1. See a sex therapist.  (By the way, what a profession!  How would you like your first conversation of the day to begin with "How is your sex life?  Gettin' any lately?")

2.  Receive a cardiac stress test.  (So, even if you did die during sex, wouldn't that be the way to go anyway?)

3.  Receive a NOTORIZED AFFIDAVIT SIGNED BY A SEX PARTNER AFFIRMING IMPOTENCY.  (Oh my.)

Ohio Senate Bill 307 is not really a serious bill...of course, until it actually makes it through the state congress and is signed.  Then, of course, it's serious.

This bill is a counter-argument to regulating women's health.  I'll let the Senator speak for herself:

"Turner said if state policymakers want to legislate women’s health choices through measures such as House Bill 125, known as the 'Heartbeat bill,' they should also be able to legislate men’s reproductive health."

House Bill 125 attempts to limit abortion when a heartbeat is detected in an unborn child.  So, according to Senator Turner, regulating abortion is the same as regulating Viagra.

Hmm.

"A critic of efforts to restrict abortion and contraception for women, Turner says she is concerned about men’s reproductive health. Turner’s bill joins a trend of female lawmakers submitting bills regulating men’s health."

Tit for tat I guess. How very noble.

Breathtaking

Senator Sessions definitely hits the nail on the head with the description of "breathtaking".

Seven minute video worth watching...every minute.  But if you have a short patience, skip to 3:30.  The breathtaking part occurs from 3:30 to 4:15.

Both sides of the political aisle have played this game...that is, the Congress has not declared war since WWII.  Congress has "authorized" war, to include Vietnam, the first Gulf War, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Congress did not authorize the recent war in Libya.  Rather, it was "authorized" by UN Security Council.  Of note, the Korean War and Bosnia were also "authorized" by the UN.

I find this very troubling.  The authority for war rests with Congress, as clearly described in the Constitution.  If Congress finds it easier to "authorize" military action rather than call it "war", then I really don't have a problem with that.  In my opinion, it's a matter of semantics at that point.

But when Congress has no role, and we rely on the "authority" of a foreign body to authorize U.S. military action, well...

...it's breathtaking.

A Loss For Words

All I can say is that I'm at a loss for words.  A truly great Naval Officer has passed away.

"As the sun’s rays broke over the top of the eastern hills this morning, the military blogging community was coming to grips with the loss of a truly remarkable man. Retired Navy Captain Carroll LeFon, who was known to thousands by his “nom de blog” of Neptunus Lex, died when his Israeli-built F-21 Kfir single-seat fighter aircraft crashed at NAS Fallon at around 0915 yesterday morning."

I've followed Neptunus Lex for almost 7 years now, relying on his information and point of view to form my own.  His loss is a loss for not just the milblogger community, but for the blogger community as a whole.

I don't have the words to describe the loss felt.  Passing e-mails back and forth on various topics, Lex helped me start my blog with a link on his.  When I thought I was going to be sent to San Diego to live, he graciously sent me information on locations that I would like.  He was always there for a helping hand when I needed it, even though we never met in person.  When someone is willing to help a perfect stranger, you know you've met a quality individual.

Over at CDR Salamander, the eloquent CDR S sums it up well.

"A gentleman, officer, good stick, good writer, and just plain good man. Over the years, we would comment on each others blog now and then - and exchange emails much more to share ideas, pass off tips .... or now and then return to our original conversation. That was Lex; part blog buddie, part mentor, part philosopher, but a gentle professional always...

...the path that took him back to the aircraft. In a fashion, he died serving his nation as he knew best - in the cockpit. In life, on-line and off, he built a strong network of acquaintances and friends - that too speaks a lot for the man - and most of us are in the same place right now."

After retirement from active duty, Captain Carroll LeFon tried a couple different jobs, but the draw to aviation was immense.  After a short stint in private business, Lex put the flight suit back on to train the Fleet's aviators at NAS Fallon.  He flew aggressor aircraft as a contractor, training the new guys in the art and science of aerial combat.  He taught so that we would always hold the edge in naval aviation.

Prayers for his family...a wife, 2 daughters, and a son who followed in his father's footsteps as a naval aviator.

Fair Winds, Captain.  This world is less now.

"Going home, going home, I'm a going home
Quiet like, some still day, I'm just going home
It's not far, just close by, through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Going to fear no more
Mother's there, expecting me
Father's waiting too
Lots of folks gathered there
All the friends I knew
Nothings lost alls gained
No more fear or pain
No more stubbling by the way
No more longing for the day
Going to roam no more

Morning star lights the way
Restless dream all done
Shadows gone, break of day
Real life just begun
There's no break, there's no end
Just a living on
Wide awake with a smile, going on and on
Going home, going home, I'm just going home
It's not far, just close by, I'm just going home

Nothing's lost, all is gain, no longing for the day
No more stumbling on the way
No more fret nor pain
Goin' home, goin' home, I'm a goin' home
Quiet like, still some day, I'm a goin' home

I'm just goin' home
I'm a goin' home"

You Don't Say?

Early last year, the Navy lifted the ban on women serving on submarines.  This, of course, was not a popular move by the Navy.  Many saw this as a move to promote diversity more than a move to increase national security.  Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus believed it a "great idea and the right thing to do."

Curious how all those Secretary's of the Navy before did exactly the opposite.  But, I digress.

Well, the Navy had to identify a group of women who would do well, as there was no room for error in such a historic move.  The women were chosen and training began.

Then...oops.

"Three female supply officers were pulled from submarine crews within months of joining the force for allegedly committing fraud prior to checking in at their boats, a Submarine Forces spokeswoman confirmed Friday. These three were among the eight Supply Corps lieutenants that reported to the submarine force, a cadre chosen to be role models for the younger female submariners reporting straight from training to the previously all-male force.


The alleged actions under investigation involve financial misconduct and in no way involved their performance while assigned to their current operational units,” said Submarine Forces spokeswoman Cmdr. Monica Rousselow, who explained the allegations concerned fraudulent travel claims while on temporary assigned duty."

Well, that's interesting.  Almost 40% of the hand-selected individuals are already being investigated for fraud before they even report to submarine duty.  That large of a group is bound to have a huge implication on the integration of women on submarines, right?

“The three reliefs are a setback for the ongoing integration of the undersea force. But officials characterized the disruption as 'minimal' — pointing out this is not the first time supply lieutenants had been removed from subs — and that the larger effort is still on track. 'Overall, the integration of women onboard submarines continues to progress smoothly and the reassignment of the three Supply Corps officers will have a minimal impact on the integration process,' Rousselow said."

Smoothly?  Wow, not exactly the word I would have chosen.

I understand that things happen, and that women will eventually serve honorably in the submarine force. Yet, when a spokeswoman, especially one with the rank of Commander, says that things are going smoothly when, in fact, 40% of your hand-selected recruits are being investigated for fraud, well...

...it makes it so very hard to have confidence in anything further they say.  The military is one of the few organizations people still have faith in.  Please, let's don't ruin that by trying to whitewash a bad situation.

Walking Backwards

The President's recently submitted budget is slated to kill the D.C. school voucher program called the Opportunity Scholarship Program.

School vouchers have proved a huge success, giving parents choice in how their tax dollars go to providing an education to their children.  Opponents of the voucher program attempt to find every possible failure of individual students, and use those failures to draw a bleak picture of the program.

Yet the overall facts don't support detractor's theories.

But, when you support increased government control over people's lives (as the administration does...and it's not just Democrats, you know) and when you must appease a union powerhouse (aka the teacher's unions)...

...you kill individual choice.

"The D.C. OSP (Opportunity Scholarship Program--aka, School Voucher program) has been highly successful. According to federally-mandated evaluations of the program, student achievement has increased, and graduation rates of voucher students have increased significantly. While graduation rates in D.C. Public Schools hover around 55 percent, students who used a voucher to attend private school had a 91 percent graduation rate.

And at $8,000, the vouchers are a bargain compared to the estimated $18,000 spent per child by D.C. Public Schools.

The Department of Education’s budget will increase 3.5 percent if the proposal is enacted, continuing a failed trend of spending more taxpayer dollars through Washington on a myriad of programs with a poor track record.

By contrast, the D.C. OSP has a stellar track record of increasing academic success, student safety, and parental satisfaction. And because of the nature of the District of Columbia (education in D.C. is under the jurisdiction of Congress), it is entirely appropriate for the federal government to fund the D.C. OSP."

Less money for people to make the best choices for themselves and more money for central planners.

Yup, walking backwards on the road to recovery and moving forward on the Road to Serfdom.

Advice

So, as I get ready to be punched in the face by my next advanced management accounting exam, I thought I would share some simple rules of life that I might not remember after the next 4 hours.

1. Money cannot buy happiness but its more comfortable to cry in a BMW than on a bicycle.

2. Forgive your enemy but remember the bastard's name.

3. Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you when they're in trouble again.

4. Many people are alive only because it’s illegal to shoot them.

5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then again, neither does milk.

Hope that helps.  Ok, off to the firing squad.

All the News That's Fit To Print

Hat tip to one of my Saturday morning breakfast friends.

Newspapers

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.

2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country.

4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand the Washington Post. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.

5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country, if they could spare the time, and if they didn't have to leave LA to do it.

6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and they did a far superior job of it, thank you very much.

7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country, and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.

8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who's running the country, as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.

9. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure there is a country or that anyone is running it; but whoever it is, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped minority feminist atheist dwarfs, who also happen to be illegal aliens from ANY country or galaxy as long as they are Democrats.

10. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country but need the baseball scores.

11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.

The Unemployment Calculation: Abbott and Costello Style

When you study basic economics, you learn the many ways to count the unemployment rate...and then learn the the government calculates it very absurdly.  You see, if you are out of work, and stop looking for work because (1) there's none to be had or (2) you just quit, you don't get counted anymore!  Wow, our numbers just got better (because an unemployed dropped off the radar)!

Here's a "Who's on First" explanation:

COSTELLO: I want to talk about the unemployment rate in America.

ABBOTT: Good Subject. Terrible Times. It's 9%.

COSTELLO: That many people are out of work?

ABBOTT: No, that's 17%

COSTELLO: You just said 9%.

ABBOTT: 9% Unemployed.

COSTELLO: Right 9% out of work.

ABBOTT: No, that's 17%.

COSTELLO: Okay, so it's 17% unemployed.

ABBOTT: No, that's 9%...

COSTELLO: WAIT A MINUTE. Is it 9% or 17%?

ABBOTT: 9% are unemployed. 17% are out of work.

COSTELLO: If you are out of work you are unemployed?

ABBOTT: No, you can't count the "Out of Work" as the unemployed. You have to look for work to be unemployed.

COSTELLO: BUT THEY ARE OUT OF WORK!!!

ABBOTT: No, you miss my point.

COSTELLO: What point?

ABBOTT: Someone who doesn't look for work, can't be counted with those who look for work. It wouldn't be fair.

COSTELLO: To who?

ABBOTT: The unemployed.

COSTELLO: But they are ALL out of work.

ABBOTT: No, the unemployed are actively looking for work... Those who are out of work stopped looking. They gave up. And, if you give up, you are no longer in the ranks of the unemployed.

COSTELLO: So if you're off the unemployment roles, that would count as less unemployment?

ABBOTT: Unemployment would go down. Absolutely!

COSTELLO: The unemployment just goes down because you don't look for work?

ABBOTT: Absolutely it goes down. That's how you get to 9%. Otherwise it would be 17%. You don't want to read about 17% unemployment do ya?

COSTELLO: That would be frightening.

ABBOTT: Absolutely.

COSTELLO: Wait, I got a question for you. That means there are two ways to bring down the unemployment number?

ABBOTT: Two ways is correct.

COSTELLO: Unemployment can go down if someone gets a job?

ABBOTT: Correct.

COSTELLO: And unemployment can also go down if you stop looking for a job?

ABBOTT: Bingo.

COSTELLO: So there are two ways to bring unemployment down, and the easier of the two is to just stop looking for work.

ABBOTT: Now you're thinking like an economist.

COSTELLO: I don't even know what the hell I just said!

The Commie Conspiracy and Precious Bodily Fluids

Well, you know, sometimes I've got nothin'...

So, I live in California.  Let me tell you, there is no shortage of craziness I can blog on from day to day.  It's not a challenge, really, so I end up not blogging at all.  I don't feel it's fair to pick on those who do not think for themselves and allow emotion and illogical reactions to guide their lives.

As I was looking through the local headlines, I noticed a city nearby that has fought the fluoridation of their water.  You heard me right...they don't want fluoride in their water.

The libertarian in me applauds their "we don't want government to tell me what's good and what's bad" attitude. But, in this case, the government is right.  Fluoridation has saved millions of teeth and prevented millions of cases of dental disease and decay.  If you don't believe me, try watching some British...or even American...movies from the 50's and 60's.  Heck, Mike Myers made a small fortune playing off the reality of bad British teeth.

So, as I read....

WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- A decade-long battle between state health officials who wanted fluoride in Watsonville's drinking water to improve oral health, and Watsonville city leaders who opposed it, ended Thursday.  The California Dental Association Foundation pushed for and introduced fluoride into several California cities' tap water. The CDAF argued that low-income families that cannot afford visits to the dentist's office greatly benefited.  Water fluoridation was cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top-10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th Century.  But the controversial idea of pumping fluoride into Watsonville, where many elementary school students already have decaying teeth, is dead in the water.  Resistance from city leaders and local groups, coupled with pricey contracts for the project, combined to cause the CDAF to throw its hands in the air and give up Thursday, CDAF officials said.

...I wondered, "why?".  Why would the city fight this tooth and nail?  Has fluoridation caused ill health? Have their been outbreaks of fluoride disease?  Has their been a huge conspiracy cover-up in the fluoridation of water?

No.  Not at all.  As a matter of fact, it's one thing that government got right.

Why would the city fight this?  You know, I really don't know.  I have no clue.  But what I do know is this...

...the below clip is the most perfect clip I have ever matched with a blog post.

U.S. Economic Bellwether: California

The Controller for California reported to state lawmakers today that the State of California will run out of money in March.

Governor Jerry Brown and his allies predicted $2.6 billion more in revenue that what has actually occurred, and lawmakers and the courts have spent or delayed cuts on programs costing $2.6 billion more than budgeted for.

"The Assembly budget committee approved a bill today that would enable $865 million of borrowing from existing state accounts, Senate Bill 95. Chiang, after consultation with the Department of Finance and state Treasurer Bill Lockyer, is also seeking about $2.4 billion in delayed payments to universities, counties and Medi-Cal, as well as additional borrowing from outside investors.
Absent these actions, the state would fall below its prudent $2.5 billion cash cushion on Feb. 29, Chiang estimated. On March 8, the state would actually end up $730 million in the red. The state would be below the safe cash cushion for several weeks ending April 13, save for several days at the end of March."

This mirrors much of what is to come for the rest of the country, in my humble opinion.  For years, tax rates have skyrocketed in California, and spending on entitlement programs has also skyrocketed.  These two factors create loss of revenue (when people, tired of the taxes, move or quit producing) and an increase in expenditures.  California is finding is harder and harder to find loans to cover the difference, as potential creditors foresee economic doom and gloom for the state.  For those not economically inclined, that spells bankruptcy in the long term.

Now, we see the same on the national stage, but just a little more behind in the timeline.  As soon as our creditors dry up, we can expect the same in the national economy.  Businesses will leave because of high tax rates, people will become more dependent on the national government as their income falls, and the economic death spiral will ensue.

Or not.  Just depends on our future actions.  On the current path, the Controller for California is a bellwether for the nation.  Take aggressive steps now, or we'll be bankrupt.

You can argue all you want with politics, but the numbers just don't lie.

Fun With Headlines

Headline 1:

"Chevy Volt Battery Fires Threaten All Electric Vehicle Makers, Not Just GM"

Headline 2:

"California Regulators Pass Emission Standards That Will Require One in Seven New Cars To Be Sold in 2025 To Be Electric or Zero-Emission"

So much for the free market and safety!  Even with huge cash incentives, people just are not ready for the switch...nor do they think its safe or makes economic sense.  Instead of letting the free market decide winners and losers, a "regulatory" board decides for us.  You see, central planners always have a better idea of what's good for the consumers and for the environment.

Until they don't.

"Solyndra Bankrupt: Department of Energy rushed federally backed loans to company--taxpayers lose $528 million"

Don't forget, if you think the government is all powerful and knows what's best for the environment, just remember who routinely exploded atomic weapons on our own soil.

"Wow, just got windy out here Bob!"

I Know the Feeling

A feel good video from CDR S.

I know just what those smiling dogs feel every time I roll down the road on the motorcycle.

Live free.

Are You Free?

It's sorta a rhetorical question until, well....you actually start thinking about the true answer.

I'm not a proponent that the "government" is out to get us.  I truly believe that the "government" is filled with a high percentage of people trying to do a really good job.  I've met and worked with a lot of folks who work for the government and are true patriots.  That is, they want the best for the country and their fellow Americans.

Yet, good intentions pave the road to hell.

Our Founding Fathers knew this to be true.  They knew that absolute power, even in the hands of the best of people, eventually leads to tyranny.  This is why we have checks and balances.  It's why there is a divided government.  It's why it SHOULD be hard to pass legislation.

Take a look at the below clip.  While I understand the intentions of the Patriot Act, I also understand Judge Napolitano's concern over it.

And why the Affordable Health Care Act is unconstitutional.

Ride On, Brother

Rest in peace, Amigo.

I'm going to miss you and your smile.  Wish I had a chance to shake your hand one more time.  Thanks for sharing your love of Harley's with me, and showing me and my family true friendship.


Look forward to riding together again one day.  Until then, this world down here is much less fun.

Buy This Man A Beer

I don't know Chris Kyle, but the first couple beers are on me if I ever meet him.

I watched Jesse Ventura's show "Conspiracy Theory" during the holidays.  That's 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back.  Jesse Ventura has definitely bought a ticket on the insane train, and the below story from Chris doesn't surprise me.  What surprises me is that the people of Minnesota decided to elect such a crackpot as their 38th governor.  By the way, his real name is James George Janos, and he changed his name to Jesse Ventura during his WWF wrestling "career".  His motto during his time as "The Body" was "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat."

Ventura, for some reason, decided to visit the wake of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor in 2006.  He started spouting off about how Americans were over in Iraq "killing women and children" and that the SEAL Teams "deserved to lose a few"...

...and Chris Kyle decided he would have none of this.

Hooyah, Chris.

From Hot Air.  Content Warning.

When Seconds Matter...

...the police are minutes away.

Sarah McKinley of Blanchard, Oklahoma, found herself in a very scary position on New Year's Eve.

Two armed men tried breaking into her house that night, and she was alone with her 3 month old baby.  She called 911, and asked...if she could utilize her 2nd Amendment right.

Amendment II: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

And no, not those kind of arms....

These kind of arms...

Recently widowed, Sarah picked up her shotgun and asked the 911 dispatcher if it was OK to shoot the men if they entered her home.  The dispatcher responded, "Well, you have to do whatever you can to protect yourself...I can't tell you that you can do that, but you do what you have to do to protect your baby."

Damn straight.  When Justin Martin, one of the intruders, broke into her home, Sarah sent Mr. Martin a welcome invitation.  Sarah fired her 12-gauge shotgun and killed him.

First Assistant District Attorney James Walters said that Sarah will not be charged.  He stated, "A person has the right to protect themselves, their family, and their property."  How refreshing!

For all those people who don't believe individuals have the right to bear arms, then I wonder how well Sarah could have protected herself and her baby.  Frying pans are heavy, but lack "effectiveness".

And I wonder how different the story would have read.  Let me make a guess on what the story would have been if Sarah did not have home protection in the form of a shotgun:

"A single mother and her child were killed on New Year's Eve as a result of a home break-in.  Police were unable to respond quickly enough to her 911 call, and arrived after the crime had been committed.  Police have no leads for suspects.  Police request anyone with any information to call the Blanchard Tip Hotline.  The victim's family says the funerals will be held next Tuesday."

Happy New Year My Friends!

New Year's Eve is my favorite time of year.  I'm an introspective guy, and I like to look back and wonder what I did right, what I did wrong, and what I wish I had done.

And more importantly, what I have to be so very thankful about.

We live in a strange new world, Amigos.  We don't necessarily look upon the future with grand hope and optimism.  With that said, I believe what we need is a "reset".

Reset.  Let's try again in 2012.  When you think about it, isn't that what this holiday is about?  The "Big Reset"?  Take a look around.  Figure out what needs to be fixed.  Figure out if you can control what needs to be fixed...

...and then do it.

2012.  Who is John Galt?

As I always love to laugh, here's a little palate cleanser thanks to Hot Air.

Verbum Caro Factum Est

May you and your family enjoy the most wonderful Christmas this year!  May we all cherish peace and goodwill this season.

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."

Now...keep an ear out for Santa this year.  When the reindeer get tired, he likes to take his other ride.

And let the maestro say it the best...

The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment...

...of the U.S. Constitution.

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the pace to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature an cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense."

In the Senate's National Defense Authorization Act (voted approved on Tuesday) , a provision allowed the military to detain terrorism suspects on U.S. soil and hold them indefinitely without trial.

It applies to citizens and non-citizens.

In other words, a terrorism suspect would get just one hearing where the military could assert that the person is a suspected terrorist.  That "suspect" could then be locked up for life, without ever formally being charged.  It allows the military to hold suspected terrorists indefinitely without a trial or due process.  These "terrorists" (I use quotations because, really, who actually defines what a terrorist is?  Is it Al Qaida?  Is it someone attempting to blow up a building?  Is is someone protesting a bank?  How about someone who argues against a public figure? Who makes this call?  And what political party are they affiliated with?) The only waiver is from the Secretary of Defense.


Oh, good.  I thought the Bill of Rights were endowed unto us by our Creator.  I guess the Secretary of Defense has a direct line to the Almighty.


This bill passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 93 to 7.  Yup, just 7 Senators objected to a direct violation to the U.S. Constitution.

Does the Senate actually read the Constitution?  Or do they just pass laws to get reelected, knowing that the Supreme Court will correct their stupidity mistake?

But what if the Supreme Court doesn't correct such an affront to our basic Constitutional rights?

Oh, I know.

Turn up the thermostat...

...because it's apparently very cold in the Capitol.  I guess he was going for the "Old Navy / Sport coat / hard nipple" look.  I hear it's the rage in D.C. this time of year.

I'll be sad to see the "Honorable Gentleman" from Massachusetts retire.

Not really.

Via HotAir.

It Was A Very Good Day

Good times and good friends.  And a good cigar...tasted even better leaving the IO.

It's A Joke

So, fourth (out of 6) quarter complete today in my MBA program.  Life is good.  To celebrate, a little humor.

New Scientific Evidence:
Vodka mixed with ice causes brain degeneration.

Scotch mixed with ice causes kidney failure.

Whiskey mixed with ice causes liver failure.

Tequila mixed with ice causes loss of sight.

Bottom line, ice is bad.  Please, don't drink any liquids with ice.  Ice causes many bad health effects and should be avoided at all costs.

Please pass to your closest friends.

Paradox

Just a short message from Ben Stein worth contemplating...shortly followed by a face palm.

"Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured...but not everyone must prove they are a citizen."

Happy Birthday!

Congratulations, Department of Energy!  You turned 34 this year!

Thirty-four years after its creation, the DOE employees 16,000 federal workers and 100,000 contract employees...with a $26 Billion budget.

Its charter?

In 1977, the Department of Energy was created to "lessen our dependence on foreign oil".

Now that's progress!

Happy Birthday, big government bureaucracy!

Ol' Stompin' Ground

Except for the Case III comms on a clearly Case I day (let me guess...a layer at 2K), this is a pretty cool video.

Nice to see the Prowlers get some love, too!

Hat tip to Lex for the video.

The Sheep Are Nervous

Well, the U.S. Senate seems unable to figure out our current economic dilemma.  They also seem unable to figure out a better tax code, a replacement space vehicle, appointing judges...well, let's just say they can't seem to agree on much of anything.

Except sex with animals.

Yes, the Senate Armed Services Committee unamimously approved S. 1867, the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision to repeal sodomy and sex with animals in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

My guess is that sodomy was repealed so that the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" will actually work, of course.  But as collateral damage, they've also agreed that human sex with animals...specifically, personnel who wear the nation's uniform...is perfectly legal.

Is this really in the best interest of the country and military?  Of course not.

But there's an agenda to promote, and the Senate is not going to make a little sex with goats stand in the way of a "good" cause.

Georgetown University: Hip Hop Elective

So, I turn on the news this morning and find out that Georgetown University will be offering a new, amazing course that conforms really well to it's distinguished, Jesuit background in higher academia...

..."Sociology of Hip Hop: Jay-Z".  You see, it's a course dedicated to to the rapper Jay-Z and his career.  Michael Eric Dyson, a liberal author and radio host (and oh, also a professor at Georgetown), will teach this class.  What could you possibly spend a semester at one of the most distinguished Ivy League schools learning about a rapper?  From his lyrics, you'll learn about "racial and gender identity, sexuality, capitalism and economic inequality."

Oh.

I guess it's good they are not offering courses such as:
"Capitalism: A Profound Masterpiece"
"WWII: A Study of American Sacrifice and Triumph"
"The Great Depression: A Study on How to Avoid Socialist and Government Interventionism"
"The 1960's: Contrasting Those Who Sacrificed for the Greater Good and Those Who Were Self-Absorbed"
"The American Housing Bubble:  How Good Intentions From Politicians Paved the Road to Hell"
"The Basic Economics of Supply and Demand: Why People Still Don't Get It"
"The American Media: A Study of Absurdity"
"Political Ethics: A Study of the Lack of Ethics and Morality in Public Officials" Part I
"Political Ethics: A Study of the Lack of Ethics and Morality in Public Officials" Part II
"Political Ethics: A Study of the Lack of Ethics and Morality in Public Officials" Part III
"Common Sense: A Study in Libertarian Thinking"

Let's hope the Georgetown alumni have something to say about this sham Jay-Z class.  If they don't, then shame on them.  President Clinton--you first.

A Classic Blast From the Past

It's been a long week in grad school...and boy did I need some humor.  Thanks to my friends from the Saturday morning old guys club for this clip.

I miss Richard.  Now he...was funny.

Hello World

Try not to cry...I wasn't able to.

I think I found a new favorite band.  It's been a good weekend...lots of time to look around and love life.  There's plenty to be thankful for.

Was listening to my daughter's breathing as she was falling asleep tonight.  She was holding her stuffed "ducky" and sucking her fingers.  Is there anything so perfect?

I don't think so.

Thankful

I don't have enough minutes in the day to fully appreciate everything I'm thankful for this holiday.  I'm not really sure why we celebrate it with turkey, but I know "why" we celebrate it.  Because there's a helluva lot to be thankful for.

A lot.

Is your life tough right now?  Not sure what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving day?



Want to try again?  What is it you are thankful for?  Don't just shove turkey in your mouth.  Give yourself some time, and appreciate the things you have.

You have more than you think.

Sometimes life is not what you thought it would be.  Sometimes it just plain sucks.  Sometimes the wrong things happen to good people.  Sometimes you don't get rewarded for good behavior.  Sometimes you do the right thing and no one cares.  Sometimes you work hard and get nothing in return.  Sometimes you smile at people and get nothing but scorn in return.  Sometimes you get cheated.  Sometimes you make the wrong decisions.

Given this, is there still reason to be thankful?

While you're thinking on that subject, I'll be kissing my wife as she checks on the turkey, hugging my little girl as she laughs at "America's Funniest Home Videos", and tipping back a cold beer on a beautiful sunny day.  I may even go polish the chrome on the motorcycle.

I have my answer.  You?

Double Down

To "Double Down" in Blackjack: The player is allowed to increase the initial bet by up to 100% in exchange for committing to stand after receiving exactly one more card.

To "Double Down" in politics:

First Card:


The Double Down:



"Families like yours, young people like the ones here today--including the ones who were just chanting at me--you're the reason that I ran for office in the first place."

Even though the President is extremely smart, especially in politics, I don't think he'd do well at Blackjack.

You don't Double Down when you are given a very, very bad card.  Note to whoever is advising the President to embrace the OWS crowd.

Stop.

In my humble opinion (of course), the OWS crowd is destructive, not creative.  It's socialist, not capitalist.  It's negative, not positive.  It's backward thinking, not forward thinking.  It's a proven failed philosophy, not a correction to a masterpiece.  It's exactly what we don't need.  To think otherwise is to embrace insanity.  Really, I'm not kidding.  Let me put it this way...would you let anyone at the OWS rally look after your child while you're away?  No?  Then why are you taking their view on the economy...something that will shape your child's future?

This country has done magnificent things, and this economy has driven prosperity to all time highs.  Prosperity is relative, of course, but so is the definition of poverty.  The lack of a job is not the issue.  The real issue is the lack of incentives for businesses to create those jobs.

If government figured out that instead of "telling" business what to do, they "incentivized" business, the economy would flourish.

At the beginning of economist F.A. Hayek's "The Road to Serfdom", Hayek stated that when government controls the economy, what's more at stake is not our wealth...but our "alteration in the character of the people."  If the President believes that government should control all the "faults" of the economy, then we will fundamentally change as a people.

According to the Tax Foundation, 60% of the population now gets more in government benefits than it pays in taxes.  Over half of our population lives at the expense of the rest.

Is this truly what we want in our country?  60 will become 70%....and 70 becoming 80%.  Unless we change, this is not conjecture, it is fact.  Do we want a culture of takers or makers?  Do we want freedom and self-responsibility or do we want the tyranny of the Nanny State?

This is the true discussion.  All else is smoke and mirrors.

WTF ???

A friend of mine pointed this out and I thought I would pass it along.

"...if I were running a campaign with a low approval rating, the last thing I would do is have a re-election slogan whose initials are...WTF."

Yup, I'd say that would be a bad idea.  But then again, it's pretty funny.

So there's that.

No Cages

Motorcycle Dictionary:

"Cages":  Automobiles.  Those who ride in cars are often referred to as "Cagers".

This will help explain the following video.

I've said it before...go buy one.  Now.  Seriously, like, right now.

You'll never see a motorcycle parked outside of a therapist's office.  Therapy is expensive.  Wind is cheap.

And It Begins

We better get our act together soon...or more of this will happen.

Via Drudge and Breitbart.

"A cyber strike launched from outside the United States hit a public water system in the Midwestern state of Illinois, an infrastructure control systems expert said on Friday....

...The network breach was exposed after cyber intruders burned out a pump.  'No one realized the hackers were in there until they started turning on and off the pump'....

The attack was reportedly traced to a computer in Russia and took advantage of account passwords stolen during a hack of a US company that makes SCADA software.

The US Department of Homeland Security has downplayed the Illinois cyber attack in public reports, stating that it had seen no evidence indicating a threat to public safetey but was investigating the situation."

Ok, let me be the first to tell you.  There is a significant threat to public safety and we've known about this for years now.  This is just the first public incident you've heard of.  

Our electronic infrastructure is not as sound as you think.  If you don't think it's a big deal, just wait until an entire city can't drink any water for a couple of weeks because some "hacker" has disabled a computer system.

This is one area where the Federal Government has an obligation to use our tax money for good purposes.  Hey Homeland Security...how about a little less patronizing comments and how about a little more action?

A Visual Contrast

So I like to pontificate...a lot.  Sometimes what I'm thinking doesn't quite come out on paper as expected.  My fellow MBA students would probably agree.

As a change, today I'll just let the pictures tell the story.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the following is almost long enough for my thesis!

What's Good for the Gander...

...is apparently not good for the goose.

A press conference was held today by self-ascribed millionaires.  They were demanding Congress tax them more...since, of course, they are not taxed enough.

Yes, these folks are not happy that they already give up a third of their income.  They want Congress to take more.

Well, so be it.  How about giving it now?  We'll help...here's a checkbook.

Oh wait...did they say voluntarily give more taxes?  Nope.  They want Congress to involuntarily take more taxes (not that taxes are voluntary to begin with).  But not starting with them.

After watching this video, I'm not too sure these guys are millionaires.  If they are, then I see something even darker.  Not only are these guys richer than you (and are probably pretty darn happy about it), but they also want something else they are not saying.

Power through tyranny.

I know it doesn't make sense initially, but think about it a while and then ponder, "Why won't these guys give up their own money voluntarily?  Why do they need Congress to force it upon others?"

Because these guys are in the minority.  The rest of the millionaires out there think these guys are lunatics.  And they are.

But there's only one way lunatics can get insane things done.

Through Congress.

Graphs to Explain the Unexplainable

Ever wondered why a drink feels so good at the end of a long week?  Let the graph help...

Ever wondered how all those people showed up as "friends" on Facebook?

Do you use Adobe?  Then no explanation needed for this graph...

Ever wondered how to fix insomnia?

The Beatles' lyrics were great.  Really?

How my P90X workouts are going....

How well a car alarm works:

And finally, what were those words again?...

A Different 1%

They are a different 1%.  Not the ones the Occupy Wall Street crowd rants against.

They are the 1% of the population who serves their country, and loves her to the core.

They are the 1% who asks for very little, but gives so very much.

They are a small group, but they are all around the globe and all around the country.

Find them.  And then thank them.

Honor our Veterans.