Should I Drive or Fly?

We've got gasoline prices near an all time high. We also have airlines hiking their fares. I understand that airplane fuel can get more expensive, too. But, I wonder if there is a game played between those who run the oil companies and those who run the airlines.

I know that I am often of being a conspiracy theorist. And maybe this is one of those times. But, I'm thinking.... if people have to travel somewhere, they have the option of flying or driving (even if that is taking a bus or a train). So, when gas prices are low, the airlines have to keep their prices down to get people to fly rather than drive. And now that gas prices are high, the airlines only have to be low enough to make it worthwhile. It's kind of how the Cubs ownership only needs to put an average team on the field to still make money.

Remember the last time gas creeped over $4 per gallon? What happened? People stopped driving as much. And magically, gas prices SOON came down... substantially. At that time, I did not pay attention to airfare. If in fact there IS a tie-in between these two factions, could that mean that WE, the consumers, can get some control of the situation?

It's uncanny how things in this world are tied together. Right? What if we start driving less? We still make the necessary trips but cut out the unnecessary ones. That means that we do not go shopping as much, we don't go out for entertainment and so on. The loss in revenue by our retailers combined with the lack of demand vs supply can help the gas prices come down. Likewise, the cost of airfare can decrease once this happens so that people making those shorter trips will have to at least consider flying instead of driving.

Does that make sense? Or am I stretching here?

Now What?

I am starting to type as President Obama is still telling us about the death of Osama bin Laden. Okay, so what happens now?

First of all, I would like to say it's about effing time. We have heard of many opportunities where we barely missed him. I'm glad our military finally got him - doesn't matter who helped and doesn't matter how it went down. It is a good thing that he is gone. But what ramifications await?

Did you hear about the WikiLeaks thing last week about guys from Guantanamo saying that al Qaeda has a nuke that they would detonate if bin Laden were to be killed. I sure hope that isn't the case and that it is just terrorists acting like terrorists. Or are they insurgents? I can't keep those words straight. A humorous thought comes to mind as one of their suicide bombers straps on an entire warhead and tries to walk with it on his back (picturing a guy in a robe with a 20 foot missile strapped on his back). Yeah, the 70 virgins will just LOVE your glowing body!

In all seriousness, though, I will be watching and listening carefully for the next several weeks to see what they do next. A group of people can speak one thing when a feared leader is in front of them. But, when that leader is gone, some may pack up their stuff and head home. There's gotta be a lot more comfortable places to sleep than in a fricking cave... or maybe a mansion as it turned out. Then again, someone may decide to continue and lead their mission.

Now to give us a slap in the face...I really wish that we as Americans would listen to some of the reasons all these people who hate us give. Sometimes, they have a good point. By no means do I think killing people with whom you disagree will accomplish anything; but, I wish we could take these comments made by all different groups around the world and even in our own country and just think about them. We have an opportunity to listen, learn and make ourselves as individuals and as a nation "better". Please just think about it.

Finally, to the news channels, PLEASE turn off the cameras by the White House. I am as pleased and relieved by this news as anyone. But, do we really want the world to see the American celebration as this drunken college party? That's what it looks like to me. Did you see the girl show the devil horns? Nice. And chants of "we're #1". I appreciate the excitement and "patriotism". But, please grow the fuck up and show some decorum. The whole world will see pictures of you as you are suddenly in the spotlight as a picture of America.

Something about the images of the DC celebrations bothers me. It reminds me of the pictures we see from around the world where there are throngs of fanatics burning our flag, burning our leaders in effigy and more. Know what I would like to see more? I would like to see stern faces and middle fingers for bin Laden. Fuck him and fuck everything that douchebag represented. Rot in hell, Osama, with your 70 virgins... all with the clap!

That is all...... for now.

Turn that Frown Upside-Down

Life is too damned short to go through it unhappy. Why is it that so many people prefer to be unhappy? Sure, there are more people today than in a long time just because of things going on with the economy, world peace, etc. But, this has been going on for a LONG time!


Have people forgotten all that they have? Personally, I am always very thankful for a job, a roof over my head, a car that gets me where I need to go, food on the table, friends and family who love me and so much more. What's to be unhappy about?


People choose to be bitter. People choose to be unhappy. People choose to be resentful. It's common knowledge that we all feel those things from time to time. But ALL the time? People choose to feel sorry for themselves. People choose to be sympathy seekers. People choose to be so many things - a good AND bad part of having free will.


Thing of all the things you have to be thankful for. Really, THINK about it. Heck, make a list if you want. I'll bet there is a LOT! I'll bet that list is WAY longer than the list of things that have you down. Am I right?


Some life rules that I will share with you that may help you be a happier person. If you are one who prefers to think you got the short end of the stick, there is always someone who has it worse. Find reasons to laugh. Try to find a positive side to a negative. For example, just this morning I learned that long-time Cubs' third-baseman and radio announcer Ron Santo passed away. Yes, I definitely cried. But, you know, he no longer has to deal with his diabetes and can dance around all day long on his old legs! Oh, AND he can sit and down the ice cold Budweisers with Harry Caray! That sure makes ME smile. What else... think about all the people who love you. This can be family, friends or heck, even coworkers. A lot of people might lean on you or look to you to set the example. Maybe there is someone who rides your same train to work every day. You may not even recognize this person; but, he/she sees your smile every day and that helps them make it through the day. Smile OFTEN! Yes, smiling IS contagious.... just like laughter! Smile at some unknown person each day. Pass on a "have a good day" from time to time. You never know who you will affect.


There are so many other things I could say to help make you happy. Ooooh, learn how to make a kick ass chocolate chip cookie. I know that makes ME happy! It makes me even happier if I show enough self control to be able to share some of them the next day!


Finally... and this is important.... you know, it's important enough that I am going to yell it.... STOP TAKING THINGS SO EFFING SERIOUSLY and LIGHTEN THE EFF UP! Things are never THAT bad and you will get much more out of life being happy than you will being the opposite. And by all means..... SMILE!


Have a great day!

Are Terrorists REALLY the Enemy?

Okay, so the title is not exactly what I mean. Of course they are enemies. Maybe I should have asked if the are the ONLY enemy. I think not. I think lots of groups that end in "-ists" are the problem. The ones I am most concerned about are EXTREMISTS. One of the definitions in Webster's dictionary for extremism is "advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism". How often do we hear of radical Muslims? Are they the ONLY radicals?

Not sure when I want to go with this. But, I will start by listing a number of extremists or radicals who do NOT make this world a better place or a safer place:

• Radical Muslims - Of course we have to include them as they are responsible for a lot of violence and hatred around the world, much of it focused on Israel and those who are Israel's "friends". I have heard both that the basis of Islam is peaceful and that the Quran tells Muslims to give other people a chance to convert and if they don't, kill them.
• Radical Right-to-Lifers - I'm talking about the people who have bombed or otherwise attacked abortion clinics. Freedom of choice or anti-abortion are moral choices. So, regardless of how you feel about this, it is really NONE OF YOUR EFFING BUSINESS!
• KKK - Yes, the Klan. We do not hear much about them anymore fortunately. However, their history speaks of intolerance and violence to those of other colors, races, religions and more.
• Radical Politics - Like with religion, it is perfectly okay for people to share their views and beliefs with you. However, NO ONE has the right to push you to think or act in a way that is agreeable to them. And when you don't, a lot of these people start using stronger words or even violence. Seriously!
• Unions - Yes, unions. No, not all of them of course. I think it would actually be humorous if the teacher's unions all got crazy and started wiping out school boards and such. The unions I am talking about are the construction unions. The ones who blow up an inflatable rat in front of businesses who opt to hire NON-union labor. The ones who picket and yell and call people scabs. The ones who blow up (not the air type of blow up) a rival non-union company's business. The ones who burn down my brother's house because it was being built by non-union labor. WTF people!!! Learn a little about capitalism (the thing the USA used to have before Obama started turning us into a socialist nation) people. You want the contract for the job? Why not offer a FAIR fee? $30-40 per hour to hold a fucking sign? Are you serious? And you wonder why people do not want to hire unions! Open your effing minds!
• Radical (insert religion here)

This is what I want to focus on - religious fanatics. Have you ever seen the movie "Dogma"? I know it's fiction and I know it is just a movie. But, there is a line in there by Rufus (Chris Rock) who was the 13th disciple and black. Yes, pretty funny. Oh good, IMDB has the quote - "He (God) still digs humanity, but it bothers Him to see the shit that gets carried out in His name - wars, bigotry, televangelism. But especially the factioning of all the religions. He said humanity took a good idea and, like always, built a belief structure on it." Right?!??!?

The Bible is a book written by men. I am sure we could do some research and find that there are all these books and gospels that were written but never included meaning we might not have the full story. And I'll bet we could research The DaVinci Code's comments about Christianity being endorsed and revised by Constantine I (the first) where maybe things were taken from multiple beliefs and religions to make a "super-religion" that is the Christianity that we know today.

I try to live by the Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I try to respect others and to do the right thing. I call myself a Christian even though the analytical side of me as an engineer makes me want to question a number of things. Regardless, I CHOOSE to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and my Savior. That is faith. Others may fight me on this. You have to be a Baptist. You have to be a Luteran. You need to become a Jehovah's Witness. Or, gasp, you have to be a Catholic! It is my belief that the early Catholic church was responsible for a LOT of bad things and it still covers up a lot of bad things today - i.e. Father Molester.

Religious wars have occured since.... well, I'll bet from the time that someone decided to start up a second religion. You HAVE to believe what I believe and if you don't, I will kill you. And these people might have the very same Bible (or other book). And they do it ALL in the name of God (or whatever name they call him). Nice.

So, there is my dissertation on who all the bad people are. Okay, maybe not ALL of them as there are plenty more. You can call them extremists. Call them fanatics. Call them radicals. Call them anything you want. There are WAY more enemies other than JUST the terrorists which was my original point. I think what we need to do with all these people who preach hatred, who push their views and beliefs on others and who are violent with people who do not share their thoughts is to preach tolerance right back at them. Stay on your course. Speak your mind. Never be afraid to voice dissension. Always be open to different opinions; but, NEVER EVER back down from your values or you will have accepted defeat by these extremists!

Our Gulf

BP. Douchebags! You know, for the longest time I didn't get gas at BP because I was still pissed about them buying Amoco. Why do we have a British company coming here to buy an American company? Anyway, as time passed and I learned that BP did not buy any oil from the Middle-East, I thought, well, might as well get my gas here instead of those who support the Middle East..... or Venezuela (Citgo). Now, I am thinking I need to either have some Jed Clampett luck and find me some Texas Tea OR start investigating something electric. Lord forbid I would have to start riding my bike!


Okay, this isn't really about finding alternative energy. Although, that SHOULD be near the top of a number of government lists. This is more about how effed up this whole situation is. As I am starting this blog, we are in Day #53 of the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The pictures of the "sheen" on the Gulf, the oil covered birds and fish, the poor fishermen who cannot leave port are all hard to take.


Whose fault is this? Well, as we hear more about the actions (or inactions) that led up to the rig explosion, we are seeing at least two groups responsible. First, we cannot deny that our federal government has failed us again. Rules are often made to keep us safe. It sounds like that blowout preventer was not working and proper timely inspections should have discovered that - at least that's what I think. I work in the construction industry (more indirectly than directly) and I have seen/heard how payoffs and other unethical actions can help get quicker approval from the City. I know that not everyone is honest. And I know that a lot of people in positions of power are VERY lazy - what is the minimum I can do to get this job done?

"Hey buddy, did you follow the codes when you built this?"
"Yes."
"Do I need to go take a look? I'd really rather not as I want to leave early today to go to the ballgame."
"No, it's fine. Trust me."
"Approved."

This explosion and subsequent massive oil leak is not ALL the fault of our government inspectors (and the inspection program itself), it is very much the fault of BP or someone else involved with the operation of that rig. They said that there were signs something was wrong some 5 hours prior to the explosion. I was talking with my Dad who worked offshore for a couple years. He said that they should have evacuated that rig and that 5 hours should have been plenty of time to get everyone off the rig. What does that mean? If he is correct, that means not one single person should have been killed in the explosion! Say it with me and say it loud.... YOU MOTHER FUCKERS!!! You mean to tell me that you KNEW there was something wrong and that you had time to get EVERYONE off that rig?!?!?! NOBODY had to die?!?!?  Fucking BP!!


So, what's happening now to take care of this problem? Here are the things I have read, heard and think.....

1. Addressing the American people - BP got one of their spokesmen to start being the voice of the company in this crisis. Sure, BP is a British company. But, they are smart - get a smooth talking chap with a British accent to talk to the American people. Just because this guy has an accent gives him credibility. I hope not EVERYONE is snowed by this. Keep your eyes AND ears open! Listen to the arrogance.
2. Stopping the leak - It is pretty apparent that BP (and possibly NO ONE ELSE) ever gave thought to a rig exploding and there being an uncontrollable oil leak some 5,000 feet below the surface. First idea was to put a 4 or 5 story house on top of it and then collect the oil through the top. Turns out that the methane gas crystallized and filled the hole at the top. Nice! Next, they tried a normal blowout cure - pump that sucker full of mud and then fill it with concrete. I don't know much about this stuff; but, I would think that rather than pumping in SOME mud and waiting to see if it held before pouring concrete, I think I would have pumped that sucker as full as I could and then do the concrete thing. Regardless, it didn't work. Looks like we are dealing with some big time pressures coming out of the earth. Lastly (so far), they tried to make a clean cut of the pipe for some reason - I think to install a new valve. Oh mannnnn, the saw stuck. Dude, that's gonna take like 12 hours to remove! Shit! So, here we sit, collecting a little oil but the leak is still uncontrolled. Well done, BP. Assholes!
3. Payouts- So, BP is making payments to some of the out-of-work fishermen. It seems that it is set up so that a fisherman contacts BP, tells them he cannot fish because of their oil and then they cut him a check. Sounds simple. These folks have to deal directly with BP - no attorneys or anything! Would you trust them? I sure the hell wouldn't! I had heard that fishermen showing up with attorneys were sent to the back of the line. I found this Bloomberg article that explains how this works. Please take a look - Bloomberg - BP Spill Claims Process Inadequate, Fishermen Say (Update1).
4. Help - Everything I have heard is telling me that BP wants to handle this on their own. You know, they are the ones who got us into this! Sometimes the right thing to do is to ask for help. We'll try this today. We have to wait a few days to see if it worked. Nope. Okay, we need a few days to think of another idea. THIS is how time is wasted - a week or two per try is unacceptable. If I felt they were TRULY doing everything they could think of to fix this, I would be quicker to forgive. But, for now.... FUCK THEM! BP- Fix this! Pay who needs to be paid! Clean this shit up! And get the fuck back across the ocean! We'll let you know if we need you for anything.

I had other things to include but totally forgot. I pray to God that this leak is stopped soon and that the illnesses being seeing by workers out there (on the Gulf) AND all the folks on shore can dissipate, that the birds and marine life can stop dying and that this oil stops spreading and does not make it to other coastal areas, especially those on the east coast. Does anyone have a solution? If so, contact your Congressperson STAT!

Unions

Unions suck!  There, I said it.  What are they good for?  Well, I will give some unions credit in the areas of construction and such - they provide education and promote safety.  And you know, aside from that, I can't think of much else that is good.


What are unions NOT good for?  Unions protect slackers.  If you have been with the union long enough, you are set almost without regard to your performance.  Teacher's unions keep us from having better teachers.  Please don't take that comment wrong.  I know there are some WONDERFUL teachers out there and they probably HAVE to join the union to remain a teacher.  Problem is, there are a lot out there who are NOT so good and who do not seem to care very much about the kids who they are trying to teach.


So, as it stands right now, April 2010, the economy still is in tough shape.  There are a LOT of union workers (in the trade) who are not working.  I think they call it "on the bench."  That really bites.  Anyway, a few months ago on the way to work, I drove past a building where the parking lot/driveway was being repaved.  Not knowing anything about anything, I figured out that the contractor doing the work there was probably a non-union company.  How do I know you ask?  Well, I can say the loser a-holes across the street with picket signs and a giant fricking inflatable rat kind of made it clear to me.  What douche-bags!  Hey, you guys aren't working, why don't you go out and picket??  THAT, my friends, is my biggest bitch about the unions.  Really?  Do you honestly think you are getting sympathy from anyone because some hard-working non-union guys are doing work you think you are entitled to?  Do you think it is better to go out and try to make other people's lives miserable than it is to stay home wand wait for work to come up.  Well, maybe it is.  Regardless, EFF YOU!!


There was a time when unions protected people and were more necessary.  I think they came into prominence around during World War 2.  Maybe it was World War 1.  Either way, this is a different time.  Sure, unions today will argue that together they can speak with a louder voice and get what they want.


Sure, they can all speak together and the teachers can decide not to work.  Okay, I do agree that for the most part, teachers ARE underpaid considering they are there to teach the youth of America and often have to teach some of the other life skills that many parents are too busy to teach themselves.  Hope you picked up the sarcasm there.


Unions can go on strike and make us not have cabs, police, fire department, public transportation and much more.  Heck, they can even make sure your trash doesn't get picked up.  I remember those guys went on strike a few years back - the fricking dumpsters at the apartment building were overflowing and stunk like crap.  Did I sympathize with the union?  Hell no!  I was pissed at them.  Shut your mouths and do your effing jobs!


Do all these people really think they are entitled to something?  They are NOT.  None of us are!  I will say it clearly - NOBODY OWES YOU AN EM EFFING THING!  PERIOD!


Question for you - if you did not have to work, would you?  I am guessing many people would say no.  Of course not!  Most of us work because we have to.  We need to earn a living so we can have a home, a car, a family and so much more.  If I was rich, I would not work.  I would certainly find something constructive to do with my time.  But, it would be more on MY terms.  I would be my own boss most likely.  Okay, I would probably hire someone who is a good business person and then that person could run things.  I can tell you one thing I would NOT do - I would sure as hell not hire any union labor!

Unions in Chicago are very much responsible for the city losing so many conventions recently.  Yeah, the unions!  How?  One word - gouging!  It costs a FORTUNE to have an event downtown.  I cannot imagine what it is like for exhibitors at the various conventions and trade shows.  I have heard the following story from multiple sources, enough sources that I believe it and it will show you yet another reason unions suck.....

I've been told multiple stories about exhibitors showing up at trade shows in Chicago.  These guys come to the show with their display.  They go to plug in their lights and here comes some union clown to unplug it, make him pay and then plug it back in for him.  I have heard of exhibitors setting up their booths/displays themselves and then here come the union guys, tell them to pay for their services (which were not used) and if the exhibitors refuse to pay, the union people dismantle the display and wait.  Once they pay, they can get their stuff back.  I have heard a story about someone refusing to pay and the union guys waited until the end of the show to return his display to him.  Pretty unbelievable, huh?  Whether this is all true or not, no one can deny that it COULD be the case.  It's not really a well kept secret that this city is not completely on the level.


This was not really an example about Chicago.  And there are other reasons things are so bad in Chicago - but, if I said what I thought here, I could get whacked!  Anyway, I gave the preceeding example to show what unions are capable of.  Heck, another example before I let you go.  Can't believe I forgot this!  When my brother was having his first home built, there were some union picketers by the construction site protesting the non-union labor working on his home.  Not long after the shell of the house was built, the house strangely burned to the ground.  Coincidence?


Oh one more - same town.  There was a non-union paving company I believe.  And you know, these guys just might have done work at my brother's place.  Anyway, they were having issues with the unions and a strange thing happened - their pits were blown up.  Yeah, explosives or something like that! Fricking crazy!


Just want everyone to think about unions and how they might not be the best thing out there anymore.  Yes, SOME unions push education and safety.  But, more often than not, they protect slackers, stick their noses in elections (something we did not even talk about here), and they force costs higher for everyone.  Go ahead, deny it!  Unions effing suck!  And it's time for us to start getting rid of them.

Inspiration #1

Okay, gonna try something completely different here - I'm offering something upbeat and inspirational.  When you watch this video, think about all this guy does.  I know one thing - I am going to thoroughly enjoy EVERY round of golf I play this summer!  Kinda puts things in perspective.  And no, you do NOT have to be a fan of golf to enjoy this. Just click the link below.

Meet Butch Lumpkin - Golf Channel