A Perverted Truth

Root Cause

2008-12-24T12:07:00.000-08:00

We hear a lot of discussion on the “Root Cause” of the current financial crisis. The common conclusion is that a large number of home foreclosures, funded primarily by sub-prime loans, caused a massive collapse of our banking and lending systems. People were buying houses they could not afford, but were coerced into high mortgages by low ‘teaser’ rates that were set to increase at a later date. Everyone involved knew the loans could not be repaid. The banks were counting on it. With home values increasing in leaps and bounds it didn’t matter. Once the period of the teaser rates was over, the value of the home would have increased substantially, allowing the owner to turn it over, pay off any bank fees, and still pocket a profit. Win-Win.

But the fact that buyers were purchasing homes they could not afford was not the real problem. Well, let me put it in a different way. The homes they were buying were drastically overpriced. THIS is the problem. While wages for the middle class have remained stagnant over the past 8 years, prices have been steadily increasing. But how is that possible? It undermines the basic concept of money and the financial system. In order for things to cost more, someone out there must be getting paid more. It wasn't me, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't you.

See, rather than pay the middle-class workers more of the company profits, the elites were pocketing the cash themselves, then investing that money into financials (and other markets) and lending it back to the middle-class so they could live with the standard of living they work for. Not only were the elites hauling in extra cash by failing to lift wages for workers, they were earning interest on the that money by lending it to the workers rather than actually paying them! And the middle-class bit. And here we are.

Oh, and it's a lot worse than you may think. See, you paid $300k for a house that was really only worth $150k. Someone at the top walked away with that extra $150k. That money did not dissappear. Now the foreclosed mortgages are causing the banks to take on massive losses, which are in turn being 'relieved' by the government. But the government is also broke. They get thier money by taxing the middle-class. So, not only are you out $150k on your house, but now, in addition to it, you're about to be forced to pay extra taxes to pay off the financial bailout of the very people who overcharged for your house in the first place.

Ron Paul

2008-11-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

This is why I was for Ron Paul.

Stabilize The Housing Market? - Schmuck!

2008-10-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I'll refrain from calling McCain a fool directly, but it's either him or me! (Ya, I know what you're thinking - but if you have an opinion, back it up). One of his main points for shoring up the economy is to help homeowners & get housing prices rising once again. But how does this help the average Joe? IT DOESN'T! What could be the possible motive for wanting to make a select few housing contractors & owners of large ammounts of 'hand-me-down' land super-rich by over-charging the general public for houses. Oh, and lets not forget the banks who are hauling in cash for the mortgages.

Isn't the average guy better off with housing provided at rates near cost (adding reasonable ammounts for construction labor & supervision)? How can the public want oil prices to drop, but want housing prices to rise? OK, so I know the answer, but it's flawed. You want housing prices to rise because you own a house! - Just like the Saudi Royal Family likes high oil prices!

But... The Saudis get to SELL the oil & BUY OTHER goods with the profit. You don't have that opportunity with your house. If you sell at an inflated price, you'll be stuck buying another at an equally inflated price. You are NOT richer! You might think you are (and perhaps McCain knows this), but you are NOT!

Lower, more affordable prices are better. Houses are no different. Vote Obama.

Putting It Into Perspective

2008-09-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

$700 Billion = $12,000 per American family of five
-Economic turmoil began as a result of the subprime housing crisis.
-Early 2008 forclosure rate: 0.83%
-Delinquancy rate: 5.82%
-Median American home price before market crash: $230,000
-Home Ownership rate currently ~70%

With a little simple math:

Now, I'll be extreemely generous here and assume prior to this economic crisis, delinquancy was 0.0%, and that all delinquant loans would NOW be forclosed on. This would mean 1 out of every 17 homes in the country would be siezed by the Bank. BUT, if the government decided to help the individual home-owners who needed it by allocating a portion of the $700Billion directly to them, they would give each delinquant family of five $290,000, which is $60,000 ABOVE the average home value! But what are the chances they're gonna attempt to help Main Street?

Americans have absolutely NO IDEA how badly they are getting screwed!

Counterfeit

2008-09-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

It finally happened. I've seen hundreds of people discussing the current economic turmoil, but I finally saw one I agree with. His view is that we've borrowed and spent ourselves into debt. The market NEEDS to crash, because it is overpriced. Government intervention can only worsen the problem, because you can't solve an economic crisis with a printing press. People are so far removed from the basics of the economy that they can no longer understand the fundamentals of the dollar.

We live in a world where people truly believe they can work (and earn money) from home. News Flash: You can NOT! -well, the vast majority of you- I'm not saying you won't recieve a check, I'm saying you won't earn money. If you cannot see the difference between the two, then you are the cause of our problem.

The government is going to bail out Wall Street with a $700 billion package. But it is impossible for this to fundamentally solve the problem. There's a reason why I'm not allowed to photocopy money and spend it. The same fundamental behind that truth is the fundamental that will lead to the collapse of the American economy.

Accountability

2008-09-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

First view this again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQK1al91drs

You know, there are several top executives likely heading to jail for a very long time for supposedly misleading investors in the recent Mortgage Meltdown. They are being held accountable for misleading the public. But then we have these clowns in the video (amoungst many others), who are obviously misleading the public on a Pesidential Election! And this is commonplace now. WTF?! I WANT THESE GUYS IN JAIL! They are influencing the masses of the morons, just like the mortgage firms did. Only its far more blatent. And in the end, not only will I get stuck with a house that's lost half it's value, but I'll have an incompetant President as well. I repeat, I WANT THESE GUYS IN JAIL, or as least send them to Iran where they'd cut out thier tongues for speaking such garbage.

Conservatives

2008-09-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm really begining to resent Conservatives. Why? Because I am the REAL Conservative. The people running under the 'conservative' name do it just to get my vote, not because they are actually of my standpoint on the issues. Palin is big with Conservatives. I won't even get into the earmarking (which is extreemely troubling). She gave Alaskans a $1200 tax rebate last year. She flaunts this fact. But for every federal tax dollar her state collected, she swindled back TWO! Where did that $ come from? ME...YOU... And somehow Conservatives seem to love this girl? Gimme a break. Once again, before you vote, THINK!

The State of the West.

2008-09-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

This post will likely turn into another mangled blob of words. I apologize. I must say I am DEEPLY disturbed by Palin's statement that US troops are on a 'mission from God'. Last time I checked, that's kinda what Bin Laden is claiming. I just finished watching a video of (allegedly 90) Afgan civilians lying in pools of blood after one of our attacks. The US military reported 5-9 injured. I won't condemn the troops involved... I'm sure they were provoked & followed thier judgment.

The thing weighing on my mind is this: We live in a world where a presidential contender can NOT say he wants to end the war in Iraq without adding immediately after 'and bring the troops to Afganistan'. No one can say he wants to end the killing. We'll just re-direct the forces and kill a different group... Don't wanna look weak... Seriously, I cannot understand this thought process. I know I'm on the opposite side of many others on this issue, so please explain this to me...

Universal Greed

2008-09-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

How is it that, while the middle class in America is (collectively) the most powerful voice in the country, they still tend to get the raw deal in nearly every situation? While I'll claim to know the answer, the situation still boggles my mind. The Middle Class is GREEDY! Follow the guy who says he's gonna give you something. It doesn't even matter if you know he has nothing to give... Follow him anyway.

Of course in the end you get nothing besides the leadership of a liar, who will use his power to help his powerful friends and whatever other powers helped to persuade you to give your support. It's sooooo surprising when the systems they implement go bottoms-up.

The purpose of government has been greatly compromised. Government exists ONLY to ensure an environment exists that allows its citizens to live up to thier full potential. It's not there to do something for you... It's there to tell you that you can do it for yourself. Or at least that's what its supposed to do...

I Can Lead A Nation With A Microphone

2008-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

O, the talking... But not the truth. The tax burden on the Middle Class. Obama wants to decrease this, and raise the burden on the 'rich'. And a lot of these rich guys don't seem to like it! I've seen MANY of them bickering on the news about how Obama is gonna 'raise taxes'. Now since we know the real plan is to LOWER tax on families making under 250k/yr, I'll face the arguments that may SEEM to make a little more sense.

Really the only comeback the Republicans can make is: It would be catastrophic to take extra $ from investors & businesses in this economic downturn. Hmmm, yes, I'll admit this sounds somewhat compelling. But wait a second... I can remember a time when the Bush administration provided an economic stimulus package. Now, to hold consistant on the Republican position, that 90 billion dollar stimulus package should have gone into the hands of the rich investors and business executives. But it didn't! No, to stimulate the economy, they sent tax rebates to the middle class. So I only ask one thing of anyone believing what they hear from that side... THINK before you vote.

Bring Back The Music With Meaning...

2008-08-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Waiting on the next Rage Against The Machine.

Thanks for The Advice.....Dusch-bag!!!

2008-06-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

We're all up in arms over the rising fuel prices (yes, me too). The question is, what should we do about it (I'll save MY thoughts as they may be too logical for the vast majority and I kinda wanna fit in). I see people on the news EVERY DAY. "the Oil Companies should do this....that....this...." One commercial drew my attention. It's for Brittish Petroleum (BP). In it, there's regular folks explaining how the oil companies have to move into alternatives etc, etc, to get the prices down. After this, it shows the investments BP is making in alternative fuels. Nice touch!

Now, do you really think explaining to the oil companies is going to work? There's a reason those guys are bringing home 50 million a year as compared with your 50 thousand. They're not stupid! Just picture someone explaining to YOU how to decrease your Net Worth! Even the dumbest among us wouldn't go for that. "Thanks, but no thanks." Think people... Or at least shut up!

FL & MI

2008-05-31T08:31:00.001-07:00

Yet another thing that blows my mind... With all the reporting that's going into this story, and I just want to know who the people are that made the decision to hold thier primaries before they were allowed. If these people have not been forced into retirement it's an abomination of the democratic party considering one of thier main beefs with the Bush administration is the lack of 'accountability'.

This whole thing is a joke. If you ask me, the dufuses who made the decision should be fined enough money to pay for another state primary. If I can get fined for going 50 in a 40 zone these people should definately have to pay for wrecking a national election.

So when it comes down to it, we do have a choice. 4 more years of Bush, or 4 years of a new incompetant party.

For those of you out there who want change, just go out & buy a new shirt.

Think For Yourself (Or At Least Let Someone Intelligent Do It For You)

2008-05-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

OK, it's taken a while to find another thing that bugs me, but I finally did it (and yes, it involves politics). It's commonly accepted that the economy is issue #1 in the upcoming U.S. election. Of course if you ask me it should always be issue #1, but most people don't mind being blissfully ignorant until oil hits 100 bucks a barrel.

So here's MY issue. We know the economy is #1. Hillary & Obama are pretty much neck & neck in the race (although Obama is looking to clinch the nomination). But, Hillary Clinton's campaign is $20M in debt! And she keeps lending money TO HERSELF! And she's performing solidly in the national polls? WHAT? The economy is issue #1, and we have a finalist (who is still performing very well) that can't even run a campaign without going into serious debt? And she's supposedly doing extreemly well with voters who say the economy is the biggest issue.

I'm no genius, but I'd think twice before I took financial advice from someone up to thier neck in credit card debt, so I sure as hell wouldn't want them running the country.....

"Pregnant Man Speaks Out"

2008-04-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll make this short. This has been all over the news for two weeks now. A dude. A PREGNANT dude! I'll admit I was a little curious, but never read up on it, or looked into it until I saw it coming up on Oprah (ya, I know...). So I turn the channel to see whats the fuss.

Sure enough, out he strolls. A dude. A PREGNANT dude! And two minutes later comes the kicker... HE was born a SHE! Needless to say, this sucker turned the channel out of disgust. And not because of the sex-change deal, but because it's NOT a big story. It's NOT a pregnant man, it's a pregnant woman. Big deal...

Trying Hard Not To Laugh

2008-03-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

I really shouldn't find this funny, since it pains me as much as it pains everyone else. But here goes... The price of wheat has increased nearly 2.5x over the past 12 months. Why? Interesting question. It seems farmers are growing more corn these days. This is due to the rising demand of alternate fuels, namely Ethanol. Ethanol is viewed by some as a godsend. It's better for the environment (and it USED to be cheaper than gas).

It didn't take me long to find out that, as I had expected, Ethanol actually leaves a LARGER carbon footprint than gasoline. One of the largest carbon emissions in the world is due to deforestation. And yes, to grow more crops we'll need to cut down more trees. Obviously the rainforest is the first to go.

My main sense of joy comes from the ironic fact that the environmentalists against these big oil companies are completely misled. We need energy, that will never change. Isn't it better to get it from beneath the earth's surface, where you can gain access to a 10,000 acre field that's several meters thick just by drilling a 9-inch hole, rather than cutting down 10,000 acres of trees and planting on it for the next 100 years?

In the meantime, I'm stuck paying three bucks for a loaf of bread. Thanks guys, you're really helping the situation.

Reviving the U.S. Economy

2008-03-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's a big focal point of the government. They're working on it... HARD! Once again I must admit not to be an expert on the matter (I have to do this a lot), but, much like other issues I tend to think this works to my advantage. Since I'm not just looking at the advanced figures, I can look at the bottom line and notice you've put a '+' where you should have a '*'... an 'A' where you should have a 'G'.

So the FED cuts interest rates... Fantastic! Now I can afford that mortgage! Prices drop... I'm saving more money to either bank or buy more things! Call me stupid, but I fail to see how this will effect the economy. Yes, we're buying more stuff...cash is changing hands...I see the obvious things just like you do. However, while you go along with what the government may be telling you, I'm saying... Wait, we forgot about the REAL bottom line. The bottom line is NOT consumer confidence amoung the American people... It's not going out and buying things like they're all telling you to do... It's PRODUCING the things for people to buy!

We just have a glorified trade network people... If you're not skinning a deer you're not gonna have anything to trade for that sack of potatoes. The more skins you can WORK to get, the more potatoes you can trade them for.

Now we're all swiping our credit cards... the bank is giving us the skins to trade for the potatoes, but they're gonna make us give them two skins back next week before they call it even. The sad thing is that the government is doing the same thing, with the largest deficit of all time... This is the example they're setting for us... I certainly won't take THIER advice on what to do with my money.

The bottom line is that we've gone from a nation that works today for what we can buy tomorrow to a nation who buys today what we'll have to work off tomorrow. And we've reached beyond what we're able to work off. Brace yourself, because the bank is finding out they're never gonna get those skins back from you... they handed out too many, and now someone's gotta burn! My only advice is to ignore the world falling down around you... Go out and get that deer. Get two. I don't care how long it takes or how hard you have to work to do it. Get out there and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Consistancy

2008-01-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

To illustrate my point I'll use an example. Not too long ago, on Megan's blog, a lady spoke up against Huckabee due to his early release of a prisoner, who then went on to rape & murder. OK, so this guy was given another chance (and I'm not implying whether or not he may have deserved it). He screwed it up. I'm sure he'll never get another chance like that again... That would be stupid, right???

I just read a headline "Bush insists Iran biggest terror sponsor". Now I'm not sure who's the 'biggest' sponsor, and I'm not sure about America's trade relationship with Iran. Either way Iran is only one of many sponsors of terror, many or which are funded by US. We give them $, they buy weapons to kill us. We give them another chance, they do the same thing... Time&time again. Isn't that pretty STUPID or am I not seeing something here?

Bhutto

2007-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

Once again I have to admit I'm no expert on Bhutto or her politics. But, from what I understand she was anti-extremist. She was liked by the U.S government. She wanted her country to be a civilized nation. And she had/has quite a following. Now she's been assassinated. People are rioting, setting the streets on fire, robbing banks, burning down police stations, and of course killing....lots of killing.

Sweet Irony.

America, WAKE UP!

2007-11-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

As you may be aware, Nevada recently held the Democratic Debate. Not that I'm a Democrat, but we may as well accept no Republican stands much of a chance (unless Romney can gain steam), so we'd better get to know the Democratic candidates. It's obvious Hillary is the front-runner, but I must admit she infuriates me nearly every time she opens her mouth.

One example: Obama (my pick) proposes that in order to solve the pension problem we throw out the cap on what people pay in taxes that goes towards the pension program. Currently contributions cut off after you exceed 96,000 in annual salary. IE: if you make 104k, you pay into the pension plan for the first 96k, but not the remaining 8k. Clinton is against this because, and I quote "lets call it for what it really is, a tax increase on the middle class". And you all clap? WTF? Come on. Making above 96k/year in most states has no chance of leaving you in the 'middle-class'.

I'll be the first to say I HATE taxes... They are WAY too high. However, if I were fortunate enough to be making, say, 120k/year, and had the choice of paying 40,000 in taxes to a corrupt government, or 40,200 (roughly the difference we're talking about) to a government that's at least trying to get us back on the right track, that extra 200 bucks would be the least of my worries.

GREED GREED GREED

2007-09-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

I'm begining to wonder about our current system of generosity. You know how we all contribute to a large 'pot' in case someone is down on thier luck and needs help. This pot is held by the Government, who basically hands out money to those who 'need' it. These people include those who recently lost thier job, who just can't seem to find a job, or who 'need' a medical procedure they cannot afford to pay for on thier own. We have all agreed to this system since we all know that trajedy can strike anyone at any time, and we would want 'fair' treatment were something to happen to us.

This system, as it is meant to be, is a beautiful thing which I fully support. However, there is one thing destroying it... GREED. A large number of people see this bottomless pot, and take whatever they can sneak from it. I mean why not... It's not like you're taking money from your neighbor's wallet... Or are you? YES! THE ANSWER IS YES!

It's hilarious that we think we have such a generous society, when the only reason why its not working is because our greed is causing us to steal from our neighbors. I'm actually wondering how this system came into being. Could it be that the brilliant, powerful people in the government thought to themselves 'what better way to get people to like us then to offer them something for nothing?' And of course us lowly folks ate it up! Not because we don't wanna see our brother down on his luck... Because we want something for nothing.

Are you proud of your system because Jane doesn't have to pay for her surgery, or because YOU wouldn't want to have to should you be in her position? In the long run we all lose (of course) when the market doesn't determine the services rendered, since, even in the ideal scenario, we're not only supporting the services, but also the system behind it all. And I'm OK with losing a little for the sake of 'humanity' and 'kindness', but I'm losing too much... And I'm not losing it to humanity/kindness... I'm losing it to GREED, and those who want something for nothing.

After all, If we were all such generous people, we wouldn't be standing in the medical line in the first place... We'd give up our spot to the person behind us.

Headline: "GM hit by nationwide strike"

2007-09-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The United Auto Workers union launched a nationwide strike against General Motors on Monday as 73,000 UAW members started walking off the job and hitting the picket lines at the nation's largest automaker."

Hah! Forgive me for nearly laughing out-loud when I read this headline! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for better benefits & pay for workers in profitable companies, but this was too much. I won't claim to know the ins&outs of the deal, I'm laughing at the irony of the situation, since the only headlines I've seen involving automakers lately are the ones with huge plants closing and all the poor workers being out of jobs. Perhaps I'm too warped for my own good.

www.stupid.ca

2007-07-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, this is a website about smokers/smoking. I think the title is pretty self-explanitory in regards to the content & message they are trying to send. There has been great headway made in de-glamorizing smoking. A ban has actually gone on here in Lloyd which doesn't allow smoking in public places, and they say it will soon cover all of Alberta. I'm quite sure the rest of North America will soon folow suit (with the exception of Nevada of course). After all, SMOKING WILL KILL YOU! Perhaps this is why we call it a 'stupid' thing to do (correct me if I'm wrong). If you lead an otherwise perfectly healthy lifestyle, smoking will still cut 13 years off your life (this is excluding the other effects of smoking).

Now this is where my article will take a turn. I don't smoke... I grew up knowing it was stupid (not that it really kept me from doing it when I was younger). However, as I get older I've noticed some changes to my health (that are not due to smoking). Yes, my stomach has become a bit larger than it once was. It is actually estimated that Obesity is set to overcome smoking as the #1 cause of death in the United States in the coming years (cuts over 18 years off your life just for over-eating & getting fat... lack of exercise catapults that number).

So now who are the stupid ones? I'm not innocent myself, but I do find it somewhat ironic that restaurants won't allow smoking, yet I can order 30 chicken wings & 18 beer without anyone batting an eye. Sure I'm not affecting the person sitting next to me, but I am killing myself.

They say smoking in movies will soon result in an automatic 'R' rating, yet we still have movies like 'Norbit' out there where the star is a super obese woman. So my question is, since we have determined over-eating & eating crap will be our #1 killer, why are we still glamorizing it? McDonalds & KFC should be hated MORE than the cigarette companies. They directly target children. If you're not outraged, I sure am.

What brings this up is the new show 'Big Medicine' (& the other numerous shows) which features the fattest people in the world & thier 'struggles' to get thin. Now if someone wants to get fat & kill themself, thats thier business, but when they're tying up the doctors offices & getting medical help (& disability $ since they're too fat to work), then it becomes everyones business. I actually think the viewers are supposed to feel bad for the people.

I love food & eat constantly, but am now making myself eat veggies & chicken, and low fat yogurt for a snack. It's HARD passing that pastry aisle, but it has to be done. If you ask me, the pastry aisle should be more illegal than selling cigarettes to minors. We don't need the temptation.

These Crack Me Up

2007-06-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

Mind-Reading Machine

2007-05-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

Check this out:

http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/tech/2007/05/18/pleitgen.germany.mind.reading.fox

Yes, it's saying what you think it is. Likely within the next few generations the government will be able to determine our thoughts BEFORE we even think them. This obviously leads to the ability to punish people for crimes they haven't yet commited. On the bight side, if you are a Christian this is good news! Once they enforce the use of this machine on society you will literally be incapable of doing anything wrong, as the government will know what you are up to before you have the chance to do it (or even realize yourself what you were about to do). If you don't do anything wrong, you must be heading to heaven. There's no apocalypse coming in the future... Just peace & tranquility.

Take The Swivel-Sweeper Challenge!

2007-04-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

OK, I regrettably must admit I've spent the last 20 minutes of my life watching a paid program on the Swivel-Sweeper. And yes, I am now dumber having seen it. For those of you who havn't seen this product, it is a small, lightweight, battery-powered vacuum. I cannot argue against its possible 'convenience', but allow me to laugh at the "revolutionary" technology that makes it all possible. This amazing new sweeper can go any direction because it utilizes "Quad-Brush Technology". I assure you, this merely means it has 4 brushes. Also aiding this amazing ability are its 4 specially-designed gliders that replace a regular vacuum's wheels. Yes, in non-technical terms this means wheels would be too expensive to add, so instead they use spheres that can 'glide' over the floor. (In case you havn't noticed, you can slide over the floor with your feet, even being much heavier than this sweeper)

Uh.... The Gas Pedal's the One on the Right

2007-03-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, believe it or not, I happen to be one of the 'Road-Rage-aholics' The Grammar Nazi recently attacked on her blog. Yes, I'm that irritated guy in the vehicle next to you, giving you the finger as I pass. Consider yourself lucky I didn't intentionally clip you as I passed, but hey, we're a considerate bunch.

I also creep forward once I notice the adjacent light has turned yellow, as I know this undoubtedly means mine will soon be turning green. (I caught on after the first 2 times I saw it, so why havn't YOU?!) In addition to this, if I'm alone on a 2-lane highway, I'll always take the inside of the corners. As I'm coming up on a set of lights I am unfamiliar with, I'm checking the light-poles nearby for those cameras. This way, I know whether I can run the red light without getting caught.

Yes, I turned into the second lane because there was one less person in it waiting for the light to change. I did this for a reason... Now I'm 12 feet further ahead than I would have been had I stayed in my original lane, so if the guy in front of me now decides to go slower than the guys in my original lane, I'm obviously going to get upset.

Oh, and don't get me started on those of you who have your cruise-control set at 113, passing the guy going 112.5. If I'm coming up behind you, I promise I'm not slowing down until I'm half a car length behind you. If you want to chill-out behind the wheel, then get out of the way, if not I'm gonna try to make you just as irritated with me as I obviously am with you.

So I will take it upon myself to speak for all those who have what many refer to as "Road Rage". How is it accepted that we must meet deadlines in every other facet of life, but somehow can take as long as we want to get from one location to another? I also wonder how driving can be the one thing people seem to continuously do, yet can never seem to get any better at. If you could do it in 25 minutes 3 years ago, then why can't you do it in 22 now? C'mon, you've seen that light turn from yellow to red 700 times... you have 5.2 seconds so use it... WHY ARE YOU STOPPING???

Bigfoot, Bison, & The Loch-Ness Monster

2007-03-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I'm a bit of an explorer. I recently travelled to the Northwest Territories in search of the Bison. While the terrain there is rugged & very unsuitable for human life, it was all worth it to catch a glimse of the great bison-beast. I have posted a picture below:

Yes, they tend to blend-in with the background, but this picture is proof they exist. Due to this trip's success, I plan on going to the yukon next week in seach of the Yeti... I'll be sure to post the pictures.

My Love_Sexyback Live

2007-03-06T15:40:00.001-08:00

Well, I've come to the realization that I will be unable to come up with a speach for The Philosopher's wedding. Rather, I will be performing the first 47 seconds of this video-post. If you don't see me online for the next month it's because I'm practising

When You Eat Your Smarties...

2007-03-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well, you know what's coming. 'Do you eat the red ones last?'

I do. I actually think it shows a sort of understanding, patience, and optimism that the best is yet to come. In large part, it is a display of a part of what makes us human.

However, in the past few years I've begun starting to notice something... Something amiss... I havn't stopped using my technique, because I don't want to lose that part of myself, but I'm starting to accept that I may have to.

Just two days ago, Michelle & I are driving back from the NWT, and I'm munching on some Starburst I've laid out on the middle arm-rest. I go through my normal process, and am just popping the last crappy yellow candy into my mouth. 'Wait for it' I think to myself... And... Sure enough, as soon as that last yellow one is in my mouth I see it! A little hand scoots over from the other side of the truck and proceeds to start taking the good candies which are left.

Now I don't mind sharing, but this just goes to far... So I'll modify my human eating habits to better resemble those of wolves tearing at a carcas. Each one hurrying to get as much as he can before the next one finds the nice soft meat. Humanity is Doomed.

By the way....

2007-01-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

I did NOT receive $500 from mom for Christmas. I was just trying to piss you all off & cause a rift within the family. You're all too jolly!

Insider Information

2007-01-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Any of you out there with insider information on good stocks, let me in on it. Especially you there 'Grammarian'. Up in the north there must be some new companies looking to make it big in mining.

Ford (NYSE: F)

2007-01-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

So what do you think Mom... $8.40/share a bargain? I was gonna buy @8, but decided to wait. Similar to my decision to hold off on buying Microsoft when it was $23. Now it's at $31. I'm thinking my "Ford" decision will turn out the same way.

The Good & The Bad

2007-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Well folks, I've found a problem with the upcoming movie "Alpha Dog" starring the one and only Justin Timberlake. I know what you're all thinking "C'mon, even a pessimist like you couldn't find a down-side to JT starring in a flick", but you're wrong. You see, with all the time Justin has been spending on the film set he now has very little time to spend in the studio cranking out hits like "Sexy Back" and "My Love". Then again, he does do some shirtless scenes, so I suppose it may be a fair trade-off.

Name Change

2007-01-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

OK, you have all freaked me out to the extent that I have gone back & removed my name from this site. This does not mean I no longer think this notion is a stupid one. I would think that those almighty people in the heights of government would be able to track me down if they really wanted to. After all, if Jack Bauer can track people down using nothing but 3 seconds of a phone conversation, I'm sure CTU could figure out where this Blog's coming from.

Blogging 202

2007-01-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

I'm sure I share memories of last years Florida trip with the rest of my family. In my mind, we all seemed to have a pretty good time. It turns out that some family members will return there this March. I will not be amoungst this group. Why??? You see, absence makes the heart grow fonder. When we all came together last year, many of us hadn't seen or really even spoken to eachother in years.

So what's changed? BLOGGING!! You know how when you live with people, you can kinda get a little sick of them? Well, this wonderful world of Blogging has allowed us to butt shoulders while remaining thousands of miles apart.

Technology is an amazing thing. It enhances dialogue and communication. But can we bring this too far? Can we know too much? Can we see too much? I'll bring you all back to a place called 'not too long ago'. I'm sure you all remember it.... You know what I'm talking about.... Britney's up-skirt, pantyless photos!

At the time we all thought we had seen too much, but I feel I can speak for every human being on the face of this planet (yes, the ladies too) in saying it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. Finally things are falling into place. I can now say with complete confidence that I understand the meaning of life and my place in this world.

I know this article may seem to have taken an unexpected turn, but if you think back I'm sure you'll see it was a necessary one. Despite our first conclusions, all technology is good.

Thanks Mom!

2007-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

You'll be happy to know I spent the 500 bones you gave me for Christmas on a set of drums! I've wanted a set for quite a while, but could never bring myself to spend the $. I'm hoping they'll require less talent to play then my guitar, which is collecting dust in the corner.

Rights (Privileges) & Responsibilities

2007-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

First I must let you know how painful it is for me to use the word "Right", but I'm giving humanity the benefit of the doubt (not that we've earned it) in saying we all have the "right" to live (really just to not be killed).

But that's ALL I'm giving you. The rest you must EARN. I don't care about the fact that you were lucky enough to be born into a society (yes, I was lucky in that sense also), it's not my 'right' and it's not yours.

This is a great privilege that has been bestowed upon us, and with great privileges comes great responsibility. HA! Gotcha! As amazing as it may seem, this great privilege comes at very little cost. In fact, all you have to do is (**) not interfere with others' Right, or the privileges they have earned based on the responsibilities they have undertaken (**). However, if you want to eat, or avoid being outside in the cold, I must suggest you take on a few responsibilities that will earn you the privilege of having access to food & shelter.

I don't even mind if you are able to coerce someone else into taking on enough responsibilities to cover you, but my second suggestion is to not even attempt trying to coerce ME. I promise you I will not budge!

Ah, but therein lies the trickery... I see a man take hundreds of the 'privileges' I earn every week, then turn around and give it to you. I'll refer back to my earlier statement **, and accuse you of interfering with the privileges I have earned via the responsibilities I have undertaken. You couldn't even follow the most fundamental of all responsibilities.

PRIDE

2007-01-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

I'll be the one to break the news, because I believe the truth has been largely diminished. Pride is why you are all here today. I'll go so far as to say that Pride is one of the fundamentals of the human race.

Ya, Ya, say it..... "Love"... But when that kid of yours does something stupid like shooting up a school you still Love him, you're just not Proud of him. So for now I'm telling you to take your Love & stick it! We care about the things we're proud of anyways, and it's besides the point.

I'm bothered by what Pride has become, and I'm bothered by you people who are Proud.
I'm not talking about those "hoity-toity"-proud people, or even the "cocky"-proud people. While I don't condone acting like a Dick, I can't argue with the fact that they may perhaps have something to be proud of. I'm saying there's far too many of you out there throwing around the phrase "I'm proud to be American/Canadian/Newfoundlander/....Whatever"

And If you truly are, that's fine. However, I do wish to argue that if you are proud to be something you should probably embody the essence of whatever it is you are proud to be. If you are a Republican, that's fine, but if you are Proud to be a Republican, then you should probably be out there participating in thier cause.

If you're proud to be a Newfoundlander (yes, this is what I've been getting at), then you should probably embody the same qualities that earned Newfoundland its Pride. IE: Be a hard-working fisherman, work on high-rises in Toronto/the US, be working in "the patch", or really just be a hard-worker in whatever you do.

If you don't embody these qualities, you don't really deserve to be Proud, and you don't really deserve the title you think you're so proud of. You, my friend, are not proud of yourself, you are proud of ME.

Guess Who's Back...

2007-01-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back from the Great Beyond, and oddly enough it seems life has gone on without me. I don't even know where to begin... The things I've seen, the horrible & wonderous things I've had to do, the issues I've solved... I left as a Man, so there's no telling exactly what I've come back as. BEWARE!

Bye For Now...

2007-01-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Well, my fellow bloggers, It will be a few weeks until my next post, as I am heading to a camp in the Great North (or balmy south for you in the NWT) for work. Perhaps this will give STEVE a chance to forget about his gay "josh" character (I assure you all, there is no dude out there after little ole me). Hopefully I will also be able to think of another topic or two while I'm away... I'm sure I'll remember a few more things that piss me off during that time, and I'll be sure to enlighten you all when I return. Until then.............

Amazing Machine

2006-12-31T10:54:00.001-08:00

This is crazy (if real):

This incredible machine was built as a collaborative effort between the Robert M. Trammell Music Conservatory and the Sharon Wick School of Engineering at the University of Iowa . Amazingly, 97% of the machines components came from John Deere Industries and Irrigation Equipment of Bancroft Iowa ; yes farm equipment!

It took the team a combined 13,029 hours of set-up, alignment, calibration, and tuning before filming this video but as you can see it was WELL worth the effort.

It is now on display in the Matthew Gerhard Alumni Hall at the University and is already slated to be donated to the Smithsonian

What's in MY MP3 Player?

2006-12-30T20:09:00.001-08:00

"HUSSEIN EXECUTED"

2006-12-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

Well, you've all heard it, the guy's a goner. Not that I respect him in the least, but the fact that he's been hanged kinda makes me cringe. And not only for the fact that is was done immediately before his sacred holiday (I actually think it was done ON the sacred holiday, which is forbidden in thier culture, but I'll reserve that fact for someone more informed than myself). I can only imagine the escalation of violence this will likely bring, especially due to the lack of respect for the religious holiday (for those of you who don't know: The dudes in the middle-east are kinda religious).

I also have to question the type of Democracy we have put in place, if they are out there Hanging people... A tad barbaric if you ask me.

I myself have recently swung to the side of those who oppose the death penalty. Not because I don't believe some criminals deserve to die, and not solely because we aren't always 100% sure we have the right guy (although this is a huge factor, in some cases we are 100% sure). But, did you know it costs several times as much to go through the legal process and then lethally inject a guy than is does to keep him in a cell for the rest of his life?

I'm not deminishing the value of a human life to a dollar value, all I'm saying is 'What's the point'?

While we're on the topic, I also believe these inmates should be out there working to pay for the cost of the prisons & police. It'd take some work, but I'm sure we could develop a system that would prevent them from escaping. Even if we had to hire 10x the number of gaurds to watch over them.... now we could pay the gaurds with the money the inmates make. And don't even dare mention the word "slavery" with respect to this!

UPDATED: Yes, he was executed on thier religious holiday. I myself get no satifaction from this...and even less from this

Me:

2006-12-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that I may have drawn a few viewers whom I have never actually met. By viewing this blog I feel it is necessary to point out that there is more to me as a person than the writings I have on this site.

Believe it or not I am a quite happy, content young lad, trying to make the world my own little oyster. I have a sarcastic sense of humour, and find humor in the most dire of circumstances even when it is I myself who will have to be dug out of them.

I am also a very giving person who would never let a friend down. This being said, if you are an able-bodied human being living on the street, unwilling to mow my lawn... I'd sooner watch you shrivel up than throw you a coin!

EI: "Employment Insurance"

2006-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ya, so now you've got me going... And now I'll let you in on another thing I HATE paying for: That little thing called Employment Insurance. Between EI & CPP (things I will likely never use) I have paid more than $2500 this year. Perhaps the thing that Urks me most is the fact they are calling it "Insurance". I wish it WAS insurance because then my payments would be going down while I avoid making claims, and those of you who make claims would have your payments rise so you would eventually pay off a portion of what you have taken.

Oh, and for those of you who think you can collect EI to "get back what you put in" I have this to say:
1) I truly hope for the sake of humanity that you are not actually dumb enough to believe this. I hope that you're only collecting because you are just too lazy to work (c'mon, just admit it, and thank me for paying all your bills).
2) The amount that I paid equals roughly 2.5% of my income (not all taxes go to EI, you also have to help support this "health-care system" you admire so much). This means that, to pay for 1 year of normal wages on EI you would have to work for 40. Taking into account the fact that there has to be a system in place to support the EI program, lets say you'd actually have to work for 50 years to truly pay off your debt. Plus, the CPP contribution actually outweighs the EI payment, and if you're collecting EI you'll likely get every cent of CPP you can get your hands on, so you'd actually have to work well over 100 years to pay off the debt of 1 year on EI.

Lets all just get off our asses and work to support ourselves. I mean really, what else is there to do? Plus, if you're really trying & struggling, those who are doing well won't mind lending a hand as long as they're not FORCED to. Don't think for a second that you Deserve help... Be grateful for any help given to you & repay the favor when you get the chance.

Health-Care Copycat

2006-12-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

OK, so I'll admit that I'm copying this topic from my sister's blog, but any mention of taxes makes my blood boil. Not that I don't believe taxes are needed (to a certain extent), but I hate the corrupt systems they are funding & perhaps the biggest waste is in this Canadian "Health-Care System", although I must say I enjoy the ideology that anyone can see a doctor for "free".

Firstly I must add that I was turned away from doctors' offices in Newfoundland because they were "not accepting any more patients". I fail to comprehend how this could happen, since as I am a taxpayer, I had already paid for thier services which they were now denying me. This also throws a spoke into the supposed Health-Care-for-all system which is said to be in place.

The primary problem with the system is that when people think they are getting something for free they tend to stuff thier pockets, so the person with his pockets already full keeps grabbing at the same rate as the person with nothing. By this I mean that we have people booking unimportant appointments and getting in on the same wait list as those with real problems.

If your gonna make me pay the doctor to put a bandage on my sore thumb, perhaps I'll decide to put the bandaid on myself and save my money for when I break my leg and actually NEED a doctor's attention. Perhaps I'll see if Tylenol Cold&Flu can cure me before spending $ on a doctor. The one that gets me most is the school requirement that a student must get a doctor's note for missing classes. There's better things to spend tax dollars on than paying for a doctor (who does deserve his 250k/yr) to write notes for kids skipping class.

Ahh... Wait a second! I was just thinking to myself "I'd never want to 'leave a guy out to dry', letting him carry on with a treatable illness" when I realized there probly isn't a Canadian out there who hasn't walked past that bum on the street without throwing him a coin. I likely pay enough money towards health care to take 3 bums off the street each year. We all walk by that guy with disgust thinking "get a job". So why should I feel remorse for telling people to at least pay for a portion of thier doctor bills? I'm SAVING before I have a child... Saving for clothes, food, and junior hockey equipment. It would suck to have to pay the hospital during childbirth, and would suck even more to pay for any complications should they arise, but I certainly don't expect YOU to pay for it!

Dr. Phil...

2006-12-25T00:26:00.000-08:00

So I'm watching Dr. Phil the other day (ya ya.... make fun of me if you will, but it comes on right after Oprah), and there's this kid on there who started doing drugs at the tender age of 10, and who started dealing/selling drugs by the time he was 11! Yes, that's Grade 6! So what's the first thought that pops into MY mind? "Wow, what a sense of entrepreneurship for such a young age!" This kid is only in grade 6, and already he's working to support his own habits! He's admitedly headed in the wrong direction, but at least he's headed SOMEWHERE! And so I congratulate you, young drug-dealing child... You are one of the few people who have earned my respect!

Drunken (but justifiable) Response:

2006-12-24T23:37:00.000-08:00

OK, so I don't mean to pick on anyone in particular, but someone had this response to my latest posting: "kinda depressing, Life isn't that bad, don't you think each generation has it a little better than the one before it? Technology keeps improving, we get more and better stuff, we can keep in touch even though we are so far apart, we all have computers, we are all richer." And YES, I admit this is all true... However, this leads me to another topic: The Poverty Line. You know, that creapy little thing that keeps moving forward despite the fact that those who live along it aren't working any harder. I'm not saying the less-fortunate people should be forced to move to places of opportunity; I'm just saying that those who refuse to move should give up thier right to complain. I live in the world of opportunity where high-school drop-outs make 75k/yr. It's a beautiful thing, but people forget that those of us making decent money EARN it... Now everyone thinks they deserve a slice of the pie without lifting a finger (something to do with thier forefathers???). This is why I have paid 35 G's in taxes this year... So that even those lying on the couch all day can enjoy the luxury of "more and better stuff... computers...." and simply be "richer" than the previous generation. If you ask me running water is a luxury none of us should be taking for granted or be expecting to get for free. And don't get me wrong... I don't mind lending a guy 50 cents for a bar of soap to get washed up for his job interview, but I do fully expect to get that 50 cents back at the end of the week when he gets his first check. I'm also fully willing to take down this "government" of ours to get back my 35k if I have any followers. Oh, and by the way...... Merry Christmas!

"If you set your mind to it"

2006-12-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

OK, so now that I have 2 viewers I'll start the 'perversion'. Just remember I am doing this for you, the viewer... I have found out what is wrong with society. Yes, the underlying problem. It is, quite simply 'The American Dream'. You know how we're all told as kids that we can do&have anything if we just set our minds to it. I myself am sick of this inept view of reality and am saying to you all (the general public) that try as you may, you will likely never amount to much of anything. I don't mean to offend, but it's simple math. We cannot have more than we are able to produce. Each person cannot drive a Lexus and live in a mansion, no matter how long and hard we work at it. It takes a lot of man-hours to produce these objects. Yes, I am aware that we have machines that aid in the building of such objects (and have thus far been quite successful in the harvesting of cheap overseas labor), but the overlying fact still maintains. After all, these machines must be built before they can build... And I am not even suggesting that we include the man hours it takes to get our base-products (lumber starts as a tree & steel starts as impure iron ore).
So what happens to the youth who grow up with this "dream" embedded in their minds? Well, they obviously FAIL (after all, to obtain this dream is impossible). I'm not sure about you, but I don't like to fail. Whats the point of trying if you know there's no chance of success? The smart ones realize this early on and don't even bother to try, while the dumber ones fail time & time again before finally giving up and accepting their worthlessness. We all get lazy because, no matter how ambitious we are, we will never live up to the expectations we have set for ourselves (or those that others have set for us). So we meet at the McDonald's drive-thru or on the couch and complain how society has let us down, while the politicians keep preaching 'the American dream'. After all, they know the only people ambitious enough to get off the couch to go vote are those who haven't yet realized the impossibility of actually obtaining that which they are telling us we can obtain. Thus, the dream lives on. And so it continues....

But While I'm Here...

2006-12-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

I do feel the need to mention that I've just spent 50 of my hard-earned dollars on the purchase of a REAL Christmas tree (yes Dad, I know it's not Christmas eve yet, but my tree is up nonetheless). I could have bought a fake tree, which was better-proportioned, wouldn't have left a mess everywhere it was dragged, and could have been used for several years for a slightly lower price. I admit this purchase was my own choice, but I refuse to use a fake tree, and this is besides the point. What I fail to comprehend is how it is cheaper to hire a child from a foreign land to dig iron from the ground and twist it, along with plastics, into the shape of a tree, then ship this product halfway around the world to be sold in a store, then it is to hire an American/Canadian to walk into the woods, spend two minutes cutting down a tree, and then drag the tree to the side of the road to be sold. And yet somehow us Americans (yes, myself included) are all underpaid? Perhaps I'm still young & naive and I'll understand this with age.

A New Birth?

2006-12-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Much like others in my immediate family, I created this blog as a means of commenting on other blogs, and may not update it, primarily due to the fear of being judged for my beliefs. However, if I do chose to update it, I invite all degenerates to use it as a safe haven, as I will not persecute you for your 'misuse of a colon', primarily due to my inadequate education, and lack of knowledge of "proper" english.