Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
is here in town doing their thing coordinating building a home for a family with like five adopted special needs children from China. Dad's got brain cancer, not looking good for him. It's the usual woeful family story you know the drill but that's not why I write.
Some of the volunteers have passed on some illuminating details of how this thing has worked.
The show doesn't really pay for much of anything as far as the actual building of the house. It's all donated from local places and all the work is done by skilled and unskilled volunteers. All the food for all these people working 24 hours a day is donated by local restaurants. Don't get me wrong if some needy family gets helped by all this great, but that's not why I write.
It seems that the head guy (I forget his name is kind of a phony). He was there for the opening scene and then evaporated until day six when they were just about done but that's not why I write.
In today's local paper was a casting call for "blended families" to come to a local park this afternoon for an EMHE production of an idyllic scene of multi-cultural families frolicking together with the subject family. Potential families were advised that shooting would take several hours due to the need for multiple takes of the same scene while the producers adjusted backgrounds and settings for the maximum desired effect.
It would seem that it is not only homes that they're fabricating.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Old man Potter
I did watch the entire speach last night. Mr. President has obvious charisma; you almost want to buy into it. Some of it started to sound pretty good. But then the words "carbon market caps", "deficit we inherited", tax increases on the "2% of the wealthiest americans" and mostly "shape our world" broke my reverie and brought me back to reality. I crushed out old man Potter's cigar and told him what he could do with his smoke and mirrors plan for my future.
Peace
Ok so I have something to say and I hope no one gets pissed off. I look forward to logging in every day on this blog and shooting the breeze with everyone. We are all adults now and it's not like we are10 or11 or 12 back on the rock. We have very strong political opinions and we MUST respect every body elses. I will venture to say that half of us lean to the right and half to the left. Sometimes I get get upset with someone elses opinion and I'm sure some of you get upset with mine. But so what. I always sense when I piss someone off and try to smooth things over afterwards. Thats how it should be. Please guys(The gals are lumped in there too.) Lets not get personal. Calling someone names or suggesting someone be brought up on charges is wrong. Maybe we weren't all friends back in the day but I like to think we are now. We at least all share a special bond being from the circle. I want to have some serious squabbles over politics and get the heart pumping but no being nasty ok? I hereby nominate Doug to be the "Elder" of the blog or the blog czar to keep it respectful. And remember RAC can always have a post removed.Now both sides go to your corners and come out swinging yeehaw!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Signs of the Times - Part 8
America's memory manufacture Micron (and my prior 51% employer) announce this week they would lay off an additional 2000 employees in Idaho. That story in itself is not that interesting given the sea of other recent layoffs. What really makes this story interesting is that Idaho's largest employer is now Walmart.
Not that there's anything wrong with WalMart. In fact, I love their business model. But Walmart does not produce a product. It serves only the end user and actually negatively impacts our GDP with their large sales of imports.
IMO, what this clearly represents is our move from an economy based on manufacturing to an economy based on consumption... a most unsustainable trend.
Not that there's anything wrong with WalMart. In fact, I love their business model. But Walmart does not produce a product. It serves only the end user and actually negatively impacts our GDP with their large sales of imports.
IMO, what this clearly represents is our move from an economy based on manufacturing to an economy based on consumption... a most unsustainable trend.
Sledding on Guam!!
WOW! I just happen to go thru some of the guam catagories on
youtube and found this...'GUAM STYLE SLEDDING'!
AND SIS...it just happens to be in Maite, at the cliff-line
near bayview baptist and the service mens center!
(i had to bring back a guam subject)
youtube and found this...'GUAM STYLE SLEDDING'!
AND SIS...it just happens to be in Maite, at the cliff-line
near bayview baptist and the service mens center!
(i had to bring back a guam subject)
Hero or Villain?
An officer in the US Army has officially rejected Obama as both President and Commander in Chief (read the story here). So what do you think? Is this guy a hero or villain in your eye's?
Let's play a fun game...
Let's take a little break from the overt partisanship here and play a game called "Three Things".
You pick three items that you would buy at Wal-Mart that would get them to call Security when you brought them up to check out.
Pick only three items.
To get things started I'll go first.
Bag of fertilizer
3 foot length of PVC Pipe
Duct tape
or...
Tube of KY Jel
Stuffed animal
Michael Jackson CD
Fun stuff huh? There are no wrong answers. Give it a try.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Time for a couple of laughs
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...............
Monday, February 23, 2009
Watch the Markets Pop
The WSJ floated a story last night that the Fed may buy up to 40% of Citi Banks shares. This news apparently is sitting well with many in the investment community. Might be an interesting day.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Obama Housing Speech Demystified
In Obama's Feb 18 speech on the housing crisis, he said:
"The plan I'm announcing focuses on rescuing families who have played by the rules and acted responsibly" - how will it be determined who has acted responsibly?
"loans for families stuck in sub-prime mortgages they can't afford as a result of skyrocketing interest rates" - interest rates are the lowest they've been in my lifetime, certainly lower than I can remember.
"But I also want to be very clear about what this plan will not do: It will not rescue the unscrupulous or irresponsible by throwing good taxpayer money after bad loans. It will not help speculators who took risky bets on a rising market and bought homes not to live in but to sell. It will not help dishonest lenders who acted irresponsibility, distorting the facts and dismissing the fine print at the expense of buyers who didn't know better. And it will not reward folks who bought homes they knew from the beginning they would never be able to afford. In short, this plan will not save every home." - where do I start with this paragraph? Now someone will determine the motives of borrowers when they agreed to their mortgages?
"My plan changes that by removing this restriction on Fannie and Freddie so that they can refinance mortgages they already own or guarantee. This will allow millions of families stuck with loans at a higher rate to refinance. [at a lower rate]" - wait a minute! I thought the interest rates were skyrocketing?!?! At least they were 30 seconds ago when you said it.
"And the estimated cost to taxpayers would be roughly zero; while Fannie and Freddie would receive less money in payments, this would be balanced out by a reduction in defaults and foreclosures." - I am really not anxious to see how many billions "close to zero" this really turns out to be.
"I also want to point out that millions of other households could benefit from historically low interest rates if they refinance" - so which is it? Skyrocketing or historically low?
"Sub-prime loans -- loans with high rates and complex terms that often conceal their costs -- make up only 12 percent of all mortgages" - this is flat out wrong. It is "sub-prime" refers to the borrowers. They are not prime, because of credit profile, amount they will put down, etc. The sub-prime mortgage has higher interest rates because sub-prime borrowers represent a bigger risk.
"Borrowers will be required to make payments on time in return for this opportunity to reduce those payments." - if these sub-prime borrowers were making their payments on time, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. What's new about this plan?
"In addition, as part of the recovery plan I signed into law yesterday, we are going to award $2 billion in competitive grants to communities that are bringing together stakeholders and testing new and innovative ways to prevent foreclosures. Communities have shown a lot of initiative, taking responsibility for this crisis when many others have not. Supporting these neighborhood efforts is exactly what we should be doing." - I wonder how much of this will go to ACORN?
"Our housing crisis was born of eroding home values, but also of the erosion of our common values" - hogwash! The home values eroded because of the mortgages that were not paid.
"It was brought about by big banks that traded in risky mortgages in return for profits that were literally too good to be true" - Big banks that were bullied by the feds and community organizers to offer mortgages to the sub-prime borrowers in the first place.
"by lenders who knowingly took advantage of homebuyers" - let's see if I understand this: banks loaned money to sub-prime borrowers who they knew wouldn't pay off the debts because there was some business 'advantage' in this? The idea is ludicrous.
"by leaders in our nation's capital who failed to act amidst a deepening crisis." - the very same leaders who are still in charge of the financial services committee (Barney Frank), the senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee (Chris Dodd) and the team that put together this bill in secret, closed-door committees (Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid). You mean THOSE LEADERS in the nation's capital?
"The plan I'm announcing focuses on rescuing families who have played by the rules and acted responsibly" - how will it be determined who has acted responsibly?
"loans for families stuck in sub-prime mortgages they can't afford as a result of skyrocketing interest rates" - interest rates are the lowest they've been in my lifetime, certainly lower than I can remember.
"But I also want to be very clear about what this plan will not do: It will not rescue the unscrupulous or irresponsible by throwing good taxpayer money after bad loans. It will not help speculators who took risky bets on a rising market and bought homes not to live in but to sell. It will not help dishonest lenders who acted irresponsibility, distorting the facts and dismissing the fine print at the expense of buyers who didn't know better. And it will not reward folks who bought homes they knew from the beginning they would never be able to afford. In short, this plan will not save every home." - where do I start with this paragraph? Now someone will determine the motives of borrowers when they agreed to their mortgages?
"My plan changes that by removing this restriction on Fannie and Freddie so that they can refinance mortgages they already own or guarantee. This will allow millions of families stuck with loans at a higher rate to refinance. [at a lower rate]" - wait a minute! I thought the interest rates were skyrocketing?!?! At least they were 30 seconds ago when you said it.
"And the estimated cost to taxpayers would be roughly zero; while Fannie and Freddie would receive less money in payments, this would be balanced out by a reduction in defaults and foreclosures." - I am really not anxious to see how many billions "close to zero" this really turns out to be.
"I also want to point out that millions of other households could benefit from historically low interest rates if they refinance" - so which is it? Skyrocketing or historically low?
"Sub-prime loans -- loans with high rates and complex terms that often conceal their costs -- make up only 12 percent of all mortgages" - this is flat out wrong. It is "sub-prime" refers to the borrowers. They are not prime, because of credit profile, amount they will put down, etc. The sub-prime mortgage has higher interest rates because sub-prime borrowers represent a bigger risk.
"Borrowers will be required to make payments on time in return for this opportunity to reduce those payments." - if these sub-prime borrowers were making their payments on time, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. What's new about this plan?
"In addition, as part of the recovery plan I signed into law yesterday, we are going to award $2 billion in competitive grants to communities that are bringing together stakeholders and testing new and innovative ways to prevent foreclosures. Communities have shown a lot of initiative, taking responsibility for this crisis when many others have not. Supporting these neighborhood efforts is exactly what we should be doing." - I wonder how much of this will go to ACORN?
"Our housing crisis was born of eroding home values, but also of the erosion of our common values" - hogwash! The home values eroded because of the mortgages that were not paid.
"It was brought about by big banks that traded in risky mortgages in return for profits that were literally too good to be true" - Big banks that were bullied by the feds and community organizers to offer mortgages to the sub-prime borrowers in the first place.
"by lenders who knowingly took advantage of homebuyers" - let's see if I understand this: banks loaned money to sub-prime borrowers who they knew wouldn't pay off the debts because there was some business 'advantage' in this? The idea is ludicrous.
"by leaders in our nation's capital who failed to act amidst a deepening crisis." - the very same leaders who are still in charge of the financial services committee (Barney Frank), the senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee (Chris Dodd) and the team that put together this bill in secret, closed-door committees (Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid). You mean THOSE LEADERS in the nation's capital?
The RAT hiding deep inside the stimulus bill
Buried deep in the "stimulus bill" is the creation of a new department called the "Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board". The board would oversee the in-house watchdogs, known as inspectors general, whose job is to independently investigate allegations of wrongdoing at various federal agencies, without fear of interference by political appointees or the White House.
Congress has given the RAT Board the authority to ask “that an inspector general conduct or refrain from conducting an audit or investigation.”
The board was created at the request of the white house and will report to the white house. Is this the new transparency we were promised (Obama)? Is this the most ethical congress ever (Pelosi)? Is this REALLY what you who voted him in were hoping for?
Read the whole article from Byron York in the DC Examiner:
http://www.dcexaminer.com/politics/The-RAT-hiding-deep-inside-the-stimulus-bill-39805642.html
Congress has given the RAT Board the authority to ask “that an inspector general conduct or refrain from conducting an audit or investigation.”
The board was created at the request of the white house and will report to the white house. Is this the new transparency we were promised (Obama)? Is this the most ethical congress ever (Pelosi)? Is this REALLY what you who voted him in were hoping for?
Read the whole article from Byron York in the DC Examiner:
http://www.dcexaminer.com/politics/The-RAT-hiding-deep-inside-the-stimulus-bill-39805642.html
Failing the Grade
So far I'm not too impressed. During the election we were to believe the Obama team had a plan for the economy. Now it seems that may have been nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Granted he's only been in office for a month. But still, a month should have been plenty of time to reveal what he had up his sleeve. Instead we get a some vague tease from the Treasury Secretary with no follow thru on the back side.
With rumors of bank nationalization hanging over the economy like an executioner's axe it seems the Fed could do a lot to stop the bleeding. From my perspective what we are really lacking is strong leadership. Even President Clinton said he would like to see Obama become more positive on the economy. Unless the administration gets a little more proactive I fear there won't be any pieces to pick up. And then "you guys" can all say I told you so.
With rumors of bank nationalization hanging over the economy like an executioner's axe it seems the Fed could do a lot to stop the bleeding. From my perspective what we are really lacking is strong leadership. Even President Clinton said he would like to see Obama become more positive on the economy. Unless the administration gets a little more proactive I fear there won't be any pieces to pick up. And then "you guys" can all say I told you so.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Congrats Cindy
Congratulations to Cindy on her big new promotion. Not sure if she wanted this made public but then what the hell are brothers for if not for letting out your secrets. Nice work Sis.
A change in race relations
In a speech on February 18 marking Black History month Attorney General Eric Holder said:
“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards. Though race related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion, and though there remain many unresolved racial issues in this nation, we, average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race.”
Hmm - most everytime any white people talk about race, we are branded as racists and bigots. I guess I should welcome this change???
“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards. Though race related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion, and though there remain many unresolved racial issues in this nation, we, average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race.”
Hmm - most everytime any white people talk about race, we are branded as racists and bigots. I guess I should welcome this change???
Thursday, February 19, 2009
You win Dad
For years my Dad and I participated in the Windows/Mac debate. Having cut my teeth on an old DOS machine in the late 80's there was no way he could ever convince me of Apple's superiority. But today I give my Father his due. After close examination and intense research, I have to say the iPhone is hands down the greatest invention ever. Mind you, their computers still suck, but the iPhone is a genuine piece of art. Way to pick 'em Dad.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Follow the money
Chris Matthews is a "journalist" for MSNBC who openly declares his job to be to make Obama's presidency a success. Before the elections, it was obvious the whole network was in the tank for the democrats.
MSNBC is owned by GE.
GE manufactures medical equipment, healthcare IT, energy infrastructure (Smart Grid)and has finacial wing.
How much do you think they stand to gain by the recovery act? It is one thing for companies to lobby congress to their benefit, it is quite another when the so-called free press does everything they can to ensure an outcome to their advantage.
MSNBC is owned by GE.
GE manufactures medical equipment, healthcare IT, energy infrastructure (Smart Grid)and has finacial wing.
How much do you think they stand to gain by the recovery act? It is one thing for companies to lobby congress to their benefit, it is quite another when the so-called free press does everything they can to ensure an outcome to their advantage.
Pork Central
The prez came to Denver to sign the stimulus bill. Kinda makes me wish I was from another state. I mean it was gonna get signed anyways but I wish he didn't do it here. If you think about it,wouldn't it make sense to sign it in a state that is really suffering economically? Even if it were just symbolic. I don't know,California maybe thats where Pelosi is from or Michigan or I know what about Illinois. Colorados economy is doing pretty good compared to a lot of others.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mark @ PC Lujan '70-'71
One of the rare times when the americano's where the majority!
(probably because PC Lujan was near NAS).
click on the picture to see it bigger
Is this Blog on Guam Time??!!
Breed a Master Race.
Peta has compared the Westminster Kennel Club to none other than, you guessed it, the KKK. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxAaK0iJ2vQ
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Harmon Pre-Dean's Circle Days
Dave (from the original Larson family),
I know that your family also lived in Harmon prior to moving to Dean's Circle. Do you have any photos of Harmon back in the day? If so, could you pretty please post them sir! Thanx Ric
I know that your family also lived in Harmon prior to moving to Dean's Circle. Do you have any photos of Harmon back in the day? If so, could you pretty please post them sir! Thanx Ric
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Well. . . that was painful.
But, nothing - I'm sure - compared to the pain that is coming.
He didn't even look us in the face while he's asking for an 800 package. Come on, the audience is not the press in the room (or the teleprompters) it is we the people. Can't he look us "in the eye" while he speaking to us?
He certainly wasn't very impressive off prompter either. A lot of pauses, uncertainty and trying to remember what he said during his campaign. I didn't actually hear a lot of answers (the casket question, what are the indicators, etc.).
What'd you guys think?
He didn't even look us in the face while he's asking for an 800 package. Come on, the audience is not the press in the room (or the teleprompters) it is we the people. Can't he look us "in the eye" while he speaking to us?
He certainly wasn't very impressive off prompter either. A lot of pauses, uncertainty and trying to remember what he said during his campaign. I didn't actually hear a lot of answers (the casket question, what are the indicators, etc.).
What'd you guys think?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pat Nelson's 5th Grade
I see Ric and Sean in the last row (teachers pets). I see Dan Larson and Jules in the middle row. Anyone else recognize others?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Time to update your personal profile!
Here's the 'dill pickle'. A lot of us/we/you have been on this web-site for a long time, yet have moved on to bigger and/or better things. But you have not updated your profile.
Get 'er done!
Get 'er done!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Joe Murphy
I see Joe Murphy passed away this morning. Aside from being Tim & Erins dad he was the longtime editor of the Guam Daily and then Pacific Daily News.
A skilled and gifted writer to be sure. Insightful, articulate, opinionated, obstinate, he was all of that. But mostly he was that extremely rare breed that recognized and utilized the english language as the medium and art form for which it's intended.
I always looked forward to Joe's editorials & columns.
RIP Joe Murphy
Thursday, February 5, 2009
MOTW - Boy, that was close
I went back to boat basin for more shots yesterday and had one of those "Oh shit, don't tell mom or she'll kill me" moments.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
surf's up!!
It was flat and clear on sunday, today there's a 8ft swell. The Sharatin Hotel (in the background) is overlooking Ricks Reef. This was shot from across the bay at the Agana Boat Basin.
Big waves with a high tide brought the water up higher then usual at lunch time.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Anyone want a dog?
A few years ago my brother-in-law got a dog, the dog had puppies and now the puppies have had puppies. He really ought to give some away or get them fixed.
Anyone want a boonie dog?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
POTW - Morning Rowing Practice..
I stopped at the Weston Hotel for a coffee the other day. The Coffee shop in the lobby has a wonderful view.
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