So, as I was driving to work this morning, I couldnt help but feel awesome!
The weather has changed from typical California warmth, to the 60 degree, clear and sunny weather that I love oh so much!
Despite there not being an enormous change in seasons, there are still noticeable differences. On some tree's, the leaves do, in fact, change color, which is great to see. The cold weather is a nice change too because, hey, who doesn't love wearing sweaters?
Anyways, another reason i'm in such a great mood is sports-related.
My Los Angeles Lakers are not only the 2-time defending NBA champions, but they are also 12-2, show very few, if any, weaknesses, happen to have the greatest player to ever step on a basketball court (Kobe Bryant), and absolutely annihilated the Golden State Warriors last night, another annoying team I don't like.
Granted, the Warriors are not exactly an elite NBA squad. Sure, a few college teams would probably beat them, but it was still nice for the Lakers to be up by 30 points at halftime and for Kobe and Pau Gasol to not have to play in the entire 4th quarter.
Great victory, boys! They are well on their way to a second 3-peat.
Outside of sports, I'm very excited for Thanksgiving this year, mainly because it means a 4-day weekend.
Hope everyone is well.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Political Rant
So I try not to do these very often on my blog anymore, but occasionally, it just comes out.
With the recent election results, I have come to the conclusion that Americans, as a whole, are not particularly intelligent nor do they possess any patience, at all.
The biggest issue? The economy of course.
Unemployment is high, jobs are few, and people are pissed. However, so few people actually understand how the economy works and what factors caused this terrible recession. Two years ago everyone was blaming George W. Bush. This year, it was all Barack Obama's fault. So what is the problem?
Let me give you a small history lesson.
After the Great Depression of the 30's, banks were regulated heavily by the government and the FDIC was created. The intention was to prevent such a catastrophe from ever occurring again, as well as to keep an eye on the banks and not let them become too powerful.
At the same time, in order to help fund all the incredible infrastructural projects going on in this country, the top-tier tax rate was set at 91% for the highest earners. In addition, large corporations paid a moderately high tax rate, but could enjoy tax breaks as they hired more employees.
At this point in American history, things were going pretty well. The infrastructure build-up led to the creation of a booming middle class. More social services were in place for the less fortunate to help keep them afloat, and, despite a 91% income tax rate, the top earners were living very well.
In the 1970's, however, things changed. Banking de-regulation began, allowing banks to now move into other states and charge the highest possible interest rates. The top earners in the country also began paying less in taxes, causing social services cuts.
In the 1980's, things got exponentially worse under Ronald Reagan, as Wall Street became a power player in Washington DC.
The 90's and 2000's, only served to completely de-regulate the banking system, leading to the housing and lending crash of 2008.
So why is it so hard to get back on our feet?
A few reasons:
Top Income-Tax Rate:
The current top tax rate is 37%, compared to 91% in the1950's and 60's. The government has tried to keep skeletal remains of the social programs that flourished back then, but with little in the way of revenue coming in, they are extremely hard to justify. Another enormous consequence is that when the tax rate for the super-rich is lower, the tax rates for the rest of us go much higher. Income tax, sales tax, etc, all go sky high because the rich are able to play on the fears of the stupid in order to benefit themselves.
Business Taxes:
This is an issue that pisses me off like no other. Huge corporations get enormous tax breaks by lobbying politicians and making generous campaign donations. Not only that, there have never been any penalties lobbied or even suggested for the businesses that move off-shore and take jobs with them, many of which have devastated entire cities. Yet, Americans still hold on to some vapid belief that if businesses pay less in taxes, they will save money and use it hire new employees, instead of what they actually spend it on, new jets, new houses, lavish vacations, enormous bonuses, etc.
Conservative Policy:
Call me a liberal homer all you want, conservative economic policy does not work! people are blinded into thinking that conservatives are great with budgets and practice frugality. There is a whole lot more to it than that. Conservatives implement something called "trickle-down" economics, wherein they believe that major tax breaks for huge corporate entities will eventually "trickle down" to consumers, resulting in lower cost of goods and increased hiring. This has never, ever worked.
Solution:
If you have ever heard the old adage, "You need to spend money, to make money" it also applies to the government. When the government creates a new agency (like a government-run healthcare system), they not only create hundreds of thousands of jobs, they also force private enterprise to become more competitive. Government-run services don't depend on profit, they depend on tax dollars, which are not a problem when the top rate is high and businesses pay their fare share. When private enterprises respond to free government services with better prices than normal and, naturally, a better service than that offered by the government, their business tends to increase causing higher profits and more jobs, as the increased demand necessitates new hires. When you combine this theory with a plan to roll back bank de-regulation, making them accountable for their actions and severely limiting their reach and power, you strengthen the power of the consumer and strengthen the economy.
You're welcome, America.
With the recent election results, I have come to the conclusion that Americans, as a whole, are not particularly intelligent nor do they possess any patience, at all.
The biggest issue? The economy of course.
Unemployment is high, jobs are few, and people are pissed. However, so few people actually understand how the economy works and what factors caused this terrible recession. Two years ago everyone was blaming George W. Bush. This year, it was all Barack Obama's fault. So what is the problem?
Let me give you a small history lesson.
After the Great Depression of the 30's, banks were regulated heavily by the government and the FDIC was created. The intention was to prevent such a catastrophe from ever occurring again, as well as to keep an eye on the banks and not let them become too powerful.
At the same time, in order to help fund all the incredible infrastructural projects going on in this country, the top-tier tax rate was set at 91% for the highest earners. In addition, large corporations paid a moderately high tax rate, but could enjoy tax breaks as they hired more employees.
At this point in American history, things were going pretty well. The infrastructure build-up led to the creation of a booming middle class. More social services were in place for the less fortunate to help keep them afloat, and, despite a 91% income tax rate, the top earners were living very well.
In the 1970's, however, things changed. Banking de-regulation began, allowing banks to now move into other states and charge the highest possible interest rates. The top earners in the country also began paying less in taxes, causing social services cuts.
In the 1980's, things got exponentially worse under Ronald Reagan, as Wall Street became a power player in Washington DC.
The 90's and 2000's, only served to completely de-regulate the banking system, leading to the housing and lending crash of 2008.
So why is it so hard to get back on our feet?
A few reasons:
Top Income-Tax Rate:
The current top tax rate is 37%, compared to 91% in the1950's and 60's. The government has tried to keep skeletal remains of the social programs that flourished back then, but with little in the way of revenue coming in, they are extremely hard to justify. Another enormous consequence is that when the tax rate for the super-rich is lower, the tax rates for the rest of us go much higher. Income tax, sales tax, etc, all go sky high because the rich are able to play on the fears of the stupid in order to benefit themselves.
Business Taxes:
This is an issue that pisses me off like no other. Huge corporations get enormous tax breaks by lobbying politicians and making generous campaign donations. Not only that, there have never been any penalties lobbied or even suggested for the businesses that move off-shore and take jobs with them, many of which have devastated entire cities. Yet, Americans still hold on to some vapid belief that if businesses pay less in taxes, they will save money and use it hire new employees, instead of what they actually spend it on, new jets, new houses, lavish vacations, enormous bonuses, etc.
Conservative Policy:
Call me a liberal homer all you want, conservative economic policy does not work! people are blinded into thinking that conservatives are great with budgets and practice frugality. There is a whole lot more to it than that. Conservatives implement something called "trickle-down" economics, wherein they believe that major tax breaks for huge corporate entities will eventually "trickle down" to consumers, resulting in lower cost of goods and increased hiring. This has never, ever worked.
Solution:
If you have ever heard the old adage, "You need to spend money, to make money" it also applies to the government. When the government creates a new agency (like a government-run healthcare system), they not only create hundreds of thousands of jobs, they also force private enterprise to become more competitive. Government-run services don't depend on profit, they depend on tax dollars, which are not a problem when the top rate is high and businesses pay their fare share. When private enterprises respond to free government services with better prices than normal and, naturally, a better service than that offered by the government, their business tends to increase causing higher profits and more jobs, as the increased demand necessitates new hires. When you combine this theory with a plan to roll back bank de-regulation, making them accountable for their actions and severely limiting their reach and power, you strengthen the power of the consumer and strengthen the economy.
You're welcome, America.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thirsty Thursday: Margarita
The Margarita, everyone's favorite drink when they're feeling a little south-of-the-border.
Of course, there are many different variations of the drink. Sometimes it's frozen, others it has a salted rim, however, I am focusing on the the true version of a margarita:On the rocks with lots of alcohol. You can go pour your Pixie Sticks into a bottle of tequila if that's what you're looking for.
The Margarita was conceived of in Mexico in the 1930's by a man local's referred to as "Barman Willie" which basically means Bartender Willie. He created the drink for a long time patron named Marguerite Henry, who was friends with the owner of Los Dos Republicas, the bar in question. The owner then had Willie create a drink and name it after her, thus creating a legend.
Ingredients:
1.5 Ounces Aged Tequila (Tres Generaciones Silver is my choice)
1/2 Ounce Cointreau
1 Ounce Freshly Squeezed Lime
1/2 Ounce Simple Syrup
Lime Wedge
Shake Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Strain into a highball glass with ice. Garnish with the lime wedge. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wacky Wednesday: Chacarron
For those of you who can't pronounce the above word (Shaka-rone), it's this incredibly odd Reggaeton song from 4 years ago where the lyrics are essentially just gibberish. Clearly, the greatest song of all time and I'm sure Corky from "Life Goes On" would be proud.
On a side note, I'm back from my mini-vacation from blogger. =)
Chacarron
There's a special guest on this odd, odd video....
National Facebook Un-friend day, Pt 1:
National Facebook Un-friend day, Pt 2:
Cleveland's response to the Lebron James commercial:
Wow!
This is awesome!
And of course, This Week in Unnecessary Censorship:
On a side note, I'm back from my mini-vacation from blogger. =)
Chacarron
There's a special guest on this odd, odd video....
National Facebook Un-friend day, Pt 1:
National Facebook Un-friend day, Pt 2:
Cleveland's response to the Lebron James commercial:
Wow!
This is awesome!
And of course, This Week in Unnecessary Censorship:
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thirsty Thursday: Manhattan
When it's all about class and feeling like royalty when you drink, the Manhattan is your best bet. One of six basic drinks listed in David A. Embury's classic The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, since World War II they are the traditional cocktail of merchant, yachting, and Coast Guard Auxiliary commodores.
The drink originated in the 1870's at New York's famous Manhattan Club. It was specifically invented for a banquet thrown by Winston Churchill's mother, Jennie Jerome, in honor of Presidential Candidate Samuel J. Tilden.
So successful was the banquet, that people began asking for the drink as "That Manhattan cocktail" elsewhere in the city.
My only caution with this drink: If you're not a Whiskey drinker, steer clear.
Ingredients:
2 Ounces Rye Whiskey (Jamesons 1780, but you're going to drop $50 per bottle)
1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth
2 Dashes Bitters
1 Cherry
Shake Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth and bitters in a shaker. Strain into a cocktail or martini glass. Garnish With cherry, Enjoy!
(A popular version of this drink is a Rob Roy, which is made with Scotch Whiskey instead of Rye.)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day: Voter's Guide
Hello All!
Today is Election Day and hopefully, all of you will get out and vote (unless you're Republican)!
As a service to the country, I am going to put together a mini voter's guide, not only for California, but nationwide.
Proposition 19: Legalizes Marijuana under CA Law.
This is a clear-cut Yes vote. Aside from eliminating a major weapon in the arsenal of sleazy drug dealers, Marijuana is a safer version of alcohol that is not nearly as addictive nor does it cause some of the negative tendencies in people that alcohol tends to bring out (ie: belligerence). In addition, the formation of new companies dealing with sales and distribution, along with the tax revenue, will be an enormous boost to the economy.
Proposition 20: Changes redistricting rights to a 14-member bi-partisan committee.
Another no-brainer. This makes gerrymandering obsolete and re-draws districts to more accurately represent the constituents.Vote Yes!
Proposition 21: $18 annual vehicle license fee to fund state parks.
This is a good idea. $18 a year to gain free admission to all state parks whenever you'd like, off-setting other funds being currently used to pay for parks and adding about $250 million to their budget. Vote yes.
Proposition 22: Prohibits state from borrowing funds used for transportation, redevelopment or local government projects.
Sounds good on paper, but when you really delve into it, could end up screwing over the schools and emergency services pretty badly. Not a bad proposition, but needs seasoning. Vote no.
Proposition 23: Suspends Air Pollution control law (AB 32) aimed at stopping Greenhouse emissions until unemployment is at 5.5% for 1 year.
Bad, bad idea. I understand the economy is still recovering, but compromising our health and the environment is not the way to go about it. Texas oil companies behind this one. Absolutely a No vote.
Proposition 24: Repeals recent legislation that allows big businesses to lower their tax liability.
If anyone needs to have their tax liability lowered, it's not big corporations. A Yes vote increases state tax revenue by about $1.3 Billion. Clear-cut Yes.
Proposition 25: Changes required votes to pass a state budget from 2/3 to a simple majority.
If you ever want a budget submitted on time, this is necessary. Vote Yes!
Proposition 26: Requires certain state and local fee's be approved by 2/3 vote.
Basically, this is gross polluters not wanting to pay for the damage they cause. Well-worded to throw people off, but ultimately a bad idea.
Proposition 27: Eliminates voter redistricting commission.
Eliminates Proposition 20.Obviously a no vote.
Races
Governor: Jerry Brown vs. Meg Whitman
Jerry Brown
Senate: Babara Boxer vs. Carly Fiorina
Barbara Boxer
Lt Governor: Gavin Newsom vs. Abel Maldonado
Gavin Newsom
Secretary of State: Debra Bowen vs. Damon Dunn
Debra Bowen
Controller: John Chiang
John Chiang
Treasurer: Bill Lockyer vs. Mimi Walters
Bill Lockyer
Attorney General: Kamala Harris vs. Steve Cooley
Kamala Harris
Nationwide
Make sure to vote against anyone affiliated with the Tea Party...Bunch of wackos.
And here's my argument for the Democrats:
In the past two years, there has been more progressive legislation passed than in any time since FDR was president. A depression was prevented, a health-care bill was passed that keeps health-care companies from dropping you when you have a serious illness, programs were put in place to fund green business and technology and an enormous part of the stimulus package is funding to completely overhaul and modernize the US infrastructure over the next 10 years.
Republicans had control for quite some time in the past decade and you all saw what happened. Now they're trying to say that the Dems and Obama are doing nothing. If they were doing nothing, do you think the GOP would have sop much hatred towards them? Nope. The fact that they're are pushing through so much progressive legislation is what's irking the GOP, and GOP gains in congress could halt the progress they've made.
Vote Dem this year and you will not regret it.
Today is Election Day and hopefully, all of you will get out and vote (unless you're Republican)!
As a service to the country, I am going to put together a mini voter's guide, not only for California, but nationwide.
Proposition 19: Legalizes Marijuana under CA Law.
This is a clear-cut Yes vote. Aside from eliminating a major weapon in the arsenal of sleazy drug dealers, Marijuana is a safer version of alcohol that is not nearly as addictive nor does it cause some of the negative tendencies in people that alcohol tends to bring out (ie: belligerence). In addition, the formation of new companies dealing with sales and distribution, along with the tax revenue, will be an enormous boost to the economy.
Proposition 20: Changes redistricting rights to a 14-member bi-partisan committee.
Another no-brainer. This makes gerrymandering obsolete and re-draws districts to more accurately represent the constituents.Vote Yes!
Proposition 21: $18 annual vehicle license fee to fund state parks.
This is a good idea. $18 a year to gain free admission to all state parks whenever you'd like, off-setting other funds being currently used to pay for parks and adding about $250 million to their budget. Vote yes.
Proposition 22: Prohibits state from borrowing funds used for transportation, redevelopment or local government projects.
Sounds good on paper, but when you really delve into it, could end up screwing over the schools and emergency services pretty badly. Not a bad proposition, but needs seasoning. Vote no.
Proposition 23: Suspends Air Pollution control law (AB 32) aimed at stopping Greenhouse emissions until unemployment is at 5.5% for 1 year.
Bad, bad idea. I understand the economy is still recovering, but compromising our health and the environment is not the way to go about it. Texas oil companies behind this one. Absolutely a No vote.
Proposition 24: Repeals recent legislation that allows big businesses to lower their tax liability.
If anyone needs to have their tax liability lowered, it's not big corporations. A Yes vote increases state tax revenue by about $1.3 Billion. Clear-cut Yes.
Proposition 25: Changes required votes to pass a state budget from 2/3 to a simple majority.
If you ever want a budget submitted on time, this is necessary. Vote Yes!
Proposition 26: Requires certain state and local fee's be approved by 2/3 vote.
Basically, this is gross polluters not wanting to pay for the damage they cause. Well-worded to throw people off, but ultimately a bad idea.
Proposition 27: Eliminates voter redistricting commission.
Eliminates Proposition 20.Obviously a no vote.
Races
Governor: Jerry Brown vs. Meg Whitman
Jerry Brown
Senate: Babara Boxer vs. Carly Fiorina
Barbara Boxer
Lt Governor: Gavin Newsom vs. Abel Maldonado
Gavin Newsom
Secretary of State: Debra Bowen vs. Damon Dunn
Debra Bowen
Controller: John Chiang
John Chiang
Treasurer: Bill Lockyer vs. Mimi Walters
Bill Lockyer
Attorney General: Kamala Harris vs. Steve Cooley
Kamala Harris
Nationwide
Make sure to vote against anyone affiliated with the Tea Party...Bunch of wackos.
And here's my argument for the Democrats:
In the past two years, there has been more progressive legislation passed than in any time since FDR was president. A depression was prevented, a health-care bill was passed that keeps health-care companies from dropping you when you have a serious illness, programs were put in place to fund green business and technology and an enormous part of the stimulus package is funding to completely overhaul and modernize the US infrastructure over the next 10 years.
Republicans had control for quite some time in the past decade and you all saw what happened. Now they're trying to say that the Dems and Obama are doing nothing. If they were doing nothing, do you think the GOP would have sop much hatred towards them? Nope. The fact that they're are pushing through so much progressive legislation is what's irking the GOP, and GOP gains in congress could halt the progress they've made.
Vote Dem this year and you will not regret it.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday.....
After an awesome weekend, I'm having a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day.
I'll post a blog tomorrow.
In the meantime, to cheer up myself and anyone else who may need it, Zach Galifianakis:
I'll post a blog tomorrow.
In the meantime, to cheer up myself and anyone else who may need it, Zach Galifianakis:
Friday, October 29, 2010
Funny Picture Friday: This is Halloween...
Happy Friday! Very excited about not having work for the next two days...also, Halloween.
In honor of the holiday, A (Mostly) Halloween-related set of pictures....
In honor of the holiday, A (Mostly) Halloween-related set of pictures....
(I'm sure this will be most of us, come Sunday)
(Stupidest woman ever)
(Hahaha!)
(Very clever Dog costume)
(The Force is strong with this one)
(From the wonderful Catsthatlooklikehitler.com, a Cat that looks like Hitler)
(My senior year of college, the sexiest Wonder Woman ever)
Happy Halloween!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thirsty Thursday: Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island was invented relatively recently, yet has gained in popularity. Conceived in the 1970's in Long Island, New York, as a refreshing summer drink that would fuck you up beyond recognition.
Mission Accomplished.
Of course, depending on your region, there are variations of the drink.
Down here, you can order a Long Beach Iced Tea wherein Cranberry Juice is substituted for soda. It gives it a more unique taste, and just as much alcohol.The perfect drink for when you don't know what you want, but you know you want to be drunk.
Ingredients:
1/2 Ounce Vodka (Belvedere works best)
1/2 Ounce light Rum (Bacardi Silver)
1/2 Ounce Tequila (1800 mixes perfectly)
1/2 Ounce Triple Sec (Cointreau)
1/2 Ounce Gin (Seagram's is preferable for this)
1 Ounce Sour mix
Splash of Cola
Pour all ingredients into a tall glass of ice. Stir and enjoy!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wacky Wednesday: It's Kind of a Funny Day...
Happy Wednesday!
For your viewing pleasure...
For your viewing pleasure...
(Interview with an Idiot)
(Hannah Mantegna)
(I thought most women loved this)
(Hide Yo kids, Hide Yo Wife, Hide Yo...iPhone?)
(Luke Skywalker has OCD)
(Weathermen are perverts...)
(Coolest Video Ever!)
(And of course, Unnecessary Censorship)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)