God almighty, I hate it when I have to pay both the federal and state government!
The double whammy!
It sucks.
If I had the money I'd dump some last minute 2008 contributions into my IRA to reduce my 2008 AGI, but I have to buy a car for my daughter in the coming weeks, and I can't afford to do both.
One thing that took me by surprise this year is that the Child Tax Credit ends in the year in which your child turns seventeen. That's a thousand dollars right there in the IRS column - argh. I would have thought the credit would have extended to age eighteen.
We have to support our children to that age, and they get much more expensive to support as they get older, so why does the credit end at sixteen? Probably some damned Republican lawmaker at work. I can hear him now, "Gotta get em' into the army. We don't want to coddle the little bastards".
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Lizard May Live To 200
I find this astonishing. I just read an article on cnn.com about a 110 year old lizard which may live to age 200.
Some creatures live much longer than humans do. Certainly this fact shows that there must be a way to extend the human lifespan well beyond the limited 120 years that very few ever realize.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again, we're very short lived creatures struggling against all odds to survive as a species. By the time we as individuals mature enough to have gathered some wisdom along comes the grim reaper to harvest us away. Is there any wonder why our societies are such violent, and sex obsessed affairs, or why we act as beast concerned mainly with territory, and reproduction?
Reduce the world population, advance technology, extend lifespan, increase the standard of living, create a planetary society, and colonize space - this is the way for the human species to survive. Otherwise we're just waiting around long enough to either destroy ourselves, or to be destroyed by a comet or asteroid.
Some creatures live much longer than humans do. Certainly this fact shows that there must be a way to extend the human lifespan well beyond the limited 120 years that very few ever realize.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again, we're very short lived creatures struggling against all odds to survive as a species. By the time we as individuals mature enough to have gathered some wisdom along comes the grim reaper to harvest us away. Is there any wonder why our societies are such violent, and sex obsessed affairs, or why we act as beast concerned mainly with territory, and reproduction?
Reduce the world population, advance technology, extend lifespan, increase the standard of living, create a planetary society, and colonize space - this is the way for the human species to survive. Otherwise we're just waiting around long enough to either destroy ourselves, or to be destroyed by a comet or asteroid.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
No Central Heat Tonight
As I was sick today I stayed in bed, and kept under the covers. When my wife got home from work she immediately noticed that the temperature in the house had dropped to 63 degrees, and asked me to get out of bed to check the central heating unit.
We've had someone over tonight to look at it, but the part won't be in until the morning, and so tonight we'll be using some space heaters to keep the place warm.
The one I have in the master bedroom is doing a great job keeping the room just at the right temperature - not too hot, not too cold, but I wonder about some of the other rooms in the house.
I wonder about the cats. I guess they'll be o.k. Then again, maybe we better make sure they're in a warm bedroom tonight.
We've had someone over tonight to look at it, but the part won't be in until the morning, and so tonight we'll be using some space heaters to keep the place warm.
The one I have in the master bedroom is doing a great job keeping the room just at the right temperature - not too hot, not too cold, but I wonder about some of the other rooms in the house.
I wonder about the cats. I guess they'll be o.k. Then again, maybe we better make sure they're in a warm bedroom tonight.
Been Sick For Several Days
Monday I was feeling mighty tired, so tired in fact that I knew I was coming down with something. I warned everyone at work not to come too close to me as I didn't want to give them what I had - even though I wasn't sure what I had - or if it would get worse.
Early Tuesday morning I awoke in bed in the middle of the night and realized I had a sore throat. I then fell back to sleep. When I awoke later I found that my sore throat had spread into one of my ears.
When my alarm went off later that morning I realized I was too sick to come into work, and so I called in sick. I slept Tuesday morning away, and upon waking in the afternoon I immediately realized that the infection had moved into my nasal passages. I couldn't breath through my nose at all.
With each breath I took through my mouth my throat became drier, and drier, and the pain became worse, and worse.
I also felt very tired, and so I slept, and slept.
I took some OTC antihistamines, a decongestant, Tylenol, and some Fluticasone Propionate.
I finally got up, and made myself a sandwich and some hot chicken soup, and watched a little television just before sunset.
I then went back to bed, and watched some television, and fell asleep.
This morning I woke to much the same tiredness, and chills I had had on Tuesday morning, and I carefully thought about whether it would be worth my trying to make it into work.
My employer may give us sick days, but they sure as hell don't want us to use them. After you take even a fairly conservative number of sick days you can forget about getting a larger raise.
And so there I was this morning still quite sick, agonizing over whether I wanted to get well, or get a pay raise.
I decided that my health was more important.
What with the economy I seriously doubt I'll be getting a raise anyway, so I called in my second day in a row.
I had an old friend who worked at LRS, and he told me long ago that LRS doesn't have sick days. They don't record a sick day at all, because they just don't want you coming in sick, and making other people sick.
That's the way it was at my last employer, but the one I have now essentially discourages people from taking sick days, which is a form of encouraging sick people to come to work and spread their diseases to the rest of the staff. Save a few hundred dollars here, and cost the company thousands in lost productivity I always say.
I'm glad I stayed home, because my sore throat is gone, and my ear feels clear of any infection. I have some nasal congestion and drip, and it's causing me to cough a great deal. But other than some residual weakness, and some sadness over my loss of a pay raise I feel able to go back to work - missing only two days.
Oh yes, I have one minor gripe - my ribs - I've been coughing so bad that I pulled a muscle, and whenever I cough I have to brace myself because the pain is intense and sharp.
Early Tuesday morning I awoke in bed in the middle of the night and realized I had a sore throat. I then fell back to sleep. When I awoke later I found that my sore throat had spread into one of my ears.
When my alarm went off later that morning I realized I was too sick to come into work, and so I called in sick. I slept Tuesday morning away, and upon waking in the afternoon I immediately realized that the infection had moved into my nasal passages. I couldn't breath through my nose at all.
With each breath I took through my mouth my throat became drier, and drier, and the pain became worse, and worse.
I also felt very tired, and so I slept, and slept.
I took some OTC antihistamines, a decongestant, Tylenol, and some Fluticasone Propionate.
I finally got up, and made myself a sandwich and some hot chicken soup, and watched a little television just before sunset.
I then went back to bed, and watched some television, and fell asleep.
This morning I woke to much the same tiredness, and chills I had had on Tuesday morning, and I carefully thought about whether it would be worth my trying to make it into work.
My employer may give us sick days, but they sure as hell don't want us to use them. After you take even a fairly conservative number of sick days you can forget about getting a larger raise.
And so there I was this morning still quite sick, agonizing over whether I wanted to get well, or get a pay raise.
I decided that my health was more important.
What with the economy I seriously doubt I'll be getting a raise anyway, so I called in my second day in a row.
I had an old friend who worked at LRS, and he told me long ago that LRS doesn't have sick days. They don't record a sick day at all, because they just don't want you coming in sick, and making other people sick.
That's the way it was at my last employer, but the one I have now essentially discourages people from taking sick days, which is a form of encouraging sick people to come to work and spread their diseases to the rest of the staff. Save a few hundred dollars here, and cost the company thousands in lost productivity I always say.
I'm glad I stayed home, because my sore throat is gone, and my ear feels clear of any infection. I have some nasal congestion and drip, and it's causing me to cough a great deal. But other than some residual weakness, and some sadness over my loss of a pay raise I feel able to go back to work - missing only two days.
Oh yes, I have one minor gripe - my ribs - I've been coughing so bad that I pulled a muscle, and whenever I cough I have to brace myself because the pain is intense and sharp.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Blago On Larry King Tonight
Oh please give us a break Governor Blago-bitch. You were a crook before, you're a crook now, and an appearance on CNN's Larry King show won't win over anyone's hearts and minds.
I wonder if the State of Illinois will be in any way paying for you to appear.
Now for those who don't know what I'm talking about - my state's governor has been under criminal investigation for years. During the course of that investigation, the prosecutor, who had federal court approved wiretaps installed in our good governor's office recorded the governor saying he was trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat which Barack Obama had just vacated.
And this charge is just the tip of the iceberg.
The whole process of the Governor's disposal is dragging on in what seems like slow motion, and now we must witness this egomaniac cast his spin on the Larry King show.
It's just adding insult upon injury to the people of the state of Illinois.
I wonder if the State of Illinois will be in any way paying for you to appear.
Now for those who don't know what I'm talking about - my state's governor has been under criminal investigation for years. During the course of that investigation, the prosecutor, who had federal court approved wiretaps installed in our good governor's office recorded the governor saying he was trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat which Barack Obama had just vacated.
And this charge is just the tip of the iceberg.
The whole process of the Governor's disposal is dragging on in what seems like slow motion, and now we must witness this egomaniac cast his spin on the Larry King show.
It's just adding insult upon injury to the people of the state of Illinois.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Buying A Car Soon In Central Illinois
Been searching the Internet for interesting auto deals. Going to buy a used car to replace the Cavalier my daughter used to drive. A cab driver totaled this car right in our own driveway.
So now I'm spending hours reading about specific makes and models, and eventually will start taking some test drives.
One disturbing detail which I noticed while searching the inventory of used car lots is that in many of the photographs on these car dealer's websites the photos were taken when green leaves were still on the trees in the background.
Many of these cars are just not selling - especially the minivans - I wonder why?
Could it be the fear that gasoline prices will eventually head back up when the global recession begins to lift?
Or could it be the credit crunch?
Or both?
Probably both - which makes me nervous about buying another car.
So now I'm spending hours reading about specific makes and models, and eventually will start taking some test drives.
One disturbing detail which I noticed while searching the inventory of used car lots is that in many of the photographs on these car dealer's websites the photos were taken when green leaves were still on the trees in the background.
Many of these cars are just not selling - especially the minivans - I wonder why?
Could it be the fear that gasoline prices will eventually head back up when the global recession begins to lift?
Or could it be the credit crunch?
Or both?
Probably both - which makes me nervous about buying another car.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Sell Off Continues
Work has been non-stop hectic. Those who held off waiting for an upswing from September are now selling out of the market.
Additionally the numbers of investors simply cashing in due to necessity, such as unemployment, underemployment, and the credit crisis, has increased.
The sense of confusion over whether to ride the market out, or to seek safer shores has caused people to make costly decisions which appear to be counter to their long term interest.
The emotion, the sense of panic, the financial pain, has worn me out.
I keep waiting for things to settle down some. But I don't see it happening.
Not anytime soon.
Which is why I blog less, and less these days. I feel exhausted dealing with the public.
Additionally the numbers of investors simply cashing in due to necessity, such as unemployment, underemployment, and the credit crisis, has increased.
The sense of confusion over whether to ride the market out, or to seek safer shores has caused people to make costly decisions which appear to be counter to their long term interest.
The emotion, the sense of panic, the financial pain, has worn me out.
I keep waiting for things to settle down some. But I don't see it happening.
Not anytime soon.
Which is why I blog less, and less these days. I feel exhausted dealing with the public.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration of Barack Obama
Inauguration of Barack Obama
I'm so excited I can't sleep. O.K., that's an exaggeration, I did get five hours of sleep, but I couldn't go back to sleep, after giving into the temptation of turning the television on to check out some of the Inauguration coverage. This makes me wonder how much sleep Mr. Obama has had, for it must be tough to sleep on the night before such an exciting event.
Streaming Media
I'm going to try and watch the event live from work, but I suspect many others will be too, and there's one thing about bandwidth - there's only so much to go around. There will be dozens of people, maybe hundreds, trying to watch the show via streaming audio-video, and that gobbles up bandwidth. I'm sure the IT network people will notice how slow the Internet will become, and they might block streaming content for today if things get too slow.
The Speech
I'm sure Barack's speech will be a good one, he's a fine writer, and orator. I hope he keeps it short and sweet, and doesn't get too detailed about his economic plan. He needs to stay lofty, and inspiring - and I'm sure he, and his speechwriters know this.
The Dress
Much concern has been expressed about what dress Michelle Obama will be wearing. It's kind of silly, but I hope she wears something red. Then again, maybe a blue dress. O.K., I'm just kidding - I really don't care - maybe something yellow?
The Wheel Chair
I see where V.P. Dick Cheney is going to be in a wheel chair for the event. What an odd image. Sort of Strangelovish - is that a word? He needs some leather gloves and a cigarette holder too.
Bush
I am so very glad that these are the last few hours of the George Walker Bush administration. Despite the generous spirit which Barack Obama has lent the whole transition, even saying some kind words about Bush, I really can't stand Bush - at all, and want to see him gone from the world stage, and I'm sure I'm in the majority when it comes to such feelings.
Main Stream Media
I've been watching a great deal of coverage. I watch MSNBC more than CNN during prime time, but I watch a great deal of CNN too. I like CSPAN for it's slower, quieter, and more thoughtful coverage. CSPAN's way of covering events like this allows me to feel like I'm actually there. They take cameras to such events and just leave them on. The History Channel has been televising some excellent documentaries about the Presidents, Washington D.C., and the White House. I have found this whole event massively interesting and educational.
Security Concern
While I doubt anyone will get close enough to Barack Obama to assassinate him today I do have concerns about the crowd. There doesn't seem to be a way to protect such a massive crowd. I'm guessing that no one in the crowd believes they are being protected, and they'd be right for the most part. So if moments before, or after Barack takes the oath of office we hear reports of explosions and hundreds of casualties in the crowd I won't be surprised.
I suspect that there are thousands of under cover police in the massive crowd, but what can they do? At most they can use some kind of zonal defense, and profile people. That's right they must use racial profiling. White faces, and dark black faces are overlooked, while brown Middle Eastern faces lead to further investigation.
I would gather that every Middle Eastern face in the crowd leads to a cursory investigation, a scoping out so to speak. Is this person alone? Is this person nervous? How does this person react to being stared at? Or being bumped? Fail the test, and I guess it would lead to an accidental shove or trip, and a pat down.
Just thoughts since I really don't know, but how else could the crowd be protected once it reaches such a massive size? Oh, and this would have to be ongoing while the crowd arrives, because once you have that many people in a large space the operation would probably change to using television cameras to check faces from a distance.
Just hope nothing happens, but the truth is anyone can get into the United States by simply walking in from its southern border, and there are probably terrorist sleeper cells in the U.S. waiting to cause havoc at an event like this one.
I'm so excited I can't sleep. O.K., that's an exaggeration, I did get five hours of sleep, but I couldn't go back to sleep, after giving into the temptation of turning the television on to check out some of the Inauguration coverage. This makes me wonder how much sleep Mr. Obama has had, for it must be tough to sleep on the night before such an exciting event.
Streaming Media
I'm going to try and watch the event live from work, but I suspect many others will be too, and there's one thing about bandwidth - there's only so much to go around. There will be dozens of people, maybe hundreds, trying to watch the show via streaming audio-video, and that gobbles up bandwidth. I'm sure the IT network people will notice how slow the Internet will become, and they might block streaming content for today if things get too slow.
The Speech
I'm sure Barack's speech will be a good one, he's a fine writer, and orator. I hope he keeps it short and sweet, and doesn't get too detailed about his economic plan. He needs to stay lofty, and inspiring - and I'm sure he, and his speechwriters know this.
The Dress
Much concern has been expressed about what dress Michelle Obama will be wearing. It's kind of silly, but I hope she wears something red. Then again, maybe a blue dress. O.K., I'm just kidding - I really don't care - maybe something yellow?
The Wheel Chair
I see where V.P. Dick Cheney is going to be in a wheel chair for the event. What an odd image. Sort of Strangelovish - is that a word? He needs some leather gloves and a cigarette holder too.
Bush
I am so very glad that these are the last few hours of the George Walker Bush administration. Despite the generous spirit which Barack Obama has lent the whole transition, even saying some kind words about Bush, I really can't stand Bush - at all, and want to see him gone from the world stage, and I'm sure I'm in the majority when it comes to such feelings.
Main Stream Media
I've been watching a great deal of coverage. I watch MSNBC more than CNN during prime time, but I watch a great deal of CNN too. I like CSPAN for it's slower, quieter, and more thoughtful coverage. CSPAN's way of covering events like this allows me to feel like I'm actually there. They take cameras to such events and just leave them on. The History Channel has been televising some excellent documentaries about the Presidents, Washington D.C., and the White House. I have found this whole event massively interesting and educational.
Security Concern
While I doubt anyone will get close enough to Barack Obama to assassinate him today I do have concerns about the crowd. There doesn't seem to be a way to protect such a massive crowd. I'm guessing that no one in the crowd believes they are being protected, and they'd be right for the most part. So if moments before, or after Barack takes the oath of office we hear reports of explosions and hundreds of casualties in the crowd I won't be surprised.
I suspect that there are thousands of under cover police in the massive crowd, but what can they do? At most they can use some kind of zonal defense, and profile people. That's right they must use racial profiling. White faces, and dark black faces are overlooked, while brown Middle Eastern faces lead to further investigation.
I would gather that every Middle Eastern face in the crowd leads to a cursory investigation, a scoping out so to speak. Is this person alone? Is this person nervous? How does this person react to being stared at? Or being bumped? Fail the test, and I guess it would lead to an accidental shove or trip, and a pat down.
Just thoughts since I really don't know, but how else could the crowd be protected once it reaches such a massive size? Oh, and this would have to be ongoing while the crowd arrives, because once you have that many people in a large space the operation would probably change to using television cameras to check faces from a distance.
Just hope nothing happens, but the truth is anyone can get into the United States by simply walking in from its southern border, and there are probably terrorist sleeper cells in the U.S. waiting to cause havoc at an event like this one.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
King & Obama - A Renewal Of American Pride
U2 - Pride - In The Name Of Love
King & Obama - A Renewal Of American Pride
What an incredible feeling I am having. Monday, January 19th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
This year there's something special about MLK Day arriving just one day before Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration on January 20th, 2009!
I have Monday (MLK Day) off from work, and wish I could take Tuesday off as well to see the Inauguration on television live, but I can't since the Stock Market is open Tuesday. If we're slow at work, I'll watch some of the ceremony on the Internet from my PC.
History is in the making, and I'm so excited! I've been watching the news coverage today of the Obama-Biden train ride from Philadelphia through Baltimore, and on to Washington D.C. That
Moses and Joshua
Martin Luther King has been likened to Moses for African Americans, but I feel he was an American Moses leading Americans of all races out of a very horrible place and toward a better, and more survivable future. However, this year I can truly see how Martin Luther King Jr. was a Moses for entire world.
In his last speech Dr. King spoke of having reached "the mountain top", just as Moses had, and King spoke of looking out over the promised land, as Moses had been allowed to see it. Both Moses and King had led their people to the very edge of the promised land, allowed to see it, and then denied entry while their people continued on.
Barack Obama refers to his generation as the Joshua generation - the generation that came after the Moses generation. The Joshua generation prospered from the benefits of entry into the promised land, and American blacks, despite continued economic inequalities, are beginning to reap the benefits of their hard fought entry into mainstream America.
Pride Renews
We in America are witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in politics, and history. African American parents can tell their children that if they study hard enough, and work hard enough that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. That is the new reality in America, and people of every race, creed, national origin, ethnicity, and even sexual orientation should take to heart that America is a nation capable of positive change, and inclusion.
We in America have finally realized the promise of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.
We have a long way to go in making perfect our social compact, but I at this point in my life feel a sense of optimism, and hope for this nation - a sense of pride that is long overdue.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bush - Just Go Away
One can only pray that Bush will be the worst president this nation has ever seen.
The clown king - el presidente - continues his pathetic attempt to leave office on good terms - just ain't gonna happen.
You realize dear readers that we can respect, and love the people of the United States and its institutions, while detesting George W. Bush?
It's possible, guilt free - I know - I and millions of other Americans have done it for years.
He meant well? Oh please he knew what he was doing, and he just didn't give a damn.
Enough said.
Just go away Bush.
The clown king - el presidente - continues his pathetic attempt to leave office on good terms - just ain't gonna happen.
You realize dear readers that we can respect, and love the people of the United States and its institutions, while detesting George W. Bush?
It's possible, guilt free - I know - I and millions of other Americans have done it for years.
He meant well? Oh please he knew what he was doing, and he just didn't give a damn.
Enough said.
Just go away Bush.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year?
What exactly do we mean when we wish someone a happy new year?
I believe that most people are mistakenly wishing that their friend has a happy New Year's Eve, or maybe at most happy New Year's Day.
When in fact wishing someone a happy new year is wishing that person has a happy new year for the entire upcoming year.
The way I see it the expression is somewhat goofy.
We guzzle down some booze, gather together to watch some common events, and pretend we care so much about other people that we start making wishes.
And just what is a wish? Is it a magical incantation? Does it carry any weight at all in this world?
And if we really cared at all wouldn't it be better to wish people a happy life?
Why is it that the only time we wish people a nice life - it's meant in sarcasm, "Have a nice life", and it's used when we're telling that person good bye?
Anyway, that's it for me tonight.
I had some bubbly, and too much food so I need to sleep it off now.
Happy Nice Life Everyone!
I believe that most people are mistakenly wishing that their friend has a happy New Year's Eve, or maybe at most happy New Year's Day.
When in fact wishing someone a happy new year is wishing that person has a happy new year for the entire upcoming year.
The way I see it the expression is somewhat goofy.
We guzzle down some booze, gather together to watch some common events, and pretend we care so much about other people that we start making wishes.
And just what is a wish? Is it a magical incantation? Does it carry any weight at all in this world?
And if we really cared at all wouldn't it be better to wish people a happy life?
Why is it that the only time we wish people a nice life - it's meant in sarcasm, "Have a nice life", and it's used when we're telling that person good bye?
Anyway, that's it for me tonight.
I had some bubbly, and too much food so I need to sleep it off now.
Happy Nice Life Everyone!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Virtual Particles Revisited
Note to self, virtual particles have in fact been confirmed, via the Casimer Effect (see PhysicsWorld's The Casimir effect: a force from nothing, 2002).
In this "effect" we find verification of the probabilistic nature of the quantum world. Particles simply pop into existence, and then back out of existence. Proven.
While the Casimir effect is a label for a force which exist at a quantum level I wonder if the Casimir effect could be sensed, or even manipulated, at a larger classical scale.
If the Casimir effect could be verified at a cosmic scale then that discovery could be used to support the argument that what happens at the quantum scale continues in fractal fashion into the classical large scale world.
I'm sure I'm not the first person to ask this question, and my next step is to search around on the net to see if any research has been done to see if the Casimir effect has been detected on a classical scale - perhaps with low frequency large wavelength electromagnetic waves, or if the Casimir effect could play a role in the discussion of dark matter and dark energy.
In this "effect" we find verification of the probabilistic nature of the quantum world. Particles simply pop into existence, and then back out of existence. Proven.
While the Casimir effect is a label for a force which exist at a quantum level I wonder if the Casimir effect could be sensed, or even manipulated, at a larger classical scale.
If the Casimir effect could be verified at a cosmic scale then that discovery could be used to support the argument that what happens at the quantum scale continues in fractal fashion into the classical large scale world.
I'm sure I'm not the first person to ask this question, and my next step is to search around on the net to see if any research has been done to see if the Casimir effect has been detected on a classical scale - perhaps with low frequency large wavelength electromagnetic waves, or if the Casimir effect could play a role in the discussion of dark matter and dark energy.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Getting Reamed On Text Messaging Cost
Interesting article in the NYTimes on how cellular text messaging works.
Turns out that the digital systems that the cellular carriers use sandwich text messages within packets of data that are already required for a cellphone to keep in constant touch with a cell tower.
That's right, the cellular companies aren't using any extra bandwidth at all to accommodate text messaging.
The cost of providing text messaging is very very very small and yet the cellular companies are charging customers big time.
In fact the cellular carriers are making so much money on a service that is costing them so little that none of them are prepared to release the actual numbers on this incredibly profitable area of their operations.
Now this might seem unimportant - so what if Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all charge from fifteen to twenty dollars per month for unlimited texting, or around 20 cents per text outside a package?
Right?
Wrong!
Since the cost to the carriers is very, very, very little this would imply that competition would drive the price that the carriers charge down - but this hasn't happened at all.
Which means - you guessed it - price fixing - which is illegal.
The carriers are facing dozens of class action lawsuits, and in the future we should see some rebate checks headed our way, as well as a reduction in the cost of texting, and a probable increase in the portion of our cellular bills for other services - because in the end - we is screwed.
Turns out that the digital systems that the cellular carriers use sandwich text messages within packets of data that are already required for a cellphone to keep in constant touch with a cell tower.
That's right, the cellular companies aren't using any extra bandwidth at all to accommodate text messaging.
The cost of providing text messaging is very very very small and yet the cellular companies are charging customers big time.
In fact the cellular carriers are making so much money on a service that is costing them so little that none of them are prepared to release the actual numbers on this incredibly profitable area of their operations.
Now this might seem unimportant - so what if Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all charge from fifteen to twenty dollars per month for unlimited texting, or around 20 cents per text outside a package?
Right?
Wrong!
Since the cost to the carriers is very, very, very little this would imply that competition would drive the price that the carriers charge down - but this hasn't happened at all.
Which means - you guessed it - price fixing - which is illegal.
The carriers are facing dozens of class action lawsuits, and in the future we should see some rebate checks headed our way, as well as a reduction in the cost of texting, and a probable increase in the portion of our cellular bills for other services - because in the end - we is screwed.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Winter Rain Storm Pain and Sleep
Joint Degeneration From Age Ten
I have had arthritis for decades now. In my early twenties, my knees were so rife with arthritis that I was advised by my sports medicine doctor, my general practitioner, and an orthopedic surgeon, that I had the joints of a very old man.
I skipped the surgery hoping for a cure, or some better form of treatment - hoping that the pace of medical science would result in unimagined ways to alleviate my condition.
Years before I even linked the word arthritis to the non stop joint pain, the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, the feverishness, and the fatigue, I suspected it was going to be a lifelong malady. No matter how many anti inflammatory pills or hot showers I took the pain would return.
I could feel sharp jolts of pain in my neck, and my knees at first - and I'd run to the television to check out the radar screen, and would learn what I already knew, that a thunderstorm was coming. I soon realized that a storm could be a hundred miles away, and that I could still be affected by it. I couldn't believe that I was experiencing the same symptoms that elderly people often complained about on television programs and commercials.
As the years passed the joint degeneration spread to my fingers, back, shoulders, and hips.
In Search Of Pain Relief - Legal And Not So Legal
Some days the pain was so great that I would take ten to twenty ibuprofen tablets in a day and the natural result was ulcers.
I'd tell myself that prescription strength ibuprofen was one gram, and that directions for post operative pain was one pill every eight hours, and so I could safely take fifteen over the counter capsules - knowing that it wasn't a good idea - not in the long run.
Every once in awhile I would "score" some prescription pain medicine from a friend or relative. I'd take the medicine, and all the pain would go away. Tears would come down my face in relief. My body is so rife with crunchy joints that my brain simply must produce a great deal of its own pain killers, and this works relatively well, but the sensation I get when I take a powerful pain killer is this - it is like going back in time to when I was a child. My body feels good again - no pain at all.
The elation of feeling no pain is nothing short of ecstasy. This is how I felt up to my middle teens. And I ask myself why I can't just stay pain free, why I can't be allowed to stay on some powerful pain killer which would make my pain go away. Yet it isn't very long into such a feeling that I come to know my own nature, and decide it is best to feel the pain - that any pain pill yet devised would render me an addict - and thus I chose pain over slavery.
I have never asked a doctor to prescribe such pills, because I know what would happen. I know I'd end up abusing them for I have experienced the rapidity of tolerance. Take one pill at first, and soon I'm up to many more. That's the downfall of narcotics - anyone in pain will take so many that they'll eventually kill themselves taking such a drug to eliminate their pain.
I did once ask for a renewal on a prescription for a steroid I was taken for my back pain. The doctor told me that I would have to wait for several months before prescribing them again, so I never asked for steroids again, but I did start to look around for steroids over the Internet.
I soon realized that my craving to be pain free would drive me to finding, and purchasing steroids over the Internet, and so I stopped searching, and never bought it. Steroids are remarkable, but I've never known anyone taking them who hasn't had a personality change.
A Safe, Legal, Effective, Healthy Treatment For Pain - Fish Oil
In recent years I have found a pain medicine that is safe, with no known toxicity, has many positive side effects, very effective, and inexpensive. I'm talking about fish oil. Combine fish oil and glucosamine chondroitin and you have the perfect combination for joint pain. Fish oil can be taken all by itself, and it is such a remarkable anti inflammatory that you can take it for injuries, head aches, and arthritis.
Last night, feeling the shift in barometric pressure, and perhaps the lightning strikes from miles away, I knew I had to take plenty of fish oil, and so I doubled my daily dose to twenty fish oil capsules. That's eight grams of Omega 3.
Another twenty fish oil capsules (four more grams of Omega 3) today and I'm for the most part pain free (actually, that's not true) compared to what I would have experienced if I had not taken them.
I don't have to worry about damage to my liver from fish oil, nor the damage to my stomach that aspirin or ibuprofen would have caused - with the added benefit of reducing my triglycerides.
So with the intense winds, and freezing cold rain my major symptom was some low level pain in every joint in my body, and the overwhelming desire to sleep so as to avoid the pain.
In fact my entire family is asleep now, including our cats.
It's not like there would have been much of a loss - this cold dark horrible day, it's better to sleep through it, and pretend it never happened.
Just hibernate, and wake up on one warm Spring day, crawl out of my den, and go eat some fish - love that fish oil.
I have had arthritis for decades now. In my early twenties, my knees were so rife with arthritis that I was advised by my sports medicine doctor, my general practitioner, and an orthopedic surgeon, that I had the joints of a very old man.
I skipped the surgery hoping for a cure, or some better form of treatment - hoping that the pace of medical science would result in unimagined ways to alleviate my condition.
Years before I even linked the word arthritis to the non stop joint pain, the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, the feverishness, and the fatigue, I suspected it was going to be a lifelong malady. No matter how many anti inflammatory pills or hot showers I took the pain would return.
I could feel sharp jolts of pain in my neck, and my knees at first - and I'd run to the television to check out the radar screen, and would learn what I already knew, that a thunderstorm was coming. I soon realized that a storm could be a hundred miles away, and that I could still be affected by it. I couldn't believe that I was experiencing the same symptoms that elderly people often complained about on television programs and commercials.
As the years passed the joint degeneration spread to my fingers, back, shoulders, and hips.
In Search Of Pain Relief - Legal And Not So Legal
Some days the pain was so great that I would take ten to twenty ibuprofen tablets in a day and the natural result was ulcers.
I'd tell myself that prescription strength ibuprofen was one gram, and that directions for post operative pain was one pill every eight hours, and so I could safely take fifteen over the counter capsules - knowing that it wasn't a good idea - not in the long run.
Every once in awhile I would "score" some prescription pain medicine from a friend or relative. I'd take the medicine, and all the pain would go away. Tears would come down my face in relief. My body is so rife with crunchy joints that my brain simply must produce a great deal of its own pain killers, and this works relatively well, but the sensation I get when I take a powerful pain killer is this - it is like going back in time to when I was a child. My body feels good again - no pain at all.
The elation of feeling no pain is nothing short of ecstasy. This is how I felt up to my middle teens. And I ask myself why I can't just stay pain free, why I can't be allowed to stay on some powerful pain killer which would make my pain go away. Yet it isn't very long into such a feeling that I come to know my own nature, and decide it is best to feel the pain - that any pain pill yet devised would render me an addict - and thus I chose pain over slavery.
I have never asked a doctor to prescribe such pills, because I know what would happen. I know I'd end up abusing them for I have experienced the rapidity of tolerance. Take one pill at first, and soon I'm up to many more. That's the downfall of narcotics - anyone in pain will take so many that they'll eventually kill themselves taking such a drug to eliminate their pain.
I did once ask for a renewal on a prescription for a steroid I was taken for my back pain. The doctor told me that I would have to wait for several months before prescribing them again, so I never asked for steroids again, but I did start to look around for steroids over the Internet.
I soon realized that my craving to be pain free would drive me to finding, and purchasing steroids over the Internet, and so I stopped searching, and never bought it. Steroids are remarkable, but I've never known anyone taking them who hasn't had a personality change.
A Safe, Legal, Effective, Healthy Treatment For Pain - Fish Oil
In recent years I have found a pain medicine that is safe, with no known toxicity, has many positive side effects, very effective, and inexpensive. I'm talking about fish oil. Combine fish oil and glucosamine chondroitin and you have the perfect combination for joint pain. Fish oil can be taken all by itself, and it is such a remarkable anti inflammatory that you can take it for injuries, head aches, and arthritis.
Last night, feeling the shift in barometric pressure, and perhaps the lightning strikes from miles away, I knew I had to take plenty of fish oil, and so I doubled my daily dose to twenty fish oil capsules. That's eight grams of Omega 3.
Another twenty fish oil capsules (four more grams of Omega 3) today and I'm for the most part pain free (actually, that's not true) compared to what I would have experienced if I had not taken them.
I don't have to worry about damage to my liver from fish oil, nor the damage to my stomach that aspirin or ibuprofen would have caused - with the added benefit of reducing my triglycerides.
So with the intense winds, and freezing cold rain my major symptom was some low level pain in every joint in my body, and the overwhelming desire to sleep so as to avoid the pain.
In fact my entire family is asleep now, including our cats.
It's not like there would have been much of a loss - this cold dark horrible day, it's better to sleep through it, and pretend it never happened.
Just hibernate, and wake up on one warm Spring day, crawl out of my den, and go eat some fish - love that fish oil.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Vistor's Guide
Guide To Welcome Christmas Visits
I thought I'd write up a list of suggestions which I feel would help everyone around the holidays. This list of suggestions is the result of years of experience of either having visitors over for the holidays, or in being a visitor myself. So here goes - JeromeProphet's Christmas Visitor's Guide.
Call Ahead - preferably earlier rather than later. Calling up at the last moment or actually showing up on someone's door unannounced is a really big no-no. Show your host some common courtesy around the holidays. Christmas can be a stressful and demanding day, and showing up unexpectedly can create havoc.
Stay Polite - If you're visiting try not to make smart remarks about your host's Christmas tree, or holiday decorations. Try not to make jokes at the expense of your host either. Don't turn your visit into a sit down comedy routine, or a "roast the host" event - it leaves a bad and lasting impression. Your host may smile and laugh at your snide remarks, but probably only out of politeness.
Reciprocity - Ask yourself if you ever invite your host over for the holidays. If you don't then there's probably an issue that your host is painfully aware of too.
Be Honest - If you find yourself feeling like you have to visit, then don't. Your host will know if you really don't want to be there. Breezing in, and out of a visit just for politeness sake is both apparent, and insulting.
Don't Be A Pig - Leave some food for your host after you leave. Just because they offer you the tray doesn't mean you have to empty it.
Don't Be A Drunk - This applies for how you show up, and how you leave. Don't show up at your host's door drunk, or even tipsy, And don't stumble out drunk either. If you're inebriated then you're more likely to be rude - no matter how funny you think you are. And if leave drunk you probably overstayed your visit, and probably broke every rule in this list I've prepared. Additionally, drinking and driving is against the law.
Don't Overstay Your Visit - Around the holidays your host probably has many places to go, people to see, and things to do - it can't all be about you. Remember that your host might have attended church the night before, or woke up early to open presents.
Keep Your Promises - If you say you'll visit then do. Sneaking into town, and visiting one friend and not another usually gets around - and if you promised a visit and blow it off under such conditions - it makes you look discourteous and contemptible - a big no-no around the holidays.
Be Consistent - Don't "play friends" up until November each year only to find yourself looking for a way to get a good feud started so as to eek out yet another year without having to do an invite for the holidays. Sure by February you'll be on "good" terms with your "friend" again, but after a few years it become painfully obvious what the truth of the relationship is. This includes the "Holiday Disappearance Act". If you're in touch with a "friend" ten months out of the year, but find yourself just "too busy" to send an invite, or to return that RSVP - it's obvious - there's a problem.
Holidays create false expectations and demands for how people are supposed to act. After watching hundreds of hours of holiday programs, and holiday commercials, most people feel that at the very least they are required to visit, or take on visitors. This ritual, while intended to reaffirm familial bonds and ties of friendship can create stress, and sometimes do more harm to relationships than good.
How do you tell an old and beloved "friend" that he's obnoxious and you use him only because you're bored, or tell your neighbor that he's a loudmouth drunk at parties, or tell an Uncle that you don't like him because he fondled your cousin? How do you tell your "old buddy" that he's below you socially, and that your old friendship now makes you look bad in front of your wife, and new friends? How do you confess that your husband can't stand her husband? How do you explain that you feel disgusted that your friend has gained weight, and that you're ashamed of him? How do you tell the truth about the way you feel, when you feel guilty about how you feel - especially during the holidays?
Relationships which may have hung by a thread for decades can be put into danger due to the expectation that those relationships be more than they'll ever be.
The bit tongue, the tense smile, the rushed glass of wine may work well in the short run, but without some rules guiding how hosts and visitors should behave feelings can get hurt, and territory can be invaded leading to regrets.
The key to JeromeProphet's Christmas Visit Rules is politeness. The Golden Rule is at the heart of politeness. When hosting and visiting for the holidays ask how you would want to be treated if you were in the other guy's shoes? Would you want someone to show up announced? Would you want someone to make snide remarks at your expense in your own living room? The answers are obvious.
Being a good host or visitor is all about respect. If you don't have it, then don't try and fake it.
I thought I'd write up a list of suggestions which I feel would help everyone around the holidays. This list of suggestions is the result of years of experience of either having visitors over for the holidays, or in being a visitor myself. So here goes - JeromeProphet's Christmas Visitor's Guide.
Call Ahead - preferably earlier rather than later. Calling up at the last moment or actually showing up on someone's door unannounced is a really big no-no. Show your host some common courtesy around the holidays. Christmas can be a stressful and demanding day, and showing up unexpectedly can create havoc.
Stay Polite - If you're visiting try not to make smart remarks about your host's Christmas tree, or holiday decorations. Try not to make jokes at the expense of your host either. Don't turn your visit into a sit down comedy routine, or a "roast the host" event - it leaves a bad and lasting impression. Your host may smile and laugh at your snide remarks, but probably only out of politeness.
Reciprocity - Ask yourself if you ever invite your host over for the holidays. If you don't then there's probably an issue that your host is painfully aware of too.
Be Honest - If you find yourself feeling like you have to visit, then don't. Your host will know if you really don't want to be there. Breezing in, and out of a visit just for politeness sake is both apparent, and insulting.
Don't Be A Pig - Leave some food for your host after you leave. Just because they offer you the tray doesn't mean you have to empty it.
Don't Be A Drunk - This applies for how you show up, and how you leave. Don't show up at your host's door drunk, or even tipsy, And don't stumble out drunk either. If you're inebriated then you're more likely to be rude - no matter how funny you think you are. And if leave drunk you probably overstayed your visit, and probably broke every rule in this list I've prepared. Additionally, drinking and driving is against the law.
Don't Overstay Your Visit - Around the holidays your host probably has many places to go, people to see, and things to do - it can't all be about you. Remember that your host might have attended church the night before, or woke up early to open presents.
Keep Your Promises - If you say you'll visit then do. Sneaking into town, and visiting one friend and not another usually gets around - and if you promised a visit and blow it off under such conditions - it makes you look discourteous and contemptible - a big no-no around the holidays.
Be Consistent - Don't "play friends" up until November each year only to find yourself looking for a way to get a good feud started so as to eek out yet another year without having to do an invite for the holidays. Sure by February you'll be on "good" terms with your "friend" again, but after a few years it become painfully obvious what the truth of the relationship is. This includes the "Holiday Disappearance Act". If you're in touch with a "friend" ten months out of the year, but find yourself just "too busy" to send an invite, or to return that RSVP - it's obvious - there's a problem.
Holidays create false expectations and demands for how people are supposed to act. After watching hundreds of hours of holiday programs, and holiday commercials, most people feel that at the very least they are required to visit, or take on visitors. This ritual, while intended to reaffirm familial bonds and ties of friendship can create stress, and sometimes do more harm to relationships than good.
How do you tell an old and beloved "friend" that he's obnoxious and you use him only because you're bored, or tell your neighbor that he's a loudmouth drunk at parties, or tell an Uncle that you don't like him because he fondled your cousin? How do you tell your "old buddy" that he's below you socially, and that your old friendship now makes you look bad in front of your wife, and new friends? How do you confess that your husband can't stand her husband? How do you explain that you feel disgusted that your friend has gained weight, and that you're ashamed of him? How do you tell the truth about the way you feel, when you feel guilty about how you feel - especially during the holidays?
Relationships which may have hung by a thread for decades can be put into danger due to the expectation that those relationships be more than they'll ever be.
The bit tongue, the tense smile, the rushed glass of wine may work well in the short run, but without some rules guiding how hosts and visitors should behave feelings can get hurt, and territory can be invaded leading to regrets.
The key to JeromeProphet's Christmas Visit Rules is politeness. The Golden Rule is at the heart of politeness. When hosting and visiting for the holidays ask how you would want to be treated if you were in the other guy's shoes? Would you want someone to show up announced? Would you want someone to make snide remarks at your expense in your own living room? The answers are obvious.
Being a good host or visitor is all about respect. If you don't have it, then don't try and fake it.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Writing With Priskers
Between my outstretched arms lay my cat Priskers. She has her left paw curled slightly so that her claws are gently pressing, anchoring, into my left thumb - but there is no pain. My left wrist pressed down ever so gently upon the side of her tail.
She and I are pals, we're family, we're warmth for each other on this frigid cold night, a night with howling winds so rough that they could kill.
Priskers always seems to know the best place to curl up, and positing herself just in front of the keyboard forces me to either push her out of the way, or to adjust to her presence.
She's a nice cat.
Oops, she is up now, and heading to her water bowl which I just refreshed an hour ago.
And now, it is time for me to crash.
She and I are pals, we're family, we're warmth for each other on this frigid cold night, a night with howling winds so rough that they could kill.
Priskers always seems to know the best place to curl up, and positing herself just in front of the keyboard forces me to either push her out of the way, or to adjust to her presence.
She's a nice cat.
Oops, she is up now, and heading to her water bowl which I just refreshed an hour ago.
And now, it is time for me to crash.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
World Economy on the Edge of Disaster
I don't believe many people understand just how close the U.S., and world economy, is to the edge of a very deep drop into what could turn into a protracted recession. When I say that I don't mean to sound like an expert, because I'm not, and I'm also aware that the U.S. has already been in a recession for a year now, but from everything I've read it looks like the most serious economic crisis in my lifetime - nothing compares - short of the Great Depression.
What really drove this reality home was watching a documentary made by, and broadcast last week on, the History Channel of all places. After months of personally talking with hundreds of people from all across this great nation of ours tell me how bad things were where they live, and after reading hundreds of articles dealing with the economic decline the truth came together watching the History Channel's, Crash: The Next Great Depression, an excellent documentary which compares the Great Depression with the situation we currently find ourselves in.
In fact the situation is so frightening that I don't believe most people know just how dire the situation is.
For several years I've shared my opinions about the Bush Administration, and how the economy was a "sham economy", and I knew eventually something had to give. I formed that opinion several years ago while watching an early morning CSPAN broadcast in which a writer took calls after a long discussion of Bush Administration economic policy.
The general message was clear, our economy was in high gear, and everyone was happy for the moment only because a flood of foreign investment was financing the Real Estate Bubble. The question was put - as to what would happen if that financing ever came unraveled, and at that time it was clear that no one even wanted to consider what would happen.
We now live in the worst case scenario, a scenario in which banks no longer want to loan out any money.
And at this point no matter how much money has been used to bail out these lending institutions, nor how low the prime interest rate is - no one wants to part with their cash - for fear of loaning money to an institution, company, or individual which might not be capable of paying back those loans.
And thus, the economy itself is grinding to a halt. We haven't seen it yet, but if not for the actions of the federal government the U.S. economy would completely collapse.
And that is not an exaggeration - which is scary as hell.
What really drove this reality home was watching a documentary made by, and broadcast last week on, the History Channel of all places. After months of personally talking with hundreds of people from all across this great nation of ours tell me how bad things were where they live, and after reading hundreds of articles dealing with the economic decline the truth came together watching the History Channel's, Crash: The Next Great Depression, an excellent documentary which compares the Great Depression with the situation we currently find ourselves in.
In fact the situation is so frightening that I don't believe most people know just how dire the situation is.
For several years I've shared my opinions about the Bush Administration, and how the economy was a "sham economy", and I knew eventually something had to give. I formed that opinion several years ago while watching an early morning CSPAN broadcast in which a writer took calls after a long discussion of Bush Administration economic policy.
The general message was clear, our economy was in high gear, and everyone was happy for the moment only because a flood of foreign investment was financing the Real Estate Bubble. The question was put - as to what would happen if that financing ever came unraveled, and at that time it was clear that no one even wanted to consider what would happen.
We now live in the worst case scenario, a scenario in which banks no longer want to loan out any money.
And at this point no matter how much money has been used to bail out these lending institutions, nor how low the prime interest rate is - no one wants to part with their cash - for fear of loaning money to an institution, company, or individual which might not be capable of paying back those loans.
And thus, the economy itself is grinding to a halt. We haven't seen it yet, but if not for the actions of the federal government the U.S. economy would completely collapse.
And that is not an exaggeration - which is scary as hell.
Stomach "Flu" Floating About Springfield, Illinois
First of all the term "flu" to describe an intestinal parasite or virus is a misnomer, but that's how I'll refer to it in this post. Starting early last week my teenage daughter said she wasn't feeling well. We suspected it was a hangover, but after several days when it wouldn't go away we suspected either a bacterial or viral infection.
My daughter being sick is nothing new. Her party girl lifestyle being what it is has made her our family's "Canary in a Coal Mine", and so if something is floating about Springfield, Illinois - she's had it.
And so when she started puking her guts out and missing school, and after we eliminated hangover, we suspected a virus or bacterial infection.
It has been here, at least in our household, ever since.
I've felt it deep within the pit of my stomach - or is that an ulcer, and I've felt it in my sense of fatigue - or is it just stress, and in the lingering tingling sensation of warmth upon my skin. Yet for the most part it has subsided without doing any damage to me. I suspect I must have been visited by this bug before, perhaps in another strain, but that I have some degree of immunity to it.
However, this morning my wife has been sick as a dog. It is probably related to her experience of having to worry about her daughter coming back home last night, and then dealing with a drunken, high, and abusive teenage girl. That's a lot of stress to handle at five in the morning.
My prior post relates our story of having to wait until four thirty in the morning for our teenage daughter to show up home after a night of drinking and pot use - and - realizing that this party girl drove back from her latest motel party while under the influence of alcohol.
So now my wife is showing all the signs of this stomach flu, and it has proven to me that this intestinal flu was just smoldering, and waiting for a chance to rear its ugly head again.
My wife has called a pharmacist for some quick, free, and unofficial medical advice, and it turns out that other folk in Springfield, Illinois have been hit with this stomach flu too.
So folks make sure to keep your stress levels down, get plenty of sleep, and wash your hands before putting them in contact with your mouth or anything that is heading that direction.
It might be an airborne pathogen so I'd suggest some other measures as well - but it involves not kissing on the lips, turning your vents on to bring a greater level of fresh air into your house, and generally acting like a germ freak, which probably beats hanging out at the toilet with diarrhea, and vomiting a lot.
My daughter being sick is nothing new. Her party girl lifestyle being what it is has made her our family's "Canary in a Coal Mine", and so if something is floating about Springfield, Illinois - she's had it.
And so when she started puking her guts out and missing school, and after we eliminated hangover, we suspected a virus or bacterial infection.
It has been here, at least in our household, ever since.
I've felt it deep within the pit of my stomach - or is that an ulcer, and I've felt it in my sense of fatigue - or is it just stress, and in the lingering tingling sensation of warmth upon my skin. Yet for the most part it has subsided without doing any damage to me. I suspect I must have been visited by this bug before, perhaps in another strain, but that I have some degree of immunity to it.
However, this morning my wife has been sick as a dog. It is probably related to her experience of having to worry about her daughter coming back home last night, and then dealing with a drunken, high, and abusive teenage girl. That's a lot of stress to handle at five in the morning.
My prior post relates our story of having to wait until four thirty in the morning for our teenage daughter to show up home after a night of drinking and pot use - and - realizing that this party girl drove back from her latest motel party while under the influence of alcohol.
So now my wife is showing all the signs of this stomach flu, and it has proven to me that this intestinal flu was just smoldering, and waiting for a chance to rear its ugly head again.
My wife has called a pharmacist for some quick, free, and unofficial medical advice, and it turns out that other folk in Springfield, Illinois have been hit with this stomach flu too.
So folks make sure to keep your stress levels down, get plenty of sleep, and wash your hands before putting them in contact with your mouth or anything that is heading that direction.
It might be an airborne pathogen so I'd suggest some other measures as well - but it involves not kissing on the lips, turning your vents on to bring a greater level of fresh air into your house, and generally acting like a germ freak, which probably beats hanging out at the toilet with diarrhea, and vomiting a lot.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Springfield, Illinois Saved From Ice Storm
The December 19th 2008 ice storm that has hit Springfield, Illinois devastated surrounding communities in Central Illinois wreaking havoc on transportation, communication, and electric transmission lines. However, the city of Springfield's electric grid was left mostly intact while millions in surrounding communities find themselves in fear of being cast into the dark and freezing cold of winter.
The difference that residents of Springfield, Illinois enjoys is its municipally owned power company (City Water Light and Power or CWLP for short) which years ago made the tough decision to decline building a new coal burning 200 megawatt power plant to replace its aging coal burning plants. CWLP opted instead to subsidize the installation of tens of thousands of housetop solar power generators, and a mega state of the art greenhouse to produce the city's growing electric and fuel needs.
Over 90 percent of homes and businesses produce solar or wind generated electricity with most selling power to CWLP during the day, which in turn allows CWLP to sell surplus electricity to other communities.
Even smaller homes in poor neighborhoods generate enough power in winter to heat their homes and provide hot water for bathing and cleaning, and this is true due to the way that homes are connected to the electric grid, and because City Water Light & Power spent the last decade spending over a hundred million dollars helping homeowners, and landlords insulate their homes.
The project is expected to pay for itself over the next two decades as energy prices rise throughout the state. CWLP is able to sell most of its surplus electricity to other communities which still rely upon coal generating plants.
CWLPs Phase II initiative set to begin in 2012 will see the installation of wind turbines which combined with the CWLP solar farm will allow for CWLPs coal fired power plants to be decommissioned by 2020 making Springfield one of the first cities in Illinois to go carbon free.
Additional heat containment facilities are already being planned in order to store the hundreds of tons of salt that is electrically heated during the day, and then used to create steam at night to power CWLPs electric turbines.
CWLP also produced enough heat to power and heat several massive greenhouses which are used to produce hundreds of thousands of gallons of biodiesel which are used by the city's state of the art mass transit system.
Springfield, Illinois' commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has earned it an international reputation, and has increased its tourism industry bringing millions of dollars from so called eco-tourism which has lead to a revitalization of its historic city center.
The difference that residents of Springfield, Illinois enjoys is its municipally owned power company (City Water Light and Power or CWLP for short) which years ago made the tough decision to decline building a new coal burning 200 megawatt power plant to replace its aging coal burning plants. CWLP opted instead to subsidize the installation of tens of thousands of housetop solar power generators, and a mega state of the art greenhouse to produce the city's growing electric and fuel needs.
Over 90 percent of homes and businesses produce solar or wind generated electricity with most selling power to CWLP during the day, which in turn allows CWLP to sell surplus electricity to other communities.
Even smaller homes in poor neighborhoods generate enough power in winter to heat their homes and provide hot water for bathing and cleaning, and this is true due to the way that homes are connected to the electric grid, and because City Water Light & Power spent the last decade spending over a hundred million dollars helping homeowners, and landlords insulate their homes.
The project is expected to pay for itself over the next two decades as energy prices rise throughout the state. CWLP is able to sell most of its surplus electricity to other communities which still rely upon coal generating plants.
CWLPs Phase II initiative set to begin in 2012 will see the installation of wind turbines which combined with the CWLP solar farm will allow for CWLPs coal fired power plants to be decommissioned by 2020 making Springfield one of the first cities in Illinois to go carbon free.
Additional heat containment facilities are already being planned in order to store the hundreds of tons of salt that is electrically heated during the day, and then used to create steam at night to power CWLPs electric turbines.
CWLP also produced enough heat to power and heat several massive greenhouses which are used to produce hundreds of thousands of gallons of biodiesel which are used by the city's state of the art mass transit system.
Springfield, Illinois' commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has earned it an international reputation, and has increased its tourism industry bringing millions of dollars from so called eco-tourism which has lead to a revitalization of its historic city center.
Finding: Spore Is Stupid
Here's an update on Spore. It's a dumb game. I like the concept. I like the graphic editor. And I like some aspects of the game, but overall the game is boring.
You end up doing the same thing over and over and over again.
Definitely needs some expansion packs, and they'd better be really good ones or else I'll probably never play it again.
However, having said all that I think it was worth the purchase price, but I don't play it much anymore.
I'm now playing Morrowind - well, sort of - I just started. Love the graphics, and the concept.
We'll see how long it takes me to become bored of it.
I'm playing an older version, and I could I guess find newer version selling in some discount bin, if I need to. Also there's Oblivion, which I believe is the newest advancement in this series.
You end up doing the same thing over and over and over again.
Definitely needs some expansion packs, and they'd better be really good ones or else I'll probably never play it again.
However, having said all that I think it was worth the purchase price, but I don't play it much anymore.
I'm now playing Morrowind - well, sort of - I just started. Love the graphics, and the concept.
We'll see how long it takes me to become bored of it.
I'm playing an older version, and I could I guess find newer version selling in some discount bin, if I need to. Also there's Oblivion, which I believe is the newest advancement in this series.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Favorite Verizon Wireless Online Feature
I love the "new" self service feature on the Verizon Wireless website!
Which feature is that?
Deactivati0n!
That's right, if you have Verizon wireless you can deactivate one, or more, of your phone lines right from your PC.
And you can reactivate the phone line using the same page.
And it's very simple to do.
Nothing more thrilling than deactivating a teenager's phone service after they repeatedly ignore your text messages, and voicemails.
Sure has put the power back in the hands of the account owner (i.e., Mom and Dad).
Which feature is that?
Deactivati0n!
That's right, if you have Verizon wireless you can deactivate one, or more, of your phone lines right from your PC.
And you can reactivate the phone line using the same page.
And it's very simple to do.
Nothing more thrilling than deactivating a teenager's phone service after they repeatedly ignore your text messages, and voicemails.
Sure has put the power back in the hands of the account owner (i.e., Mom and Dad).
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Let Go Of My Blago!
I wonder if the town's folk of some Serbian village - a village of once proud Blagojeviches - now live in shame?
Once Proud Relatives
That's my Uncle's grandson!
My second cousin is a very powerful man in the U.S.
He got his hair from his mother's side of the family.
And Now
Don't remind me.
Who knew?
He's your side of the family, not mine!
Once Proud Relatives
That's my Uncle's grandson!
My second cousin is a very powerful man in the U.S.
He got his hair from his mother's side of the family.
And Now
Don't remind me.
Who knew?
He's your side of the family, not mine!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dear Online Diary Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I don't mean to neglect you, it's just that I've been so very busy of late.
Work has been intense. It seems like a perfect storm - economic - has hit.
People are having troubles financing their Christmas, and so they have chosen to take loans, and withdrawals from their nest eggs.
And so nonstop work.
It won't end there as there is a mad rush at the end of each year to meet certain IRS deadlines which will result in more stress, and then the forth quarter financial statements go out, and then tax filing statements go out, and then - the cycle repeats itself.
So I come home tired - each day.
And that's when the hell really begins.
Tonight the Princess has cramps. Princess has cramps because she ate an entire bag of Sun Chips.
A big bag of Sun Chips.
And now it is late, very late, and Princess has her mother scrambling around fetching a vomit bag, and Tylenol just as if Princess were four years old - when in fact Princess is a self centered party hardy teen age girl that plans to blow off her Psychology final tomorrow.
And laughed about it when I told her she needed to go to sleep, and go to school tomorrow.
Oh well. So now I blog to tire myself out, and fall asleep.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Work has been intense. It seems like a perfect storm - economic - has hit.
People are having troubles financing their Christmas, and so they have chosen to take loans, and withdrawals from their nest eggs.
And so nonstop work.
It won't end there as there is a mad rush at the end of each year to meet certain IRS deadlines which will result in more stress, and then the forth quarter financial statements go out, and then tax filing statements go out, and then - the cycle repeats itself.
So I come home tired - each day.
And that's when the hell really begins.
Tonight the Princess has cramps. Princess has cramps because she ate an entire bag of Sun Chips.
A big bag of Sun Chips.
And now it is late, very late, and Princess has her mother scrambling around fetching a vomit bag, and Tylenol just as if Princess were four years old - when in fact Princess is a self centered party hardy teen age girl that plans to blow off her Psychology final tomorrow.
And laughed about it when I told her she needed to go to sleep, and go to school tomorrow.
Oh well. So now I blog to tire myself out, and fall asleep.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Winter Lawn Mowing
As strange as this might sound I must report that as I write this post I am listening to the drone of a lawn mower. At first I barely noticed the sound. That summer sound that drifts through the walls in a low drone - a sound that is reassuring and yet nagging at the same time.
About five minutes into the experience it dawned upon me - that same feeling of guilt - of fear - that my wife would begin nagging me to mow our lawn too.
Hey, the neighbors are out mowing their lawns so I better damned well get out there and mow the lawn too! And my mind scrambled for excuses - our lawn doesn't need mowing yet - it was just last week -
no it was several months ago - hey, wait a moment - what the hell is our neighbor mowing his lawn for?
So I got up out of a perfectly warm bed, and walked over toward the window, and carefully peeped out. And there one of our neighbors was (still is) bundled up in winter coat and hat mowing the lawn.
I notice he is mowing over leaves.
"Maybe that's it?" I thought, maybe he's mulching up his leaves, but he's not using a mulching bag, and the leaves are flying back onto his lawn - in smaller pieces, of course.
Maybe he's trying to clear his yard of leaves?
But that couldn't be it either could it? Our yard is covered with a sea of leaves and so too is his other neighbor's yard.
With winds gusting up to 50 MPH today it is nothing short of insane to think that he could keep his lawn free from leaves today.
Is my neighbor insane - or just terribly terribly bored?
I wonder if he'll be out using his lawn mower on the snow that is expected for tonight?
About five minutes into the experience it dawned upon me - that same feeling of guilt - of fear - that my wife would begin nagging me to mow our lawn too.
Hey, the neighbors are out mowing their lawns so I better damned well get out there and mow the lawn too! And my mind scrambled for excuses - our lawn doesn't need mowing yet - it was just last week -
no it was several months ago - hey, wait a moment - what the hell is our neighbor mowing his lawn for?
So I got up out of a perfectly warm bed, and walked over toward the window, and carefully peeped out. And there one of our neighbors was (still is) bundled up in winter coat and hat mowing the lawn.
I notice he is mowing over leaves.
"Maybe that's it?" I thought, maybe he's mulching up his leaves, but he's not using a mulching bag, and the leaves are flying back onto his lawn - in smaller pieces, of course.
Maybe he's trying to clear his yard of leaves?
But that couldn't be it either could it? Our yard is covered with a sea of leaves and so too is his other neighbor's yard.
With winds gusting up to 50 MPH today it is nothing short of insane to think that he could keep his lawn free from leaves today.
Is my neighbor insane - or just terribly terribly bored?
I wonder if he'll be out using his lawn mower on the snow that is expected for tonight?
Friday, December 05, 2008
Real Men's Rock
Michael - Franz Ferdinand
This group rocks. From what I've read we need not make any assumptions about the band member's sexual preference - one way or another, because we'd probably be wrong. Supposedly a few of the band members were really wasted one night, and started dancing with each other in a most homoerotic manner thus leading to the creation of the song. Love the style of this group as it reminds me of early 1980s alternative rock.
The tame video version lyrics
This is where I'll be so heavenly,
so come and dance with me Michael
So sexy, I'm sexy,
so come and dance with me Michael
I'm all that you see, you wanna see,
so come and dance with me Michael
So close now, so close now,
so come and dance with me, so come and dance with me, so come and dance
with me.
Michael,
you're the boy with all the leather hips,
sticky hair, sticky hips,
stubble on my sticky lips
Michael,
you're the only one I'd ever want
only one I'd ever want
only one I'd ever want
Beautiful boys on a beautiful dancefloor
Michael,
you're dancing like a beautiful dance whore
Michael,
waiting on a silver platter now ... and nothing matters now
This is what I am, I am a man
so come and dance with me Michael
So strong now, its strong now
so come and dance with me Michael
I'm all that you see, you wanna see
so come and dance with me Michael
So close now, its close now,
so come and dance with me, so come and dance with me, SO COME AND DANCE WITH ME
Michael,
you're the boy with all the leather hips,
sticky hair, sticky hips, stubble on my sticky hips
Michael,
you're the only one I'd ever want
only one I'd ever want
only one I'd ever want
Beautiful boys on a beautiful dancefloor
Michael,
you're dancing like a beautiful dance whore
Michael,
waiting on a silver platter now ... and nothing matters now
Michael,
you're the only one I'd ever want
only one I'd ever want
only one I'd ever want
(twice)
Beautiful boys on a beautiful dancefloor
Michael,
you're dancing like a beautiful dance whore
Michael, waiting on a silver platter now, nothing matters now, nothing
Matters now but you
YEAH
Discography
Albums
- Franz Ferdinand (2004)
- You Could Have It So Much Better (2005)
- Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (2009)
| "Darts of Pleasure" · "Take Me Out" · "The Dark of the Matinée" · "Michael" · "This Fire" · "Do You Want To" · "Walk Away" · "The Fallen / L. Wells" · "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" · "Lucid Dreams" · "Ulysses" |
Group Members
Alex Kapranos
Nick McCarthy
Bob Hardy
Paul Thomson
Origin
Glasgow Scotland
Sources for much of this: Wikipedia, with images being lifted off the net - so assume it's all copyrighted just like the video, and lyrics certainly are. I'm free-using them here for a type of promotional review.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Judging Divorce
As divorce rates have soared during the last half century so too has the finger wagging about who, and what was at fault. Much has been said about the damage that divorce has upon those families affected by marital dissolution. In fact I have blogged about the subject myself, sharing my concerns over the often abrupt disruption and cessation of stepfather-stepchild relationships.
However destructive divorce may be there are millions of divorced couples who feel that they have no other choice but to put an end to their personal suffering - a suffering brought about by their continued relationships. In that regard alone it is easy to argue that divorce allows a sort of rebirth for those involved.
Living in a marriage in which one, or both, parties feel that their lives would be better off simply by being apart isn't a feeling restricted to those who have or will divorce. Many couples suffer for years before one or both parties come to the conclusion that there is simply no other way to end their suffering, yet many of those couples stay together despite their suffering.
Couples often stay together "for the children", for financial reasons (i.e., too poor to separate), for fear of being alone, or a combination of reasons. These couples live in their personal hells biding their time, hoping for a change that will end their despair.
After years of suffering, and perhaps quiet planning, and prayers, some type of triggering event, or series of events takes place which allows one or both members of the marriage to rise to action - to end their suffering through the creative act of divorce.
I am certain that most of those who have divorced faced tough times initially. Divorce in the U.S. carries with it stigmas, and assumptions that still persist despite the divorce rate. People who divorce are often seen as tainted goods in religious, and social circles. Divorce is often seen as a sign of moral and ethical immaturity - that in some sense those who entered into the marriage were not developed enough as individuals. And while this is true in many cases it isn't always so, and yet the perception persist.
While divorce shouldn't be seen as lightly as moving from one home to another, or leaving one job for another, those who yearn for it, or who have already achieved it, should not be judged harshly for their situation. Despite the numbers of failed marriages one only has to look at the percentage of those who have married again to know that it isn't marriage that is being rejected; it is the specific marriage that is the problem.
However destructive divorce may be there are millions of divorced couples who feel that they have no other choice but to put an end to their personal suffering - a suffering brought about by their continued relationships. In that regard alone it is easy to argue that divorce allows a sort of rebirth for those involved.
Living in a marriage in which one, or both, parties feel that their lives would be better off simply by being apart isn't a feeling restricted to those who have or will divorce. Many couples suffer for years before one or both parties come to the conclusion that there is simply no other way to end their suffering, yet many of those couples stay together despite their suffering.
Couples often stay together "for the children", for financial reasons (i.e., too poor to separate), for fear of being alone, or a combination of reasons. These couples live in their personal hells biding their time, hoping for a change that will end their despair.
After years of suffering, and perhaps quiet planning, and prayers, some type of triggering event, or series of events takes place which allows one or both members of the marriage to rise to action - to end their suffering through the creative act of divorce.
I am certain that most of those who have divorced faced tough times initially. Divorce in the U.S. carries with it stigmas, and assumptions that still persist despite the divorce rate. People who divorce are often seen as tainted goods in religious, and social circles. Divorce is often seen as a sign of moral and ethical immaturity - that in some sense those who entered into the marriage were not developed enough as individuals. And while this is true in many cases it isn't always so, and yet the perception persist.
While divorce shouldn't be seen as lightly as moving from one home to another, or leaving one job for another, those who yearn for it, or who have already achieved it, should not be judged harshly for their situation. Despite the numbers of failed marriages one only has to look at the percentage of those who have married again to know that it isn't marriage that is being rejected; it is the specific marriage that is the problem.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Watch These Morons Insult The Prophet
When Prophets Speak The Insults Fly And To America's Peril
Links to several 4th Quarter 2006 interviews in which Peter Schiff warned of the coming economic collapse (Imagine going back in time, and moving your money out of the market within a few months of these interview). Watch how the other analyst are openly laughing at Mr. Schiff.
- Fox News Cavuto on Business 12/31/06
- CNBC Kudlow & Company 12/29/06
- Bloomberg Market Pulse 12/28/06
- FOX News Bulls and Bears 12/16/06
- Bloomberg Market Movers 12/6/06
- CNBC Kudlow & Company 11/20/06
- CNBC Morning Call 11/15/06
- CNBC Morning Call 10/20/06
- CNBC Morning Call 10/4/06
Ben Stein, you and your buddy Arthur Laffer (remember Stein's description of the Laffer curve in Ferris Beuller's Day Off) were totally and absolutely WRONG!
Look how the world has changed in just the last year since money manager Peter Schiff was being laughed off the talk show circuit for the crime of accurately stating the inevitable - a global economic meltdown.
While Mr. Schiff is not a prophet, and while I hope his latest prediction that Barack Obama's attempt to rescue the U.S. economy will only result in a deeper recession, it is obvious from the video (above) that alarm bells were ringing years before the global economic meltdown - and no one was listening.
The point to this post is that there were voices out there telling it like it is (years ago), and no one in a position of authority wanted to listen. This is most important as history has a way of repeating itself.
Vow
Vow
I did it for love
I did it for the touch
Of a kindred soul.
I did it to gather
A oneness
With you
Forever
My sweet burning
Fire.
Not for immortality
Nor protection from
Your incantations
Nor your flirtations
An irresistible darkness
Which beckons 0ur broken souls
.
.
Vow - A thought or two from the tortured mind of jerome prophet
I did it for love
I did it for the touch
Of a kindred soul.
I did it to gather
A oneness
With you
Forever
My sweet burning
Fire.
Not for immortality
Nor protection from
Your incantations
Nor your flirtations
An irresistible darkness
Which beckons 0ur broken souls
.
.
Vow - A thought or two from the tortured mind of jerome prophet
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Pakistan: A Nuclear Armed Terrorist State
The U.S. move toward improving relations with India has been a wise one. For decades the U.S. attempted to "punish" India for having developed nuclear weapons in violation of International non-proliferation treaties, but that only helped the Soviet Union.
In 2002 India and Pakistan were at the brink of a nuclear war, and if not the for the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. it is likely the world would have witnessed a nuclear exchange.
While coastal Pakistan has long ties to the U.S. and the rest of the developed world Pakistan's northern territories have over the course of the last half century become a breeding ground for Islamic fundamentalism and Islamic radical groups (i.e., terrorist).
While the most recent terrorist attack upon India has caught the eye of the international media the sad fact is that India, the world's largest democracy, has been a victim to a continuous procession of deadly terrorist attacks launched upon it by terrorist groups based in Pakistan.
U.S. attempts to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden, and end Al Queda attacks in Afghanistan, have been stymied by Pakistan's reluctance to allow U.S. troops to launch attacks across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border - this is true despite the billions of dollars in international aid that the U.S. has provided Pakistan since 9/11.
While name calling may not be constructive it is important to recognize that by not acting to stamp out terrorist groups, and by not addressing rampant poverty in northern Pakistan, the government of Pakistan has become complicit in the spread of international terrorism.
The U.S. should take every step necessary to assist India in increasing its level of preparedness in defeating terrorism within its borders and beyond, and must continue to encourage Pakistan (by any means including military) to bring economic development to its impoverished regions, and bring terrorist to justice.
I wouldn't have a problem with the U.S. continuing hit and run attacks by special forces within Pakistan, as well as executing air strikes against known terrorist. I would pair such actions with the implementation of a well financed economic development program for Pakistan which would specifically target those regions within Pakistan which harbor terrorist.
In 2002 India and Pakistan were at the brink of a nuclear war, and if not the for the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. it is likely the world would have witnessed a nuclear exchange.
While coastal Pakistan has long ties to the U.S. and the rest of the developed world Pakistan's northern territories have over the course of the last half century become a breeding ground for Islamic fundamentalism and Islamic radical groups (i.e., terrorist).
While the most recent terrorist attack upon India has caught the eye of the international media the sad fact is that India, the world's largest democracy, has been a victim to a continuous procession of deadly terrorist attacks launched upon it by terrorist groups based in Pakistan.
U.S. attempts to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden, and end Al Queda attacks in Afghanistan, have been stymied by Pakistan's reluctance to allow U.S. troops to launch attacks across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border - this is true despite the billions of dollars in international aid that the U.S. has provided Pakistan since 9/11.
While name calling may not be constructive it is important to recognize that by not acting to stamp out terrorist groups, and by not addressing rampant poverty in northern Pakistan, the government of Pakistan has become complicit in the spread of international terrorism.
The U.S. should take every step necessary to assist India in increasing its level of preparedness in defeating terrorism within its borders and beyond, and must continue to encourage Pakistan (by any means including military) to bring economic development to its impoverished regions, and bring terrorist to justice.
I wouldn't have a problem with the U.S. continuing hit and run attacks by special forces within Pakistan, as well as executing air strikes against known terrorist. I would pair such actions with the implementation of a well financed economic development program for Pakistan which would specifically target those regions within Pakistan which harbor terrorist.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Καλώντας τον Γιώργο Γκιώνη Θεσσαλονίκης Ελλάδα
Αυτό είναι μια ανοικτή επιστολή προς τον Γιώργο Γκιώνη Θεσσαλονίκης Ελλάδα.
Γιώργο Γκιώνη αυτό είναι το παλιό κολέγιο φίλε, Eugene Knox, από το ημέρες σε πανεπιστήμιο Southern Illinois στο Carbondale, Illinois.
Εάν συμβεί να έρθουν στην Ευρώπη αυτό του blog παρακαλώ με όλα τα μέσα προσθέτω ένα σχόλιο, ή στο email μου φίλε!
Το email μου διεύθυνση είναι αποσπασμένος σε αυτό το blog κάπου, αλλά εδώ είναι:
jeromeprophet@gmail.com
After a brief search it appears that I have found you!
Only one problem - this could be your son!
The Advantages of Hybrid Architectural Approaches for the Integrating Middleware
George Gionis
Γιώργο Γκιώνη αυτό είναι το παλιό κολέγιο φίλε, Eugene Knox, από το ημέρες σε πανεπιστήμιο Southern Illinois στο Carbondale, Illinois.
Εάν συμβεί να έρθουν στην Ευρώπη αυτό του blog παρακαλώ με όλα τα μέσα προσθέτω ένα σχόλιο, ή στο email μου φίλε!
Το email μου διεύθυνση είναι αποσπασμένος σε αυτό το blog κάπου, αλλά εδώ είναι:
jeromeprophet@gmail.com
After a brief search it appears that I have found you!
Only one problem - this could be your son!
The Advantages of Hybrid Architectural Approaches for the Integrating Middleware
George Gionis
Monday, November 24, 2008
Just Thinking About Marianne Faithfull
An 18 Year Old Marianne Faithfull (1965)
What a beauty, and such a shy thing too. It's odd to think that if she had just been a bit less sure of herself she probably never would have made a career for herself as a singer.
Marianne was dating, and having songs written for her by, Mick Jager of the Rolling Stones at the time this video was recorded, which explains why some readers may recall having heard this song played by the Rolling Stones.
She is introduced by, Beatles Manager, Brian Epstein "The Fifth Beatle" who would die of a drug overdose just two years after this video.
Marianne Faithfull (1968)
Something about late 1960s styles that lighten my spirits. Those eyelashes totally remind me of the way young women used to wear their makeup back then.
I tried to locate a video of her performing during her stint in the Yardbirds, but so far have failed to locate any.
Marianne Faithfull - (1979) Broken English
Notice the Space Invaders sounds (with a quarter being fed into the extremely popular video game) at the beginning of the video?
This song is how I was introduced to Marianne Faithfull. Marianne claims that she was continually harassed by the police after this song became a hit.
Marianne Faithfull Interview In Israel (2007)
Marianne Faithfull is sixty two years old, and living in Ireland now.
And she's still performing!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Inevitable Bombing Of Iran
The government of Iran will not reverse course on their headlong pursuit of building an atomic arsenal. The petty attempts that the U.S. and Europe make at punishing Iran will fail utterly in persuading Iran to cease its nuclear ambitions. And most important of all, those in power in Europe and the United States will come to the inevitable conclusion that Iran must be stopped militarily.
The question is when this attack will happen, not if the attack will happen. With George W. Bush's historically low approval ratings it is doubtful 'W' will launch an attack before he leaves office. This was a real possibility up until the 2008 Presidential election results came in. A quick bombing run just before a hand off to the McCain administration was certainly possible, however, the Bush Administration lacks any remnants of credibility on either the domestic or international front.
Despite any belief that an Obama Administration will lack sufficient backbone to deal Iran's nuclear ambitions a fatal blow it is more likely that Iran's nuclear program will become the center of an Obama Middle East policy once U.S. troops leave Iraq. Despite the proximity of troops within Iraq the U.S. presence in Iraq is more a hindrance to the U.S. in terms of forcing an Iranian capitulation.
Despite any increased diplomatic pressure the U.S. puts upon Iran after the U.S. leaves Iraq the simple fact remains - Iran considers acquisition of nuclear weapons paramount to all other considerations. Acquiring nuclear weapons is more important to the Iranian government than feeding its own people, and nothing short of the destruction of its military will stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
I would expect a full scale air assault of Iranian radar installations, air bases, missile facilities, navy, communications facilities, select governmental facilities, and of course nuclear assets, within the next eight years - most likely at, or near the end of Barack Obama's second term or perhaps sooner.
By then the U.S. had better be much less dependent upon oil imports from the Middle East. For that reason I suggest that the U.S. expand it's strategic oil reserves so as to be able to support transportation, heating, and industrial needs for one year at current usage. The U.S. also needs to rapidly replace its inefficient automobiles.
The reason for this course of action is that Iran will launch missile attacks against oil facilities in neighboring states.
Iran will also attack Israel. This much is anticipated, and will result in the need for a sustained series of massive air assaults against Iranian governmental and industrial facilities - on a scale not seen since the Iraq war - with the difference being that no attempt at holding territory will be made.
Do I really believe this will happen? Yes, because any sane and rational individual would realize the absolute necessity of making certain that Iran doesn't become a nuclear state.
There is little doubt that a nuclear armed Iran would initiate an attack against Israel which would of course lead to the nuclear destruction of Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and possibly Egypt.
The surviving military of Israel, witnessing the incineration of its population, would no doubt carry out a final solution to the Islamic problem - and there is little the U.S. or any other state would be able to do to stop it.
One of the greatest disasters of the Bush Administration is its attempt to occupy Iraq, instead of attacking Iran. Containing Iraq, and attacking Iranian nuclear sites would have been far less expensive and resulted in a better long term outcome than the debacle the neocons within the Bush Administration have created.
The question is when this attack will happen, not if the attack will happen. With George W. Bush's historically low approval ratings it is doubtful 'W' will launch an attack before he leaves office. This was a real possibility up until the 2008 Presidential election results came in. A quick bombing run just before a hand off to the McCain administration was certainly possible, however, the Bush Administration lacks any remnants of credibility on either the domestic or international front.
Despite any belief that an Obama Administration will lack sufficient backbone to deal Iran's nuclear ambitions a fatal blow it is more likely that Iran's nuclear program will become the center of an Obama Middle East policy once U.S. troops leave Iraq. Despite the proximity of troops within Iraq the U.S. presence in Iraq is more a hindrance to the U.S. in terms of forcing an Iranian capitulation.
Despite any increased diplomatic pressure the U.S. puts upon Iran after the U.S. leaves Iraq the simple fact remains - Iran considers acquisition of nuclear weapons paramount to all other considerations. Acquiring nuclear weapons is more important to the Iranian government than feeding its own people, and nothing short of the destruction of its military will stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
I would expect a full scale air assault of Iranian radar installations, air bases, missile facilities, navy, communications facilities, select governmental facilities, and of course nuclear assets, within the next eight years - most likely at, or near the end of Barack Obama's second term or perhaps sooner.
By then the U.S. had better be much less dependent upon oil imports from the Middle East. For that reason I suggest that the U.S. expand it's strategic oil reserves so as to be able to support transportation, heating, and industrial needs for one year at current usage. The U.S. also needs to rapidly replace its inefficient automobiles.
The reason for this course of action is that Iran will launch missile attacks against oil facilities in neighboring states.
Iran will also attack Israel. This much is anticipated, and will result in the need for a sustained series of massive air assaults against Iranian governmental and industrial facilities - on a scale not seen since the Iraq war - with the difference being that no attempt at holding territory will be made.
Do I really believe this will happen? Yes, because any sane and rational individual would realize the absolute necessity of making certain that Iran doesn't become a nuclear state.
There is little doubt that a nuclear armed Iran would initiate an attack against Israel which would of course lead to the nuclear destruction of Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and possibly Egypt.
The surviving military of Israel, witnessing the incineration of its population, would no doubt carry out a final solution to the Islamic problem - and there is little the U.S. or any other state would be able to do to stop it.
One of the greatest disasters of the Bush Administration is its attempt to occupy Iraq, instead of attacking Iran. Containing Iraq, and attacking Iranian nuclear sites would have been far less expensive and resulted in a better long term outcome than the debacle the neocons within the Bush Administration have created.
A Love Deep, Dark and Beautiful
Lacuna Coil - Enjoy The Silence (UK Version)
Deep, Dark and Beautiful is Lacuna Coil's rendition of Depeche Mode's Enjoy the Silence.
I've been in a place so filled with pain that words would only lead to more injury, a place in which the soft embrace of the one I desired would have been the only thing capable of ending my despair. And conversely I have been in such states of happiness and contentment within my lover's arms just gazing into their eyes that words would have broken the totality of the union. Love is a form of telepathy, and in this sense it goes beyond words.
Love songs are so beautiful when they capture just one moment or just one aspect of a relationship and expand upon it. Many pop love songs treat love in a trivial puppy love style, and some in a flowery romantic way, but Enjoy the Silence is asking that we look a bit deeper and darker. The nature of love and its connection to addiction, the psychological and physical pain that is felt by lovers to be with each other is both beautiful, and frightening - both magical and evil.
Communion of two lovers is an act of consumption without destruction, or at least it can be. In those moments of closeness words can fail to express the intensity of desire, and the level of ecstasy felt by the couple. Enjoy the Silence is a song that describes those moments.
Lacuna Coil - Enjoy The Silence (US Version - My Favorite)
While Depeche Mode originated Enjoy the Silence Lacuna Coil's version is much better in my opinion. Depeche Mode presented an innovative sound in the 1980s, and certainly should be credited for the many excellent songs which they so generously brought forth, but Lacuna Coil's advantages are many.
From the much higher production values, and better technology, to their brooding and intense style Lacuna Coil's sound craft creates a multitude of layers within the song that lends it a luxurious yet honest feel. Lacuna Coil transforms Enjoy the Silence into a mastepiece, whereas Depeche Mode invites one to take to the techno dance floor.
The lyrics below are a simple chant asking us to enjoy the pleasures of a sexual and romantic coupling without all the complexities of a commitment.
Enjoy the Silence
Words like violence
Break the silence
Come crashing in
Into my little world
Painful to me
Pierce right through me
Can't you understand
Oh my little girl
All i wanted
All i needed is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
Vows are spoken
To be Broken
Feelings are intense
Words are trivial
Pleasures remain
So does the pain
Words are meaningless
And forgettable
All i wanted
All i needed is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
All i wanted
All i needed is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
All i wanted
All i needed is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm
Enjoy the silence
Enjoy the silence
Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence (The Original)
The techno style of Depeche Mode's Enjoy the Silence has a cheap and silly sound, but that's due to the primitive keyboards and mixing. The lyrics and vocals are great. The video is bizarre, and actually funny to look at.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Durbin Sheds Tears For Joe Lieberman
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin Crys For Traitorous Senator Joe Lieberman
Hey Dick I want my ten dollars back!
Needless to say my recent emailed recommendation to my Senator, Dick Durbin, was given all the consideration it was due - none at all obviously.
Watch Joe The Traitor Lieberman In Action Attacking Barack Obama
At least that is what I thought as I watched the honorable Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois warmly bob his head in agreement as he stood behind the traitorous Senator Joe Lieberman during Tuesday's news conference announcing that Mr. Lieberman had not only been allowed to continue to caucus with Senate Democrats, but will keep his committee chairmanship over the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Watch As Dick Durbin Sheds A Tear For Joe Lieberman
It is simply unbelievable how Obama and crew has taken on a traitor within their midst just to reach the magical and illusory number sixty.
Now Joe Lieberman can issue subpoenas against the Obama administration in any witch hunt he desires to create from his Homeland Security Committee, and there's no way the Dems can remove him to stop him if the Republicans fillibuster - a fillibuster Liebermann would obviously snake in the grass style allow.
Watch As Senator Joe Lieberman Tongue Kisses With George W. Bush
My latest emailing to Senator Dick Durbin:
Senator Durbin,
In my recent email to you I had requested that you not welcome Senator Joe Lieberman back into the Senate Democratic Caucus, but it appears you have chosen to throw your support behind this most unwise course of action.
I have been a Democrat my entire life, and won't abandon the party, like some have, but unlike Joe Lieberman you will be punished for your decision - I had made a decision to start contributing to your campaign fund on a regular basis, but have decided not to do so.
I know I would have only been a small time donor, but the choices we make in life do ultimately have an effect.
I have also posted a blog piece critical of your support for Joe "The Traitor" Lieberman which you can find here:
http://jeromeprophet.blogspot.com/2008/11/durbin-sheds-tears-for-joe-lieberman.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Republicans to American Industry - Screw You!
Republicans to American Industry - Screw You!
Is it any wonder that the Republican party has lost its soul?
For it certainly has lost its heart, and its vision.
Republicans, hear this clearly, there are not enough millionaires, and billionaires in this great nation of ours to buy the Senate, the House, and the Presidency.
You must change or perish - it's as simple as that.
Your politics of division and hate has failed.
Is it any wonder that the Republican party has lost its soul?
For it certainly has lost its heart, and its vision.
Republicans, hear this clearly, there are not enough millionaires, and billionaires in this great nation of ours to buy the Senate, the House, and the Presidency.
You must change or perish - it's as simple as that.
Your politics of division and hate has failed.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ancient Wisdom
Ancient Wisdom
by Jerome Prophet
If I wrote a thousand pages and sealed them in a book
And if my predecessors cast my works as divinely took
Would you quiver as you read those thoughts believing every word
And would you revere it as old wisdom and act as if you've heard
Would you preach it every Sunday and whip your children well
Justified in every act and curse and sacred spell
Would you kill the children and women too if discovered unbelievers
And cast your sins off lightly as if you're God's chosen creatures
For if that could be possible I'd burn this very sentence
I'd cast away my thoughts no more for fear of your intentions
For the smattering of this consciousness I've claimed for my pitiful self
Could not bare responsibility for mankind's self made hell
And so I beg those so inclined - you takers of beliefs so blind
That faith has damned those adopting her and could every single time
Oh employ your goodly senses and cast doubts to shield yourselves
For it's your true and loyal protector and not Kings, or Gods, or Elves.
.
.
.
Photo: A photograph of Lizzie Borden which I modified digitally
Senator Lieberman Must Go!
Senator Durbin:
I'm a big believer in building coalitions, and transcending partisanship - when it works, however, it is time to give Senator Lieberman his walking papers.
Senator Lieberman might just be the nicest guy in the world, but he should be denied a committee chairmanship. He's not a member of our team, and he has actively worked to defeat our side.
I've been a democrat my whole life, and I've been a precinct committeeman. I donated money I could barely afford to your campaign and Barack Obama's campaign, and I can tell you it incenses me to no end to think Senator Lieberman will be rewarded for his support of McCain, and Republican Senatorial candidates. This makes no sense at all.
We can get sixty votes elsewhere. We don't need him.
Will you vote to strip Lieberman of his committee chairmanship?
I'm a big believer in building coalitions, and transcending partisanship - when it works, however, it is time to give Senator Lieberman his walking papers.
Senator Lieberman might just be the nicest guy in the world, but he should be denied a committee chairmanship. He's not a member of our team, and he has actively worked to defeat our side.
I've been a democrat my whole life, and I've been a precinct committeeman. I donated money I could barely afford to your campaign and Barack Obama's campaign, and I can tell you it incenses me to no end to think Senator Lieberman will be rewarded for his support of McCain, and Republican Senatorial candidates. This makes no sense at all.
We can get sixty votes elsewhere. We don't need him.
Will you vote to strip Lieberman of his committee chairmanship?
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