discussion comment
15 years ago
But, yes pickled eggs has to be the strangest gift by far!!! :)
discussion comment
15 years ago
"A jar of home made pickled eggs."
You wont get my pants off with that. Try some chocolate and will talk.
discussion comment
16 years ago
I bought a Whopper, fries, and maybe a Coke? (yeah, I think I splurged on a Coke) for a nasty looking bum who claimed to be a roofer. Anyway, he thought that I was the most wonderful person. I told him not at all. I can see your hungry and appreciated the fact that you expressed concern fake or real in my roofing problem. To my complete shock this nasty bum actually showed up for work! I'm thinking this clown is going to hurt himself so I offered him lesser work. No, he wanted to fix the roof. What a he-man he turned out to be. Not only could he work, he knew what the hell he was doing and took a lot of pride in cutting, nailing, papering, etc. Best roofing job that I've ever had done. Years later he still thought that I was the most wonderful person and wrongly gave me credit for "saving" him. I told him that he just doesn't understand my mindset. I needed the roof fixed and didn't have a lot of money to fix it. He helped me. And, I didn't really care about him as a person other than I didn't like to see him starving. He had a severe alcohol problem that he says cost him everything that he held dear.
And, the bum that I gave the Cuban pastries to acted like I gave him a million bucks. I was doing myself a favor----I'm fat and just want to try the pastries because they're supposed to be delicious. Problem is I don't want to waste 'em (you had to buy 10) and I didn't to eat them due to my fat. The bum helped *me*. I was very happy that he was happy, but the main motive on my part was selfishness. I wanted to get rid of the pastries and I like seeing him happy for *my* benefit.
discussion comment
16 years ago
I prefer that people who preach how wonderful America is get more of America. Much more. Perhaps my buddy who easily paid $20,000 to a lawyer to get the government off his back would feel differently if he was just a regular working class joe or a poor person. Another buddy who went thru a living hell with the government is still pro-America----I don't understand that even a little bit especially since my "inside" sources "knows" that he was 100% innocent.
I know these extremely wealthy Iranians who fled Iran and just are madly in love with America. What is amusing is that they claim to have fled Iran due to corrupt courts. Gee, I said that sounds just like America. They laugh and explained that the thousands stolen from me is nothing. And, to them with their millions, it is true any funds that I have is pocket change. The point is they need more of America, a lot more of America and then we'll see if they still talk stupid about loving America. And, who knows perhaps they only mind being screwed by their own country and if America does it they'll still be pro-America flag wavers.
I've mentioned Don Landry. He was very proud to have served America as a pilot (a fighter pilot?). Listening to him and learning about him, it was easy for me to understand why he was so proud. He is a fine gentleman and someone that I have a lot of respect for. Anyway, I got the sense the men he served with were like him: top quality. He had absolutely NO idea how corrupt and blood thirsty this country was until he got a taste of it himself. And, he just couldn't believe it. He said to me this is like some banana republic. Did he hate America? He said he was disgusted; and wanted to try and somehow fix the mess--he wanted to serve his country. Problem is that his story sounded so far fetched even to me and it is easy for me to believe any negatives about America. Whatever, flag wavers will only potentially learn when they experience a healthy taste for themselves.
I would strongly prefer no welfare state at all with a tiny government, but if big government is the ticket, then I prefer communism. Fund any idiotic wars on terrorism or drugs or stripclubs, but just remember the golden rule of income equality and if necessary wealth equality.
discussion comment
16 years ago
I would *try* to see her actions/views in the most positive light. It isn't like she is going out of her way to hurt people. There is some chance you might feel more sympathetic to her if you could feel where she is coming from.
I feel guilty seemingly every time that I refuse some bum a little spare change, but normally I still don't "enable" (hate that word) panhandlers. Why? Not, sure. Perhaps I'd rather see them stealing what they need (the government has shortage of prisoners). Perhaps I just think these are more cases for the government or the church to keep busy. Seems like there are plenty of moral busybodies should be willing to lend a helping hand. Perhaps I'm afraid the panhandlers are moral busybodies.
Anyway, it seem like most people no matter how well off won't help with either spare change or a nice meal.
discussion comment
16 years ago
"One percent versus eighty five percent, hmmm...I'd say that was a no brainer."
The cure can be worse than the ailment. I see them imposing their religious nonsense and wars on others as far worse than homelessness. So if these former homeless people have been converted into intolerant religious nuts, then this is just more nastiness courtesy of President Bush.
Using government money to spread the word of God. Communism keeps looking better and better. Damn, I wish President Bush could have served another 8 years.
discussion comment
16 years ago
All things being equal, I would prefer a dancer who cares about other people. It isn't a requirement. If she doesn't care about other people, then mainly I'd be interested as to her reasons.
Some people just don't care. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise when considering that a large number of people have no qualms at all about destroying entire villages if there might be a "terrorist" amongst them. Women and children? Not a problem because the enemy shouldn't have been hiding behind 'em. Not to worry, I'm sure those whose homes are bombed and those who are have been crippled recognize the the righteousness of the "good guys."
discussion comment
16 years ago
Well seems like a positive that she has the balls to avoid paying some taxes. Seems strange how most people think more money for the government or more government is a good thing. Having said that I think more government is needed! :) Yeah, doesn't seem too rational at first glance, but it sort of disgusting that people who aren't screwed by the government have such love for it. My thinking is that if they love it so much, then they need a ton more of it and perhaps they'll learn a few lessons and perhaps other people (who need help) will benefit. Heck, just the equality of income could be seen a boon to fairness and justice and human rights.
It is like my buddy who got arrested on a weapons charge. Loves America because he paid $20,000 (a pittance to him) to his lawyers and the system worked in that his only real loss was being arrested and spending a few hours in jail. Now, for a poor person they might rot in a jail for a year or more and have to plead the case. If my buddy had to experience the same filth from the government, then he *might* not love America even a little bit. To add salt to the wounds the government inflicts on poor people many who can barely take care of themselves are ordered to pay money to one nasty charity or another nasty charity.
In the Joe Blake case, the judge was so impressed that the accused "voluntarily" gave $1,500 to a children's charity. Believe me the accused outside of the courtroom expressed (and rightfully so, imo) complete contempt for the charity. He let his lawyer know in strong and uncertain terms how unhappy he was with being forced to lose $1,500 to a bunch of disabled kids. The lawyer rightfully pointed out that $1,500 was a super deal especially since the judge thought it was so wonderful.
discussion comment
16 years ago
The homeless people that I've met need either full time parents and or medication.
There might be help available, but I'm skeptical and distrusting. It's just difficult to imagine the government doing good works. That charity for the blind opened my eyes so perhaps there are good government programs that actually help people instead of terrorizing them physically and financially and emotionally.
I had the "opportunity" to take care of a middle age man, but the problem was that physically I'm just no match for him and he does lose it on *rare* occasions. Anyway, being a parent to a middle age man, violent or not, doesn't seem to appealing or rather it just seems too weird. He seems like a very nice man based on the time that I've spent with him.
discussion comment
16 years ago
"It was just her attitude. She was all ME ME ME... I don't tolerate people like that."
It doesn't seem very attractive. I know a long time dancer that has become like that. She thinks everyone is out to screw everyone and therefore it would be stupid for her not to follow suit. When I point to her that I've helped people without expecting repayment, her response is basically that I'm a fool and a poor fool at that. When she was younger she was very different and liked to help people. When I pointed that out, her response was that she was a stupid young girl who didn't know any better . . . but, she has learned. Depressing; mainly because I had admired her giving nature when she was young and now that is gone.
discussion comment
16 years ago
Some dancers have worked with me. They understand that I like to buy a lot of dances and some are smart enough to understand that repeat volume business has value. What I usually say is something like dang that was short, I hope you're willing to help me out. Usually, a good dancer if the song was truly short will say something like don't worry, I won't charge you for that one.
discussion comment
16 years ago
If I was making $2,000 a day tax free, then I wouldn't be happy giving even $5 a month to the homeless fund. However, that doesn't mean that I don't help people with both my time and money. I'm lower income so my resources are fairly limited. I don't help the less fortunate to be a good guy or because I believe in charity----I do it for very selfish reasons. I like helping people when I can make a difference and it doesn't financially drain me.
Having related the above I'm fairly negative about charities. I did get some first hand experience with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and my anti-charity view was softened---I was just very impressed with the staff and the people they were helping. Heck, I could even see myself donating to them.
discussion comment
16 years ago
"How unprecedented would default be? The United States has never failed to repay a debt in its history. But it has twice altered the repayment terms, notes a study by Carmen M. Reinhart of the University of Maryland and Kenneth S. Rogoff of Harvard University. In 1790, when the infant republic took over the states' colonial-era debts, it deferred some interest for 10 years. A more pertinent case occurred during the Great Depression. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt devalued the dollar by 41 percent against gold. This helped end the vicious cycle of bank failures, deflation and default that had worsened the economic downturn, but it created another dilemma. Since the Civil War, borrowers in the United States, including the government, had routinely issued bonds that allowed the holder to demand repayment in gold or its dollar equivalent, based on the price of gold when the bond was issued. Devaluation would have dramatically raised, in dollar terms, the burden of repayment. So in 1933, Congress repealed the gold clause, a decision the Supreme Court upheld in 1935." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/09/AR2009010902325.html
Never failed to repay a debt? Gee, how impressive when you have a printing press for dollar creation at your disposal and a Supreme Court (another 5-4 decision, btw) that says the government doesn't have to honor its contracts because its a sovereign. Anyway, I'd say giving paper money to creditor who contractually had a right to demand gold and did demand gold is definitely a failure to repay a debt. Most sickening was that the government had the gold to honor its obligations, but wished to establish another precedent that it was above the law.
So how does this have anything to do with strippers? Well, I've been told strippers don't want silver or gold for dances---too fearful of being conned and difficulty with redemption. U.S. dollars to the rescue and wealth creation again. :)
discussion comment
15 years ago
I just lost all interest in gridget. Never had pickled eggs, but they sound awful . . . like fruit cake, but worse. A customer, a sweet lady, insisted on bringing me a fruit cake after I explained to her how horrible they were. She says, Oh, my fruit cakes are different. I told her, Please, no fruit cakes.
She brings a fruit cake and forces me to try it---it didn't look too bad and it didn't taste too bad. She wanted the honest truth. IOWs, lie your ass off. I told the truth and she was heartbroken. Never saw her again. Hey, I told her that I hated fruit cakes.
discussion comment
16 years ago
"Fake inflation numbers masked crisis
. . .
Most criticism of the official inflation number, the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, has focused on the statistical flimflam used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to calculate how fast prices are going up.
Chief among these is a technique called hedonics. Starting in the 1990s, some economists and government statisticians began arguing that a $100 increase in the price of, say, a car wasn't really a $100 price increase if the power, safety features or general usefulness of the car improved substantially. If the subjective value of the car went up by $100, then, despite the increase in what you paid, according to the government, the price didn't go up at all.
The objection to this kind of adjustment is that it introduces a huge amount of subjectivity into the process of calculating inflation. Determining the increased usefulness of a product or service requires a subjective judgment about the value of this or that feature. What is the extra horsepower of a car worth to a user? How about extra safety features? And to which user? And if the cost of a car went up by $100 even if it came with more and better features, wasn't the price still in reality $100 higher?
Hedonic quality adjustments weren't the only statistical adjustments that the government made to the inflation numbers. Starting in 1983, the government also started to measure changes in the cost of housing by looking not at the cost of a house but at what an owner would get if he or she rented out that house. Since in a housing boom the price of houses rises about three times as fast as rents do, this change understated the rate of inflation.
In the 1990s, the government also started to include substitution pricing in its inflation measure. In this adjustment, government statisticians assumed that if the price of something went up, people would use less and would substitute a less costly product or service. So when steak went up in price, consumers might buy more pork or chicken. Figuring out what substitution a consumer would make again added to the subjectivity of the inflation numbers. Including substitution destroyed the whole point of the exercise because it turned the government's shopping basket from an inflation measure to a set of lifestyle choices."
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/fake-inflation-numbers-masked-crisis.aspx?page=1
Just thought this was an interesting tid bit for those who are interested in the value of the dollar. Hedonics in the economics and as applied to stripclubs is very interesting. In my area the black dancers typically charge $5 and the white dancers are charging $20 or more. Discrimination? Perhaps, but the type of dances given is very different. The white dancers that I've had the pleasure of enjoying generally give excellent eye contact and it is a sensual GFE. The black dancers generally more about shaking the booty. It is a real treat for me when I find a black dancer (at $5) who was trained in a white club (that is their usual explanation) or who just naturally does the GFE. Notable the few black dancers that I asked for GFE at much higher prices didn't like that---it was too personal. Blow jobs and FS were no problem, but GFE even at higher wages was a problem. Typical response was if that is what you need then you need to be hunting for a girlfriend. I wonder if white dancers would actually prefer to the impersonal $5 dances?
discussion comment
16 years ago
This endless propaganda about how the government has to borrow money from foreign countries like China or Japan is just too stupid and yet the media dutifully reports it again and again as if it was fact.
Let's say these foreign countries decided not to acquire a dime of federal debt; iows, they refused to lend the government a single penny. Gee, I guess that means the cost of borrowing goes up? No, not in the least. The government can do what it is already doing on a massive scale which is basically borrowing from itself (with a tad of sleight of hand and help from banksters). This is basically known a monetizing (creation of new dollars) and we should be grateful for this product and service because it is the engine of wealth creation. It can also lead to collapse, btw, if done negligently.
So what would the foreign governments do with their U.S. dollars? Gee, the could use it as a store of value (hide it in a vault or place it in insured bank accounts), buy American products, invest in America (buy land or businesses), trade it to other countries for good or services, give it away as charity, etc. Basically, the point is these foreign governments aren't doing any great favors by investing/lending to the U.S. government. Those dollars assuming they want 'em have to go somewhere and that somewhere should lead to employment or investment.
discussion comment
16 years ago
Thank you for the update! Assignation, a fine word indeed. :)
discussion comment
16 years ago
Hi Clubber,
No, it doesn't necessarily devalue what there is. That is the beauty of a well managed fiat currency system. That is why the government can create massive amounts of wealth with the addition of new dollars.
I was looking at the amount new money that the government created and wondered why the inflation although substantial was significantly greater than it is. If the government increases the number of dollars in circulation by a factor of 10, then prices should assuming the issuance of new dollars doesn't create wealth, increase prices by a factor of 10.
That isn't what happens at all. What happens is extremely interesting due to things like saturation points and economies of scale. New dollars can actually REDUCE the cost of products. Yes, I know that seems crazy and some people would immediately say if that is true, then why not increase the new dollar production without limit? It is sorta like salt. Just because a little salt or medium amount of salt is "good" that doesn't mean a truckload isn't extremely negative. It is all about proportion.
One way new dollars can create real wealth is by stimulating demand, which in turn can lead to 1) economies of scale and 2) new technology and innovation to attempt to earn these new dollars. Imagine for just a moment that the federal government didn't increase the number of new dollars or that new dollars were fixed in rigid ratio of let's say $1,000 dollars per ounce of gold held in Fort Knox.
I hope you can visualize how much misery and inefficiency that rigid monetary system would create. I may want a new color TV, but where is the money coming from? There probably wouldn't even be enough money to meet a growing population (from births or immigration). The government with its new dollars provides 1) lubrication, 2) incentives, and 3) wealth. Without the new dollars trade would most likely either grind to halt or subsist at such a level that there only be enough money for bare subsistence. It would be like going back to the barter economy.
The new dollars are a product and a product that creates wealth as much as the automobile creates wealth. There is a multiplier effect that without the automobile or the new dollars the people's wealth/standard of living would be greatly reduced.
Praise be this valuable government service/product.
discussion comment
16 years ago
You wrote: "That story is over a month old,"
So what? You're watching the day to day movements? The crisis was acknowledged when President Bush went from yapping about how wonderful and strong the U.S. economy was to basically stating it was a basket case. I believe McCain was asserting that those who complained about the economy were whiners and a week later he sees the reality also.
"long term trends since the beginning of the crisis"
Yep, that changes everything. There aren't any long term trends since that point, but rather blips. My guess is the long term trend will be a much weaker dollar, but I hope that I'm wrong.
discussion comment
16 years ago
A month old? I thought we're looking at long term trends. That there has been a rebound since the start of the crisis doesn't impress me. Probably just relief that federal government wasn't going to allow a total collapse.
Six month from now, I hope the dollar is higher or treading water. President Bush on more than one occasion was cheerleading how wonderful a cheap dollar would be. Get the dollar cheap enough and the U.S. can start selling to Vietnam.
discussion comment
16 years ago
U.S. dollar hits 9-year low against Russian ruble
12.07.08 19:57
http://capital.trendaz.com/?show=news&newsid=1245845&catid=513&subcatid=471&lang=EN
I did a little googling and the dollar doesn't seem to be so strong. Anyway, I see the local prices near and they only seem to go UP! Any BS from the government about deflation is pretty much BS until I start to see much lower prices on the items that I purchase.
discussion comment
16 years ago
Even if they were paying double it might have been an extremely sharp move given government tax incentives and possible inflationary incentives and fears. Remember interest for investments or for the mortgage is tax deductible as are property taxes. And, then when there is a gain taxes can either be deferred or exempt (up to $250,000? and climbing?). The way house prices rose here in Miami all that was needed was a little inflationary jump and you'd be seeing million dollar homes as normal. Government definitely knows how to create "free" money. So, people attempt to protect themselves from escalating rents and inflation by going deeply in debt which the government subsidizes by making the interest deductible.
I think the dollar is shit. Heck, I was looking at an ordinary red pepper at Walmart, which just a few years ago was expensive at 3 for a $1. Now, a single red pepper is a $1.77. The home prices despite all the foreclosures and general collapse are still expensive compared to where they were just a few years ago. And, the taxes! Thru the freaking roof. The whole policy changed from fair assessments to rape the taxpayer assessments. Lawyer fees? They ain't gone down nor have the court costs. Even the stinking computers are expensive---true it is a much more powerful machine but the total out of pocket costs seems frozen. Oh, I use to enjoy this wonderful steak sandwich at a local dive. Cost $6 (that was an inflated price---use to be under $3). New cost? $11. No more steak sandwiches for me and the shop will probably have to close.
Now compare to other countries, I think the dollar is still a better deal. I guess I need to check the currency markets.
discussion comment
16 years ago
I see the evil doer as the government. People NEED to speculate on housing and other investments because you can't trust the U.S. dollar. So you get heavy in debt and hope the government money creation machine eliminates your heavy debt. Those that followed this strategy in the 70s were richly rewarded. Unfortunately, those people who would rather be conservative with their borrowing will get it up the ass if the government money creation destroys their hard earned savings via rampant inflation. It's a game and many people rightly treat it as the crooked game it is. Not only that, but at least in this area people who didn't go for the $500,000 loans weren't too bright because the artificially low mortgage payments basically equalled the sky high rentals that were in limited supply. I remember these 2 hot strippers living in a home that looked like it should be bulldozed. I practically had a heart attack when I heard what they were paying. They might as well have bought a home with a rigged mortgage. Heck, and perhaps just perhaps they'll get government inflation spiraling out of control or a government bailout with plenty of "free" money for the working people.
The government is the master and if the master says lose your savings or gamble on "overpriced" real estate, then the "overpriced" real estate is the play. Act like a dummy by not gambling on "overpriced" real estate and was your hard earn dollars get taken with outrageous rents and or rampant inflation.
discussion comment
15 years ago
It is sorta funny and sorta sad that the picture of a young nude he-she is valued less than a baby seal clubbed repeatedly. :)
The he-she shrinks the package 90% or so---according reviews it is 11 inches---gets perky natural B-cups and I'd be dang curious. The ass looked bubble-butt, but I don't remember for sure. I liked the personality----very soft and sweet. Most he-shes have zero interest to me because they're too masculine even when soft----the butt is off or the tits are off or the face is off or etc.
The he-she at Angels assuming you love whales was much more attractive than the female whales; better skin, perkier big breasts, no stretch marks, no tats, better teeth, etc. I'm glad he-she kept the panties on; the customers and dancers at Angels might freak if they saw his miniature penis. I'd guess an inch and very thin---like a short little finger. I think his micro penis--if that is technically correct--left him feeling like a woman. Oh well, as a he-she, I'm sure he is in demand. But, Angels??? Go to TRIXIES where you'll most likely get the adoration and money you seek.
discussion comment
16 years ago
I don't know, but I think that there would have been an extreme collapse. I'd love to be wrong about that and some economists claim that a bailout wasn't necessary. The reason that I think they're wrong about the bailout not being necessary is based partly on what I was seeing with my own eyes. A person is flipping burgers at Burger King and he is given a half million dollar home loan? True, it wasn't that bad, but it was pretty damn bad. The government was supporting that filth----it wasn't just my eyes that saw it. The Wall Street Journal was squealing like a stuck pig about the need for the government to reign in its monsters. Yes, the old supposed free market believers bleeping bananas for government control.
No need for any panic if the assets are there--they weren't which is why the panic and need for government "free" money. I see the home loan "assets" for the local banks---those "assets" are meager compared to the loan. No investors will jump into those endlessly losses except on terms that will destroy the economy. If the loan is for $200,000 the bankster would be lucky to get $100,000 from a real investor. Time for government to step in and agree to pay the whole ball of wax. Buy the $200,000 loan for $200,000 plus (this is a bailout or welfare or whatever) and it is secured by the "valuable asset." Hell, pretend the asset is worth $200 million---no one really gives much of a hoot except for some hot air. Gee, what a wonderful "investment" by the government-----and presto end of panic. Makes sense, but I wish the feds would LOAN me money like that or INVEST money with me like that. Hell, I'd even start waving the U.S. flag!