The Onlooker

Epic Cover letter as Retribution?

2012-02-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

The Hoops they make us jump through!

I am sure you might have heard of that epic Cover letter that several of the big wallstreet banks recieved in the last couple months from the NYU student.

I understand what this guy is feeling. As a fellow student in college, I have applied to 23 internships since December. I have been denied by two, and have been processed by at least 2 others.

We are applying to so many companies, with the process supposed to show off our skills, talent, personality, and what makes us unique. Through the process of applying, its completely automated, with logins, online forms, and immediate email confirmations. It is not very personal and almost dispectiful in the lack of human contact, for a very real position.

Just the other day, I was applying to this popular paper manufacturer. It had the typical long forms to place my address, phone, work history, education history, and stuff alike it. Then at the bottom, they wanted four (4) references to contact.

I was not going to bother 4 references when I have yet to hear from them. Coming from a smaller school and only a Junior, I think I only have 4 references that would be avialable. I was not going to waste their time if I have yet to know that a human has put eyes on my name, let alone my application.

Reading all of the loops that these candiditas have to jump through is pretty rediculous. I can see how he might be ready to play the extreme route.

Step 3: Transactions

2011-06-29T20:03:00.000-04:00

Bought 200 Death runes for 57,600gp (288gp/rune).

Bought 2000 Rune Essence for 38,000gp (19gp/rune).

Bought 1500 Salmon for 40,500gp (27gp/fish).

Now just wait. Yikes. Mining has been busy that last time I checked, so fishing might be fun. Just kidding, all of the fish have taken a big hit. Not a good sign for the fishing industry. I guess I'll be in the mines, working.

An interesting idea that might be quite profitable is looking to trade with people in the mines of giving out notes for ores, or above or at the current market price in the mines. Could be profitable for a bullish item.

See ya in the mines.

Step 2: Testing the waters

2011-06-29T18:36:00.000-04:00

Now what should I sell, what should I keep, and what should I buy more off? To determine that, I'm going to use the graphs and the numbers coming from the runescape website under the Grand Exchange. Its pretty simple, easy to use, and well, it has everything I need.

Gold Ore: BUY
Mithril ore: BUY
Coal: Possible SELL
Tin ore: WATCH, over a 180 day deep decline
Fire rune: WATCH, BUY at 2gp, sell at 4gp or more
Mind rune: Level, No go.
Water rune: Rebounding, HOLD - BUY
Earth rune: BUY
Death rune: Dynamic - BUY
Cosmic rune: Dynamic - SELL
Body rune: Level, No go.
Rune Ess: BUY
Law rune: BUY
Nature rune: Taking a dive, WATCH
Air rune: Not an active mover, WATCH
Chaos rune: Last 180 day average has a normal distribution, Currently low and active. BUY
Salmon: Had a huge peak in beginning of May, and now returned to normal. This might be interesting to buy now to see if it can reach that peak price again. BUY
Bait: It did reach a peak back in May also, but it is quite stable as of now. WATCH - BUY
Gold Bars: Currently on the up of a steep peak. SELL
Steel bars: BUY
Iron: has taken a steady decline for at least 180 days. BUY
Emerald: Probably at rock bottom. BUY
Sapphire: Leveling out after a decline. BUY
Ruby: Bottom of decline. BUY
Rune Scimmy: A no go. Totally leveled off to nearly half of what it once was.

Whew, glad thats over. Now, lets do some transactions!

Start of Runescape Grand Exchange Watch list

2011-06-28T19:05:00.002-04:00

To Start my grand exchange investing plan, I am using the following supplies already acquired for my path to riches:
136,733 gp
Gold ore: 17
Mithril ore: 30
Coal:139
Tin ore: 28
Fire rune: 1936
Mine rune: 992
Water rune: 145
Earth rune: 157
Death rune: 8
Cosmic rune: 2
Body rune: 87
Rune Ess: 2625
Law rune: 94
Nature rune: 126
Air rune: 241
Chaos rune: 3
Salmon: 54
Bait: 972
Gold Bars: 58
Steel bars: 13
Iron: 1
Emerald: 1
Sapphire: 6
Ruby: 1
Rune Scimmy: 2

The Reintroduction of the Eastern Cougar

2011-03-03T11:44:00.000-05:00

As someone who has seen the forests throughout the country, I am quite interested in the big mammals. It is always exciting to see deer grazing just off the trial.

But for the east coast, this might be a problem now.

According to Federal researchers, one of the deer's greatest predators on the east coast has been officially extinct. The lack of the eastern cougar might be the reason why the east coast forests have been deteriorating. The deer have lost there balance having no predators, allowing them to over graze.

They is an idea of reintroducing them back into the ecosystem. Of course, this would worry some people, but would definitely make a significant impact to the situation.

Percent Error Review

2011-02-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

For those that only write lab reports once a term or so, the percent error formula is usually a calculation worth inserting into your dicussion.

This type of calculation compares the value you got from the experiement and the published value.

Percent Error = |calculated - published| / published x 100

This assumes that your calculated value and the published value is in the same units. If not, they should be converted to the same units.

Refresh and review complete.

China's Smoking

2011-02-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

Smokin' away!

It seems that America is under a new Red Scare. This time, it's about China.

Politicians from Obama to Bohner feel that China is getting ahead of America. Just from last week's State of the Union address Obama incited this motivation that we need to do big things.

Now to calm those pessimists, China has a smoking problem. Economist and health experts predict that an estimated of 2 million people will die each year from tobacco-related problems in China. By 2030, that could rise to 3.5 million per year.

According to the article, there are more than 300 million smokers in China. That's a lot of wasted productivity. If each smoker wastes about an hour smoking each day, that would be over 101 billion man-hours lost of productivity each year.

Sorry China, but that's a lot of wasted time.

Literay helpful pointers

2011-01-26T13:33:00.000-05:00

Through my education so far, almost every Teacer I have had has always had the difficulty to clarify theses common mess-ups, even the ones we were taught in second grade. Maybe fifth graders are smarter than us.

It's and Its
It's is a contraption of it and is.
It's the right answer after all.

Its is a used to show possession.
The computer had its power cord unplugged.

Affect and effect
Affect is used as a verb to mean to touch or move.
The bird population affects the worm population.

Effect is tied more closely to results.
The effects from the hurricane Katrina can still be seen today.

Principal and principle
Principal is used when the describing the chief or first.
The principal president of the United States was Washington.

Principle is a fundamental element such as a law.
The principle of not stealing is quite widespread through the world.

They're, there and their
They're is a contraption of they and are.
They're over by the water fountain.

There is used as clarifying the subject.
Over there is the radio.

Their is to show possession.
Their radio is on the shelf.

Hope this can clarify those common grammar mistakes. If I had these nailed down throughout high school, I could be going to Vandy. Well, it would make me closer to getting in.

Filling up a Tool Kit

2011-01-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

What you need to have to create a tool kit.

Screw drivers

Solid with a long shaft

Now just imagine tools

Mini Screwdriver set

Electric drill

Drill bits

Hammer

There is no need to get an expensive one, you will only use it once and a while.

Random screws, nails, and bolts

Just get a plastic container, like a peanut butter jar, and store those random screws, nails and bolts form other projects.

Pliers

You can get sets that contain everything you need, like nippers, needle nose, and multipurpose ones.

Wrenches

I recommend that you get a multipurpose racketing one for sure. It really speeds up the jobs.

Duct tape

This is for the quick and easy repair of those things that you will probably replace soon.

Measuring tape

No need to splurge, you will probably break it or lose it.

Electrical equipment - optional equipment if you have the balls and the experience to deal with electricity.

Wire cutters
Outlet tester or multimeter
Electrical tape

Case

This can be as showy, or traditional you want.
It should be able to contain all of your tools along with some capability of organization.
Mine is in a metal briefcase that looks like its from a movie.

Having a tool kit comes in handy from college tinkering, to house fixing.

Pirates and the Carribean

2011-01-21T15:10:00.002-05:00

There was this rescue and take over mission by the SEAL special forces of South Korea aboard a ship that was hijacked by pirates.

It seems like someone has been playing to much Call of Duty Black Ops, but still, gutsy move.

The decision to give the signal for this type of mission must have been hard to do. It put the lives of the crew in harms way along with the soldiers.

It was the better decision to make at the end of the day. Besides killing most of the pirates, capturing five of them and only having to deal with a non-lethal shot in the stomach of the ship's skipper, that's a success.

This type of action sends to the pirates that this is not a pleasurable way of life as for negotiating is becoming more scarce.

Also, a new Pirates of the Caribbean (On Stranger Tides) in coming out this year!

Easy Chair?

2011-01-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

What is an Easy Chair?

I have never heard of an Easy chair, so I did some research. Here's what I came up with:

Those workstation products look like they are made to be in hospitals and in futuristic government labs.

After searching, I have come to a conclusion.

Easy Chair - a place made for lazy people.

P.S. The cup holder is an add-on for $57.

Really Yahoo?

2011-01-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

"A used iPad in perfect condition can bring up to $354 at one recycling site."

Like really Yahoo?

Proof!

A used...iPad...in perfect condition... which means that it works from my interpretation and you are thinking about NOT selling it.

I'll pay $360 for one too. Actually, I'll buy like no ones business.

I don't know if there would be such a person that is thinking of recycling a perfectly fine iPad. You could put it up on ebay. There's one up that is used, and in "great condition." Its up to $500 with 34 bids. That's almost the going price for it.

Maybe for you selling stuff on ebay.com might be something you wouldn't want to do. If you don't want to deal with the scammers, the idiots, or the ridiculous, you could also try to sell it to one of your friends. You could send out an email saying you got your hands on an iPad and you would like to sell it. I'm sure one of them would give you an offer or two.

At the end of the day, you probably should just stick with it. There are thousands of Apps ranging from newspapers, radio stations, games, calculators, point of sale programs and file readers. There are also plenty of accessories that could maximize the usefulness of this device such as card readers, keyboards, and stylists.

The iPad is a very versatile device. At this point, it is still a hot item to have and use. Pretty sure, you don't want to sell it or recycle it now.

Off the grid...

2011-01-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

From a financial standpoint, I could not survive any longer paying for 3G service for my Mytouch from T-mobile. It was a great phone, one that I even reviewed. I was paying, through my parents, around $30 a month for unlimited data and texting.

Not just that, but I had put in a couple hundred bucks back in September to get an iPad that I sincerely hold close to my heart. I was in constant Wifi access when I was either at home, in my dorm, or at class. I didn't need to have 3G anymore.

So, I confronted my father to make the drive to the T-mobile store and pick up a 'dump' phone. At the end of the day, I ended with the a very slick-looking Samsung Gravity 3 (see right).

This is my first phone to have a full keyboard, so I'm a little excited for this next chapter in my life.

Now, got to do some Particle Mechanics and Material Science homework for tomorrow. There's that massive Nor'easter coming up the coast, and apparently, 7 to 12 inches of snow is supposed to fall in the Capital Region. Can't wait to see my 8am canceled.

Drunken History Vol. 1

2011-01-06T17:28:00.000-05:00

This was referred to me from my friend.

"Can you see my belly?"

New App store for the iMac

2011-01-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

Today was the day for the launch of the app store for iMac.

It is currently only available for those with the current OS of Snow leopard.

The store is similar to just like the iPad's but somewhat better organized throughout through tabs, a better search bar, and if the review is helpful or not.

I'm excited to see how much this will change the flow of apps for this platform almost forgotten by most.

Back to School

2011-01-02T19:27:00.000-05:00

Back to school with less than I have ever brought. Imagine that.

For the first time ever, I had to worry about my credit limit when I was buying my books. Those engineering textbooks are worth their weight in gold.

Moved into a frat house. Drinking has already commenced.

Thanksgiving and back the work.

2010-11-25T15:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving.

You know what that means, for the next month, CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS.

I loved the old films about Christmas.

You know Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and best of all, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.

Patriots vs Colts: Game on! and Prediction

2010-11-20T18:45:00.000-05:00

A quick clip of thanksgiving before the blood is shed.

The Indianapolis Colts are coming the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro to face the New England Patriots. An interesting article written by one of my high school friends gives some more of the history of this rivalry and why it matters so much to the AFC.

I only care for a good entertaining game...and for my fantasy players to kick some ass while that is happening.

Prediction:
Patriots: 31
Colts: 24

The Patriots have a must win coming done the homeward stretch to the playoffs. The Jets are right on their tail with easier games in front of them. The Jets just might win the division this year.

For the Colts, they have just not been as explosive this year as they have in the past. The ways of Tony Dungy has now faded. They need to be revived in order to compete once more before Peyton retires in the next five years.

The Pats do win it as if it was against the Buffalo Bills.

Comments on Obama's Limo

2010-11-20T12:51:00.000-05:00

Obama's Presidential Limo

When Obama showed up for the NATO summit hosted by the Portuguese, comments have been made about his limo.

These comments highlighted by Yahoo! News. The hosts were offended by the diesel powered beast of a car while just about everyone else was using an electric, zero-emissions cars to get to their meetings.

This seems to be a comment from an environmental air-head. Those people who made and support those comments definitely don't have people hunting for them. Obama does. There are psychopaths that would threaten to do such a thing. Having this armored tank disguised as a limo for the President of the United States makes sure that they wont get a chance.

Now if you think that a electric powered car could do the same, you are wrong. With the current technology, just the batteries of these cars add nearly tons to the total. If you add all of the same features on to of that, the armor, the bullet proof glass, the tires that can run while flat, the performance of this limo will decline significantly. It will be the slowest thing on the road. In an emergency, it needs to be fast and maneuverable. Being diesel, it can be.

If this is used as political propaganda against the Obama in the form of not being environmentally sound, they are clueless about the current technologies available and the safety of the President.

How Weed Won the West

2010-11-19T21:27:00.000-05:00

For those who haven't seen, How Weed Won the West is a documentary about the issues of Medical Marijuana in the past years in California.

This documentary is well done and lots of time and effort has clearly been put into it.

Every single person they talk to as a dispensary owner, user (aka "Patient"), or a "doctor," they have have something wrong with them. They all talk in a slow, cautious way. They might be high or be in "pain" but I think it proves a different point than one that I think they meant to show.

I believe it shows that Marijuana use does change the user. Its more than the fear of being caught, since in California, they do have the doctor's permission and the proper paper work to do such a thing.

Looking toward the end of the movie, their is one user that got severely burned and is clearly in a world of hurt. He brings of a point that it is a miracle drug. It takes the place of the addicting cocktail of drugs that he would need to treat pain, depression, nerve damage, digestion, seizers, anxiety.

So, lets say it does treat all of these problems at once. What does it mean for a patient that only suffers from pain? Should they still take the "cocktail replacing miracle drug"? No doctor would give a patient a prescription to drugs that would treat other symptoms than the patient has. It would be as if the patient took seizers pills when he got burned.

That's what scary about this drug, herb, or weed. It changes people's whole being when they are not even smoking it. This documentary proves my point.

The baby that said "Yes!"

2010-11-18T10:56:00.000-05:00

I was watching an episode of No Ordinary Family today on Hulu, and a quote resinated in my head: "Your first word was 'no'."

From my limited experience of babies, I believe a babies first words are usually mommy, daddy, or no. Yes is probably not it. Is it a way of the times? Could it be the way we think and talk to our kids?

"Are you done?" as the obvious answer is a no for a growing child.
"No, no, no" as the baby does something wrong.

Do we just not praise our babies while they are young? Does an infant have a self-esteem? Should we cater to it at such a early age? Would it effect the mentality of the child later in life?

Maybe we, as a society should mix it up a bit and use 'yes' more often. Imagine a cheerful world where 'yes' is more common than 'no.'

The baby that said "Yes!"

Ok Go does it again!

2010-11-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

The band Ok Go has put out another of their videos. First they had treadmills, then they had a marching band. Next, a massive Rube Goldberg machine. Now, a music video of a ton of toast with stop and go animation. See for your self:

Well done Ok Go. Well done.

Nice Car

2010-11-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

After a successful day of studying, I went on to yahoo.com to see if anything interesting has happened in the last 5 minutes since I checked it. To my dismay, something has.

Your looking at the all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It can go really fast in a little time just by looking at it. You can get more of its specs by using Yahoo! autos.

Of course, you would need about $185,000 if you want one. Besides that, I would totally make love with that car. O la la.

Oh, the Irony!

2010-11-17T15:30:00.002-05:00

Now this video is all about the irony and the more than decent performance.

You can't say that ain't funny. The song being "Bitches ain't shit" with an all girls choir wearing those preppy clothes (aka HOT). Ah, so good.

Unstoppable Laughter from SNL

2010-11-17T15:18:00.005-05:00

This parody by SNL is utterly fantastic.

The impressions of Denzel Washington is genius. The other guy, I am not as familiar, but it's a good pair.

"reconcilable differences"
"BOOM"

I sent it to my brother on facebook. Once he looked at it, he couldn't stop laughing.

Saturday Night Live, keep it up!

Fifa Songs

2010-05-05T11:14:00.001-04:00

In relation to the World Cup, I have played nearly every year of EA Sports Fifa soccer games. Some of their music is serious unknowns, but they all stuck with me.

Here are some of their intro songs.

2010 World Cup Song

2010-05-04T19:47:00.002-04:00

So apparently, this is the 'theme' song for the World Cup in South Africa in a little more than a month. Despite Shakira singing it, I kind of like it.

Start of a New Day

2010-05-04T14:19:00.000-04:00

Well, it isn't really.

I wish it was Justin Bieber, because seriously, who likes him?

Bill Belicheck doing a good favor?

2009-03-03T15:45:00.000-05:00

I know that you can't believe, but apparently he did.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Astounding-allegations-Bill-Belichick-did-somet?urn=nfl,144951

The Pats were being offered a first and a third round pick for the qb Matt Cassel, and instead he picked the other offer of a second round pick for Cassel AND Vrabel.

The motivation behind this is thanking Pioli, the guy that helped him build the team in New England. Pioli is currently trying to rejuvenate the Kansas City Chiefs of their old time glory **cough** **cough** not possible.

People are claiming this as bad as spygate and unfair because the deal did not go to the highest bidder.

I find this as a nother notch in Bill's belt for unsportsmanlike conduct.

O, the irony!

2009-03-02T21:00:00.000-05:00

It is quite a thing to sleep and ponder about.

So back a few years back, a junior senator voted against sending more troops in Iraq to participate in a strategic military operation.

Now, that person is in the White House making decisions; the President Barrack Obama.

However, that isn't the jem.

It is that this guy, is now shutting the door in Iraq that started to close when Pres. Bush was in office. O and then he is attempting his own little surge in Afghanistan to combat the Taliban.

O, the irony!

The Ego Trip

2009-02-27T18:18:00.000-05:00

http://www.ontheegotrip.com/

This is a blog that I found quite interesting. This is a high school student from Massachusetts and is quite a good writer. He is traveling cross country to California and doing this all while he is supposed to be going to school. How I know this? Research.

I recommend this to all readers.

Torn City

2009-01-30T18:02:00.000-05:00

www.torncity.com

This is quite a good game. It is about life as a criminal. Try it.

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Hill and Bill is back in the White House!

2008-11-29T23:13:00.000-05:00

Sources say that Obama will be appointing Hillary Clinton to Secretary of State on Monday.

This means that Bill can get raunchy with Michelle instead of that ugly one back a couple of years ago.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and stay safe.

Washington Insiders

2008-11-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

Apparently, Obama has elected more people with Washington Experience than Bush in the economic team. This is before every spot is filled.

This is very surprising to have run on promises to not run Washington as usual.

Well, that's another broken promise for the count!

Obama, Obama, Obama

2008-11-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

Everytime that I get a chance to check the news, online, on the tely, or writen in the newspapers,
"Obama has a economic plan!"
"Massive Economic Recovery Eyed"
"Obama will 'do what's necessary' to fix economy"

All I got to say is,
Good luck fulfilling those expectations! I really do hope that Obama does get us out as soon as possible and safely, but I do not see it logically happening under his policies.

His policies of protectionism, isolationism, welfare, tax cuts for the people that don't pay taxes, and others, will not solve this crisis.

Bailout Detroit? Part III

2008-11-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the government has decided to wait until December to vote on the bailout. They would like to have the Big 3 explain on where the funds would go towards.

This is after they heard that the three CEOs traveled from Detroit in Corporate jets costing quite a bit of money.

Pirates; The Solution

2008-11-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

Pirates are a problem around Africa, Indonesia, and South America especially in the recent years. We are not talking about Captain Kid, or Sparrow, but modern gangs that have corrupted the local governments and taking over massive cargo and freight ships worth hundreds of millions.

Over the last couple of days, Blackwater, a military private contractor, bought a boat and a crew to help protect these ships. They will organize the ships into fleets to intimidate the pirates.

The US takes on the same policy with the pirates as they do with terrorists, do not negotiate. There should be no compromises with these and that the harbors around the hot spots of pirating should be inspected and gone through to get rid of the threat, while at the same time issuing humanitarian aid so that this way of life should not be an option.

Bailout Detroit? Part II

2008-11-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

After discussing this issue with others, I have come to the conclusion that this is not like bailing out the banks.

The banks are the focal points of this economy. They are the ones that allow people to loan money, make money, and make purchases of houses, cars, and boats. They stimulate and keep it chugging.

The auto industry on the other hand, does is only part of the economy. They might employ something like 1.5 million workers and keeping them at a job is important, but that isn't the issue.

The issue is that they have to rejuvenate, remodel, revolutionize, and retain their spot in the auto industry.

They should be able to sell green or efficient cars inside and outside the United States just as well as Honda, Toyota, VW, BMW, or Hyundai.

A load of cash can only do so much, and it definitely will not change the management or the unions.

Bailout Detroit?

2008-11-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

Should the Government bailout package be used to help out GM, Ford, and Chrysler in Detroit?

They are having such a tough time because the buyers are uncomfortable in making a decision on a car and the lenders are not confident that there borrowed money will be paid back.

Given them billions of dollars would not solve that.

They are also having a problem in revolutionizing there models and cars to keep up with the international competition. They are disorganized and slow moving to change in their development processes.

A hunk of cash probably will not help them do that.

What I think is the biggest problem for the American Auto Industry, is the amount of control that the unions have in the workplace. They are hurting profitability of the few cars being sold. They are not able to set out competitive prices. Unions are not allowing the companies of downsizing in little steps, only in big ones.

By not giving them a piece of the bailout, the auto manufactures might have to file bankruptcy, but it would loosen the grip of the unions and be a prime example of why Unions cons outweigh their pros.

The money would just prolonging the inevitable.

Mike Rowe, Eagle Scout?

2008-11-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

As an Eagle Scout, I am surprised that Mike Rowe, the Host of Dirty Jobs, is also an Eagle Scout. I knew that he was once an opera singer, but I did not expect this.

Check out his blog for the show, and see what he says when a viewer asks him to encourage his son to be an Eagle.

Chewing

2008-11-10T21:51:00.000-05:00

I am part of a family of six. There is lots of commotion around the dinner table when we have a meal together, and there are lots of choices on what to talk about or what to eat. Sometimes, we get into deep and entertaining conversations at the dinner table, but other times, a word isn’t spoken between grace and dessert. For those occasions that conversing is not the main attraction, it is the loud chewing! Most of the time, all I hear is the sound of the carrots being chopped up, the steak being ground up by the molars, or the chicken being mixed with the gravy and mashed potatoes using the tongue and making the worst possible sound while I am trying to enjoy my very own delicious meal that is in front of me and losing my appetite.
The loud chewing has to stop. It is rude and disgusting. I do not need to know where your food is through echolocation. No one does. No one cares if your food is tasting so good that you need to gasp for air in between the up and down motions of your jaw. The obnoxious noises are disturbing the peace and is getting in the way of me and others enjoying our food. Some foods are louder than others, or are harder to eat when you have a cold, but it is no excuse for being lazy and not being considerate of others.
The solution for the loud chewing is that the culprits should take smaller bites and be aware that you are making a loud sound when you are biting off that carrot or beating down the medium rare piece of steak. If your mouth can’t close around it, don’t eat it. If your nose is blocked from a cold, the most common excuse for such a thing, then eat some soup. I am begging you to respect others when you chew their food and make a conscious attack on defeating this way of eating. It is destroying family meals as we know it.

We are wining this war, Why would you have us lose it now?

2008-10-30T13:28:00.000-04:00

John McCain is not going to let us stay in Iraq for a few more decades, not even a few more years! Get you facts straight. He is going to take the general's advice, LIKE EVERY PRESIDENT SHOULD and "win" in Iraq. Two accomplishments have been achieved in this war on Terror.
1) Took the fight from our doorstep, to the terrorist doorstep. Its a defensive issue.
2) Restored Peoples God given Freedoms that a corrupt dictator had taken away (Life is part of those freedoms). Its a moral issue.

Lets do the math, so there are about 28.2 million people in Iraq, and 32.7 million of people in Afghanistan (CIA FACTBOOK), there have been approx. 4187 American soldiers who gave their life (icasualties.org). That would be 60.9 million people divided by 4187. So thats 14,545 people received freedom for each American death. If we withdraw too fast, these lives lost would be in vain.

Now if you want to do for every person possibly saved from Terrorist attacks because of this war, that would be just more than 6 billion people.

Because of this war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the morale and numbers of Terrorist organizations are down, the stability of the region has increased, and clearly prevented terrorist attacks by distraction around them. The stability is decreasing because of Iran, but imagine if Hussein was in power at this time.

Lowering the Bar

2008-10-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

As you might have been hearing for a couple of months or two, Obama and Biden are wanting to raise the taxes of the people making $250,000 and redistribute it to the people below it.

News of Biden and Obama have lowered that mark down one hundred thousand to $150,000. That puts just about every single middle class American and all of the "Joe the Plumbers" also known as small business owners. That is so slimy of them to do that.

Virtually, anyone with a college degree will have to pay higher tax. This is scandalous! Something that only included a couple million will now encumbers nearly everyone that is not 'poor.'

McHealth vs O'care

2008-10-28T14:35:00.000-04:00

Health care comparison,

They are statements about Obama's plan with make if more affordable, but McCain's will make it even more affordable by having the insurance companies compete over state lines.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122470511751259445.html#project%3DHEALTHY08%26articleTabs%3Dinteractive
This cool interactive shows, that well, McCains plan is cheaper for more of the poor, middle, and rich classes than Obama's.

My name is Joe the Plumber

2008-10-27T21:37:00.000-04:00

I am insulted by Obama and Biden when they shoot down the Joe the plumber and his dreams, they are killing and stopping on millions of Americans Dreams. My dream is one of them. Bringing in socialism to America will be proof that Russia/Soviet Union won. What is Putin going to say now?

The Bailout Brain Rant

2008-10-26T16:49:00.000-04:00

This one is my personal thoughts,
I am not siding with the way that McCain or Obama voted on the bailout. I thought that it was going to work better, faster, but now, their are some more squeaky broken wheels (squeaky wheel gets the WD40).

This economic downturn is disastrous and we might not excel as fast in the next couple of years as we have done in the past three decades. I understand the some of the reasons why the bailout passed, except, a small business that is already up and running does not have to deal with loans very often. It would be the ones that are to be made in the next year or two. Without the wealthy VC, there would be a shut down of growth. That is why you have to not increase, but decrease the capital gains tax and corporate taxes. America has the second highest corporate taxes. Why should their be tax cuts for companies who do not decide to ship jobs overseas or ship them back? They are doing the smart move. The chances are there are lower taxes to where ever they decide to go. How about you just cut the damn tax? Then more companies will move back and others companies will come.
If the government did not get the initial billions of dollars that it is trying to divide, then we would be better off. A significant amount of people would be able to pay up on their loans. Now, it is too late. If you give back the money, they are just going to think of it as a gift and spend it as a gift, on non-necessities like cigarettes, a boat, gifts for christmas. Apparently, there are a tons of other people who could have used the help earlier, when they did default on their mortgages, credit cards, and other loans.

Should Students get paid for good grades?

2008-10-25T16:41:00.000-04:00

Students are students, and they should not get paid for their grades. This will put a price on cheating techniques and increases the reward for doing it. It also replaces the motivation of creating your future to greed. Peer tutoring, private tutoring, after school programs and other low cost student services will want a cut from the student since they are getting paid for it. It will create a stressful environment for the teachers by having to handle with more complaints on grading.
It will now be reasonable to cheat since now it will be rewarded. More people will start cheating to get better grades and more money. Students will think that the money is more valuable than a good education and higher pay later. Test answers will now have a value to the students, along with other cheating techniques.
This will also increase the stress on the teacher. There is already students that do discuss their grade with the teacher. With money at stake, they will complain more and more to change their grade. Teachers will be afraid of that or try to prevent the ambush of them, so they will grade easier. This inflation will cause the students to not learn from their mistakes or bad decisions as they would be a bad grade.
If getting good grades was financially rewarded, tutoring services would be in high demand. Just a asking a simple question or help from a friend will now be worth something and can now be legitimately charged. They are helping you achieve profit. It is only fair to share it with those who help you get their.
Students are getting more than their share out of schooling. They are getting a future. By paying them for their grades, you give them the wrong motivations early on and can increase materialism. Cheating would be more of an issue, since this would be a price for it. Tutoring and other help would not be free and the price for them would increase. Students should not get paid for their grades.

State Income Tax abolish? Part 2

2008-10-22T20:06:00.000-04:00

The state legislature, and Gov. might not know how to deal with it at first. Apparently we are already in debt as a state, so budgeting has already begun to happen and planing.

This piece of legislation might cause some jobs to be cut, but ultimately and down the road (like 5 years), more jobs will be created. Businesses and people will see that this state has a low tax rate compared to any other state. They might then move or create their company in the state.

Most people and businesses will not move here because its MA. Their needs to be a reason why! This is a reason why! It's not because of the good schools in a state, that is criteria for the cities and towns to compete against. That might be why, our own money goes to our schools.

State Income Tax abolish?

2008-10-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

November 4th is a big day. We get to vote for president and if we like to abolish the state income tax among other things.

Hey, the municipalities pay a decent part for police, firefighters, and schools!

O no, maybe we will suffer for the first couple years, (years that we will be in college), but people will be keeping there own money and more money will be flowing!

We will have to downsize, but it will cause us to streamline the state budget. And be competative with the other states!

Get rid of programs that aren't working, get rid of the toll workers kind of things that get paid a ridiculous amount of money for their job (they get paid more than our teachers).

Maybe we can get the state population growing again instead of declining!

3 Steps for a better Economy!

2008-10-21T11:17:00.000-04:00

According to this article, Dr. Merrill Matthews claims that there are three ingredents to make this economic situation a whole lot better.

Step 1 - Free Trade
McCain for it.
Obama against it.

Step 2 - Low and simple taxes
McCain for it.
Obama picking and choosing tax cuts.

Step 3 - Reduce government spending.
McCain for it.
Obama against it.

I hope you see which one will be better in the economy.

McCain Palin in Family Guy

2008-10-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Seeing the article, From Foxnews, I was offended.

I believe there is almost nothing a like about Hitler and McCain.

If there is a comparison to be made between Nazi Germany and a presidential candidate, it would be Obama. Obama is the great awing speaker, just like Hitler was. He was the one that tried to install ideas of change and fix the problems of society.

It's a bad idea for doing anything like this and I think that nothing like this should be made or reproduced, especially in a popular cartoon.

This reminds of that bomb scare in downtown Boston because there was several electronic signs scattered throughout the town. It was a promo gone bad.

This current accident is not to get popularity but to make a statement. They are already getting the audience of people who are into Political satire. Why would you go on a limb like that.

Obama a hypocrite?

2008-10-19T20:12:00.002-04:00

An article from foxnews is about Obama not taking public financing.

Obama is the first candadite to not take public financing since Watergate. Obama raised $602 million since the start of the campaign.

That is ridiculous to have control over that much money, and be a socialist. How about he gives that money to the poor guy, and the middle class and the rich can keep there own money. The "spreading of wealth" concepts that he totally exposed to Joe the Plumber, shows that he is completely on the left. Anyone that knows history or economics knows that socialism or spreading of wealth does not work, nor has it ever worked. Why should it work now? This idea is just like welfare and we already know that welfare does not work.

To get back on the point, this massive amount of money will be the roots for corruption. Always was and always will.

Chewing

2008-10-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

Warren Buffet

2008-10-18T11:53:00.000-04:00

The billion dollar machine, Warren Buffet believes that the American economy is the way to invest for long term. He wrote this opinion in an article in the NYTimes.

I agree with him. I do not agree with him in supporting Obama though, but that is a different story.

The market is down a lot in the past month, but the question is when will it go back up. It is obvious that it will be over time. The market has always rebounded from dips and the great depression.

Why would you invest?

Invest to put aside money for the future and manage its growth. You can choose to invest in certain stocks during this time and in 5 years or more, you will definitely see some gains in your favor.

Now, if you were to keep this money in the bank account, you are guaranteed that you will not lose your money, but you might be more likely to spend it on things that are not worth it.

I am going to start investing within a month.

Now is the time to get in on those deals of stock.

AT's Discussing Points

2008-10-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine (AT) created and states this list of points:

1) Obama associates with previously known people who have connections to terrorist groups (aka guilty by association)
2) He lies about his relations with groups such as ACORN
3) He wants to create jobs, but for who?--- the government
4) He wants to tax the "middle class" and working people and distribute this money into federal programs (why should the people who don't work hard and just feed off others get the successful people's money?)
5) He is a one world/government guy (Too bad this is AMERICA)
6) He isn't even American and is actually Arabic so all of the black people who vote for him because he's "black" and whites who don't want to feel racist shouldn't have to anymore

Sen. Government

2008-10-17T08:18:00.000-04:00

The slip of "Sen. Government" instead of "Sen. Obama" by Sen. McCain was well camouflaged in the debate last night.

Why would you Penalize success?

2008-10-16T19:01:00.000-04:00

According to Obama when addressing Joe the plumber, he would take his wealth and redistribute it.

Obama is proposing that government should penalize success and reward failure. This would ruin America and the American Dream! There would be no reason why to be successful. It would make America socialist!

McCain's Healthcare

2008-10-16T13:57:00.000-04:00

McCain's health care plan consists of a $5000 tax credit. This credit would be paid for with a tax of health care benefits of large corporations.

This would help even the playing field and benefit both the small and large businesses.

The smaller businesses would be able to get away from solely supplying their employees with health care. They will be able to afford more employees and in result grow the economy.

The larger businesses will also benefit from this policy brought to you be Senator McCain. This plan gives the employee the ability to CHOOSE if he would like to have that plan supplied, or another cheaper or more covered plan and cross state lines to get that kind of coverage.

Did McCain Seal the Deal?

2008-10-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

No.

Did he lick and prime the deal?

O yes he did.

He brought out good arguments about Obama's tax plans, education plans, and other plans. He brought out "guilt by judgement."

He came out punching and defended that he had repudiated the republicans behavior, but Sen. Obama has not done the same for his crazy supporters. He did not for those he falsied his health, his tax and healthcare plans, and others calling him racist!

The Last Debate

2008-10-15T21:44:00.000-04:00

Sen. McCain has definately come out and started swing hard.

"If you wanted to run against Pres. Bush, you should have ran four years ago!" (McCain)

McCain has brought up Obama's past and questions. He also showed how bad Biden has been wrong abut Foreign Policy. He has shown that Obama is wrong about the North American Trade Agreement and the free trade agreement.

McCain is representing AMERICANS!

FYI If Obama was to apply for a federal job, he would not be able to pass the security clearance.

"I am not voting for a debater, I am voting for a President!

What is the American Dream?

2008-10-15T19:13:00.000-04:00

The American Dream is what this country is found on.

This is the land of opportunity.

It is why we fight and shed blood for others.

It is the idea that if we work hard, there will be opportunities.

If you commit yourself, you will succeed.

If you give all you got, you will see what is at the end of the tunnel.

You got to do it. No one else will hand it to you.