California, the Red State?
Posted by Lance Haynie
I have always thought of California as one of the more liberal states in the union. Even with a Republican as Governor the state has always been more to the left. Obama's rating are plummeting in other states; he remains mildly positive in California. Maybe it is time for change, welcome to California -- the Red State. At least that is how survey's are portraying it. With the lastest polls for California's gubernatorial and Senate races, where Whitman and Fiorina still lead. Meg Whitman is still leading Jerry Brown outside of the margin of error.
Incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer remains locked in a tight fight with Republican challenger Carly Fiorina, according to this latest SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for KABC-TV Los Angeles, KPIX-TV San Francisco, KGTV-TV San Diego, and KFSN-TV Fresno. 3 identical SurveyUSA tracking polls have shown the contest within the theoretical margin of sampling error, though, in all 3 cases, the Republican has been nominally ahead, confounding many observers and, for now, preserving the possibility of a take-away. Today, it’s Fiorina 48%, Boxer 46%. There is movement, or perhaps statistical noise, among Hispanic voters.
In the contest for Governor of California, it’s Republican Meg Whitman 47%, Democrat Jerry Brown 40% today. Compared to an identical SurveyUSA poll 3 weeks ago, Whitman is up 3, Brown is down 3. But, compared to a SurveyUSA poll 7 weeks ago: no change. Among men, the race has been flat since polling began in July, with Whitman at 50% in each poll, and Brown at 35% to 37%. Among women, more volatility, with Brown 13 points atop Whitman 3 weeks ago, but tied with the former eBay CEO both 7 weeks ago and today.
I am not sure how I feel about Meg Whitman actually. A far as the environment goes I agree with her positions. She has said that if elected, she would suspend AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, to study its potential economic implications. On water issues, Whitman opposes further restrictions on water supply in the Central Valley and has suggested President Obama should overturn a federal judge's ruling under provisions in the Endangered Species Act which reduced water supplies another 5% to 7%.
As far as marriage goes, we are not on the same page. Whitman supported California's Proposition 8 in 2008, which reversed In re Marriage Cases and defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman in the state. She is a supporter of civil unions, but why even bother with that. I just do not see the issue with gay marriage. You love who you love, let them wed and be miserable with the rest of us.
In regards to the legalization of marijuana she said that it is not what any law enforcement person would suggest for any reason and that "this is the worst idea [she has] ever seen". This I would have to completely disagree with. I view the legalization of marijuana as a positive social step. It is not better or worse than alcohol, which is obviously legal. Granted, how often do you hear of people smoking pot and going on rampages and abusing family members. If anything, legalizing marijuana may calm us down a bit. We are a bit uptight as a whole, just relax a little! I do not smoke myself, I however do not see anything wrong the practice. I will be voting for the legalization of marijuana via Proposition 19.
The demographics for Meg Whitman are actually pretty interesting. She has 60% of the independent voters, but also get's 20% of Democrats as well. While she may not grab all of the ethnic voters, I believe she is doing rather well. She has 32% of the African-American vote, and 37% of the Hispanic vote as well. Also, with the exception of the San Francisco Bay area, she win's every income bracket. Not too surprised with the Bay area result.
Really though, if both Boxer and Brown lose what is that saying about the direction of California? More importantly what does that mean for the electorate? If California truly does become a Red State as far as the electorate the Democrats could potentially lose the state with the largest number of votes in 2012.
Why the Left Loves Socialized Medicine
Posted by Lance Haynie
Have you ever wondered why the liberal left are so eager to put socialized medicine into action? One would like to think they are truly trying to better the lives of others. That they in fact want all of us to have equal access to health care. However, that is just not the case. If you look over the years liberals and the progressive left have always pushed for welfare programs. Why is that? Well, first of all they are their voters, second is control.
What they really want is the latter of the two, they seek total control of not only government but our lives as well. The liberals always push for welfare programs because once they get you enrolled they can choose how we do almost anything. They know you, that is people on welfare, will continue to vote for them because you now need them. If you lose welfare, you lose your income so to speak.
See, the liberals thrive in economic turmoil, they work so hard to get us there and then blame the greedy conservatives so it is not on their back. Once we are in the bad economy, much like we are now, they can then suck you in. Offering stimulus packages and other incentives to make you believe they are there for you. That you are one of them.
The far left has a skewed way of viewing the world, and it depends on if you side with them or not how you are viewed. If you are conservative politician who has been in the game for an extended period you are part of the problem, if you are a liberal your put into context and you are trying to fix the problem. If you are a new conservative politician you are inexperienced, if you are liberal and new you are for "change" and are trying to fix the problem. If you are a wealthy conservative you must be greedy, for a liberal your entire life is made sure to be in context and you are successful.
Back to the topic though, the left want's the ultimate control, and with socialized medicine they will get it. They will be able to say what you can and can not eat. They can control your intake and what it consists of, your habits such as drinking or smoking. The list is quite a long one, you get the point though there is no need to list all of them. You may think they would never do this, but of course they would. They will use the excuse it is what is best for you, and since they control the health system they can block your access if you do not conform. The private sector of medicine will no longer exist. No government should have that kind of control, none.
Now for those of you who view socialized medicine as a good step, social progress feel free to leave comments for send me an email with your viewpoints cause I would love to hear them.
The argument is always put that it is a good step, they tell us to look at countries like Canada, and the UK. I can tell you already that my friends from both hate the system. From a monetary standpoint your taxes will rise higher than ever before. You think that you are paying a lot for insurance right now, just wait until more than 50% of your earned income goes directly to the government, regardless of the services used.
On the financial point of it there is really no excuse to be uninsured at some level. What do I do? I went direct with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. What is my rate? I pay $95 per quarter for myself, and about $80 for my three year old daughter per quarter. Granted, that is hospitalization only. You have to look at all of the factors. For me I rarely go to the doctor, maybe once per year. My daughter however goes for her regular checkups but other than that, not much. Why should I pay $350-$500 per month for doctors coverage? I should pay that much to make my doctors visits $20? No way, even if I went once per month it would cost me around $100 for the visit, and to aim high $100 for the medicine that I normally would get. Now this may not be an option for everyone, but if you are completely uninsured it is better than nothing. At least when you go to the hospital you have some coverage.
Have you ever been to the DMV? My guess is you probably have. How were the lines there? Now imagine if the government took over hospitals. Urgent care would no longer be so urgent, could you imagine waiting in long lines? Of course with the government in control they would have the ability to turn you away for whatever reason. So now we will have more waiting room deaths, people who they decline to even help, and a host of other things that go with government run programs. So yeah you may not have to pay for your care, but the quality is much worse. You can not even look at is like not paying, though they will try. You still have taxes to pay for this care.
In closing I am curious, what do you think about socialized medicine? I am open to all views and always want to try and understand them. Send me an email or leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
Obama vs. Putin — Who Would Win?
Posted by Lance Haynie
Where would you put your vote? I saw these photographs of the the two leaders and could not help but laugh.
Summer 2010: Barack Obama
Summer 2010: Vladimir Putin
I could see my grandmother saying "at least he wore a helmet."
Update:
I think that it is only fair to show Obama's predecessor in the same scenario.
At least former President Bush is wearing mens clothes and riding a mens bike.
50 does Politics
Posted by Lance Haynie
Oh how can I resist?
50 Cent Twitter: "michelle obama Need I thug in her life"
50 Cent Twitter: "Obamas ratings are down cause he didn't include pimpin and hoein in the stimulus package"
Well, the latter worked for Bill Clinton I suppose.
For the Mac: Merlin Project Management Software
Posted by Lance Haynie
It can be tough sometimes being a Mac user in a traditional I.T. setting. While I absolutely love my Apple machines, I often find that some software is simply unavailable at this time for me. The two applications I often find I need are Project Management software (compatible with Microsoft Project, ugh) and the Windows Server administration application pack (Active Directory, DNS, IIS, and so forth.) I wish I could convert more I.T. department's to Apple's OSX Server, but that is just not going to happen -- yet.
Now I think I have found the solution to the Project Management problem. Merlin by ProjectWizards.
- Compatible with Microsoft Project files: Check!
- LAN based collaboration: Check!
- Ability to centralize projects: Check!
- iPhone/iPad (iOS) compatible: Check!
Look's good so far to me. How about we look at some screenshots?
Merlin: New Project from Template
I really like the new project wizard. Merlin has incorporated a lot of useful project templates. A previous boss of mine, Chuckles we will call him would love the Critical Path template. However, I was always certain that he didn't know what he was talking about. He would on several occassions make me want to start acting out scenes from the Princess Bride. Inigo Montoya: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Merlin: New Project Wizard - General Information
Next you can customize the basic information of the project. Project name, dates, budget, ect. I have never actually used the budget functions in PM software. However, this seems a little more straightforward overall than MS Project.
Merlin: Project Wizard - Phases
I just really like that the phases are built right into the wizard.
Merlin: Initial View - WBS & Gantt Chart
The main view, gantt chart and WBS. It is very close obviously to MS Project. I don't believe any advancements have come in the way of the basic view with PM software.
Merlin: Resources View
The resources view, simple and clean.
Merlin: LAN Sharing
This is one of my favorite features in Merlin -- the LAN sharing. You can share not only via web, but directly in the Merlin application. Also, if you have Bonjour running (by default it is) you will be able to see all of the clients with Merlin running. Opening a shared project is simple. File -> Remote Open -> Select the Machine -> Select The Project.
Merlin: Export
And of course the export/save features. You can save in quite a few different formats. Obviously MS Project is one of them. I am really quite curious to test out the export to a Mind Map. Merlin will allow you to export to MindManager, NovaMind, and FreeMind. I do not have any of these applications. However, I am very tempted to obtain a copy so that I can test. Mind mapping is something I have always been interested in, just never had the time to deal with it.
In conclusion I believe this is a great alternative to MS Project if you are on Mac. With the MS Project file compatibility, web export (for those pesky Windows clients), and LAN sharing. This may be my mainstay for my projects. With a cost around $200 USD it is by far more affordable than MS Project (I just looked at the price online, currently $934.99.)
For more information on Merlin please visit ProjectWizards.
EPA Reviewing Petition to Ban Lead Bullets
Posted by Lance Haynie
It looks as if even the EPA will join in the fight against the second amendment. Albeit, not quite as blatant as others this is still a very obvious backdoor attempt to limit firearms in the United States.
Several environmentalist groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) are petitioning the EPA to ban lead bullets and shot (as well as lead sinkers for fishing) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Although EPA is barred by statute from controlling ammunition, CBD is seeking to work farther back along the manufacturing chain and have EPA ban the use of lead in bullets and shot because non-lead alternatives are available.
First and foremost I find it a little amusing that we are trying to ban something that is 100 percent natural. Lead (Pb) is an element! If you are worried about the effect lead has on the bullets target; you are not very intelligent. Apparently, that is what the concern is here.
The Center for Biological Diversity says in a 100-page petition that lead used by outdoorsmen and women can be blamed for causing deaths in some 130 species of birds like eagles. "Lead-based bullets fragment on impact, distributing toxic lead particles widely throughout carcasses, and making it impossible for humans to avoid ingesting lead along with meat," says the center, joined on petition by the American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and two other groups.
I hardly believe that the fragmentation is so great that we are ingesting large amounts of lead into our bodies. Furthermore, even if we are is that not our right as an American to choose to do so? This type of backwards politics in America is what is driving me insane. Simply put this is the same as if congress has exempted the regulation of product X, but then regulating derivatives from product X.
I firmly believe that history repeats it's self. Apparently the left has not learned that lesson yet. They keep trying to shove the same garbage through, regardless of if we want it or not. Let's not forget 1994 when Bill Clinton blamed the NRA and gun owners for eradicating Democrats from house control.
Hey EPA, why don't we worry about something a little more devastating to mother earth vs. one of her own natural creations.
Amateur Ghost Hunger Looking for “Ghost Train” Hit by Real Train
Posted by Lance Haynie
This is sad but tragically ironic:
STATESVILLE, NC (WBTV) - A man who was with about a dozen people who were looking for a legendary "ghost train" in Iredell County was hit by a locomotive and killed early Friday morning.
The sheriff said the incident coincided with the anniversary of a train wreck that occurred at the same location in 1891.
You would think the train's air-horn would at least make you get off the tracks.
Economics Cause and Effect: Artificially Manipulating the Market
Posted by Lance Haynie
Home prices are plummeting and jobs are scarce. Every economic red flag is blowing in the wind; and deflation is right around the corner. However, there are no worries in the used-car industry. Prices have climbed as high as ~10% overall and in some cases as much as ~30%. Is this supply and demand at work? Well, in a way yes but not because of traditional market demand. It is more due to restricted supply thank's to the government destroying billions in assets as part of the Cash for Clunkers program.
Car buyers on average paid $1,800 more for a used vehicle in July than they paid a year ago at this time, according to Edmunds.com data. That’s a 10.3 percent increase, bringing the average cost of a 3-year-old vehicle to $19,248. The price of a Cadillac Escalade spiked nearly 36 percent. “A lack of confidence in the economy is driving more people to used cars, putting upward pricing pressure on a limited supply of vehicles,” said Joe Spina, a senior analyst for Edmunds. …
Spina said that at this time last year, a troubled economy had consumers buying less- expensive fuel-efficient vehicles and trading in “gas guzzlers” through Cash for Clunkers (more formally known as the Car Allowance Rebate System). “Now, those who need trucks and large SUVs are buying them and in many cases are turning to used vehicles as a way to save money,” he said. ”Prices are high because this demand comes at a time when inventory is low as a result of the current shortage of lease returns and trade-ins for vehicles of this type.” And, he said, while prices are indeed very high now, last year’s prices were low, making the gains even more dramatic.
Basically there was a real demand for the cars that the beloved Obama administration destroyed. It even looks as if the demand for large gas guzzling SUV's is still in full swing:
Cadillac Escalade – 35.6% increase
Chevy Suburban – +34.2%
Dodge Grand Caravan – +34%
BMW X5 – +33%
One could even go so far as to say that the price increases hurt those who can least afford them the most. Correct me if I am wrong, the used car industry generally attracts people who need transportation on a budget. What the Obama administration has done is simple. By destroying the clunkers and permanently taking them off the market he has artificially inflated the via supply restriction. Moreover, subsizizing new new car sales that would have happend either way just ate up about $3 billion in taxpayer money.
To be blunt: Obama's administration spent $3 billion to make cars more expensive to American families.
Maybe we should restrict the supply of energy while we are at it?
What’s the Deal With All of These Privacy Nazis?
Posted by Lance Haynie
I have been reading a about Google's Street-View and other privacy "issues" that have come about in recent years. I can kind of understand some of their concerns. However, the fight against Street-View I will never understand.
Google, owner of the world’s largest search engine, said the search had been arranged beforehand. The company is being probed by data-protection regulators in Germany, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic over concerns the Street View program violates privacy rights. Earlier this month, South Korean police raided Google’s Seoul office as part of a Street View investigation. Google’s privacy practices are also being scrutinized by Canada and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
I have a hard time believing that Google (with Street-View) is violating anyone's privacy. I know that we have a vastly different view of privacy here in America. I just do not understand how you can reasonably expect privacy out in public view? Google is not walking into your homes, places of business, or your bedrooms recording all of that data. They are recording what any person in that same location could see.
CNIL, as the French regulator is known, has received complaints since the program began, initially over the lack of digital masking of people’s faces. One couple told CNIL the service showed photos of the interior of their apartment, including their 4-year-old daughter without clothes on. That complaint was among catalysts for the review, Padova said.
I understand the concern with the image of a 4-year-old shown without clothes. However, why is this the fault of Google? Is the issue here that Google captured the video, or that the parents neglected to ensure their own privacy by closing blinds when children are unclothed? Google does have a method to request removal. If the request was put forth and declined in the case of the unclothed child I would then see an issue.
I also find it ironic that some of the most invasive countries are the ones with the highest complaints.
According to the latest studies, Britain has a staggering 4.2million CCTV cameras - one for every 14 people in the country - and 20 per cent of cameras globally. It has been calculated that each person is caught on camera an average of 300 times daily.
I suppose that this goes back to the ideology that the government knows best, and therefore can do as they please. One could say that George Orwell was somewhat of a profit I suppose.
I would have thought that of all European countries that Germany would have been the safe zone -- relative of course.
Germany is considering a law that would ban employers from mining information on prospective job candidates from social networking sites such as Facebook to protect people's privacy.
Here is an idea, if you don't someone to find out something about you. Don't place it on public websites. One would have to be pretty dimwitted to not assume that any information on Facebook is private. "The aim of the draft act is to stop private information from becoming public" a German representative said. Since when is this the job of the Government and not the job of the individual?
Of course I do have examples of where I draw the line:
Time Magazine reports that in California and eight other western states the government can sneak onto your property, plant a GPS device on the bottom of your car, and track everywhere you go.
And it's all perfectly legal. An appeals court has ruled that the government can monitor you like this almost anytime it wants - and without a search warrant.
I realize that the argument exists that where you drive on public roads is obviously not private. However, the issue here is that the government is tracking you without actually having to be there. If you want to assign a team to tail me and follow my whereabouts; by all means go for it. Since when did the KGB come and hijack us and make this legal? To me this blatantly goes against our reasonable expectation of privacy. The court ruled that your driveway is not private since it is accessible to the public. So that would also imply that those with gated communities and driveways have a larger area of privacy.
Sometimes I think that technology is doing more harm than good.
Blog
- Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend
- California, the Red State?
- Why the Left Loves Socialized Medicine
- Obama vs. Putin — Who Would Win?
- 50 does Politics
- For the Mac: Merlin Project Management Software
- EPA Reviewing Petition to Ban Lead Bullets
- Amateur Ghost Hunger Looking for “Ghost Train” Hit by Real Train
- Economics Cause and Effect: Artificially Manipulating the Market
- What’s the Deal With All of These Privacy Nazis?
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