Yes, you reading the headline correctly. I am calling for the withdraw of U.S. Troops from Iraq.
What prompted this? While away for Christmas at my parents I saw a couple new bumper stickers calling for troop withdraws from Iraq. My parents live in a small town with a lot of "artistic" type people who tend to be very liberal.
However, I want to slightly modify that bumper sticker to add one condition on this: We will withdraw troops from the Middle East as soon as the Islamic terrorists leave other countries and return home.
That seems like a simple condition to me. Why don't liberals call for the withdraw of terrorists from countries? (especially the U.S.)
Over the past couple of decades, we have the demise of several terrorist groups like FARC, IRA, Sendero, and UFF. Now Islamic terrorist groups account for the majority of the terrorism in the world today. However groups like al-Qa'ida, Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah al-Islam, and Taliban continue to "wage war" against others who do not fit into their views.
Through the years, terrorism has taken the lives of countless people. The U.S. (and other countries) need to step up and take them out if they will not live peacefully with others. This is basically the same view as Winston Churchill's call to resist Adolf Hitler before the start of World War II.
I am not advocating being the "world police", but we need to do it to protect ourselves. They have a right to their own views and how they want to run their own countries (as long as we do not see the genocide of Adolf Hitler or Saddam Hussein). But when they threaten and harm others they step over the line in my opinion. That is when they must be dealt with.
This is a problem that has been going on for centuries and will not be solved overnight. However, we must remain firm and resolve not to let them terrorize the world.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Playoffs?
Yes - we really are in the playoffs. It is heard to believe. This is not the Jim Mora interview questioning if we could make it.
Honestly, I was nervous watching the game yesterday. A Dolphins win and they were in the playoffs. There were some misplays and missed plays that had me chewing my finger nails - Ricky Williams dropping the flea-flicker pass, Brown missing a wide open Haynos in the wildcat formation, the long snapper putting it over Fields' head, and the Pennington fumble. However, they played well in a lot of aspects to win the game. It was a great way to end the regular season.
The season was a remarkable turn-around from 1-15 to 11-5 AFC East Division Champions. Some of the things that helped with the turn around included:
The Dolphins did get some good breaks this year - an easy schedule (thanks to the prior season), Tom Brady getting hurt, the Jets and Bills collapsing mid-season, and of course the Favre trade to the Jets. They also got good production from a lot of players on the roster.
There were some things that did not go as well. FA WR Ernest Wilford did not contribute anything (and will probably get cut). A couple players acquired in trades did not contribute as much as expected. This is to be expected - you cannot expect every deal to work out.
The Dolphins will face a much tougher schedule next season with games against the Colts, Steelers, Falcons, and Panthers. However, I expect the Dolphins to continue improving this team. We will have more draft picks and probably some more free agent signings. We need to continue to improve (and increase the depth) of the lines and edges (WRs and CBs).
With the South Florida economy dominating the news (negatively) with real estate and employment woes, it is nice to have some positive news that most people can get excited about.
Next Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens will be fun to watch. We lost to them earlier this season but it was not our best game. They are playing well at the end of the season like the Dolphins and it will be battle to the end.
Honestly, I was nervous watching the game yesterday. A Dolphins win and they were in the playoffs. There were some misplays and missed plays that had me chewing my finger nails - Ricky Williams dropping the flea-flicker pass, Brown missing a wide open Haynos in the wildcat formation, the long snapper putting it over Fields' head, and the Pennington fumble. However, they played well in a lot of aspects to win the game. It was a great way to end the regular season.
The season was a remarkable turn-around from 1-15 to 11-5 AFC East Division Champions. Some of the things that helped with the turn around included:
- Drafting players like Jake Long, Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford, and others to bring some youth and talent to a team that has drafted poorly the last few years.
- Trading for players like Anthony Fasano to fill in gaps (and without mortgaging future drafts).
- Signing free agents like Justin Smiley (who unfortunately got hurt late in the season) and Devon Bess.
- Younger players like Ted Ginn and Channing Crowder stepping up their games.
- Players returning from injury like Ronnie Brown and Yeremiah Bell to contribute.
- Getting an experienced QB in Pennington after the Jets dropped him. This was probably the single biggest reason for magnitude of the turn-around.
The Dolphins did get some good breaks this year - an easy schedule (thanks to the prior season), Tom Brady getting hurt, the Jets and Bills collapsing mid-season, and of course the Favre trade to the Jets. They also got good production from a lot of players on the roster.
There were some things that did not go as well. FA WR Ernest Wilford did not contribute anything (and will probably get cut). A couple players acquired in trades did not contribute as much as expected. This is to be expected - you cannot expect every deal to work out.
The Dolphins will face a much tougher schedule next season with games against the Colts, Steelers, Falcons, and Panthers. However, I expect the Dolphins to continue improving this team. We will have more draft picks and probably some more free agent signings. We need to continue to improve (and increase the depth) of the lines and edges (WRs and CBs).
With the South Florida economy dominating the news (negatively) with real estate and employment woes, it is nice to have some positive news that most people can get excited about.
Next Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens will be fun to watch. We lost to them earlier this season but it was not our best game. They are playing well at the end of the season like the Dolphins and it will be battle to the end.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Christmas Story
Luke 2:1-20
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
We should remember the true meaning of Christmas – it is the birth of Jesus. Let’s celebrate what God has done for us! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
We should remember the true meaning of Christmas – it is the birth of Jesus. Let’s celebrate what God has done for us! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Congress Gives Themselves A Christmas Gift
This is what really irks me about politics. They are out of touch with reality in Washington.
Members of Congress are allowing the automatic pay increase for 2009 to take place. They will get a $4,700 increase to $174,000. That is an increase of 2.8%. This will cost taxpayers $2.5 million next year. The total cost is not the issue - it is the principle and timing.
This puts lawmakers in the top 6% of wage earners in the country (without any consideration to other sources or spouses' incomes). At time when the nation is struggling it is appalling that they would give themselves a raise when you consider their income.
Most companies are not giving raises and a lot are not getting bonuses. My company is not giving raises and bonuses where cut considerably. I consider myself fortunate especially when I hear of peers at other firms loosing their jobs.
Congress can block the increase, but the bill to halt the raise only has 34 co-sponsors. Its needs 218 to get through. (The names of the 34 should be listed so we know who is really watching out for us.)
Fox News reported that two of the sponsors will give back their money to the Treasury. That is a nice gesture. Maybe others will follow suit or better yet give it to a charitable cause that will do some good for somebody.
This is one that I will email my local representative. (FYI - I did not vote for Ron Klein because of liberal views and the fact I look at him as a Washington insider which is the problem today.)
We should be outraged by this behavior but it is not surprising. Washington asks citizens to do as they say and not as they do themselves. Maybe the average citizen will start to realize the problems we face with our government. The system is good but the people in it are not.
Final interesting note: The Sun Sentinel does not have any coverage of this story. I commend them for questioning Governor Crist's London trip expenses and elected officials actually living outside their districts, but they failed to cover this story that has as much significance.
Members of Congress are allowing the automatic pay increase for 2009 to take place. They will get a $4,700 increase to $174,000. That is an increase of 2.8%. This will cost taxpayers $2.5 million next year. The total cost is not the issue - it is the principle and timing.
This puts lawmakers in the top 6% of wage earners in the country (without any consideration to other sources or spouses' incomes). At time when the nation is struggling it is appalling that they would give themselves a raise when you consider their income.
Most companies are not giving raises and a lot are not getting bonuses. My company is not giving raises and bonuses where cut considerably. I consider myself fortunate especially when I hear of peers at other firms loosing their jobs.
Congress can block the increase, but the bill to halt the raise only has 34 co-sponsors. Its needs 218 to get through. (The names of the 34 should be listed so we know who is really watching out for us.)
Fox News reported that two of the sponsors will give back their money to the Treasury. That is a nice gesture. Maybe others will follow suit or better yet give it to a charitable cause that will do some good for somebody.
This is one that I will email my local representative. (FYI - I did not vote for Ron Klein because of liberal views and the fact I look at him as a Washington insider which is the problem today.)
We should be outraged by this behavior but it is not surprising. Washington asks citizens to do as they say and not as they do themselves. Maybe the average citizen will start to realize the problems we face with our government. The system is good but the people in it are not.
Final interesting note: The Sun Sentinel does not have any coverage of this story. I commend them for questioning Governor Crist's London trip expenses and elected officials actually living outside their districts, but they failed to cover this story that has as much significance.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Winterfest Boat Parade
Saturday night was the annual Winterfest Boat Parade in Broward County.This is actually the first time that I have gone since they moved the start to downtown FTL. I have to admit I was surprised by the number of people and the atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Even the condos in downtown had a lot of people out on the balconies - maybe there are more people living in them than I thought.)
I do not care to see boats advertising "American Idol", "House of Rock", or the sponsor the "Hard Rock Casino". Fortunately, those were confined for the most part to the big boats at the beginning of the parade.
The smaller boats seemed to have a better spirit of the season and more originally as well. The best one in my opinion was the Nutcracker themed sailboat with toy soldiers. They fired a cannon (which you could probably hear in the Weston!) and all of the soldiers fell down in unison.
The start itself was interesting to watch. It was around the 3rd street bride with all of the mega yachts tied up there. Tow boats had to maneuver them out of the tight quarters with a east wind and strong incoming tide. Some of the smaller sailboats had to be towed just to make it against the tide and wind.
The Nutcracker sailboat almost was almost swept away by it. When they let go of the dock, the tide caught them and spun them around. Fortunately the captain got the righted before they got to the bridge.
This is an event that the community definitely enjoys and I think should continue - just with a little less blatant advertising.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Possible New Plan for Tax Refunds?
So the Federal Government has gone down the path of "investing" in our economy in order to keep us from going into a depression (which was not that likely). They have stakes in financial services and the automotive industry. Who knows what is next...
Monday night a friend and I were talking about Warren Buffet with all of the companies he owns through Berkshire Hathaway and why he doesn't cross sell more. He owns Diary Queen, Benjamin Moore, Geico Insurance, Shaw Industries, Fruit of the Loom and the list goes on... The question was why doesn't he cross sell between them? He has a lot of good brands.
I thought about what would the government do with all of their investments. Then I thought about the fact that they already have our money (tax payments). Maybe instead of tax refunds they might offer some other "deals". Here are some possibilities:
• If you have a sub-prime mortgage maybe your tax refund goes towards principle reduction to reduce default risk.
• If you are driving a car over three years old maybe you get a certificate to put towards a new Chrysler, Ford, or GM (except Hummer sense they guzzle too much gas).
• Homeowners could get certificates towards solar panels or wind generators.
The list could go on and on if the government continues to bail out different industries.
Whether or not you agree or disagree, there are some interesting things to think about. How will the Federal government deal with them? That is the $10K question.
Obviously I am trying to add some humor here but it some to seriously consider.
Monday night a friend and I were talking about Warren Buffet with all of the companies he owns through Berkshire Hathaway and why he doesn't cross sell more. He owns Diary Queen, Benjamin Moore, Geico Insurance, Shaw Industries, Fruit of the Loom and the list goes on... The question was why doesn't he cross sell between them? He has a lot of good brands.
I thought about what would the government do with all of their investments. Then I thought about the fact that they already have our money (tax payments). Maybe instead of tax refunds they might offer some other "deals". Here are some possibilities:
• If you have a sub-prime mortgage maybe your tax refund goes towards principle reduction to reduce default risk.
• If you are driving a car over three years old maybe you get a certificate to put towards a new Chrysler, Ford, or GM (except Hummer sense they guzzle too much gas).
• Homeowners could get certificates towards solar panels or wind generators.
The list could go on and on if the government continues to bail out different industries.
Whether or not you agree or disagree, there are some interesting things to think about. How will the Federal government deal with them? That is the $10K question.
Obviously I am trying to add some humor here but it some to seriously consider.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Shopping Report
I started my Christmas shopping for real tonight. I hit the retails stores in person (against the advice of a co-worker who said to shop via the internet). I went to Linen N Things (nothing left since they are liquidating under bankruptcy), Pier One, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target.
It was a mixed bag from an economic perspective. Some stores (Target, BB&B, Barnes & Noble) were busy, others seemed a bit sparse (Pier One, LnT). I asked the cashiers how was business and answers ranged mixed, to good weekends, to steady stream. Most of the places had specials on Christmas related items.
The tough part of our economic base is that it is really become consumer driven. Consumers will get us out of the recession - not capital spending.
Overall I did pretty good on things I was looking for tonight. I still have to go to a few more places to finish my shopping. Some of the things I got tonight included:
- D&S are getting cigars (him), teas (her) and some candy (both of them)
- D&L are getting some glass snack trays for their new kitchen
- R&C are getting some nifty wine glasses and a bottle of wine
- F&F are getting some candles and holders
- My boss is getting a bottle of white wine and chocolates - that will keep her happy
- Parents are getting a new fancy carving knife and some assorted candies for stocking stocking stuffers
- I did get some Christmas cards to send out
I still can't figure out what to get my grandparents. They really don't need anything. They don't like to go out to eat. I got some stocking stuffers but need more ideas...
I did not purchase any gifts for myself. I did my "personal" Christmas shopping in September when I got a shinny new M1 (actually its black). That was my present to my self this year before the market really took a nosedive!
Do I think people are spending money - yes. Do I think people are holding back - definitely. Is it the doom and gloom the media is say - I do not think so. I am spending but not as much as last year.
Note 1: The codes names are because I know some of my friends actually do read this blog (even they do not leave comments - hint).
Note 2: This is by no means a buy or sell recommendation for these companies since some of you know who I work for!
It was a mixed bag from an economic perspective. Some stores (Target, BB&B, Barnes & Noble) were busy, others seemed a bit sparse (Pier One, LnT). I asked the cashiers how was business and answers ranged mixed, to good weekends, to steady stream. Most of the places had specials on Christmas related items.
The tough part of our economic base is that it is really become consumer driven. Consumers will get us out of the recession - not capital spending.
Overall I did pretty good on things I was looking for tonight. I still have to go to a few more places to finish my shopping. Some of the things I got tonight included:
- D&S are getting cigars (him), teas (her) and some candy (both of them)
- D&L are getting some glass snack trays for their new kitchen
- R&C are getting some nifty wine glasses and a bottle of wine
- F&F are getting some candles and holders
- My boss is getting a bottle of white wine and chocolates - that will keep her happy
- Parents are getting a new fancy carving knife and some assorted candies for stocking stocking stuffers
- I did get some Christmas cards to send out
I still can't figure out what to get my grandparents. They really don't need anything. They don't like to go out to eat. I got some stocking stuffers but need more ideas...
I did not purchase any gifts for myself. I did my "personal" Christmas shopping in September when I got a shinny new M1 (actually its black). That was my present to my self this year before the market really took a nosedive!
Do I think people are spending money - yes. Do I think people are holding back - definitely. Is it the doom and gloom the media is say - I do not think so. I am spending but not as much as last year.
Note 1: The codes names are because I know some of my friends actually do read this blog (even they do not leave comments - hint).
Note 2: This is by no means a buy or sell recommendation for these companies since some of you know who I work for!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Heaviest known element discovered
The US Government's Livermore Laboratories has discovered the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.
(P.S. I believe it can be found in all parties...)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Something Most People Knew
Well it's now official. We are in a recession.
Most people probably already realized this but Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said yesterday that the economy has been in a recession since December 2007. Anyone who owns a business (or is involved in management) knew that the economy has slowed down (or retracted in some areas). We see companies laying people off. We have seen a rise in bankruptcies and defaults.
What surprised me was how the stock market reacted to the news yesterday. I assumed that the results from Black Friday (and rest of the weekend shopping) would be the key driver to the market along with some profit taking on Monday.
However, the market reacted very negatively to the news with the Dow giving up 679 points (7.70%). I thought the market was intelligent and efficient when it is open and active. Yet the market seemed to be surprised by something the average person probably knew. I do not understand how this was not priced into the market already.
I still feel that the government needs to take some active role in the recession to help stimulate the economy and put safeguards in that this will not happen again (specifically for the bad mortgage practices). However, I am still not sure that the current intervention of infusing money (or taking stakes) directly in companies is the best approach.
I just hope that years from now President Bush is not compared to Hoover for his inaction at the start of the Great Depression. I also hope that President-elect Obama is not compared to Roosevelt for extending this recession longer.
Most people probably already realized this but Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said yesterday that the economy has been in a recession since December 2007. Anyone who owns a business (or is involved in management) knew that the economy has slowed down (or retracted in some areas). We see companies laying people off. We have seen a rise in bankruptcies and defaults.
What surprised me was how the stock market reacted to the news yesterday. I assumed that the results from Black Friday (and rest of the weekend shopping) would be the key driver to the market along with some profit taking on Monday.
However, the market reacted very negatively to the news with the Dow giving up 679 points (7.70%). I thought the market was intelligent and efficient when it is open and active. Yet the market seemed to be surprised by something the average person probably knew. I do not understand how this was not priced into the market already.
I still feel that the government needs to take some active role in the recession to help stimulate the economy and put safeguards in that this will not happen again (specifically for the bad mortgage practices). However, I am still not sure that the current intervention of infusing money (or taking stakes) directly in companies is the best approach.
I just hope that years from now President Bush is not compared to Hoover for his inaction at the start of the Great Depression. I also hope that President-elect Obama is not compared to Roosevelt for extending this recession longer.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Flip the Calendar - December is Here!
Today is the first of the month. Its time to flip the calendar from November to December. Fall is over and we are moving into winter (and out of hurricane season too).It also means the countdown to Christmas has begun. It is the celebration of the coming of Christ. It is the time to remember that Christ came to earth to offer salvation and peace to anyone who will accept. (We must also not forget that Christ is coming again.)
I want to get into the spirit of the season this year. It has been tough to think it about it though. The past several months with the economy, negative news, and terrorist attacks internationally has driven me to a depressed state. I realized in church yesterday that I have let world dampen my spirit.
Over Thanksgiving I contemplated talking to my parents about scaling back on giving this year. They are concerned with the economy (and their savings taking a hit) but they are looking forward to the Christmas season.
So I hung some lights on my house yesterday, started some Christmas shopping (to the help the economy too!), and looked at Christmas trees at Publix (where shopping is a pleasure). The cooler temperatures we have already seen also help get me into the spirit. (Shorts on Christmas day do not do it for me - I could not live in the southern hemisphere.)
Remember the reasons for the season - it is about giving. Just as Christ came to give, we should give as well. Look around and see who you can give to this season.
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