How do you really know the economy is suffering?

I will tell you how you know. It's not the housing market, or the price of oil, or the rate of inflation, it's hookers. That's right, when business is suffering for those in the sex business, that's when you know the economy is suffering. Legal brothels in Las Vegas are down 40% this year. That is worse than the housing market in California (38%)!!! Apparently it can be traced back to oil. Due to higher gas prices, truckers have been unable to take advantage of the services offered by such establishments as the Shady Lady and the Bunny Ranch. According to interviews (not done by me), truckers were one of the top sources of revenue for these businesses. In order to lure business back (seriously, how hard can that be?), some of these brothels are offering $50 gas cards when a client spends $300 or more per month. This is starting to sound like an ad for a used car dealership.

On a related note, I wonder what the misery rating is currently. I believe it was highest under President Carter (Dem) with 20% interest rates, 12% unemployment and a high rate of inflation. Just something to ponder.

The last American business...

Have you ever thought about where your money goes? Shopping at Walmart sends it to China, buying a new car and that cash is probably on its way to Japan (I can't remember the last person to buy an American made car). What about produce, you ask? Most of that is coming from South and Central America. So where you can you go to make sure your money stays here?

The Yard Sale!!!!

That's right, it's the last American business and now is the season. Might I also mention I am hosting one of the yard sales (entrepreneur that I am) this weekend, and every weekend for the rest of the summer (or until my stuff runs out). So if you are looking for a deal (whether on a pair of French doors, or a faux life preserver), stop on by.

Have a good one.

Is it the Left?

Today I heard some thoughts from Ann C. on the Dennis Miller show. She passionately blames the left as a major contributor to the current oil prices. Her view is that Obama and his fellow Dems want high gas prices because it benefits their campaign. It makes the whole "change" message that much stronger. She also brought up the fact we cannot drill for our own oil, and that she also contributed to the policy of the left. So, I ask you. Is it the left?

On a positive note, good to see the 2nd Amendment upheld today. It means a great deal to me that the words of our founding fathers are being somewhat respected.

Moving...

If you don't have a soul, this may not effect you. http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/706270

It puts things in perspective.

Gas is Cheaper in Mexico

Today I read an article regarding gas prices (I know, no one really cares), and there are many Americans living in border states that are taking advantage of our neighbors to the South. That's right, gas is approx. $2.50 per gallon (2.19 for diesel) in Mexico. I would probably consider moving to Mexico, after all I like the beach, chimichangas and margaritas and now cheap(er) gas for my ride? Jorge!! Yo Soy Tu Papa!!! Unfortunately I cannot afford enough gas to get there from here. Time to get out the old Schwinn and head for the border. OR (wait for it) we could start supporting Rep. Randy Forbes!!! This Virginian is calling for a higher rating for auto efficiency, more involvement with nuclear, solar and bio fuel power, and putting together a massive cash award for whoever comes up with the best mainstream alternative to oil. If only I were smart, but let's face it, I blew up more equipment in the lab than a chemistry major should have. So it's up to you, genius-make-a-car-that-runs-on-beer-guy. Two more random thoughts: My back is feeling better today, thank you for asking, and 92% of Americans surveyed about religion believe in God, but the majority of them also believe there is an alternative to their faith as a means of getting to heaven. Such clarity.

No insight (ok, maybe just a few words), Just complaining...

Alright, my back is killing me today. I am not sure why, I really don't do anything. Maybe it's because I followed some advice and increased my fiber intake? Here's a lesson: mothers, don't let your children play sports!!! They end up with broken bodies and stories about "how almost great they were" that no one wants to hear. Have your children focus on academics, they will have a better shot at college scholarships and more earning potential once they hit the job market. Now, the exceptions: if your child is in junior high school, is 6'6" tall, runs a 4.2 40, or throws 90+, get video, make a highlight film and send to the Division I NCAA college coach of your choice. Otherwise, have them focus on the grades (and if you are really shooting for the Ivy Leagues, add community service and internships to that list). Their body will thank you for it, they will be more free to enjoy their college experience (let's face it, nothing kills a drinking game more than, "I have to go, I have a game in the morning."), and perhaps they will end up owning a team instead of wishing they still had the skills that "almost got them there." That way, you can at least still get tickets. That's it, my back is acting up again. I have half a mind (don't comment on that) to contact Rush for some Oxy.

Domestic Spying - That can't be a good sign

Attention everyone!!! We have bipartisan agreement in Congress!!! Our representatives have agreed to ensure our safety by strengthening our domestic spying program. Our government can now "in certain circumstances" eavesdrop on our conversations WITHOUT a warrant. My understanding of certain circumstances is if someone is involved in an overseas call with "suspicious" person. In essence, spy now and ask later (I am pretty sure some of my college buddies would consider that dating). Also this new agreement will also protect the companies that are involved (AT&T and Verizon) from lawsuits. Does that mean my wireless bill will go down? I figure all of those surcharges/surtaxes/whoknowswhattheyarechargingmefor were to pay for defense lawyers. I understand the position many people take: "if you are not breaking the law, you don't have to worry" and "this is to protect us", but is this too much government? Where does this cross that gray area (I believe there use to be an actual line one could cross) of personal privacy? And who is paying for this? Is it the taxpayers? If so, that is the equivalent of suing yourself, expensive and you always lose.

Markets are UP!!! Get a job.

I don't know where you are, but things are looking up in Central Ohio. Home prices are up $3,000 from this time last year, and there are fewer homes on the market than there were at this time last year. Of course if you watch the news, the housing market is completely dead and we should all go back to living in tepees. By the way, I was speaking with a former news reporter yesterday. He enlightened me with the information that fewer and fewer people are actually watching the news on TV. I can understand that, it's too depressing to watch. He also mentioned that in his broadcasting/communication classes, that the "weather is what sells the news." So now you know, that's how they suck us in, with the weather. I know I feel better. Back to my earlier point, things are looking up. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its prediction for our national economy, from .5% to 1.1% for 2008 and from .6% to .8% (change in gross domestic product) for 2009. That's what I like to hear.

Are you a college graduate looking for a job? Now is a good time. According to CollegeGrad.com, hiring of college grads is up. 500 of the top entry-level (yes, even you have to start at the bottom) employers are reporting the need for 175,000 new employees (of which more than 10,000 openings are for 23 companies in Ohio). 62% of the surveyed companies are projecting to hire more grads than they did last year (20% - the same amount and 18% - fewer than 2007).

So go get a job and stop leaching off your parents.

Cigars, Music and the Open Road

The weather today was beautiful, so I decided to take a drive out into the country (or maybe it was just Newark). I had my super trendy iPod connected to my car speakers, the windows down and a fantastic Honduran cigar. For a moment I felt like Tony Soprano. However reality struck once I had accidentally inhaled the cigar smoke. By the time I got out of the car I was light-headed, seeing bright flashes of light (what was in that cigar) and stumbling around like a giraffe on a trampoline. Clearly I am no Soprano. In fact, I may not even be a real Italian (I have this adverse reaction to olive oil). Obviously I am not a seasoned cigar smoker. O yeah, and my iPod died while I was out so the whole music thing didn't really work out. I hate nice days.

Exercise, Getting Fatter, How Did This Happen?

It is now clear that my body hates me. I used to be an athlete, now I get winded just thinking about sports. I am able to watch a complete NBA game (with a little HGH and Red Bull), and that is something to be proud of. I have started exercising 20 times in the past 5 years. Maybe I am struggling with commitment (No, it would have to be sweating that I struggle with). I play basketball once per week in a "lightly-competitive" league, and it takes the remaining 6 days of the week for my bones to knit and my muscles to start responding (just in time for the next round of hoops). How does this happen? Here is another interesting development: No matter how many times I start exercising, my weight only goes up. I keep telling myself that "muscle weighs more than fat," and when I said it out loud the other day, the scale started laughing at me. The afore mentioned scale is now in pieces in my driveway. Who's laughing now?

Can you believe what you read?

Is the sky falling? Or am I just burying my head in the sand? I believe I am a glass-half-full type of person, but I am having a harder and harder time discerning the current state of affairs. The evening news is filled with crime, horror and is altogether depressing (at least I get updates on the weather every 4-6 minutes). So according to the "devil-box" in my living room, the end or the world is here. Contrary to that information is that of the Wall Street Journal. I recently perused an article with the title, "Life Is Good, So Why Do We Feel So Bad?" by Gregg Easterbrook. To summarize:

• Unemployment is low (5.5%).
• Income is rising ahead of inflation.
• Even with the current media-induced housing market, the average home is still worth 30% more than it was in 2000.
• Only 6% of Americans actually have "threatened" mortgages, and the majority of those will keep their homes.
• Inflation is getting a great deal of press for being on the rise, however the 16 years prior to 2008 were almost inflation-free!

I could go on, but you get the point. The real question is where do we go from here?

President/Congress/High End Cocktail

President Bush, how will he be remembered? Does it really matter? I enjoy the political banter as much as the next guy, but even I fear for our country's future. When will our candidates start discussing their policies instead of constantly condemning the current President? I consider myself somewhat normal, and here are the issues that matter to me (in no particular order):

• Economy


• Health Care


• War in Iraq/Security


• Gas Prices


• Big Government


• Taxes

There is so much white noise out there, neither McCain nor Obama seem to be solidifying a position on any of these. I keep hearing "change and hope" from both parties, and let's face it; my faith in our government leaders is wavering. For as much criticism as G.W. receives, his approval rating is more than twice that of Congress (which is controlled by which party?), 28% and 13% respectively. 13%!!! How many of us would keep our jobs with that? I would probably end up sleeping on a park bench under a newspaper. Is there a way we can fire them all and start over? I thought they worked for us...

http://www.pollingreport.com/BushJob.htm

http://www.pollingreport.com/CongJob.htm

After that, I do need a drink. Here is a high end cocktail to break out with your smoking jacket or tuxedo:

Twentieth Century

• 1 1/4 oz Gin


• 3/4 oz Lillet Blanc


• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice


• 1/2 oz Cre'me de Cacao (clear)

Shake with ice & strain into a stemmed cocktail glass. Lemon Twist.

"Opportunity of a Lifetime"

I just sat through an opportunity of a lifetime "Internet marketing" seminar (read "scheme"). Every time I experience one of these, I am inspired to start my own "multi-level marketing system." I believe the blueprint for success is to invite "VIPs" (senior citizens, bored people, the unemployed, and those like myself with overzealous assistants), offer a free lunch at a local hotel, fill 90 minutes with a basic power point presentation and hundreds of cliches, and just watch the money roll in. It should appeal to anyone interested in get-rich-quick schemes. My favorite parts of the presentations:

• They say my name as many times as they can work it into the presentation.
• They "build value" with 3rd party endorsements and anecdotes.
• They tell me how much better their system is than actually working for a whole day as a doctor or lawyer (those poor suckers who actually have to work).

I often find myself looking for the flaws in the obviously memorized presentation (narcissistic micro manager that I am). This particular presenter said "No Worries" almost 500 times. There's nothing like a middle-age man with a Georgian accent using a phrase better suited for college students and the residents "down under." At one point I actually heard the phrases "don't put all your eggs in one basket," and "awesome."

To make the afternoon even better, the lady next to me kept attempting to interest me in her product, some sort of super food/oxidizer/healer of all illnesses concoction. Hey at least I got a free lunch, and a daily organizer as my parting gift. No worries.

A Rant and a Cocktail

So crude is flirting (or rather making out) with $140 per barrel, my Health Savings Account deductible is up to $2,500 for an individual ($5,000 for a family), and whenever I leave Canada, it is with less American money than I am used to (and that has nothing to do with the casinos). It will be interesting to see how our next President deals with this mess. I can't help but think our next leader will be nothing more than a scapegoat for the next 4 years. An opportunist would probably argue this is a wonderful time to run for office, but I am running for my underground-end-of-the-world bunker. So what, if any, solutions are out there? How about the Geo Metros (remember those?) is a 50 mpg car? That's better than the Prius (and less expensive) and you can buy one for $1,000 to $1,500 or so on Ebay. Unfortunately, I do not fit in either car, so it's back to the 10-speed.
I need a cocktail:
Aviation

• 1 1/4 oz gin
• 1/2 to 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz maraschino (NOT THE CHERRY JUICE!!!) liqueur*
• Shake with ice and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass. Lemon Twist
• Enjoy

* This can be tough to be find. There are 2 Italian versions, Luxuardo and Stock. If your local state store does not have it/can't get it, email Preiss Imports at website@preissimports.com. There is a Croatian version, Maraska, carried by SendLiquor.com

First Post

Hello all, this is my first post so there probably won't be much to it. My goals here are to 1) have a good time, (2) provoke new patterns of thought in society and (3) attain feedback and differing perspectives from the brilliant minds who will read this. How does that sound? Eventually we can get into the "hot button" topics of religion, the approval rating of congress, the economy, the impending election and more. Today, we should start with something light. I read an article today on "Second Life (a fantasy world populated by digital representations of real people)." I am interested to hear your thoughts and experiences with this new level of online gaming. The article goes on to describe young people turning to this medium as an alternative for summer work. There seems to be a way to make actual money here. One high school junior claims to earn $4,000 per month as an online architect. He mentions spending 12 hours a day on the computer to accomplish this. Admirable from a monetary standpoint (approx. $16.60 per hour working 5 days per week), but that much time in front of a monitor cannot be good for the eyes. This from a blogger.