Holiday

In this post there will be no sarcasm or rants or negative opinions. I will simply offer you as well as anyone you are close to a very safe and happy holiday season. We are leaving a year that has not been full of positive news but I am sure you still could compose a nice list of things that took place since the last holiday season. We have all had our challenges but forget them as you get together with family and friends with nothing but smiles as we look forward to the New Year.

Personally, 2008 was my best year ever despite some down moments. More than anything I am still employed and have weathered a health scare. Leaving 2008 I am in great shape and feel as if my career is actually headed in a good direction. Only time will tell if both those things are true. Honestly – I believe this is all up to me.

From a blog perspective - thanks much for reading and commenting here. It has been fun for sure. I will hopefully step up more in 2009 with this and maybe - just maybe - broaden my horizons with topics.

I look forward to 2009 where I don’t have any specific goals as much I simply look forward to seeing what the New Year will bring me as well as those around me.

Here is hoping you have lofty goals and you for sure achieve them before the next holiday season. More currently, I hope Santa brings you something nice.

Enough hours in the day? Guess not...

I heard over the weekend and discovered it being discussed here. Retailers are now staying open 24 hours. I am trying to figure why this is at all necessary. The biproducts of our instant gratification society never seem to end. Is it not enough that these stores already have extended hours of service during the holiday? Is it enough you can purchase anything you want from the confines of your home on your computer at anytime you want from anywhere? Nope - you can now do your shopping physcically at 3:30 AM. Personally speaking, that is simply not natural. I am usually in need of sleep at that hour. This is especially true if I have been at al productive during the day. Plus I am somehow capable to manage my time to do my shopping during regular shopping hours. I am very sure I am missing something.

More Auto Relief thoughts

I have watched and read a fair amount of coverage related to the loans being given to the Big Three US Auto companies. I have been bothered a fair amount because the reporting and opinions leave a fair amount to be desired – and I am being very nice leaving it there.

The first item is the work bench where a UAW member who is laid off gets 95% of their pay during that time. First, they will get subpay from their employer after they receive unemployment benefits from the government. In other words, the auto company will make up the difference between unemployment to get to that 95%. They are giving a complete 95%. On that same topic, current hires to the Big 3 auto companies will not enjoy that benefit and only 10000 benefit from that number now. That number will tail off as those UAW members retire.

Another number that will tail off in time will be the amount the Big Three Companies will give out in pensions as retirees pass away. For some time (probably ten years) new employees are not eligible for pensions and have been maintaining their retirements through 401K plans. The money going toward pensions in twenty years will be significantly less than it is now. I bring this all up to show the changes that many people are demanding have been well in place for quite some time.

For all the talk of the UAW having to renegotiate their contract even though they have made countless concessions, I think what has not been requested and should be is a COMPLETE list of costs to making a car. I have actually looked for this and asked around and the consensus – nothing exists. If you can find one, I would be very intrigued to look at it. The point I am getting to here is I don’t know how you can ask for more concessions when it is not even known what other opportunities a company has to cut costs. Keep in mind that despite supposed costs in making a Toyota or Honda being lower than US Auto companies, they are losing money and halting production as well here in the US. That makes another set of arguments from the pundits almost null in void.

The Big Three Auto companies have as a while cut down their employees drastically in the last fifteen to twenty years. Much of the analysis has simply ignored it and put out blatant opinions showing the lack of understanding with an industry that has made strides. They are being asked to com

OF course the last thing that gets my ire is the belief that more than anything all types of effort needs to go into hybrid and electric cars. This is all happening while I drive around and the American consumer still likes driving their SUV. Government has a great belief the consumer wants fuel efficient vehicles and before too long it will be the only legit viable option. Is oil going away? Is there a tremendous shortage right now? Is it real expensive? Outside some outlandish speculation that took place this summer with oil futures, prices have been relatively stable and right in the range of consumer pocketbooks whether they drive small economy size cars or something that resembles a fashionable Winnebago.

I have more points that should be made but I will save them for another time like measuring the geographical impact of letting the Big Three going bankrupt.

Getting back into the swing of things

It is interesting how things change. I tried to put a new entry here every couple of days but as you see I have failed miserably the last few months for several small reasons. One reason is there being alack of inspiration. I can sit here and regurgitate what you see on the news but who needs that negative hammer to hit them even more.

Well what has hit my fancy…

Regardless of what you think of Jay Leno it has to make people chuckle when you think about the irony of him moving to the 10 o’clock slot. The irony is the networks are now bringing you variety television. Folks – that is what they were doing seventy years ago. It is way cheaper programming and breeds loyalty way more than written dramas which at this point have exhausted pretty much all story lines ten fold. The only question – who will be next star chosen and how soon?
The Lion’s season ends soon - two weeks. They are 0-14 but they have a chance of winning of the final two games – home against the New Orleans Saints and on the road against the Green Bay Packers. The long and short of it – the season will mercifully end soon. We will just have to wait and see if the Ford family is that apathetic toward winning or if they do really give a damn.

Now I don’t go to the mall or just out shopping that much but I will let you know that from one man’s personal perspective – the crowds are for sure down this year. This based on about two and a half hours in two different malls over two days. If the White House gets the money to the auto companies before the weekend, the malls will be over the top busy. The people will believe they have been given a gift and it is time to spend. I will be happy to have most of mine done with almost all of it online.

Do you think Microwave slippers are a good idea?

It is official and obvious – someone needs to think of a better system for picking those who replace leaving Congress people than this awful appointee system. The Illinois governor did not handle it well. (On a side note – he is one of the creepiest people I have ever seen out there). As for Hillary’s New York Senate seat, Caroline Kennedy is vying for it. Someone who has NEVER ran for office and people think she is qualified due to the last name on her birth certificate. Newsflash – this is not a monarchy Kennedy’s.

The Detroit News and Free Press have decided to provide home delivery on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. They are going to work on getting a majority of their readers to go through the Internet. There is for sure a place for daily newspapers in our community as well as all cities in this country. They will be able to offer stories and coverage for local events that you otherwise would not get through TV or national focused news sources. Don’t kid yourself and think this is happening due to the Big Three issues. This has been in the making for some time and will start taking place with other newspapers. In this day and age of instant gratification and a tremendous need for information, the newspapers had to adjust to the times. The one saving grace – the News and Free Press have done their best to keep writers on staff in order to give their own flair or the coverage. This has not been the case with most newspapers as they have decided to outsource their story writing giving off a very canned and impersonalized approach.

Good Quote...

Found reading Detroit News this afternoon -
Franklin Roosevelt's words: "The strength of this nation shall not be diluted by the failure of the government to protect the economic well-being of its citizens."

Very true words.

Appears my spam filter is not working....

or someone is trying to tell me something!

Subject - Want to Beat the Bloat?‏
From - Ultimate Colon Cleanse

The best part is someone spent time sending it out. I wish I had that time!

Back with some thoughts....

Well well well… I did in fact take a hiatus though far from intentional…Some random thoughts from the past few weeks…

Trivia question – What percentage of homes in the United States are owned without mortgages? I will get back to this later.

I have not blogged since the election. One is completely unrelated to the other – I assure you of that for sure. What I will tell you is the pick of Hullary Clinton is a very interesting one. It is only made only more interesting by the endorsement of none other than Rush Limbaugh. One thing is for sure – like him or not – Obama will try his best to distinguish himself and not try old failed ways of doing things.

So let me get this straight – banks are arbirtrarily given money hand over fist with no plans and no requirements for how they are going to use the money to help out the American public and loosen up the business to business credit. The autos – who have been shrinking their business for years now and have been dealing with many arcane anti industry laws from the federal government have to beg and plead.

So I am clear I will not tell you I think the auto companies have been great but there is WAY more than meets the eye with them and the situation they find themselves in right now.

I think a sad thing may take place this spring – the NFL will remove the Thanksgiving game from Detroit and schedule another team. I hope management understands how pathetic their organization looks right now.

The Lions fan should hope Bill Ford Jr. is able to step in and do what he did with Ford Motor. In that instance he was able to bring in Alan Mullay from Boeing - someone who was successful in the manufacturing industry. Money should not be an object. They should list the best candidates – cross check them with some different people – and go after them one by one. The painful reality – they may not do it.

Ken Cockrel said on the news last week things were looking good for expanding Cobo, the site of North American International Auto Show. Things need to move faster. Nissan along with several other companies have pulled out the 2009 show. This is something that would be a good use of Federal tax dollars.

I did not work Friday and had the TV on one of the business networks. They were doing the whole “Black Friday” live shots from the mall. Of course they had some people mentioning what the hot gifts are so on and so forth. One fine individual – store employee – though Ugg Boots are “timeless pieces of fashion.” I for sure am not a fashion expert but plead with America this is not the case. From a male perspective – Ugg Boots are one the most hideous things and should not be worn out side the house.

The answer to trivia question – 50% of homes in the US are owned and have no mortgages. This is strange because much of the credit issues have to do with too many subprime mortgages and people going through foreclosures. Well 3% of mortgages going into foreclosures which is 1.5% of all home in US. Logic says some banks went WAY overboard with the subprime mortgages and certainly have a balanced portfolio.

Oh well enough from me – I will be back way sooner.

Big Three this week

Well We had a brief pause in the action. I have not blogged since theday before the election because well what could I say. The guy who was up in the polls won and now we are in a wait and see pattern. For sure a lot of waiting since Obama will not take over officially until January 20 but at the same time the current sitting President, George Bush, really can;t move much due to his position and the change in Congress as well.

The funny thing is Congress is feverishly trying to get something through to get Detroit some money specifcally the Big Three Auto companies. Right now, GM is claiming they may run out of money and have to consider filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. The US touts itself as an open free economy but there have been several instances that has proven this not to be the case. The most recent one is the $700 Billion package recently passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. Another fairly recent example was the stimulus package passed back int the winter. Neither of those events take place in a true open economy.

The $700B package is very frustrating since they passed it and it seemed there was no well thought out plan for it. The money they have doled out proved to do nothing since the banks have yet to lower interest rates in order to open financing in this country. The average fixed rate mortgage percentage has not changed since the bill went through as we are still looking at 30-year fixed mortgages being held at a little above 6%. This has some people asking - what are the banks doing with that money? Why did the money go to the banks and not the people of this country?

Back to the Big Three - they will be lobbying to get some of the $700B to the tune of $25B. This will prevent General Motors and to a smaller extent Ford from going bankrupt before the end of 2008. Some economists argue the Big Three should not be helped and allow them go into Chapter 11. This would force these companies to completely restructure their companies. At the same time, the impact would vibrate through out Detroit and Michigan and the US as well as the world. People would be let go from those companies, unemployment would be sky rocket anf suppliers would be hit hard as well as numerous other businesses. Proponents of giving the Big Three money say the economy, specifically MIchigan, cannot endure any of the US auto companies filing for bankruptcy and the effects of it would be rampant through out the system.

It is a time in this country that most people my age have simply never seen and still trying to figure out how we got here. It will be something to look back when it finally starts changing and even more as you look back and the analysts have their opportunity to offer their ten cents on what took place.

The scary thing is this is all in the hands of our politicians. The fate of the Big Three - very much like the government where they are secluded from the "real" world - will be determined by people who only know how to solve a problem by throwing money at it. Money will not solve most of these issues as it will be making tough decisions. Remember when you were younger and your parents told you could have one item but not all of them. The Big Three are going to have to go through that same process. They will have to start making choices and understand those choices will impact their survival.

There will be some drama that gets played out this week in Washington as well as here in Detroit. One thing is for sure - if the Big Three get the money, they will have to play by a new set of rules put forward by the loaner of that money. Those new rules will lead the Big Three into a whole new world.

Twas he night before the Election

Twas the night before the election, when all through the land
Not a politician was stirring, not even the candidates.
The ads were printed and ready to be handed out at the polls the next day
In hopes their candidate would be elected to office the next day.

The electorate were nestled all snug in their beds,
While still contemplating on who they will be voting went around in their heads.
And Obama in his pajamas, and McCain in his cap,
Had just settled their brains for a much needed late fall nap.
When out in public there arose such a clatter

They both sprang from their respective beds to see what the matter
Away to the window they flew like a flash
Opened the blinds to window always hoping there is some campaign cash.
The moon was out shining upon a nation in indecision

Shining on each citizen who scratched their head still wondering what to do
When in front of both the candidates eyes appear
But Air Force One and all its staff with their faces planted against the window from front to rear.
With the driver looking like he aged a lot in the past few years

Both candidates knew it was none other than President George Bush handling the flight gear.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Cheney, now Ms. Rice! now, Paulson and Bernake!
On Mukasey! On, Gates! on, on, Chertoff, and Bolten!

To the top of White House , to the top of the Washington Monument!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all”
As bad ideas that before the hot air of Washington fly,
When they meet with the obstacle of bureaucracy mounting very high.
So up the house top Air Force One flew,

With a jet full useless politicians and George Bush too.
And then, in a twinkling, John and Barack see the plane on the lawn
and trouble seeing who is on the jet because it is not yet dawn.
As John and Barack were taking it all in,
Out of the jet came none other than the current President.

He was dressed in his ranch clothes, from his to his foot,
An his clothes were all tarnished with plane mud right from the floors of Congress on his boot.
A bundle of reparations were he had flung on his back,
He looked like a salesman as he opened the bag.

His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
Smiling because they were both his foe.

He was slowly taking it all in while he grinned from ear to ear
realizing today was the temporary end to the smear.
He had a broad face to go with the shine of happiness in it
That only got brighter as he laughed like had a halo lighting him up.

Regardless of his state of grace, he was a right jolly old soon to be ex-president,
while Barack and John laughed when they saw him despite of themselves!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Made John and Barack wonder what they have got themselves into with running for his job.

Bush spoke not a word, but went straight to handing them stuff out of his bag,
Giving them both items that hopefully will help in the next four years not drag.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving up a nod, back up the jet’s steps he rose!

Bush sprang to Air Force One, to his Cabinet gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But they both heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Good luck to you both tomorrow, aenjoy your last free night!”

Michigan proposals

One of the things that is always interesting to looking into when voting are the proposals. My state Michigan has two proposals that will be voted on this Tuesday. I have not looked into the proposals until this weekend.

The first is legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. It would allow doctors to prescribe patients who meet certain criteria marijuana as a medical prescription.

The advocates claim marijuana will serve the purpose of eliminating pain for those suffering from diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other serious conditions. Another support item is those caught distributing the marijuana will be penalized if they are found to giving to someone else.

They continue saying non medical use will continue to be prohibited in the state. Guidelines will be put into place through the proposal to make sure safeguards are put into place keeping abuse taking place with the passing of this proposal.

Opponents have put forward a series of arguments which include there is no tested documented proof that marijuana helps with any disease. It is rejected as a solution by the majority of physicians. The opponents continue pointing out that marijuana should be approved by the Federal Drug Administration since most prescription drugs need it to be prescribed by doctors. Another issue for those against it is Lastly, the regulation on distribution will be difficult to control. Lastly, they say this proposal is just like the one they have in California. California is looking to change the law with quite a few more restrictions.

I am not going to offer how I will vote for this proposal. I am going to offer some thoughts that I don’t think have been mentioned when discussing these proposals. The first is whether or not marijuana use should be a right considered covered under the Constitution making this proposal not needed. In other words if this does in fact help people and they understand the repercussions, why should the law stand in the way of relief? Another issue is will this set a precedent for other drugs? Realistically, what are the most probably results if this proposal passes.

Overall an interesting proposal and many factors need to be regardless of your political affiliation.

As for Proposal #2, if it passed, it will amend the state constitution to allow for human embryo and stem cells research.

Proponents will tell you Michigan has been too slow to drop the restriction in the laws. Michigan laws addressing this subject are said to be some of the toughest in the country. The other benefit is they claim is this research is the best available in helping find a cure for a series of diseases. It is thought almost 800,000 people in Michigan may have a disease which would be helped with such research taking place. Another benefit this would ensure the medical schools in the state would be allowed to perform the cutting edge research which they cannot at this point and time.
Opponents are suggesting the proposal would not allow the state to regulate the embryonic research. Another mention is there are alternatives should be used whether it be adult cells or cord blood cells. There is the fear in this one as was the case in Proposal 1 about the slippery slope. The opponents say if this is allowed it will grease the skids for cloning. Lastly they mention the issues with funding such research. Long term some argue the cost benefit is not good.

I think if you read every fact and opinion on this proposal you still would not have performed an exhaustive search. There are some many issues and so many of them are personal whether it be someone you know and love possibly being helped by the research or how you relate embryos to human life.

Both proposals are issues that have deep seeded opinions that will guide the voter’s decisions on both of them. At the same time there are plenty of issues that with each proposal that must be considered when casting your ballot. It will be interesting to see how it all ends up this coming Tuesday.

Additions to "About me"

Adding more the list

• I have a chalkboard at my house which always seem to have different things on it from reminders to a small list of people who need for luck in their life.


• I am pretty frugal with my money but will for sure splurge on the things I have wanted for a period of time.


• I can't get enough of watching the stock market and tracking the financial world these days.


• Feelings toward Halloween - almost apathy


• I think in many circles I would be considered a minimalist.


• I feel short of one of my goals this years - reading more books. I have read one and don;t anticipate reading anymore between now and year end.


• I am looking around and appear to like white on my walls


• For all intensive purposes I do not own a DVD player but three TV's but only watch one


• I have failed to get caught up in the sushi and Thai food phenomenon


• I prefer Mozilla Firefox to Internet Explorer


• I have been told I am half full way more than half empty. This is funny since I think of myself as a cynical person


• I would not mind going back to school despite one grad degree but I hate the homework and the cost is obscene if you don;t have financial reimbursement. With more money I would add on to it I think.

Initial "About me" post

Two Adam's Apples?

This weekend has been one for reflection. If you have followed my blog, I don't discuss much personal details about myself or my life. Part of it is I am a private person and the other part is my life in general is pretty unexciting.

Saying all that I remember distinctly this past New Years Eve that it would be a good idea to relax as 2008 would be an action packed year. On many different levels this is for sure the case. From a government economy/job standpoint there is no doubt nothing has been this bizarre in a very long time - probably my whole life. I just did not know what personal things would take place.

January saw me feeling decent, living life but by February my body just did seem to be in the right position. I was very tired and my mental well being was decent but just different. I had minimal health insurance at the time but was in a position to get decent health care allowing me to get a physical and get some blood tests. I finally scheduled an appointment during a phone call in March but the appointment would not take place until May. I told myself that would be fine but in the back of my mind I was thinking it might be wise to figure out how to escalate all this but I did not know how. My energy was down but outside of that I really did not have any more telling symptoms other than some small random things

Not too long after I made the physical appointment I ended up doing something I VERY RARELY do - gargle. Yes I know you are all scratching your heads on that one. I gargled in the bathroom after brushing my teeth - must have had a scratchy throat. I looked in the mirror and saw something peculiar. It appears I had two - count them - two Adam's apples. Needless to say this was a source of alarm for me. To the best of my knowledge you should have one, I have always had one and I could not figure out for the best of me what was going on. I for sure did not put two and two together in terms of how I was feeling and the "extra Adam's Apple" Needless to say I was on the rampage to figure out - WTF?

After some discussion with my personal "doctors" some course of action was devised. I had people who were medically knowledgeable take a quick scan of it all and the consensus - call a REAL doctor. I called my REAL doctor an they told me they could see me the following week. That was about mid March. When I saw the doctor - usually a slight slow reactive one - she gave me a list of things I needed to do in q quick manner. I scheduled some tests and an appointment with a endocrinologist.

I went and got some tests done and scheduled the appointment. This all took place over Easter weekend - Good Friday and the Monday afterwards. The endocrinologist requested get a test on the second "Adam's Apple" which was in the Thyroid region. In that same appointment I was a little frustrated no action was taken based on the symptoms I had been experiencing for a few months. He added that only five percents of nodules on the thyroid are cancerous. That was great news.

I did as the doctor requested and got a biopsy on the nodule. It was done on a Friday afternoon. As the biopsy was taking place I asked the person doing the work if it would be removed if it were not cancerous. Her words - "They will remove it!" This was not "regardless if it is cancerous they will remove it". This was between the lines "It is cancer". I would not know for sure though until I talked to the doctor.

The doctor followed up pretty quickly with me requesting I stop on in the following week. I knew the verdict but it would slightly unclear until the doctor gave it the 100% confirmation. When I stopped by it was a beautiful April Wednesday afternoon. The doctor told me - I had thyroid cancer. Thank heavens I had an inkling other wise I would have dropped a load in my pants. Everyone in my family knew before hand that this was probably going to be my diagnosis. Surgery was scheduled with in ten days of the official diagnosis from the doctor. That would take place on April 24, 2008.

The toughest - and best - thing was telling people about it. People being my firends which I have way more of that I can swing a stick at for sure. I ended up writing an email blast because calling each person would take a considerable amount of time. After writing about a one page email to about fifty people - not including friends through my parents - I ended up getting a slew of phone calls. A cancer diagnosis did not make me cry. The people calling with in minutes of sending that message out for sure overwhelmed me. Everyone has the same response - WTF? How are you doing?

With everything that happened in my life, I will tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt the most positive things have produced the most positive big impact results. This topped them all for sure. I got emails from people who I thought were barely acquaintances writing heart felt messages making I was doing well and wondering if I needed anything from them. To say that in some form this was not a rewarding experience would be a terrible understatement.

The day of surgery took place and the whole thyroid was removed from me. While this is going on I have taken a whole week off work following surgery. It is typically suggested you take six to eight weeks off for all this stuff. I grow bored after three business days and log in to work and start bugging people to get stuff done. That is how I roll - I am a loser - LOL! I did have some difficulties - some which kept me from sleeping ,much more than three hours a few weeks from the syrgery

I was on the schedule to receive radioactive iodine six weeks later. This involved a few visits leading up to it. I should clarify - this was NOT typical cancer radiation, rather it was radioactive iodine. Iodine is only adsorbed by thyroid tissue. This took place on the day of the Red Wings parade for winning the Stanley Cup. The goal of the radioactive iodine is to kill all live thyroid tissue. The results of all is your body's hormone levels are completely unbalanced. You have zero stamina and mentally you are living an existence similar to either a woman going through post partum depression or manic depression. I would not wish anything I went through on my worst enemy. I was told to start the hormone replacement therapy two days after the radioactive iodine.

After a few weeks of taking the hormone Synthroid I started to get feeling better. I went in for some blood tests and the reading were good. The progress is slow though.

Six months later...I am back to a routine work out schedule. The other day I rode ten miles on the exercise bike at the gym in forty five minutes. My blood levels are quite good and I will not see the doctor until some time next spring. I feel about as good as someone can expect whether they went through what I went through or did not go through it.

As amazing at this sounds I think there is some fortune to what I went through the past six months. The show of support was out of this world and more than I could ever have imagined in my mind. The summer - despite going through much of it during that time, was one of the best I have ever had in terms of getting stuff done and good times. In general was a low moment in my life but will be look upon due to all the positives with much gratitude. I will stay this Thanksgiving when someone asks that YES I am thankful for my health - along with many other things.

What is one to do? Quick poll

I am dealing with a hypothetical situation here - LOL.

Man drives down road. Turns and catches eye of girl to his liking. You both show off toothy grins. Let's say you have the opportunity at say a stop light. This is where a split second decision must be made. Do you (as the male)

A.) Role down window and ask if she wants to meet up at some nearby establishment
B.) Let it be exactly what it is - some smiling and some flirting.
C.) Something else politically correct

Politically incorrect options -
Rear ending her car
Following her to where ever her destination is she is traveling to at that time.
Start a fire in the middle of the road and send smoke signals
Before hand - have a bumper sticker made with you contact information and have it plastered all over your car.

Again - all hypothetical

Read between the lines on this one

I am going to be quite convoluted here but I am sure you will be able to read between the lines. The body is made up of fat, muscle and bone. If you cut the fat you are left with muscle and bone. If you cut anything more you have cut the muscle before you get to the bone. If you have nothing left but bone, can you cut anymore? It seems some people don’t understand what you need in order to have the body continue running. These are very strange times we live in for sure.

Wild times

My town is right now on watch. We all sit by our televisions, radio, and internet to find out what is the latest information we can find out about Chrysler and General Motors. Specifically, is General Motors going to buy Chrysler from Cerebus and basically wipe it off the map?

While we all bite our nails contemplating the economic impact of such an occurrence, it pushes through a series of items through my mind making this all terribly fascinating to analyze as it all takes place.

#1 - How does GM who has no money according to their financial reports and a dirt low stock price go and buy a company (Chrysler) that made an operating profit last quarter in a terrible economy and has nearly $12B sitting on the side?

#2 - How does Cerebus think it is good business to divest themselves of a company that when they are not allowed to manage themselves and times are good is the most profitable Big 3 auto company?

#3 - What good does almost $12B cash do you if you will spend it right away on merging the two large operations?

#4 - How does getting larger help GM which is only second to the federal government in bureaucracy?

#5 - If Chrysler stopped completely tomorrow for any reason what would be the financial and population impact on Southeastern Michigan? Sure we realize it is huge but does anyone know how much of an impact it will be. It would all encompassing including everything from hospitals to suppliers, entertainment to housing, tourism to whatever you can think of right now.

Of course all these questions come as today is it is announced that Kirk Kekorian will be selling off his shares of Ford. This is after he spent a premium on shares a few months back spending an roughly 30% over the stock price at the time.

All this talk along with economic news that does make any one warm and fuzzy at all, makes one wonder what the future holds and the changes that will take place all across the board.

There is nothing settling with any of this but at the same time it does force us to take inventory of everything and figure out if there is something we need to do different. This is tough to anticipate since we don;t know what will be the end results of it all. We must realize on our instinct and that American spirit will have to carry us through this turmoil that happens in every country's history.

Two weeks and counting...

In the past an age old debate was the argument as to whether or not the media had a liberal bias. No one case will tell unequivocally whether that is the case or not but I think we have decent comparison among many to show here.

Before I left for work this morning, I saw a quick report on TV eluding to Democratic nominee Joe Biden's comments from Sunday evening when he said the following:

"Mark my words, it will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. . . . Watch, we’re gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy. . . . I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate, and he’s gonna need help."

Oddy enough this seems to be almost put under the rug. While many of the different news sites have the story you have to seek it out to even locate it. In other words it is not big news.

This seems significant to me as it appears that Vice President realizes that the world has zero respect for Barack Obama and since he is looking to verbally each conflict, he will be having some difficult times considering the over the top personalities found in this world. Another point is if Barack Obama's running mate has little confidence in the security of the US once his running mate is sworn into office.

ONe story that was available through every network with in moments this weekend took place Sunday when former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama. While Powell initially complemented McCain as well as Obama, he commented that McCain is slightly unsure on how to handle to the economy. He continues to say that Obama has plenty of values of all people. This is funny since he denigrated those who hunt a few months ago in the state of Pennsylvania - which oddly enough is now a blue state.

Powell continues discussing the McCain strategy with respects to Obama's relationship with Ayers and continuing to talk about it. I do agree with Powell this really in the end if a non issue. At the same time - am I the only one that thinks in the long run his name does hurt him especially it is the same as the #1 fugitive in the world?

He discusses his discomfort with the Republicans and the parties move to the right. This is a misinformed statement based on the fact that based on policy it appears the Republicans are more liberal than they have ever been in their almost 150 year history whether you consider spending, the size of government as well and other considered liberal policies. In addition their presidential nominee is is the most liberal candidate to run since Ronald Reagan. No one was more liberal than Reagan.

The talk from Powell did not stop there when he speaks after his "Meet The Press" appearance when he defends Obama's assertion he will raise taxes. He continues saying "Of course I don't want my taxes raised either"

People I am not really sure what took place. ONe thing for sure - Powell has lost the respect of many in the Republican end of things but probably more so - the independents who will recognize he offerred little or any reason to vote for Obama this past week.

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All in all, I am not excited in the least to head to polls two weeks from today. After watching the debates and listening to the thoughts and opionions I come back with the same conclusion - there has to be someone WAY better out there that I can vote for rather than these two individuals. IN this country with the brightest minds ever to walk the face of the earth, we have two people who are clearly not impressive and don;t inspire many people as to how they will handle the next four years. I can tell you personally I will look into ALL candidates in the next two weeks but the reality is for all the talk and endless at nauseum coverage that has taken place the last eightteen months regarding this election, it will be one fo the most anti climatic events to ever take place.

Last Debate thoughts and more

It has been a wild couple of weeks in this country as well as locally.

- The stock market has been the hot topic the last few weeks. The news has been for the most part been very negative and people holding their breath to see what will happen from day to day.
- It does seem strange how we have allowed the stock market to shadow what we think of the economy as a whole. Our unemployment is not even remotely close to what it was in the 1920's and 1930's. Our GDP is doing great. The value of the dollar has actually been going since Wall Street's struggles has gone along.
- Bailing out these banks and those with mortgages close to failure is rewarding irresponsibility. It is a sad path and one don't enjoy watching unfold.
- I am watching the third Presidential debate and tell myself one thing - 2012 is PRIMED for a third party candidate. It is rough to watch these debates. The best man at the table is Bob Schieffer.
- Who runs these campaigns? If you were a Republican, would you not be irritated that McCain refuses to point out that his policy is the most liberal since FDR. If you were Obama why are you not pointing out McCain's politics are not close to many Republican stances cutting away from John's base.
- One view specifically with tonight's debate - McCain seems to have a little more urgency than what I have seen in past engagements. Based on poll numbers this will probably be too little too late.
- I have not seen alot of him but what I have seen of him I am very impressed by Ken Cockrel Jr., sitting Detroit Mayor.
- Joe the Plumber - someone who will be talked about for at least the next week.
- End result of debate - No ground gained by McCain.

Fast on the right, slow on the left - huh?

Every day I travel north on the interstate and get slightly frustrated by a decision from civil engineers to have an exit on the left side of the expressway. This makes for "great" traveling as another highway which exits to the right. My exit is not too long afterwards which means it makes for a fun track each morning. Let me preface that my trip to and from work are really as a whole fantastic. It would just would drive me nuts if I went north on the way home which is typically a very slow progressing parking lot. Anyways, my typical ride is getting on the freeway and slowly progressing to the left lane. I start getting going at a nice comfortable rate but usually end up behind someone who is in the left lane waiting to exit off and locked in at that sexy 65. I am thankful for those people but I just wish they were not in front of me. These people typically maintain that speed regardless of how many people pass them in the middle lane. Once I pass that exit, I end up having to get to the right. This is always good as traffic slows down for the freeway exits coming up and the on coming traffic coming from the freeway. I slowly put my hands together as I for sure slow down unless there is an opening up ahead and there is a log jam forming from the freeway. I will as a result press the accelerator to put myself in a position of merging in that spot.

All in all - a very good time each morning. Thankfully I have the slight challenge in the morning because I do have a job.

Bank Rescue thoughts

I am going through and trying to figure out what is all happening right now. I have always enjoyed following the economy and stock market but for sure these days can’t make heads or tails. I am not going to regurgitate the details of everything taking place in credit markets and financial institutions but some thoughts.

Is Congress really educated enough about the issues to pass legislation that will attempt to “solve” the issue? I still have not heard how the $700B was figured out.

Will giving $700B to the parties involved correct the issue which no one quite seems to be able to put their finger on right now?

I look at all like kids who behaved badly and did not think about their actions being rewarded very well. There were no consequences. Their parents came and rescued them and they most likely will try it again – just in a different form as to not get caught. What I am getting at is most banks got into trouble due to their own greed. Now they are being rescued and the only people suffering are us the tax payers.

Would any of this be taking place it the year were not divisible by four?

I am finding it amazing how this issue has taken such precedence in just over thirty days before the election. When you watch the news the election is still a big story but for sure not taking the precedence one would think at this critical stage especially considering how much at nauseum the cable news networks have been talking about in the last eighteen months.

I think well after passing the bill you will continue seeing the public react to this whole ordeal. There is large disgust from liberals and conservatives about this deal. It is evidence that the pain of all this is blind to political affiliation.

Something I find remarkable though I for sure understand - Obama's lead has gone up in the past week according to the polls. I am trying to figure out how this whole thing DIRECTLY relates to the position of the President of the US. Did the current guy in office give away loans to people who they knew should have never got those loans? Did he make mortgages an over whelming portion of the bank's assets? There are plenty of reason to vote for Obama but nothing having to do with the banking issue. Maybe I am just using way too much common sense.

Six Socks, no Matches

I have no idea how this took place but I just got done folding the laundry and I have six socks with no mates. Count them... six.

I have told my parents numerous times that I should not be allowed to live on my own. This is just one fine example of why that is the case.

Last summer evening thoughts

Some thoughts here on the last summer evening in 2008…and as usual I am all across the board…

I am a very big sports fan and changed the channel over to the Orioles and Yankees game. It is the last game in Yankee Stadium. I have a desire to see different stadiums but for whatever reason I never had a desire to go to the stadium. I do have a desire to see Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox. I could not explain if my life depended on it why I want to see the one and not the other.

One thing I recommend to most people if they remember in two years is watch the Ryder Cup. Anymore I don’t watch golf on television but the Ryder Cup is something with emotion and nationalism with money not even coming into play. It is one of hardest fought competitions in sports. It is played every two years.

Lion fans have gone through some rough times but this may go down as the worst season in franchise history. I did not watch one moment of today’s game and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I did not miss anything. When you consider the position I cam efrom this shows how pathetic the organization is for sure.

Folks – we no longer are a pure democracy with in a free market. For sure this has been the case for some time but we received yet another affirmation as we see the government bailing out banks with $700B. Your tax dollars are being used to rescue overly greedy bankers who sold off poor loans just for the quick cash. What those people have done is borderline criminal and nothing will happen to them. They have their money and have probably since walked away from the whole situation. One can find themselves doing nothing but shaking their heads thinking about the situation.

Do you remember when the question “How many people does it take to screw in a light bulb” was a joke? As I continue working in Corporate America I think it is sad to find out this is a legit question that sometimes merit being asked out loud. If I were to explain to you the circumstances that took place in last project I worked on, it would make you pause for a moment to think about how anything gets done. More importantly making you wonder how people keep their jobs and some people don’t make it any further than they do.

So I read the other day that MTV’s TRL will be shutting down sometime soon after ten years. There are some things that struck me about that show. Let me preface my statements by letting you know I only ever saw it on TV for a minute or two time to time when they reran in the morning before I went to work some time ago. First it was a show on MTV that showed music videos. Is that not what MTV should be doing as that is what they did for years? Secondly, it did give everyone a new perspective on life who may have thought they could not be a star. The show produced Carson Daly who to this day I am still trying to figure out how he ever got to host the show. They could have have had anyone on that show I think doing the presenting work. The other thing that got me is they never showed much more than a minute of the videos. Is the draw of the show watching Carson in a sea of fourteen year old girls? Maybe just maybe it is the fact the audience relishes the fact they are able to vote for who they want and don’t have their vote lost in the Electoral College. I will have to give that some further thought.

List Flabbergation

Dear Billboard Magazine –

I started out my day like any other rolling out of bed and some how putting on my socks without breaking my neck. While performing this always difficult act, I had the radio and heard your publication came out with a list of the top 100 songs from August 1958 to July 2008. In the fog of the morning, the radio newscaster announced that Chubby Checker had the #1 song on your list. Immediately I knew I was missing something because that is not possible. Somehow I did not understand the list of songs. I went through my mind to figure out what criteria was used to put that particular song on top. I Googled your list and found it. Now I did read your criteria for weighting older songs different but I think there has to be major flaws to it. Did you use an abacus to get the totals? It is plain as day – Chubby Checker has brought us the best song in the last fifty years. #2 was “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas. Third was “Mack the knife” by the “legendary” Bobby Darin. Please line up even your readers and see how many people know Bobby Darin.

Who made this list? Is there any chance they will identify themselves or are they all in straight jackets? Did you mistakenly have one of those groups that play Dungeon and Dragon’s on Saturday night make this list of songs? I mean the whole list is whacked. Olivia Newton with “Physical” at #6 (ok – there is no issue with that selection) and Debbie Boone – WHO? Who doesn’t have Diana Ross and Lionel Richie blaring with “Endless Love” every evening of their life? Andy Gibb has two songs on this list? “Ebony and Ivory” – and here I thought that song was just a joke. WOW. All is good though – there is a Captain and Tenille sighting on this list. Maybe I will forget all this… NOT!

What was going on in that room when this list was devised? You should have all left and got some fresh air. Did you end up writing this all up with those strong smelling permanent markers that should not been inhaled? Put the caps back on when you are not using - do not pick your nose with them please.

I may be writing my Congressmen sometime this weekend to have them put together a Congressional panel on this issue. Hell they look into baseball for heaven’s sake.
I have not been flabbergasted like this in some time.

Sincerely -

Midwest Gent

"Zip Code"

This evening I stopped off to fill up the "hot rod". Now I put your basic unleaded fuel in there. I charge it to the credit card and do the whole transaction at the pump. First thing that gets me is they charge another ten cents a gallon for gas. Next I turn around and go to start filling the tank. It is not filling and I turn around to see what is wrong. On the display they are asking for my zip code. Is it really necessary to find out my zip code? What immediately came to mind is being required to do this when I am filling my tank in January and the cold weather is in full effect with a nice wind shield. There are some gas stations not doing the whole extra ten cents addition for using my credit card and not wasting my time with some stupid zip code requirement. DO you think this even crosses the minds of people who put it out there?

RNC thoughts

Thoughts this past Republican Convention week…

Keith Olbermann is a total dweeb and loves the Democratic Party. He was good to correct every factual error in each speech during the applause no less. If anyone watching the conventions could tell me the major networks are impartial I would give them an old shoe to chew on. Fox News Sean Hannity is for sure impartial but that is no problem because he freely admits it. There is nothing impartial with guys like Tom Brokaw,

ABC News seems to not be able to get enough of themselves. They interrupted half the speeches so political stalwarts like Diane Sawyer (you will never be Baba Wawa), Chuck Gibson, and George S (I am not even going to bother spelling his last name) could get their words in edge wise. George S probably gave himself a chemical shower every night before going to bed back at his room making sure he did not catch anything from the Republicans.

Fred Baby!! Where was that vigor when you campaigned eighteen months ago? I remember seeing him debate and on a few interviews and he came across as a narcoleptic. Had he matched the spirit the other night, he would have been on the ticket.

This election year was Joe Lieberman and the previous Republican convention was Zen Miller. This has to be a disturbing trend to Democratic leadership like Howard Dean that their own are speaking at the Republican convention making to note their party’s issues. I would love to see some knowledgeable bi partisan people debate the move of the political party in the last fifty years. More specifically it would be good to know if people think they have become better, worse, or status quo.

Rudy Giuliani speech seemed a bit over the top to the point of almost being embarrassing. The blows he was delivering seemed almost below the belt but for sure nailed the point home.

Overall, I found the conventions contrasted themselves from previous ones. Republican conventions are usually reserved and done with little emotion. The Democratic Convention is full of spirit and tude. This go round showed that not to be the case. The Democrats were a reserved group of people who put words out there but did not give the impression they really believed the words they were uttering – ie. Bill and Hillary. Obama’s speech was about the only speech with sprit but in fairness I missed Michelle Obama’s speech. I guess I could Youtube but I have not gotten around to it. The Republican Convention had their fair share of “fire and brimstone” speeches whether it be Fred or Rudy.

Did I miss this woman’s candidate’s Mr Magoo (aka Ron Paul) speaking at the convention?

Needless to say the speech this past week that came with anticipation was not the Presidential hopeful John McCain but VP candidate Sarah Palin. Her speech required to be nothing short of great and surprisingly all he pundits agreed it in fact was great.

Locally, the area I come from has been pointed at as one of the most important battle grounds. Oakland County was mentioned last week on NBC’s “Meet the Press” by Republican Strategist Mike Murphy and Macomb County was discussed on CNN last evening following McCain’s speech. My fellow Metro Detroiters, like she did here, will see members of both tickets plenty in the coming weeks.

Another remarkable thing that happened is the talk from reporters indicating that going into the convention that Republicans and the like don’t feel they have a chance at winning in November. Last time I checked the polls were split down the middle. Now I realize based on the electoral college the margin is wider based on those states each person has an advantage in but they way you hear these people talk you would think even Republican delegates see no reason to hold the election. Wonder never ceases here.

CostCo trip

I went to Costco in the MH Friday morning as I was off from the Titanic and thought the crowds would be manageable. Ummmm NO!

Some of the events that took place…

The goal was to get non consumables products but for sure look around at the consumables to make sure I am not missing anything.

I really wish I was in the market for a television. The prices they have there are ridiculously low. I could get twenty more inches for the same price I bought my previous one for…cripes… My justification for getting a TV…none.

I made a phone call to see if someone I knew needed anything while I was there. I asked whether or not they wanted a power drill, wrench set, 48 AA batteries, Grill with a refrigerator or anything else I saw as I passed through the back of the store. They said they were set.

There may have been a celebrity sighting but it was tough to tell. She was in her running shorts, tshirt and did not have the makeup encased to her face. Plus I thought when I looked at her on TV she was married and I saw no ring. After passing by fifty times I still was not sure. Either I don’t really know what she looks like or this woman just closely resembled her. (To clarify, I passed by her because we were frequenting the same aisles)

I said no to the box of Gharadelli Fudge Brownie mix that would 96 servings. If I bought I would be yelled at by my mother indicating one could make better scratch brownies.

In the mean time I bought those chocolate chunk cookies from the bakery. Those are always good things to have making the trip worthwhile.

I felt like every aisle was blocked by someone with their carts left right in the middle and then either taking a sample or going elsewhere to fetch something else.

I thought as I strolled through the store – “Why do I have a card as everything here is geared toward family’s that resemble the Brady Bunch?”

Where are the treats for my four legged nieces? Why do they not have what they want? What will I give them when they make their next trip to their uncle’s?

I now have enough sandwich bags to last me almost two years. I take my lunch to work 95% of the time. In other words – that is a lot of bags.

Note to self – Continue stance on not buying pop or beer here as their prices are not that good.

I told myself as I lugged to bottles of it “Apple Juice is better tha anything else I usually have at night”.

I answer the phone – “Yes I realize I have an appointment this afternoon with dark skies and receiving the mental torture that only a dimpled ball could hand out. No I don’t know where it is as I am spending my daily one hour a day with out Internet Access being out in public with the people.”

I did not gain much coming on a Friday morning. I once again assume everyone in the world besides myself does not work.

The gas line looks like what they looked like when Jimmy Carter was President.

Biden

Well this summer is cruising right along and I was late offering my prediction on who Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama would select as his VP. I will let you know that Joe Biden was not the choice I would have made.

It is a strange pick in my mind. Obama has been campaigning and taking back Washington DC and America as a whole. He follows up that with picking a guy who has been in Washington for one heck of a long time – a time in Congress that Obama has constantly criticized.

At the same time, he did go out and pick someone who helps in several areas. Joe Biden foreign policy knowledge is right at the top of the list with Sam Nunn and Joe Liberman in the Democratic party. He brings Obama an east coast state but it is only Delaware - not a big deal with only three electoral votes. He does bring some clout though in such states as Virginia and Maryland. Biden shores up any questions about the ticket’s experience. Republicans will question whether or not that experience is any good.

Some of the things that Biden does not do for Obama is help him states like New York and California that Hillary Clinton won in the primaries. He does not bring him the woman vote that was so strong for Hillary and who ended up voting in Bill Clinton his two terms. Biden does not offer any clout in the great debate on what should be done by the government with health care. (I will discuss later in later posts why health care being an issue in the 2008 and subsequent elections is ridiculous.)

If you are Republican, you kind of smile at the choice of Biden. While he a smart guy who brings a lot to the table, he is someone that does put his foot in his mouth on what seems like a regular basis only beating Obama in making a fool in himself. He is considered short tempered who is quite reactionary. Don’t kid yourself into thinking that Republicans – while they for sure respect his experience and what he brings to the table for Obama – know there is quite the possibility he may be a great choice for them.

Only time will tell what happens but sure we will sit back and wait now McCain to make his choice – which will probably be…Mitt.

As I close, I am typing this as I watch the Hillary speech from Denver. The beginning saw her explain who she is including a mother but for whatever reason – not a wife. In addition, she was very lukewarm about Obama and not damaging much to McCain. Overall, it was twenty minutes of not much context. Her future will find to be interesting as she decreases the probability she will have a role and the Democratic party continues to be divisive to each other and not untied in their effort.

Some more mid summer random thoughts...

Thinking...

Here is a pet peeve – Saturday in the D was perfect – low humidity, warm, and limited cloudage. I ended up going out with friends and we went to a bar to hear a band. PET PEEVE – going to a bar all closed on a summer night. Nothing bites my ass more in this world – ok I am sure there are a few things – but wasting a summer night doing something I can do in the middle of the winter. Those nights are meant for rooftops and patios. I figure that 25% of weekend nights you can be outside. I can easily hang out inside one of those 75% nights.

I never in my life thought I would see a bar come to a stop to watch four dudes swim in a pool over in China. Nonetheless, it was quote an event to watch and even better to watch with people. It seems to be the only thing uniting people this year. The records seem to be the only thing rather than cheering against the pesky Russians. At this point even the Chinese don’t create enough nationalism from the Americans.

I had to laugh regarding the story about the people finding Sasquatch. The pic alone looked sketchy. It looked like the guerrilla mask you see sold in Halloween stores. Of course the people who found just happen to be part of an organization that sells Big Foot memorabilia. Somehow cable news showed that story all over the place. Do we need any more examples of why 24 hour news channels are not a good thing?

The biggest disappointment of the summer – Detroit Tigers. They can’t do anything right. Their pitching is terrible. They cannot field and their hitting is completely inconsistent. I guess we will have to wait for the beginning of the Lions season – ROFL! Sorry – I thought I could say it with a poker face.

In less than a week the Democratic Convention (aka Clinton Exhibit) will be underway and we should know who Barrack Obama has chosen for his Vice President. Barrack has a difficult decision in front of him as he needs to figure out who will complement him the best. I will get into this more in depth later this week. At that time we will discuss John McCain who has the same tough decision but the factors are completely different.

Is anyone seeing this race as youth against experience?

The next time someone tells you how bad the economy is, ask them to explain the long lines for iPhones and John Madden’s 2009 Football game. People – these are not bread lines. They would not be happening if the economy was truly terrible.

I need a name for these posts where they are random thoughts.

To seek or not to seek?

There are brinks in our life that happen which cause us to make changes.

I am thinking it is time for a job change.

I am looking at not getting a raise for two years. This is kind of understandable considering the economy and the industry I work in these days but I think COLA should at least be offered up.
I have zero vacation days. I get paid what I work and nothing more. If I was getting a consultant rate it would be one thing but please rest assure I am not.
I had to go out and get my own health care because what was being offered by my “house” was so bad price and quality wise, I got the “top-shelf” stuff for half the price.
Based on the average salary for my education attained and experience, it appears I am drastically underpaid.
The client – which will never change – that I usually refer to as the Titanic in this blog just seems headed in the wrong direction based on strategic decisions.

Some reasons why I may just hang out:
I do like the people I work with and what I do. I never do the same thing day after day. It is always something different.
Stress level is – to me – fairly low and I work forty hours. Not 41, 42, 50, 55, or 60. I work 40. Those who don’t know my position have told me they would never do it. They think it is too damn busy.
The commute is very good – about twenty minutes. It is not grid lock either. I go north on I-75 in morning with a few other people. Afternoon I wave toward those driving north on I-75 as I breeze my way down to my exit.
My boss is real good. I am some what isolated in what I do and they let me be autonomous.
My job could easily be replaced but the people who would make that decision are smart so I can almost call my job “secure”.

I think the bottom line is I can look for something better and make a real good decision on the next step.

Random Olympic coverage moments #1

So I am watching the Olympic coverage and plan on doing through out the whole thing. Yes I know I said I could not care less but we live in a free country with the ability to change my mind at a moment's notice.

NBC had Mary Carillo - usually a tennis commentator - do a feature on China and different spectacles around the country. First I am always amazed that Mary;s voice is deeper than WRIF's Arthur Penthallow.

As for her story, she has two people holding a map for her. One was the tallest man in the world who measures up to - I think they said - 7'8". The other was his wife who was only as tall as the gentleman's waist. Sorry to say but it made me chuckle. One day I will be a better person.... right......

A look back the first 2008 Summer Olympics weekend

The question you have to ask yourself when you blog is whether or not you have something worth writing about when you go to do so. It is so much easier when something inspires you to do so rather than doing it on a timely basis.

One thing I did not anticipate being inspired by the Olympics. I saw myself getting drawn into them while out with friends Saturday night out at a bar sipping water (Honestly - it was a good time). I watched some of the basketball game between USA and China Sunday morning. I followed that up with watching the gymnastics and the wonderful swimming relays where the US won in a race where all the teams that medaled broke the original record.

Now I will do something I rarely do on this blog – offer a small bit of insight on what I have been up to –

List of fine things I did this weekend:
Made dinner for the parents
Fell asleep at 9:15 Friday night
Picked up a dead bird off my lawn along with several apples and pears
Spent Sunday afternoon out in the rain and mist and had very good time chasing a stupid ball
Walked dog that was not mine

Here is a list of things I did not do this weekend:
Go to a Tiger’s game – I have not been to one all season but it does not appear I am missing much
Attend the Disturbed/Slipknot concert at DTE – I don’t go to concerts especially of groups I don’t own their music
Attend Poison/Sebastien Bach/Docken at Freedom Hill – I heard this was a bit of a disappointment
Attend the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills – though I did watch a fair amount of it on TV

It is amazing to me how fast summer is going.

Unusually warm voting day

Well I did my civic duty today which is kind of odd because it is usually cold as ever when I go into vote. I was not even aware there was an election today outside the series of signs I saw across the area requesting me to vote “Yes” on the Detroit Zoo proposal. I usually would not even bother but I felt I needed to in this case. For my precinct, I was #122 at 6:00 PM.

In a city that seems to be slowly losing its identity through the ever changing auto industry and its pathetic city government, one must do what they can to support what is out there that makes this area still a great area to live in regardless of your living situation. Every city must have certain standard cultural elements. Detroit is not short in this area as we have a great zoo, symphony, art institute, good universities, and a very long list of items I am leaving out at this point and time.

With those items comes a reputation of being a good place to both live and visit by large groups of people. Without them it becomes a struggle to reach that status let alone maintain it.

It is all sad that you don’t hear about those great things in this town because when you read something real good, it almost surprises you. I recently was going through Money Magazine which ranked small cities with under 300,000 people. They were ranked on five different areas – Jobs/Economy, Safety, Education, Housing Affordability, and Leisure/Arts. Out of the top 100, six were in Michigan and five were suburbs of Detroit. Once would not expect such a good turnout from an area that sounds like it should just close up shop and go home.

I don’t personally plan on leaving Michigan anytime soon. It is a good area for many reasons in my opinion. For every thing may not appeal to you – like cold weather - is every reason I tend to stay – like avoiding 120 degree weather in those not so cold environments.

Random Comments - Volume....I will figure out for the next time

Random comments from yet another beautiful summer weekend…

Please, please Kwame – do the right thing for ONCE in your life.

I am somewhat irritated by the gas stations in the area charging me another 10 cents a gallon when I charge by credit card, The worst part is despite gas prices going down nearly 10%, that new charge will not be removed from my transaction. I don’t like paying up front because I like to fill up all the way and they are only allowing you to pay cash if you pay before pumping the gas. Now sure I have a rough estimate on what it will cost but in the end, I prefer the credit card. What impact will have on your pocket book? Know you will have to change the numbers based on your filling requirements. Hypothetically, you fill 12 gallons (this number can be different based on the car and how many miles you drive a week) once a week. That means you are spending another almost $63 a year. Of course one would have to ask themselves if that extra cost was already put into the price of gas to begin with and those paying cash are just now getting a discount. I will stop before my mind gets all knotted up.

Someone asked me the other day if I watched any of the coverage of Obama’s trip to Europe and the Middle East. I responded saying there did not seem to be any reason to watch the coverage as I knew how he would be portrayed by the media and it was my understanding he was not answering any questions from journalists. Did he hold press conferences? Yes but only answered questions from military personnel. I am beginning to wonder if being a garbage man is a more enviable job than being President.

I openly admit I am not a big movie guy. I am not sure why other than I find 95% predictable and just sheer lame. I occasionally go the movies. Occasionally means MAYBE twice a year depending on if the crowd has nothing else to do that night. At this point and time I will be committed to be an outsider and say I have zero interest in the new Batman flick.

The Olympics start in less than two weeks. I have watched like 30 minutes of the different trials. With everything being taped delay, waiting for primetime, it will be presented for the first time a full day later. I am one of those people who do not want to watch something that should be seen live.

Construction

Wednesday was an interesting driving day for me. In the morning, I went out to my dentist - out is a good way of putting it - to only drive to the Titanic a different way than usual following my appointment. The Titanic has a few different ways of entering and this way which I don't take was all messed up with construction. It took another five minutes which in the whole scheme of things is not that badbut for sure unexpected. This was followed up with a trip to a fine summer activity. I decided to take what I thought to be a "shorter" way of getting there. That proved to be completely wrong as they were doing construction on this well traveled three lane - sometimes four lanes - north south Macomb County road. Instead of getting to my location early by ten minutes, I arrived ten minutes late - NICE! This was not before being held up on a east west road due to gawking at a pulled over out of a commission automobile.

Another spot that is a daily nuisance ends up being my usual way home from the Titanic on I-75. That will be tied up for a few months. I assume my trip to the Titanic will be disrupted soon enough. I will not complain though as my commute is about twenty minutes.

The worst part of this all is I see these cones out there and I see NO ONE working so I ask myself if this is just a cruel joke being played on all us drivers. This seems to be a very baffling system that the government has going on these days.

The Urinal Stories

One day this past week, I had something happen twice in one day which is weird considering the circumstances. I have mentioned before I work at the Titanic. The facility is a very LARGE due to the number of people who work there. As a result, there are plenty of bathrooms with some with up to twenty urinals in a row. For the record I have not officially counted but I think that number is pretty accurate.

On one select day this week with in a few hours of each other, I was performing the process one man would if they were standing in front of those urinals. The first time there was eight urinals. When I entered the restroom, all the urinals were available. I went ahead and picked one in the middle. There was nothing strategic in the decision. I simply made a choice. With in a minute, a man entered the restroom with the same decision – Which urinal to perform his duty? Now if I were in his shoes presented with the choice of seven other urinals I would immediately not consider the urinals on either side of me. I would choose a urinal that will have one free urinal on either side. The man did not make that choice. Oh no!! He picked the one right next to me. Sure he could have given himself some space, but that was not good enough for him.

Of course this does not happen often I am sure you are telling yourselves but as luck would have it, it did in fact take place again. This took place in another bathroom which is split up into three sections each with four urinals, and three stalls giving a total or twelve urinals and nine stalls. I entered in at about late afternoon and found four available urinals in one section. I picked the right middle one and from the sounds of it, it was pretty empty. Another gentleman walked in and of course – as I am sure you anticipated – walked into the section I was located in and picked a urinal right next to me.

UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING – or so I thought.

I was of course floored by these circumstances happening in consecutively. It was for sure not “disturbing”, but for sure weird.

Summer evening random thoughts

Some random thoughts this nice summer evening...
- Why is Angelina Jolie having some babies such a big deal? Just checking.
- I saw the latest Indiana Jones movie. My opinion - don;t rent it and Please Harrison- No more!!
- So let me get this straight. Alex Rodriguez wife left him for Lenny Kravitz and then Alex himself went looking for Madonna? It makes my world spin to think about even playing that "six Degrees of separation" with all these four people only concerning sex partners.
- I said Tigers - 85 wins. It looks good here at the half way point. Their fielding stinks and to be honest they cannot hit the ball. Seems funny from all the talk before the season.
- Brett Favre - go away...
- Who will pick their VP first? Are both McCain and Obama wishing the other would pick theirs and they can counter. I suspect that McCain will wait until after the Democratic Convention.
- If I were a betting man, I would NOT put my money on Hillary. There is too much baggage and Billy Boy will be too much for Barack to handle.
- Obama seems to have a bunch of land mines. Between his pastor, his mistake on how many states are in the US and now Reverend Jesse Jackson showing his discord with him, it may prove to be a very rough ride to November for him.
- With all the talk about change from his camp he will have to pick someone that reinforces that thought. The tough part is finding that person who is not part of that Washington DC machine and whose politics are along the same line. Best bet - Governor.
- The people in the know seem to think one of two people - Mitt Romney or Tom Ridge. Both guys are Midwestern guys for key swing states. Both guys counter McCain's Washington Ties.
- Is it possible that Iraq will not be an issue by the time November rolls around? The insurgence is working. Both candidates have publicly commented that pulling the troops may not be the best thing to right now. What would there be to argue about Iraq at that point?

Good summer things

Some of the best things I like about summer:
- Wearing shorts regardless of where I go.
- Being outside on a nice night
- Being at an outside bar on a nice night.
- Sitting by the pool hoping you never have to leave and resume the normal life.
- The need to do outside work and the sense of accomplishment when it is done.
- Going to baseball games and hanging out. (I have to work on getting to one of those this season.)
- BBQ's
- Everyone's mood is better - or maybe it is just me.
- Rush hour traffic as a whole seems to be way better
- Longer days meaning more sunshine and daylight
- Fresh fruit

I may add more as time goes on.

Success

I am blogging with some "pops"in my system so bare with me.

Let me preface that I am not a weeknight consumer of "pops"
but this is an extraordinary circumstance. Hopefully nothing
like this for many, MANY years!!!

Anyways I wanted to post something as I remember it right now.
When I go to a wedding or graduation, I like to put in the
card the following poem from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Success

To laugh often and much
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.


It is a good barometer to go by in everyone's life.

Can't drive 55

I don’t know who even suggested it. All I want to state is I have no interest and I wish who ever did bring it up would work on more significant issues. Please do not pursue the suggestion of lowering the speed limit to 55. Go on with your lives and work on something else.

Lowering the speed limit to 55 would not help much since those who travel we will say 75 will not slow up much. Plus why would you waste police forces time enforcing a law that in the end will only prove to be a waste of time and energy.

Please go away.

For more thoughts on this, I will let Sammy Hagar speak to this issue

Calamity

I am to the point I am going to just start diligently putting in an entry at least three times a week., I am just not quite sure how exciting an entry about me dragging yet another five bags of yard waste to the curb will be after awhile. I seem to slowly but surely removing things from my yard one by one due much to overgrowth. I am wondering if the garbage men will eventually stop coming to my house.

One thing that got me this week is complete inefficiency that took place when I picked up an item from one of the retail places in here in the area. I bought a set of items from their clearance center back in mid-April. (I know for sure I bought it then because I did not do much shopping after that for some time). Anyways, the items, despite being in the clearance center were not available. They told me it would be about a month. Well a month passed by and the item I guess had not come in to the warehouse. I kind of forgot about it as it was not a big deal item for me as it was a big deal for others – like the women in my life who are not my girlfriend. (PLEASE NOTE – I don’t have one of those either) Well I got the phone call the items came in to the warehouse. I went to pick them up at the warehouse – which happens not to be the location I originally purchased them from. I have the receipt – which I miraculously still had which obviously amazed me. I drive to the location and go to the warehouse area. I give my receipt to the gatekeeper and he informs me I have to go get a bar code. “Huh?” I have to go into the “showroom” and get the bar code.

Well I go in and stand in line at the Customer Service area waiting for what seems like forever. Granted it was 8 o’clock at night but I looked at plenty of people behind the counter and they all simply looked back – GOOD TIMES!!! Finally someone offered to help me and I asked for the bar code while I handed them my invoice. This takes another ten minutes as it seems like some mystery what to do in order to get that bar code. Finally I get the bar code which appears to be close to the Holy Grail at this point.

I drive back to the Gatekeeper’s location and I drive back to drop off area. I back my car in and hand off the bar code. Now I am not thinking those who work in a warehouse would be Rhode Scholars but it yet takes another fifteen minutes to find the items in the warehouse. This as I look at one guy just sitting there “tuning” his mp3 player. Needless to say I am quite exacerbated at this point based on all the circumstances.

While nothing by itself in this experience was appalling, the whole thing put together was certainly a challenge for myself.

Myriad of items

I have not blogged in some time because I have not been that inspired to write about much lately. I guess I could have blogged last weekend about the passing of Tim Russert from “Meet the Press”. We had a lot of similarities. We are both Irish Catholics. We are both big sports fans. We both follow politics though he obviously was way closer than this man. We both revere our fathers and the rest of our families. Lastly, I don’t think Tim was much into styling the hair. That is pretty much the case here. I don’t think I have ever had any gel or hair spray in my hair.

I could have blogged about this temporary diet I was on that did not allow me to eat anything that was dairy, bread or non fresh foods. It would have been even better had I lost a bunch of weight on it but that was not the case. I would have tweaked a few things, wrote a book and been on network television morning shows only using my name “Midwest Gent”. I pretty much maintained my weight. Please caution that I was not on this diet for any weight issues and the health implications are VERY TEMPORARY! We will refer to it as a short status check and all reports are VERY GOOD!

Lastly, I could blog about such things as complaining the Tigers are terrible but that is not the case anymore. I could have pointed out the Pistons should have been the NBA champs but that seems to be old hat and I have no desire to be negative lately. I could have written about Tiger Woods great performance but I am not sure I could put into words that performance he has last week at the US Open.

This all means that I will be probably ranting about something by tomorrow evening - HA!

This has made me wonder for some time

I am not going to be long on this one.

Why does someone who lives in the Northern Midwest purchase a convertible and not have the top down on a sunny 80 degree day? You have about four months a year you can even think about it and when the time comes, you don't do it. If I did not see so much of it, I would not ask the question. My wonder never ceases.

The race heats up a bit...

A few random political thoughts this Saturday morning…

I wish the Democrats would have been able to last through the convention as it would have quite the show we as Americans have not seen in years. IT would have shed more light on what in the past was a fascinating political process…

Obama has a real choice in front of him. Does he pick Hillary to be a running mate? If he does pick her is he alienating his own supporters? If he does not pick her, is he alienating Democratic party members that so much believe in Hillary? If he picks Hillary, what does Bill mean to the whole thing? The drawbacks of the primaries going on as long as they did was create a divide in the Democrat party and only the future will determine the width of that divide and the time it takes to close it up.
Other issues with picking Hillary – neither of them have ever lead anything. Hillary only elected office experience was in the Senate which she only really spent about two years doing before she was running around the country campaigning for this election. Obama is no different as his Senate record has no real political accomplishment that the public can deem his own work. Obama’s opponent has only congressional experience but a long history of getting work done which will be promoted during the race.

Another challenge in front of Obama is the limited number of people who don’t know what his vision for America is right now. Even after all the campaigning against Hillary much of it was words and not much else. We as the electorate have been told “Change” but that in the end will mean nothing. What do you tell the people who think there is nothing wrong with the US?

He has spoken about how he will treat the Iraq situation but in the end, the American people will want to know how their security will be maintained from Al Quada as well as other terrorists. Based on his series of comments, the American people for sure don’t know where he stands on this one. Something as equally important is how he will deal with Iran, North Korea, and to a slightly lesser extent, Brazil. Will he sit back and wait for an attack inside US borders?
Domestically, he will be looking to reversing Bush Taxes. This will not be a simple task due to a few reasons. One tax revenues are the highest they ever have been in our country’s history. Next, no one knows what Congress will look like when the next President goes into Office next January. Lastly, will the electorate want to hear from both candidates on how they will address spending?

People will look to Obama to see what he will do to save the economy. (Your author will not stop here to explain why people should not be looking at him or McCain to save the economy)Will he be looking to do a tax rebate again next year? Will he do anything with the sub prime mess? Will he rescind Sarbanes Oxley allowing businesses to operate with less restrictions and let them focus on their core business tasks?
Only time will tell how Obama chooses to handle the heavily focused upon health care issues. He has gone back and forth on what he deems will be the solution. He has stated at one point every American should have health insurance. He has since backed off from that statement simply stating something needs to be done.

Obama has a lot going for him whether it be the reinvigorated black voter supporting him or Young America looking at him to provide the vision they don’t believe they have been given in their life time. He speaks to those who have been going through hard times and gives them hope for the future.

McCain is a tough opponent for Democrats especially this go round. The Democrats have spent so much time pulling the carpet out from their opponent in the primaries they forgot to look to see who is on the other side. It has not been since Reagan that the Democrats have run against such a moderate Republican. Clinton in his years was lucky to some extent when he ran against the conservative Dole as well as Bush Sr. Both those candidates were favorites with conservative Republicans but did not translate well to the moderates as well as independent voters. Saying all that, Clinton barely won those elections, walking away with less than 50% of the votes.
McCain’s challenge will be appeasing to the conservative Republican who has quite never warmed up to him after all these years. At the same time, he will have to somehow distance himself from the Bush presidency which this country has so much disdain for right now. Playing this balancing act, he will have to also reach across the aisle to let Democrats he has a plan for this country that will fit their ideals.
Will Democrats value his military experience and believe in some way he will best for national defense? Will conservative Republicans be wary of what he will do with taxes?

Lastly, who does McCain picks as his running mate? His choice will be watched just as much as Obama since McCain is no spring chicken. Is it important someone is picked who can win the next election? Should be pick a former opponent like Romney? Should he pick someone that is a minority for his ticket?
Regardless of how flawed the process is and how gut wrenching the last few months have been we can now start taking the election of 2008 take shape. The games will begin and only time will tell who is making the right choices or simply at the right place at the right time.

Late Night - Destiny delayed...

Should have gone to bed but what do I tell my grandkids? I went to bed early before history is about to be made. In a game that everyone would have been talking about for the ages. To have it end on a penalty...what a crime...

Lazy Journalism

So after doing some things this past Saturday, I thought it was a fine time for a nap. I sat down with the remote control to see if there was anything on for a few minutes before I took a siesta. I flipped through the channels on the idiot box to find CNN with some talking head coming back from break. They started out introducing some story showing scenes from Santa Barbara and eluding to the fact that even there housing troubles had taken place. From there, a story was told of people who lost their home due to foreclosure. Specifically they follow a woman was a mortgage notary who is now living out of her car working for $8.00/hr and her monthly Social Security. She lost her condo a few months back when she lost her job and her daughter is living with friends. In her car, she is living with two full grown golden retrievers. There was quick side bar to this story when they showed another woman living in her car with four cats. She is asked what the toughest thing about living in her car and she responds hygiene.

I could sit here and criticize the subjects in the story on their decisions but that has nothing to do with this blog entry.
My issue – even more when I read the written story on their website is why this story was presented in such a sympathetic manner. On the particular program I watched, the host simply stated – with the field reporter next to her - what a sad story. Please note what I viewed is not shown in the linked in this entry.

Why was this presented in such a tale of woe? Of course I know the answer to this question and that is because people would rather be sympathetic to another’s cause especially on the idiot box where it makes for good viewing. Neither the host nor the reporter asked “Why doesn’t the woman move to another area that is not dropping like an economic balloon?” or “Why doesn’t she rid of the dogs?” They don’t inquire why the woman does not contact her children living out of the country know her living status but she goes on CNN. Did anyone inquire why that was the case?

This is a constant trend in television news which is one reason I don’t watch the idiot box. As much as there is on right now, I find it remarkable there is even a market for it based on this very lazy journalism.

Another City Letter

Dear City – There are plenty of things baffling me right now on how your run your operation. The first thing is telling me my sidewalk needs to be replaced and oh by the way me the citizen that already drops a ton of money to you for property taxes relative to the land I own will need to flip the bill. This is despite there being no issue with the cement and it is simply uneven with what you as the city poured a few years back linking one house to another one. You tell me it is a hazard and I can’t figure out how it could be unless you are walking in the dark dragging your feet like a knuckle dragging cave man. You will undoubtedly get a visit from this citizen on that issue.

If that is not enough, I was diligent last weekend and was cleaning out the garage. While this took place, I discovered a fair amount of plastic bags – already bagged up but just sitting there serving zero purposes and a good amount of empty non-refundable bottles. This is all in addition to a fair amount of newspapers already bagged up but no place to go. Why ids that the case? You do not provide a recycling service with trash pickup. I am far from Mr. Green but this is 2008. Are you not twenty years late on offering such a service? Sure I can drive a few miles down the road and use the “recycling center” but that seems kind of cheap and lazy for a city your size. I do the responsible thing and put the recyclable items in the car. Come to find out I get there you will NOT accept plastic bags nor will you accept green glass. WTF! A fruitless trip that caused me to bring back well over half the garbage that needs to be recycled and might consider throwing away in the trash. I would love to know the rationale over the green glass as well as the plastic bags. I will figure out which department that is the day I stop by to discuss the cement.

You can rest assure if I was paying much more in taxes I would be a thorn in your side through several different methods.

Until next time – Midwest Gent

Note to all - Why does everything need to be an all out effort to get anything done in this world? It seems as time goes on the tasks grow as well as the time it takes to complete the tasks. The worst part is none of these tasks are really that outstanding other than the human factor involved with them putting up the psychological barriers. Who benefits from such barriers?

NEW PITA

I have a new PITA in my life. WHY ...WHY must I get books and DVD's sent to my home that I have not asked for and they come with the "If you keep for thirty days, we will charge you $XX.XX" when I have never even requested to eve try out any of these unrelated services.

I am trying to contain myself from calling these clowns and losing it on the phone. That of course never is good because the phone person on the other end is EXTREMELY far away from the clowns that decide this could be a good practice.

To those clowns - Why must you inconvenience my life with your clutter and than in order not to pay for those items request I take time out of my day to send things back to you I NEVER even asked for in the first place. Those are AWFUL business practices.

I think I feel better.

PS - I hope all you know now what "PITA" stands for. I will help with "Pain in the"