http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2011/05/paul-allen-201105
Great piece by Paul Allen on the founding of Microsoft and his relationship with Bill Gates.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Microsoft's Odd Couple
http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2011/05/paul-allen-201105
Great piece by Paul Allen on the founding of Microsoft and his relationship with Bill Gates.
Idol Top 11 Recap
So this week the Idol contestants sang the classic songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. I grew up listening to Elton John all the time and he is my all-time favorite artists. I've seen him 4 times in concert and he never disappoints. I was excited and scared to see what the contestants would sing.
Scotty McCreery - “Country Comfort” off of Tumbleweed Connection. He picked a deep cut off this album. I really thought Scotty should have attempted Levon or Burn Down The Mission. The latter is on Tumbleweed Connection and is a more well known song. He did a admirable job and sounded good but forgettable.
Naima Adedapo - “I’m Still Standing” off of Too Low for Zero. This song is about Elton John surviving decades in the music business, his drug use and coming to grips with his sexuality. Naima must have chosen this because she is till around for some reason. When she mentioned she was going to do a reggae version, I shuddered. When the song started I was like this might work out. Of course it didn't and turned into a mess. She tried to sound Jamaican which she isn't too my knowledge. Bad performance of a great song. Time to go!
Paul McDonald - "Rocket Man" off of "Honky Chateau". I still don't get this guy. Not a bad performance but the judges gave him good advice to push his voice further. Still not buying this poor man Rod Stewart but he will survive for now.
Pia Toscano - "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" off of Caribou An outstanding performance. This girl is the complete package as I have said before. eEen if she doesn't win she might have the best career opportunities besides Scotty in the country scene. Perfect song, perfect performance and man that red dress she was wearing in the video montage was smoking hot on her.
Stefano Langone - "Tiny Dancer" off of Madman Across the Water. I didn't really feel much off of this performance. Just alright. He might have improved int he eyes of the judges in connecting to the audience but I didn't feel much. OK performance, he will survive.
Lauren Alaina - "Candle in the Wind" off of his classic double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Probably my favorite performance of hers. Very well done on a classic song. My only compliant is I wish she was a little older and more polished. She definitely shows her age and I think a little maturity will benefit her. If she was 18 or 19 I think she could walk away with this. Going to be there at the end probably.
James Durbin - “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” another track off of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Started out kinda weak for me vocally but he quickly picked it up and got it on track. Minor pitch issues throughout but who cares. He rocked it out and gave a great performance. The guy always seem to be having fun, which we can't say for the next contestant.
Thia Megia - “Daniel” off of Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. BORING!!! Girl has no personality. For some reason I cannot stand her. Time to go. She sounds good but she comes off poor and I can't put my finger on it. Not sure if it is song selection or her personality. If you want to hear the best rendition of this great song besides Elton's version, listen to Brett Scallions of Fuel sing it.
Casey Abrams - “Your Song" off of Elton classic debut album Elton John. Casey trimmed the beard, looks professional and gave a solid performance of the greatest Elton John song ever recorded, "Your Song." This song put Elton on the map and saved Casey's butt. He will be back and if he keeps this up will go far. I don't think he will win however.
Jacob Lusk - “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” off of Blue Moves. Another solid performance. He toned down his over the top performances from the past and gave a great rendition of this Elton classic. Not my favorite of the night but still solid.
Haley Reinhart - “Benny And The Jets" off of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Haley opens the performance on a piano acting very sultry ala Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys." She gave a very sexy performance doing her best growl at times. Her best and most entertaining performance by far. She should be safe after that. Hope she can continue this.
Hopefully going home will be Thia Megia and Naima Adedapo but I wouldn't be surprised to see someone else go home.
Scotty McCreery - “Country Comfort” off of Tumbleweed Connection. He picked a deep cut off this album. I really thought Scotty should have attempted Levon or Burn Down The Mission. The latter is on Tumbleweed Connection and is a more well known song. He did a admirable job and sounded good but forgettable.
Naima Adedapo - “I’m Still Standing” off of Too Low for Zero. This song is about Elton John surviving decades in the music business, his drug use and coming to grips with his sexuality. Naima must have chosen this because she is till around for some reason. When she mentioned she was going to do a reggae version, I shuddered. When the song started I was like this might work out. Of course it didn't and turned into a mess. She tried to sound Jamaican which she isn't too my knowledge. Bad performance of a great song. Time to go!
Paul McDonald - "Rocket Man" off of "Honky Chateau". I still don't get this guy. Not a bad performance but the judges gave him good advice to push his voice further. Still not buying this poor man Rod Stewart but he will survive for now.
Pia Toscano - "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" off of Caribou An outstanding performance. This girl is the complete package as I have said before. eEen if she doesn't win she might have the best career opportunities besides Scotty in the country scene. Perfect song, perfect performance and man that red dress she was wearing in the video montage was smoking hot on her.
Stefano Langone - "Tiny Dancer" off of Madman Across the Water. I didn't really feel much off of this performance. Just alright. He might have improved int he eyes of the judges in connecting to the audience but I didn't feel much. OK performance, he will survive.
Lauren Alaina - "Candle in the Wind" off of his classic double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Probably my favorite performance of hers. Very well done on a classic song. My only compliant is I wish she was a little older and more polished. She definitely shows her age and I think a little maturity will benefit her. If she was 18 or 19 I think she could walk away with this. Going to be there at the end probably.
James Durbin - “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” another track off of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Started out kinda weak for me vocally but he quickly picked it up and got it on track. Minor pitch issues throughout but who cares. He rocked it out and gave a great performance. The guy always seem to be having fun, which we can't say for the next contestant.
Thia Megia - “Daniel” off of Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. BORING!!! Girl has no personality. For some reason I cannot stand her. Time to go. She sounds good but she comes off poor and I can't put my finger on it. Not sure if it is song selection or her personality. If you want to hear the best rendition of this great song besides Elton's version, listen to Brett Scallions of Fuel sing it.
Casey Abrams - “Your Song" off of Elton classic debut album Elton John. Casey trimmed the beard, looks professional and gave a solid performance of the greatest Elton John song ever recorded, "Your Song." This song put Elton on the map and saved Casey's butt. He will be back and if he keeps this up will go far. I don't think he will win however.
Jacob Lusk - “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” off of Blue Moves. Another solid performance. He toned down his over the top performances from the past and gave a great rendition of this Elton classic. Not my favorite of the night but still solid.
Haley Reinhart - “Benny And The Jets" off of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Haley opens the performance on a piano acting very sultry ala Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys." She gave a very sexy performance doing her best growl at times. Her best and most entertaining performance by far. She should be safe after that. Hope she can continue this.
Hopefully going home will be Thia Megia and Naima Adedapo but I wouldn't be surprised to see someone else go home.
They simply can't be trusted to govern
SCARY BUNCHThanks to Yaz for sharing this HuffPo piece written by Bob Cesca. I am currently a registered republican but that is mainly because I've been to lazy to renounce my membership and switch to Independent. I do not identify with this party anymore. I've always been a moderate who leaned to the right and the right is no longer what it once was. As TwoClubs mentioned yesterday if Reagan and George H.W. Bush were around in the political scene today they would be democrats. The religiosity of the party along with their continued contradictions and hypocrisy drive me nuts. Of course contradicting one self and being a hypocrite seems to be a prerequisite to be a politician which the Republicans seem to have it down pat.
"Until the Republicans begin to take seriously the task of governing, and then achieve some successes at doing so, there's no reason why anyone should take them seriously. They need to earn it. If they're unwilling to try, then they have to be replaced."
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Child genius expanding Einstein's theories
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1369595/Jacob-Barnett-12-higher-IQ-Einstein-develops-theory-relativity.html
They say Einstein's IQ was between 160-180. This kid, Jacob Barnett is estimated at 170. If he can accomplish what they say he wants to focus on, we might achieve the holy grail of Physics, the Unified Theory. I have my doubts it will happen as it may not exists but you never know.
Mad Men pushed till 2012 means AMC sucks
AMC get you act together and give Matt Weiner what he wants. Nobody watched your channel before "Mad Men" and that allowed your other amazing show "Breaking Bad" to happen not to mention your cult hit "The Walking Dead." You have three hit shows and possibly a fourth with "The Killing" starting soon and none of this possible without "Mad Men."
Tim Goodman expresses this frustration much more eloquently than me.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bastard-machine/dont-blame-matthew-weiner-mad-172341
Monday, March 28, 2011
NY Time's Piece of Jungleman - On-line Poker Sensation
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27Poker-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=4
This kid was the biggest winner on-line in 2010. 2011 hasn't been too bad for him either. Very good player who is currently crushing Tom Dwan in the Durrr challenge which will get him a few more million if he wins.
This kid was the biggest winner on-line in 2010. 2011 hasn't been too bad for him either. Very good player who is currently crushing Tom Dwan in the Durrr challenge which will get him a few more million if he wins.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Very Creepy
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304410504575560243259416072.html
Old article but just found out about it.
Another example of why I'm not on social networks and try to keep a low profile on the Internet. Of course I'm sure they have stuff on me because it is impossible to be untrackable on the Internet.
Google Collateral Damage
Great image discussing Google playing the SEO game and its battles against content farms.
It is Netflix's world and we are just living in it!
http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/pressed/2011/03/17/netflix-reportedly-buying-own-original-programming-with-drama-series-deal
Just read word that Netflix is going to start offering original programming in the same vain as HBO and Showtime have done. This has caused Showtime to announce it will soon remove its programming from Netflix streaming. I don't quite get Showtime's decision here. By being on Netflix, this can only increase their subscription base. People find out about the show's through Netflix and then potentially sign up for Showtime. I think a bad move for Showtime as Netflix grow's substantially in its user base. In regards to Netflix's decision, this is genius. They will eventually be a one stop shop for all things tv and movies as long as studios and networks don't pull a Showtime.
Reassignment room for NYC Teachers
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/22/new-york-teachers-paid-to_n_219336.html
Taking years to resolve conflicts is ridiculous and a waste of tax payers money.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Top 12 Idol Recap
So this week saw the contestants singing songs from their birth years. Man these contestants are really young. I think overall they did better as a group but
I think there are some clear favorites.
NAIMA ADEDAPO - "What's Love Got to Do with It" Tina Turner. Mark my words, she will be going home tomorrow. Horrible performance, off key for most of it. Time to go.
PAUL MCDONALD - "Guess That's Why they Call it the Blues" by Elton john. I give it up to Paul for once again picking a great artist and song. Elton is my all-time favorite artist. However, just not a fan of his sound. Better than last week but not my favorite and I don't think he will have much shelf life.
THIA MEGIA - "Colors of the Wind" by Vanessa Williams. Once again Thia proves she can sing but man was this a yawn fest. Totally agree with Randy on this. She needs to pick something more up tempo but she will survive.
JAMES DURBIN - “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi. Excellent performance. I like this guy every week more and more. He has a great voice but what I liek most is he doesn't pull a Adam Lambert move every week and go off on some unneeded high note. Siobhan was like that last year. He has learned from past contestants and keeps it in control. Very good and my front runner amongst the men.
HALEY REINHART - "I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston. Not the nest performance. Stay away from Whitney, unless you are Pia. She will be gone in a week or two. Don't see the talent really.
STEFANO LANGONE - "If You Don't Know Me by Now" by Simply Red. He did stand out tonight. Very good performance. He should be around for a few more weeks.
PIA TOSCANO - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" by Whitney Houston. Once again, Pia shined bright as the contestant to beat. She has the whole package which I'll probably repeat every week. If she keeps it up she is a lock for top 3 at worse.
SCOTTY McCREERY "Can I Trust You With My Heart" by Travis Tritt. Another solid performance. Like I said last week, he could record an album and be an instant hit in the country scene. I like the song. Don't know it all because I know very little country but very good. He will be top 5 if he can navigate through non-country songs.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Wayne. I like Karen but she disappointed again. Way better than last week but not as good as she was during the auditions. Another thing. I wish she wouldn't break into Spanish either. I love Spanish music but either sing a Spanish song or sing an English song in all English. Just sounds better and doesn't throws me off. I'd love for her to do older Shakira rock song or maybe some Spanish Gloria Estefan off of her "Mi Tierra" album.
CASEY ABRAMS - "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. Wow the shocker of the night and the biggest risk. All-time classic song that changed music and pop culture. He didn't sound the best but he wasn't that bad. However, big props by taking the risk,. I like this guy and think he has long term potential.
LAUREN ALAINA - "I'm the Only One" by Melissa Etheridge. Even though she was sick, much better than her Shania song from last week. She has an appeal and cuteness to her and a good voice but I don't see her winning. I think she would have benefited by coming back in a couple years but maybe in country she can find a niche market. If Kelli Pickler can make it, she definitely can.
JACOB LUSK - "Alone" by Heart. Out of his comfort zone, Jacob performed a decent rendition of the Heart Classic. Guy can sing, just wish he wouldn't go all gospel all the time. He is top 5 probably also.
Going home will be NAIMA ADEDAPO!
I think there are some clear favorites.
NAIMA ADEDAPO - "What's Love Got to Do with It" Tina Turner. Mark my words, she will be going home tomorrow. Horrible performance, off key for most of it. Time to go.
PAUL MCDONALD - "Guess That's Why they Call it the Blues" by Elton john. I give it up to Paul for once again picking a great artist and song. Elton is my all-time favorite artist. However, just not a fan of his sound. Better than last week but not my favorite and I don't think he will have much shelf life.
THIA MEGIA - "Colors of the Wind" by Vanessa Williams. Once again Thia proves she can sing but man was this a yawn fest. Totally agree with Randy on this. She needs to pick something more up tempo but she will survive.
JAMES DURBIN - “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi. Excellent performance. I like this guy every week more and more. He has a great voice but what I liek most is he doesn't pull a Adam Lambert move every week and go off on some unneeded high note. Siobhan was like that last year. He has learned from past contestants and keeps it in control. Very good and my front runner amongst the men.
HALEY REINHART - "I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston. Not the nest performance. Stay away from Whitney, unless you are Pia. She will be gone in a week or two. Don't see the talent really.
STEFANO LANGONE - "If You Don't Know Me by Now" by Simply Red. He did stand out tonight. Very good performance. He should be around for a few more weeks.
PIA TOSCANO - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" by Whitney Houston. Once again, Pia shined bright as the contestant to beat. She has the whole package which I'll probably repeat every week. If she keeps it up she is a lock for top 3 at worse.
SCOTTY McCREERY "Can I Trust You With My Heart" by Travis Tritt. Another solid performance. Like I said last week, he could record an album and be an instant hit in the country scene. I like the song. Don't know it all because I know very little country but very good. He will be top 5 if he can navigate through non-country songs.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Wayne. I like Karen but she disappointed again. Way better than last week but not as good as she was during the auditions. Another thing. I wish she wouldn't break into Spanish either. I love Spanish music but either sing a Spanish song or sing an English song in all English. Just sounds better and doesn't throws me off. I'd love for her to do older Shakira rock song or maybe some Spanish Gloria Estefan off of her "Mi Tierra" album.
CASEY ABRAMS - "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. Wow the shocker of the night and the biggest risk. All-time classic song that changed music and pop culture. He didn't sound the best but he wasn't that bad. However, big props by taking the risk,. I like this guy and think he has long term potential.
LAUREN ALAINA - "I'm the Only One" by Melissa Etheridge. Even though she was sick, much better than her Shania song from last week. She has an appeal and cuteness to her and a good voice but I don't see her winning. I think she would have benefited by coming back in a couple years but maybe in country she can find a niche market. If Kelli Pickler can make it, she definitely can.
JACOB LUSK - "Alone" by Heart. Out of his comfort zone, Jacob performed a decent rendition of the Heart Classic. Guy can sing, just wish he wouldn't go all gospel all the time. He is top 5 probably also.
Going home will be NAIMA ADEDAPO!
RIP Nate Dogg
Possibly my favorite rap song of all time. He was young but had suffered two strokes in the last three to four years. Bill Simmons may have just tweeted it the best
"Sad that Nate Dogg passed away. Always thought he was the Robert Horry of West Coast rap - always seemed to be on winning teams. RIP."
Tsunami Video
IThis video was taken the moment the tsunami swamped Kesennuma, and has been broadcast on Japanese television. Unbelievable.
Australia school bully video
You may have heard if this video from an Australia school depicting a 16 year old boy retaliating against a 12 year old bully. That's right, a 12 year old kid was bullying a 16 year old boy. Not sure how that ever happens or even why they are in the same school but the video shows what happens when their is a significant size disadvantage. I think it is great this kid protected himself and fought back. He didn't deserve to be suspended by the school. I bet this kid won't pick on him again.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Old School Olberman
Keith Olberman at his best, doing sports. I remember watching him on KCBS with Jim Lampley and Bree Walker back in the late 80's. Was always a fan and an even bigger fan during his days at ESPN. Wish he would go back to sports fullt-ime instead of political commentary but hey, his baseball blog will have to suffice.
Funny to watch this video with references to the Winnipeg Jets, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers, all of which no longer exists in those cities or those names. Also the Leonard vs Hearns video was funny to watch over twenty years later.
Buzz Bissinger on Lebron James
"The more game-winning shots he misses, the more he gives way to the pressure, the more it seems likely that King James will never be the king of anything except the court and castle of adulation.
It makes him great. Which isn’t remotely close to greatness." - Buzz Bissinger
Excellent editorial/blog on Bron Bron by Buzz Bissinger.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-03-11/miami-heat-superstar-lebron-james-cant-handle-the-pressure-to-perform/
The fraud that is corporate tax
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/02/26/main-street-tax-cheats/
Thanks to Yazdevil for mentioning this article to me. Want to reduce the deficit, time to start collecting corporate taxes from some of the biggest US based companies!!!
Japan Earthquake Video
I have been in my share of earthquakes living in California with highest being about 7.0, but never did any last as long as this quake that rocked Japan today. The time length of the quake is unbelievable.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tiki’s return - All about the money
Pulled this from Jeff Pearlman's blog.
March 10th, 2011 by Jeff Pearlman
For Tiki Barber, there is good news and there is bad news.
The good news: According to my source, at least 15 different NFL teams have already offered Tiki Barber a contract for next season.
The bad news: My source is Norma, my dog.
The good news: Though I struggle to understand the language of the American Cockapoo, Norma definitely might have said, “Fifteen different NFL teams have already offered Tiki Barber a contract for next season.”
The bad news: Because I struggle to understand the language of the American Cockapoo, Norma probably said, “Please refill my water bowl as I scratch myself.”
The good news: There will definitely be suitors.
The bad news: The UFL only has five teams.
The good news: Barber is coming off of a season in which he rushed for 1,662 yards and caught 58 passes for 465 yards.
The bad news: George W. Bush was still president, and bread was a dime a loaf.
The good news: Tiki Barber is well rested.
The bad news: So is my grandma. She’s been dead for 11 years.
The good news: Of all the available 36-year-old halfbacks, Tiki Barber is the absolute best.
The bad news: Of all the available 36-year-old halfbacks, Tiki Barber is also the absolute worst.
The good news: Tiki Barber will almost certainly insist to the world that he’s more motivated than ever before; that he’s coming back to win a Super Bowl and that he’s been thinking long and hard about returning to the sport he loves.
The bad news: Tiki Barber won’t be more motivated than ever before. In the most transparent sports transaction since Rafael Palmeiro’s retirement from baseball, Barber is clearly coming back because, well, what else is there? His once-promising TV career is dead. His once-heartwarming marriage is dead. He ditched his pregnant wife for a 23-year-old intern, he’s allegedly broke and he was last seen waiting on line for free pancakes at a pre-Super Bowl event. Things are not going well.
The good news: Comebacks sometimes work. Ryne Sandberg was still a solid second baseman when he returned to the Cubs in 1996. Sugar Ray Leonand, three years removed from his last fight, shocked Marvin Hagler in 1987. Dara Torres, age 41, won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle in the last Olympics. George Foreman became heavyweight champion at 45. And, uh, yeah, eh … other people … sorta, too. Yeah.
The bad news: Jim Palmer. Mark Spitz. Lyle Alzado. Bjorn Borg. Bill Johnson. Jose Canseco. Mike Tyson. Dennis Rodman. Oil Can Boyd. Kevin Willis. Katarina Witt. Oksana Baiul. Alan Jones. Scottie Pippen.
The good news: Tiki Barber can turn to the movies for inspiration. In Rocky, a million-to-one shot overcomes to odds to become a champ.
The bad news: Tiki Barber can turn to the movies for reality: In Everybody’s All-American, a has-been halfback signs with the Denver Broncos when nothing in his life seems to be going right. He gets his butt kicks, suffers a concussion and is benched for Rob Lytle.
The good news: If this doesn’t work out, Tiki Barber can always return to TV.
The bad news: Any gig would likely involve traveling through the Sahara with Dustin Diamond, a one-eyed dog and enough water for three days.
The good news: Tiki Barber is definitely not the most disgraced public figure in America.
The bad news: We’ve begun to tire of Charlie Sheen.
Wisconsin GOP deal another blow to the little guy
Editor’s Note: This is another guest post by Two Clubs. You may remember him from his previous post on Barack Obama as the Manchurian Candidate. He is back and in his usual eloquent form. Bravo Two Clubs!
A new and dangerous paradigm in American politics was reached yesterday when Wisconsin Senate Republicans used parliamentary procedure to pass a bill which would strip almost all aspects of collective bargaining rights from public workers (teachers, government employees, police and firemen, etc.). This action should be a wake-up call for Americans, but it took place while the top 13 American Idol contestants were murdering songs we thought we knew and loved, so this political stroke will go almost completely unnoticed and with little challenge. This is appalling because this act, while scary in many ways, has potential to change how legislation is passed and have massive negative long-term fallout if the language in the bill becomes law.
Those that have been following the goings on in Wisconsin have been missing half the story. The news media have been doing their best to get their “message” out, which is incomplete and bereft of the detail required to educate the public in general. At best, the news media have provided enough details to polarized the debate over what is going on. At worst, they have been muzzled by their corporate masters and have not been able to give the general public the information they need to challenge this draconian legislation or educate them as to how this is bad for our country.
On the surface the Wisconsin Republicans will have you believe this is about balancing the budget. They have been very good at sticking to their talking points about the state employees being the primary cause of the budget shortfall. These same talking points have focused on the collective bargaining rights of public employees as the primary cause of all the state problems. The Republicans argue that many of the benefits (pension and health care insurance plans) created through past collective bargaining agreements have caused this budget crisis. These Republicans argue that if you eliminate collective bargaining rights that you eliminate the root cause of the budget crisis. It’s a great story but is completely fabricated and based on nothing but bullshit.
So what makes these goings on so draconian? What makes them dangerous? Several issues immediately come to mind.
First, this highly unpopular bill was rammed through the state government machine with surprising efficiency. Using a very questionable parliamentary procedure this extremely restrictive bill was pushed through to the Governor’s liking. This bill is a massive clawing back of rights earned through decades of negotiation and mutually beneficial give-and-take. This is an ideologically driven politician saying that this history means nothing and his perspective, or that of his extremely wealthy corporate benefactors, means more than agreements negotiated in good faith. It also says that government can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants, and the employees have to accept that. If the government can make these sweeping changes, with little regard for what is right, or their own employees, imagine what other ideologically driven changes they can make that affect us all?
Secondly, this bill is a very large slippery slope. If the government can outlaw collective bargaining, essentially crushing the largest union in the state, what will that do in private industry? What is to prevent private entities (corporations) from banning collective bargaining in their organizations within that state? The legal precedent is now on the books and will allow private enterprise to use similar behaviors to their benefit. Conservatives love to talk about trickle down economic theory and in this instance there is a trickle down effect. When unions lose benefits in an industry those same benefits are restricted in the rest of that same public sector. This law is a gift to corporations hoping to restrict or eliminate benefits to their employees.
Thirdly, elimination of collective bargaining rights eliminates many of the protections afforded to labor. The government and the corporations will always have their cadre of representatives and lawyers to argue on their behalf. Taking that same benefit away from labor removes any expertise which may protect the worker from abuses and points to impartiality going out the window. Because many states are moving to the “right to work” model of law, the old adage of “you can’t fight city hall” will soon extend to “you can’t disagree with who you work for”. Without collective bargaining there to protect the rights of the workers employers will be able to bully their employees into a state of endured servitude.
Fourthly, and this is the argument that needs to be understood, this is an attack at our fundamental constitutional rights. Our first amendment rights guarantee us the rights to free assembly. Assembly is the process of gathering for the purposes of acting as a collective. Because every person at a collective assembly cannot have their own say, or share their own voice, we allow for representation on their behalf. This is the foundation of our government and our representative process. Collective bargaining is the basis of our governmental process. This is inherent to the function of our democracy. Elimination of collective bargaining rights and fair representation is challenge to our protected freedoms afforded through the constitution.
Finally, a few words about collective bargaining and what we could possibly lose because of this political action. Any of the benefits received through collective bargaining are a result of give and take. That is the way the bargaining process works. One side gives a benefit (salary) to receive another (pension or insurance). These benefits targeted by the conservatives are a direct result of giving immediate benefit, in the shape of salary, for long term benefit, in the shape of pension and health care insurance. To the rich and famous, this type of benefit is many times referred to as deferred compensation. The employee is giving up salary now so they may receive it downstream, when they retire and need it to survive on. This is an extremely important concept to understand. The employees gave up salary to invest in future compensation comprised of other benefits. A contract was struck, agreed to by both parties, for these future services in lieu of paying more money out in salaries. The state recognized the benefit of such an arrangement for their interests and readily signed the agreements. This is where things get really scary.
These benefit plans are reservoirs of cash. The state pays money into them, in lieu of paying salary. The employee has the option of paying into the same program, increasing their long-term benefit by fortifying the account. The benefit for the employee is obvious. The benefit for the state is largely unknown. As mentioned, these benefit plans are huge deposits of cash. They are liquid capital available for the state to use. And use these funds they do! States will go and borrow money from these benefit plans and use them for all sorts of state funded projects or reinvestment. Imagine what happens when the state finds it can’t pay its bills or the investment vehicle they placed those funds in hits a brick wall and crashes? Which payment do you think might be skipped or scrapped all together? Fortunately, Wisconsin is not currently in this situation. The Wisconsin State Employee Retirement System is healthy and stable. But, based on the Governor’s actions, this $80 billion pool of cash could become a target of his use and abuse.
So why should this all matter? Because this is not a budget balancing act we are watching unfold in Wisconsin. This is an attack on the little guy. This is an attack on workers. This is an attack on you and me. Governor Scott Walker, and the Koch brothers who finance him, are attacking one of the last protections we have from corporations. Collective bargaining is what prevents corporations from owning their employees, like they did in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I’m not a union guy, but I do recognize their function and contribution to our society, and collective bargaining is one of those contributions. This function ended child labor and created the 40 hour work week. It contributed to the rights of workers and made sure employees had safe working environments and insurance against injury while on the job. It provided for mothers to have maternity leave and the birth of the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). This improved the working conditions and livelihoods of every man and woman in this country. Eliminating collective bargaining puts these freedoms at risk and hands the power to prohibit our freedoms to the corporations and their bought and paid for politicians. If there was a political event that should get you up out of your seat and out in the streets this is it. This is not about balancing a budget like the media narrative presents, this is an attack our rights to assemble and work as a collective!
A new and dangerous paradigm in American politics was reached yesterday when Wisconsin Senate Republicans used parliamentary procedure to pass a bill which would strip almost all aspects of collective bargaining rights from public workers (teachers, government employees, police and firemen, etc.). This action should be a wake-up call for Americans, but it took place while the top 13 American Idol contestants were murdering songs we thought we knew and loved, so this political stroke will go almost completely unnoticed and with little challenge. This is appalling because this act, while scary in many ways, has potential to change how legislation is passed and have massive negative long-term fallout if the language in the bill becomes law.
Those that have been following the goings on in Wisconsin have been missing half the story. The news media have been doing their best to get their “message” out, which is incomplete and bereft of the detail required to educate the public in general. At best, the news media have provided enough details to polarized the debate over what is going on. At worst, they have been muzzled by their corporate masters and have not been able to give the general public the information they need to challenge this draconian legislation or educate them as to how this is bad for our country.
On the surface the Wisconsin Republicans will have you believe this is about balancing the budget. They have been very good at sticking to their talking points about the state employees being the primary cause of the budget shortfall. These same talking points have focused on the collective bargaining rights of public employees as the primary cause of all the state problems. The Republicans argue that many of the benefits (pension and health care insurance plans) created through past collective bargaining agreements have caused this budget crisis. These Republicans argue that if you eliminate collective bargaining rights that you eliminate the root cause of the budget crisis. It’s a great story but is completely fabricated and based on nothing but bullshit.
So what makes these goings on so draconian? What makes them dangerous? Several issues immediately come to mind.
First, this highly unpopular bill was rammed through the state government machine with surprising efficiency. Using a very questionable parliamentary procedure this extremely restrictive bill was pushed through to the Governor’s liking. This bill is a massive clawing back of rights earned through decades of negotiation and mutually beneficial give-and-take. This is an ideologically driven politician saying that this history means nothing and his perspective, or that of his extremely wealthy corporate benefactors, means more than agreements negotiated in good faith. It also says that government can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants, and the employees have to accept that. If the government can make these sweeping changes, with little regard for what is right, or their own employees, imagine what other ideologically driven changes they can make that affect us all?
Secondly, this bill is a very large slippery slope. If the government can outlaw collective bargaining, essentially crushing the largest union in the state, what will that do in private industry? What is to prevent private entities (corporations) from banning collective bargaining in their organizations within that state? The legal precedent is now on the books and will allow private enterprise to use similar behaviors to their benefit. Conservatives love to talk about trickle down economic theory and in this instance there is a trickle down effect. When unions lose benefits in an industry those same benefits are restricted in the rest of that same public sector. This law is a gift to corporations hoping to restrict or eliminate benefits to their employees.
Thirdly, elimination of collective bargaining rights eliminates many of the protections afforded to labor. The government and the corporations will always have their cadre of representatives and lawyers to argue on their behalf. Taking that same benefit away from labor removes any expertise which may protect the worker from abuses and points to impartiality going out the window. Because many states are moving to the “right to work” model of law, the old adage of “you can’t fight city hall” will soon extend to “you can’t disagree with who you work for”. Without collective bargaining there to protect the rights of the workers employers will be able to bully their employees into a state of endured servitude.
Fourthly, and this is the argument that needs to be understood, this is an attack at our fundamental constitutional rights. Our first amendment rights guarantee us the rights to free assembly. Assembly is the process of gathering for the purposes of acting as a collective. Because every person at a collective assembly cannot have their own say, or share their own voice, we allow for representation on their behalf. This is the foundation of our government and our representative process. Collective bargaining is the basis of our governmental process. This is inherent to the function of our democracy. Elimination of collective bargaining rights and fair representation is challenge to our protected freedoms afforded through the constitution.
Finally, a few words about collective bargaining and what we could possibly lose because of this political action. Any of the benefits received through collective bargaining are a result of give and take. That is the way the bargaining process works. One side gives a benefit (salary) to receive another (pension or insurance). These benefits targeted by the conservatives are a direct result of giving immediate benefit, in the shape of salary, for long term benefit, in the shape of pension and health care insurance. To the rich and famous, this type of benefit is many times referred to as deferred compensation. The employee is giving up salary now so they may receive it downstream, when they retire and need it to survive on. This is an extremely important concept to understand. The employees gave up salary to invest in future compensation comprised of other benefits. A contract was struck, agreed to by both parties, for these future services in lieu of paying more money out in salaries. The state recognized the benefit of such an arrangement for their interests and readily signed the agreements. This is where things get really scary.
These benefit plans are reservoirs of cash. The state pays money into them, in lieu of paying salary. The employee has the option of paying into the same program, increasing their long-term benefit by fortifying the account. The benefit for the employee is obvious. The benefit for the state is largely unknown. As mentioned, these benefit plans are huge deposits of cash. They are liquid capital available for the state to use. And use these funds they do! States will go and borrow money from these benefit plans and use them for all sorts of state funded projects or reinvestment. Imagine what happens when the state finds it can’t pay its bills or the investment vehicle they placed those funds in hits a brick wall and crashes? Which payment do you think might be skipped or scrapped all together? Fortunately, Wisconsin is not currently in this situation. The Wisconsin State Employee Retirement System is healthy and stable. But, based on the Governor’s actions, this $80 billion pool of cash could become a target of his use and abuse.
So why should this all matter? Because this is not a budget balancing act we are watching unfold in Wisconsin. This is an attack on the little guy. This is an attack on workers. This is an attack on you and me. Governor Scott Walker, and the Koch brothers who finance him, are attacking one of the last protections we have from corporations. Collective bargaining is what prevents corporations from owning their employees, like they did in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I’m not a union guy, but I do recognize their function and contribution to our society, and collective bargaining is one of those contributions. This function ended child labor and created the 40 hour work week. It contributed to the rights of workers and made sure employees had safe working environments and insurance against injury while on the job. It provided for mothers to have maternity leave and the birth of the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). This improved the working conditions and livelihoods of every man and woman in this country. Eliminating collective bargaining puts these freedoms at risk and hands the power to prohibit our freedoms to the corporations and their bought and paid for politicians. If there was a political event that should get you up out of your seat and out in the streets this is it. This is not about balancing a budget like the media narrative presents, this is an attack our rights to assemble and work as a collective!
The Walking Dead
Finally got around to watching the 6 episode first season of AMC's The Walking Dead. I have never been a fan of the zombie genre but gave this series a shot due to the critical acclaim and immediate cult following. Glad I dead because I was riveted and watched all 6 hour long episodes in 2 days. I highly recommend watching it. It is on AMC so you should have relative easy access to viewing it.
James O'Keefe is bad person
You can read his exploits on wikipedia
He recently came into attention once again for his brand of self-proclaimed "investigative journalism," where he secretly videotaped a NPR executive bashing the Republicans and Tea Party. Because of this, that executive who had already left NPR by the time the video was leaked, resigned from his new job at the Apsen Institute and then the CEO of NPR resigned. This is not his first time doing this. He has secrelty videotaped ACORN, Planned Parenthood, New Jersey's Teacher Union and got arrested for trying to secretly video tape in U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu's office last year. He is on probation for this offense. This guy is the epitome of a Santorum. I don't like to slam people and that is not the reason I started this blog but it is people like O'Keefe that do way more harm than good and influence the ignorant masses who don't educate themselves on these matters.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Angry Birds - Jackpot after 52nd try by Rovio
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2011/04/features/how-rovio-made-angry-birds-a-winner?page=all
Great article with the history of angry birds. Only the most addicting mobile game ever.
Jennifer Aniston - Smart Water
Very clever in its execution and glad to see the triumphant return of the double rainbow...what does it mean? LOL!!!
American Idol Top 13 recap
LAUREN ALAINA - Very Karaoke version of A Shania Twain song. Dont' even remember which song she sang. Maybe Any Man of Mine but not sure. Disappointing and on the chopping block but will probably survive.
CASEY ABRAMS - "With A Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker. Very good rendition and one of my favorites on the show. Not the best he has done or the best of the night but he will survive.
PAUL MCDONALD - "Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams. I was shocked that a Ryan Adams song was sung. I am a huge Ryan Adams fan and glad to see him getting some air time especially with maybe my most favorite song of his. This is not the first time a Adams song was sung on idol. A few years back, contestant Blake Lewis sang a Tim McGraw song called "When the Stars Go Blue. Well what Blake failed to mention was that was a Ryan Adams cover by McGraw but I digress. Come Pick Me Up was a song he wrote very quickly one day years ago and is on Heartbreaker which is a great album (I actually have an mp3 of the first time he ever played it live). Great song and Paul McDonald gave it no justice. America doesn't know Ryan Adams except for possibly the fact that he is married to Mandy Moore and this performance won't help that fact. The guy's voice is a dead ringer for Rod Stewart except Rod Stewart is the only one who can pull it off. This guy will be the first one voted off.
Below is the album version unedited of course which is the best way to hear this song. Enjoy america and pick up Ryan Adams music. You won't regret it.
PIA TOSCANO - "All By Myself" Simply put, WOW! This woman is the complete package. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous but she can sure sing. I shudder when I hear contestants trying to sing Whitney, Mariah or Celine. I am a huge Celine fan and was glad to see someone pulling off one of her songs. Many have tried but none come to mine as actually pulling it off on Idol's history. Well done Pia and right now in my opinion you are the front runner...at least amongst the woman.
JAMES DURBIN - "Maybe I'm Amazed" Paul McCartney Got to give it up to Mr. Durbin. Excellent performance. Ballsy to do an iconic song by one of the top ten musicians of all-time but he did a respectable job. From Judas Priest to McCartney in back to back weeks, very impressive to pull both of those off. This kid reminds people a lot of Lambert. I think if he goes far he may be more popular. Only time will tell.
HALEY REINHART - Blue - Patsy Cline. Boring, pitchy and forgettable. Sayonara soon chica!
JACOB LUSK - "I Believe I can Fly R Kelly. This guy bugs me but the more I hear him sing, the more I like him. Another solid performance of a classic tune but lets do without a choir for the next few songs. Also, you may not want to mention that R Kelly is your idol. Guy is a very talented producer, singer and songwriter but lets not forget pedophile also.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ "Dreaming of You" Selena. One of my favorite songs and she at times sung it great and other times really bad. She couldn't hear herself obviously as Jennifer Lopez pointed out. Hopefully she survives because she is a strong contestant in my opinion.
SCOTTY McCREERY "The River" Garth Brooks. Man this for me was the shocker of the night. This kid was amazing. I'm not a big country guy but man, this could be on the radio tomorrow. He sounds so old school country. He will be big in country music. He won't win idol but man, out of all them he may have brightest recording future. The country market is strong and loyal and they love their deep voiced cowboys and he is one of them.
STEFANO LANGONE Lately" Stevie Wonder. I was introduced to this song back in the mid nineties by Jodeci who covered it for an MTV unplugged version and just killed it. Embedded below because frankly the best version ever recorded, period. Stefano mixed it up by making it kinda dance version and wasn't bad but not great. He'll survive.
THIA MEGIA - "Smile" Michael Jackson This girl can sing, that is apparent but she is not great. She annoys me the most out of all the remaining contestants and I don't know why. She'll survive but the crying at the end was lame. I know she is 15 but c'mon, woman up. They didn't give you a bad review, just not great. Come back next week and wow us or you will be gone soon. Also, read up on Charlie Chaplin...you should know who he is.
NAIMA ADEDAPO - "Umbrella" Rihanna. Wonder what Tricky thought of this. Jennifer nailed it in her criticisms. It is hard to dance and sing...that is why Usher, Janet and others don't sing live and dance. Only MJ could pull that off. I wasn't a fan of the performance nor of her really but she should survive. She picked a popular contemporary song that people know so she will survive.
The verdict is Paul McDonald will be going home but hey thanks for introducing a little Ryan Adams to America
CASEY ABRAMS - "With A Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker. Very good rendition and one of my favorites on the show. Not the best he has done or the best of the night but he will survive.
PAUL MCDONALD - "Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams. I was shocked that a Ryan Adams song was sung. I am a huge Ryan Adams fan and glad to see him getting some air time especially with maybe my most favorite song of his. This is not the first time a Adams song was sung on idol. A few years back, contestant Blake Lewis sang a Tim McGraw song called "When the Stars Go Blue. Well what Blake failed to mention was that was a Ryan Adams cover by McGraw but I digress. Come Pick Me Up was a song he wrote very quickly one day years ago and is on Heartbreaker which is a great album (I actually have an mp3 of the first time he ever played it live). Great song and Paul McDonald gave it no justice. America doesn't know Ryan Adams except for possibly the fact that he is married to Mandy Moore and this performance won't help that fact. The guy's voice is a dead ringer for Rod Stewart except Rod Stewart is the only one who can pull it off. This guy will be the first one voted off.
Below is the album version unedited of course which is the best way to hear this song. Enjoy america and pick up Ryan Adams music. You won't regret it.
PIA TOSCANO - "All By Myself" Simply put, WOW! This woman is the complete package. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous but she can sure sing. I shudder when I hear contestants trying to sing Whitney, Mariah or Celine. I am a huge Celine fan and was glad to see someone pulling off one of her songs. Many have tried but none come to mine as actually pulling it off on Idol's history. Well done Pia and right now in my opinion you are the front runner...at least amongst the woman.
JAMES DURBIN - "Maybe I'm Amazed" Paul McCartney Got to give it up to Mr. Durbin. Excellent performance. Ballsy to do an iconic song by one of the top ten musicians of all-time but he did a respectable job. From Judas Priest to McCartney in back to back weeks, very impressive to pull both of those off. This kid reminds people a lot of Lambert. I think if he goes far he may be more popular. Only time will tell.
HALEY REINHART - Blue - Patsy Cline. Boring, pitchy and forgettable. Sayonara soon chica!
JACOB LUSK - "I Believe I can Fly R Kelly. This guy bugs me but the more I hear him sing, the more I like him. Another solid performance of a classic tune but lets do without a choir for the next few songs. Also, you may not want to mention that R Kelly is your idol. Guy is a very talented producer, singer and songwriter but lets not forget pedophile also.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ "Dreaming of You" Selena. One of my favorite songs and she at times sung it great and other times really bad. She couldn't hear herself obviously as Jennifer Lopez pointed out. Hopefully she survives because she is a strong contestant in my opinion.
SCOTTY McCREERY "The River" Garth Brooks. Man this for me was the shocker of the night. This kid was amazing. I'm not a big country guy but man, this could be on the radio tomorrow. He sounds so old school country. He will be big in country music. He won't win idol but man, out of all them he may have brightest recording future. The country market is strong and loyal and they love their deep voiced cowboys and he is one of them.
STEFANO LANGONE Lately" Stevie Wonder. I was introduced to this song back in the mid nineties by Jodeci who covered it for an MTV unplugged version and just killed it. Embedded below because frankly the best version ever recorded, period. Stefano mixed it up by making it kinda dance version and wasn't bad but not great. He'll survive.
THIA MEGIA - "Smile" Michael Jackson This girl can sing, that is apparent but she is not great. She annoys me the most out of all the remaining contestants and I don't know why. She'll survive but the crying at the end was lame. I know she is 15 but c'mon, woman up. They didn't give you a bad review, just not great. Come back next week and wow us or you will be gone soon. Also, read up on Charlie Chaplin...you should know who he is.
NAIMA ADEDAPO - "Umbrella" Rihanna. Wonder what Tricky thought of this. Jennifer nailed it in her criticisms. It is hard to dance and sing...that is why Usher, Janet and others don't sing live and dance. Only MJ could pull that off. I wasn't a fan of the performance nor of her really but she should survive. She picked a popular contemporary song that people know so she will survive.
The verdict is Paul McDonald will be going home but hey thanks for introducing a little Ryan Adams to America
Genetic Errors Nixed Penis Spines
I figured that title might attract some hits. Read this article on wired today. Sounds like a good error to me but not sure.
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/deletion-human-evolution/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/deletion-human-evolution/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Reagan was pro-union
The video below shows a segment of a speech given by former President Reagan praising unions and their importance. Interesting piece as current day republicans always invoke Reagan's name as somebody who exemplifies their values. This is another example of the myth created about Reagan by republicans. As stated in a previous post Reagan is not anything like the present republican party tries to make him out to be. In regards to unions, Reagan in the documentary is credited with turning unions from new deal democrats into the republicans after WWII. I never knew this. Very interesting part of the documentary for me.
Some more info on rejecting the myth of Reagan.
Some more info on rejecting the myth of Reagan.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Who says white guys can't jump
Some very impressive dunks by Jacob Tucker, a sub 6'0 white boy!! He is trying to gain inclusion into the college dunk contest.
Fallon as Sheen...WINNING
First Fallon did a dead on Neil Young, now is back as Charlie Sheen. Funny stuff!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
BYU's Honor Code
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6175090
Seriously you think this kid is the only one having sex at BYU. To forbid adults from having sex is ridiculous especially since so many of them are probably doing it. This is an example of religion dictating way too much in one's life.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
everythig is ok montage
Hilarious video that points out a ton of true stuff.
I found this on Jeff Pearlman's blog. Below text taken from his blog.
"First, I agree with 98% of what the man is saying.
Second, it doesn’t just apply to other nations. The political process in America oozes this stuff. The so-called leaders believe if they say the right things, utter the proper soundbites, the vast majorities will merely nod and continue on with consumerism. Which is true—we do. So what if Wall Street has bilked us for billions? so what is the GOP is trying to crush unions in the name of disarming the lower and middle classes? So what if the Supreme Court has given coporations the power to lord over everything.
Eat your hamburgers!
Buy your cars!
Watch Dancing With The Stars!
Everything will be OK."
Locked into the Wrong Debate - Myles Dannhausen Jr.
Shout out to YazDevil for sending me this very insightful opinion piece. Well written and well worth the read.
http://www.ppulse.com/Articles-c-2011-02-25-97101.114136-Locked-Into-The-Wrong-Debate.html
http://www.ppulse.com/Articles-c-2011-02-25-97101.114136-Locked-Into-The-Wrong-Debate.html
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