I've never been much of a new years person. I'm usually disappointed by the passing of another year rather than excited by the possibilities that lie ahead. It's a downer, I know. That said, I hope you all have very happy new year celebrations.
As for resolutions, last year I had three:
1) Quit biting my nails.
2) Get a little better at singing.
3) Send a letter or postcard every week.
In generally I failed miserably. However, I do bite my nails less and I can sing slightly better. As for the letters: failure.
I haven't come up with mine yet, but will share when I do. What are yours?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Religion Question
What do catholic priests do if, during communion, they spill the wine/blood or crackers/body all over the place?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
But I Heart Hugh Grant!
According to a new study, romantic comedies are bad for you because they create unreasonable relationship expectations.
Twilight is probably bad for you too. Just sayin'. ;)
Twilight is probably bad for you too. Just sayin'. ;)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Wow, so blogging is hard when on vacation. I actually thought it would be easier, what with more time. Alas I was wrong. Between the friends, gifting, family, etc, I wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas. Hooray!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.19.2008
*Obama completed his cabinet today:
-Congressman Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation.
-Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor.
-Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk for for US Trade Representative.
-Karen Mills, a former venture capitalist, to lead the Small Business Administration
Not many thoughts except that Ray LaHood is a Republican, one of two or three if I'm not mistaken, that Obama has added to his cabinet.
*President Bush released just over $13 billion in bailout funds for the the American automakers. Considering the economic hurt we are in, this is probably a good idea. One of the last things we need is another couple million people out of work. If those companies are going to fail, it needs to happen when there is enough capital available for replacement companies to start up.
*And in the biggest news, today was my last day before Christmas break. Hooray!
-Congressman Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation.
-Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor.
-Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk for for US Trade Representative.
-Karen Mills, a former venture capitalist, to lead the Small Business Administration
Not many thoughts except that Ray LaHood is a Republican, one of two or three if I'm not mistaken, that Obama has added to his cabinet.
*President Bush released just over $13 billion in bailout funds for the the American automakers. Considering the economic hurt we are in, this is probably a good idea. One of the last things we need is another couple million people out of work. If those companies are going to fail, it needs to happen when there is enough capital available for replacement companies to start up.
*And in the biggest news, today was my last day before Christmas break. Hooray!
The Trade Deficit Bubble
Here is a well-written blog on a topic I have been mulling over for a couple years. The nickel version: First there was the dotcom bubble, then the housing bubble. What's next? How about the trade deficit bubble? The United States borrows billions of dollars every year to pay for things for which we don't have money. What happens when that bubble bursts and countries around the world no longer want to buy our currency? It's a big question with lots of scary answers. Click the link, it's worth a read.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
F3DM by BYD
Big time news. (click the link for a photo of the car)
Today BYD Auto, a Chinese automaker, released the first ever mass produced plug-in electric car. Basic design: The car has enough batteries (that are charged from your electrical outlet) to drive approximately 60 miles on all-electric mode, meaning the internal combustion engine does not turn on. After 60 miles the car can either start a small generator that charges the batteries or simply act like a normal hybrid.
I'm a huge proponent of these vehicles. First, they are a bridge technology that will move us closer to electric vehicles. Second, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional vehicles. Third, they move the smog away from population centers to more efficient electricity production centers. And fourth, as our electricity production becomes greener (wind, solar, etc), so too do these cars.
My true wish would be people biking and walking more, but the reality is that people will drive individual vehicles. If that's going to be the case, then plug-in hybrids are a good start.
Today BYD Auto, a Chinese automaker, released the first ever mass produced plug-in electric car. Basic design: The car has enough batteries (that are charged from your electrical outlet) to drive approximately 60 miles on all-electric mode, meaning the internal combustion engine does not turn on. After 60 miles the car can either start a small generator that charges the batteries or simply act like a normal hybrid.
I'm a huge proponent of these vehicles. First, they are a bridge technology that will move us closer to electric vehicles. Second, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional vehicles. Third, they move the smog away from population centers to more efficient electricity production centers. And fourth, as our electricity production becomes greener (wind, solar, etc), so too do these cars.
My true wish would be people biking and walking more, but the reality is that people will drive individual vehicles. If that's going to be the case, then plug-in hybrids are a good start.
Tom Vilsack: Next Secretary of Agriculture
Yesterday, Barack Obama made another addition to his cabinet, adding Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack is the former governor of Iowa, a state famous for its agriculture. So, a good fit, right?
Wrong. Perhaps the greatest policy blunder in the history of the United States has been massive producer-side (government support that goes directly to the producer of a good or service) subsidies to corn farmers. The result has been a breathtaking shift in America's food chain. Just about everything we eat, with the exception of fresh vegetables, is based in corn. Nearly all processed foods are made with high fructose corn syrup. Nearly all dairy products come from corn-fed cows. Nearly all beef and pork comes from animals fed corn. Nutritionists across the globe agree that a diet based in corn, especially high-fructose corn syrup, is a leading contributor to obesity.
Furthermore, the latest policy fad of producing ethanol from corn is disastrous. It's led to an increase in food prices, over-use of arable land, a shift away from traditional crops toward a corn-based monoculture, and a huge use of water and energy to produce fuel. Bad, bad, bad, and worse.
Rather than moving in the direction of more corn, Obama should be moving away from corn. Vilsack will be a good old boy advocating for more subsidies and increased production of corn. Big strikeout on this selection.
Wrong. Perhaps the greatest policy blunder in the history of the United States has been massive producer-side (government support that goes directly to the producer of a good or service) subsidies to corn farmers. The result has been a breathtaking shift in America's food chain. Just about everything we eat, with the exception of fresh vegetables, is based in corn. Nearly all processed foods are made with high fructose corn syrup. Nearly all dairy products come from corn-fed cows. Nearly all beef and pork comes from animals fed corn. Nutritionists across the globe agree that a diet based in corn, especially high-fructose corn syrup, is a leading contributor to obesity.
Furthermore, the latest policy fad of producing ethanol from corn is disastrous. It's led to an increase in food prices, over-use of arable land, a shift away from traditional crops toward a corn-based monoculture, and a huge use of water and energy to produce fuel. Bad, bad, bad, and worse.
Rather than moving in the direction of more corn, Obama should be moving away from corn. Vilsack will be a good old boy advocating for more subsidies and increased production of corn. Big strikeout on this selection.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.17.2008
*In yet another sign of the times, people are getting on welfare in significant numbers. Bailouts cost money, but so, too, does having massive unemployment.
*Things keep turning this way and that in the Minnesota senate recount. Both campaigns are challenging ballots and now they are bringing back previously-dropped challenges. A couple days ago it looked like we may have a winner as early as tomorrow, but now it looks like there may be a long road ahead. The winner is someone who will be serving for six years and, with incumbent reelection rates what they are, probably longer. I say take your time and get it right.
*Today Time named Barack Obama its "Person of the Year." No surprise there considering most president-elects win the award in the year they win and, whether you agree with the guy or not, Obama truly revolutionized campaign fundraising and use of the internet in campaigning all while energizing the nation like no political figure has done since Bobby Kennedy.
*Things keep turning this way and that in the Minnesota senate recount. Both campaigns are challenging ballots and now they are bringing back previously-dropped challenges. A couple days ago it looked like we may have a winner as early as tomorrow, but now it looks like there may be a long road ahead. The winner is someone who will be serving for six years and, with incumbent reelection rates what they are, probably longer. I say take your time and get it right.
*Today Time named Barack Obama its "Person of the Year." No surprise there considering most president-elects win the award in the year they win and, whether you agree with the guy or not, Obama truly revolutionized campaign fundraising and use of the internet in campaigning all while energizing the nation like no political figure has done since Bobby Kennedy.
OPEC Cuts Production
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, announced today that they are cutting production by 2.2 million barrels per day. To put that number into perspective, world oil consumption is 80-85 million barrels per day, so they are cutting production by about %3. Additionally, Russia and Azerbaijan, two non-OPEC oil producers, also announced production cuts.
This is not a trivial amount, however oil prices did not immediately go up today in response to the news. Basic economic theory predicts that a cut in supply will increase the price, which is exactly what these countries are trying to do. Rather than sell their product at $45/barrel, it makes a whole lot more sense to sell it for $60, $70, or $80+. Keep in mind that their oil reserves are finite--eventually it's going to run out--so they want to make as much money as possible while they still have it.
As an aside, simply because it is incredible, let's work out daily worldwide oil consumption. One barrel of oil is 42 gallons. Humans use 80-85 million barrels a day, which is about 3.5 billion (billion!) gallons of gas per day. In a world where billions of people do not even have a car, humans consume about half a gallon per person, per day. This average is misleading because people in countries like the United States use a much higher percentage. Pretty astounding numbers.
This is not a trivial amount, however oil prices did not immediately go up today in response to the news. Basic economic theory predicts that a cut in supply will increase the price, which is exactly what these countries are trying to do. Rather than sell their product at $45/barrel, it makes a whole lot more sense to sell it for $60, $70, or $80+. Keep in mind that their oil reserves are finite--eventually it's going to run out--so they want to make as much money as possible while they still have it.
As an aside, simply because it is incredible, let's work out daily worldwide oil consumption. One barrel of oil is 42 gallons. Humans use 80-85 million barrels a day, which is about 3.5 billion (billion!) gallons of gas per day. In a world where billions of people do not even have a car, humans consume about half a gallon per person, per day. This average is misleading because people in countries like the United States use a much higher percentage. Pretty astounding numbers.
The Rich
I read a fascinating blog about the rich getting uber rich in the last few decades while, simultaneously, their tax burden is smaller. Sounds like a good gig for them. Unfortunately that means the rest of us are making less money and paying higher tax rates.
Billionaire Warren Buffet, one of the world's richest men, has famously explained how he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. It is simply wrong that the richest people are not paying the highest tax rates, that is core principle of a progressive system of taxation.
A snippet:
That's absurd.
Billionaire Warren Buffet, one of the world's richest men, has famously explained how he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. It is simply wrong that the richest people are not paying the highest tax rates, that is core principle of a progressive system of taxation.
A snippet:
So there you have it. The top 400 taxpayers, a group so rich and elite that I'd need scientific notation to properly represent their proportion of the population, have doubled their share of income in the past decade or two but have decreased their tax burden by nearly half. Nice work! As you can see, Warren Buffet wasn't exaggerating when he said his secretary paid a higher tax rate than he does. If she pays more than 18% — not exactly a tough hurdle when you figure that payroll taxes already account for about 8% of that — she probably does.
That's absurd.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
How They Make Me Laugh
Yesterday while reviewing for a test this exchange occurred:
Teacher: What company did Queen Victoria hire to explore the Nile River?Correct.
Student: The YMCA!
Non-Paper Daily, 12.16.2008
*The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate to nearly zero in hopes of urging our economy away from depression. The Fed has been cutting interest rates regularly for months now and they essentially can go no further. It is a bit disconcerting when the tools in their toolbelt can no longer be deployed.
*Obama named Chicago school's chief Arne Duncan as the next Secretary of Education. Fairly bland pick. The guy is an old friend and basketball buddy who Obama has known for years. He could have done better. I see the problems with our education system every day and I'm in a good school setting. Here was an area Obama could have picked someone with big ideas and he chose to play it safe. Unfortunate.
*New York politicians are looking into an %18 tax increase on soda. Their rationale: It's a way to generate revenue that will be used to treat obesity that is caused, in part, by soda. I haven't read the details, but philosophically I'm a fan. Gas taxes pay for road repairs. Cigarette taxes pay for anti-youth smoking campaigns. Etc. They taught us in the education program that the punishment should always fit the crime. Often the same principle can be applied to taxes: the tax should fit the expenditure.
*Obama named Chicago school's chief Arne Duncan as the next Secretary of Education. Fairly bland pick. The guy is an old friend and basketball buddy who Obama has known for years. He could have done better. I see the problems with our education system every day and I'm in a good school setting. Here was an area Obama could have picked someone with big ideas and he chose to play it safe. Unfortunate.
*New York politicians are looking into an %18 tax increase on soda. Their rationale: It's a way to generate revenue that will be used to treat obesity that is caused, in part, by soda. I haven't read the details, but philosophically I'm a fan. Gas taxes pay for road repairs. Cigarette taxes pay for anti-youth smoking campaigns. Etc. They taught us in the education program that the punishment should always fit the crime. Often the same principle can be applied to taxes: the tax should fit the expenditure.
Bailout the Failures
Yet one more reason the Bush Administration is just a bunch of douchebags.
Congress insisted that in order to pass the bank bailout bill then the provided funds could not be used to give bank executives (the very executives that ran these banks into the ground) massive compensation packages. The Washington Post reported yesterday, however, that the Bush Administration slipped one sentence into the final bank bailout bill that took all the bite out of that provision.
There you go, our finest at work. Just a little more than a month to go.
Congress insisted that in order to pass the bank bailout bill then the provided funds could not be used to give bank executives (the very executives that ran these banks into the ground) massive compensation packages. The Washington Post reported yesterday, however, that the Bush Administration slipped one sentence into the final bank bailout bill that took all the bite out of that provision.
There you go, our finest at work. Just a little more than a month to go.
Monday, December 15, 2008
A Milestone
Slowly but surely I have racked up the posts and you all have racked up the page visits: Today we eclipsed the 5,000 visitors barrier. To all who keep coming back for more, thank you. To be honest, I write for the sake of improving my writing, but the most rewarding aspect of blogging are your comments online and in person. Keep'em coming and, dare I say it, on to 10,0000!
Non-Paper Daily, 12.15.2008
*If you had not already heard, President Bush went on an unannounced trip to Iraq for a signing of the most recent agreement for the pullout of American troops within about two years. While at the ceremony an Arab journalist threw both his shoes (one at a time) at Bush, who demonstrated some nimble dodging. Apparently in Arab cultures, throwing one's shoes at someone is the ultimate gesture of disdain. Who knew? As to be expected, the journalist has become something of a celebrity for standing up to the President of the United States. The video:
*The scuttle is that Caroline Kennedy is actively pursuing Hillary Clinton's senate seat. It is the same seat that the late Senator Bobby Kennedy once held. Political dynasties are not good for our system. Plus, as Kevin pointed out, the rich and famous already have political access a leg up in elections. Count me out on this one.
*Barack Obama has tapped Steven Chu to be the next Secretary of Energy. Not only is he smart (he's a Nobel Laureate) but he's also one of the favorites from the environmental community. Additionally, Obama named Nancy Sutley to head the White House Council on Environmental Quality. As Steve pointed out, in terms of diversity, that adds a second Asian American to Obama's cabinet and the first openly gay member of any cabinet, all serving under the first non-white President of the United States. Positive steps indeed.
*The scuttle is that Caroline Kennedy is actively pursuing Hillary Clinton's senate seat. It is the same seat that the late Senator Bobby Kennedy once held. Political dynasties are not good for our system. Plus, as Kevin pointed out, the rich and famous already have political access a leg up in elections. Count me out on this one.
*Barack Obama has tapped Steven Chu to be the next Secretary of Energy. Not only is he smart (he's a Nobel Laureate) but he's also one of the favorites from the environmental community. Additionally, Obama named Nancy Sutley to head the White House Council on Environmental Quality. As Steve pointed out, in terms of diversity, that adds a second Asian American to Obama's cabinet and the first openly gay member of any cabinet, all serving under the first non-white President of the United States. Positive steps indeed.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
One Dollar Diet Project
As I signed into my Yahoo mail account a link caught my eye: Couple Eats on $1 Per Day for a Month. Sounded interesting, and it was. Billions of people around the world live on $1 per day, so they wanted to see if it was possible to eat in America on that budget. Clearly this is difficult here simply because our society's food is more expensive, but they were able to do it. Along the way they learned a few things, garnered some media attention, and ate a lot of plain oatmeal. If you're interested, here's their blog.
Non-Paper Daily, 12.13.2008
*There are dozens and dozens of reasons why Africa struggles to move out of poverty. Even with billions of dollars in aid and expertise, little progress is achieved and, in many cases, they are still moving in reverse. Just one of those reasons is a distrust of the West.
*For all my fellow college football lovers, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma won the Heisman Trophy today.
*It's been a slow day.
*For all my fellow college football lovers, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma won the Heisman Trophy today.
*It's been a slow day.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.12.2008
*The Minnesota State Canvassing Board (they deal with elections) directed county election officials to count approximately 1,600 wrongly disqualified absentee ballots. Franken, who is currently losing by a couple hundred votes, outperformed Norm Coleman in absentee ballots, so this is a huge boost to his chances at winning.
*The precipitous drop in oil prices is severely hurting the economies of countries that rely on its export as their primary source of income (Iran, Russia, et al., I'm looking your way.)
*Looks like the auto company bailout is a no-go due to Republican senators protests. The Bush administration, however, is poised to act, so it looks like the Big Three car manufacturers won't be going bankrupt... yet.
*Miley Cyrus received a Porsche for her birthday, but was disappointed it wasn't the car she wanted. Can't she just buy the car she wants?
*The precipitous drop in oil prices is severely hurting the economies of countries that rely on its export as their primary source of income (Iran, Russia, et al., I'm looking your way.)
*Looks like the auto company bailout is a no-go due to Republican senators protests. The Bush administration, however, is poised to act, so it looks like the Big Three car manufacturers won't be going bankrupt... yet.
*Miley Cyrus received a Porsche for her birthday, but was disappointed it wasn't the car she wanted. Can't she just buy the car she wants?
Tre Interesting
A video from Wired that shows all commercial flights over a 24 hour period, condensed into 72 seconds.
Hat tip to Travis.
Hat tip to Travis.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Non-Paper Daily, 12.11.2008
*In numbers higher than predicted, unemployment insurance applications surged to a 26-year high.
*Regardless of how you feel about it, the auto company bailout plan was on track, then knocked off track, but again sees a glimmer of light. Apparently Ford can survive for awhile with out it, but GM and Chrysler are staring bankruptcy straight in the eye.
*Anti-globalization protests are spreading across Europe in response to the ever-worsening economic situation. Maybe just a little something, but maybe something much bigger.
*Without direct knowledge it's hard to tell, but Pakistan seems to be taking steps against those that perpetrated the bombings in Mumbai. If accurate, this is certainly a positive development. Pakistan has two groups in charge--the military versus citizen government--that often do not see eye to eye. There are all kinds of question marks that will continue to surround Pakistan until there is progress stabilizing the governing structure.
*Regardless of how you feel about it, the auto company bailout plan was on track, then knocked off track, but again sees a glimmer of light. Apparently Ford can survive for awhile with out it, but GM and Chrysler are staring bankruptcy straight in the eye.
*Anti-globalization protests are spreading across Europe in response to the ever-worsening economic situation. Maybe just a little something, but maybe something much bigger.
*Without direct knowledge it's hard to tell, but Pakistan seems to be taking steps against those that perpetrated the bombings in Mumbai. If accurate, this is certainly a positive development. Pakistan has two groups in charge--the military versus citizen government--that often do not see eye to eye. There are all kinds of question marks that will continue to surround Pakistan until there is progress stabilizing the governing structure.
Yes, We're Still in Iraq and Afghanistan
A friendly PSA:
After a closely fought, high-profile election that gobbled up headlines and in the heart of a global financial meltdown, I would like to remind you all that yes, we still have hundreds of thousands of troops abroad. This may come as a surprise, considering the lack of news coverage on the topic. Don't shoot the messenger, I just thought you all should know.
After a closely fought, high-profile election that gobbled up headlines and in the heart of a global financial meltdown, I would like to remind you all that yes, we still have hundreds of thousands of troops abroad. This may come as a surprise, considering the lack of news coverage on the topic. Don't shoot the messenger, I just thought you all should know.
Recycling Woes
As prices for commodities (definition of commodity) plummet--the example in this article is tin, which has dropped from a high of $327/ton earlier this year to $5/ton--recycling centers are facing major financial problems. The basic idea: the more raw materials are worth, the greater the profit margin recycling businesses can achieve.
The sixth commenter to the article, david b, points out a possible solution that I, in theory, support. He argues there should be a price on consumer products to cover their disposal. In other words, the consumer would pay extra in the price of a product in order to cover the eventual disposal of that product. The greener the product--one that uses recycled materials, less and/or recyclable packaging, etc--the lower the price. This would allow the market to work by incentivizing greener products by making them cheaper.
The sixth commenter to the article, david b, points out a possible solution that I, in theory, support. He argues there should be a price on consumer products to cover their disposal. In other words, the consumer would pay extra in the price of a product in order to cover the eventual disposal of that product. The greener the product--one that uses recycled materials, less and/or recyclable packaging, etc--the lower the price. This would allow the market to work by incentivizing greener products by making them cheaper.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Jeopardy
Wow. Going into Final Jeopardy:
Leader: $15,500
2nd Place: $11,100
3rd Place: $5,000
Final Jeopardy:
3rd Place: Correct for $4,999
2nd Place: Incorrect lost $701
Leader: Incorrect lost $7,001
The guy in second who got the final question wrong still won. Never seen that before.
Leader: $15,500
2nd Place: $11,100
3rd Place: $5,000
Final Jeopardy:
3rd Place: Correct for $4,999
2nd Place: Incorrect lost $701
Leader: Incorrect lost $7,001
The guy in second who got the final question wrong still won. Never seen that before.
Non-Paper Daily, 12.10.2008
*Time Magazine came out with their "Top 10" lists that don't mean anything, but to suckers like me, are fun to read.
*Congress may be voting as soon as tonight on whether to send relief to the American automakers.
*My letter to the La Grande Observer's editor was published today. It is in response to an opinion article that, basically, said, "Wind farms are ugly and environmentalists suck."
*Congress may be voting as soon as tonight on whether to send relief to the American automakers.
*My letter to the La Grande Observer's editor was published today. It is in response to an opinion article that, basically, said, "Wind farms are ugly and environmentalists suck."
Global Warming in the Media
This is disturbing:
As scientists make ever-more urgent calls to curb our emissions of greenhouse gasses, mentions of global warming in the media are down. What's going on? Are people burned out hearing about something that's going to burn them up? WTF?
As scientists make ever-more urgent calls to curb our emissions of greenhouse gasses, mentions of global warming in the media are down. What's going on? Are people burned out hearing about something that's going to burn them up? WTF?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Non-Paper Daily
I've had a variety of people tell me that this blog is one of their primary sources of news. Considering this, here is the first edition of a daily news feed that covers a few of the day's most important news events. (Yes, I know, I've tried a variety of reoccurring posts and failed miserably, but this strikes me as more likely to succeed considering I read the news every day. Fingers. Crossed)
*Illinois' Governor Blagojevich was arrested this morning on charges relating to bribery and abuse of power. Blagojevich is the guy responsible for appointing President-elect Obama's senate replacement. Among his many transgressions, his latest is trying to sell that appointment to the highest bidder. He posted bail this afternoon and should be in trial fairly soon. Stay tuned.
*Piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, is getting so bad that cruise companies are canceling ships and governments are placing armed soldiers on cargo ships.
*A possible breakthrough in the battle against malaria, a disease that kills 1 million and sickens 2 million more annually. In field trials a vaccine has cut malarial infections in half.
*Illinois' Governor Blagojevich was arrested this morning on charges relating to bribery and abuse of power. Blagojevich is the guy responsible for appointing President-elect Obama's senate replacement. Among his many transgressions, his latest is trying to sell that appointment to the highest bidder. He posted bail this afternoon and should be in trial fairly soon. Stay tuned.
*Piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, is getting so bad that cruise companies are canceling ships and governments are placing armed soldiers on cargo ships.
*A possible breakthrough in the battle against malaria, a disease that kills 1 million and sickens 2 million more annually. In field trials a vaccine has cut malarial infections in half.
Unions and Energy
Many people really dislike unions for one reason or another. I, on the other had, think they play an integral part in maintaining a strong middle class and fair working conditions. Here is an excerpt from a blog post over at Mother Jones that accurately explains some of the benefits of unionization:
This reminds me of the argument over the different methods of producing electricity. All production methods are imperfect--coal releases massive pollution and mining coal is destructive, nuclear creates toxic waste and uses gobs of water, wind farms produce intermittent power, dams destroy rivers, solar uses rare materials--but we should build the one with the least imperfections. Duh, right? As countries around the world continue to build coal plants, apparently it's not that obvious.
Look: unions aren't perfect. Nothing is perfect. The financial industry, just to pick an example out of my hat, is obviously wildly imperfect, but that doesn't mean we should get rid of the private financial industry. It just means we should regulate it to avoid some of its worst pathologies.
Ditto for unions. If anyone has a better mechanism for giving workers more bargaining clout and therefore higher wages, I'm all ears. Anyone who thinks collective bargaining is a good idea but believes we ought to reform the Wagner Act, I'll listen to them too. But the evidence of the past 30 years makes it pretty clear that productivity growth and improved education aren't nearly enough on their own to keep median wages growing. Neither is unionization, for that matter. But at least it pushes in the right direction.
This reminds me of the argument over the different methods of producing electricity. All production methods are imperfect--coal releases massive pollution and mining coal is destructive, nuclear creates toxic waste and uses gobs of water, wind farms produce intermittent power, dams destroy rivers, solar uses rare materials--but we should build the one with the least imperfections. Duh, right? As countries around the world continue to build coal plants, apparently it's not that obvious.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Reduced Urban Driving
For many reasons it would be a positive development to reduce vehicular congestion in urban areas: pollution and noise reduction, greenhouse gas emission reduction, improved pedestrian and bicycle safety, to name a few. Through the years I have read about a variety of ways municipalities have attempted to reduce city traffic; for example, London imposes a fee to enter city center. Here's another idea: raise the price of parking. Basically Chicago has sold the right to set and enforce parking rates for the next 75 years. As Kevin over at Mother Jones points out, 75 years seems a bit excessive, but the idea of charging more for parking may work in much the same way a high gas tax could reduce overall driving. Worth a shot!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Election Results
With the conclusion of Louisiana's congressional races, the election season is officially over (Okay, almost over; they are still battling over the recount in Minnesota. The actual voting is now over.) and the results have instilled some faith in the belief in the political system.
*Barack Obama beat a candidate that mirrored Bush's views.
*Ten Stevens, the convicted felon-for-a-senator from Alaska, lost his reelection bid.
*William "I store stacks of cash bribes in my freezer" Jefferson, a congressman from Louisiana, lost in his reelection bid even though he represented one of the most heavily Democratic districts in the nation.
Proof that our system really can work. Now if we can just get away from scurrilous emails and basing our votes on 30 second commercials. One can hope.
*Barack Obama beat a candidate that mirrored Bush's views.
*Ten Stevens, the convicted felon-for-a-senator from Alaska, lost his reelection bid.
*William "I store stacks of cash bribes in my freezer" Jefferson, a congressman from Louisiana, lost in his reelection bid even though he represented one of the most heavily Democratic districts in the nation.
Proof that our system really can work. Now if we can just get away from scurrilous emails and basing our votes on 30 second commercials. One can hope.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Keep Your Mind Sharp and Happiness Up
Whenever I sign into my Yahoo! mail account there is a feature story right next to the "Sign In" button that invariably catches my eye. Usually they are fairly bland, however tonight it caught my eye. The title, "Unusual exercises that can help your brain." I was hooked.
Basically the article argues that doing things outside your normal routine is good for your brain and increases happiness. Without further ado, the list:
I especially like #'s 1, 2, 11, and 12 and plan to try them. Do any catch your eye? Why?
Basically the article argues that doing things outside your normal routine is good for your brain and increases happiness. Without further ado, the list:
1. Spend an hour each day without saying anything except in answer to direct questions, in the midst of the usual group, without creating the impression that you're sulking or ill. Be as ordinary as possible. But do not volunteer remarks or try to draw out information.
2. Think for 30 minutes a day about one subject exclusively. Start with five minutes.
3. Write a letter without using the words I, me, mine, my.
4. Talk for 15 minutes a day without using I, me, my, mine.
5. Write a letter in a "successful" or placid tone. No misstatements, no lying. Look for aspects or activities that can be honestly reported that way.
6. Pause on the threshold of any crowded room and size it up.
7. Keep a new acquaintance talking about himself or herself without allowing him to become conscious of it. Turn back any courteous reciprocal questions in a way that your auditor doesn't feel rebuffed.
8. Talk exclusively about yourself and your interests without complaining, boasting, or boring your companions.
9. Cut "I mean" or "As a matter of fact" or any other verbal mannerism out of your conversation.
10. Plan two hours of a day and stick to the plan.
11. Set yourself twelve tasks at random: e.g., go twenty miles from home using ordinary conveyance; go 12 hours without food; go eat a meal in the unlikeliest place you can find; say nothing all day except in answer to questions; stay up all night and work.
12. From time to time, give yourself a day when you answer "yes" to any reasonable request.
I especially like #'s 1, 2, 11, and 12 and plan to try them. Do any catch your eye? Why?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
