Update and Random Quote of the Week

Sorry to my regular readers for the lack of posting this month. I have no good excuse (well, I actually do, but it would be flimsy), so I'll just jump back in with the usual worthless commentary and observations:

Since my last post, the University of Missouri Tigers were, for one glorious week, number one in the nation in football. It didn't last, but what a great time. I've been waiting for a season like this for twenty years, now it's finally happened. Just gotta beat the Razorbacks now in the Cotton Bowl....

Hugo "The Ass" Chavez lost his referendum on Constitutional change in Venezuela, which makes me happy. A temporary setback in his plans to turn the country into the next failed attempt at achieving a worker's paradise... Many people are saying that this effectively buries Chavez politically, but I disagree. Never underestimate the desire of a power-hungry socialist idiot to seize all the power he can. I predict he will make a more bold move before his term as President is up.

And finally, a random quote of the week:
In the day of prosperity we have many refuges to resort to; in the day of adversity only one.--HORATIUS BONAR.

Warren Buffett is a Hypocrite

In terms of his take on the estate tax. I have to clarify that quickly, before the Buffett groupies out there decide to dispense some vigilante justice towards me for such heresy...

If keeping the estate tax is such a good and fair situation for the citizenry, then why did The Oracle give away most of his assets to the Gates foundation? Did he think that Uncle Sam might not spend that money as wisely as he? Perhaps only those people who are society's elites should be able to determine how their estate will be spent, but not the rest of us. We should just give up that money to Uncle Sam, and blindly trust the smartest people in the universe (Congress) to spend it well.

From the linked article:
"Instead of the free market determining when assets are bought or sold, the death tax makes that determination," said Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. "There is something fundamentally wrong when the government swoops in after a funeral to take a cut of what that person had worked their whole life for, and has already paid taxes on at least once."

You said it, sister. Remember: actions always speak louder than words. Buffett says the estate tax is necessary, but shielded the bulk of his own estate by giving it away as a charitable contribution. Strange that Uncle Sam won't be taking "a little more out of the hides" of guys like him. Food for thought.

Random Quote of the Week

The distinguishing trait of people accustomed to good society is a calm, imperturbable quiet which pervades all their actions and habits, from the greatest to the least. They eat in quiet, move in quiet, live in quiet, and lose their wife, or even their money, in quiet; while low persons cannot take up either a spoon or an affront without making such an amazing noise about it.--LYTTON.

For Those of You

who are financial types (aren't we all), check out prosper.com. You can actually make some money in micro loans. Be careful, however, because the loans are unsecured... Click this button, you'll get extra $ if you sign up:

Note to Self

Copper is a very good conductor of electricity! I recently read on Reuters that a German man was electrocuted and burned to a crisp attempting to steal copper from some sort of electrical substation... I've said it before, good riddance! Go mine the stuff if you want copper, or better yet, buy mining shares...

Not-so-Random Quote of the Month

Speaks for itself:

Many politicians are in the habit of laying it down as a self-evident proposition, that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story, who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim.--MACAULAY

The Hammer of Truth

Sometimes, a mirror can be your harshest critic. Michael Moore should invest in one. I had to reprint this post from Rife's Torch (see blogroll), entitled "What About You, Mike?" Enjoy.


Filmmaker and throughly disingenuous huckster Michael Moore has asked Presidential candidates to pledge to go without health insurance should they be elected.
This is almost as stupid and pointless as the candidates’ pledges to work for the minimum wage during their tenure as Executive, but my question is this: What about you, Mike? How about you drop your health insurance, since you’re so in touch with the American proletarian? Given both your net worth and obesity (I’m sorry, but the sight of a 350lb man bitching about the evils of American excess is just too full of humor and irony to pass up mentioning), it would seem that this is the closest you will be able to get to the experience of the “little guy.”
In fact, I think that everyone who supports Mike’s prescription for health care reform - which is notably high in facile, blanket, idiotic assumptions, and notably low in substance and connection to reality (”free, universal health care for life” sounds great, but so does a free Lexus every year - neither is feasible nor morally justifiable) - should ditch their health insurance in protest. Along the same lines, I think that those who are inclined to use force to distribute money from one group of people to another (regardless of purpose) should start with their own damn bank account. After all, why should some of us have health care while others do not? Isn’t this an affront to justice? Isn’t that what the movie is about: the assumption that positive rights do exist and should be enforced by the government?
I haven’t yet seen Moore’s latest propaganda piece (it’s on my list of things to watch via. BitTorrent as soon as I get a chance to run to the liquor store), but I would like for someone, somewhere to tell me just why the hell we’re supposed to assume that when a well-known American filmmaker shows up with a full crew and requests health care from the Cuban government, they will treat him and the poor souls he dragged with him any differently than the most prominent member of the Communist Party? Are we really supposed to believe that this is anything less than blanket propaganda (it is my understanding that the hospital he visited in the film serves dignitaries and high Party officials almost exclusively)? Oh, I see! The Cuban system must be just swell; this is why so many Americans brave shark-infested waters to leave their homes and families and migrate to this worker’s paradise.
So either put up or shut up, Michael. Or just tell me why you should have health care and others should not? Isn’t that the question of the hour?
(The answer, by the way, is “because he can afford it,” but I can guarantee you that in this area, Moore will exhibit the same amount of intellectual honesty presented in his films.)

Just Back From Florida

And the trip was fantastic. The motorcycle riding got old during the day due to heat, but we wised up on the way back by riding at night. Other than that, the first true distance trial (2600 miles) of my BMW K1200GT was a good one. The bike worked perfectly, as expected, and the only thing I may change about it in the future will be the seat...

As far as the scuba diving, I got to dive several wrecks, including the Spiegel Grove, the Thunderbolt, the Benwood, and the City of Washington. Several reefs were included as well. Lots of marine life- beats the hell out of a day (or a week, in this case) at the office! Florida Keys diving will definitely be included in my future expeditions.

I also stopped by the Coral Castle in Homestead, FL. It was really cool- in fact, I will be taking my wife there with me in the future. What a great accomplishment, and the chicks think it's romantic.

It's good to be back to my family- I did miss my girls. Time to get back to work, and ensure that my vacation money is sufficient for next year...

Epic Ride

Final preparations are under way for the motorcycle ride to the Florida Keys. Barring any potential tropical storms/hurricanes, the scuba diving should be great. I have yet to dive the Keys, so it will be fun to check out the wrecks in the area. I'm told that the currents there can rival that of Cozumel, so it should make for some interesting diving...

Combining two of my hobbies makes for a great vacation. Now I just have to figure out where to take my wife a little later in the year...

Re-accumulation Theory

All this populist, class-warfare, 'haves and have-nots' talk during the current Presidential campaign really makes me want to puke...

My favorite quote always goes something like this: "The wealthiest X% (X is a single-digit number) of Americans control Y% (Y is a relatively high double-digit number) of the wealth of this country." "This has got to stop, blah, blah, blah."

Here's my re-accumulation theory: Let's say we give in to these socialists, confiscate all the wealth of this country, and distribute it equally to every living adult. Assuming an economic system that's even mildly capitalist (like the one we have now), within 5 years, much of that wealth would be right back into the hands of those we took it from originally-within 10 years, all of it would be.

The bottom line is this: there are always people who are experts in their field. They can't help but succeed. Some are great investors, negociators, inventors, executives, workers, thieves, etc. There are also plenty of people with no motivation, and people who squander their money keeping up with the Joneses, betting, drinking, using drugs, etc. They are certainly free to do those things, but fools and their money are always parted. There will always be 'haves' and 'have-nots'. Get used to it. Instead of concerning ourselves with ways to take wealth away from the rich, perhaps we should start discussing how to teach some of the 'have-nots' how to create wealth of their own...

Random Quote

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision; and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.--COLTON.

I Noticed

more motorcycles on the road today than normal (today is ride to work day - www.ridetowork.org )... That's a good thing - even used as plain transportation, bikes are economical and fun...

On a different note entirely, planning is well underway for the motorcycle/scuba diving trip to the Keys of Florida next month. Barring any hurricanes, the wreck diving should be fantastic!

Hope to See You on the Road

Another Proud University Bows to the NCAA

The Arkansas State Indians are changing the name of their mascot. The NCAA mascot Gestapo has ruined the identity of another University in the name of political correctness.

I'm happy that not everyone at ASU is pleased about this forced change (from the above linked article):
“None of us like this,” said committee member Bill Keedy, a former Newport High School football coach and a radio announcer for ASU football games. “We think the NCAA is ‘hostile and abusive.’”

I do as well, Mr. Keedy. And may I suggest a perfectly watered-down mascot name? Arkansas State Native Americans? Arkansas State Vegetarians? Nah, maybe not. I'm sure the marketing firm will come up with a gender-neutral, environmentally-friendly, non-confrontational mascot...

Trent Despot

“Talk radio is running America. We have to deal with that problem.”

So says Trent Lott (Despot - I'm coining the term today), Senator from Mississippi and arbiter of modern political speech and thought in America...

Talk Radio, you are free to use the term Trent Despot free of charge, as long as you give proper credit!

You Look Like a Fine, Up-standing Young Man, I Think You'll Do

I haven't posted lately, due to the fact that I've been working, riding my motorcycle, and taking care of my family... Generally trying to be a responsible human being. On the other hand, check out this story from right here in good ol' Southeast Missouri:

Who's Your Daddy? Paternity Battle Between Brothers

My favorite quote from the article is this: "I want to go to the Supreme Court," Raymon told ABC News. "If they can't prove it's me then they should throw it out of court." And as for the child support, he said, "The state should eat it." Ah yes. The State should eat it. Great logic. Irresponsible Ass.

Motorcycle Pic of the Month

Or at least an interesting one that I happened upon on the killboy.com blog:

I've never seen that color scheme on the road before- Gloves would have been a real smart addition to her attire...

The Difference is that Lord Browne

lied about sex in court, but apparently was honor-bound to step down from his post at BP:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/05/01/browne.resign/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Go figure. People can do the right thing from time to time. Several high-profile Americans could learn a thing or two here...

Now That's a Retirement

One of my motorcycle/scuba diving friends is strongly considering retiring (again), selling his rental properties/etc., and buying a sailboat big enough for him and his wife... Then sailing, diving, and motorcycling full time. Not a bad way to spend your time! That's the sort of retirement I have in mind in the distant future as well...

When Stupidity Meets High Metals Prices

From KAIT channel 8, Jonesboro, AR:


WALCOTT, AR - Greene County authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occured this afternoon near Walcott.
Sheriff Dan Langston said a man was electrocuted at approximately 1:13 p.m. The accident occured at or near the intersection of Greene County Roads 315 and 340.
The name of the victim has not yet been released. Langston said preliminary investigation revealed that the man may have been attempting to steal copper from the site.

Darwin award nominee?

Great Day for a Ride

Yesterday, some friends and I had a fantastic motorcycle ride through Southeast MO. I know, kinda boring, but there really is some decent scenery if you look for it. Started in Caruthersville, rode to downtown Cape Girardeau, had lunch, checked out lots of bikes. Then on to Chaffee, Delta, and Advance along Hwy 25. We took 25 down to Malden, to catch the end of an antique car show. Some interesting vehicles there. Finally, on south to Kennett, then back home east on 412. 200+ miles- it wasn't a long ride by any stretch of the imagination, but it was sunny, not a cloud in sight, and we had nowhere to be all day...

This Whole Imus Controversy

with the Rutgers women's basketball team is such a huge win for..... Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton! Huh? Yes, these two prominent leaders, who by the way are racists themselves, have now recovered the spotlight from Obama. All is well in the world of Jackson and Sharpton. They certainly believe that the spotlight belongs to them- how dare Obama take it away!

Don't worry guys, Obama will have it back soon, and you will be returned to political and societal irrelevance soon enough.

Un-Freaking Believable

Check out shareholder proposal #4 on this year's proxy for Altria Group:

PROPOSAL 4 – GET OUT OF TRADITIONAL TOBACCO BUSINESS BY 2010

The Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824, claiming beneficial ownership of 75 shares of common stock, together with two co-proponents, submitted the proposal set forth below. The names, addresses and shareholdings of the co-proponents will be furnished upon request made to the Secretary of the Company.

WHEREAS, in 1973 a Philip Morris representative stated: “We all know that once a consumer product has been proven by the medical profession to be harmful to the human body, the product will be banned from sales and whatever has been sold will be withdrawn from the trade.” He said, if cigarettes would be “undeniably proven to be harmful and conducive to lung cancer, there will definitely be a ban on cigarette sales worldwide.” Later, in the film, Death in the West, a Philip Morris Vice President declared that, if it were shown cigarettes cause harm, “we would withdraw them.” PMUSA has never disavowed these statements.

Recently PMUSA has promoted itself as socially responsible. It says it shouldn’t be judged by past modes of operating. However, as late as August, 2006, a Federal Judge overseeing the U.S. Government’s lawsuit against it and other tobacco companies ruled it and the others have continually violated racketeering laws by deceiving the public about tobacco dangers. It stated:

1.
They have falsely denied, distorted and minimized significant adverse health consequences of smoking for decades.

2.
They have consistently manipulated nicotine levels in cigarettes, with resulting addictive consequences.

3.
Their own documents and research reveal their continued recognition that smoking causes serious adverse health effects, along with fears how such knowledge might impact litigation.

Meanwhile, other findings indicate that the company does regulate nicotine levels in its cigarettes, corroborating what the Federal Judge alleged.

While acknowledging that a combination of increased taxes on cigarettes and diminished public access to smoking reduces smoking and, therefore, increases public health and, despite its acknowledgement of smoking’s health hazards, PMUSA has lobbied mightily to restrict increases in taxes in various states (BW 09.11.06). This makes the proponents of this resolution convinced the company is not sincere in its stated commitment to reduce smoking among people in general, youth in particular and, especially those addicted to its products.

The findings of the Federal Judge and others show that our company has consistently acted duplicitously in the dissemination of its cigarettes. Despite this, it still has asked the same Judge for permission to continue marketing its alleged “light” and “ultralight” products abroad even though it knows millions of people think they diminish health hazards but do not. This “boundless rapaciousness” has led The Washington Post to opine of this Company’s thinking: “If we can’t continue to defraud Americans into killing themselves … can we at least keep suggesting to billions of people abroad that some cigarettes are safer than others?”

After years of trying to make this Company more socially responsible, the shareholders filing this resolution are left with no alternative but to submit the following:

RESOLVED, that, since it acknowledges the science showing its tobacco products create disease and death, shareholders request the Board of Directors initiate steps to sell or phase out all production, promotion and marketing of its health-hazardous and addictive tobacco products by 2010.

The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal.

Ya think? Uh, guys, it's time to sell your measly little 75 shares and get out of the tobacco business TODAY! Idiots.

Credit Where It's Due

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the State of Missouri has really gotten something right by its corporate citizens. Unlike the constant offers you get in your personal life from your credit card companies/banks/etc. to get 'paperless billing,' like it's a BIG convenience to you (doesn't save you money, only the company), the State of Missouri actually gives YOU an incentive to file important corporate documents with the State online at a much reduced cost. Now that gets me excited to save trees!

Hmmm- a win for me, for Missouri, and for the tree-huggers... who'da thunk it?

Some Pressure for Citgo

Another local Citgo franchise dropping Citgo and going independent-this station just took down the prominent CITGO sign that you now see is missing- it seems people really do vote with their wallets!(Hayti, MO)
Glad to see the independent owners following in 7-Eleven's footsteps...

Welcome Back

I notice now that the weather is improving here in Southeast Missouri that those motorcyclists whose loud pipes "save lives" are finally out and about again... Riding 'season' is back! Of course my riding season never ends, but it's good to see them out on the road. Welcome back!

It's Time to Back off the Bank of America

This recent policy of issuing credit cards to Mexicans seems to have really touched one of the many nerves regarding immigration in the United States... Apparently, Bank of America believes that it's muy importante to service credit-worthy foreigners who want credit cards. The Hispanic population of the USA, illegally here or not, is by far the fastest-growing. It makes tremendous business sense to serve that market. Regardless of why they're here, Bank of America sees what they believe to be a creditworthy foreigner standing in front of them (or at the very least, one who is willing to establish a secured card by putting money up-front).

I say it's good old Capitalism, plain and simple. People are talking as if the bank is issuing unsecured credit cards to all illegal immigrants, which is clearly preposterous. Kudos to Bank of America, for refusing to behave like a charity, and actually trying to make a buck. I really hope they don't cave in to the pressure on this one.

And Here I Was Under the Impression

that sending additional troops to Baghdad would have no effect... Hmmm...

This Year's Cool Scuba Dive

May well be the Spiegel Grove. I can live with that.

Sometimes, the Good Guys Win

Of course by good guys, I mean Capitalists. The news of Wal-Mart's victory over Maryland made my week. No legislature is more capable than a business in determining what amount of health care spending will attract and retain the most qualified employees. Score one for the good guys- you Wal-Mart Jihadists will have to go back to the drawing board.

Random Pic of the Week

A sample of my step-daughter's art, late 2005. Sort of looks like a wild neon sign:

I'll Take a Routing Number with That, Please...

On January 3, the normally very responsible KFVS12 TV of Cape Girardeau did something that blew my mind. They produced a very compelling segment about a certain local health-care company that is bouncing payroll checks. Poor, pitiful employees.

In the segment, they show the bounced payroll check on air, with the identity of the payee blocked out by some one's thumb. Here's the amazing thing: even without the aid of a DVR, the check was on air for so long, you could easily make out the name of the bank, the routing number, and the account number of the company in question.

I realize that if a company is bouncing payroll checks, there may not be much money in the account. If I were in charge of either the bank or the health-care company, I'd have my lawyers at Dewey, Cheatham & Howe climbing straight up the skirt of KFVS12 for subjecting my company to serious financial risk in a most negligent way... Mike Smythe (general manager), you owe both companies a humble apology on air during one of your "Viewpoint" segments...

2007 Predictions

Happy New Year- I plan on making 2007 even better than 2006, and I hope you do as well.

Time for New Year's predictions-

• Fidel Castro dies in 07, and IF brother Raul gets the keys to Cuba, it becomes "communist" much more in the Chinese sense of the word- in name only- as capitalism regains a foothold in our little neighbor island to the south...
• U.S. auto makers remain in deep trouble, and I reiterate my prediction that GM declares bankruptcy by the end of this year. Ford may not be the only one that approaches Toyota about some sort of alliance or takeover. Of course, Toyota would be foolish to even consider it- the U.S. auto makers are basically health-care operations that happen to make cars on the side! Toyota can just continue its winning ways, and defeat the others anyway...
• More private equity takeovers of publicly-traded companies go on this year, in fact, they may accelerate. With all the corporate governance shenanigans going on with stock options, and all the unreasonable head-aches companies have to deal with since Sarbox, why bother? Take the company private and run the damn thing the way you want to. Who could blame you?
• More initial public offerings are at risk of being listed overseas- another unintended consequence of Sarbox. Something will have to change soon in terms of this law- I say it gets modified by Congress in 07.

While I think something major will go down with Iran this year, I won't make it an official prediction. Even if it does, know that we can call on Ethiopia (see previous post) to go in, kick ass, and rid the world of that nuclear/radical Islam threat.