Merry Xmas 2022 (from Payless)

As George Michael said in the opening to his Wham! hit song "happy Christmas". It's Xmas somewhere, though not yet here (as of posting).   i too wish i could give it to someone special.  i think that record, Music From the Edge of Heaven, (yes, i said record) might have been an Xmas present from one of my sisters.

The post title is a reference to an ad campaign i heard "growing up".  A successful one, apparently. To this day when i hear "merry Christmas" i always think "from Payless, Merry Christmas".  Payless was kind of like Rite Aid/Walgreens (though maybe a little more general merchandise).  This is not to be confused with Payless Shoe Source (called Volume where i grew up) and their footwear of questionable quality.

Hopefully, by the end of the day Santa Claus will have delivered (or enabled) my Xmas list.  The big one was net $100 million - so i could be the material wants like a house, silver and gold, and stuff.  i will try and buy a lottery ticket (or a few different ones) because "even a miracle needs a hand".  i guess the same goes for statistical improbabilities. i've heard that money does buy happiness (up to $75K a year, that has to be before current inflation, right?)  For what i'd really like out of life, i'd need a functional time machine.

Hopefully this Christmas day i'll wake up and say "hurray for Santy Claus". 

Merry Xmas, Xmas people (if you're wondering, my holiday is a secular non-denominational holiday - unless Rankin Bass Xmas specials and magic/miracles are religious tenets).  i wish i could still feel the child-like wonder and hope that Xmas used to bring.

Just Saying: Merry Xmas

Just Saying Merry Xmas edition.  Merry Xmas from Payless merry Xmas (every time, good job ad execs in the 80s/90s). 

My Xmas List 2022

 Dear Santa,

This year for Xmas i would like:

• $100+ million after taxes (i'm willing to buy a lottery ticket, if you could "enhance" the results)
• A ton of silver (i mean a literal ton - 29,167 1-Troy ounce coins - .999 fine or better, would prefer Silver Maple Leafs) - if you grant the first point, i could do it myself
• My own house with a yard ("i believe, i believe, i believe") - once again see first point
• Woman/women to unconditionally love me (in every sense of the word).  Much better chance of winning the lottery i know.  Hopefully with a "spin-off"/joint venture in 2023 or 2024
• Some retro toys - like Gobots, My Pet Monster or something (i miss the Montgomery Ward catalog).
• A functional time machine - so i could literally live in the past, not this dystopian present (and bleak future).
• An Xbox Series S/X 2TB expansion card (again see the first point).
• Less suffering/pain/misery

Thanks for your consideration, Santa, i believe in you. i know this is a tall order for most (especially those not covered by the first point). It's not like i'm asking for a hippopotamus, snow, to put me on the first line, or something crazy like that (i guess i kind of am asking for someone special).  i've been mostly not evil this year.  

Bing/Microsoft Rewards: How Did i Do?

i was wondering how much i spent on digital video games in the past several years.  That got me thinking about offsets - how much value did i get from Bing/Microsoft Rewards in that same time frame (in digital gift cards).  These are Xbox and AMZN gift cards (Xbox cards being a slightly better deal). My current Bing streak is 359 days (though it might really be longer than that)

This is for 2020-22 (it does look like point opportunities are decreasing). The number may surprise or underwhelm you.  Much of the time, i had Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox + Bing gives you more "points" (the 10-week 2,500 bonus is nice).  i did get some points for purchases on Xbox.

2020: $251

2021: $234.25

2022: $225 (so far, should be able to get another $10 card)

i suspect that without Game Pass (though doing some Xbox weekly/daily stuff), it would be around the $170-$185 range a year (AMZN $5 or $10 cards only). 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part XII: Population and Immigration

Immigration and Population

Introduction

Here is where i ditch the slightly decent persona.  Let's make a couple of things immediately clear

1. i view population increase as a net negative that does more harm than good
2. i am ok with open borders for economic activity, but definitely not for immigration

Immigration: The Melting Pot Fallacy

The US seems to be mired in a utopian fantasy that diversity and open borders are a net benefit.  In the past the "melting pot" policy served the US, as it needed more workers for the economic engine.  However, in those days it was largely assimilation rather than what you see now (close to self-segregating balkanization).  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part XI: Foreign Policy

 Foreign Policy

Introduction

So, what should the focus and purpose of US policy be?  Foreign policy is a complicated issue that involves both military and economic interests.  There are numerous real-world subtleties i will ignore here. 

Spoiler: there should be no militaristic imperialism and/or interventionism.  There should be no bowing down to foreign entities (like the UN). 

Happy Halloween

This is a little late (but still on the night of Halloween).  Unless i say, won a lottery, this day felt like a waste. i dressed up like a homicidal maniac (as Wednesday Addams said "they look just like everyone else") - which is to say not at all.

For some reason Halloween this year didn't feel like Halloween.  Maybe it was due to the previously abnormally dry weather, or that the leaves haven't all changed colors and fallen off yet.  i haven't even decorated for Xmas yet - the tree is up, but nothing else. The candy, i'm up for - if only Butterfinger wouldn't have ruined the recipe and their peanut butter cups were still a thing.

There weren't even any virgin sacrifices this year.  Maybe the state of the world as it is downplays the horror of a slasher flick (are the victims in those the lucky ones).  i didn't watch all my horror movies or Halloween TV episodes (i really need to do a list someday). 

No i don't have much faith in the future (however much of one is left for me).  Things are poised to go from bad to near apocalyptic. 

i guess as you get a little more experienced, nothing gives you the sense of wonder and joy you used to get when you were younger.  Xmas has stopped feeling like it used to years ago. Maybe if i had someone to live through vicariously.  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part X: Policy Considerations

Policy Issue Guidelines for this Conservative

Here is how i think people should view policy issues/bills.  Ideally, they would all be clean one topic bills with no unnecessary add-ons.  Scroll down for Decision Criteria Section.

Problem 🠞 Goal 🠞 Methodology (How to Deal with Something) 🠞 Specifics 🠞 Follow Up

So, what does all of this stuff mean?  This is how legislation should be written.  

First you find a "problem" that need to be solved, then you develop a specific goal (like increasing spending by X%).  A bill should focus on only one goal.  Next you get into your methodology - your overarching way of dealing with the problem (how you will do it).  Finally, you get into the specifics (ie what needs to be changed to accomplish your goal, how much, and in what manner should things be changed).  After you are done, at some point, you have to look at the bill you made and see what the actual results are.  There may need to be tinkering in the specifics if you did not get the results you wanted.  

This in not continuous quality improvement stuff, but it is closer to it than the current congressmen use. Most bills seem to be "set it and forget it".

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIIII: Science, Media and the Arts: Part 2

Science Media (mostly) and the Arts Part 2

The Media

One of the most important things about the media is that they are supposed to be free and independent of the government.  i think it goes without saying that the government should limit its usage of the media.  The government should not use the media for propaganda purposes, as it potentially takes away commercial opportunities.  The media exists as a free enterprise to entertain and inform people.  

The government depending on a propaganda machine suggests that the government is trying to justify a horrible course of action.  

What the Media Should Not Be Used For 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIIII: Science, Medicine and the Arts

 Science, Medicine, the Arts and Government

What Government Funded Should Science Do?

Firstly, i guess i should state the role that i see appropriate for the government and funding scientific research.  That role is... nothing.  Taxpayer dollars should not be spent of scientific pursuits (unless these pursuits can be shown to make money for the government).  Humans have a natural curiosity about them, about the universe and their place in it.  Science can give answers, but at great cost (especially financially).

Think of it more in an investment model - only pay for things that financially enrich the country.  This would mean that a group like NASA shouldn't send up shuttles/rockets (at great expense) for missions that are just a cash drain.  Missions with real money on the line (like deploying satellites) might make sense if the cost of the mission is covered by the revenue from the mission.  Planning a manned exhibition to Mars would be a waste of resources that would be better used elsewhere.

Some amount of scientific research may be needed for certain government agencies, like maybe the CDC and FDA, but should be limited to what is strictly necessary.  Science should advise, never rule. The highest paid government employee should not be a scientist - even if he thinks he is "science".

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIII: The Economy: Part 5

 The Economy Part 5

i tried to break up these posts into shorter, parts for easier reading.  Did that work?  i know i missed a bunch of economic concepts - if anyone wants my views, just ask.

The Economy: What Works

i am a big fan of free market economics and capitalism; therefore, i will say much of it works.  i prefer a hands-off approach.  Supply and demand conditions create a more efficient usage of resources and tell the companies what people really want.  With innovations like online shopping, prices for consumer goods are less stick (as prices can be adjusted if a product doesn't sell, or sells well), the markets have become slightly more efficient. 

 Capitalism has a way of rewarding those who take the right chances and are responsible.  People and organizations are better at managing their money than the government, precisely because they have a reason to do so.  The profit motive is good and leads to innovation and, at least economically, leads to a better situation.  

The Economy: What Doesn't Work   

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIII: The Economy: Part 4

 The Economy Part 4 (sort of)

Regulation: When is Enough Enough?

i probably touched on this a little... Regulation becomes necessary when it helps protect the nature of the free market and it prevents fraud.  Regulation may also be necessary when a product's true cost is not reflected by the price the consumer pays.  Regulations are also necessary to promote ethical (legal) activity and a level of safety for the consume for whatever endeavor a person is in.  

So, regulation in and of itself is not evil.  What is evil is when politicians misuse/overuse regulation.  Regulation should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.  Conditions may exist where regulation make sense in the short-term, but longer term make no sense.

Monopolies and the Anti-Trust Act 

The Sherman Anti-Trust Act started out with good intentions of preventing those with great market power from exploiting their customers with exorbitant prices.  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIII: The Economy: Part 3

 The Economy Part 3

Free Trade

From the minimum basics of recessions, i clumsily segue into free trade.  So what is the big deal with free trade and why do people want it?  i will borrow a little from Adam Smith (though he didn't like corporations).  This deals with the division of resources (one of which is labor).  

i want to maximize the efficient usage of resources.  To do this you have to accept that different regions have different strengths and weaknesses - no one country has it all.  Countries like China and India have huge amounts of potential labor.  There are so many people available that wages should be low (especially compared to the US, not the greatest example).  

Some countries have ample supplies of resources that other countries can use in manufacturing or other productive pursuits.  Some countries have a more educated populations who are better with technology.  It is these strengths and weaknesses that necessitate free trade.

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIII: The Economy: Part 2

 The Economy Part 2

Now that you have a rudimentary understanding about what the supply and demand curves are or look like (sorry i didn't have the chart imbedded, can i even do that?) i can get even more confusing and discuss some policy implications.  Remember, i value efficiency over the normative concept of "equality".

There is normative and positive views. Normative are more along the lines of "in my opinion", positive are more along the lines of "here's the data". 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VIII: The Economy: Part One

 The Economy

Introduction:

Without the economy, you couldn't have economics.  That would have made my Business Administration and Economics double major even more useless than it has proven to be (or exactly as useless).  

So, what should i talk about here?  Maybe it should be a surprise even to me.  Bottom line, i like free market economics and free trade.  Should i try to explain why?  Ok, if you beg me i will.  Anyone, anyone, anyone... Beuller?

Homework Assignment: Songs You Likely Never Heard

 Taking a break from politics and all the crap that is modern life.  Here are some songs that i was kind of "feeling" today that most of you probably never heard of (though some were singles).  i could give you hypertext links, but that would be too easy. i think you can find most of these on YouTube.

In the old days, i used to spend hours a day singing along with CDs/records tapes.  Sadly, i cannot do that anymore (and i lost a bunch of range).  There are a lot of worthy songs i can't think of now.

Now for the list of infamy plus one bonus. 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VII: Social Issues: Part 3: Big Ones

Social Issues: Part 3: Some of the Big Ones.

Abortion

Now i get to weigh in on some the big social issues. The first one is abortion

My Conservative Manifesto Part VII: Social Issues: Part II

 Social Issues Continued...

Health Care/Insurance (original post 2011 or earlier)

There has been much coverage of the government taking on healthcare "reform".  Most of this is really talking about a way to reduce the cost of insurance (and their massive 3.9% profit margin.  The goals of healthcare reform are not clearly stated.  

Do they want to reduce total cost (that can be done in three main ways: increasing costs - pricing care out of the market, limiting or rationing care, and reducing inefficiencies and capitalizing on economies of scale)?  

Do they want to increase coverage percent, another thinly veiled attempt at income redistribution?  It is not responsible to cover everyone.  Another question being why does the government think it can spend this money now when the country has such a large (soon to be crushing) debt?   

Goals of healthcare: the government has proposed health care with an eye mainly on insuring the uninsured.  Sure, some of the uninsured can be added but attempting to add all is foolish.  Especially with a public option that will undercut private concerns.  Not everyone can be employed and not everyone can have health insurance.  

Most of the things i saw on health care i see are trying to spend nearly a trillion dollars to cover an additional 10-15% of the population.  Sure, the raw numbers look huge, 30-50 million people, but when you consider the US is a country of 310 million people, that doesn't seem horrible (that amount being uninsured).  

Some factions of the government want to force health insurance coverage.  i am definitely not a fan of the government mandating that a consumer must purchase a service (even if it were privately or publicly provided).    

My idea of health care reform is a little different.  i want medical malpractice tort reform.  Lawsuits, settlements and insurance costs against them are costly and have spelled the end of some private practice doctors.  Furthermore, i want health insurance to be sold across state lines.  Getting access to a larger base of customers can help diversify risk and potentially reduce premiums (through economies of scale).  

There are health insurance companies that are being propped up by being shielded from competition.  This isn't good for the populace.  i also believe that there needs to be some consolidation in insurers that is being prevented by the state-by-state regulations.  i want as much cost as possible (like overhead) to be taken out of the system (provider level, medicine and medical supply level - but never interfering with free market interactions).  Also, the timing and interactions between insurers and medical providers needs to be better implemented.

This is an example of the government stating it wants to fix something when the current system is not broken (though it does have its problems and there is room for improvement in operations) in order to potentially control votes in the future.

In other words, seek market solutions to problems with as little government intervention as possible.  Encourage innovation and efficiency, not bureaucracy.  Afterall, a commercial service is not a right.

Government Dependence/Addiction 

What is one of the biggest problems with government spending programs (other than irresponsibility and layers of bureaucracy)?   Dependence.  Spending programs are often started under the guise of a short-term fix to a specific social problem.  

Unfortunately, government spending is kind of sticky (the Pringles way: once you pop, you can't stop).  In other words, once a program (especially a social program) is enacted, cutting it becomes difficult - even if it has outlived its usefulness.

The risk of any government program is that people will depend on the program or alter their behavior because the government will somehow solve their problems/monetarily support them.  We have seen this with welfare programs.  Every government social program has an inherent dependency potential, though maybe that is the point.  

i know this may sound jaded, but wouldn't it be in a particular party's best interest to have people depend on programs (as if they depend on your program they are more likely to have your vote - and any threat to that program becomes an existential threat to them).  Of course, this is a failure condition of democracy (vote buying through the use of taxpayer dollars).         

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VII: Social Issues

 Social Issues

Introduction

This is the section where i briefly mention some domestic (government) type issues.  Many of the social issues should be addressed at the state level, definitely not the federal level.  

Social Security, the health care/insurance debate, abortion, gay marriage, and maybe more will be mentioned in some way.  There may be light economic components to some of the sections.  Some of this is about money, some of it is not.

Super Cereal Post

Every once in a while, i have to cover issues of a supreme importance. What is the best Monster Cereal?

After a hiatus, Frute Brute is temporarily back on shelves (maybe).  i got this off AMZN.  So, what is the best Monster Cereal? They are all the same except for flavor (shapes, marshmallows).  The mascot designs are kind of cool.    

1) Yummy Mummy (Orange)

2a) Fruit Brute (Cherry)

2b) Franken Berry (Strawberry)

4) Count Chocula (Chocolate. Outside Lindor Milk Chocolate, i don't like straight chocolate)

Sometimes, i think it would be cool to get replicas of some of the cereal/food mascots (maybe Funko), but only if i had tons of money.  If everyone in the world (on average) would just give me $1...

The designs of these were kind of cool.  Then there was Cap'n Crunch, Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, Trix Rabbit, Lucky, etc.

Growing up (if such a thing actually happened), it was mostly stuff like Kix, Rice Chex and occasionally kid's cereal.  This would be mostly Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, Trix, Cap'n Crunch, or whatever was on sale at any given time. Yes, i still eat kid's cereal to this day. It tastes so much better than bland bran (though i do like frosted mini wheats). i've always had a sweet tooth. 

Labor Day

 (in US) Well, it's Labor Day again...

Another totally useless "holiday" that shouldn't exist.  

Or as Hermes Conrad correctly stated: "That phony-baloney holiday crammed down our throats by fat-cat union gangsters".

Am i a fan of unions?  Not at all. You work for the employer, not the union (yet the union wants a cut).  They actually restrict opportunity. They are an unnecessarily interference in market forces.

Furthermore, they only care about those on the top of the pay scale - they will throw the lower tier workers under the bus every single time.  They actually reduce employment levels.  Yes, unions have a long colorful history with organized crime and violence.  They are also one of the top donors to the democratic party (oh, i already said ties to organized crime).    

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite: Part II: Loose Background: Part II Political Tests

Political Spectrum Tests

Just for fun, i decided to do a series of political spectrum tests.  Admittedly, they usually have issues with leading questions and evocative wording. Also, i rarely like to select things like "strongly disagree".  Some questions are more nuanced than they allow.  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part VI: Taxation

 Taxation

Introduction

On this section i will touch on some of the types of taxation and the issues involved. 

What is Fair, What Isn't

So of course, there is going to be some debate over what is "fair" in the taxation field - with some of the people saying if you make more you should be taxed at a higher percentage (the "progressive" taxers) and those saying that everyone should pay the same percentage (flat tax proponents).  

To be perfectly clear, i am in the flat tax camp.  i do not believe someone making more money should be punished for making more money, nor am assuming an obligation by those people to pay a higher percentage of their incomes because they have more disposable income (ability to pay principal).  

What you are seeing in today's world is the lower class getting off completely free (if not negative), yet getting benefits, and the middle class not playing their fair share - thanks to the tax code.  Taking income tax apart from all other taxes (like FICA, state taxes, etc - which are irrelevant to this discussion).

There are things that should not be taxed.  Dividends, capital gains, non-cashflow "income" and investment income are among them.  There should be as little double taxation as possible (preferably none).  A good example of double taxation is the dividend tax.  The dividends come out of the corporate profits/earnings that are taxed, then the recipient of the dividend has to pay tax when they receive it.  

Keeping this in mind, taxes like the estate/inheritance and gift taxes are morally reprehensible.  You should be able to transfer your resources (or receive resources, providing the transaction is mutually agreed upon with no coercion) yourself without the government taking a cut for itself.  

It is not fair or equitable to use the tax code as the government's Robin Hood - stealing from the rich and giving to the poor (or special interest groups).  Actually, it seems more of a mix of Robin Hood and Robin Brain (stealing from the rich and giving to yourself).  

The tax code should never be about redistribution of wealth (something the government should never be a part of).  If a person earns the money, they are not indebted to their fellow man.  

Methods of Taxation 

The two main forms of taxation i mentioned are the "progressive" tax and the flat tax.  Of course, there are going to be subdivisions. To help drive the point home, i will give some pointless examples.  i guess i should mention some other things.  

There is usage taxation, like a gas tax, those who use goods/service pay for it with an associated tax.  There is also a nefarious taxation called ability to pay - this is based off the theory that as income goes up a person has more disposable income (and the government being an insatiable spending beast it is wants as much as possible).  This particular principal of taxation is more than a little socialist. 

Progressive tax: my least favorite method, based off of the ability to pay principal (if you have the money government thinks you should give it to them).  As income level increases, so does tax bracket (of course up to a point) - the percentage of your income the government claims as its own.  The usual example of this in the US is the income tax. Really, the only reason you do this is to shift the burden of funding of government to the people less likely to use its "services". 

Flat tax: called "regressive" by some because, apparently, they think it taxes the poorer groups more.  This is fairer, everyone paying the same percentage of their income (regardless of income level).  i do not care about "income inequality", neither should the tax code.  "Income inequality" is a necessary part of Capitalism designed to reward those who invest, innovate, and take risks.  At least it doesn't have the punitive success penalty like progressive taxes do.  

Examples of this are sales tax, VAT/GST taxes, and some usage taxes.

The Role of Taxation

The role of taxation is to fund the government (at least the basics).  Funding anything beyond that is a de facto tax. Unfortunately, restraint is not something congress actively uses when it comes to spending.  

The government has lost sight of many things.  For one they use vote buying schemes (usually social programs).  The biggest thing they lost sight of is that it is not their money they are spending.  Therefore, they have to keep looking for ways to fund their spending habit.

Taxation is appropriation at best, theft at worst.  

The role of taxation should not be punitive or redistributive (taxes used to promote "income equality").  The point is not to look for "free cash" (in this case disposable income available) and tax to get everything the government can.  Taxes should not be used for social engineering (child, mortage credits, encouraging debt, etc).  

The people are not supposed to be working for the government (outside those actively employed by them), the government is supposed to be working for the good of the people.  Many times, the best solution is to do absolutely nothing.

Sharing the Burden   

Every citizen (at least working ones) have the responsibility to help fund the government. Unfortunately, government does not live up to its part by showing restraint (government wastes money and the budget is probably 4X what it should be).  If everyone has the duty to fund the government, wouldn't the most equitable way be for everyone to pay the same amount (percentage).  i would say yes.

It is not like the wealthier citizens get more services from the government (but they certainly have to pay for them), it is the opposite with poorer people seeing benefits with little or no cost to themselves.  The top 1% of taxpayers paid over 40% of the whole income tax bill (at least in 2007 - The Tax Foundation), supposedly it was more than the bottom 95% combined.   Some people say the US has the most progressive taxes of any nation (a OECD study somewhere).  

Tax Reform i Would Like to See

Since eliminating the 16th Amendment seems highly unlikely... (i'd go VAT, probably)

So, what would i like to see done with the tax code and taxation at the federal level in the US.  i want a flat tax where everybody pays the same percentage of their income without any deductions or tax credits (estate taxes eliminated, gift taxes eliminated. Also, no tax on capital gains, dividends, or interest.)  i also want to see income tax withholding discontinued and people paying their taxes on a quarterly or annual basis.

No, tax refunds should not be a thing.  Though if you want to overpay the government, you can.

The current tax codes are needlessly complicated. You should never have to outsource your tax preparation because you don't know how to do it.  In other words, the average citizen should not have to use H&R Block or Turbo Tax to file their returns.  

Ideally, your taxes should be able to be filled out on a postcard. Usually, i would lean into the concept of using cashflows, but in this case, i'm not a fan (especially if there is some kind of capital gains component, without it and maybe double taxation).  

The numbers i played around with in Excel showed that the average tax rate (per household for 1970-2007) was 13.4%, the median rate was 16.89%.  My plan (on a blog post if i can find it) was for a 15% flat tax. i also had a 20% flat tax with no deductions, exemptions, non-cashflow expenditure write-offs for business).

Disillusioned: Taxation Revisited: Previous Blog Posts (dft-disillusioned.blogspot.com)

Honestly, i'm not sure i can still do some of the data stuff i used to do back then (and i'm sure i don't have the original Excel files).   

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite: Part V: Government: Part II

 Government Part 2: 

Representative Government: Not So Fast...

Apparently, the US has a representative government.  One of the problems though, is that the representatives seem to have forgotten who they are representing.  Much is made about campaign finance.  Politics is an expensive game/occupation, it takes an ever-growing amount of money to stay competitive (or at least it seems that way, even grassroots movements seem to be well funded).  

Sometimes in order to secure funding a politician has to align themselves with a specific group (a group who probably expects a degree of input in the decision process).  In order to keep the money spigots flowing, they have to meet with groups during their time in office.  

Another trend is strict partisanship.  It seems you are voting more for the party line than the candidate (usually tied to funding).  As a consequence, the representatives don't tend to deviate too far from the platform.  So, between the party and the backers, it is hard to tell who the candidate is really representing.  It is one thing to have a brand identity/platform (Republican or Democrat), but the slavishness is a new twist.     

Happy Birthday to Evil

When do you think the birthday of evil is (limited to the Gregorian calendar)?

i say September 20th. 

No real reason why... 

Just Saying 4

 i "survived" the month of death.  Yeah, for some strange reason i associate August with death.  i had another birthday.  This would be easier if my stupid computer/programs would let me use them without crashing.  Just Saying... you know the drill.  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite: Part V: Government: Part 1

 Government

Introduction: 

This section probably has the topic for several books (if i could write, which obviously i can't).  This will, essentially, be: what i believe the role of government is and some of its failures. This will be a cursory and basic overview.  

Some of my views may be shocking (or counter to what you believe).  There are so many things about government to explain. i will most likely be talking about the congress (legislative level).

i will be mostly talking about the US form of government, the Constitutional Republic. 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite: Part IV Part II (after dark)

Here is where i take some subjects that didn't really seem to flow in the first post, and one point that may seem contradictory.  Remember, this originated in 2011 or so. 

It should be noted, i wasn't that great of a student - i never really learned to study, since i didn't have to (used to have a pretty good memory).  i never really tried at school (trying is the first step to failure).  

i guess it was lucky for me teachers were so lazy that they loved multiple choice tests.  i was above average on those. You'd be surprised how many curves an average-ish student like me that i set or was near the top of.  Once you realize the sentence structure is almost aways the same you can find keywords fast, then associate them with answers.  You know the person who turns in their test in 5 minutes?  That was me.  

There was a 120 T/F, multiple choice Anthropology test that i turned in under 4 minutes and got the second highest score in the class.

i didn't have to put up with modern train wreck teaching techniques like "common core".

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part IV: Education

Now is the part where i talk (keyboard, type or whatever you want to call it) about education, more specifically the educational system.  

Is the status quo in education effective?  Are teachers actually overpaid?  How should schools be funded (what is the most ethical way to fund them)?  What roles should schools actually have (hint: it is not secondary parent)?  In no particular order, i'll get this section started.    

Educational Funding

This is the part where i alienate every potential liberal who might be reading (all zero of them).  i've long thought of schools as inefficient money pits.  

How should education be funded?  The current method of federal government money, state money, local money (most as tax on property value) is not quite efficient. i do not believe that the schools should be funded by the federal or state government directly at all.  My view is that schools should be funded through educational vouchers at the state level.  That should be the only funding given directly to schools (no levies or any other funding sources, unless you want a baseline level of funding for every school regardless of affiliation).  

You may ask yourself if every school deserves to receive the same level of funding - my answer would be a definitive no.  With the current funding system, schools in more affluent areas that pay higher property taxes/levies deserve better schools.  They should not be used in a redistributive way.  

Will this create "have" and "have not" schools?  Yes, and that is the most fair way.  This would essentially spell the end of the public school system.  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part III: The Family

 Family

As i alluded to in the last post (People II), it takes a family not a village.  i always wanted to have a family (wife, 2-4 kids and a dog), but it was never in the cards for me. So, take of that what you will.  My only experience was growing up in a family of 8.

The family is a very important social structure.  This is the part where i get to say what i believe the role of the family unit is. i will also touch on issues such as marriage (and its definition), divorce, and whatever else pops into my head.

The definition of what a family is may have changed over time from the "golden age" nuclear family to the mixed family and single parent households of today.  In the "golden age" or Leave It to Beaver form, there was a father, a stay-at-home mother, two kids and a dog living in the suburbs in a house with a white picket fence.  That would likely be seen as quaint or repressive by today's warped standards. 

So, what do i see the role of the family?  The goal of a family is to create a loving and stable environment where parents can impart a moral and ethical code for their children.  The parents can provide a good home even without marriage. There does not necessarily have to be a genetic connection to be a family.  

The parents should teach their children how to behave ethically in situations and try to promote the development of a child. Basically, teach the child what they view as important in life (goals, attributes, etc).  

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part III: People II

 The Equality Lie and Diversity Myth

There is a misguided belief in the US (especially) that pretends somehow everyone is equal. People should be equal in the eyes of the law (one of the reasons i'm against "hate crime" laws) but extending it much further than that is delusional and irresponsible.  

People are strange animals, but they do not inherently have the same value to society.  People have their own strengths and weaknesses, competencies and failures.  Not everyone can do everything, and they should not try.

Take economic value, should a CEO be paid more than a burger flipper?  Yes, there is no doubt (i will touch on that more in a future section).  Economic equality is a failed concept from the beginning.  

People who better use resources deserve to profit from their competency, foresight, and risk-taking.  Trying to level the playing field just disadvantages everyone.  Some people are better suited for certain roles than others.    

Diversity was sold to the US mainly because the country was newer and needed additional workers.  However, diversity is not really a net benefit.  

Look at the Scandanavian countries (before the refuge idiocy); they have little ethnic diversity, but a happier population.  Diversity leads directly to conflict and self-segregation.  A major problem is the lack of assimilation into a common culture.  

In the earlier days if the US, people of different backgrounds, faiths, etc. were willing to chase after the concept of success known as the American Dream.  The dream largely consisted of being comfortable economically and having a fulfilling family life.  As time went on, the groups further fractured and sort of self-segregated (especially racial groups).  

Diversity actually shrank allowing groups better opportunity to become disenfranchised and blame their failures on another group (whatever group had the most control).  Eventually, you get into the cycle of crime, poverty and moral decay.  It is not racism, for the most part, but economic stagnation and a lack of personal responsibility that have led to most of the problems - whether it is the trailer park, the ghetto or the barrio.  

Diversity only works well with common goals.  You don't want everyone to think the exact same way (complete group think) though. 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite Part III: People I

People: What's their deal?

"People are people, so why should it be you and me get along so awfully?" This is a quote from a Depeche Mode song from the awesome 1980s. 

There are many reasons why people don't get along. The reasons range from superficial (outward appearance), philosophy, xenophobic feelings (unknown), life experiences and many other things. Things like "racism" (a form of xenophobia) are actually natural/evolutionary reactions related to a fear and/or actions of an unknow entity.  

This is the section where i tackle people and some things i believe are inherently wrong with them (and the assumptions i view them as operating under). 

My Conservative Manifesto Rewrite: Loose Background: Part II

 So, this is where i give you a little background. i decided to break this section out on the rewrite.

For me, the first conservative role model was the fictional Alex P. Keaton from the show Family Ties.  Alex P. Keaton came from hippie/60s activist parents, but somehow turned out mostly right. He was an overachiever with a decent understanding of economics.  In many ways, he was a throwback to the good old days before the tumultuous late 1960s.  He was confused by the feminist movement and the new rules between males and females. To me, he was socially moderate - however it was the economic arena where APK shined. This is where he was really conservative - despising government regulations, loving the free market system, and believing success was the role of the individual not the government. 

 i know you can't tell from the way i write, but i actually had a similar major (not considering specializations) to APK - Business and economics.  Sometimes, i find myself thinking What Would Alex P Keaton Do (WWAPKD).

For all of the personal differences, life experiences, and views that conservatives possess; there tend to be commonalities. Conservatives generally believe in a small hands-off government with personal freedom and responsibility where the outcome is largely determined through personal effort. 

Capitalism is the perfect vehicle to channel this economic behavior  i believe that government intervention limits vital personal incentives to succeed and grow. Of course, government intervention can lead to changes in behaviors (especially saving, investing, and whatever nonsense is in the tax code) and weaken incentives. 

My Conservative Manifesto 2022 Rewrite

Welcome to my 2022 Conservative Manifesto rewrite (MCMr).  This is a Jerry McGuire manifesto, not a Unabomber one.  The original was plagued by copy paste and formatting errors.  This is the newer, shinier, ever so slightly revised 2022 version. Maybe some views have nuanced slightly since the earlier MCM tag version.

Welcome to my Conservative Manifesto.  i know there are a myriad of books, articles, and maybe even radio talk shows that espouse a "conservative belief system", so why am i taking the time to write out semi comprehensibly what it means to me to be a conservative?  What i believe may not be widely espoused. At least you'll know where i'm coming from (and maybe a little bit why).  Conservatives, like liberals are not all the same - there are different shades and beliefs that fall within the concept. 

i thought that i would try to articulate, maybe superficially, where i stand on some of the issues. This whole process of defining my beliefs started years ago when i was lurking on a "Conservative Thinking in America" thread, posted in the now defunct Amazon Gold Box Political Forum. In this thread, conservatives were discussing issues (started that way inevitably ended up insult session by ever so tolerant liberals).  Anyway, one day i decided to post why i viewed myself as conservative and basic policy views. That turned into my first version.  When i am more on, i write in more of a stream of consciousness style (some of the best paper i wrote in school i wasn't sure what i wrote until i read).         

Why are Women 1 Issue Voters

 I know, a bit of an oversimplification... but why is it that women are portrayed as being only centered on one political issue?

Is it the economy that impacts every aspect of life?  No.  Is it the woefully inadequate school system? No.  Is it world affairs?  No. Is it the truly misguided beliefs in "equity" or man-made "climate change"? Thankfully, no.  

It is abortion. i cannot understand why so many women are pre-occupied with abortion (mostly used as a form of birth control). Especially when stuff like contraceptives exist.  i guess they can't be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. 

My Training Moat

 i was supposed to post this several days ago - but the fricking heat (i hate summer).  

Now the "joke" is lost - a few days and $400 million late. The concept being if i won the Mega Millions jackpot i would get a big house with a moat - because who, of means, doesn't want a moat (to keep the pesky peasants out).

i was thinking this inflatable would be 3' long - nope 80" (or whatever that translates to in the metric world).  Blown up old-school, actually using my mouth in 90° room w/ 40+ % humidity.

i am accepting names in the comments for the inflatable alligator. i was thinking C. Ya Later, Insta, Investa, Masta, and Uncle Alligator (a callback from a fast-food restaurant i barely remember - Rax).  

Solar energy: my first Jackery exposure

Technically, i have had exposure to solar power before.  Who could forget those solar calculators that would sometimes work?  The you have the solar lights (basically operating off rechargeable AA batteries) that would occasionally work. You could never fully rely on either.

This time i decided to borrow my sister's Jackery 100W solar cell.  To be fair, i tried this on an overcast day. The peak wattage i was getting was about 20W.  If i was trying to charge a Jackery 240 at that rate, it would only take about 12 hours, the Jackery 1500 would be something like 60 hours.  It would likely be drained in less than 3.  Seriously, something like the Jackery type power station is best charged through the wall and used for camping/emergencies (though they are only rated for 500 or so charging cycles). 

So, do i think solar is the next big thing in energy?  Of course not. Solar relies on cells that have fairly low efficiency (like 23% or so) that will wear down over time - and, ironically, heat and exposure to UV radiation. With solar, you're always basically just charging a battery. Will you ever get your money's worth from solar?  Probably not.    

There would have to be dramatic increases in solar cell efficiency/technology and battery technologies to make them remotely feasible. They will never be able to meet energy on-demand needs. The amount of batteries and land that would have to be set aside for "solar farms" is vast.  Then you have places like where i am with a significant amount of "gray days" and drizzle. 

Solar does have its uses, (like low drain lighting/batteries) - but will never be ready for prime-time as the premier energy source. 

7-11 Day is dead to me

i suddenly realized it was July 11th today (7/11 in the US).  So, i go online to see if there are free small Slurpees this year. Turns out there is, but you have to jump through a hoop. You have to download an app and join a free loyalty program.

i know i'm alone in this, but i HATE phones. In the past, you just showed up and got your Slurpee, the added step is a step too far for me.  

The only things i buy at 7-11 are gift cards (like having physical cash as a constraint) and lottery tickets. Signing up for something i'll never use sounds like a waste.    

AMZN Prime Day Ad (2022)

It took me longer than it should have, but finally.  Doesn't the new Amazon Prime Day Ad (for 2022) have an uncanny resemblance to the Billy Ocean song "Get Outta My Dream, Get Into My Car"?  This is the ad that has been playing on Paramount plus (and 80s styled song ad).

What Kind of Plant is this?

 

Here is a cropped version showing the leaves

Not the greatest picture, i know (i suck at pictures).  Does anyone out there know what kind of tree/shrub is growing here.  i tried to grow a wild blackberry in the pot, but the only thing that grew was this.  So, i kept watering it. This is likely 1-2 years old.

i know this isn't a maple (i have that in a Lowe's bucket).  i don't think there are any alders in the area. i don't think this looks like a madrona. Most trees here are Douglas Firs or Cedars. 

AFI Top 100 Movies: Post 2 The Reposetning (spoilers)

 So the first format would have taken too long so let's do something different - the top AFI movies that i actually liked.  In previous posts, i said i had a semi-epic TV on DVD collection, well i also have Blu-Rays of some of the top 100 AFI Films and the anniversary list (34 or so).  Now i might spoil them for you...

What are the movies that i more than tolerated? Outside the top 10 (1,2,3,6,10)

Fourth of July: Fireworks show, the one time i went

Back in the year 2000, i was living/existing in an apartment complex called Forest Glen (i think) - behind a Fred Meyer. i had an interview and an attractive receptionist asked me what i was doing for the 4th of July. i asked what there was to do in the area and she said there was a firework show going on at Fort Vancouver.   

So, i walk 2+ miles up to Fort Vancouver not knowing what to expect.  There was this large grass field with a stage.  i sat down on the grass and watched the stage.  As time went on more and more people came, almost walking over me. So, standing up was the right play. The "the headliner" on the stage was a geriatric group known as the Letterman. However, the Neil Diamond tribute band before them was better. It got to about 10 PM and the firework show started.  It is a little different in person than it is on TV or from a distance. Yes, there is a soundtrack the fireworks are synced to.  Also, you can feel the "boom" fireworks (more sound than light). 

After 20-25 minutes the show was over.  Then came the next hassle, walking "home" in the dark.  My night vision is less than stellar, but somehow i made it without getting lost. 

So, what did i learn?

1. Yes, firework shows are better in person - if you can put up with all of the people
2. Bring a blanket, to reserve your physical space and not almost be trampled (field type scenario)
3. Wear sunscreen and a hat.  i forgot both and vaguely resembled a lobster for a couple of weeks after.

AFI Top 100 Movies: Spoilers: Post One

Here let me ruin some of the Top 100 movies of all time (according to the AFI, in 1998 - or something like that.  Obviously, this is going to take a little space, so I'm breaking it up into multiple posts.  I may not have the best recollection of some of these titles.  Many of these movies are long, pretentious and kind of boring (to me anyway) and overrated. In general, if the movie has an intermission, i'm not sure it's worth watching.

Cultural significance is what cultural significance if any I see in these movies (references, etc)


Check AFI for the complete list.  I'm a bit hesitant to list the titles, but I will anyway...

I Drank the Kool-Aid

What did you think i meant?  i'm not talking a Jim Jones scenario (it was Flavor-Aid Cordial flavor, people).  No, i didn't change my political philosophies. 

"Growing up" Kool-Aid was a summer staple. This is Sharkelberry Fin (supposedly Strawberry, Banana and Orange).  i must have screwed up, because it tasted like water with a hint of fake fruit flavor. The next cup is going to be the reverse - all flavor with a little water (sometimes i overcorrect).  

While i did like Purplesaurus Rex, Rock-A-Dial Red, and Mountain Berry; my favorite flavor was Strawberry Falls (the first two were briefly available as Retro Jammers - come on Kraft-Heinz, release Strawberry Falls in a similar manner). 

How were the Retro Jammers?  Purplesaurus Rex (grape lemonade) was not as good as i remembered (some reason i don't like the grape flavor as much as i used to), Rock-A-Dile Red was a little better than i remembered.

My Semi-Epic TV on DVD Collection: The Darkest Millennium

Maybe the Y2K doomsayers were right. The 2000s have sucked. They are like a black hole from which no hope (light) can escape. 2000 was bad, but 2001+ was another level of awful (cataclysmic). The modern decade is a total nutrient show - and about to get much worse.

The 2001 Mariners were awesome, before the massive overreaction to an isolated date.  

Anyway, i have some TV on DVD from this horrible millennium. Some were Ok, some were weird. 

i'm sure i'll stealth edit (as i miss some seasons on the shelf).  Let's see... no life, 20+ years (not for some of these), some were gifts. 

My Semi-Epic TV on DVD Collection: The Questionable 1990s

Back for another post on the strange amount of TV shows on DVD i have.  This decade is the 1990s.  In this decade, my father died, had my first date, first heart annihilation, i finished the slog that is school and found the world to be an awful place. i remember more about this decade than the 80s (very little before 1984).  i may have more 90s TV shows, but that didn't make them better.  There are still some animated shows, who doesn't like them.  

Remember, this is 20+ years of purchases and gifts. Also remember that i probably overbought because i don't trust streaming services or digital copies to have what i want to watch (assuming i did).  Furthermore, remember i have no life and some of this may be tied to happier times. My first DVD purchase was in 1999.

Have i complained about awful flipper disc yet?  No, well they suck.

My Semi-Epic TV on DVD Collection: i Love the '80s

 The 80s were and awesome decade.  There were awesome shows, movie and music. Here are the TV shows i wanted to have in my collection.  Once again, there are 20+ years of purchases, Xmas gifts and the like here.  No, i don't trust streaming/online services (digital copies).  Unfortunately, this was also the era where "music rights" started to creep in, some of the seasons have missing/altered music. There are some i don't own that i have access to (like Knight Rider).

i consider the 80s as 1981- 1990.  Not the 1980 Carter year. This list may not reflect that.  i also had the throw a couple of technically 70s shows here (i remember them 80s or later).  There will also likely be a show more famous in the 90s that started in the 80s.  Here is the list (sadly devoid of Poison Ivy).

I wish Warner Brothers was better at DVD releases (non-MOD ones)

My Semi-Epic TV On DVD Collection: The Golden Age

 In an earlier post i alluded to the concept that i have a semi-epic TV on DVD collection.  This is part one showing you what two decades of purchases, Xmas presents can look like. Yes, i over purchased.  No i don't trust streaming services to have what i want when i want it.  Some of these are probably out of print and rapidly aging.  i always worried the discs would get too old and start failing - along with the ability to play them.

By the way, "Golden Age" here is referring the shows of the 1960s.  What is a 1980s and 90s kid like me watching these shows?  i grew up with TV Land and reruns. Without further ado, here is part one of only three parts of my list....

i Din't Go Sky Diving

 i didn't go Rocky Mountain climbing, i've never spent 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fu Man Chu. 

Somedays, weeks, months, years, decades it feels like it (to those who get the reference). But on the bright side, what i see coming is so much worse.  A greater depression with weak generations who have no tangible skills once the world is Dark Angeled. The chaos will be legendary, the cost unmistakable.

That does not include any real threats implied or otherwise, just a general expectation of the "future".  

My Conservative Manifesto Revisited

A while ago i wrote a bunch of stuff about why i view myself as a conservative and some of what that means.  Let's revisit that.  It might come in handy for my inevitable rise to global overlord.  Me for president in 2025 (take office January 2025). 

i told myself i would run for president if i ever netted $100+ million in the lottery - just preparing for the inevitable.

i'll admit, some of the formatting is kind of off, the grammar isn't great, run-on sentences and paragraphs that never end exist. i guess some of these posts were in RTF and didn't copy paste well.  Some of this probably needs to be rewritten (assuming i can write anymore). This is by no means comprehensive. Some of my views may be a little different or more nuanced than they were when written (a decade or so ago)

Should i refine certain posts?  What additional topics should i consider? Search MCM or Politics on this blog for some other posts.

Totally Fictional Post

Just found that this post has been in draft statis since July 2015.  

The amount of flies in the "family room" is disconcerting, so on with the story... (not even a sentence before I go off on a tangent).

This post is totally fictional, any similarities to any real events (as if such a thing truly exists) are coincidental.  There were no real events, this is totally fictional - remember.

In this story, our brilliant hero has bad luck befall him.  After all, is there any other kind of luck? 

Our hero was just getting back from watching a movie.  He opened the door and was really surprised to see people sitting on the couch (talking to his sister, who he was existing with - pathetic I know).  Instead of taking the shorter route downstairs, he took the longer route around the side of the kitchen (to avoid people).  In his way lay an obstacle - a 2' tall (maybe 1'8" with drooping, since it had been tripped over before) soft plastic gate (the kind of stuff you might use on a garden or something).  He figured that the doorway was probably 6'9" like some of the other door frames in the area, but he was wrong (it was 6'7.25" or so).  Our hero cleared the gate with ease, but the kitchen "doorframe" was a different matter.    

Let's just say that the doorframe left an impression... a bloody impression.  Our hero's head met with the doorframe in an unappealing manner (not painful, just unappealing).  He then fell back over the gate (and the floor got a little color).  He wondered if the baseball cap absorbed some of the impact. 

Then our hero managed to go to the bathroom (because all stories should have a bathroom reference).  He did his business, but consciousness proved to be fleeting (but not for long).  He gained enough consciousness again to flush the toilet, but he was not meant to stay upright for long.  You can keep a good hominid down, but he got up this time and washed his hands and unlocked the bathroom door - to be met by EMTs.  Maybe he was a unconscious a little longer than he thought.

The EMT's got him on a stretcher type thing and cinched it down.  Then the rolled him into an ambulance.  Yeah, that was kind of lame.  Something like 20 minutes and several needle pricks later he found himself at an emergency room in a foreign city.   Then came the waiting, because apparently that constitutes most of what people do. 

The nurses came in and cleaned the wound (a line of demarcation approximately 2-3" long).  Then they said that they needed to numb the area.  If a doctor/nurse ever says something like "this will feel like a little prick" do not believe them (a little prick my a$$!).  Well, there were a series of excruciatingly painful "pricks" in the head area.  One round wouldn't be enough for our hero though (because that would be too easy).  However, as it turned out, the needle pricks were painful enough to allow our hero to lose consciousness.  One round of injections and done, right - no.  Then there were a second and third round of painful injections.  Some say that there was another loss of consciousness.  Finally, our hero was stitched up - since he kind of lost consciousness (maybe due to blood pressure and heart rate temporarily plummeting), the hospital decided to keep him for the night.   

Then a couple of (probably expensive) things were done.  Our hero found himself in a CAT scan thing (after all, he did hit his head) and also had a chest X-ray.  Then he was taken to a room in a place called the ICU.  The room was marginally better than staring into the fluorescent lights of the ER (our hero is not a fan of fluorescent lighting).  While there, he was moved into a bed and asked the series of questions - like what day is it, what year, who is the president, what is the 33 decimal place of Pi?  He temporarily got a little nauseous and proceeded to, as Wayne might say, blow chunks a few times.  After that he felt a little better.

His shoes were taken off and he got a "hospital gown" (although calling it a gown is a massive stretch).  This is when he was "tethered" to the bed.   When I say tethered, I mean an IV in one arm (or two) and a blood pressure cuff on the other arm.  Grabbing anything would prove difficult.

Then the night came.  Our hero was faced with the realization that hospital beds, while seeming soft at first, are not what you would call comfortable.  Using the facilities while essentially tethered to a bed would be weird, as he would find out several hours later.  At least, being a male, this was probably a little easier.  If you were a male that went on road trips with limited bathroom breaks, you would probably get the idea (go into a jar). Our hero was glad he didn't have to go #2. 

The morning came, or more truthfully, the night finally ended with our hero unable to sleep (and feeling kind of sore).  There were more needles (but IVs do have their benefits).  Then there were techs coming by for tests like EKGs and a sonogram of the heart (where the tech pushed a little harder than they needed to.   

Just Saying 3

 

Hello Cruel World (not "cool" world), Xmas recap

Here i am again at the keyboard thinking i should post something every once in a while. So what have i been up to being an evil "unvaccinated" monster - not my responsibility to allay your irrational fears. 

Xmas has come and gone.  The real Santa Claus has forsaken me yet again. Does he have the Futurama definition of "good" or something? Hundreds of dollars and months for a 1 hour payoff.  The sales this year were kind of nutrient-y. That means i got some new stuff to watch - other than the world taking a slow ride to hell in the name of "protecting" people from the 99+% survivable virus.  Seriously, the propaganda is so thick/insidious i can't even watch TV anymore. 

What were the Solstice/Xmas themes this year (with my leftover stimulus money)?