I recall there being a wide variety of laundry soap products; now, at one of the largest Safeway (Randall's) stores in the Houston market - there is only a wide variety of liquid Tide. Tide makes my pale, white skin break out, so I was hoping for something else.
They did have sugar-free Popsicles on sale, which was fun. They also still had a bunch of sugar free tapioca cups in the discount bin, so I grabbed a bunch. Either I've gone daft, or they only had a very small selection of bacon. They also had coffee on sale (which was what brought me into the store - I was out of bean). Dunkin Donuts beans are more expensive than Starbucks? Really? Safeway has prices marked in disparate ways, just as do all grocery chains - some containers are marked per pound, some per ounce, some per package. This requires math on the spot - which is the better deal? This one's on sale, but the price per measure isn't converted for the SALE price, only for the original price ..
Calculate, calculate, calculate. This one says it's organic, but is it fair trade? This one looks perfect, but it's decaf.
Finally, I reached a decision.
The little hand basket loaded to overflowing, I wandered over to the cash registers, so loaded up with last minute offerings that one can't see whether a cashier is there until one gets right up on the belt.
I remember when Randall's (before it was Safeway) used to have thirty plus types of mustard. Now, there are five or six.
Not that I don't care for Randall's now - but, how Randall's became Safeway is an excellent example of how American business is so focused on short term profit and not on long term stability and growth.
Back in the distant past, there were four or five grocery chains that dominated the Houston market. Kroger, Randall's and Weingarten's, Safeway, Gerland's and Feista. Feista, I believe was a Spanish market store created by the Weingarten family.
Of those, only Kroger and Safeway were multi-state chains.
Houston has seen and kicked Albertson's to the curb, along with Food Lion and a few others. Weingarten ran for the exits in the 1980s, wisely focusing on their real estate holdings. Gerland's gave up the ghost, although hints of it linger on in the Food Town chain. Fiesta moves from strength to strength. Kroger has been the king of the hill for decades.
Safeway, though, had a very strong market position. In about 1986, Safeway was put "in play" by Robert Haft (who were, at least in the business of running food and drug stores), and the board ran for cover with Kohlberg, Kravis Roberts (KKR) as their savior. This is sort of like leaping into the arms of the cannibal pygmies to save oneself from being eaten by marauding lions. Proving my axiom, KKR required that the company repay the borrowed money by selling off chunks.
Of course, KKR handled the filings and arranged the financing making a blizzard of cash.
The helpful investment house of KKR offered to broker the sale of huge chunks of Safeway, which had been so neatly assembled over fifty years following a strategy set in place by Merrill Lynch. Overseas operations, about half the total was all sold. The Houston operation, including its distribution warehouses and its brand spankin' new dairy factory to the Houston managers.
Who had to borrow the money.
From KKR.
Who made a shitload of money on THAT angle, too.
Enter "Apple Tree Markets".
Apple Tree was actually a TERRIFIC grocery chain, but the debt load was too great to sustain its operations, and pieces of it began to fly off. The dairy plant. Prime locations. The stores started to show their plight.
Finally, Apple Tree stores sold off their pieces to .. Randall's and Fiesta. Mostly to Randall's, which expanded hugely from Apple Tree's failure.
Randall's bought up the Tom Thumb stores in Dallas, along with Apple Tree stores all around the state. And they were large. And they were prosperous-ish.
And they loaded up on debt.
Kroger, being the 800 pound gorilla in the marketplace, only had to burp up a few tenths of a percentage of cash flow to turn a cranky, 1970s Kroger store into a Sak's like emporium, and Randall's had to keep up.
And the money kept flowing in ... (with acknowledgment to Tim Rice). Guess who loaned them the money???? (hint, their initials are KKR)
Well, ten years after taking the company private, the Safeway folks were .. expanding into new markets to replace those 1,000 or so stores that vanished when KKR took the company private.
And, guess how they re-entered Texas? By buying Randall's and paying a blizzard of money for it. That they borrowed. From KKR. But, wait - KKR was the majority owner of Randall's - and had provided Randall's all of the financing - so, how did they .. loan .. uh ..
And now, we have Safeway in Houston again.
And Kroger is still the 800 pound gorilla.
But KKR has made a TON of money! Retail centers have lost tenants, managers and employees have lost jobs, pensions are gone, choices are fewer - but KKR HAS MADE A TON OF MONEY!!!!!!
And, isn't that how it should work? A growing food and drug chain in DC decides to expand their presence, so they start buying stock in a large, publicly traded grocery and drug chain but the board of directors of the large, publicly traded grocery and drug chain want to retain their jobs and their panache, so they bargain with the devil, who requires them to sell off ONE HALF of their enterprise, pay enormous fees and interest, finances the sales of all the ONE HALF of their enterprise to the buyers - making interest and fees, then FIRES ALL THE DAMNED DIRECTORS ANYWAY, and then suggests - hey, you guys - you should be expanding into these markets you're not currently in (because we made you sell the stores you already had there) and SELLS THEM MORE STORES THEY ALREADY OWN.
Seems quite reasonable.
And we wonder why sub-prime mortgages didn't sound so bad.
DJHJD
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Berlin calling
In 1975, I visited Berlin for about a week. I was 15 years old, and yet I was captivated. Berlin has a history going back a thousand years, is the amalgamation of a number of smaller cities and villages, and is now one of the most important and exciting cities in the EU.
And, in 1945, it was blown to smithereens. British bombs, then Russian artillery blew the city into rubble. Every structure of importance was reduced to its foundations. To look at Berlin today, one wouldn't realize that the heritage was reconstructed - it is a blending of new and old, modern and traditional, experimental and trusted.
Last night, I had a delightful surprise through an email from Philip. Just as a reminder, there are only two Philip(s) with one "l", and this one is the awesome one that stayed with me one summer a few years ago.
He, Philip, is engaged in an effort to re-define and revitalize Detroit.
People slag Detroit endlessly and have for decades, but most people have never visited there. A hundred years ago, Detroit was arguably the second most important city in the country - a status it held until the 1960s. The race riots of 1967, spurred by the division of the black neighborhoods by the development of I-75, accelerated "white flight", and the city itself has never recovered.
Detroit presents an incredible and unique opportunity - the re-invention of a major American city. Rather than rely on traditional methods to spur growth and re-settlement, it is an opportunity to think totally out of the box, and marry the advantages of human convergence in a major city with renewable, sustainable environments that reduce city infrastructure needs, support growth through reduced recurring costs, provide a healthful environment for residents and look forward to what comes next, rather than trying to be a better city for 1958.
My mind is a river of ideas for the concept.
And, in 1945, it was blown to smithereens. British bombs, then Russian artillery blew the city into rubble. Every structure of importance was reduced to its foundations. To look at Berlin today, one wouldn't realize that the heritage was reconstructed - it is a blending of new and old, modern and traditional, experimental and trusted.
Last night, I had a delightful surprise through an email from Philip. Just as a reminder, there are only two Philip(s) with one "l", and this one is the awesome one that stayed with me one summer a few years ago.
He, Philip, is engaged in an effort to re-define and revitalize Detroit.
People slag Detroit endlessly and have for decades, but most people have never visited there. A hundred years ago, Detroit was arguably the second most important city in the country - a status it held until the 1960s. The race riots of 1967, spurred by the division of the black neighborhoods by the development of I-75, accelerated "white flight", and the city itself has never recovered.
Detroit presents an incredible and unique opportunity - the re-invention of a major American city. Rather than rely on traditional methods to spur growth and re-settlement, it is an opportunity to think totally out of the box, and marry the advantages of human convergence in a major city with renewable, sustainable environments that reduce city infrastructure needs, support growth through reduced recurring costs, provide a healthful environment for residents and look forward to what comes next, rather than trying to be a better city for 1958.
My mind is a river of ideas for the concept.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Every once in a while
I feel validated.
It seems that someone in California has obtained the signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would outlaw divorce completely.
Now, THAT would be marriage as a sanctity.
It seems that someone in California has obtained the signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would outlaw divorce completely.
Now, THAT would be marriage as a sanctity.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
On The Town
Last night, I was delighted to watch the first production of Leonard Bernstein's "On The Town" ever mounted here in Houston. It was very cute, but my not-gay friend who took me kept remarking on how very gay the male cast members were.
And they were. Like "holy CRAP that boy is gay".
Back in "the day" when homo-ness was less acceptable, we (I) had to hide out in plain sight, which required that we be more conforming than is now the standard. In theater arts, one could be a bit more expressive - but, you were in the main NOT going to be so expressive that people would figure it out from twenty paces.
These boys - their gayness could be detected from space.
Not that it's bad, but one of the qualities of live theater in the past was that the dancing/singing/acting boys were just SLIGHTLY more appealing in terms of their finesse, their presentation, their expressions. When their gayness begins to negatively affect the believability of whether they would actually be found dancing with a scantily dressed female - the illusion is shattered and they aren't fitting for the roles they were cast into.
Sailors who chase dames, for instance, should at least give the idea that they'd be INTERESTED in chasing dames. And not to learn where they picked up those fabulous shoes.
And they were. Like "holy CRAP that boy is gay".
Back in "the day" when homo-ness was less acceptable, we (I) had to hide out in plain sight, which required that we be more conforming than is now the standard. In theater arts, one could be a bit more expressive - but, you were in the main NOT going to be so expressive that people would figure it out from twenty paces.
These boys - their gayness could be detected from space.
Not that it's bad, but one of the qualities of live theater in the past was that the dancing/singing/acting boys were just SLIGHTLY more appealing in terms of their finesse, their presentation, their expressions. When their gayness begins to negatively affect the believability of whether they would actually be found dancing with a scantily dressed female - the illusion is shattered and they aren't fitting for the roles they were cast into.
Sailors who chase dames, for instance, should at least give the idea that they'd be INTERESTED in chasing dames. And not to learn where they picked up those fabulous shoes.
The day after 090909
More teaching tomorrow and Saturday - maybe I'll get some marketing out for myself.
I wasn't quite expecting as much out of Obama's speech as we seem to have gotten. At the same time, the political theater is draining.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Happy anniversary last night, Rachel!
Spent Labor Day in awesome conversation connecting dots in elements of our national discourse and events. It was great to engage in uniform praise for Matt Taibbi, and to turn the concepts around together with other people who are analytical and well informed.
Consider -
H1N1 (swine) flu historically starts out with a short term spike that is minimally fatal. The flu begins to mutate, and comes back in the late fall/early winter, but then roars – nay, explodes – into a virulent killing machine in the late winter.
It seems quite clear that health reform will not have a public option (perhaps one that is “triggered” but not one starting out) and given that the same players created a TWO YEAR opportunity for credit card issuers to knock interest rates out of the park before new rules took effect, we can expect that any health reform (which should be in place before the H1N1 flu comes back for its class reunion around Thanksgiving) will have given the health insurance companies ample opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle existing policy holders by jacking up premiums, co-pays, reducing benefits and basically making it very challenging for people to maintain their current health coverage.
While not widely reported, a very well researched and thorough writer has commented that a great number of his personal contacts are anonymously suggesting that we are about to experience major employers greatly reducing health benefits, increasing co-pays, increasing employee contributions especially for spousal or dependent coverage. This is expected to begin taking effect when enrollment periods open, which is traditionally late in the calendar year.
While not widely understood, current health insurance policies do NOT pay for emergency services, such as an emergency room visit with an onset of, say, sudden, chronic flu symptoms. Recently, a close friend had a visit to the ER after a diabetic episode at work and found that his employer paid health insurance pays only TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS of ER visits that are not (get this) approved IN ADVANCE.
Um, sure. “Hello? HMO? I'm thinking I'll have the flu on Thursday and may need to go to the ER – maybe Thursday night or Friday?”
In the 2000 presidential election, Ralph Nader was directly and aggressively challenged for his threat of Al Gore's effort to attain the White House. He acknowledged that, indeed, his intent was to block Al Gore from becoming president, saying (paraphrased) that our country had not yet suffered enough havoc of the policies of the previous 30 years to make lasting, real change.
I believe that he was right.
I believe also that a perfect storm may be brewing of greatly reduced health benefits, greatly increased health premium costs, greatly increased out of pocket payments for ER visits, co-pays and emergency treatment and the return of the H1N1 flu.
That change Ralph Nader has long thought needed may be nearly upon us.
Consider -
H1N1 (swine) flu historically starts out with a short term spike that is minimally fatal. The flu begins to mutate, and comes back in the late fall/early winter, but then roars – nay, explodes – into a virulent killing machine in the late winter.
It seems quite clear that health reform will not have a public option (perhaps one that is “triggered” but not one starting out) and given that the same players created a TWO YEAR opportunity for credit card issuers to knock interest rates out of the park before new rules took effect, we can expect that any health reform (which should be in place before the H1N1 flu comes back for its class reunion around Thanksgiving) will have given the health insurance companies ample opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle existing policy holders by jacking up premiums, co-pays, reducing benefits and basically making it very challenging for people to maintain their current health coverage.
While not widely reported, a very well researched and thorough writer has commented that a great number of his personal contacts are anonymously suggesting that we are about to experience major employers greatly reducing health benefits, increasing co-pays, increasing employee contributions especially for spousal or dependent coverage. This is expected to begin taking effect when enrollment periods open, which is traditionally late in the calendar year.
While not widely understood, current health insurance policies do NOT pay for emergency services, such as an emergency room visit with an onset of, say, sudden, chronic flu symptoms. Recently, a close friend had a visit to the ER after a diabetic episode at work and found that his employer paid health insurance pays only TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS of ER visits that are not (get this) approved IN ADVANCE.
Um, sure. “Hello? HMO? I'm thinking I'll have the flu on Thursday and may need to go to the ER – maybe Thursday night or Friday?”
In the 2000 presidential election, Ralph Nader was directly and aggressively challenged for his threat of Al Gore's effort to attain the White House. He acknowledged that, indeed, his intent was to block Al Gore from becoming president, saying (paraphrased) that our country had not yet suffered enough havoc of the policies of the previous 30 years to make lasting, real change.
I believe that he was right.
I believe also that a perfect storm may be brewing of greatly reduced health benefits, greatly increased health premium costs, greatly increased out of pocket payments for ER visits, co-pays and emergency treatment and the return of the H1N1 flu.
That change Ralph Nader has long thought needed may be nearly upon us.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Lather, rinse, repeat
Program Director: Take 2, cue Howard.
Beale: I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth; banks are going bust; shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter; punks are running wild in the street, and there's nobody anywhere who seems to know what to do, and there's no end to it.
We know the air is unfit to breathe and our food is unfit to eat. And we sit watching our TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today we had fifteen homicides and sixty-three violent crimes, as if that's the way it's supposed to be!
We all know things are bad -- worse than bad -- they're crazy.
It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, so we don't go out any more. We sit in the house, and slowly the world we're living in is getting smaller, and all we say is, "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials, and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."
Well, I'm not going to leave you alone.
I want you to get mad!
I don't want you to protest. I don't want you to riot. I don't want you to write to your Congressman, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the depression and the inflation and the Russians and the crime in the street.
All I know is that first, you've got to get mad.
You've gotta say, "I'm a human being, goddammit! My life has value!"
So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell,
"I'm as mad as hell,
and I'm not going to take this anymore!!"
Beale: I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth; banks are going bust; shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter; punks are running wild in the street, and there's nobody anywhere who seems to know what to do, and there's no end to it.
We know the air is unfit to breathe and our food is unfit to eat. And we sit watching our TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today we had fifteen homicides and sixty-three violent crimes, as if that's the way it's supposed to be!
We all know things are bad -- worse than bad -- they're crazy.
It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, so we don't go out any more. We sit in the house, and slowly the world we're living in is getting smaller, and all we say is, "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials, and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."
Well, I'm not going to leave you alone.
I want you to get mad!
I don't want you to protest. I don't want you to riot. I don't want you to write to your Congressman, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the depression and the inflation and the Russians and the crime in the street.
All I know is that first, you've got to get mad.
You've gotta say, "I'm a human being, goddammit! My life has value!"
So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell,
"I'm as mad as hell,
and I'm not going to take this anymore!!"
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
why is this even a question?
No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick.
Dear President Obama,
I understand you’re thinking of dumping your “public option” because of all the demagoguery by Sarah Palin and Dick Armey and Newt Gingrich and their crowd on right-wing radio and Fox. Fine. Good idea, in fact.
Instead, let’s make it simple. Please let us buy into Medicare.
It would be so easy. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with this so-called “public option” that’s a whole new program from the ground up. Medicare already exists. It works. Some people will like it, others won’t – just like the Post Office versus FedEx analogy you’re so comfortable with.
Just pass a simple bill – it could probably be just a few lines, like when Medicare was expanded to include disabled people – that says that any American citizen can buy into the program at a rate to be set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which reflects the actual cost for us to buy into it.
So it’s revenue neutral!
To make it available to people of low income, raise the rates slightly for all currently non-eligible people (like me - under 65) to cover the cost of below-200%-of-poverty people. Revenue neutral again.
Most of us will do damn near anything to get out from under the thumbs of the multi-millionaire CEOs who are running our current insurance programs. Sign me up!
This lets you blow up all the rumors about death panels and grandma and everything else: everybody knows what Medicare is. Those who scorn it can go with Blue Cross. Those who like it can buy into it. Simplicity itself.
Of course, we’d like a few fixes, like letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and filling some of the holes Republicans and AARP and the big insurance lobbyists have drilled into Medicare so people have to buy “supplemental” insurance, but that can wait for the second round. Let’s get this done first.
Simple stuff. Medicare for anybody who wants it. Private health insurance for those who don’t. Easy message. Even Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley can understand it. Sarah Palin can buy into it, or ignore it. No death panels, no granny plugs, nothing. Just a few sentences.
Replace the “you must be disabled or 65” with “here’s what it’ll cost if you want to buy in, and here’s the sliding scale of subsidies we’ll give you if you’re poor, paid for by everybody else who’s buying in.” (You could roll back the Reagan tax cuts and make it all free, but that’s another rant.)
We elected you because we expected you to have the courage of your convictions. Here’s how. Not the “single payer Medicare for all” that many of us would prefer, but a simple, “Medicare for anybody who wants to buy in.”
Respectfully,
DrDivo
Dear President Obama,
I understand you’re thinking of dumping your “public option” because of all the demagoguery by Sarah Palin and Dick Armey and Newt Gingrich and their crowd on right-wing radio and Fox. Fine. Good idea, in fact.
Instead, let’s make it simple. Please let us buy into Medicare.
It would be so easy. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with this so-called “public option” that’s a whole new program from the ground up. Medicare already exists. It works. Some people will like it, others won’t – just like the Post Office versus FedEx analogy you’re so comfortable with.
Just pass a simple bill – it could probably be just a few lines, like when Medicare was expanded to include disabled people – that says that any American citizen can buy into the program at a rate to be set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which reflects the actual cost for us to buy into it.
So it’s revenue neutral!
To make it available to people of low income, raise the rates slightly for all currently non-eligible people (like me - under 65) to cover the cost of below-200%-of-poverty people. Revenue neutral again.
Most of us will do damn near anything to get out from under the thumbs of the multi-millionaire CEOs who are running our current insurance programs. Sign me up!
This lets you blow up all the rumors about death panels and grandma and everything else: everybody knows what Medicare is. Those who scorn it can go with Blue Cross. Those who like it can buy into it. Simplicity itself.
Of course, we’d like a few fixes, like letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and filling some of the holes Republicans and AARP and the big insurance lobbyists have drilled into Medicare so people have to buy “supplemental” insurance, but that can wait for the second round. Let’s get this done first.
Simple stuff. Medicare for anybody who wants it. Private health insurance for those who don’t. Easy message. Even Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley can understand it. Sarah Palin can buy into it, or ignore it. No death panels, no granny plugs, nothing. Just a few sentences.
Replace the “you must be disabled or 65” with “here’s what it’ll cost if you want to buy in, and here’s the sliding scale of subsidies we’ll give you if you’re poor, paid for by everybody else who’s buying in.” (You could roll back the Reagan tax cuts and make it all free, but that’s another rant.)
We elected you because we expected you to have the courage of your convictions. Here’s how. Not the “single payer Medicare for all” that many of us would prefer, but a simple, “Medicare for anybody who wants to buy in.”
Respectfully,
DrDivo
Monday, August 31, 2009
August's last day for 2009
If one believes in the "Mayan" predictions, we have approximately three years, three months and three weeks before our plane of existence comes to a complete halt.
Personally, I don't find much strength in that line of reasoning.
I was driving by Momentum Audi today; they have a bright red A6 out front that isn't in their online inventory. Do I care enough to call 'em and ask about it? To point out that keeping their online information current is very important?
No.
Over the weekend, a friend had a call (he's a fire fighter) to an auto accident - a four year old dead, a six year old lost both of her feet - both of these before anyone was transported to the hospital. The cause? An unlicensed 15 year old who was texting.
Yikes. This morning, I carried my phone to the office in the trunk of the car. I need to leave it back there every time. EVERY time.
Mr. Z gave me one of Cafe del Mar's CDs to listen to - it's AMAZING. I have been playing it in the car, and it's just splendid.
I'm curious about time's passing. It's a very interesting dynamic.
I'm also curious about how resistant people are to change.
Personally, I don't find much strength in that line of reasoning.
I was driving by Momentum Audi today; they have a bright red A6 out front that isn't in their online inventory. Do I care enough to call 'em and ask about it? To point out that keeping their online information current is very important?
No.
Over the weekend, a friend had a call (he's a fire fighter) to an auto accident - a four year old dead, a six year old lost both of her feet - both of these before anyone was transported to the hospital. The cause? An unlicensed 15 year old who was texting.
Yikes. This morning, I carried my phone to the office in the trunk of the car. I need to leave it back there every time. EVERY time.
Mr. Z gave me one of Cafe del Mar's CDs to listen to - it's AMAZING. I have been playing it in the car, and it's just splendid.
I'm curious about time's passing. It's a very interesting dynamic.
I'm also curious about how resistant people are to change.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Things that make up a Friday morning -
Recently, I re-connected with my best friend from law school - thanks to Facebook. It has been incredibly rewarding to be back in touch with him. This morning, he and I were chatting away on Instant Messenger and he said this:
I just laughed so hard and so long I coughed up a lung.
In my email this morning was this:
I suppose it could have been even MORE of a great start to a Friday morning if I had received a note that someone had just given me my S8 free and clear, but this wasn't bad at all. I am psyched about it!
I notice this morning that the board of VW has voted to merge with Porsche.
For those that haven't been following, here's how this went -
Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP were elected to a plurality of seats in the German Reichstag in March, 1933.
They created a government with the Social Democrats.
They put all the Social Democrats in jail.
They eliminated all civil rights, unions, communists, jews, slavs, gypsies and youth organizations.
In replacing the unions with a single, national "union" that everyone had to belong to, they created the first rewards program wherein workers had deductions taken from their paychecks so that they could participate in vacations, cruises and such. This program was called "Kraft durch Freude" (or, Work through Joy).
To further give the non-unionized laborers incentive to labor endlessly without overtime, the right to strike or bargain or change jobs, the government announced that a brand new car would be sold on a weekly subscription basis - the "Kraft durch Freude" car - KDF, popularly known as the People's car (Volks wagen).
The car was designed by Prof. Dr. Ing. H. C. Ferdinand Porsche, who, like Hitler, was an Austrian, but had a bunch of training and skill other than bombastic oratory and making people hate each other. Prof. Dr. Porsche had this notion that designing a car with a flat, air cooled engine in the back driving the back wheels was the best idea since Austria became the center of the Holy Roman Empire, and later created a slightly more exciting car on the same basic design called the Porsche 911.
Said workers had another involuntary payroll deduction, and ground was broken for a massive factory near Wolfsburg, which had hitherto served no particular purpose in the German economy, but benefited someone who sold the land. This would become the massive Volkswagenwerk.
Gazillions of Marks were collected from paychecks, and not a single car was produced or delivered to those who had their money withheld. Sort of like a Tucker Torpedo, but without the cool movie starring Jeff Bridges.
Hitler got too frisky in his efforts to seize assets without paying for it, and eventually the Brits and the 'Murricans blew everything in Germany to bits with high explosives. In order to avoid this outcome, Prof. Dr. Porsche and his family designed tanks instead of air cooled cars with the engines hanging off'n their butts. They found it a little more convenient to avoid hot death dropping from the skies and moved their little operation to far Eastern Austria.
The 'Murricans thought that they could gain a leg up on 500 years of European colonial domination by rebuilding Europe, and so threw more money at Germany than they had previously thrown high explosives. Thinking that they had some say in the matter, the French, the Brits and the Russians took possession of different parts of Germany, and the Porsche family was involuntarily split into two geographic groups - northern and south-eastern.
Prof. Dr. Porsche and his family gently took control of the Volkswagenwerk, the plans for the KDF car, and the factory with the kind assistance of the government of Lower Saxony. Since they already had the plans for a real car thing, they started building them. This was the Northern part of the family.
Because the tank building part of the family had this nifty factory over in the southeastern part, and because they couldn't run back home to Wolfsburg and surrounds, they created a new company to continue to build Porsche automobiles.
Prof. Dr. Porsche died.
His family, in the grand tradition of the Hiltons, the Vanderbilts and others, fought over the spoils.
Each car company was mostly controlled by descendants of the guy who thought that hanging an engine off of the back of an axle was a great design.
People get confused, thinking that two different sets of folks control these companies - mostly because the Peich line controls the VW company. Peich is a grandson of the aforementioned Prof. Dr. Porsche. Porsche AG has been mostly controlled by Ferry Porsche, who was the son of Prof. Dr. Porsche. Peich is his nephew, the son of his sister.
Since Ferry died, the grandsons (Peich and Ferry the third) have been playing an endless game of "who's got the bigger dick", in which Ferry three attempted to swallow the world's third largest automaker whole with the backing of certain Gulf state oil investors.
Then, the whole economy of the world fainted, and Ferry three couldn't pay the bills on his efforts to "fress" (German for eat, but in the sense that an animal eats) Fow-Vay (German, for VW).
VW now is buying Porsche SE.
So, doesn't this mean that two cousins have blown through over $12,000,000,000 against shareholder interests, the interests of the workers, the franchisees, the ability to design new product, expand into new markets, reduce the costs of their products - just to see who had the bigger weenie?
Someone should take 'em both out back and give them the whacking that they should have each gotten back in the 1950s.
My favorite Doug utterance ever was this:
We were at someone's house, someone we didn't know, and they had two hyper barking jumping little white dogs. You were reading something, and I asked you what kind of dogs they were. Without looking up or moving, you answered, "White". I don't know why, but it's the best ever.
I just laughed so hard and so long I coughed up a lung.
In my email this morning was this:
Dear First Prize Winner,
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a prize in the Lexus HS Contest, administered by ePrize.
You have been selected as the winner of a the use of a Lexus HS for one (1) week and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag containing Sponsor selected Lexus branded products! Please see the attached Official Rules for further prize details and eligibility requirements.
I suppose it could have been even MORE of a great start to a Friday morning if I had received a note that someone had just given me my S8 free and clear, but this wasn't bad at all. I am psyched about it!
I notice this morning that the board of VW has voted to merge with Porsche.
For those that haven't been following, here's how this went -
Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP were elected to a plurality of seats in the German Reichstag in March, 1933.
They created a government with the Social Democrats.
They put all the Social Democrats in jail.
They eliminated all civil rights, unions, communists, jews, slavs, gypsies and youth organizations.
In replacing the unions with a single, national "union" that everyone had to belong to, they created the first rewards program wherein workers had deductions taken from their paychecks so that they could participate in vacations, cruises and such. This program was called "Kraft durch Freude" (or, Work through Joy).
To further give the non-unionized laborers incentive to labor endlessly without overtime, the right to strike or bargain or change jobs, the government announced that a brand new car would be sold on a weekly subscription basis - the "Kraft durch Freude" car - KDF, popularly known as the People's car (Volks wagen).
The car was designed by Prof. Dr. Ing. H. C. Ferdinand Porsche, who, like Hitler, was an Austrian, but had a bunch of training and skill other than bombastic oratory and making people hate each other. Prof. Dr. Porsche had this notion that designing a car with a flat, air cooled engine in the back driving the back wheels was the best idea since Austria became the center of the Holy Roman Empire, and later created a slightly more exciting car on the same basic design called the Porsche 911.
Said workers had another involuntary payroll deduction, and ground was broken for a massive factory near Wolfsburg, which had hitherto served no particular purpose in the German economy, but benefited someone who sold the land. This would become the massive Volkswagenwerk.
Gazillions of Marks were collected from paychecks, and not a single car was produced or delivered to those who had their money withheld. Sort of like a Tucker Torpedo, but without the cool movie starring Jeff Bridges.
Hitler got too frisky in his efforts to seize assets without paying for it, and eventually the Brits and the 'Murricans blew everything in Germany to bits with high explosives. In order to avoid this outcome, Prof. Dr. Porsche and his family designed tanks instead of air cooled cars with the engines hanging off'n their butts. They found it a little more convenient to avoid hot death dropping from the skies and moved their little operation to far Eastern Austria.
The 'Murricans thought that they could gain a leg up on 500 years of European colonial domination by rebuilding Europe, and so threw more money at Germany than they had previously thrown high explosives. Thinking that they had some say in the matter, the French, the Brits and the Russians took possession of different parts of Germany, and the Porsche family was involuntarily split into two geographic groups - northern and south-eastern.
Prof. Dr. Porsche and his family gently took control of the Volkswagenwerk, the plans for the KDF car, and the factory with the kind assistance of the government of Lower Saxony. Since they already had the plans for a real car thing, they started building them. This was the Northern part of the family.
Because the tank building part of the family had this nifty factory over in the southeastern part, and because they couldn't run back home to Wolfsburg and surrounds, they created a new company to continue to build Porsche automobiles.
Prof. Dr. Porsche died.
His family, in the grand tradition of the Hiltons, the Vanderbilts and others, fought over the spoils.
Each car company was mostly controlled by descendants of the guy who thought that hanging an engine off of the back of an axle was a great design.
People get confused, thinking that two different sets of folks control these companies - mostly because the Peich line controls the VW company. Peich is a grandson of the aforementioned Prof. Dr. Porsche. Porsche AG has been mostly controlled by Ferry Porsche, who was the son of Prof. Dr. Porsche. Peich is his nephew, the son of his sister.
Since Ferry died, the grandsons (Peich and Ferry the third) have been playing an endless game of "who's got the bigger dick", in which Ferry three attempted to swallow the world's third largest automaker whole with the backing of certain Gulf state oil investors.
Then, the whole economy of the world fainted, and Ferry three couldn't pay the bills on his efforts to "fress" (German for eat, but in the sense that an animal eats) Fow-Vay (German, for VW).
VW now is buying Porsche SE.
So, doesn't this mean that two cousins have blown through over $12,000,000,000 against shareholder interests, the interests of the workers, the franchisees, the ability to design new product, expand into new markets, reduce the costs of their products - just to see who had the bigger weenie?
Someone should take 'em both out back and give them the whacking that they should have each gotten back in the 1950s.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
what if the car you bought with cash for clunkers was..
itself a clunker?
What if you traded in your clunker qualifier at a local Chevy dealer, and your new purchase was delivered to you with a non-functioning fuel gauge, AND the check engine light on?
And then, what if your friendly local Chevy dealer who had sold you the car only three days before told you that they'd take it in for repair, but NOT give you a loaner car or provide you with transportation in violation of the GM warranty?
Does that mean that you're still driving a clunker?
What if you traded in your clunker qualifier at a local Chevy dealer, and your new purchase was delivered to you with a non-functioning fuel gauge, AND the check engine light on?
And then, what if your friendly local Chevy dealer who had sold you the car only three days before told you that they'd take it in for repair, but NOT give you a loaner car or provide you with transportation in violation of the GM warranty?
Does that mean that you're still driving a clunker?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A new take on "green" living
More and more of late, I have been overcome by the waste in our society. I don't mean just that we buy dwellings and cars that are much larger than what we really need. I don't mean just that we suck up power that we don't need to use. I don't mean just that we wrest minerals from within the earth and then leave an enormous, toxic mess behind. I don't mean just the investment into transporting cheaply manufactured goods across oceans in huge ships that contribute far more particulate and toxic emissions into the air than do all of the cars in this country.
It's all of it.
Recently, a woman from Baltimore was on Oprah talking about how she had reduced her electric bill by 77% through unplugging things that pull an electrical load even when they're not being used. Whether you believe her actual performance or not, these two articles describe how it works and allow one to calculate how much could be saved.
So, what would motivate you to unplug a bunch of stuff? I've started unplugging nearly everything but for the alarm clock, the microwave (because it's impossible to get to) and the TV when I leave the apartment.
If you believe that global warming is bunkum, you won't be motivated to do this. If you hold a negative view toward trying to save money, or use less - you won't be motivated to do this.
What if Jesus said it was a good idea?
In Mark Chapter 12, Jesus was asked which was the most important of the Commandments. Most who are Christian or who have read the bible (note that I don't consider the two groups to be identical) are familiar with the story.
Here was the exchange:
Let's break this down for a moment -
The most important commandment is that there is one God, and you should focus on God. In my faith, we say "God is all there is", but in any faith - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist .. we can all agree that the most important thing is that God is the most important thing.
What follows, though - "love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these".
Virtually every spiritual faith that has wide adherence contains this admonishment. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What goes around comes around. As you do, so shall you receive.
We humans find this to be an aspiration, but we do not live as if it were the second most important spiritual rule. We instead ignore God's admonition that judgment belongs only to God, and try to use the other commandments as weapons to justify our wrath.
What of the commandment "thou shalt not kill" from the perspective of the second most important commandment? One could reflect that being killed would be pretty bad, so since I don't want that done unto me, I should refrain from doing it to others.
Let's take "thou shalt not steal". Hasn't everyone come to realize that someone, maybe someone we thought of as a trusted person, has stolen from us? How does that feel? It feels rotten! So, when we see something tantalizing - how do YOU want to feel? You want to feel the way that the owner of that trinket will feel when they discover that you've taken it?
Well, then either mate it back with its owner or leave it alone.
Taken into a broader environment - no pun intended - what are you saying to your neighbor when you throw something out your car window instead of disposing of it in a waste container? How would you feel if someone tossed some trash in your yard? Or let their animal relieve itself on your sidewalk?
What's the difference?
What are we saying to our neighbors when we create an earthen pond containing three million gallons of toxic coal slurry to avoid dealing with the refuse from coal mining, and then it soils and nearly permanently destroys hundreds of acres, and displacing dozens of families and businesses?
What are we saying to our neighbors when we run our supertanker into a shoal, spilling several million gallons of crude oil onto public beaches, destroying wild life habitats and the living for local fishermen and then fight cleaning up after ourselves by spending more money than the clean up would have cost?
What are we saying to our neighbors not yet born when we overfish or pollute the waters such that there is no more food source? Or when we create a drug, or a beverage, or a processed food that is neglectfully or intentionally harmful and then do our best to avoid responsibility?
What if we conducted ourselves thinking about how WE would feel if we personally had to deal with the aftermath, the mess, the cleanup, the financial burden and then acted to minimize or eliminate any effect that our neighbor will be left with?
If we conducted ourselves that way, would we be honoring God and his creations more fully? Would we actually be living our lives following the teachings of Jesus?
Why, yes we would.
Could one then extrapolate a sound conclusion that littering, using more than you actually need, acting in a manner ignorant of how others are left responsible or diminished, or actively trying to avoid responsibility are against Jesus's primary teachings?
You tell me. I have my opinion on the matter already.
It's all of it.
Recently, a woman from Baltimore was on Oprah talking about how she had reduced her electric bill by 77% through unplugging things that pull an electrical load even when they're not being used. Whether you believe her actual performance or not, these two articles describe how it works and allow one to calculate how much could be saved.
So, what would motivate you to unplug a bunch of stuff? I've started unplugging nearly everything but for the alarm clock, the microwave (because it's impossible to get to) and the TV when I leave the apartment.
If you believe that global warming is bunkum, you won't be motivated to do this. If you hold a negative view toward trying to save money, or use less - you won't be motivated to do this.
What if Jesus said it was a good idea?
In Mark Chapter 12, Jesus was asked which was the most important of the Commandments. Most who are Christian or who have read the bible (note that I don't consider the two groups to be identical) are familiar with the story.
Here was the exchange:
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Let's break this down for a moment -
The most important commandment is that there is one God, and you should focus on God. In my faith, we say "God is all there is", but in any faith - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist .. we can all agree that the most important thing is that God is the most important thing.
What follows, though - "love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these".
Virtually every spiritual faith that has wide adherence contains this admonishment. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What goes around comes around. As you do, so shall you receive.
We humans find this to be an aspiration, but we do not live as if it were the second most important spiritual rule. We instead ignore God's admonition that judgment belongs only to God, and try to use the other commandments as weapons to justify our wrath.
What of the commandment "thou shalt not kill" from the perspective of the second most important commandment? One could reflect that being killed would be pretty bad, so since I don't want that done unto me, I should refrain from doing it to others.
Let's take "thou shalt not steal". Hasn't everyone come to realize that someone, maybe someone we thought of as a trusted person, has stolen from us? How does that feel? It feels rotten! So, when we see something tantalizing - how do YOU want to feel? You want to feel the way that the owner of that trinket will feel when they discover that you've taken it?
Well, then either mate it back with its owner or leave it alone.
Taken into a broader environment - no pun intended - what are you saying to your neighbor when you throw something out your car window instead of disposing of it in a waste container? How would you feel if someone tossed some trash in your yard? Or let their animal relieve itself on your sidewalk?
What's the difference?
What are we saying to our neighbors when we create an earthen pond containing three million gallons of toxic coal slurry to avoid dealing with the refuse from coal mining, and then it soils and nearly permanently destroys hundreds of acres, and displacing dozens of families and businesses?
What are we saying to our neighbors when we run our supertanker into a shoal, spilling several million gallons of crude oil onto public beaches, destroying wild life habitats and the living for local fishermen and then fight cleaning up after ourselves by spending more money than the clean up would have cost?
What are we saying to our neighbors not yet born when we overfish or pollute the waters such that there is no more food source? Or when we create a drug, or a beverage, or a processed food that is neglectfully or intentionally harmful and then do our best to avoid responsibility?
What if we conducted ourselves thinking about how WE would feel if we personally had to deal with the aftermath, the mess, the cleanup, the financial burden and then acted to minimize or eliminate any effect that our neighbor will be left with?
If we conducted ourselves that way, would we be honoring God and his creations more fully? Would we actually be living our lives following the teachings of Jesus?
Why, yes we would.
Could one then extrapolate a sound conclusion that littering, using more than you actually need, acting in a manner ignorant of how others are left responsible or diminished, or actively trying to avoid responsibility are against Jesus's primary teachings?
You tell me. I have my opinion on the matter already.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rainy Monday reflections
So, here I sit, my office again in total disarray after emptying out of storage fully. I await Ra-wub's arrival to move some things home and some things here. Then, everything has to be re-hung and .. Lord, have mercy.
So, yesterday I re-connected with two law school friends. One - my best friend from law school days, with whom I ran the streets until we both graduated and he moved back north. The other, a stalwart friend with whom I lost contact more than ten years ago.
It was good to catch up, and it was affirming to find that with all that has transpired since we last spoke - the uniform comment was that there just wasn't that much to talk about. No one was feeling enthusiastic about where we were in life - just looking for what's next.
Today, I was perusing employment opportunities - and finding that the job market has swept the value out from under the advanced degree I have. 25+ years of experience is worth about $22/hour, unless they're just lowballing.
Interesting article that I caught a day ago that suggested low cost airlines (specifically Ryanair) were charging the unsuspecting so much in fees that they were paying more than a full service airliner - and then today, another article complaining about the fees being assessed by the US network carriers which "may exceed the cost of the ticket!"
I had a hard time with the credibility of that last - not the least reason of which being that he couldn't spell worth a flip. But, today, I was researching some airfare for a friend (not that I don't do THAT several times a week) and discovered that American Airlines offered what looked like a lower fare than did Continental between the same two cities. However, in looking at the FINAL price (with fees), the American itinerary was between $6.00 and $8.00 HIGHER than the Continental price and required a stop and change of equipment in each direction.
So, when you're wondering how I work my airfare magic - I'll tell you. First, I tap into my vast, stored knowledge about which airlines travel between which cities (for instance, I would rarely suggest US Airways for travel to anywhere leaving Houston and going to the Midwest) and then check the following:
Kayak.com
Southwest.com
JetBlue.com (limited opportunities from this market, but great if you live near NYC)
If the travel includes a city into which Continental (or whatever your favorite airline travels) flies, I also check that airline's website directly.
With Kayak.com, you can search their site along with travelocity, expedia, priceline and hotwire simultaneously. Be sure to check those boxes to search all of the sites.
NEVER EVER EVER buy tickets from some website called "cheapassedairlinetickets.com" or something. EVER. When you buy through any website that is not operated directly by the air carrier onto which you are booked, any disruption in your travel will likely be handled by the booking website, and not the airline.
That means when you're stuck in New York City, booked on the last Delta (Comair) flight from JFK to Houston on a Sunday night and Comair cancels the flight because of a crew misconnect (which happens a LOT - seasoned travelers will avoid this flight like the measles) you will find that Delta will NOT help you. They invite you to call cheapassedairlinetickets.com and good luck with THAT.
Why check all of these different sites?
#1 - in any city pair market in which two of the airlines directly compete, you'll find that the airfares are nearly identical - UNTIL someone runs out of seats for that travel time.
#2 - if you find that is offering a lower fare, but you'd rather fly your preferred carrier, you can call them on the phone and ask them to match the lower price. They probably will.
#3 - each of these sites have different deals with rental cars and hotel operators - and sometimes you can find a lower airfare between your two cities by ADDING a hotel. The total cost is actually lower than the bare airfare.
And, never, ever try to back haul on a connection to save twenty bucks.
So, yesterday I re-connected with two law school friends. One - my best friend from law school days, with whom I ran the streets until we both graduated and he moved back north. The other, a stalwart friend with whom I lost contact more than ten years ago.
It was good to catch up, and it was affirming to find that with all that has transpired since we last spoke - the uniform comment was that there just wasn't that much to talk about. No one was feeling enthusiastic about where we were in life - just looking for what's next.
Today, I was perusing employment opportunities - and finding that the job market has swept the value out from under the advanced degree I have. 25+ years of experience is worth about $22/hour, unless they're just lowballing.
Interesting article that I caught a day ago that suggested low cost airlines (specifically Ryanair) were charging the unsuspecting so much in fees that they were paying more than a full service airliner - and then today, another article complaining about the fees being assessed by the US network carriers which "may exceed the cost of the ticket!"
I had a hard time with the credibility of that last - not the least reason of which being that he couldn't spell worth a flip. But, today, I was researching some airfare for a friend (not that I don't do THAT several times a week) and discovered that American Airlines offered what looked like a lower fare than did Continental between the same two cities. However, in looking at the FINAL price (with fees), the American itinerary was between $6.00 and $8.00 HIGHER than the Continental price and required a stop and change of equipment in each direction.
So, when you're wondering how I work my airfare magic - I'll tell you. First, I tap into my vast, stored knowledge about which airlines travel between which cities (for instance, I would rarely suggest US Airways for travel to anywhere leaving Houston and going to the Midwest) and then check the following:
Kayak.com
Southwest.com
JetBlue.com (limited opportunities from this market, but great if you live near NYC)
If the travel includes a city into which Continental (or whatever your favorite airline travels) flies, I also check that airline's website directly.
With Kayak.com, you can search their site along with travelocity, expedia, priceline and hotwire simultaneously. Be sure to check those boxes to search all of the sites.
NEVER EVER EVER buy tickets from some website called "cheapassedairlinetickets.com" or something. EVER. When you buy through any website that is not operated directly by the air carrier onto which you are booked, any disruption in your travel will likely be handled by the booking website, and not the airline.
That means when you're stuck in New York City, booked on the last Delta (Comair) flight from JFK to Houston on a Sunday night and Comair cancels the flight because of a crew misconnect (which happens a LOT - seasoned travelers will avoid this flight like the measles) you will find that Delta will NOT help you. They invite you to call cheapassedairlinetickets.com and good luck with THAT.
Why check all of these different sites?
#1 - in any city pair market in which two of the airlines directly compete, you'll find that the airfares are nearly identical - UNTIL someone runs out of seats for that travel time.
#2 - if you find that
#3 - each of these sites have different deals with rental cars and hotel operators - and sometimes you can find a lower airfare between your two cities by ADDING a hotel. The total cost is actually lower than the bare airfare.
And, never, ever try to back haul on a connection to save twenty bucks.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Every so often
I check to see if I have incomplete thoughts. Those live as blog posts that are started but not completed. Just found four, finished 'em off and published them, but they're back between 2007 and 2008. So, old news, old views.
Nevertheless, they're completed.
I'm working to gain the most votes in an online sweepstakes to get a free one year lease on a new Lexus hybrid - you could go vote for me right now by clicking on this link. You could win a lease for a year yourself!
I'll wait a moment while you go vote for me.
Thanks!
So, last night I was doing some laundry, and E called. E is about to list his manse for sale up there in Canadia, and it seems that there are ZERO properties listed in his MLS zone. Zero. Inventory = zero.
I think it'll sell fairly speedily.
He has plans to visit hither and yon, and has suggested that a post-Labor Day (US - if it was Canada, it would be Labour Day after all) visit to Houstonia.
Well, hide the children and the small animals because he AND RtH are coming to stay for a weekish sometime soon! Ring the bells! Charge the fire hydrants! Alert the media!
I can't wait. It should be a HOOT.
Speaking of hooting, Matticia is in town this weekend and that should be all fun, all the time. Off to hoot-owl land!
Nevertheless, they're completed.
I'm working to gain the most votes in an online sweepstakes to get a free one year lease on a new Lexus hybrid - you could go vote for me right now by clicking on this link. You could win a lease for a year yourself!
I'll wait a moment while you go vote for me.
Thanks!
So, last night I was doing some laundry, and E called. E is about to list his manse for sale up there in Canadia, and it seems that there are ZERO properties listed in his MLS zone. Zero. Inventory = zero.
I think it'll sell fairly speedily.
He has plans to visit hither and yon, and has suggested that a post-Labor Day (US - if it was Canada, it would be Labour Day after all) visit to Houstonia.
Well, hide the children and the small animals because he AND RtH are coming to stay for a weekish sometime soon! Ring the bells! Charge the fire hydrants! Alert the media!
I can't wait. It should be a HOOT.
Speaking of hooting, Matticia is in town this weekend and that should be all fun, all the time. Off to hoot-owl land!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I was explaining the first time home buyer tax credit just yesterday - and the client was stunned. "Why don't people know about this?"
Well, there's knowing it exists and there's knowing how to access it.
For people buying a home to owner occupy between now and November 30, 2009, there is a tax credit of $8,000 available if they meet the qualifications.
A tax credit is a reduction in TAX which can be paid as a refund if no tax is owed. Most people are familiar with an income credit, which reduces only the income on which tax is owed.
Simply put, if your client is like most people, they get a refund back each year. This tax credit gives them an additional eight thousand dollars in refund. This money can be used to pay down payment and closing costs in the State of Texas (while funding holds out) or just gives your customer a huge refund.
So, you can generate more closings or more referrals by letting your customers know about this program. Even if they don't personally qualify, the information may help their friends, which increases referrals and retention.
Here are the bullet points you can use to let people know about the program:
* First time home buyer means that they cannot have owned any property during the three years prior to the purchase
* If they borrowed money to purchase, it has to be an FHA loan
* They can either take the credit when they file their 2009 tax return next year, OR they can amend their 2008 return and take the credit now - getting the money in about six weeks
* They cannot have delinquent student loans, tax obligations, money owed to the Federal government, or child support obligations, or the credit would be used to pay down those obligations
* If they earned more than $90,000 in gross income in the year they take the credit, they are ineligible
Here is where the real meat is, that will give you the ability to generate a ton of good will and more referrals -
* If they bought their first home (under these rules) between April 1, 2008 and today, they can amend their 2008 return and get the money before summer's end.
Think for a moment what it would do for you if someone you had done good business with contacted you and said "Hey, I think you qualify to get eight grand back from the IRS - you should look into that". Would you be excited? Would you think first of that person when a friend was looking for that service?
You sure would.
If you want to know how to use the money for new transactions at closing, I'll gladly go through that for you with a more detailed briefing.
If you'd like a flyer that you can send out to your clients, just hit me back and tell me how many you want.
Of course, everything has to have a hook in it - I do these tax return amendments for $125 each. I would love to support you in expanding your good will by delivering swift, accurate and warm service to your clients!
I know that it's tough to think about marketing yourself most of the time, given that there is so much else to be done - but this is a slam dunk way to generate terrific good will only for going through your closing list and contacting people who look like they qualify.
If you want to visit about this and get more information, please call me!
Douglas
Well, there's knowing it exists and there's knowing how to access it.
For people buying a home to owner occupy between now and November 30, 2009, there is a tax credit of $8,000 available if they meet the qualifications.
A tax credit is a reduction in TAX which can be paid as a refund if no tax is owed. Most people are familiar with an income credit, which reduces only the income on which tax is owed.
Simply put, if your client is like most people, they get a refund back each year. This tax credit gives them an additional eight thousand dollars in refund. This money can be used to pay down payment and closing costs in the State of Texas (while funding holds out) or just gives your customer a huge refund.
So, you can generate more closings or more referrals by letting your customers know about this program. Even if they don't personally qualify, the information may help their friends, which increases referrals and retention.
Here are the bullet points you can use to let people know about the program:
* First time home buyer means that they cannot have owned any property during the three years prior to the purchase
* If they borrowed money to purchase, it has to be an FHA loan
* They can either take the credit when they file their 2009 tax return next year, OR they can amend their 2008 return and take the credit now - getting the money in about six weeks
* They cannot have delinquent student loans, tax obligations, money owed to the Federal government, or child support obligations, or the credit would be used to pay down those obligations
* If they earned more than $90,000 in gross income in the year they take the credit, they are ineligible
Here is where the real meat is, that will give you the ability to generate a ton of good will and more referrals -
* If they bought their first home (under these rules) between April 1, 2008 and today, they can amend their 2008 return and get the money before summer's end.
Think for a moment what it would do for you if someone you had done good business with contacted you and said "Hey, I think you qualify to get eight grand back from the IRS - you should look into that". Would you be excited? Would you think first of that person when a friend was looking for that service?
You sure would.
If you want to know how to use the money for new transactions at closing, I'll gladly go through that for you with a more detailed briefing.
If you'd like a flyer that you can send out to your clients, just hit me back and tell me how many you want.
Of course, everything has to have a hook in it - I do these tax return amendments for $125 each. I would love to support you in expanding your good will by delivering swift, accurate and warm service to your clients!
I know that it's tough to think about marketing yourself most of the time, given that there is so much else to be done - but this is a slam dunk way to generate terrific good will only for going through your closing list and contacting people who look like they qualify.
If you want to visit about this and get more information, please call me!
Douglas
Forty years ago today
Watching this video reconnects me to the sense of excitement and exhilaration that I felt forty years ago, watching this live in the summer of 1969.
Looking on the brighter side
How many times have you had someone tell you to just cheer up, or to look at the bright side? How many self-help programs tell you to focus on the positive?
For many years, I thought looking on the brighter side was either a Pollyanna exhortation or an impossibility. What about all of this reality?
Other people's negativity brought about my own negative reaction to them. THEY shouldn't be so negative, after all. They were unfair, and unreasonable. MY negativity, though was always VERY reasonable.
I know that my own view of my life has changed quite a bit, and now when I observe someone else's negativity, I just find it noteworthy and something I don't choose to be near. An example -
The office occupants downstairs from us operate a healing practice - chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and such. The requisite elements are present - lovely bamboo, comforting furniture, appealing scent - yet, in our short relationship as neighbors they have complained repeatedly of our interference with their occupancy. They have locked the gates and doors without considering whether we are present, they have parked their cars to block us from entering or leaving, and then complained repeatedly about our presence, not our acts.
It used to really annoy me, their view and communications. Now, I just find it puzzling. Do they understand the weird connection between their business and their lack of awareness of other people?
Looking on the brighter side IS a choice. It feels better, and it is antithetical to the way most humans are trained to view life. It requires practice and repetition to seed firmly into the psyche. There is not a sense of Pollyanna ignorance to having a brighter viewpoint - there is only peace and a sense that everything will work out as it should.
Today's New York Times features an article that suggests a life without enjoyment isn't worth living. Very interesting stuff to consume as I reflect on this idea.
For many years, I thought looking on the brighter side was either a Pollyanna exhortation or an impossibility. What about all of this reality?
Other people's negativity brought about my own negative reaction to them. THEY shouldn't be so negative, after all. They were unfair, and unreasonable. MY negativity, though was always VERY reasonable.
I know that my own view of my life has changed quite a bit, and now when I observe someone else's negativity, I just find it noteworthy and something I don't choose to be near. An example -
The office occupants downstairs from us operate a healing practice - chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and such. The requisite elements are present - lovely bamboo, comforting furniture, appealing scent - yet, in our short relationship as neighbors they have complained repeatedly of our interference with their occupancy. They have locked the gates and doors without considering whether we are present, they have parked their cars to block us from entering or leaving, and then complained repeatedly about our presence, not our acts.
It used to really annoy me, their view and communications. Now, I just find it puzzling. Do they understand the weird connection between their business and their lack of awareness of other people?
Looking on the brighter side IS a choice. It feels better, and it is antithetical to the way most humans are trained to view life. It requires practice and repetition to seed firmly into the psyche. There is not a sense of Pollyanna ignorance to having a brighter viewpoint - there is only peace and a sense that everything will work out as it should.
Today's New York Times features an article that suggests a life without enjoyment isn't worth living. Very interesting stuff to consume as I reflect on this idea.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Things falling into place
Further to my last - I've wrestled with how to lay out the furniture that I am keeping in the new pad, as I have previously shared. Last night, I had my first netflix in the new place and so I organized the TV and DVD player (without furniture, gets amusing) and the layout just flashed for me.
It's not going to be roomy, but it will be very effective. It will also look terrific.
And, there will be no wasted space.
Last night, after nearly a year, I unpacked my antique camel back miniature mantel clock. I wound it up, and it started ticking away in its old, comfortable manner. Keeps great time when it's sitting level.
Now, I want to bake some bread. I have my loaf pans, but no bowls. Have the yeast, but no flour. Yet.
This weekend will hopefully involve recovering some or all of my kitchenware from storage.
It's not going to be roomy, but it will be very effective. It will also look terrific.
And, there will be no wasted space.
Last night, after nearly a year, I unpacked my antique camel back miniature mantel clock. I wound it up, and it started ticking away in its old, comfortable manner. Keeps great time when it's sitting level.
Now, I want to bake some bread. I have my loaf pans, but no bowls. Have the yeast, but no flour. Yet.
This weekend will hopefully involve recovering some or all of my kitchenware from storage.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Day two and a half
So, Monday was an independence day for me personally.
Independence from .. you may ask? Well, I'll tell you.
First, it's independence from the high drama I've always had around me. The drama structure made quite a bit of noise as it was exiting, I'll tell you.
Second, it's independence from the idea that more is more. This place I've moved into is SMALL. The closet is smaller than the one I had while growing up, albeit nicely trimmed with ceramic tile floor, recessed can light, multiple rods, nice shelves. The kitchen has enough room to be very functional, but no extra counter space to host "pretty things". The refrigerator does not promote cooking too much. There is no room for collections of books, ceramics, wall art - it's the smallest place I've ever lived.
And yet, it seems liberating. What more does one NEED? When a bird builds a nest, it doesn't build a duplex. Of course, birds neither collect decorative items, nor hang clothing, but still and all - why the obsession with having more and more?
Everything I ever gathered was to either compensate for something I felt weak about, or to prove something. Most of it was mindless, although carefully chosen and cunningly purchased. Lovingly packed, moved, unpacked, repacked, moved, unpacked. Dusted. Arranged.
SO much personal energy has been exerted in getting that just right.
I am now free of those restrictions.
So many structures that are now fading are being replaced with .. what, I'm not quite yet sure.
Independence from .. you may ask? Well, I'll tell you.
First, it's independence from the high drama I've always had around me. The drama structure made quite a bit of noise as it was exiting, I'll tell you.
Second, it's independence from the idea that more is more. This place I've moved into is SMALL. The closet is smaller than the one I had while growing up, albeit nicely trimmed with ceramic tile floor, recessed can light, multiple rods, nice shelves. The kitchen has enough room to be very functional, but no extra counter space to host "pretty things". The refrigerator does not promote cooking too much. There is no room for collections of books, ceramics, wall art - it's the smallest place I've ever lived.
And yet, it seems liberating. What more does one NEED? When a bird builds a nest, it doesn't build a duplex. Of course, birds neither collect decorative items, nor hang clothing, but still and all - why the obsession with having more and more?
Everything I ever gathered was to either compensate for something I felt weak about, or to prove something. Most of it was mindless, although carefully chosen and cunningly purchased. Lovingly packed, moved, unpacked, repacked, moved, unpacked. Dusted. Arranged.
SO much personal energy has been exerted in getting that just right.
I am now free of those restrictions.
So many structures that are now fading are being replaced with .. what, I'm not quite yet sure.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Beginning anew
Today was supposed to be spent developing a program for work, and it ended up mostly being consumed with non-profit work. Well, it needed doing.
Lots of people say that they're beginning anew, but what they're really saying is that they're going to give a new stab at things. This is actually beginning from the point of origin.
I'm re-posting something my friend Ann emailed me today - it's lovely and inspiring, and neatly fits in with my recent thinking about the ever present words "Love thy neighbor as thyself" or, more succinctly put "do unto others as you would have others do unto you".
Doesn't that suggest that our awareness must expand to include how others are cared for when they are down or in harm's way? To include how we view our own path through the world and how we leave it for others?
I have a lot more to say on this subject, but am about to skedaddle for a meditation service I'm going to conduct.
Here's Ann's email:
Handbook 2009
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes' walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy, smile.
40. Pray daily.
Lots of people say that they're beginning anew, but what they're really saying is that they're going to give a new stab at things. This is actually beginning from the point of origin.
I'm re-posting something my friend Ann emailed me today - it's lovely and inspiring, and neatly fits in with my recent thinking about the ever present words "Love thy neighbor as thyself" or, more succinctly put "do unto others as you would have others do unto you".
Doesn't that suggest that our awareness must expand to include how others are cared for when they are down or in harm's way? To include how we view our own path through the world and how we leave it for others?
I have a lot more to say on this subject, but am about to skedaddle for a meditation service I'm going to conduct.
Here's Ann's email:
Handbook 2009
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes' walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy, smile.
40. Pray daily.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
This was indeed a first for me
I went tonight to see "Angels and Demons" with Robert - we were in an AMC theater that had, quite truthfully, confusing bathroom signage. After the show, we were both headed into the men's room and he paused as he was walking in to make sure it was the men's and not the women's.
As he passed through the door, he said "I had to make sure." Then, as we moved into the toilet area, he said "you know, I have to be careful. Twice I've walked into the women's. There have been some arrests."
Man, I had to work but I pulled together "Oh, yeah - that one was when you were dressed like Marie Antoinette. But, which was the other costume again? Was that the Betsy Ross, or the Carmen Miranda?"
EVERY urinal was occupied. One guy started to crack up. Robert quipped "Be nice to me, I was young and I had to make some money."
Me: "But, that was last week!"
Open chuckling among all the pissoir patronage. One guy says "This is just wrong for a bathroom conversation."
Robert: "Yeah, and my ankle still hurts from those high heels!"
Me: "Oh, so it WAS the Carmen Miranda!"
Now, everyone in the men's room is openly laughing.
We walk over to the sinks, and my soap dispenser dispenses nothing.
Me: "I thought soap dispensers were designed to dispense soap. This is against the laws of nature!"
More howling.
As the troops trooped out, every prior visitor to the WC was telling their lady about the hilarity.
Time for a new rule! Men can have social time in the men's room, too!
As he passed through the door, he said "I had to make sure." Then, as we moved into the toilet area, he said "you know, I have to be careful. Twice I've walked into the women's. There have been some arrests."
Man, I had to work but I pulled together "Oh, yeah - that one was when you were dressed like Marie Antoinette. But, which was the other costume again? Was that the Betsy Ross, or the Carmen Miranda?"
EVERY urinal was occupied. One guy started to crack up. Robert quipped "Be nice to me, I was young and I had to make some money."
Me: "But, that was last week!"
Open chuckling among all the pissoir patronage. One guy says "This is just wrong for a bathroom conversation."
Robert: "Yeah, and my ankle still hurts from those high heels!"
Me: "Oh, so it WAS the Carmen Miranda!"
Now, everyone in the men's room is openly laughing.
We walk over to the sinks, and my soap dispenser dispenses nothing.
Me: "I thought soap dispensers were designed to dispense soap. This is against the laws of nature!"
More howling.
As the troops trooped out, every prior visitor to the WC was telling their lady about the hilarity.
Time for a new rule! Men can have social time in the men's room, too!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
what the heck is a "solutions consultant?"
How can I phrase that?
How can I communicate what it is that I actually DO?
Here's an example -
Just a moment ago, a friend who's about to become a homeowner, told me the result of his property inspection. He said everything was as he expected it to be, except for a massive bee infestation.
In my head, I carry the following information:
My dear friend Mary has a cute little rent house, and her husband keeps bees on their adjacent lot, which is a truck farm.
Mary and Tom (husband) have mentioned (once) that their bee hives are managed by a bee keeper, who has a little business abating bees from homes and other property - without using chemicals. The bees can't be relocated IF they've been sprayed or fumigated.
So, I said "do NOT allow them to be sprayed or fumigated" - I have a referral who will remove the bees and put them in a safe place.
Problem solved.
I can do this in nearly any business matter.
How, though can this be monetized? Any ideas?
How can I communicate what it is that I actually DO?
Here's an example -
Just a moment ago, a friend who's about to become a homeowner, told me the result of his property inspection. He said everything was as he expected it to be, except for a massive bee infestation.
In my head, I carry the following information:
My dear friend Mary has a cute little rent house, and her husband keeps bees on their adjacent lot, which is a truck farm.
Mary and Tom (husband) have mentioned (once) that their bee hives are managed by a bee keeper, who has a little business abating bees from homes and other property - without using chemicals. The bees can't be relocated IF they've been sprayed or fumigated.
So, I said "do NOT allow them to be sprayed or fumigated" - I have a referral who will remove the bees and put them in a safe place.
Problem solved.
I can do this in nearly any business matter.
How, though can this be monetized? Any ideas?
health care from several perspectives
One of the few non-lobby, non-industry witnesses at Congressional health care hearings. As he speaks, you can hear that he is not motivated by trying to increase his personal income, but from recent, direct experience in trying to run a small business and dealing with health care from that perspective.
This article in the current Economist magazine has an interesting discussion regarding the process of reforming health care, and includes some opinion polling regarding the general opinion offered of the issue. As we saw last week, the public's opinion on health care reform is sharply different depending on how you frame the question.
Another article that I've found today from The New Republic suggests that one driving force in this debate is again going to be the young, as they drop off of health care plans that were in force due to their enrollment in education. Where are they to go now?
The other day, I was at a function and listened to a small group of men across age groups who were united in their rejection of any change to the status quo ante. Yet, they had no personal connection with any need for change - none of them had been rejected for pre-existing conditions, none had experienced difficulty in accessing benefits because none had been sick and apparently didn't know anyone - they were only parroting what they'd heard in the way of 'socialized medicine restricts choice' and 'Canadians have to wait for health care'.
People who have faced not having health care, who are unable to buy medication, see a doctor, see a specialist, get coaching from a health educator, or who find themselves in the cataclysmic place of having accessed health care and then having their claim retroactively denied cannot understand this argument.
Last night, I was talking with some close friends about religion and the Bible, and the idea was batted around that many people don't really know what the Bible says, and that a common teaching originating from those that are seeking to protect the status quo is to advise those who are not learned that people who study and try to understand can "twist the meaning and the words to fit their agenda".
The same thing is happening here in this debate, as it does in all elements of human discourse. Reasonable minds can easily agree about a path, but nearly all humans have the same goals and outcomes in common.
Whether one is inclined to favor single payor health care, or keep everything the same "but keep the damned lawyers from ruining everything" - keeping an open mind, hearing and learning as much as possible, and pushing away headlines and talking points in favor of doing your own research will provide for the most balanced outcome.
This is my first post using a new Firefox plug in that easily allowed me to haul in references and links, and post them most effectively, so it may look a little clunky. I'll learn, though
Further to my last
Check out this picture. Hey, it's me! It's me and I wasn't the one who discovered that cartoon!
Some random thoughts:
It's time to release a blizzard of books that I don't read. I have READ them, but I don't still READ them. I look at them and think "well, I don't want to look at that.."
I've now posted a bunch of them on Amazon, and loaded another big stack into the car to go to the church garage sale.
Some random thoughts:
It's time to release a blizzard of books that I don't read. I have READ them, but I don't still READ them. I look at them and think "well, I don't want to look at that.."
I've now posted a bunch of them on Amazon, and loaded another big stack into the car to go to the church garage sale.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A change in course
I received my first web-connected computer - a Zenith laptop - in 1988.
It was shipped to me FedEx - it was twice the size of a modern laptop, with a blue on silver LCD screen. 10MB hard drive. 80806 Intel chip. 2400 baud modem.
It was the pinnacle of what was available 21 years ago.
I frankly don't know what I did to divert myself prior to 21 years ago. There were no cell phones, no iPods. Just books. I know that I read a great deal. I didn't engage in watching much television even then. I did have more external contact.
My computer came with a subscription to CompuServe - then, the most advanced of the internet services. They had email, chat, news, stocks, all in text only format, all of which spilled across my silvered screen in purple/blue letters and lines.
Fairly quickly, I knew that I was avoiding work and life by focusing on this safety zone. It's seemingly impossible to break away from that sort of distraction, and somewhat terrifying to see it happening but not be able to stop.
For these last two decades, I've zeroed my attention in on my computer, and although I've produced a prodigious amount of work output, I've also invested the large part of my time reading, reading, reading. It was like having access to the Library of Alexandria in real time - without having to get up from my chair.
I can completely understand how some South Korean video gamers end up dying in their chair after not having moved for three days during an intense game.
So, things are changing and I have been calling out to the Universe for support in changing for months. In the next week, my environment will change and in that new space there will be no spot for the computer, nor connection to the interwebs. All communicating of that nature will be during business hours.
What will step forth to replace that time and focus will be a renewal of live interaction, a renewal of my standards of care for clothing, home and vehicle, and a reconnection with reading that is no longer of the divergent sort, but of the challenge to self-structure sort.
After hearing of this notion, I was told that I was going to be getting a Roku for my birthday, so the blackout may be over by mid-October. In the meantime, the political blogs and reading are cast out, and the endless searching for some new piece of information is likewise cast out.
I'll let you know how this all goes.
It was shipped to me FedEx - it was twice the size of a modern laptop, with a blue on silver LCD screen. 10MB hard drive. 80806 Intel chip. 2400 baud modem.
It was the pinnacle of what was available 21 years ago.
I frankly don't know what I did to divert myself prior to 21 years ago. There were no cell phones, no iPods. Just books. I know that I read a great deal. I didn't engage in watching much television even then. I did have more external contact.
My computer came with a subscription to CompuServe - then, the most advanced of the internet services. They had email, chat, news, stocks, all in text only format, all of which spilled across my silvered screen in purple/blue letters and lines.
Fairly quickly, I knew that I was avoiding work and life by focusing on this safety zone. It's seemingly impossible to break away from that sort of distraction, and somewhat terrifying to see it happening but not be able to stop.
For these last two decades, I've zeroed my attention in on my computer, and although I've produced a prodigious amount of work output, I've also invested the large part of my time reading, reading, reading. It was like having access to the Library of Alexandria in real time - without having to get up from my chair.
I can completely understand how some South Korean video gamers end up dying in their chair after not having moved for three days during an intense game.
So, things are changing and I have been calling out to the Universe for support in changing for months. In the next week, my environment will change and in that new space there will be no spot for the computer, nor connection to the interwebs. All communicating of that nature will be during business hours.
What will step forth to replace that time and focus will be a renewal of live interaction, a renewal of my standards of care for clothing, home and vehicle, and a reconnection with reading that is no longer of the divergent sort, but of the challenge to self-structure sort.
After hearing of this notion, I was told that I was going to be getting a Roku for my birthday, so the blackout may be over by mid-October. In the meantime, the political blogs and reading are cast out, and the endless searching for some new piece of information is likewise cast out.
I'll let you know how this all goes.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The best message ever left...
Prior to this, the top contender for the best message ever left was the vivid and unforgettable scene in the movie "The Godfather", in which the Hollywood executive wakes up in his silk sheeted bed with the head of his beloved race horse lying next to him.
How does one get all of that blood out of taupe gray silk anyway?
Judy's brother lives up the street a few doors, and has an older yellow lab who just LOVES me. I've "babysat" a few times, and I knew that they wanted me to watch her again soon.
I came home last night to a 40 pound bag of dog food lying in the middle of the kitchen floor, on which was written his request that I watch his dog in magic marker.
THE BEST MESSAGE EVER!!
How does one get all of that blood out of taupe gray silk anyway?
Judy's brother lives up the street a few doors, and has an older yellow lab who just LOVES me. I've "babysat" a few times, and I knew that they wanted me to watch her again soon.
I came home last night to a 40 pound bag of dog food lying in the middle of the kitchen floor, on which was written his request that I watch his dog in magic marker.
THE BEST MESSAGE EVER!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Musing or is it just worrying?
I love this entry from the website "texts from last night"
(215): i got kicked out of Barns and Nobles cuz i put all the bibles in the fiction section
I did NOT love this personal on Craigslist today "It's hot out". What a capacity for understatement! Creativity pours forth.
You know, there are several things that astonish me.
One, that people continue to believe that depression is just a matter of attitude. "Just focus on the good things".
Two, that people continue to believe that someone would choose a "lifestyle" or "preference" that involves having every aspect of your being long for a person antithetical to every message be they religious, social, family, media, entertainment, visual, aural and otherwise.
Three, that people continue to believe that people who are overweight or have developed adult onset diabetes should just "eat less" and that they are somehow flawed in their character.
There are more things that astonish me, but I'm doing my best today to avoid seeming bitter (grin).
(215): i got kicked out of Barns and Nobles cuz i put all the bibles in the fiction section
I did NOT love this personal on Craigslist today "It's hot out". What a capacity for understatement! Creativity pours forth.
You know, there are several things that astonish me.
One, that people continue to believe that depression is just a matter of attitude. "Just focus on the good things".
Two, that people continue to believe that someone would choose a "lifestyle" or "preference" that involves having every aspect of your being long for a person antithetical to every message be they religious, social, family, media, entertainment, visual, aural and otherwise.
Three, that people continue to believe that people who are overweight or have developed adult onset diabetes should just "eat less" and that they are somehow flawed in their character.
There are more things that astonish me, but I'm doing my best today to avoid seeming bitter (grin).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Monetize? How?
Every day that I drive into town from out here at the Judy shack, I get to experience some of the most ill-mannered driving styles found in this area.
That having been said, I thought I'd share a few interesting thoughts.
Over the last fifteen years or so, we've seen two heinous criminal defenses/alibis that have been proffered over and over again. They are ALWAYS a lie, and they have become so prevalent as lies that they are being soundly rejected.
This would be the "Gay Panic" defense, and the "A Man Kidnapped/Carjacked/Assaulted me" and took/killed the spouse/child.
In the case of the latter, when some person has engaged in the most vile sorts of perfidy, killing or gravely injuring someone very close to them in relationship - they always blame some dark skinned man/men of nondescript appearance.
Has anyone noticed how often and how quickly it turns out that there was no dark skinned man?
The "Gay Panic" defense is equally vile - here, younger men (usually either engaged fully in straight society, hookers, hustlers or otherwise) brutally attack and usually kill an older gay man, take his money, credit cards and car, and go on a days long spree of relative freedom.
When caught, they assert that said older (now dead) gay man "came on to them" and made unwelcome sexual advances.
Okay, so .. as Nancy Reagan oft repeated "Just Say No".
News flash to said younger men - if a single, somewhat effeminate older man compliments your appearance, offers you money, food and shelter and you DON'T get a little nudge toward the nookie - you've discovered Santa Claus's warm weather hideaway.
Fortunately for the dark skinned men, the dragnet now less frequently catches up one of these innocent bystanders and the villain is revealed for what they are fairly quickly. I am aware that dark skinned people have for decades been lynched, beaten, gassed, jailed and put to hard labor for just being handy. More scientific criminal investigations and the ubiquitous electronic nannies such as video surveillance, OnStar and cell phones have started to interrupt that process.
For the gayer set, however, the "gay panic" defense is alive, well and kicking. Only recently did we first see a Defendant lose utterly in his "gay panic" defense in the matter of Angie Zapata.
In the practice of law, certain circumstances give rise to "presumptions" which may be refuted by contravening testimony advanced by the opposing side.
I propose that in criminal investigations and judicial prosecutions, the promoters of Justice create for themselves a working presumption that should any suspect or defendant advance either of "A Random Black/Latino Man Did It" or "He Tried To Grab Me, So I Beat Him To Death" - the entire crime and prosecution team make the logical presumption that the accused did it. No more should we seek to plead out the young murderer to property crimes because someone touched his wee-wee. No more should we start rounding up men of color because some blond woman in an SUV screams that her husband/baby were taken off by black men with no definite description.
Just focus on them's that did it.
That having been said, I thought I'd share a few interesting thoughts.
Over the last fifteen years or so, we've seen two heinous criminal defenses/alibis that have been proffered over and over again. They are ALWAYS a lie, and they have become so prevalent as lies that they are being soundly rejected.
This would be the "Gay Panic" defense, and the "A
In the case of the latter, when some
Has anyone noticed how often and how quickly it turns out that there was no dark skinned man?
The "Gay Panic" defense is equally vile - here, younger men (usually either engaged fully in straight society, hookers, hustlers or otherwise) brutally attack and usually kill an older gay man, take his money, credit cards and car, and go on a days long spree of relative freedom.
When caught, they assert that said older (now dead) gay man "came on to them" and made unwelcome sexual advances.
Okay, so .. as Nancy Reagan oft repeated "Just Say No".
News flash to said younger men - if a single, somewhat effeminate older man compliments your appearance, offers you money, food and shelter and you DON'T get a little nudge toward the nookie - you've discovered Santa Claus's warm weather hideaway.
Fortunately for the dark skinned men, the dragnet now less frequently catches up one of these innocent bystanders and the villain is revealed for what they are fairly quickly. I am aware that dark skinned people have for decades been lynched, beaten, gassed, jailed and put to hard labor for just being handy. More scientific criminal investigations and the ubiquitous electronic nannies such as video surveillance, OnStar and cell phones have started to interrupt that process.
For the gayer set, however, the "gay panic" defense is alive, well and kicking. Only recently did we first see a Defendant lose utterly in his "gay panic" defense in the matter of Angie Zapata.
In the practice of law, certain circumstances give rise to "presumptions" which may be refuted by contravening testimony advanced by the opposing side.
I propose that in criminal investigations and judicial prosecutions, the promoters of Justice create for themselves a working presumption that should any suspect or defendant advance either of "A Random Black/Latino Man Did It" or "He Tried To Grab Me, So I Beat Him To Death" - the entire crime and prosecution team make the logical presumption that the accused did it. No more should we seek to plead out the young murderer to property crimes because someone touched his wee-wee. No more should we start rounding up men of color because some blond woman in an SUV screams that her husband/baby were taken off by black men with no definite description.
Just focus on them's that did it.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
It is a puzzlement
All of the conversations I overheard today were just .. baffling.
All of the conversations I engaged in today were .. rewarding.
I found my best friend from law school today, and feel a sense of great relief and satisfaction.
I found the two men I was closest to in high school this evening (who still live) and felt gratitude.
I met a young woman who truly didn't like me at all, and I don't buy the story that they're telling.
I thought that a useless display trinket I've wanted to own for a long, long time would be finally mine (meaning, at the price I wanted to pay) but it did not come to pass.
I'm not tired and I should be.
I am finding that sometimes when I procrastinate, it is because more research needs to be done, or because more information is coming my way that I don't know to expect.
The "hurry up and wait" mentality confuses me.
I can't decide if it would be acceptable for me to wear jeans to church tomorrow.
I wish my car were cleaner, but it's too bloody hot to go out there and wash it myself.
I need to go through my storage unit and dig out more stuff.
All of the conversations I engaged in today were .. rewarding.
I found my best friend from law school today, and feel a sense of great relief and satisfaction.
I found the two men I was closest to in high school this evening (who still live) and felt gratitude.
I met a young woman who truly didn't like me at all, and I don't buy the story that they're telling.
I thought that a useless display trinket I've wanted to own for a long, long time would be finally mine (meaning, at the price I wanted to pay) but it did not come to pass.
I'm not tired and I should be.
I am finding that sometimes when I procrastinate, it is because more research needs to be done, or because more information is coming my way that I don't know to expect.
The "hurry up and wait" mentality confuses me.
I can't decide if it would be acceptable for me to wear jeans to church tomorrow.
I wish my car were cleaner, but it's too bloody hot to go out there and wash it myself.
I need to go through my storage unit and dig out more stuff.
Friday, June 19, 2009
As much as I study
People still baffle me. Not all people, I have collected a set that are fairly predictable.
But people can still just absolutely challenge all expectations. Even deeply cynical expectations.
I know each person is living their own stage play that is unfolding within their own cranium, and that outside images and messages are filtered through their stage play's script to work into the play as they are directing it.
Maybe if there were a communications rating system that could be utilized for pre-screening. A "1" could refer to someone with no sense of self-causation, and a "10" could refer to someone with a full sense of self-causation and an openness to not "knowing" what is going on.
Would save a lot of time and disappointment.
But people can still just absolutely challenge all expectations. Even deeply cynical expectations.
I know each person is living their own stage play that is unfolding within their own cranium, and that outside images and messages are filtered through their stage play's script to work into the play as they are directing it.
Maybe if there were a communications rating system that could be utilized for pre-screening. A "1" could refer to someone with no sense of self-causation, and a "10" could refer to someone with a full sense of self-causation and an openness to not "knowing" what is going on.
Would save a lot of time and disappointment.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
No one will prevail
Over on Facebook, I indulged myself in a little "How much do you know about Douglas" quiz that has stymied everyone who has tried to climb it.
As I was framing it up, I figured that most of the questions and answers I had created were indeed never disclosed or rarely disclosed.
Sneaky.
As I was framing it up, I figured that most of the questions and answers I had created were indeed never disclosed or rarely disclosed.
Sneaky.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Averred, advised, revised..
So, here we are - June 13, nearing the end of the day. I've just watched "1776" on DVD, which I've never seen on stage or as a movie. Lord, two hours and forty six minutes. It was interesting, yes, but .. not a great musical. I can scratch that off the list, though.
Idle questions -
Why do people selling cars (that I find appealing) on eBay ask prices that aren't remotely connected to reality? $69,000 for a 1969 4-4-2 W32? Uh ...
Who would put a sun porch on the back of a house in SE Texas? Today, the "high" on the sun porch reached 130F. Outside, it never got higher than 96. What plants could I put on that porch that would be baked alive?
When do people grow up?
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Tomorrow is a busy, busy day for me. Monday, well, hell the rest of the week, too.
FOCUS!
I need er.. will now manifest some web developers and marketing support to move things forward.
And, I had planned to take a vacation at the end of next month - and forget to ORGANIZE it. I think I need to get on that stick.
Idle questions -
Why do people selling cars (that I find appealing) on eBay ask prices that aren't remotely connected to reality? $69,000 for a 1969 4-4-2 W32? Uh ...
Who would put a sun porch on the back of a house in SE Texas? Today, the "high" on the sun porch reached 130F. Outside, it never got higher than 96. What plants could I put on that porch that would be baked alive?
When do people grow up?
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Tomorrow is a busy, busy day for me. Monday, well, hell the rest of the week, too.
FOCUS!
I need er.. will now manifest some web developers and marketing support to move things forward.
And, I had planned to take a vacation at the end of next month - and forget to ORGANIZE it. I think I need to get on that stick.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Channeling the Orlando magic
Orlando magic sinus infection, actually.
So, feeling like your head is burning up isn't the most fun one can have. Seems to be that, anyway.
I have more stuff on the "to do" list that needs doing, but it isn't going to get done today. Just about time to wrap things up and head for the house.
So many things to keep track of - most of them seemingly insignificant. For instance, I could benefit by opening up OnStar online, modifying my commuting preferences and get a run down of traffic in those areas before I headed out that way. Takes forever, as their interface sucks. Of course, if one were fortunate enough to have the equipment and subscription, XM NavTraffic would do that for me in real time - except I fully expect Sirius to screw that service up as well.
Well, according to the Chronicle's website, it seems the way is clear to head out, so off I go!
So, feeling like your head is burning up isn't the most fun one can have. Seems to be that, anyway.
I have more stuff on the "to do" list that needs doing, but it isn't going to get done today. Just about time to wrap things up and head for the house.
So many things to keep track of - most of them seemingly insignificant. For instance, I could benefit by opening up OnStar online, modifying my commuting preferences and get a run down of traffic in those areas before I headed out that way. Takes forever, as their interface sucks. Of course, if one were fortunate enough to have the equipment and subscription, XM NavTraffic would do that for me in real time - except I fully expect Sirius to screw that service up as well.
Well, according to the Chronicle's website, it seems the way is clear to head out, so off I go!
Monday, June 01, 2009
hanging at MCO
Another hour or more before we start boarding for the flight back home.
Airport is very dated but has free wifi - I'll take the funky 1992 carpeting in exchange for the free internet access.
CNN is hawking for Charles Schwab - encouraging people to invest "with as little as $100"
Great. Why not encourage them to refinance with adjustable rate mortgages??
Oh, that's happening too. Great.
Airport is very dated but has free wifi - I'll take the funky 1992 carpeting in exchange for the free internet access.
CNN is hawking for Charles Schwab - encouraging people to invest "with as little as $100"
Great. Why not encourage them to refinance with adjustable rate mortgages??
Oh, that's happening too. Great.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
last night in Orlando
Coming home tomorrow. This sure has been an interesting trip. Started out with seeing a Lamborghini convertible at the drive-through of the bank. Kind of makes you wonder - someone has a $400K car, but makes deposits at the drive through?
Got to the airport, bright and beautiful day. Got to gate C30, and could immediately see that the 757-300 that was scheduled had been replaced with a 737-900. Clearly a number of people were not going to be on the flight. Had a seat assignment for the last row of the original plane that were accommodated on the smaller one.
Went with Matticia to his bosses' new restaurant, had a few glasses of wine and some Bruscheta. Friday, we knocked around, went out for a drink, came back home. Saturday, we went shopping a tad, and Matt made a state dinner that was AWESOME.
Today, we drove up to visit my Dad which was quite the entertainment. Saw over 30 anti-abortion billboards on the way there and back. Interesting, considering today's murder. Interesting that the pro-lifers will speak for violence and murder until one of their number does it, and then they decry and deny everything.
Dad was entertained by having a new set of ears for his political ranting - and gave it his all. I think today that I found the source of my having people in my life who carry on a monologue of repeating self-interest, insisting on my attention but uninterested in anything but my hearing.
What to do with this insight? That remains to be seen.
There is a clear connection between the situation with my family today (and for the last twenty plus years) and the events at the church. How interesting that I can deal with it so easily at the church, both emotionally and intellectually, and I'm catapulted back forty years by the actions of family today. Hopefully, seeing the association will be productive for me.
Been re-reading "Your Marketing Sucks" in anticipation of using it in developing my own business and that of Fabulair.
Watched "The Dark Knight" this evening, finally. Got a copy of it for Christmas, which was shortly thereafter snatched up by someone. Very good movie.
Hoping for cooler weather tomorrow after I return home so I can wax the car.
Got to the airport, bright and beautiful day. Got to gate C30, and could immediately see that the 757-300 that was scheduled had been replaced with a 737-900. Clearly a number of people were not going to be on the flight. Had a seat assignment for the last row of the original plane that were accommodated on the smaller one.
Went with Matticia to his bosses' new restaurant, had a few glasses of wine and some Bruscheta. Friday, we knocked around, went out for a drink, came back home. Saturday, we went shopping a tad, and Matt made a state dinner that was AWESOME.
Today, we drove up to visit my Dad which was quite the entertainment. Saw over 30 anti-abortion billboards on the way there and back. Interesting, considering today's murder. Interesting that the pro-lifers will speak for violence and murder until one of their number does it, and then they decry and deny everything.
Dad was entertained by having a new set of ears for his political ranting - and gave it his all. I think today that I found the source of my having people in my life who carry on a monologue of repeating self-interest, insisting on my attention but uninterested in anything but my hearing.
What to do with this insight? That remains to be seen.
There is a clear connection between the situation with my family today (and for the last twenty plus years) and the events at the church. How interesting that I can deal with it so easily at the church, both emotionally and intellectually, and I'm catapulted back forty years by the actions of family today. Hopefully, seeing the association will be productive for me.
Been re-reading "Your Marketing Sucks" in anticipation of using it in developing my own business and that of Fabulair.
Watched "The Dark Knight" this evening, finally. Got a copy of it for Christmas, which was shortly thereafter snatched up by someone. Very good movie.
Hoping for cooler weather tomorrow after I return home so I can wax the car.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Miscellany - May 27 2009 (but finished on June 6)
A productive day, peppered with appointments out of the office. Who knew?
Yep. That's all I wrote back on May 27. I don't remember anymore what had come up, but I never got any further. Such a delicious blank space, and nothing erudite to contribute. Since then, I've posted a few things, tweeted a bit, wandered around.
So, since this remains a gorgeous blank space, I'll throw out some random thought-oids.
I love my car a lot more now that I have it cleaned and waxed. And repaired. Mostly.
I never thought I'd get attached to a cat, but it seems to have happened.
It's really frustrating to see that I've made huge progress in some areas and almost none in related areas
I wonder if I should sell my Petosky stones (they're worth about eight bucks) or put them on my desk with my other trinkets in the corner.
My dad has 267,000 miles on his 96 Olds 88. Basically, that car has been free for the last 167,000 miles or more.
I don't think that the friend I was hoping to see a movie with tonight is going to call. Unless I give up and drive toward home, and when I'm just about to exit, 27 miles east of downtown, he'll call.
I feel like doing some journalling tonight, but I also want to watch "The Boys in the Band" on DVD
The entire cast of "The Boys in the Band" save three died of AIDS related illnesses.
I had forgotten what the 1980s and early 1990s were like until I watched the special features of "The Boys in the Band" DVD last night. Everyone I knew was dying.
Pandora is the bomb. It's aces. It's got me listening to music, which I never used to do aside from in the car.
I really think that this job is the right one for me.
It's time to shut down and drive eastward for the night. Church tomorrow (June 6, remember?)
Yep. That's all I wrote back on May 27. I don't remember anymore what had come up, but I never got any further. Such a delicious blank space, and nothing erudite to contribute. Since then, I've posted a few things, tweeted a bit, wandered around.
So, since this remains a gorgeous blank space, I'll throw out some random thought-oids.
I love my car a lot more now that I have it cleaned and waxed. And repaired. Mostly.
I never thought I'd get attached to a cat, but it seems to have happened.
It's really frustrating to see that I've made huge progress in some areas and almost none in related areas
I wonder if I should sell my Petosky stones (they're worth about eight bucks) or put them on my desk with my other trinkets in the corner.
My dad has 267,000 miles on his 96 Olds 88. Basically, that car has been free for the last 167,000 miles or more.
I don't think that the friend I was hoping to see a movie with tonight is going to call. Unless I give up and drive toward home, and when I'm just about to exit, 27 miles east of downtown, he'll call.
I feel like doing some journalling tonight, but I also want to watch "The Boys in the Band" on DVD
The entire cast of "The Boys in the Band" save three died of AIDS related illnesses.
I had forgotten what the 1980s and early 1990s were like until I watched the special features of "The Boys in the Band" DVD last night. Everyone I knew was dying.
Pandora is the bomb. It's aces. It's got me listening to music, which I never used to do aside from in the car.
I really think that this job is the right one for me.
It's time to shut down and drive eastward for the night. Church tomorrow (June 6, remember?)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Outrage with a broad brush
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I do NOT understand gay Republicans.
Of course, I don't understand most Republicans. I don't mean the cloth coat, pre-Goldwater Republicans. I understand them quite well. I mean the snarling, bigoted, racist, hate-filled people who want to bomb every brown person into oblivion, save for the ones here in this country, for whom they reserve starvation, penury and Tasers.
But, gay + Republican = confusion. Mixed messages. Gay in behind hand behavior only. Gay, but vote against having any inclusion in the society. Gay, but hate on the brown people - even if you ARE a brown person.
Maybe my frustration with Gay Republicans is that I want to help them see that they're campaigning for their own restrictions. With non-Gay Republicans, it's easy enough to navigate "safe" conversations, or even to reach agreement on some issues. Most of the Republicans I know are not in favor of half-Billion dollar stadia for Millionaires to play in for the financial benefit of Billionaires, all paid for with tax dollars.
Here in Houston, we have four such with a fifth coming. What could we have done for people here with the more than $2,000,000 spent on these monuments to bread and circuses?
There is little disagreement on giving tax dollars to banks, or maintaining our enormous, wasteful military.
Wander, though, from such safe topics and the conversation degenerates into a snarling furball of anger toward taxes, toward brown or poor people, toward other countries, toward government.
These are never substantive conversations, and any effort to direct them into analytical discourse encounters an increase in volume. "Nancy Pelosi is a liar!" "Obama is a socialist!" "Tax and spend!" "Free markets!"
Of course, NOTHING is simple enough to be reduced to four or five words. Yet, these memes are thrown about as circular, self-proving statements. "How would you like to see things done?" "WE NEED FREE MARKETS!" Okay, free in what way? We let loose the bonds on the financial markets, and in five short years we ended up with world-wide calamity, but fewer than 0.05% of the population made a whale of a lot of money, most of which they've now lost.
Why is it so hard to engage in a discussion about what works and what doesn't, and come to some resolution, even if it is to disagree on how to get there?
Have we as a (human) race come so little down the path that we still cling to our fear of those who are not "like us" and make long-term choices based on that?
Back to gay Republicans - in talking with a young man whose Republican leanings I cannot penetrate - he, like so many people have been convinced since the early 1980s that Republicans will protect the average person, I guess. Not from affluence nor privilege, why would a working-class, Hispanic gay boy be a virulent follower of Bill O'Reilly and Glen Beck?
I've thought about this both on a macro and micro level; the only thing I can come up with through observation, conversation and assumption is that he, like any gay Republican I have encountered, isn't able to accept himself at all.
I've been there myself. I spent years fighting my sexuality. Even after twenty years of what I thought was acceptance, I still found plenty of self-limiting communication and behavior. I think when one combines growing up knowing you are something that your environment tells you is wrong and unacceptable with a very religious or conservative family upbringing, you can push yourself into expressions of self designed to contain or deny who you are, rather than expand and celebrate.
Of course, I don't understand most Republicans. I don't mean the cloth coat, pre-Goldwater Republicans. I understand them quite well. I mean the snarling, bigoted, racist, hate-filled people who want to bomb every brown person into oblivion, save for the ones here in this country, for whom they reserve starvation, penury and Tasers.
But, gay + Republican = confusion. Mixed messages. Gay in behind hand behavior only. Gay, but vote against having any inclusion in the society. Gay, but hate on the brown people - even if you ARE a brown person.
Maybe my frustration with Gay Republicans is that I want to help them see that they're campaigning for their own restrictions. With non-Gay Republicans, it's easy enough to navigate "safe" conversations, or even to reach agreement on some issues. Most of the Republicans I know are not in favor of half-Billion dollar stadia for Millionaires to play in for the financial benefit of Billionaires, all paid for with tax dollars.
Here in Houston, we have four such with a fifth coming. What could we have done for people here with the more than $2,000,000 spent on these monuments to bread and circuses?
There is little disagreement on giving tax dollars to banks, or maintaining our enormous, wasteful military.
Wander, though, from such safe topics and the conversation degenerates into a snarling furball of anger toward taxes, toward brown or poor people, toward other countries, toward government.
These are never substantive conversations, and any effort to direct them into analytical discourse encounters an increase in volume. "Nancy Pelosi is a liar!" "Obama is a socialist!" "Tax and spend!" "Free markets!"
Of course, NOTHING is simple enough to be reduced to four or five words. Yet, these memes are thrown about as circular, self-proving statements. "How would you like to see things done?" "WE NEED FREE MARKETS!" Okay, free in what way? We let loose the bonds on the financial markets, and in five short years we ended up with world-wide calamity, but fewer than 0.05% of the population made a whale of a lot of money, most of which they've now lost.
Why is it so hard to engage in a discussion about what works and what doesn't, and come to some resolution, even if it is to disagree on how to get there?
Have we as a (human) race come so little down the path that we still cling to our fear of those who are not "like us" and make long-term choices based on that?
Back to gay Republicans - in talking with a young man whose Republican leanings I cannot penetrate - he, like so many people have been convinced since the early 1980s that Republicans will protect the average person, I guess. Not from affluence nor privilege, why would a working-class, Hispanic gay boy be a virulent follower of Bill O'Reilly and Glen Beck?
I've thought about this both on a macro and micro level; the only thing I can come up with through observation, conversation and assumption is that he, like any gay Republican I have encountered, isn't able to accept himself at all.
I've been there myself. I spent years fighting my sexuality. Even after twenty years of what I thought was acceptance, I still found plenty of self-limiting communication and behavior. I think when one combines growing up knowing you are something that your environment tells you is wrong and unacceptable with a very religious or conservative family upbringing, you can push yourself into expressions of self designed to contain or deny who you are, rather than expand and celebrate.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Nigerian scammers and giggle greatness
The other day, a friend told me he'd received one of those chain letters in the mail in which you send a dollar to the person at the top of the list .. I had totally forgotten about that scam!
Back in the day, I had several clients who were convinced that they were going to get rich by sending a dollar to each of eight people. They wanted me to play with them, and I told them that it was as illegal as anything - not believing, they moved forward UNTIL a bunch of them got arrested IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF A LAWYER'S OFFICE!! The lawyer, by the by, had been telling them that there was nothing illegal with the scheme.
I guess that lawyer got their degree from a box of Chex Cereal.
Then, only a day later, I had an email from a dating site (that I frankly had forgotten I had once registered on) from some young man promising me eternal love and happiness - but he was regrettably back in South Africa. NIGERIAN SCAMMER! WHOOT! It has been YEARS since I've seen that come on, and I laughed right out loud.
And sent customer service a little note saying .. uh, nuke this guy's user account.
NOTHING is free. Love, money, property, profit, nothing. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Still, there's a sucker born every minute. I'm glad to be a mere observer.
Back in the day, I had several clients who were convinced that they were going to get rich by sending a dollar to each of eight people. They wanted me to play with them, and I told them that it was as illegal as anything - not believing, they moved forward UNTIL a bunch of them got arrested IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF A LAWYER'S OFFICE!! The lawyer, by the by, had been telling them that there was nothing illegal with the scheme.
I guess that lawyer got their degree from a box of Chex Cereal.
Then, only a day later, I had an email from a dating site (that I frankly had forgotten I had once registered on) from some young man promising me eternal love and happiness - but he was regrettably back in South Africa. NIGERIAN SCAMMER! WHOOT! It has been YEARS since I've seen that come on, and I laughed right out loud.
And sent customer service a little note saying .. uh, nuke this guy's user account.
NOTHING is free. Love, money, property, profit, nothing. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Still, there's a sucker born every minute. I'm glad to be a mere observer.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
why is it (May 2009 edition)
So, today I jetted over to Knapp Chevrolet after my friend Jimmy told me that they had a Victory Red 1LT RS over there.
Sitting there, out front, was indeed the first production Camaro that I could look at and sit inside of.
Red with black (cloth - it was a 1LT) - and the RS package (including wheels, which I wanted to see in person).
We crawled inside, and .. yes, it's somewhat claustrophobic in there. Yes, the window line is quite narrow. Yes, the interior is very plain. Yes, the view out the rear is very limited. Yes, the passenger side of the dash is featureless.
And yet, I love it. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a jewel-like interior, but seems .80 scale, as does the Acura RL. The Genesis Coupe also drove like a wizard, but left me cold on its looks.
I haven't driven the Camaro yet, but from the WaPo's auto editor, I'm going to love it.
Some of the very fun interactions between me and the very nice salesman who came outside to say hello:
"Oh, this is the only red they make." "No, they also have a red tintcoat color." "They only make ten colors." "Yes (recites ten colors by name)."
"We can put leather seats in this one much cheaper than getting the 2LT package." "Yes, but what about the other equipment that comes with the 2LT?" "It's just the leather."
"We had a guy come in and want to see the orange that was on the concept car at the car show. It doesn't come in orange." "Yes, it does. Inferno Orange."
Sitting there, out front, was indeed the first production Camaro that I could look at and sit inside of.
Red with black (cloth - it was a 1LT) - and the RS package (including wheels, which I wanted to see in person).
We crawled inside, and .. yes, it's somewhat claustrophobic in there. Yes, the window line is quite narrow. Yes, the interior is very plain. Yes, the view out the rear is very limited. Yes, the passenger side of the dash is featureless.
And yet, I love it. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a jewel-like interior, but seems .80 scale, as does the Acura RL. The Genesis Coupe also drove like a wizard, but left me cold on its looks.
I haven't driven the Camaro yet, but from the WaPo's auto editor, I'm going to love it.
Some of the very fun interactions between me and the very nice salesman who came outside to say hello:
"Oh, this is the only red they make." "No, they also have a red tintcoat color." "They only make ten colors." "Yes (recites ten colors by name)."
"We can put leather seats in this one much cheaper than getting the 2LT package." "Yes, but what about the other equipment that comes with the 2LT?" "It's just the leather."
"We had a guy come in and want to see the orange that was on the concept car at the car show. It doesn't come in orange." "Yes, it does. Inferno Orange."
Friday, May 01, 2009
sort, organize, clean, put away
I think I'm finally mostly settled into the new office.
I've been waffling over whether to unload my collection of 20th Century Limited memorabilia .. and I think I'm going to hang on to it for the time. I need to bring its display case over here to the office and hang it, and then unload the two boxes thereof.
It is driving me crazy that I have ONE ungrounded electrical outlet here. I need to get that upgraded.
Waiting to hear that my car is done. I may go home early and clean it up. It really, really needs the help.
Was watching "Elizabeth, the Golden Age" last night. AWESOME movie. I have to finish it tonight.
Anyone know how to replace an ungrounded outlet with a grounded one? Let me know.
I've been waffling over whether to unload my collection of 20th Century Limited memorabilia .. and I think I'm going to hang on to it for the time. I need to bring its display case over here to the office and hang it, and then unload the two boxes thereof.
It is driving me crazy that I have ONE ungrounded electrical outlet here. I need to get that upgraded.
Waiting to hear that my car is done. I may go home early and clean it up. It really, really needs the help.
Was watching "Elizabeth, the Golden Age" last night. AWESOME movie. I have to finish it tonight.
Anyone know how to replace an ungrounded outlet with a grounded one? Let me know.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
After a time away, a posting
Happy Birthday to my dear dutch Auntie, who celebrated in the Hill Country this weekend!
Pollen affects people very differently; it makes me want to sleep endlessly. I had respite from the onslaught of pollen up until Saturday, and then it whacked me like a Batman comic. So, although I was rocking today in church, I'm still wiped out.
As sundown approaches, I hope that wakefulness doesn't grab me by the throat. That happened quite a bit in the last thermonuclear pollen meltdown.
During sleep of late, I keep dreaming of having met a new, fascinating man. This afternoon, in the drooling, post-church napification, it was a beefy would be real estate investor who was looking at an old house and apartment set that I've dreamt about oft before. He was eagerly tearing into closets and other scary elements of the abandoned house that I wouldn't go near. Last night, I was at Southland Mall in Portage, where I had my first job. I met a handsome Dutch man, who had an adorable tow headed little boy, and seemed to work for Continental Airlines managing their 767-200ER fleet.
Both of those dreams were interrupted as they got interesting. I keep swearing that I'm going to go get earplugs, and I don't do it.
So, four fascinating new man dreams in five nights. The first one was a combined dream car/dream man dream in which I was driving a new BMW 7, ; I was driving it around at night, and couldn't figure the headlights out - had to stop at a non-corporate exotic car store and ask for help. THEN, had a dream about having a boyfriend who was handsome, and fun, and smart, and not out to be supported..
I don't know which dream is less likely. I say the boyfriend; Brian says the 7. I'd prefer an S8 anyway.
Tell it to stop.
Moving into the NEW new office, which replaces the OLD new office across the parking lot. The office space is glorious. I have to find movers to haul my office furniture back across town to the new space, and that has to happen by this week, pretty much, since I have nothing to work on at the moment in the way of surfaces and chair.
Projects are presenting themselves, and there is a lot of enthusiasm on my part for the spring and summer months. I'd still like to have some clear guidance on what to be when I grow up.
Several years ago, when I was uncommonly attracted to the VW Phaeton, I thought it was the end-all, be-all car for me - now, one has been offered to me at a high but decent price, and I keep thinking "green Imperial" - another opportunity to have something disintegrate in the driveway.
Uh, no.
Quite a shift. I'd love one of Jason's Magic Audis, but they don't sell that particular model here in the US (A8 short wheel base, W12 motor) so the closest I could come to Jason's MAGIC Audi would be a S8. I just don't see paying that much money for a car, though.
I think I'll watch another episode or two of "The World at War" - a BBC documentary filmed in the early 1970s. It's an amazing piece of work. Last night, Alger Hiss, Curtis LeMay, Avrill Harrimann, Lord Avon, and three members of the Imperial Japanese Cabinet were interviewed (on my TV!) Contrary to what we're hearing these days, the Japanese Cabinet members suggested that Japan would NOT have withdrawn from the war had we not dropped the atomic bomb, and that the Emperor himself made the decision to quit the war; the Cabinet, the Army and the Navy were totally against it. They wanted to fight to the last man.
I'm almost into the bonus material of the series. It's awesome. If you're a history buff or a WWII buff, you should rent this from Netflix (don't buy DVDs, sheesh!) and watch it. It's about 40 hours of programming, so don't expect to do it in a weekend.
Pollen affects people very differently; it makes me want to sleep endlessly. I had respite from the onslaught of pollen up until Saturday, and then it whacked me like a Batman comic. So, although I was rocking today in church, I'm still wiped out.
As sundown approaches, I hope that wakefulness doesn't grab me by the throat. That happened quite a bit in the last thermonuclear pollen meltdown.
During sleep of late, I keep dreaming of having met a new, fascinating man. This afternoon, in the drooling, post-church napification, it was a beefy would be real estate investor who was looking at an old house and apartment set that I've dreamt about oft before. He was eagerly tearing into closets and other scary elements of the abandoned house that I wouldn't go near. Last night, I was at Southland Mall in Portage, where I had my first job. I met a handsome Dutch man, who had an adorable tow headed little boy, and seemed to work for Continental Airlines managing their 767-200ER fleet.
Both of those dreams were interrupted as they got interesting. I keep swearing that I'm going to go get earplugs, and I don't do it.
So, four fascinating new man dreams in five nights. The first one was a combined dream car/dream man dream in which I was driving a new BMW 7, ; I was driving it around at night, and couldn't figure the headlights out - had to stop at a non-corporate exotic car store and ask for help. THEN, had a dream about having a boyfriend who was handsome, and fun, and smart, and not out to be supported..
I don't know which dream is less likely. I say the boyfriend; Brian says the 7. I'd prefer an S8 anyway.
Tell it to stop.
Moving into the NEW new office, which replaces the OLD new office across the parking lot. The office space is glorious. I have to find movers to haul my office furniture back across town to the new space, and that has to happen by this week, pretty much, since I have nothing to work on at the moment in the way of surfaces and chair.
Projects are presenting themselves, and there is a lot of enthusiasm on my part for the spring and summer months. I'd still like to have some clear guidance on what to be when I grow up.
Several years ago, when I was uncommonly attracted to the VW Phaeton, I thought it was the end-all, be-all car for me - now, one has been offered to me at a high but decent price, and I keep thinking "green Imperial" - another opportunity to have something disintegrate in the driveway.
Uh, no.
Quite a shift. I'd love one of Jason's Magic Audis, but they don't sell that particular model here in the US (A8 short wheel base, W12 motor) so the closest I could come to Jason's MAGIC Audi would be a S8. I just don't see paying that much money for a car, though.
I think I'll watch another episode or two of "The World at War" - a BBC documentary filmed in the early 1970s. It's an amazing piece of work. Last night, Alger Hiss, Curtis LeMay, Avrill Harrimann, Lord Avon, and three members of the Imperial Japanese Cabinet were interviewed (on my TV!) Contrary to what we're hearing these days, the Japanese Cabinet members suggested that Japan would NOT have withdrawn from the war had we not dropped the atomic bomb, and that the Emperor himself made the decision to quit the war; the Cabinet, the Army and the Navy were totally against it. They wanted to fight to the last man.
I'm almost into the bonus material of the series. It's awesome. If you're a history buff or a WWII buff, you should rent this from Netflix (don't buy DVDs, sheesh!) and watch it. It's about 40 hours of programming, so don't expect to do it in a weekend.
Monday, March 09, 2009
The dreams of my death are...
Pretty darned cool!
The other day, I was enjoying the random nonsense themes that my brain was generating (if you stop and reflect instead of letting it rule the roost, it's very much like having Lewis Carroll writing you a personalized fantasy all day long). As the monkey mind was spinning around, one of the thoughts that passed through was of serious illness and I re-assessed the idea of death. Most of my prior contemplations about death focused on anger, disappointment, or loss. This time, I was okay with it all. Okay as in I feel like I've gotten somewhere with this experience of life, and if it were my time, I'd be okay with it.
Perhaps that contemplation led me to this morning's multi-media dream event about my own death, but it was pretty darned cool.
As evidence for this being a sleeping dream, allow me to share with you that the circumstances and place of my demise were that I was about to make my first appearance as the Wicked Witch in a Broadway touring production of "Wicked," and would have been the first male cast in that role. I was in costume, and working with the production manager who had herself played the role of the witch, and she was showing me how easy it was going to be to fold myself in half and have only my flagellating arms and legs poking out of the hole in the stage that would facilitate the sequence where I was "dissolving" after having been doused with water. There was lots of gauze, and lots of activity (and the show was going on right then), and I went back around the curtain to prepare for my entrance. Just then, I gently fell to the floor, in a pool of muslin, heavy velvet and gauze and realized I was having a heart attack.
The dream continued with me calling on people who were yet alive, and with whom I had a strong emotional connection. My visitations with them were joyous; I was filled with love for them and for our relationship together. Occasionally, one of these people was able to perceive me as if nothing had changed, and we had conversational interaction.
Guy and I had some time together, going through a grocery store as he loaded his basket with items needed at home, and the two of us chatting about psychology, human behavior and airplanes, just as always. It was immensely rewarding.
The other day, I was enjoying the random nonsense themes that my brain was generating (if you stop and reflect instead of letting it rule the roost, it's very much like having Lewis Carroll writing you a personalized fantasy all day long). As the monkey mind was spinning around, one of the thoughts that passed through was of serious illness and I re-assessed the idea of death. Most of my prior contemplations about death focused on anger, disappointment, or loss. This time, I was okay with it all. Okay as in I feel like I've gotten somewhere with this experience of life, and if it were my time, I'd be okay with it.
Perhaps that contemplation led me to this morning's multi-media dream event about my own death, but it was pretty darned cool.
As evidence for this being a sleeping dream, allow me to share with you that the circumstances and place of my demise were that I was about to make my first appearance as the Wicked Witch in a Broadway touring production of "Wicked," and would have been the first male cast in that role. I was in costume, and working with the production manager who had herself played the role of the witch, and she was showing me how easy it was going to be to fold myself in half and have only my flagellating arms and legs poking out of the hole in the stage that would facilitate the sequence where I was "dissolving" after having been doused with water. There was lots of gauze, and lots of activity (and the show was going on right then), and I went back around the curtain to prepare for my entrance. Just then, I gently fell to the floor, in a pool of muslin, heavy velvet and gauze and realized I was having a heart attack.
The dream continued with me calling on people who were yet alive, and with whom I had a strong emotional connection. My visitations with them were joyous; I was filled with love for them and for our relationship together. Occasionally, one of these people was able to perceive me as if nothing had changed, and we had conversational interaction.
Guy and I had some time together, going through a grocery store as he loaded his basket with items needed at home, and the two of us chatting about psychology, human behavior and airplanes, just as always. It was immensely rewarding.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Went to a BMW 7 launch party last night
Reception. Open bar, sushi buffet, in the grand ballroom of the Zaza, with two brand new BMW 7s. The corporate product manager for 6/7 was there (we chatted her up for at least a half hour) plus the regional management for BMW corporate, a bunch of contract product specialists (whom my friend Jeffrey terrified all) and about 150 would bes and wanna bes milling about with about 20 be-s
A diminutive latin boy (he's 40 actually) named Carlos, very handsome, awesome body, about 5'4" who's in the real estate business was at the BMW reception last night. Thinks he's straight, but was glommed onto Jeffrey like a barnacle.
Carlos was talking to "his" BMW salesman from Advantage downtown, saying he'd had six BMWs in the last eight years. the salesman said "six? really?" Had he bought six from the same guy, the guy would have known Carlos' birth weight, along with the details of the cars.
Carlos was with a VERY handsome South American man name of Carlo who wasn't very comfortable and didn't speak very well English.
Carlo ditched Carlos, and Carlos started glomming in more firmly. By that time, we were at the bar and Jeffrey had struck up a conversation with McCain Herring (as in McCain and JoAnn Herring). We pawned Carlos off on JoAnn Herring's Granddaughter in law who took him home in her BMW Alpina B7 - the only example in the Houston area.
On the way out the door, I spoke to one of the marketing reps, and told her about the abysmal local level dealer internet communication and made some specific suggestions - which she said she was going to share with the regional and national BMW folks who make things happen. Heh!
A diminutive latin boy (he's 40 actually) named Carlos, very handsome, awesome body, about 5'4" who's in the real estate business was at the BMW reception last night. Thinks he's straight, but was glommed onto Jeffrey like a barnacle.
Carlos was talking to "his" BMW salesman from Advantage downtown, saying he'd had six BMWs in the last eight years. the salesman said "six? really?" Had he bought six from the same guy, the guy would have known Carlos' birth weight, along with the details of the cars.
Carlos was with a VERY handsome South American man name of Carlo who wasn't very comfortable and didn't speak very well English.
Carlo ditched Carlos, and Carlos started glomming in more firmly. By that time, we were at the bar and Jeffrey had struck up a conversation with
On the way out the door, I spoke to one of the marketing reps, and told her about the abysmal local level dealer internet communication and made some specific suggestions - which she said she was going to share with the regional and national BMW folks who make things happen. Heh!
Monday, February 23, 2009
The last Monday of February
More moving on the horizon - this is a great space here, but the noise from the neighbor downstairs and the car wash next door is disturbing. Getting out of storage, and into a more business like environment will be great.
Brian last night reminded me of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which I had seen and been impressed by at the Houston Auto Show and Gift Exchange. It's CHEAP. It's GORGEOUS. Wow.
Last week, I pulled a box of Marvin the Martian stuff out from my desk and unpacked it all. It just doesn't have the interest for me that it used to. Maybe it's time for it all to head yonder into the sunset.
Brian last night reminded me of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which I had seen and been impressed by at the Houston Auto Show and Gift Exchange. It's CHEAP. It's GORGEOUS. Wow.
Last week, I pulled a box of Marvin the Martian stuff out from my desk and unpacked it all. It just doesn't have the interest for me that it used to. Maybe it's time for it all to head yonder into the sunset.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
the day after Single Awareness Day
It's just astonishing how something totally made up can drive people to choose financial hardship, enormous and impossible expectations, or even bizarre, temporary assignations.
Valentine's Day was made up by Geoffrey Chaucer, who was a poet, and therefore had an axe to grind and sell. It lay mostly fallow until the mid 1800's, when it was resurrected by a writer (needing something to write about) and then a Massachusetts woman who created a niche for herself with mass produced Valentine's Day cards. Her father owned a large printing company, thus she was able to create this new product line and distribute it.
For a profit.
Only since the end of World War II has the United States lept off into the deep end of the commercial swimming pool, by lavishing ever more expensive trinkets on one's "love". The candy business sells over $345 Millions in chocolate. The event is good for an additional $250 Millions in hotel rooms. A billion cards, averaging $3.50 each. 110 Million roses at $40/dozen. The average consumer spends $77.43 for their Valentine.
For many, it is one of the only occasions during the year that their affection and appreciation is expressed for their loved one.
Well, I don't feel left out, disabused, a lesser being because I have not lavished effusive trinkets upon a special someone.
But, I do feel $77.43 better off.
Valentine's Day was made up by Geoffrey Chaucer, who was a poet, and therefore had an axe to grind and sell. It lay mostly fallow until the mid 1800's, when it was resurrected by a writer (needing something to write about) and then a Massachusetts woman who created a niche for herself with mass produced Valentine's Day cards. Her father owned a large printing company, thus she was able to create this new product line and distribute it.
For a profit.
Only since the end of World War II has the United States lept off into the deep end of the commercial swimming pool, by lavishing ever more expensive trinkets on one's "love". The candy business sells over $345 Millions in chocolate. The event is good for an additional $250 Millions in hotel rooms. A billion cards, averaging $3.50 each. 110 Million roses at $40/dozen. The average consumer spends $77.43 for their Valentine.
For many, it is one of the only occasions during the year that their affection and appreciation is expressed for their loved one.
Well, I don't feel left out, disabused, a lesser being because I have not lavished effusive trinkets upon a special someone.
But, I do feel $77.43 better off.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Where does the time go?
Twenty-nine days of January gone by already. Did I do anything with it? I think so. I hope so.
I want chocolate for reasons I cannot name. Should I or shouldn't I?
Should I, as it turns out.
I want chocolate for reasons I cannot name. Should I or shouldn't I?
Should I, as it turns out.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Just a spoon full of sugar...
My interest in blogging has been flagging for some time.
Is that because I've read elsewhere that blogging is passe? Most bloggers either use their sites for lots of posts related to their primary business (journalism) or their primary axe to grind (obvious) or politics. Many of the blog sites I used to frequent a few years ago are now dormant, and most of the personal blog sites are deader than a door nail.
So, we're back from the inauguration. It was AWESOME. The best part of the trip (aside from the amazing Westin Hotel "Heavenly Beds") was how people interacted everywhere we went. No grumbling, complaining, trying to get ahead in line, trying to gain an advantage. Open, friendly, excited, helpful - I could get used to living in that world all the time.
It's time for some sleep. And a clearance sale. More of that is coming my way - getting rid of more boxes of stuff I won't/don't use and don't want anymore.
Is that because I've read elsewhere that blogging is passe? Most bloggers either use their sites for lots of posts related to their primary business (journalism) or their primary axe to grind (obvious) or politics. Many of the blog sites I used to frequent a few years ago are now dormant, and most of the personal blog sites are deader than a door nail.
So, we're back from the inauguration. It was AWESOME. The best part of the trip (aside from the amazing Westin Hotel "Heavenly Beds") was how people interacted everywhere we went. No grumbling, complaining, trying to get ahead in line, trying to gain an advantage. Open, friendly, excited, helpful - I could get used to living in that world all the time.
It's time for some sleep. And a clearance sale. More of that is coming my way - getting rid of more boxes of stuff I won't/don't use and don't want anymore.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Where's the motivation?
I've hung up some pictures, but what is slowing me down is the mass of boxes and assorted crap that needs to be gone through, and about half either thrown away or photographed to sell on eBay and Amazon.
Blarg. No fun.
Blarg. No fun.
Slow starts, beautiful Fridays
I guess I can't be TOO self-critical; I did get all the stuff going to the church rummage sale, the resale shop and the office for the big eBay sell-off loaded into the car.
Why was it again that I didn't buy a truck? Lord.
I'm reading the most amazing book any gay man will ever take up - "Velvet Rage," which seems to be transformational for me, but the transformation is yet to be fully revealed.
If you're a gay man, or worried that you may be, you should read this book at once. Then, read it again.
Also, you MUST see "Revolutionary Road" unless you require your movies to be mindless, flashy distractions. It's an excellent piece, complex, nuanced, beautifully produced and filmed and splendidly acted.
I'm hoping there's a hammer at the office, since there isn't one here and my three are all locked up in my storage unit.
Did I mention that I found my fabulous little video camera yesterday? No? Sorry, it was in a box at the office, just as I suspected.
Tonight is a movie night at the church. Sunday is the big come to meeting day. I'll be away from the house most of the weekend, which is agreeable, I guess.
I guess I'd best get showered and join the stuff in the car for the trip into town.
Why was it again that I didn't buy a truck? Lord.
I'm reading the most amazing book any gay man will ever take up - "Velvet Rage," which seems to be transformational for me, but the transformation is yet to be fully revealed.
If you're a gay man, or worried that you may be, you should read this book at once. Then, read it again.
Also, you MUST see "Revolutionary Road" unless you require your movies to be mindless, flashy distractions. It's an excellent piece, complex, nuanced, beautifully produced and filmed and splendidly acted.
I'm hoping there's a hammer at the office, since there isn't one here and my three are all locked up in my storage unit.
Did I mention that I found my fabulous little video camera yesterday? No? Sorry, it was in a box at the office, just as I suspected.
Tonight is a movie night at the church. Sunday is the big come to meeting day. I'll be away from the house most of the weekend, which is agreeable, I guess.
I guess I'd best get showered and join the stuff in the car for the trip into town.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Re-arranged, now to unpack and unload
What a whiner I was this afternoon. I guess since I was paying for the privilege, it's acceptable. I can't find my Marvin the Martian camera bag that contains my cute little video camera. I wonder where in the heck I have left it.
Probably in a box at the office. Along with three boxes of VHS (which are all for Half-Price books on Friday,) six boxes of books (which have to be vetted through Amazon first,) 20 boxes of client files (which need a home in the unused front room) and ten boxes of miscellaneous file folders, laminating supplies, etc.
Just had a terrific response from the guy who did my Fabulair bag samples a year ago - ooooh, baby! Anyone want to buy a Fabulair bag? I'm getting 25 black and 25 white. Let me know. I can post a picture thereof, if it's something you'd like to see.
WHERE is my camera bag?
I have a 9 am doctor's appointment, and it's a 25 mile drive there. Officially - yuck.
But, it will have me at the office early. I have my work cut out for me.
Probably in a box at the office. Along with three boxes of VHS (which are all for Half-Price books on Friday,) six boxes of books (which have to be vetted through Amazon first,) 20 boxes of client files (which need a home in the unused front room) and ten boxes of miscellaneous file folders, laminating supplies, etc.
Just had a terrific response from the guy who did my Fabulair bag samples a year ago - ooooh, baby! Anyone want to buy a Fabulair bag? I'm getting 25 black and 25 white. Let me know. I can post a picture thereof, if it's something you'd like to see.
WHERE is my camera bag?
I have a 9 am doctor's appointment, and it's a 25 mile drive there. Officially - yuck.
But, it will have me at the office early. I have my work cut out for me.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
the failure to shop around
The other day, I took my car back to CarMax for some repairs under the service agreement. Seems they don't just take your car in, you have to make an appointment, and tell them what they're going to be doing, and then bring it BACK. You have to go in because they don't answer the phone in the service department. Ever.
Well, I made an appointment to have these things done, and the service writer tells me that since I've nearly got 60,000 miles on the car, I need to schedule the 60,000 service for $440. What do I know? I remember when cars had to have brakes every 15,000 miles and their chassis fittings lubricated every 3,000 miles, and fell apart completely around 75,000 miles.
The morning of, I had a conflict. The snow fell, Yellowstone blew up, people voted Republican, SOMETHING. I started calling the CarMax folks at about 7:30 a.m. to tell them "I must reschedule."
But, CarMax's service department doesn't answer their phone, remember? I never got through to anyone. Left several messages. No calls returned.
Weeks pass.
I still need the work done, but I've had the oil changed and the cabin filter replaced (which involved a great deal of jerking, prying, wedging and swearing, but was finally done.) The total cost for these two services was less than $80 (plus the skinned cuticles and knuckles.)
Yesterday, I had decided that trying to communicate with CarMax and getting the car TO CarMax to re-make the appointment and then take it back FOR the appointment was too much trouble, and I'd just take the car to reliable Poutous Auto Repair on Kelvin.
I ask the nice lady at the desk what the cost is for the 60,000 mile service. She asks one of the owners. He says "there is no such thing." Uh, what? The CarMax guy was making it sound like it was a crucial thing - successful economic stimulus depended on my having this done RIGHT AWAY. Mike Poutous tells me "you probably need an oil change, a cabin filter replacement and a bunch of stuff checked. We'll check it for you, and then call you and tell you what needs to be dne, but I'm not going to tell you I'm going to charge you four or five hundred dollars to do the 60,000 mile service when it's an oil change and looking around under the hood."
I came back to the office, and looked at my owner's manual. At the 60,000 mile interval, GM tells me to:
* Change the oil
* Change the engine air filter
* Change the cabin air filter
* Rotate the tires
All of which have already been done, except for the "poke around under the hood."
By the by, my "dealer," David Taylor Cadillac, would like to collect $498.25 for this "service," PLUS PARTS and state sales tax. They'll install a PCV valve for me, and a fuel filter. Mind, the PCV valve and fuel filter would be EXTRA (and costs a buck sixty-nine and the fuel filter is seven bucks at AutoZone.) The fuel system "flush" involves putting a can of Wynn's fuel system flush in the gas tank.
Caveat Emptor. Ya better shop around.
Well, I made an appointment to have these things done, and the service writer tells me that since I've nearly got 60,000 miles on the car, I need to schedule the 60,000 service for $440. What do I know? I remember when cars had to have brakes every 15,000 miles and their chassis fittings lubricated every 3,000 miles, and fell apart completely around 75,000 miles.
The morning of, I had a conflict. The snow fell, Yellowstone blew up, people voted Republican, SOMETHING. I started calling the CarMax folks at about 7:30 a.m. to tell them "I must reschedule."
But, CarMax's service department doesn't answer their phone, remember? I never got through to anyone. Left several messages. No calls returned.
Weeks pass.
I still need the work done, but I've had the oil changed and the cabin filter replaced (which involved a great deal of jerking, prying, wedging and swearing, but was finally done.) The total cost for these two services was less than $80 (plus the skinned cuticles and knuckles.)
Yesterday, I had decided that trying to communicate with CarMax and getting the car TO CarMax to re-make the appointment and then take it back FOR the appointment was too much trouble, and I'd just take the car to reliable Poutous Auto Repair on Kelvin.
I ask the nice lady at the desk what the cost is for the 60,000 mile service. She asks one of the owners. He says "there is no such thing." Uh, what? The CarMax guy was making it sound like it was a crucial thing - successful economic stimulus depended on my having this done RIGHT AWAY. Mike Poutous tells me "you probably need an oil change, a cabin filter replacement and a bunch of stuff checked. We'll check it for you, and then call you and tell you what needs to be dne, but I'm not going to tell you I'm going to charge you four or five hundred dollars to do the 60,000 mile service when it's an oil change and looking around under the hood."
I came back to the office, and looked at my owner's manual. At the 60,000 mile interval, GM tells me to:
* Change the oil
* Change the engine air filter
* Change the cabin air filter
* Rotate the tires
All of which have already been done, except for the "poke around under the hood."
By the by, my "dealer," David Taylor Cadillac, would like to collect $498.25 for this "service," PLUS PARTS and state sales tax. They'll install a PCV valve for me, and a fuel filter. Mind, the PCV valve and fuel filter would be EXTRA (and costs a buck sixty-nine and the fuel filter is seven bucks at AutoZone.) The fuel system "flush" involves putting a can of Wynn's fuel system flush in the gas tank.
Caveat Emptor. Ya better shop around.
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