Well, Orlando shot the lights out and beat the Lakers on Tuesday. I'm not too worried in that the Magic played their best game possible and it still came down to the last minute. I am a bit concerned about Kobe in that his needle is clearly on E. At least he's still passing, etc. I'm sure he'll fight through whatever fatigue that he has. This means that they'll probably go more to Gasol tonight and hope that someone else steps up. I'm still thinking Lakers in 6.
Heading to my parents' tonight for my mom's birthday (we'll eat somewhere near the beach). It was fun shopping for cards for her (and father's day) with the HB last night.
The economy sucks, right? Then why do I have to pester the kitchen contractor for a bid? Some things I'll never understand.
The Black Hills trip (sans Lewis and Clark) is looking more and more like a done deal. The HB's getting psyched for it. I'll need to get on the hotel reservations tonight.
And, lots of Iron Maiden just got put on the MP3. Woot!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Drive
The HB and I got to hang out this morning as he was off from school and science camp doesn't start until tomorrow. So, we ran out and got bagels (bagel, egg, bacon, and cheese sandwiches), when kayaking and watched part of X-Men 2 while eating lunch. Definitely a fun day.
While we were out and about, we chatted about the play. I wanted to get a sense of how interested he is in continuing (no surprise--VERY). I also wanted to feel him out as to how much disappointment he was still feeling about not getting the part he wanted (none) and how important it is for him to get bigger and better parts. Regarding the latter, he's not driven at all to get any better than one would expect from his maturation process. I have mixed feelings about this.
On one hand, he doesn't strike me has having a lot of innate skills for the theater (as I've written before, I believe his talent lies in set/lighting/costume design). So, he'll suffer a lot less disappointment and be able to enjoy the experience and the company of the other kids. On the other hand, it would be nice to see him be passionate about something. He enjoys a lot of things, but nothing drives him in a way where he continually wants to get better at it.
I'm not going to tell him what that should be. But, I hope that he finds it.
While we were out and about, we chatted about the play. I wanted to get a sense of how interested he is in continuing (no surprise--VERY). I also wanted to feel him out as to how much disappointment he was still feeling about not getting the part he wanted (none) and how important it is for him to get bigger and better parts. Regarding the latter, he's not driven at all to get any better than one would expect from his maturation process. I have mixed feelings about this.
On one hand, he doesn't strike me has having a lot of innate skills for the theater (as I've written before, I believe his talent lies in set/lighting/costume design). So, he'll suffer a lot less disappointment and be able to enjoy the experience and the company of the other kids. On the other hand, it would be nice to see him be passionate about something. He enjoys a lot of things, but nothing drives him in a way where he continually wants to get better at it.
I'm not going to tell him what that should be. But, I hope that he finds it.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The HB On Stage
The HB had two performances yesterday (and two more today). He continues to improve on stage--he showed a lot of confidence and focus. Considering his disappointment in not getting the role he wanted, I'm very proud of him.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Obama in Cairo
I've got this weird stomach bug, so I apologize in advance if this post makes less sense than usual. Today was the closest thing I've taken to a sick day in a bunch of years. But, I had a proposal to get out the door so I wrote, napped, repeat.
As I'm sure you know by now, Obama gave a big speech in Cairo yesterday. Let me just say right now that I don't give a shit what the "Arab street" thinks. First, there is no monolithic "Arab street". Second, the US president's job isn't to formulate policy strictly for their benefit.
I was pleased that he called out both the Palestinians (you're not getting between the US and Israel, so quit trying) and the Israelis (umb, you can't keep building settlements and negotiate for peace at the same time. Of course, that assumes that Netanyahu wants to negotiate for peace, which is a different story.).
Sure, it would have been rude to do so, but I wish he would have specifically called out some Arab governments, like Egypt's, for being anti-democratic. Our biggest foriegn policy problems in the Middle East is our support for repressive governments. And he could have been stronger in encouraging some of the countries to educate their girls.
In the end, even his eloquent words won't lead to much. When he tells Mubarek that he military aid will get cut unless he makes political reforms, then we'll have progress and relations with the "Arab street". Likewise when he tells the Saudi princes no more jets until full rights are extended to women. Partners who stay in power using repression and denying human rights are not our friends, nor should they be.
As I'm sure you know by now, Obama gave a big speech in Cairo yesterday. Let me just say right now that I don't give a shit what the "Arab street" thinks. First, there is no monolithic "Arab street". Second, the US president's job isn't to formulate policy strictly for their benefit.
I was pleased that he called out both the Palestinians (you're not getting between the US and Israel, so quit trying) and the Israelis (umb, you can't keep building settlements and negotiate for peace at the same time. Of course, that assumes that Netanyahu wants to negotiate for peace, which is a different story.).
Sure, it would have been rude to do so, but I wish he would have specifically called out some Arab governments, like Egypt's, for being anti-democratic. Our biggest foriegn policy problems in the Middle East is our support for repressive governments. And he could have been stronger in encouraging some of the countries to educate their girls.
In the end, even his eloquent words won't lead to much. When he tells Mubarek that he military aid will get cut unless he makes political reforms, then we'll have progress and relations with the "Arab street". Likewise when he tells the Saudi princes no more jets until full rights are extended to women. Partners who stay in power using repression and denying human rights are not our friends, nor should they be.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I'm Thinking That Frogs Are Next
It's not a news story that the weather in SoCal is really nice. Not too hot (or humid), not too cold. The rain ends mid spring, doesn't return until late fall. So, what in the fuck was with us having thunderstorms today? No, we didn't get a sudden rush of heat and humidity, and the sidewalks didn't steam when it was done, but it was weird. The irony being that LA just went on water restrictions due to our constant state of drought. And wouldn't you know it, but Thursday is one of two days per week (Monday's the other) that we can water our lawns.
Other than that, things are getting back to normal. We've actually had dinner as a family a few times in the last week, though that got thrown out the window as they HB has evening rehearsal's for his play all week (the performances are this Saturday and Sunday). Another sign of normalcy is that the wife and I have been talking about a summer trip in a couple of weeks (CO, Black Hills/Badlands, Lewis & Clark, and Yellowstone). But, the wife's big news is that she got a 15% raise! Makes me a bit bummed because they are admitting they've been underpaying her for a while. But, since she was making about $120k, 15% is nothing to sneeze at.
Other than that, things are getting back to normal. We've actually had dinner as a family a few times in the last week, though that got thrown out the window as they HB has evening rehearsal's for his play all week (the performances are this Saturday and Sunday). Another sign of normalcy is that the wife and I have been talking about a summer trip in a couple of weeks (CO, Black Hills/Badlands, Lewis & Clark, and Yellowstone). But, the wife's big news is that she got a 15% raise! Makes me a bit bummed because they are admitting they've been underpaying her for a while. But, since she was making about $120k, 15% is nothing to sneeze at.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
NBA Finals
OK, it's going to be the Lakers and the Magic in the NBA Finals. My prediction? Lakers in 6 (sorry, Lola).
Yeah, the Magic beat the Lakers twice during the regular season. But that was with Jameer Nelson who will most likely be out during the series (or very rusty otherwise).
I just don't see how a team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer can win with this much pressure. Also, while Dwight Howard is a great player, Cleveland didn't have one guy, let alone 3 like the Lakers, to match up with him.
When the Lakers faced Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu on a regular basis they didn't seem to cause them too much trouble, so I don't know why the would now.
Finally, I think the Magic should be much more worried about how they are going to matchup with Gasol and Kobe.
In unrelated news, UC Irvine got bounced in the first round of the NCAA baseball tourney. Bummer for the Anteaters.
Yeah, the Magic beat the Lakers twice during the regular season. But that was with Jameer Nelson who will most likely be out during the series (or very rusty otherwise).
I just don't see how a team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer can win with this much pressure. Also, while Dwight Howard is a great player, Cleveland didn't have one guy, let alone 3 like the Lakers, to match up with him.
When the Lakers faced Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu on a regular basis they didn't seem to cause them too much trouble, so I don't know why the would now.
Finally, I think the Magic should be much more worried about how they are going to matchup with Gasol and Kobe.
In unrelated news, UC Irvine got bounced in the first round of the NCAA baseball tourney. Bummer for the Anteaters.
I Always Wanted to Own a Car Company
As of Monday, you and I own 60% of GM. When's the fancy executive retreat? BTW--you can read the restructing plan insisted upon by the government here.
I can't begin to tell you how disgusted I am by this. First off, did you know that the amount we taxpayers paid for 60% of the company ($68 billion) is more than GM's total market value has ever been ($52 billion in 1980)? Yup, that's a good investment. Only the government could buy something as shitty as GM stock at it's peak when it's gone bankrupt. And the new company will be lucky to be half of the previous size.
And let's make no mistake--there's no guarantee that GM's still going to make it. Sure, they've shed a bunch of costs and gotten some concessions from their unions in the US and Canada. But, they still make cars that most people think suck. I saw how their "revolutionary" electric car the Volt is going to sell for $40,000 (it goes the first 40 miles on electricity only before gas kicks in). A new Prius hybrid? About $23,000. Yes, there is a niche market for it (people who primarily make short drives and live near a 220 volt charging station or have the money to have one installed in their homes), but unless they improve the battery technology it's not a game changer. Their remaining brands will include Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet. Except for the Escalade, I can't think of a car under any of those brands that has any cache.
While Obama says that the government will be a silent partner, it presents several problems. First, if I own 60% of the fucking company, I don't want to be silent. However, the dual relationship is troubling. Now when the feds buy new cars, are they going to HAVE to buy GMs (so we can get some money back) even if they aren't the best ones to have? Or, if the feds decide they want to implement new safety standards. Do they talk to "our" engineers first, hence giving GM technological head start? From a profit motive p.o.v., I hope so. From a fairness p.o.v., I hope not. See the problem.
Likewise, one of our fellow shareholders (at around 12%) is the Canadian government. What if they don't like a policy that affects them. Do they hold GM decisions hostage over how much maple syrup we export?
The UAW is also in a weird spot in that their health care plan (not pension or dues money) owns about 15% now. Do they shut down a plant to protect their investment, but throws thousands of members out of work? How do they vote when the other members of the board of directors wants to reduce benefits to increase profits?
I don't think any of the partners are going to be happy with this when it's all said and done. Especially when they are back in bankruptcy court.
I can't begin to tell you how disgusted I am by this. First off, did you know that the amount we taxpayers paid for 60% of the company ($68 billion) is more than GM's total market value has ever been ($52 billion in 1980)? Yup, that's a good investment. Only the government could buy something as shitty as GM stock at it's peak when it's gone bankrupt. And the new company will be lucky to be half of the previous size.
And let's make no mistake--there's no guarantee that GM's still going to make it. Sure, they've shed a bunch of costs and gotten some concessions from their unions in the US and Canada. But, they still make cars that most people think suck. I saw how their "revolutionary" electric car the Volt is going to sell for $40,000 (it goes the first 40 miles on electricity only before gas kicks in). A new Prius hybrid? About $23,000. Yes, there is a niche market for it (people who primarily make short drives and live near a 220 volt charging station or have the money to have one installed in their homes), but unless they improve the battery technology it's not a game changer. Their remaining brands will include Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet. Except for the Escalade, I can't think of a car under any of those brands that has any cache.
While Obama says that the government will be a silent partner, it presents several problems. First, if I own 60% of the fucking company, I don't want to be silent. However, the dual relationship is troubling. Now when the feds buy new cars, are they going to HAVE to buy GMs (so we can get some money back) even if they aren't the best ones to have? Or, if the feds decide they want to implement new safety standards. Do they talk to "our" engineers first, hence giving GM technological head start? From a profit motive p.o.v., I hope so. From a fairness p.o.v., I hope not. See the problem.
Likewise, one of our fellow shareholders (at around 12%) is the Canadian government. What if they don't like a policy that affects them. Do they hold GM decisions hostage over how much maple syrup we export?
The UAW is also in a weird spot in that their health care plan (not pension or dues money) owns about 15% now. Do they shut down a plant to protect their investment, but throws thousands of members out of work? How do they vote when the other members of the board of directors wants to reduce benefits to increase profits?
I don't think any of the partners are going to be happy with this when it's all said and done. Especially when they are back in bankruptcy court.
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