Reggie's blog

Bail- out fever? How far can/should we go?

Who thinks GM/Ford/Chrysler should get cheap Gov't loans? Wouldn't that just add more logs to the cash- burn pile? I've heard total jobs tied to the auto makers + periphery could be north of 2,000,000. Yikes.

Are we hoping that time will somehow fix these horribly- run companies mired in stifling union tentacles & far- reaching supplier contracts? Are we hoping that when demand & confidence return, Americans suddenly start flocking to American autos? How about government loans or tax incentives to purchase, (often less- fuel- efficient) American autos? Boy that would be ironic.

In addition to cutting production, GM announced the halting of Product development spending. Holy shit. GM stock hit a 62- year low today... though, GM was making record lows BEFORE the "Credit crisis" buried them.

Please remember to feel threatened today...

October 15, 2008 - The United States government's national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow. For all domestic and international flights, the U.S. threat level is High, or Orange.

All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.

Which "non- partisan" voice was yelling support of the $700B bailout mess?? Tall order to drown- out the massive wall of reason & opposition, eh? Which giant group of fly- by- night pros stands to benefit the most? Thanks again NAR.

Washington, October 03, 2008

The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Richard F. Gaylord:

“The National Association of Realtors® is truly relieved that members of the U.S. House of Representatives, like their counterparts in the Senate, were able to come together in a bipartisan effort to pass the Emergency Economic Stability Act of 2008. As we have been saying, this legislation is critical to stopping the economic turmoil that millions of Americans are facing. Today’s action will go a long way toward ending the current economic crisis crippling the housing and financial markets.

“This legislation would quickly restore liquidity to the mortgage market, which would stabilize the housing market and protect homeowners. Mortgages as well as personal and small business loans would become more available and less costly. Protecting Main Street not only benefits individuals, families and communities, but also supports the larger U.S. economy.

“We expect that the president will act quickly to sign and enact this bill. We thank President Bush for his steadfast leadership on this issue, commend all parties that worked on this legislation, and look forward to working together toward a strengthened economy for the benefit of all Americans.”

FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 681 Wall of shame

Here's the ultimate optimist Dick Gaylord (aptly named) on CNBC 2/11/2008:

As the lead exercise physiologist for the United States Olympic Committee, Randy Wilber has been fielding one bizarre question after another from American athletes training for the Beijing Games- looking for any possible competitive advantage.

Pollution levels on a typical day in Beijing, some researchers say, are nearly five times above World Health Organization standards for safety. The marathon world-record holder Haile Gebrselassie, who has allergies, and the world's No. 1 women's tennis player, Justine Henin, who has asthma, have expressed reservations about competing in the Olympics for fear that pollution will exacerbate their breathing problems.

Interestingly detailed article about all the risks & considerations for dealing with the acutely dangerous air quality. Including lifting bans on certain asthma- related drugs. Begs the question-- when breathing is of the utmost importance-- why the hell are we in Beijing?? We will likely see some athletes wearing protective masks DURING events (And not just during the 100m fiberglass insulation relay). OMG.

Holy crap. Somebody take this lady's kids away please.

Um, wow. Needs no setup. I would offer, though, that this video may be an unintended endorsement for Obama.

The terrible two is now five. It happens. See if you can spot your favorite bloggers

All of my anatomically G- rated toon creatures are jealous. AND uncomfortable.

The much anticipated joint from Electronic Arts, Spore Creature Creator gives you: Penis Creature # 1029438. You're welcome, for not embedding the video directly. Just one of many delightfully distasteful ways to waste time.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of [Friday the 13th]. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. "It's been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day".

My Agoraphobia is completely unaffected by my Paraskavedekatriaphobia. Happy Friday!

Associated Press 4:36 PM CDT, June 2, 2008

HUNTINGBURG, Ind. - The parents of an 8-year-old southern Indiana girl who swallowed 20 marble-size steel balls and half as many magnets from a building set want the toy completely removed from stores.
Haley Lents of Huntingburg underwent emergency intestinal surgery last month in Indianapolis after she swallowed pieces from her Mega Brands Magnetix MagnaCase set.

We've had this conversation before. Now, an 8 year- old swallowing THIRTY large toy pieces (pieces not even part of the original Magnetix recall, and not defective). Who wants the toy company to cave, and who thinks the family should go live in a cave? P.S. No mention of mental retardation in either the 8yr old child OR the whiz kid's parents.

"Will it Blend" has competition.

America's mass production of individuality. Timeless BBC presentation.

Congressional Dem leaders write a letter April 4th to GWB. What, they think the Iraq war is going badly or something??

"Letters" are written three- four years before the ensuing necessary resulting ACTIONS come to fruition. To write a letter like this, NOW, should upset us greatly. This is the kind of email you send after you've been caught NOT doing your job, you know the type . The non- confrontational co- worker verbally stabbing your back from the cube next door, copying a dozen executives-- WELL PAST THE DEADLINES THAT EFFECTIVE CRITICISMS COULD HOPE TO HELP!!

Worst administration ever. Worst opposition party ever. Political skull- fuckery. Cherry- picking a few passages for discussion:

Units do not have enough time at home to achieve through training the full-spectrum combat capabilities on which our security depends. We have no ready reserve for an unexpected crisis.

If this is true, impeach everyone responsible. Years ago. Government exists to keep us safe, not merely to provide steady employment.

Al Qaeda’s senior leadership – including Osama Bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri – has reportedly reconstituted to pre-9/11 strength in safe-havens along the Afghanistan / Pakistan border. This was exacerbated when your Administration supported a Pakistani peace deal in the tribal areas giving al Qaeda’s senior leadership time to regroup in this border area.

Prove it. Tell Americans. Maybe another letter, OR shake them until they HEAR you. DO something.

We will press for accountability and oversight on the increasing costs and devastating consequences that the current strategy is having on our national security posture. And Congress and its committees will be preparing to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the next President.

Great idea. "Press for accountability". You go.

Thank you for the opportunity to share these views. We look forward to a vigorous debate this spring on these critically important strategic questions.

Fantastic-- glad you have thoughts and views. Because GWB's track record highlights many productive "DEBATES" WITH CONGRESS. Who was it that said, "I'm the decider"??

The American people favor and our national security demands a different, better way.

Should be the other way around. Everyone is to blame. Especially... Wal-Mart.

I'll write a letter too if it helps. LOL! Sigh.

Obama bowls a 37 in campaign stop

Stay the course on the strategy yielding a score of 37! Maybe he's just not good under pressure?

"My economic plan is better than my bowling," Obama told fellow bowlers Saturday. "It has to be," a man called out.

LOL this is great. Maybe his campaign gurus should have him attempt to juggle knives-- in order to attract the carny votes. Never mind that he's fucking terrible at it and he'd look stupid, turn- off serious jugglers & potentially hurt himself in the process.

DON'T EVEN SAY THAT BOWLING SKILLS ARE IRRELEVANT!!

Ready for another big dance??