Okay, I've been away from this blog long enough. I have spent too much time on Facebook, following political scenes, shouting political crys and just alienating myself from a world that is not me and doesn't have much use for me.
SO, I will use this forum as my soapbox. I can't do too much damage here. I've only got two followers. And hopefully they won't be following too closely. After all, it's better to lose two followers on this blog than offend my 156 friends on Facebook.
Recently, a few people have been bringing up Neil Young songs. Jon Hardy has been singing parts of one or two songs from After the Goldrush in his comment bars. Robbie Redmon found similarity with John Hiatt's music. And Andy Whinery and I used to play Heart of Gold and Needle and the Damage Done from Harvest in the early 70s. Never mind that I flipped out on acid while driving around Ontario, Canada listening to Round and Round We Go from the Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere album (sometimes album titles are so profound).
This is one song that came to mind after ending a very brief Facebook friendship with Tara. Never mind what the lyrics may really mean. It's just a fuckin' sad song.
Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life, Twenty-four and there's so much more
Live alone in a paradise That makes me think of two
Love lost, such a cost, Give me things that don't get lost
Like a coin that won't get tossed, Rolling home to you
Old Man take a look at my life, I'm a lot like you were
I need someone to love me the whole day through.
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true.
Lullabies, look in your eyes, run around the same old town
Doesn't mean that much to me to mean that much to you.
I've been first and last, look at how the time goes past
But I'm all alone at last, rolling home to you.
Old Man take a look at my life, I'm a lot like you were
I need someone to love me the whole day through.
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that's true.
Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Glenn Beck Wants Chinese Communists Markets
It was my understanding that Libertarians were individuals who advocated certain freedoms from government intrusion (which I thought was a hallmark of Liberalism , at one time). So, while looking up qualities of Libertarianism, I drifted into a stub on Laissez-Faire economics. Now laissez-faire is often associated with Free Market economics which is an objective of the conservatives and, most particularly, those who want you to spend your money with them without any protection by government. You know, those "it's your own fault if you get fooled" people.
I was surprised to see that the idea of laissez-faire was actually first used by the Chinese in the Han Dynasty around 200 B.C. (Han, by the way, is thought to be where the word Hun came from). So, if I were to make the same kind of connections that Glenn Beck makes: My God! Glenn Beck is advocating an economy invented by the Chinese! And with the same reasoning, China is Communist, therefore, Glenn Beck must be advocating Communism! But wait -- There's more. Because Free Market economy was invented in the Han Dynasty that must make Glenn Beck a Hun and he wants to take over the world.
And I bet he eats rice, too.
Continuing on is pointless, because I could just keep going in circles making "if this then, that" arguments as Beck does. But I don't have Nielson ratings either, which is why he keeps on telling you that he's going to let you in on a little secret in the next segment or on the next day.
I was surprised to see that the idea of laissez-faire was actually first used by the Chinese in the Han Dynasty around 200 B.C. (Han, by the way, is thought to be where the word Hun came from). So, if I were to make the same kind of connections that Glenn Beck makes: My God! Glenn Beck is advocating an economy invented by the Chinese! And with the same reasoning, China is Communist, therefore, Glenn Beck must be advocating Communism! But wait -- There's more. Because Free Market economy was invented in the Han Dynasty that must make Glenn Beck a Hun and he wants to take over the world.
And I bet he eats rice, too.
Continuing on is pointless, because I could just keep going in circles making "if this then, that" arguments as Beck does. But I don't have Nielson ratings either, which is why he keeps on telling you that he's going to let you in on a little secret in the next segment or on the next day.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Okay, It's time to start blogging again.
I guess it's been sometime since I blogged, so I may as well put some more time and effort into it. For those who are just discovering my blog, remember that the previous entries were more than 6 months ago.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Just for today
Today is one of those days that I want to say "F**k yo*" to the world.
It's one of those days where I'm unhappy that I have to be the family babysitter for the rest of my life. One of those days where I'm told I am of little value to those that need me, so I should just sacrifice my home, my career and any sense of a decent wage - because I'm ME: Other people can get paid a fair wage, other people can go home and raise families, other people can pursue their interests. But because you're YOU, Jesse, you get to remain insignificant, just so you can wait hand and foot on us the rest of your piece of s**t life.
There, that feels better.
It's one of those days where I'm unhappy that I have to be the family babysitter for the rest of my life. One of those days where I'm told I am of little value to those that need me, so I should just sacrifice my home, my career and any sense of a decent wage - because I'm ME: Other people can get paid a fair wage, other people can go home and raise families, other people can pursue their interests. But because you're YOU, Jesse, you get to remain insignificant, just so you can wait hand and foot on us the rest of your piece of s**t life.
There, that feels better.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
How's are money being used?
I just wonder what is happening with the money that's been given the banks for a bailout. And I'd kind of like to know, what was it being used for before the bailouts.
I understand that a lot of loans were made to people who couldn't afford to maintain the loans, and that probably goes against sound financial principles. But how about all these new bank branches that pop up everywhere. And new banks, for that matter. Did the banks make loans to themselves that they couldn't maintain? I think if a bank was going to make a bad loan, it would probably take just as much risk with its own company.
"You know me! I'm you. I would never cheat you, that would be like cheating myself. I promise you I'll pay myself back. I know our position looks bad right now, but look, in two months I can have all of those bad papers sold, and we'll be solvent again! No one wll ever know the difference! We just use the profits off of these bundles we'll sell and I'll have enough money to make my installment."
Let's look at things another way. How many banks do you know of that are starting out in an old building. How many are renting space? I don't see a single bank that's starting up in my area of town that isn't building itself a new building. How many banks do you see renting out space in an existing strip mall? It seems like they have to tear down a mall to get new tenants now, anyway.
While we're discussing bailouts and our economy, how come the stimulus packages haven't helped rescue our economy. I didn't receive any stimulus money, but I've paid out a couple of thousand dollars each month. Where's that money going? Maybe not to new jobs, but I'll guarantee a chunk of it is going into someone's pocket.
I guess it's time to relinquish bad feelings and let the porkers have their money. Let them blow it on extravagent parties. Let them redecorate their offices to the tune of $20 million dollars. Let them fly to congressional testimonials in their company-funded jets, and let them have their half dozen or more residences (does this mean the can skip out on paying income taxes because they lie about their primary places of residence?) and let them be frivilous with their spending, Because, you know what? If these people can't spend their money, they're just going to keep it right in their pockets. They're not going to give back to their country, they're just going to let it sit in their pockets and gain interest.
I understand that a lot of loans were made to people who couldn't afford to maintain the loans, and that probably goes against sound financial principles. But how about all these new bank branches that pop up everywhere. And new banks, for that matter. Did the banks make loans to themselves that they couldn't maintain? I think if a bank was going to make a bad loan, it would probably take just as much risk with its own company.
"You know me! I'm you. I would never cheat you, that would be like cheating myself. I promise you I'll pay myself back. I know our position looks bad right now, but look, in two months I can have all of those bad papers sold, and we'll be solvent again! No one wll ever know the difference! We just use the profits off of these bundles we'll sell and I'll have enough money to make my installment."
Let's look at things another way. How many banks do you know of that are starting out in an old building. How many are renting space? I don't see a single bank that's starting up in my area of town that isn't building itself a new building. How many banks do you see renting out space in an existing strip mall? It seems like they have to tear down a mall to get new tenants now, anyway.
While we're discussing bailouts and our economy, how come the stimulus packages haven't helped rescue our economy. I didn't receive any stimulus money, but I've paid out a couple of thousand dollars each month. Where's that money going? Maybe not to new jobs, but I'll guarantee a chunk of it is going into someone's pocket.
I guess it's time to relinquish bad feelings and let the porkers have their money. Let them blow it on extravagent parties. Let them redecorate their offices to the tune of $20 million dollars. Let them fly to congressional testimonials in their company-funded jets, and let them have their half dozen or more residences (does this mean the can skip out on paying income taxes because they lie about their primary places of residence?) and let them be frivilous with their spending, Because, you know what? If these people can't spend their money, they're just going to keep it right in their pockets. They're not going to give back to their country, they're just going to let it sit in their pockets and gain interest.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Taxes and Tea Parties
I've been trying to work on this one since April 14th when I first saw the border promotion on Fox news.
It's an interesting thing to see people protesting taxation and government bailouts at this time. And it says a lot, that we have the freedom to do it! I don't remember such protests during the previous eight years, however. And I don't remember any organized, or publicized, protests against the War in Iraq.
But my mother watches Fox News, so I naturally have to see it as I enter her room. I was struck by how they were promoting the coverages of these Tea Parties and wondering what influence they had had on the grass roots movements. Was Fox a participant, or not? I can understand someone not wanting to pay taxes, and a logical concern is that their children will have to pay the taxes. And I certainly did not like the idea of corporations, and even hedge fund investors taking risks, without any worry that they were making risky investments, with inflated and fraudulant earnings. They weren't taking a risk, because they new that someone would have to bail them out. It wasn't a risk. It was a distribution.
But getting back to the Fox thing. I can't see why any conservative would not want to see these tea parties happen. And it would make perfect sense for such a Fair and Balanced news channel, to report on the mishandling of the economy by a liberal administration.
Why? Because a revolt on taxes is going to benefit them, just as much as it will the middle class. Actually more, since they already have tax loopholes and government-subsidized lifestyles. And what's more, the lack of taxation will mean a lack of services to those in need. It will mean less money to support utilities, water, sanitation and protection. It will mean a reduction in the protection of our borders and homeland. A rich person may be inconvenienced by some of this, but my hunch is that they will more likely fly off to another country, and bask in the sun there on some isolated beach. They probably have an offshore savings account, as well.
"Let those filthy plebes wallow in the detritus of American society."
It's a shame that our financial sector got so out of hand with promotional spending, bad lending practices, and just plain irresponsibility with money. Do you ever wonder why there are so many new bank buildings going up? There are new buildings going up for banks I've never heard of.
Where'd they all come from and where'd they get all that money to spend on brand new buildings? Is our bailout money paying for these new buildings, as well? Or is it just residuals from high credit card interest rates?
It's an interesting thing to see people protesting taxation and government bailouts at this time. And it says a lot, that we have the freedom to do it! I don't remember such protests during the previous eight years, however. And I don't remember any organized, or publicized, protests against the War in Iraq.
But my mother watches Fox News, so I naturally have to see it as I enter her room. I was struck by how they were promoting the coverages of these Tea Parties and wondering what influence they had had on the grass roots movements. Was Fox a participant, or not? I can understand someone not wanting to pay taxes, and a logical concern is that their children will have to pay the taxes. And I certainly did not like the idea of corporations, and even hedge fund investors taking risks, without any worry that they were making risky investments, with inflated and fraudulant earnings. They weren't taking a risk, because they new that someone would have to bail them out. It wasn't a risk. It was a distribution.
But getting back to the Fox thing. I can't see why any conservative would not want to see these tea parties happen. And it would make perfect sense for such a Fair and Balanced news channel, to report on the mishandling of the economy by a liberal administration.
Why? Because a revolt on taxes is going to benefit them, just as much as it will the middle class. Actually more, since they already have tax loopholes and government-subsidized lifestyles. And what's more, the lack of taxation will mean a lack of services to those in need. It will mean less money to support utilities, water, sanitation and protection. It will mean a reduction in the protection of our borders and homeland. A rich person may be inconvenienced by some of this, but my hunch is that they will more likely fly off to another country, and bask in the sun there on some isolated beach. They probably have an offshore savings account, as well.
"Let those filthy plebes wallow in the detritus of American society."
It's a shame that our financial sector got so out of hand with promotional spending, bad lending practices, and just plain irresponsibility with money. Do you ever wonder why there are so many new bank buildings going up? There are new buildings going up for banks I've never heard of.
Where'd they all come from and where'd they get all that money to spend on brand new buildings? Is our bailout money paying for these new buildings, as well? Or is it just residuals from high credit card interest rates?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
What a screwed up weekend!
This just wasn't the kind of weekend I wanted to experience. I contacted my ex-girlfriend, Michele, from three decades ago (that sounds better than 30 years, doesn't it?), but that may have been a mistake. It brought out memories, of not the good things, but of how stupid I acted. I had all the good memories, all the time. The love I felt for her, and the love I still feel for her. but I dredged up all the stupid things, as well. Maybe not ALL the stupid things. I'm going to let the Akashic record hold onto them for awhile and try to get by. . . maybe deal with that guilt when it's time to pay the piper. Bless her for being her. She did a great job of growing up, and I'm sorry for all the trouble she had, but I'm more than proud for how she has grown up. May the sun & stars shine upon your life, Michele.
I have an additional complication. I searched for Beth, whom I dated about 3 years earlier than Michele, and found her, just coming back from a year-and-a-half in China! (What an adventure!) But I had been unfaithful to Michele, at one point in our relationship, and my communicating with Beth at this time makes it so bizarre! What is going on? Is Mercury retrograde? Is Saturn making a square or quincunx aspect to one of my planets, and why am I questioning this with astrology which I gave up over 30 years ago?
Also, I really don't like what I started in my Sangha. Our leader asked what each of us could do to be of benefit to our Sangha. Well, I happened to be the only one to suggest something. I suggested I could try to start a study group, or book club. The response was positive.
But it's been far from smooth sailing.
The communications between the Sangha is driving me nuts. First off, faulty email addresses are making it difficult for everyone to receive information, and when I try to correct the email distribution lists, someone will go right back and start a new thread on an old header. Other people who don't want to be involved with the bookclub, want to be off the bookclub's email list, even though a bookclub email list hadn't been created. Members of the sangha were communicating about the bookclub on the sangha distribution list. Then, when I sent out corrected lists and asked people to be conscious of which list they were using, they ignored what I had written and started the whole screwed up mess over again.
And some people who seemed receptive to the bookclub idea, really don't want to participate. Some would rather have it as a way to get to know others better. And then some really don't want to get to know others better, but want to learn more about the buddhist way of life. Well, maybe I'm one, if not the only one, of the latter.
I hope this week turns out better.
I have an additional complication. I searched for Beth, whom I dated about 3 years earlier than Michele, and found her, just coming back from a year-and-a-half in China! (What an adventure!) But I had been unfaithful to Michele, at one point in our relationship, and my communicating with Beth at this time makes it so bizarre! What is going on? Is Mercury retrograde? Is Saturn making a square or quincunx aspect to one of my planets, and why am I questioning this with astrology which I gave up over 30 years ago?
Also, I really don't like what I started in my Sangha. Our leader asked what each of us could do to be of benefit to our Sangha. Well, I happened to be the only one to suggest something. I suggested I could try to start a study group, or book club. The response was positive.
But it's been far from smooth sailing.
The communications between the Sangha is driving me nuts. First off, faulty email addresses are making it difficult for everyone to receive information, and when I try to correct the email distribution lists, someone will go right back and start a new thread on an old header. Other people who don't want to be involved with the bookclub, want to be off the bookclub's email list, even though a bookclub email list hadn't been created. Members of the sangha were communicating about the bookclub on the sangha distribution list. Then, when I sent out corrected lists and asked people to be conscious of which list they were using, they ignored what I had written and started the whole screwed up mess over again.
And some people who seemed receptive to the bookclub idea, really don't want to participate. Some would rather have it as a way to get to know others better. And then some really don't want to get to know others better, but want to learn more about the buddhist way of life. Well, maybe I'm one, if not the only one, of the latter.
I hope this week turns out better.
Something to Hope For
"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Allan Chalmers
that is a quote found on a letter from Tom, today. The given name Allan may actually be Alan, I haven't found the source.
When I took a human actualization course called Lifespring in 1986, one of the slogans was "There is no hope". Hope just won't cut it. You've got to DO, not hope. And I wish I could still remember everything that was said about that slogan. But I'm sure it had a lot to do with being in the now, and doing what you can do at this moment rather than waiting for what you hope for in the future.
But sometimes you have to have hope, because things aren't going right at the moment, and there's always a possibility some kind of opportunity for action will open up at any time. And you have to have some kind of dream for the direction you want to go.
The interesting thing was that after I saw that I went to my My Yahoo! page and found this horoscope for me:
April 12, 2009
Capricorn (12/22-1/19)
So how do you keep hope alive? Just keep going. If you think you're losing your grip on something you want, stop thinking! It's time to be irrational. Go ahead! Just ignore reality. Things won't seem possible, but they will be if you persevere. Forget about what other people are saying and close your ears to the discouraging comments people are making. They are coming from a place of jealousy and petty thinking. You can rise above it if you just look forward and move on.
Never mind the part about jealousy. That's just a distraction. Stop thinking! That's being in the moment. If there is something you can do right, now, do it. It doesn't matter if it's going to work out anymore, because if you feel there's no hope, the results are insignificant. So why care?
Just be present with things. Observe, take action, and stop thinking.
that is a quote found on a letter from Tom, today. The given name Allan may actually be Alan, I haven't found the source.
When I took a human actualization course called Lifespring in 1986, one of the slogans was "There is no hope". Hope just won't cut it. You've got to DO, not hope. And I wish I could still remember everything that was said about that slogan. But I'm sure it had a lot to do with being in the now, and doing what you can do at this moment rather than waiting for what you hope for in the future.
But sometimes you have to have hope, because things aren't going right at the moment, and there's always a possibility some kind of opportunity for action will open up at any time. And you have to have some kind of dream for the direction you want to go.
The interesting thing was that after I saw that I went to my My Yahoo! page and found this horoscope for me:
April 12, 2009
Capricorn (12/22-1/19)
So how do you keep hope alive? Just keep going. If you think you're losing your grip on something you want, stop thinking! It's time to be irrational. Go ahead! Just ignore reality. Things won't seem possible, but they will be if you persevere. Forget about what other people are saying and close your ears to the discouraging comments people are making. They are coming from a place of jealousy and petty thinking. You can rise above it if you just look forward and move on.
Never mind the part about jealousy. That's just a distraction. Stop thinking! That's being in the moment. If there is something you can do right, now, do it. It doesn't matter if it's going to work out anymore, because if you feel there's no hope, the results are insignificant. So why care?
Just be present with things. Observe, take action, and stop thinking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
