Christmas Is Over And I Had A Good Time

I have been thinking (or trying to anyway) all the way back to my childhood.... I think this was the first Christmas EVER that I spent Christmas away from my own family to spend time with someone else well sort of........ I still spent Christmas with my family, we do our Christmas get together on Christmas eve.

On Christmas morning I got up bright and early to catch a flight to Georgia so I could spend Christmas with Amy, her son, & their family. They didn't have a Christmas get together until Friday the 26th so I was able to spend Christmas with them as well. It was funny to watch the small children opening gifts. All the small children in our family are for the most part grown up and some how it's not the same as watching little kids enjoy the gifts.

Brandon got a Wii from Santa I think Amy and I enjoyed playing with that as much as Brandon did. Well other then the fact I about broke my thumb when I hit my hand while playing bowling. Just a little side note: I BEAT AMY AT BOXING!!!! woohoo That's right I knocked her right out. On the Wii of course not for real thought I better say that before someone charges me with abuse....

Amy what a joy it was to spend Christmas with you, Brandon and your family. I am so lucky to have you!!!!

The Duggar Family Part 2

Here is the Duggar Family Web Site from my other post today

The Duggar Family

Wow I saw this news story today.... I can't believe it. If I was this guys wife I think I would have to start saying "Get away from me" LOL

Some more comments will be at the end of this story"

Credit Fox News:

ROGERS, Ark. — An Arkansas woman has given birth to her 18th child.

Michelle Duggar delivered the baby girl by Caesarean section Thursday at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. The baby, named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar, weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.

"The ultimate Christmas gift from God," said Jim Bob Duggar, the father of the 18 children. "She's just absolutely beautiful, like her mom and her sisters."

The Duggars now have 10 sons and eight daughters.

Jim Bob Duggar said Michelle started having contractions Wednesday night. She needed the C-section, her third, because the baby was lying sideways. Jim Bob said both baby and mother were doing well Thursday night.

"We both would love to have more," he said.

The cable network TLC broadcasts a weekly show about the Duggars, called "17 Kids and Counting." Chris Finnegan of TLC — which handles public relations for the Duggar family — said the show's name would be updated to account for the latest addition to the family. He said TLC also will air a show Monday on the baby's delivery.

I think its great that they want to have a BIG family they are stronger and make much more money then I do to be able to support all the children in that family. What is interesting is this story is close to the same facts that I always find with these big families. I have written about big Christian families. I did post here about a Big family who's vehicles we service. I have 3 questions one of them I asked the last time I posted about this.

1. What is it about "conservative" Christian families that makes them want to have hug families
   
2. Do you really think they are being good to our planet and it resources? I mean 18 children that family is using allot of consumable goods are they not?
   
3. Again there are enough children in this world that need a good home what about adoption?
   

No Cake For Adolf Hitler

Some times I read things that just make me shake my head.... I'm sorry what kind of parent names their child Adolf Hitler? Yes yes I know its just a name BUT it's not a name to be proud of is it? And ALL of you and I know it won't really matter what we think. Just think about all the torment this kid is going to have to deal with in school? I don't know it makes no sense to me.

EASTON, Pennsylvania — The father of 3-year-old Adolf Hitler Campbell, denied a birthday cake with the child's full name on it by one New Jersey supermarket, is asking for a little tolerance.

Heath Campbell and his wife, Deborah, are upset not only with the decision made by the nearby ShopRite, but also with an outpouring of angry Internet postings in response to a local newspaper article about the cake.

Heath Campbell, who is 35, said in an interview Tuesday that people should look forward, not back, and accept change.

"They need to accept a name. A name's a name. The kid isn't going to grow up and do what (Hitler) did," he said.

After ShopRite refused the request for the cake as inappropriate, the Campbells got a cake decorated at a Wal-Mart in Pennsylvania, Deborah Campbell said.

About 12 people attended the birthday party on Sunday, according to Heath Campbell.

The Campbells' other two children also have unusual names: JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell turns 2 in a few months and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell will be 1 in April.

Heath Campbell said he named his son after Adolf Hitler because he liked the name and because "no one else in the world would have that name."

Campbell said his ancestors are German and that he has lived all his life in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, which is across the Delaware River from Easton.

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS...

Those Dang Christmas Shoes

Well I knew it was going to happen sooner or later I heard it on the radio just a little bit ago.... "Christmas Shoes" You know the song about the little boy buying his mom the Christmas Shoes. I like that song BUT do they have to play it while I am at work. You see I work around a bunch of men "tough guys" if you will. And you see the issue is that Christmas Shoes song makes me cry. It makes me cry EVERY TIME I hear it. There is nothing I can do about it when it comes on I have to listen and then soon after it starts I start crying.

You see most people that know me closely know that I am a very tender, caring, and kind person Although at times I am very harsh and don't seem very compassionate towards others. Again don't misread my lack of compassion sometimes. My lack of compassion is towards people who are freeloaders whiners & people that generally get on my nerves or take advantage of others or government systems.

But if I had a little boy infront of me like this one in the song I would for sure have to help him out how could you not.?

I will post the words to the song for you....

It was almost christmas time
there i stood in another line
trying to buy that last gift or two
im really in the christmas mood
standing right in front of me
was a little boy waiting anxiously
pacing around like little boys do
and in his hands he held
a pair of shoes

and his clothes were worn and old
he was dirty from head to toe
and when it came his time to pay
i couldn't believe what i heard him say

Sir i wanna buy these shoes for my momma please
its christmas eve and these shoes are just her size
could u hurry sir?
daddy says there's not much time
you see she's been sick for quite a while
and i know these shoes will make her smile
and i want her to look beautiful
if momma meets jesus tonight

they counted pennies for what seemed like years
and the cashier says son there's not enough here
he searched his pockets franticly
then he turned and he looked at me
and he said momma made christmas good at our house
most years she just did without
tell me sir
what am i gonna do?
some how i gotta buy her these christmas shoes

so i laid the money down
i just had to help him out
and i'll never forget
the look on his face
when he said momma's gonna look so great

sir i wanna buy these shoes for my momma please
it's christmas eve and these shoes are just her size
could u hurry sir?
daddy says there's not much time
you see she's been sick for quite a while
and i know these shoes will make her smile
and i want her to look beautiful
if momma meets jesus tonight

i knew i caught a glimpse of heaven's love as he thanked me and ran out
i knew that god had sent that little boy to remind me
what christmas is all about

sir i wanna buy these shoes for my momma please
it's christmas eve and these shoes are just her size
could u hurry sir?
daddy says there's not much time
you see she's been sick for quite a while
and i know these shoes will make her smile
and i want her to look beautiful
if momma meets jesus tonight

i want her to look beautiful
if momma meets jesus tonight

Let us not forget what Christmas is all about. Lets all help who we can help this year even if its something small .

Everyone have a GREAT DAY!

Whats wrong with people

Parents have flooded a British primary school with complaints after a teacher told a room of tearful seven-year-olds that "it's your parents who leave out presents on Christmas Day," The Daily Mail reported.

Outraged parents were sent a letter saying the substitute teacher at Blackshaw Lane Primary School in Royton, Greater Manchester, had been disciplined.

The class of 25 allegedly became rowdy talking about Santa Claus and the teacher blurted out that he did not exist in an effort to calm them down, The Mail reported.

"My son came home and said that his substitute teacher had told the class that Santa doesn't exist," one father told The Mail. "I thought it was wrong. He was distraught about it. He's only seven-years-old and it's part of the magic of Christmas to him."

You know its one thing if you and your family don't believe in Santa. But what is wrong with this guy these kids were only 7 years old. :( I feel bad for them I still to this day remember the first time that a cousin of mine told some of us that Santa was not real.

Not A Ford Man but...

Well well well.... I got to tell you I am not a Ford man I never have been I just have never really cared that much for Fords. I have always been a GM man until my last purchase of a Honda. But this might make me take a look at Ford the next time I need a car or truck. Way to go Ford for being able to hang on with out Government money my hats off to you!

Part of the story from Fox News..

DEARBORN, Mich.--By shunning government loans, Ford Motor Co.'s (F: 3.12, -0.11, -3.41%) top executives say they hope to buff up the automaker's image and set it apart from its cash-starved Detroit competitors, General Motors Corp.(GM: 4.53, -0.17, -3.60%) and Chrysler LLC.

GM and Chrysler are in desperate need of government money and may not last until the end of the year without it. But Ford set up $23.5 billion worth of credit back in 2006, and both Chief Executive Alan Mulally and Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. told The Associated Press Tuesday they are confident that the borrowing, coupled with restructuring and new product plans, will get them through the recession without relying on the government.

Ford even said the century-old company that bears his family's name might be able to use the independence from loans to its advantage.

"I think if they see Ford as a company trying to pull itself up by its own bootstraps, and making it on its own and pulling the right levers, I think that could be a positive for us," Ford said.

Mulally said Ford has completed much of the restructuring that Congress is demanding of the other two, slimming down its brands by selling Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin and studying the sale of Sweden's Volvo.

Ford, he said, has cut its factory capacity to match demand, and it anticipates no further cuts will be necessary as long as the U.S. auto market doesn't worsen considerably. The company has announced the closure of 17 factories and eliminated 50,000 jobs since 2005, many through buyout and early retirement offers.

An Interesting Take On Creation & Evolution

I thought this was an interesting take on evolution from Bush's mind.

WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush said his belief that God created the world is not incompatible with the scientific theory of evolution.

In an interview with ABC's "Nightline" on Monday, the president also said he probably is not a literalist when reading the Bible although an individual can learn a great deal from it, including the New Testament teaching that God sent his only son.

Asked about creation and evolution, Bush said: "I think you can have both. I think evolution can -- you're getting me way out of my lane here. I'm just a simple president. But it's, I think that God created the earth, created the world; I think the creation of the world is so mysterious it requires something as large as an almighty and I don't think it's incompatible with the scientific proof that there is evolution."

He added, "I happen to believe that evolution doesn't fully explain the mystery of life."

This is just part of the interview with him... I would have to say I am in agreement that there HAS TO be something other then JUST evolution. BUT I still say if there is a God he has turned his back on us....... There is to much suffering in this world to believe any other way. Plus I have a real hard time in believing in something I have NEVER seen.

Am I wrong about this

This is a paragraph from our paper. With all the Christmas tree lighting's I have heard this many times in the last few weeks. I even heard them use this phrase on WTOP News radio when talking about the tree lighting in Washington DC .

In the town’s first tree-lighting ceremony, town officials lighted a blue spruce in Veterans Park along Water Street at about 6:10 p.m.

lighted? should it not be lit?

In The Dog House

You know one advantage to being single for ALL of my 38 years so far is.... I can learn from other men what NOT to give my wife for a gift when I do get to the point where I am married that is.... Enjoy this I thought it was funny.... Thanks Amy for showing this to me.


Beware of the Doghouse- Hilarious! - Watch more Free Videos

If An Everyday Joe Had Done This

You know I read this and think to myself........ should something happen to this guy?

A Washington County Sheriff's Department cruiser on Monday night "lunged" through the window at AC&T, 21411 Jefferson Boulevard in Smithsburg, Maj. Bob Leatherman said.

Deputy Jeremey Kuhnke, who was operating the cruiser, probably forgot to put the car into park, Leatherman said. As Kuhnke was getting back into the vehicle, he probably hit the gas, causing the vehicle to jump the curb and hit the storefront, Leatherman said.

No one was injured in the accident.

The vehicle caused about $3,000 in damage to two windows, and the sheriff's department is working with its insurance provider to cover the damage, Leatherman said.

Kuhnke has been with the sheriff's department for 1 1/2 years. The department is treating the incident as an accident, Leatherman said.

- Erin Julius

You know this deputy should be charged with something

1. It says he probably forgot to put the car in park
2. When he got back into the car he probably hit the gas.... & the vehicle jumped the curb and hit the store front???

It is illegal for someone to leave their car running unattended You can be charged or get a ticket if you do it...... I am sure if this had happened to a regular person..... They would have been charged with negligence or something and maybe the charge for leaving the car run as well.
Sorry Deputy YOU DON'T GET A PASS FROM ME!

Not News To Me Or My Boss

I saw this today on the Fox News web site. I can tell you it is not news for us here at Autoworx LLC. How many of you that know me have heard me say we saw our first declines in early 2007 April as a matter of fact. The report says the recession started in December of 2007 but we saw signs as early as April....

The U.S. economy has been in a recession since December 2007, the National Bureau of Economic Research said Monday.

The NBER -- a private, nonprofit research organization -- said its group of academic economists who determine business cycles met and decided that the U.S. recession began last December.

The White House commented on the news that a second downturn has officially begun on President George W. Bush's watch without ever actually using the word "recession," a term the president and his aides have repeatedly avoided. Instead, spokesman Tony Fratto remarked upon the fact that NBER "determines the start and end dates of business cycles."

"What's important is what is being done about it," Fratto said. "The most important things we can do for the economy right now are to return the financial and credit markets to normal, and to continue to make progress in housing, and that's where we'll continue to focus."

Many economists believe the current downturn will last until the middle of 2009, and will be the most severe slump since the 1981-82 recession.

By one benchmark, a recession occurs whenever the gross domestic product, the total output of goods and services, declines for two consecutive quarters. However, the NBER's dating committee uses broader and more precise measures.

The GDP did contract by 0.2% at an annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2007. However, that drop was followed by a 0.9% rate of increase in the first quarter and a 2.8% spurt in the second quarter, when the economy was boosted by the distribution of millions of economic stimulus payments.

However, employment, one of the measurements tracked by the NBER, has been falling since January.

The GDP turned negative again in the July-September quarter of this year, falling at an annual rate of 0.5%. Many economists believe the GDP is falling in the current quarter at an even sharper rate of 4%, and that the economy won't begin to rebound until late 2009.

In a news release, the NBER said its cycle dating committee held a telephone conference call on Friday and made the determination on when the recession began. Founded in 1920, the NBER has more than 1,000 university professors and researchers who act as bureau associates, studying how the economy works

The NBER decision means that the economic expansion lasted from November 2001 until December 2007. Economic expansions peak and recessions begin in the same month, according to the NBER's dating methods.

The decision on the recession means that during the eight years that Bush has been in office, the U.S. has seen two recessions. The first downturn lasted from March 2001 until November of that year.

Thankful On Thanksgiving

It is the time of year for me to reflect on things and to say that EVERYONE should do the same. Most that know me know I am not an optimistic person at all. Most of the time I stay in a negative state of mind I am always thinking the worst will happen. I find it very hard to stay positive about things. I should do this everyday of the year but on Thanksgiving I do look back and give thanks for all the great things I have in my life. I would like to list here just some of the things I am most happy for.

Mom and Dad I don't say it near enough I am so very thankful for you both and Love you both with all my heart. Thank you for all you do and thank you for putting up with me. And thank you for the unconditional love that I know is there.






Amy & Brandon,

Amy you have become such a big part of my life I would be utterly lost if it were not for you. Your insight into things, your outlook on life, Your love of God. Have all been things that have grounded me and made me think about how well I really do have.

Brandon is just unbelievable he has given me so many laughs that I can not count them all. I remember the very first time I met him and when I left Atlanta, you dropped me off at the airport. And with out asking for one Brandon reached out of the car and gave me a hug. That moment in time will be burned into my head forever. So I would like to say thank you to you both! I love you both very much.

I am thankful for life, I am thankful that my CP is not worse then it is.

I am thankful that as bad as things are right now that I still have a job and a boss / friend that is fiscally responsible enough to have seen this coming two years ago. Who put into place things that would enable our company to stay afloat in these hard times.

For the sake of time here I can not put down everything I am so very thankful for... There are countless family members. My sister Tammie her family, many cousins, many aunts, & uncles.

I am thankful for so many things on this Thanksgiving. Lets all remember at least a few things to be thankful for.

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving EVERYONE!

IT IS CHRISTMAS AND ALWAYS WILL ME TO ME!

You know the liberal mind set in this country anymore just drives me so crazy I just want to hit people that think like this.......

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Employees at Florida Gulf Coast University are protesting a campus ban on Christmas decorations in common spaces.

The Staff Advisory Council voted on Monday to send university leaders a letter explaining employees' concerns.

The university administration said employees can decorate their desks but not common areas.

It also canceled a greeting card design contest and renamed a giving tree for needy preschoolers a "giving garden."

In a memo to faculty and staff last week, President Wilson Bradshaw said public institutions "often struggle with how best to observe the season in ways that honor and respect all traditions."

I mean please give me a break...... What is wrong with decorating for Christmas?

When I read stuff like this it makes me want to not be in the Christmas mood and go out and beat someone over the head with a Christmas tree!

You People that that think like this make me sick... If I want to decorate for Christmas I damn well will and if you don't like it go live someplace else!

Hows that for a Merry Christmas wish!

HAPPY TO BE BACK BUT.......

Well I am happy to report that I have made it back from my 3 day weekend & allot of driving..... Through WV,VA,TN & KY. However I do wish I was still there.....

Note: please see this post for links to the places I went I am not going to re post them here.

I got to the Sportsman's Lodge in Byrdstown TN at about 3:00am wait......... 2:00am Central time. I had no idea I was going to be far enough west that I would be in a different time zone. So when I pulled into the hotel parking lot the clock in my car said it was 3:00am. However when I got into the room I looked at the clock there and it said it was 2:00am.

Saturday I spent the day with Amy & Brandon and met some of her family... The two big events of that day were we walked up a big hill that everyone was calling a mountain not sure what that was about. It was high but it was no mountain. Then we went to "The Dixie Cafe" in Byrdstown for dinner and they had live music there. country / bluegrass. It was a very nice time Saturday. & contrary to what Amy thought I only had issues understanding one persons "southern speak"

Then Sunday morning we got up early and headed to Cave City KY. And there we went to Mammoth Cave, as I said in my other post we went on the 41/2 hour "Grand Avenue" tour and I am happy to report I didn't fall not even one time and I made it through the whole tour with out dying. LOL

I can not believe how much energy Brandon has. The whole time he was talking talking talking asking questions. He was very interested in the whole cave thing. And more then once he asked if we were "In the world" ie. inside the earth

While we were at Mammoth Cave Amy and I both got a Nation Park Passport book..... She said this means we have to commit to going to all these National Parks so I think many of our vacations will be spent at national parks and that will be fine with me. as long as it is time with Amy and Brandon I had a great time!

Looking Forward To A Three Day Weekend

Well tomorrow (Friday) after work I am heading down I-81 through WV,VA,KY & my final stop will be. Byrdstown TN. Where I will meet up with Amy & her son Brandon & some of her other family members Saturday morning. Then on Sunday we are driving from Byrdstown TN to Cave City KY and going to Mammoth Cave National Park. There we will go on the Grand Avenue Cave Tour. After that the trip will be done cause I will be dead LOL because this "Grand Avenue Cave Tour" is 4 1/2 hours long. (Just kidding I think I am fit enough to handle a 4 1/2 walk) I hope so anyway cause I assume once your in there is no way to back out LOL. Then on Monday if I can get out of bed after our 4 hour hike in a cave I will start my drive back home and arive back home monday night.

So As you can see I have a very full weekend planned but it is well worth it and I am looking forward to the time with Amy & her son.

Houston We Have Lost A Tool Bag.......

HOUSTON — A spacewalking astronaut accidentally let go of her tool bag Tuesday after a grease gun inside it exploded, and helplessly watched as the tote and everything inside floated away.

It was one of the largest items ever to be lost by a spacewalker, and occurred during an unprecedented attempt to clean and lube a gummed-up joint on a solar panel.

Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper was just starting to work on the joint when the mishap occurred.

She said her grease gun exploded, getting the dark gray stuff all over a camera and her gloves. While wiping off herself, the white, backpack-size bag slipped out of her grip, and she lost all her other tools.

"Oh, great," she mumbled.

So How would you like to be remembered in history as the astronaut that lost your tool bag in space...

Am I afraid of losing my job? Answer........ Yes!

By FOXBusiness.com

Last week the Labor Department reported the nation’s unemployment rate jumped to 6.5% in October and this morning weekly jobless claims spiked to the highest level since September 2001.

With layout headlines coming fast and furious, we want to know, are you afraid of losing your job?

So this question is from a Fox News poll.

I have to say for the first time in my life that YES I AM afraid of losing my job. There have been other times in my adult working life that things have been tight. I have been through one company closing. Also one company take over that resulted in me taking a demotion (only for a short time) However both of these times in my mind I was NEVER worried about not being able to find a job if I needed to find a new one. I have only drawn unemployment one time in my life and that was when I got laid off from a company that closed its doors. Even then however I only drew benefits for about 3 weeks and in all reality had a job lined up almost as soon as I got ditched.

This time things have changed for me...... You see this time if something happens and the doors close. No one is hiring I have no prospects lined up and everyone I know in my industry is struggling to make payroll. Even some of your big "chain repair stores" Are in trouble.

My boss who has been my boss as well as a good friend for the last ten years is a very wise businessman. We (because of our close relationship) talk almost daily about where our company is and what kind of shape things are in. So that helps keep my mind at ease some what. Don't get me wrong we are in NO danger of closing at this point.

With that said we are fast approaching a 30% loss over last years sales. I predict that by the close of this year (Dec. 31st) we will be down an unheard of 40% in sales over last year.

And for the first time in my life I have no place to go if something happens. So to answer the question one more time...... YES I AM SCARED!

Life At The Bates Motel

So the guys at work and most of my friends call this the Bates Motel out of the movie Psycho Those of you reading that don't know I live on the top floor of this place I basically have my own apartment. And my mother and father have the bottom two floors.

Well with the north eastern winter coming it is critical that the heating systems in this old house be working in top shape. So we have a service contract with a local HVAC company and they come out twice a year to do "PM" Preventive Maintenance and catch any issues before they happen. Well that's the idea anyway.

So now the story. The service company came to do the "PM" work (note everything was working fine before they got there) There are two furnaces that need to be checked one for the first floor and one for the second and third floors they use natural gas. Anyway I got home last night and went up to my apartment and it was COLD! the fan was running on the furnace and no heat was coming out.

Long story short Dad and I went into the furnace room there was no flame. I turned the unit off & pulled the cover off the furnace and started looking around......... And found that the"igniter" was unplugged. ??? I plugged that back in and turned the unit back on and the igniter lit up and went back out and still nothing no flame...... So flip the switch back off and look around a bit more....... Dad saw that the gas valve in the unit was turned off!?!? So we turned that back on and turned the unit back on and bingo we had flame and heat!

Between myself (when I had my own place) & my mother and father we have been using this company for TEN years. I hope this was an honest mistake on the part of the service tech. As tough as times are it makes you think sometimes. What if we did not have the knowledge to look at the furnace our self. Would they have charged for another service call? Just something to think about.

Ten Reasons Not To Buy A New Computer

I found this blog post this morning I am not sure when the writer posted it but I thought it was a good read.

It’s Christmastime again, and that wasn’t my decision — the department store across from my office already has Christmas decorations on it. Since corporations are willing to dedicate two months out of the year to taking your money, I feel it’s time I remind you that a new computer should not be on your shopping list.

Why? Well I’m glad you asked that.

1. Financial downturn. Considering how poorly the world markets are doing these days, you might do better saving all that money for something important, like food.

   Yes, it’s a sad fact that most of the American financial sector was grossly mismanaged and ridiculously inflated, and now it appears that the average consumer — worldwide — is going to suffer for it. Without deviating too far from the focus of this blog, let’s just say that by summertime, you might wish you still had that US$2000, instead of having dumped it into a new computer. I know some people think this hiccup is just that — a hiccup — and I’ll only say that I hope they’re right. For everyone’s sake.

   Regardless of your personal prognosis for the world state of economic affairs, US$2000 in your pocket is going to look a lot better than a shiny new computer on your desk, come June.

2. Financial burden. So long as we’re talking financial repercussions, most of the new computers I see in my local electronics shops are quite expensive really. Even the average, middle-market PC is easily more than US$1200, and anything with considerable power to it is going to creep quickly up to US$2000.

   Unless you’re a teenager, that’s a lot of money. (Most of the teenagers I work with have a hard time assigning real value to quantities of money.) Think of all the other things you could do with US$2000, if you were willing to scrap the idea of buying a new machine. What other improvements could you make in your life, if you don’t spend the money on a computer? What else could benefit from your financial largesse?

3. Instantaneous depreciation. And so long as we’re talking about the actual, tangible price of a new computer, remember that the instant you press the “Purchase” button, your computer is no longer worth the price you paid. New machines, upon arrival at their destination, are immediately worth about a quarter less than the buying price — sometimes as much as a third less — as soon as the tape on the box is cut.

   Why? Because there’s always something newer out there, and as soon as you take possession, your machine is used, and loses it’s value. I’m speaking from experience here, many times over. And you probably know what I’m talking about: Not even vehicles depreciate as fast as electronics.

   What’s the corollary to this statement? That buying a computer on credit is, without a doubt, the worst thing you could ever do with your money. Not only will the total payments exceed the original list price, but by the time you finish making those payments, the machine you own will be worth only a fraction of it’s price. It’s a sad moment when someone realizes their US$2000 computer is only worth about US$300 — I’ve watched those faces fall. You don’t want that to happen to you. Always pay cash for electronics. Period.

4. Environmental implications. For every new machine you buy, Mother Nature takes a hit. Now I don’t necessarily categorize myself as a tree-hugger, but you have to ask yourself, what’s happening to all these leftover computers? Where do they all go?

   Sure, some get “recycled,” in a manner of speaking. But computers have been in mass production for what, two decades? three decades? A lot longer than the computer “recycling” efforts have. And these machines are not exactly biodegradable. I owned probably a grand total of three C64’s between August 1982 and late 1990-something, as well as an SX-64 at one time. Where are they now? I mean, where are the actual metal-and-plastic husks? Probably in a landfill, or worse, carted off to a developing nation, sold as garbage and lying in a heap in the sun.

   This might not concern you either, if your sense of environmental or cultural morality isn’t attuned to it. But it should. Buying a new computer isn’t a two-year adventure in technological gimmickry, it’s a 30-year debit against the environment and your children’s environment. Check out Annie Leonard’s “The Story of Stuff,” if my argument isn’t strong enough to make you think about it.

5. Rampant materialism. Reality check: If you think you need a new computer — or for that matter, a new iPod, or a new cell phone, or a new car, or a new house, or a new wardrobe … guess what? You’re being played. Advertising and marketing aren’t just college majors, they’re exercises in human conditioning, and you’re the test subject for an entire science focused on making you buy. And Christmas is the worst time for this.

   And that “urge” you feel to pick up a newer, “faster” computer is probably — no, definitely tied to the advertisements you see, the images that are fed to you and the status that marketers and ad campaigns attach to new products. That quad-core laptop you’re drooling over, the one with the blinking LEDs and 30-inch widescreen LCD? Well, you’re drooling over it because corporations want you to drool over it. Don’t doubt that for a second.

   This isn’t anything new, and it’s not confined to the technology sector; people have been the subject of greed campaigns by their fellow humans for quite some time. Sad, but true. So stand up for yourself, shake off the psychological weight of marketing ploys, and realize that “new” does not equal “necessary.”

6. Stuff does not equal love. I know some people think a new computer is a great gift, and it in most cases it is. I will admit to having bought new computers for family members, and I don’t regret it. But Christmas is when corporations rely on your benevolence to make money, and it’s unfortunate that a soulless entity like a company can hold so much sway over what you might call affection for a loved one.

   Again, without deviating too far from the focus of this site, a new computer isn’t going to prove you love your wife or your kids or your dog any more than a hug. If you aren’t willing to take my word for it, at least listen once to the gospel according to Reverend Billy.

7. You don’t need it. In all reality, do you really need a new computer? or do you just want one, because your “old” one is “slow?”

   Chances are, it’s the latter. Most of the computers I run across — short of actual, physical damage or failure at the component level — aren’t broken, they’re just poorly tended. Most of the “problems” people have with their computers (and I’m speaking to the Windows crowd right now) can be solved with a fresh installation and a conservative software setup. Even “slow” computers often come back to life once they’re wiped, reinstalled and the personal files restored.

   Of course, if you use Linux, like me, you’re probably getting a lot more speed out of your computer than Microsoft or Intel ever anticipated you’d get. Or wanted you to get, for that matter.

8. Upgrades are cheaper. Admit it: It’s just the hard drive you want. Or a new graphics card. And even just an improvement over your existing video card is probably enough. Pick up a secondhand graphics card — take advantage of some poor sucker who bought it new — and enjoy the improvement. How much cheaper than a new laptop is a new laptop battery? The money you spend is a fraction of the cost of a new rig, and believe it or not, might even improve the value of the machine you have. Because …
9. Increasing long-range value. I already told you that the value of a computer falls like a rock as soon as you cut the tape on the box. That’s true. But what I neglected to mention was that, in the long run, a well-kept, well-tended computer will actually increase in value, sometimes to well over what it originally cost.

   Remember those Commodore 64s I mentioned? Any one of those, if it was still in good shape and if I had taken care of it, and kept it in working condition, would have fetched an amazing price on eBay. A complete system is worth even more. A system with accessories is astronomical. And that SX-64 I had, in its original box? It’s worth it’s weight in gold. (Okay, maybe not its weight — those things were heavy.)

   A decade after you buy a computer — when you can probably, legitimately think about getting a new one — you can expect the price of your machine to creep up, and up, and up. The machines I have now are all at least eight years old, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised when I check the going rates on eBay. Parted out I could easily recoup any and all of the money I put into them. As a whole, they’re worth almost as much. I expect the value to increase even further in the next few years. Not that I would part with them, of course, because …

10. Emotional attachment. After years of using them, and finding all the quirks and solving all the problems and making all the upgrades, I’m not inclined to get rid of them. I enjoy using them, and I’m quite satisfied with the way they do the job. There might come a time when a part fails, or something doesn’t work right, but my attachment to the machine makes repairing it more attractive than replacing it.

    This isn’t peculiar behavior, if you use cars as an analogy again. Think about all the automobile fanatics who polish and buff their 1973 Ford Galaxie 500s until they glow, then cruise slowly around town with a self-satisfied look on their faces. You won’t ever sell those people a new car, because they love their old ones too much.

    Believe it or not, you can become that attached to your old computer, to the point where a new one isn’t an option. You have to learn about it, learn to love it, learn to take care of it, and eventually cherish it. It’s not unreasonable to think that any possession can endear you to it. A computer shouldn’t be any different.

To borrow some famous words … and so, this is Christmas. It’s you against the marketers, the corporations, your own perceptions and misconceptions. I’m not telling you a new computer wouldn’t be fun, or exciting, or a good gift. But I am telling you that there are some solid reasons you shouldn’t dump your money into a new computer.

And if you’re one of those lucky people, and you simply must spend the money and you don’t care how, do something worthwhile with it. I, for one, will thank you.

Can Anyone Say Blow Out?

Well I just want to take a little time this morning and say congrats to President Elect Obama! On a strong win. I knew months ago that he was going to win but I had no idea it would be the land slide it was. While I don't agree with the people's choice I will be waiting and standing by to see what he has to say and do. I still hope that everything I have said about the man in the past is wrong. And I look forward to seeing what he can do over the next 4 years. But...... I will be watching you very closely Obama.

Everyone have a great day and lets all come together and stand behind out new president.

Dan

Vote Today Please......

Well the day is here. I had made a post a few days ago about how I didn't think I was going to vote because my vote would not count. Now those of you that know me should really know me better then that. I am going to vote!

Not only is it our right in this free country to vote it is our duty to educate our self and make a choice that we think will fit us best.

Now go get out there and VOTE!

God Bless America.

What Kind Of Car You Drive May or May Not Tell Us Who You Are Voting For

I found this to be interesting although people have to much time on their hands if they have to to study this crap.

Most national polls find Barack Obama holding a solid -- yet narrowing -- lead over John McCain in the final push before the election.

But a recent poll of automobile owners shows a different reality.

McCain leads Obama 47 percent to 46 percent among vehicle owners -- well within the margin of error -- according to a report published by the automotive price guide Kelley Blue Book.

The report, which appeared Monday on the McClatchy-Tribune's Web site, found that McCain is favored among owners of domestic and luxury vehicles -- like Buick, Dodge, and Ford -- while Obama leads among import owners -- like Saab and Honda.

Fifty-two percent of Lexus, BMW, and Lincoln owners, for example, prefer McCain while 61 percent of Subaru owners favor Obama, according to the McClatchy-Tribune.

The report found that heavy sales of those vehicles correlate with states where a particular candidate dominates in the polls, Kelley Blue Book's senior vice president of marketing and analytics Rick Wainschel told the Hartford Courant.

So mom and dad I guess this would explain the Volkswagen sitting in the drive way?

But wait I am the one that disproves the rule..... I drive a Honda but as of today I am still voting for Mccain. I guess that's cause if I had my choice I would still be driving a Cadillac... I miss my Cady :(

New Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid"

I am really kind of getting into this whole Ubuntu / Linux thing. October 31st Canonical Ltd. released a new edition of Ubuntu a Linux based OS for computers called Intrepid Ibx Ver. 8.10 for desktops. I was using the older version 8.04 Hardy Haron and was happy with that. So this weekend I took the plunge I backed up everything in my "Home Folder" And ran the update. Things did not go well with the update once it was done I had no video unless I started up in "Failsafe Mode" I gave up on trying to get the update to work and did a clean install of Ubuntu 8.10 because after all I had backed up EVERYTHING in my "Home Folder" So there was no need to worry about losing anything.

Once I did a clean install things seemed to work just fine and as a matter of fact I had to do far less playing around with things to get them to work. Video play back with 8.10 seems much better and also a sound issue I was having is gone. And after some more reading I found out if I had followed directions durning the update that the update it self would have worked fine. But you know us men we don't read direction unless we are about to break something and even then we might go ahead and break what ever it is we are working on. After all we are men who needs direcions LOL.


Everyone have a great day! & great week!

Just When I Thought My Temper Was Bad

I was looking for a different clip of Bill O'Reilly over the weekend when I came across this one that is a mix of him in different spots losing his temper. That he is known for..... I think they posted this to make him look bad but to me I look up to him just a little more. We all lose our temper myself included. I have gotten about as pissed off as he is at the start of this clip.. Thats why I got a laugh out of it. **Note you may not want to play this at work & for sure don't want to play it in front of kids. He drops the "F" bomb a few times LOL

Way to go Bill tell it like it is!

Yay Its Friday.

Some times I am so glad it's Friday & this happens to be one of the weeks. While the last two weeks has not been so bad here at work. It becomes more and more depressing to come into an empty shop where for most of the day you have nothing to do. I mean after all I can only do so much playing on the internet and starting political fights. :)

We had a good run starting with about Monday October the 20th then by about Wednesday of this week things started to slow down and Thursday we stood around talking and looking at each other most of the day.

We are down in sales so much that looking at figures only serves to make me cry and yes I do mean cry that's how bad it is. You know a week or two of good days here or there will not make up for a year to two years of sales losses. I have been doing this for about 15 years now and have never seen a down turn in automotive repair like I have seen with in the last year to year and a half.

We have been on a steady decline since the gas prices first spiked about two years ago.

It is very depressing and makes me very uneasy. I have never had to worry about finding myself a job but. I think if something were to happen to my employment now that I would end up being out of work for some time! I know of way to many people in this industry both friends & people I know just by name that are out of work and NO ONE is hiring!

Worried would be an understatement! all I can do is hope we can hang on.

With that said I am glad it Friday!

Everyone have a good day!

We Need More Like This

You know just when I think all hope is lost for people and there is no good left on this earth I read something like this. If only we had more people like the woman in this story there would be no need for an abused welfare system.

DALLAS — A Texas woman went to a housing auction distraught about the prospect of watching strangers bid on her foreclosed home.

Then one of those strangers bought it back for her.

Now Tracy Orr can return to her Pottsboro home, making payments to the woman who unexpectedly and impulsively bought it for her.

"It means so much to all of us," Orr told Dallas television station WFAA. "It's not just a house."

Marilyn Mock said she was acting on instinct on Saturday when she decided to buy a house she had never seen for a woman she had never met. Mock was at the foreclosure auction to help her 27-year-old son bid on a house when she struck up a conversation with Orr, who was crying about losing her home.

Orr had bought the house for $80,000 in 2004 but fell behind on the payments. She lost her job a month after taking out the loan, and earlier this year she lost the house. On the spot, Mock decided to buy it, eventually bidding $30,000.

"She didn't even know if I had a job or was a nut case," Orr said in a story for Wednesday's online edition of The Dallas Morning News. "She didn't even see a picture of the house."

Mock told a crying Orr she could stay in the house, making payments to her instead of a bank.

"She needed help. That was it," Mock told the newspaper. "I just happened to be there and anybody else would have done the same thing."

Orr said she hopes others will do as Mock did.

"More than my house, she gave me something inside, and that's more important than material or financial things," she said.

The two are waiting on final approval from Fannie Mae before visiting the home.

Mock's son also got a home at the auction.

The woman in this story saw something in the other person. You see I believe that you can tell when someone is trying to take you for a ride. The woman knew she needed to help and she did. You can tell when its not all smoke and mirrors. I hope everyone reads this story and will get something out of it!

"anybody else would have done the same thing."

And no that's the issue not just anyone would have done the same thing even if that had the money to do it!

A Real Worry For Me But Funny None The Less

I saw this video the other day a friend of mine posted it on Face Book. I have to admit I laugh at it every time I see it now. But all joking aside it could be seen as a real worry for me in that I fall a good bit more then most. I could just see myself doing the same thing. And wanting to go hide in shame and never talk to them again LOL..

A Good Point Of View From An Old Friend

FIrst of All this post is very long but please it is well worth reading.......

I had gotten into a bit of a discussion about Obama with an old friend of mine (Ken Jones) on Face Book One of my biggest fears with Obama is "Will he really up hold this county's Christian Values and moral standards?" My fear contrary to what some of you who read my blogs think is not "race" based I question Obama's believe system that is really my only fear of the man. (Well that and there is no way in hell we are going to be able to pay for his health care plan.) But thats another can of worms. Any way my question to Ken was this: "Do you really think that Obama will up hold this country's Christian values?"

For the record Ken is a Seventh-day Adventist so his view is of course from that of an Adventist.

And so a direct quote from Ken's replies on the topic of "Will Obama up hold this country's Christian Values."

Hey, re-read my post, I never said "you" or certainly wasn't attacking you, I was talking about the various fear based "talking points" that have been rolled out by the Republican machine. I certainly respect your opinion and your willingness to keep an open mind, so let me address your core question. How can a Christian, or furthermore an SDA, vote Democratic? I've given this a lot of thought personally, and I have a couple of opinions. 1) Neither party provides a completely compatible platform for SDA's, to me, our beliefs would most accurately line up with that of a conservative democrat or a liberal republican. I personally could be classed as either one.
My problem with the Republicans is that as an SDA we tend to value highly the separation of church and state, (or as some say, church and hate, lol). The GOP right loves to blur this line, by trying to legislate things I don't believe support the example Jesus left at all. The whole mix of the flag, our founding fathers, and Jesus is very uncomfortable if you really look at how our country was founded. Was it really some mandate from God? Built on the backs of slaves and stolen from the Native Americans?? But I digress....lets just say that the way Jesus chose to become a CHANGE agent did not involve legislation or working with the politicians of the day. He showed general disdain for these political structures, actually.
2) SDA's support LIFE. This makes the abortion stance of the Dems incompatible, no doubt. By the same token, the abortion issue is not the only flagrant disregard for the sanctity of life. The way the Repubs tend to be war hawkish, to be ready to send troops into harms way with little regard for diplomacy or their being a just cause is definately troubling for me! The Repubs tend to have this nationalistic flair that smacks of the Ugly American other countries loathe. The unilateral attitude sucks and won't work in this complicated world. We need allies!

....and this means more than just trying to buy or strong arm cooperation. This for us or against us crap! THAT is not diplomacy, but those overtones continue to reverberate through the GOP. Again, I digress...my point is the death tolls from a pointless and unjust war in Iraq I find hard to stomach. And I'm not just talking about American lives. I'm talking about Iraqi children whose daddies are not coming home, needless casualties. If we go to war, it needs to be for cause, for a just cause. Repubs carry that "the poor are usually that way b/c they're lazy" mentality. The Bible is clear about how a just society should treat the poor. I'm a social worker. I know what welfare pays. I talk to people all the time who have to choose between accepting welfare for their children, or fighting through barriers to land a min. wage job which won't even pay for daycare and food, so they make a "business decision," and stay on welfare so that they can spend time with their kids and scrape by. Is the system abused at times? Sure. But while we're talking about abused systems, shall we compare to the system which led to this billion dollar bailout?? At least when people abuse welfare, it doesn't lead to economic collapse!! But the Repubs don't want to make that comparison....Basically, I find the religious right extremely hypocritical, and most of the time I'm embarrassed by the way the misrepresent the Jesus I love. So here's my shocking statement.

I believe Jesus would be a Democrat!!! He was a liberal to the leaders of his day! He was definately not a conservative! He wrecked their traditions, hung out with pimps and hoes, partied with sinners and those who's sexual identity didnt sit well with the religious elite, He plucked grain on the Sabbath, and healed in the temple. These acts were heresy to the religious right of the day! He was a radical. Plain and simple.

And we haven't even talked about his treatment of the poor. It definitely wasn't an attitude of economic Darwinism. So my point is, from a Christian standpoint, I have NEVER understood the so many SDA's completely back a party which one day will be behind the total erosion of separation of church and state. There is a natural tension for SDA's in either party. We are faced with a decision between the lesser of two evils. I can be a pro-life Democrat, which is the position I've chosen because to me pro-life also means how we treat the less fortunate.
As for your Obama's comment about spreading the wealth, which was way taken out of context, I would only ask Christians to consider the early church in the book of Acts, where the people sold all and gave it to the apostles, who redistributed to all so that noone was wanting. Noone wants to talk about that, b/c it sounds like the S word, and we all know that Jesus founded this country on Capitalism, didn't He? Or is capitalism even Biblical??

Ken thank you very much for your point of view and your insight on Obama. You made a very clear point here I don't know that you will sway my vote by this but it was a good point none the less.

Disclaimer: I have not been a practicing Christian of any kind for MANY years to many to count really (although I have been to church more in the last year then I have in the last 15 years.... Thanks to Amy Kreismanis) well and maybe a Godly power :)

with that said though I do believe that it is important for Christians to have a voice in the country and I am just scared that "Christians" are losing the fight. And I really believe that we DO need the Christian point of view.

Well Winter Might Be Here

Well here comes the cold weather or is it that it is already here. As I sit here and listen to the wind blow and the bay doors here in the shop make noise as the wind hits them. The one thing that I notice with the cold weather more then I used to years ago. My lips are already chapped I have taken notice over the last few years that my lips become chapped much more easily then they ever used to and it only happens with the cold weather. Or is it the heat? that is used in the house? I have no idea.... But I think it must have something to do with age I'm not old by any means but why did chapped lips not ever happen to me years ago? Can any one answer that?

I hate using things like chap stick I don't like the way it feels. Just one of the things that reminds me sometimes that I might like to live in a warmer place.

I Wanna Be A Cool Avatar.........

If you don't play Second Life you will not really understand how funny his song is. But if you have done some reading on Second Life or seen some things in the news about it this song might make sense. Enjoy........ I thought it was time for something funny

Friday Rant - Oil Changes do not cut it

Well today has been one of those Fridays I would care not to relive. My blood pressure I am sure is a good bit higher then it should be and I am about at wits end and ready for 5:00pm.

Let me start by saying this I work in a "Automotive Service & Repair Shop" we are NOT a "Quick Lube Center" If all you are going to let me do to your vehicle is oil changes please go to a quick lube center don't do me any favors.

Oil changes alone DO NOT pay our bills nor do they pay mine as an employee of our shop. As a matter of fact with the ever rising cost of oil and other supplies our shop takes a loss on oil changes.

We do oil changes as a vehicle maintenance and a service to our regular customers that spend thier money here on other things like Brake Repairs, Exhaust Repairs, Suspension, repairs, & other vehicle break down repairs. the list goes on and on. The only thing I do not really push here as a service manger is tires. We are not a tire dealer there for our tire prices are not in line with the big tire stores so I do recommend to people that they shop else where for tires in some cases.

The stories that caused this:

#1. Customer called wanted to drop his car off for an oil change fine I said bring it in.....

So the customer brings in the vehicle >I pull up the information and I see the last time it was in was 10,000 miles ago & we had 5 yes 5 recommendations of needed repairs that at the time they told me they could not do. ok fine. >So we pull the vehicle in they are 7,000 miles over due on the oil change. >And it still needs the 5 recommendations plus two more!! DO you think they elected to do any of the needed maintenance? NO! Sorry if I sound harsh I don't want your business if all I am getting is a $30 or $40 oil changes everytime you come in. Again go to the Quick Lube place across the street!

#2
This customer flat out lied to me.......

This customers car broke down and would not start so they had it towed in. When this vehicle got here I pulled up the information and saw the last time it was in that it had a coolant leak. What is called the intake manifold was leaking coolant. My note at that time was the customer said they were going to bring it back to have it fixed. YES I have notes on my recemmendations as to what the reason the repairs were declined.

The tech was looking at things and low and behold the coolant is/was low and the intake is still leaking. I called the customer about the other issues they were having and I also told them that the intake was still leaking. Reply "I had that fixed" I said "Well if you did you need to bring me the recipt so I can see what they did cause you are still having issues." I said "Who did it?" They said "Ah..... I don't remember" Hello and intake repair is at least $1,000.00 You don't remember where you spent the $1,000.00???????? It flat out has not been done its like telling a dentist you brush when you don't. He can tell you haven't

The only other answer here is that another shop charged for work they didn't do but that's why I asked to see the invoice from the other repair shop so I could confirm the work they were charged for is done.

Bottom line is here profit is not a dirty word we are here to make money and pay our bills and in turn we provide you the customer with a safe dependable vehicle. Now I will agree there are shops out there that like to take you for a ride. I assure you if I tell you you need something you need it. It does me no good to lie about what your vehicle needs. It will come back and bite me in the ass if I do that.

It just blows my mind that people would sooner go out and drop $3,000.00 on a new LCD TV or $100.00 for dinner out then put $300 or $400 into their car at anyone time.

Edit: fixing a car that is paid for is cheaper then buying a new one ever 4 -5 years even if the repairs are starting to cost you some money. $1,000.00 every 6 months is cheaper then a car loan at $300.00 - $500.00 a month

I Agree

Story:

And older guy came in this morning and here is how our conversation went....

Dan >"How are you?"

Customer >"I'm ok but I wish people would stop talking about the election."

Dan >"Why is that?"

Customer >"It don't make a damn who's in there its going to be fucked up either way."

I agree with this man 100% Either way this thing goes comes Nov. we are in a heap of crap!

Why?

Well here is an interesting story for the day. The background we have a "sever" at work that stores all our POS and shop management software. And even though I'm not really an IT guy I know how the system works I know how to fix things when they are not working on our computer system. We have three computers and they all feed off of the "server" Including my workstation at the write up area. So this morning I am working away we had a few cars here so I had some estimates to work up. Well to do this I need to get into "The Labor Guide"> on the "Server" it is simple really point > click > it opens up. Well rather then it opening this morning I get an error saying "The Shop Key Parts and Labor Guide is not installed on this machine. Please call ###-###-####." (Thinking to myself ah......... I just used it 5 min. ago WTF?) SO I start doing some checking........ After many checks I found that the "data path" had changed ie. where the computer looks for the information. The server drive is "Z" on our system it was looking for the info on my local machine's Drive "C" Now I didn't change anything how did it change itself and within a few min. time? Is it a virus? I don't think so Norton has not picked anything up.

Just some stupid things that make you go hmm.. LOL

I must be stupid......

Today Foxnews:

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve announced Tuesday a radical plan to buy massive amounts of short-term debts in a dramatic effort to break through a credit clog that is imperiling the U.S. economy.

The Federal Reserve will buy "commercial paper," a short-term financing mechanism that many companies rely on to finance their day-to-day operations, such as purchasing supplies or making payrolls.

Call me stupid and while its true I am not one to talk about managing money. The way I understand this is. Companies sometimes barrow money short term ie. as little as 24 hours up to weeks at a time to fund their day to day operations. And part of the issue with this credit mess is these options are not out there right now for the companies that run their operations this way. Thus the Fed. is taking steps to try and open those short term credit lines up to these companies again.

I liken this type of loan to what us private sector folk call a "Payday Loan" My boss is not only my boss he is a good friend of mine we were talking about this. We have been in business 5 years he is the sole owner of our company and NEVER once taken out a loan to pay payroll or buy day to day supplies. His response to companies taking out short term loans is "Well they are not managing their cash flow right in the first place!"

Now we did agree that there are just times when some companies depending on the industry they are in need a loan to fund their day to day operations. But as a rule we both think it is crazy that any company of any sizee would have to take out a loan for a term as short as 24 hours.

Most companies already have agreements with their venders that let them buy goods on what is call a "net 30" or "net 15" account ie. Companies have up to 30 or 15 days to pay for items they have bought from venders with out interest. So over that I am not sure what the need for these short term loans is. Who knows maybe its not that simple. But I think the goverment is putting their hands where they don't belong.

Wells Fargo To Buy Wachovia With Out FDIC Help

I saw this story this morning I have my bank accounts with Wachovia so needless to say I have been keeping an eye on what happens with them. This story in and of itself makes me think that just MAYBE we don't need the government to put their hands into everything we don't need them to come in and save the economy . The first deal of Citi to over take Wachovia included the FDIC's help in that Citi wanted the FDIC to take on some of Wachovia's massive outstanding debt. The new deal between Wells Fargo WILL NOT COST THE FDIC OR THE GOVERNMENT A DIME! And thats how it should be I say kudos to Wells Fargo for stepping in and saving the day with out the FDIC's help.

Of course Wells maybe thinking that this bail out bill will pass and they will be able to pass off some of the massive debt they have picked up I don't know. We will see how things pan out

Credit Foxnews:

Wells Fargo one-upped Citigroup on Friday by unveiling a $15.1 billion deal to acquire all of Wachovia.

The Wells Fargo offer (WFC: 35.16, -1.54, -4.19%) supersedes Citigroup’s (C: 22.50, -0.50, -2.17%) offer to acquire Wachovia’s (WB: 3.91, +0.36, +10.14%) banking operations with help from the government.

If approved by regulators and Wachovia shareholders, the all-stock deal will give Wachovia shareholders 0.1991 shares of Wells Fargo common stock in exchange for each share of Wachovia.

Wells Fargo said it will acquire all of Wachovia’s businesses and obligations, including its preferred equity, indebtedness and banking deposits. Boards of both Wells Fargo and Wachovia signed off on the deal.

Wells Fargo, which has managed the credit crisis better than many of its rivals, said it expects to incur $10 billion in merger and integration charges from the deal.

To help pay for the deal, Wells Fargo said it plans to raise $20 billion in a common stock offering.

“We at Wachovia have great admiration and respect for the people and businesses at Wells Fargo and we are extremely pleased to join forces with this outstanding company,” Robert K. Steel, president and CEO of Wachovia, said in a statement.

The Wells Fargo offer is a big setback for Citi, which had agreed to swallow Wachovia’s banking operations in a government-assisted deal worth $2.1 billion of Citi stock.

At the time, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Wachovia “did not fail.” The FDIC said its assistance was needed to avoid serious adverse effects no the economy and came after consultation with President Bush and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

Citi’s shares had soared since it announced its bid as the combined banking operations would have created a U.S. retail bank with $1.3 trillion in deposits or 9.8% of the U.S. market.

It was a sweetheart deal for Citi as the government agreed to share in losses on Wachovia’s loans. At the same time, Citi announced a $10 billion common share capital raise and plans to slash its dividend to 16 cents.

Prior to Citi’s rescue of Wachovia on Monday, reports swirled that Wells Fargo was very much in the hunt to acquire Wachovia.

“This agreement represents a compelling value for Wachovia shareholders,” said Wells Fargo Chairman Dick Kovacevich. “It provides superior value compared to the previous offer to acquire only the banking operations of the company and because Wachovia shareholders will have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the growth and success of a combined Wachovia-Wells Fargo that will be one of the world’s great financial services companies.”

Kovacevich added, “And, of course, this agreement won’t require even a penny from the FDIC.”

Wells Fargo said Wachovia Securities will keep its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Also, three members of Wachovia’s board will join Wells Fargo’s board.

The Wachovia-Wells Fargo merger comes after a month of extreme turbulence on Wall Street that saw the demise of countless banks and shot-gun marriages of almost as many.

Amid a worsened credit crisis, the government allowed Lehman Brothers (LEH) to file for bankruptcy, gave an emergency $85 billion loan to insurer American International Group (AIG: 4.00, +0.05, +1.26%) and nationalized mortgage giants Fannie Mae (FNM: 1.56, -0.10, -6.02%) and Freddie Mac (FRE: 1.80, -0.09, -4.76%).

At the same time, Merrill Lynch (MER: 27.40, +0.70, +2.62%) sold itself to Bank of America (BAC: 36.37, -1.76, -4.61%) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM: 49.85, +0.60, +1.21%) acquired the deposits of Washington Mutual (WM: 0.16, +0.00, +0.00%) after the savings-and-loan became the nation’s largest banking failure ever.

What is wrong with people?

Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings on Wednesday warned two minority groups to beware of Sarah Palin because “anybody toting guns and stripping moose don’t care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks.”

What is wrong with people? This is why we still have a issue with racism in this country... And that asshole is holding a public office with those kind of views

Edit: and it figures this guy is black......... And you better believe if a white guy said something off about Obama there would be a holy up roar.

After 2 months of worry & $65.00

Most all of my family that reads my blog knows this story but I will tell it for those that have not heard it.
So above as you can see I have a spot on my right foot this "Spot" as I call it as near as I can remember has been there for at least ten months to a year. I never thought anything of it just keeping a little bit of a watchful eye on it and making sure it didn't change or get bigger. Then the day came..... What day is that you might ask? Well it was the day of the family get together (the day was July 11th) when my cousin Sandy was in town. Of course we spent all day outside and I had gotten in the pool so I had been walking around with out my shoes on and we were sitting there talking and someone saw this "spot" on my foot. And said "What is that?" I said "I don't know it never hurts itches or anything like that so I am not worried about it." Well everyone started saying "Well you need to go get that checked out!! it could be bad...."

Well to try and make a long story short almost from that point forward I started worrying about this stupid spot I looked at it 2 and 3 times a day and I started telling myself "there is something wrong its getting bigger." Well one thing leads to another I made an appointment with my regular Doctor that I needed to have anyway. And he tells me well its nothing to worry about I am sure but I need to send you to a dermatologist. So I got in to see the dermatologist yesterday and I am happy to report that after all this worrying about this spot and another $65.00 for an office visit (I have insurance but it has a high deductible) That it is a freaking bruise!! Well he had some long name for it but basically it is a deep bruise that in most cases he said will not go away.

I guess it is better to be safe then sorry but its just one of those things until I talked to about 15 other people about it I was sure it was nothing to worry about. :)

Everyone have a great rest of the week!

Dan

Never forget 9/11/01

Lets all take a second today to remember the families that lost loved ones on this day seven years ago.

Edit: just wanted to post a link here to a friend of mines post here

September 11th -Let us never forget

I know we still have another day until September 11th but I had some time to go ahead and write about this so I thought I would. I can not even put into words the pain I feel for all the families of people who died on that day. I will never forgive or forget what those terrorist did on that day. They killed way to many people to be met with peace. I hope that everyone that had a hand in putting those attacks together on that day die a VERY slow and painful death. Although some have already died and died to fast. Its to bad they did not suffer for years like some of the families here have had to doI took this picture when I was in New York City in 2005 I wanted to go see "Ground Zero" On a wall in the WTC subway station they have things like this picture all along the one wall. Nothing has really ever moved me as much as seeing that.

Anyone in this country after what happened on that day can say "Peace no War" is out of their mind. We DID NOTHING TO those terrorist that attacked us on that day. It was an unprovoked attack! While I will agree to a point with some people that the USA has over stepped their reach in some ways around the globe. Still all and all that attack was uncalled for on so many levels. And to say we should sit back and not worry about it is out of control!

I just hope we all remember September 11th 2001 on this September 11th 2008 and just think about the "what if" Would you feel the same way about things if you had lost a family member in the attacks on that day. I doubt that anyone who lost loved ones on that day thinks we should have sat back and done nothing after the attacks.

Edit: 09/10/08 fix spelling errors

Coney Island to Close

NEW YORK — When reports circulated over the weekend of a last-minute deal to keep Coney Island's historic Astroland amusement park open for another year, owner Carol Hill Albert was not amused.

Indeed, her tone was bitter as she described plans to close the park Sunday night in lieu of an agreement with the city or with private developer Thor Equities, which have competing plans for the 3-acre Brooklyn site.

"Despite rumors to the contrary, there are absolutely no negotiations going on, and there never were," said Albert, whose family has owned Astroland for more than four decades.

The park would close permanently, she said. Late Sunday night, visitors were herded out of the park and the lights were shut off for the last time.

The Cyclone, the famous Coney Island roller coaster, and the 150-foot-tall Wonder Wheel, a Ferris wheel, are separately owned and landmarked by the city so they are unaffected by the closing.

News that Sunday would be the last gasp for Dante's Inferno fun house, 22 other rides and three arcades drew hundreds of nostalgia-minded visitors, including elderly residents of the beach area and families with children who had never ridden on the Tilt-A-Whirl or the Water Flume.

Bobby Salony said bringing his wife and their daughters from Greenwich, Conn., was a kind of "unfinished business."

"We had to come in and have one more time (at Astroland)," Salony said. "Twenty years from now, they can say they were here on the last day."

On a nearby sidewalk, Amos Wengler strummed a guitar and sang a tune he wrote for the occasion: "Save Coney Island, don't let them take it away, and the whole world wants it to stay."

Wengler was one of a few who said they felt there was "still hope" that Astroland would not disappear. Even if a developer takes over, "you can always make it the same again," he said.

Last fall, Astroland and Thor Equities, which owns 11 acres of seaside property that includes the amusement park, agreed to a one-year lease extension that expires Jan. 31, 2009.

Albert said Sunday that she had sought since June to negotiate an extension with Thor through 2010 but was repeatedly told the company had "no answer." Her spokesman, Joe Carella, said Albert decided to close Astroland when it was clear that Thor had no intention of negotiating with her.

Thor spokesman Stefan Friedman said the firm was "extremely disappointed" that Albert had "decided to give up on the future of Coney Island" with several months remaining on her lease.

The Daily News reported that Astroland's rides were already being offered for sale on the Internet, with prices ranging from $95,000 for the merry-go-round to $199,000 for the bumper cars.

I picked this story up from the fox news web site. I have never been to Coney Island but have seen pictures and heard about it. I just think its a shame that a decades old amusement park is closing.