Who Knows Anything? » Give Me a Break

Yes, This Blog Needs an Update…

Chip — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:31:22 +0000

Abject apologies I just remembered I have not updated this since long before Shakespeare wast a boy... You would not believe how hard it is being waited on hand and foot and generally lounging around thanks to my sweet wife. Stupid Global Warming!.

I am distracted with setting fire to people wearing Crocs, learning to speak Japanese, just generally being the life of the party to anyone unfortunate to cross my path, my day is filled with fluorescent light from midday to whenever. I am not complaining though. I need a nap.

I probably I will write something that makes sense soon. Seriously! I will write more to certain yous; but it might not be you in particular who I write to...

Understanding This Financial Mess

Chip — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:12:38 +0000

I have had a number of conversations over the last week trying to understand this mess our economy is in. There are a number of theories, ideas and everything in between floating around out there. I don't begin to understand the totality of it - but I do understand some of the fundamentals.

Here's what I think I know about the situation:

Mortgages are the root problem.
The banking industry was selling mortgages to a lot of people who wouldn't necessarily qualify for a mortgage without some of these special loans.
A lot of the bad mortgages causing this problem were sub-prime or mortgages whose value was below the prime rate.
There were a number of government programs that mandated the mortgage lenders make loans to those less fortunate.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac knew a bailout was possible and therefore made more risky decisions based on the premise that they would benefit from a governmental bailout.
This problem began more years ago than anyone, especially in this political climate, will give credit.

I'm sure there is a lot more information, facts, theories and such that are out there. But, this is my simplistic view. Here's a great article by Thomas Sowell - "Bailout Politics". He has a Ph. D. in Economics from Stanford and is really, really smart. There are a number of great quotes and insight in the article.

I Want My 3 Gallon per Flush Toilet Back

Chip — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:38:30 +0000

On a weekly basis, I have to witness the most idiotic bureaucratic mandate in the history of the world - the 1.8 gallon per flush toilet. This thing can barely get rid of my liquid waste. Let's not discuss the solid "waste" issue.

I'm all for living a green life and conservation. But, when was the last time you went #2 and didn't have to flush twice? This mandate is forcing us to waste resources rather than conserve them. Let's not forget the stress level rise - which can lead to a heart attack - from dealing with a commode that can't take care of business.

Please bring back the 3g/f toilet! Maybe I'll make up some bumper stickers. Start a campaign!

I Little Minor Surgery…Right!

Chip — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:30:55 +0000

I'm going "under the knife" in a few hours. I'm not really looking forward to it, but it's something my wife has been asking me to do for a couple of years. You can probably guess what it's going to be. But, please, please let there be good drugs at the end!

Political Correctness, Please Tell Me We’re Over That

Chip — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:56:23 +0000

Now, I've heard it all!

The latest PC term - "punctually challenged." I freakin' hate PC terms. I'm a realist and try and call it how I see it. If you don't want some version of the truth, the you are forewarned - don't ask me. I think American society is ready for something else.

I was reading the fabulous magazine, Esquire, and there's a fascinating article on a movement called "Radical Honesty." It was founded by a psychotherapist in Virginia named Brad Blanton. Here's the article: "I Think You're Fat." The idea is basically anti-PC. When someone asks you what you think - tell them the truth no matter how brutal it might be.

Novel concept, huh?