I gassed up today, $1.96/ gallon. I was in shock. I put 9 gallons of gas in and paid less than $18. How is this possible? Back in July I paid $4.17 per gallon. Here’s my theory-
George W. Bush. Yes President Bush is responsible. Ridiculous you say? It makes sense to me; everybody blames him when prices go up, why not give him credit when prices go down? Of course I am not that naïve. I believe this is his way of trying to redeem at least ONE good thing from the past eight years. Here’s my theory. The national average for a gallon of gas on January 20th 2001 was around $1.47 per gallon. Gas will continue to drop until it reaches that price or even lower. So when President Bush bids farewell on January 20th 2009 he will stand there with that goofy grin of his and let us know how the price for gas is the same as it was when he entered. He will think that we are stupid enough to buy it and forget all the crap from the past 8 yrs. The sad thing is that he’ll be right, most of us have bought the BS he’s been shoveling (I include myself here) and there are at least 27% or so (whatever his approval rating is) who still do. Of course the oil companies are in on this. He is buddies with all the oil companies who I’m sure don’t mind doing this little favor. Despite the sorry state of the economy oil companies are always turning record profits so providing cheap gas isn’t hurting them that much. Ridiculous you say? Paranoid? Maybe, maybe not. So buy up all the gas you can, save it in those red containers because I am almost certain that on January 21st 2009-prices will go up again.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Obama in by Christmas
Ok so Obama won the election. He mentioned in his acceptance address that there is only one administration at a time which I feel is a very honorable and noble sentiment. Of course he is preparing for the transition naming various staff members and of the course the rumors about Hillary, Bill Richardson and all that show us that while he is doing something he will not overstep his bounds. Unfortunately the current administration has decided to quit. Seriously, George Bush has given a new meaning to the term “lame duck”. Back when I was a missionary in Argentina, we called it being “trunky”. George W. Bush is the epitome of “trunkiness”. I am honestly surprised to still see him in Washington, I figured he’d already be in Crawford cutting trees and huntin. OK so what to do for the next 6 weeks or so? Obama really can’t do anything and Bush won’t do anything. We still have a financial mess. Foreclosures, business failures, the economy SUCKS, crises around the world. Wars going on in Iraq and Afghanistan: and now this mess in India. What to do? Let me propose something. For those Obama supporters, spread the word and get him in sooner. For those die hard conservatives, seriously, if Bush does this he will be remembered for doing something for the good of the country ahead of his own interests (for once). Have Dick Cheney resign immediately. I’m sure like Bush he’s doing nothing already, send him back to Wyoming so he can hunt pheasants, ducks, and lawyers-whatever. Then appoint Obama VP. After a day or so, George W. Bush resigns. The Obama Administration begins. Smooth transition, everyone benefits: So simple yet so genius. It’s not as if the Republicans haven’t done this before (Nixon-Agnew-Ford) to get out of trouble. You would think that they would be anxious to dump all these problems on the Democrats and begin regrouping for 2010 (mid-term elections) and of course for 2012. So write to your Congressperson, Senator, Oprah, Rush, O’Reilly, Hannity, Arnold, SNL, The View, whoever and let’s get Obama in by Christmas.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ok so I’m a dad. I have 3 kids-Rachel, Roman, and Tommy; ages 7, 6, 3 respectively. I can appreciate the dilemma most parents go through in wanting the best for your kids and wanting to provide them with the best opportunities possible. I want my children to succeed and be happy. Of course at their age they are not completely aware of all the good and bad that is out there so I do my best to help and protect them. I also realize that the day will come when I will no longer do that and that I must let my kids decide for themselves. I must let them stumble and make their own mistakes. I can only hope that they will learn from them and that they will know that I am here to support them. This message is directed to those parents who refuse to acknowledge this. And there are soooooo many out there it is ridiculous. I teach at the college level. And I still have parents calling me asking me to excuse their kids’ lateness, absence etc. I had a mother call and say she needed to schedule an appointment for her son. How old is the son? 19. 19 years old. I kindly explained that since he was an ADULT, he needed to contact me himself. She became rather upset, telling me that he was still immature and didn’t know what he wanted so she was going to make sure he didn’t make any mistakes in scheduling classes. Hmmm OK. Well I told her that when she finished feeding him and changing his diaper she could bring him down to my office during my office hours. (Not really) but it got me thinking, how incapable is this kid? Do I really want someone like this in my classes? Someone who needs his mommy to do things for him?
I guess I have little patience for people like this because
1. I was the first in my family to attend college. I had no previous experience in the whole application process. No experience with financial aid. Parents who did not speak English well. Parents who did not go to college, in fact they never went to high school. I had no experience in the whole registration, picking majors, classes etc. I think I did pretty good. So how come someone with English-speaking, college-educated parents can’t do something simple like register for classes without mommy?
2. My father died when I was 25. My mother before I was 30. I pretty much have had to figure out a lot of the “grown up” things on my own. Yes I have had great advice from people and I had a good wife for 7 ½ yrs who helped me out too but having mommy or daddy hold my hand? Yeah right.
3. I knew what I wanted. I knew what classes would get me there. I can NEVER imagine a situation where I would let someone else dictate my education for me; whether parents, counselors, spouse whatever. So I cannot understand how someone can sit there and allow mommy to choose classes. Even worse, someone who sits there and lets ME choose their classes. ME what the heck do I know? (I know a lot but seriously I still shouldn’t be picking your classes)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Gay marriage killed the dinosaurs
I took this from a group here Facebook. These reasons are hilarious but the sad thing is that there are probably people out there who really do believe them.
Top 13 Reasons Gay Marriage is Bad:
13. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.
12. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why our society has no single parents.
11. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.
10. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.
9. Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.
8. Gay marriage should be decided by the people and their elected representatives, not the courts. The framers checked the courts, which represent mainstream public opinion, with legislatures created to protect the rights of minorities from the tyranny of the majority. Interference by courts in this matter is inappropriate, just as it has been every time the courts have tried to hold back legislatures pushing for civil rights.
7. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Britany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.
6. Civil unions, providing most of the same benefits as marriage with a different name are better, because "separate but equal" institutions are a good way to satisfy the demands of uppity minority groups.
5. Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.
4. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.
3. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.
2. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.
1. METEORS and VOLCANOES. Those did not kill the Dinosaurs--gay marriage did.
Top 13 Reasons Gay Marriage is Bad:
13. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.
12. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why our society has no single parents.
11. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.
10. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.
9. Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.
8. Gay marriage should be decided by the people and their elected representatives, not the courts. The framers checked the courts, which represent mainstream public opinion, with legislatures created to protect the rights of minorities from the tyranny of the majority. Interference by courts in this matter is inappropriate, just as it has been every time the courts have tried to hold back legislatures pushing for civil rights.
7. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Britany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.
6. Civil unions, providing most of the same benefits as marriage with a different name are better, because "separate but equal" institutions are a good way to satisfy the demands of uppity minority groups.
5. Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.
4. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.
3. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.
2. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.
1. METEORS and VOLCANOES. Those did not kill the Dinosaurs--gay marriage did.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
rambling
Well where to start, I have been a rather bad blogger but truthfully I lead a rather boring life so there is not a whole lot to talk about.
I am currently teaching a summer class, only 10 students so it is very nice. Sometimes I wish the entire year were a summer schedule but alas...
Due to the high gas prices and the sorry state of the economy I have decided that I need to cut back on many things in order to be able to live.
1. I borrow from the library instead of Netflix. I get stuff free at the college library, since there's hardly any students around there's a great choice and even though it's only supposed to be a 4 day borrow period they never charge me anything if I keep the movies a day or two longer because I'm faculty and they like me.
2. I coupon clip and stock up at sales--yeah I guess one should always do this but I am even more conscious now.
3. With gas at $4.15 gallon (here in NY) and the proud owner of a minivan, I have decided to drive as little as possible. I walk when I can (including to work) and I have bought a bus pass. One thing I came to realize during my time in Spain is how overly dependent we are on cars in the US. In other parts of the world people have no problems walking 2, 3, 4 or even 5 miles to get somewhere and public transportation is readily available even in small towns. I think we need to look to Europe on how to do things right.
And BTW, over the last month I have spent $110 on gas-TOTAL. Yup for an entire month. I've also dropped 11lbs from the walking.
Speaking about the sorry state of the economy that's something else that hit home when I was in Spain. Just how weak the dollar is abroad. One does not see it unless one compares it to something like the Euro. Last year when I was there it was 1.33E=$1.00. This past May 1.74E=$1.oo--What does this mean? Well last year if I spent 10 euros it equaled $13. This year 10 euros equaled $17. For the people there prices remained the same, for us things have risen. As one hears the news; over 340,000 home foreclosures this year, major banks failing, businesses closing, major companies cutting jobs, the stock market falling, rising fuel and food costs--it all seems surreal. I just wish our idiot president and his cronies would admit that things are messed up so something could be done about it. (And no offshore oil drilling really isn't the answer--that's a band-aid, we need major surgery here).
I am currently teaching a summer class, only 10 students so it is very nice. Sometimes I wish the entire year were a summer schedule but alas...
Due to the high gas prices and the sorry state of the economy I have decided that I need to cut back on many things in order to be able to live.
1. I borrow from the library instead of Netflix. I get stuff free at the college library, since there's hardly any students around there's a great choice and even though it's only supposed to be a 4 day borrow period they never charge me anything if I keep the movies a day or two longer because I'm faculty and they like me.
2. I coupon clip and stock up at sales--yeah I guess one should always do this but I am even more conscious now.
3. With gas at $4.15 gallon (here in NY) and the proud owner of a minivan, I have decided to drive as little as possible. I walk when I can (including to work) and I have bought a bus pass. One thing I came to realize during my time in Spain is how overly dependent we are on cars in the US. In other parts of the world people have no problems walking 2, 3, 4 or even 5 miles to get somewhere and public transportation is readily available even in small towns. I think we need to look to Europe on how to do things right.
And BTW, over the last month I have spent $110 on gas-TOTAL. Yup for an entire month. I've also dropped 11lbs from the walking.
Speaking about the sorry state of the economy that's something else that hit home when I was in Spain. Just how weak the dollar is abroad. One does not see it unless one compares it to something like the Euro. Last year when I was there it was 1.33E=$1.00. This past May 1.74E=$1.oo--What does this mean? Well last year if I spent 10 euros it equaled $13. This year 10 euros equaled $17. For the people there prices remained the same, for us things have risen. As one hears the news; over 340,000 home foreclosures this year, major banks failing, businesses closing, major companies cutting jobs, the stock market falling, rising fuel and food costs--it all seems surreal. I just wish our idiot president and his cronies would admit that things are messed up so something could be done about it. (And no offshore oil drilling really isn't the answer--that's a band-aid, we need major surgery here).
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Welcome to last place--
What does one do when the woman you thought you loved lets you know that she has been deceiving you since the day you met??
To every guy that regrets hurting or losing her.
To every guy who knows which girl he wants.
To every guy that's said, "You're beautiful."
To every guy that was never too busy to drive across town (or across the state)( or across the country ) to see her.
To every guy that gives flowers and a card when she is sick.
To every guy who has given her flowers just because.
To every guy that said he would die for her.
To every guy that really would.
To every guy that did what she wanted to do.
To every guy that cried in front of her.
To every guy that she cried in front of.
To every guy that holds hands with her.
To every guy that kisses her with meaning.
To every guy that hugs her when she's sad.
To every guy that hugs her for no reason at all.
To every guy who would give their jacket up for her.
To every guy that calls to make sure she got home safe.
To every guy that would sit and wait hours to see her, even if they could only spend a few minutes together.
To every guy that would give his seat up.
To every guy that just wants to cuddle.
To every guy that reassured her that she was beautiful no matter what. And honestly believed what he said.
To every guy who told his secrets to her.
To every guy that tried to show how much he cared through every word and every breath.
To every guy that thought "maybe this could be the one".
To every guy that believed in her dreams.
To every guy that would have done anything so she could achieve them.
To every guy that never laughed at her when she told him her dreams.
To every guy that walked her to her car.
To every guy that wasn't just trying to get laid.
To every guy that gave his heart and still has a piece missing.
To every guy who prays that she is happy even if he is not the one that makes her that way.
To every guy who doesnt care how far away she lives, and will still date her because it's her.
To every guy who cares the most about how she feels, even when she breaks your heart.
This is one bulletin for you...
Not many girls appreciate nice guys anymore... And because of this, there are not many left out there...
If you are a nice guy repost this with "Nice guys finish last."
If you are a girl that thinks every guy should try to acomplish even a few of these repost this with: "To the nice guys left."
To every guy that regrets hurting or losing her.
To every guy who knows which girl he wants.
To every guy that's said, "You're beautiful."
To every guy that was never too busy to drive across town (or across the state)( or across the country ) to see her.
To every guy that gives flowers and a card when she is sick.
To every guy who has given her flowers just because.
To every guy that said he would die for her.
To every guy that really would.
To every guy that did what she wanted to do.
To every guy that cried in front of her.
To every guy that she cried in front of.
To every guy that holds hands with her.
To every guy that kisses her with meaning.
To every guy that hugs her when she's sad.
To every guy that hugs her for no reason at all.
To every guy who would give their jacket up for her.
To every guy that calls to make sure she got home safe.
To every guy that would sit and wait hours to see her, even if they could only spend a few minutes together.
To every guy that would give his seat up.
To every guy that just wants to cuddle.
To every guy that reassured her that she was beautiful no matter what. And honestly believed what he said.
To every guy who told his secrets to her.
To every guy that tried to show how much he cared through every word and every breath.
To every guy that thought "maybe this could be the one".
To every guy that believed in her dreams.
To every guy that would have done anything so she could achieve them.
To every guy that never laughed at her when she told him her dreams.
To every guy that walked her to her car.
To every guy that wasn't just trying to get laid.
To every guy that gave his heart and still has a piece missing.
To every guy who prays that she is happy even if he is not the one that makes her that way.
To every guy who doesnt care how far away she lives, and will still date her because it's her.
To every guy who cares the most about how she feels, even when she breaks your heart.
This is one bulletin for you...
Not many girls appreciate nice guys anymore... And because of this, there are not many left out there...
If you are a nice guy repost this with "Nice guys finish last."
If you are a girl that thinks every guy should try to acomplish even a few of these repost this with: "To the nice guys left."
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