Rick Santorum is splitting the delegates 15-15 with Mitt Romney in Michigan.
UPDATE: The Michigan GOP has changed it to 16-14 Mittens.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Snooki is Pregnant!!!!
Snooki is part of the greater trend of pregnancy out of wedlock. Right now, a majority of children born to women under 30 are out of wedlock.
This kid is going to get teased a lot in school.
As one of my law school friends said: "Snooki getting pregnant is the moment that our nation comes together."
This kid is going to get teased a lot in school.
As one of my law school friends said: "Snooki getting pregnant is the moment that our nation comes together."
2012 General Election Preview: The Presidential Map as of 2/29
We're a little over 8 months away from the 2012 Presidential Election. I've decided to do my first preview of the general election map. Keep in mind that a lot can change between now and then. Even though the Republican nominee has not been picked yet, the identity of the nominee won't affect the map too much.
My Ratings:
Solid Blue/Red: states that are not going to be contested at all
Lean Blue/Red: one party is favored but could easily lose
Tossup: its completely up for grabs
My Ratings:
Solid Blue/Red: states that are not going to be contested at all
Lean Blue/Red: one party is favored but could easily lose
Tossup: its completely up for grabs
Review of MI and AZ primaries & Santorum's future
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Financial Investment: Where you should NEVER get your stock advice
Top 10 lists of stock picks from "leading experts".
These articles on top ten stock picks usually appear on legitimate news sites such as CNNMoney, Yahoo news, Forbes, MarketWatch, other places that have an aura of journalistic expertise. Here are some examples: here, here, and here. These articles are generally pretty well written and the recommendations sound like they are based upon sound reasoning. So why am I telling you to not follow this advice?
These articles on top ten stock picks usually appear on legitimate news sites such as CNNMoney, Yahoo news, Forbes, MarketWatch, other places that have an aura of journalistic expertise. Here are some examples: here, here, and here. These articles are generally pretty well written and the recommendations sound like they are based upon sound reasoning. So why am I telling you to not follow this advice?
Deficits and Existing Fiscal Policy
America has run budget deficits throughout its history, mostly during war times. However, during the Reagan presidency the country began to run large deficits during peace time. While Reagan probably wanted a balanced budget, he wasn't able to get it when Congress passed his large tax cuts but not his propositions for spending cuts. This pattern would repeat itself over and over again. Both parties are to blame for our current budget situation.
How many times do you hear about tax cuts from politicians? The correct answer is all the time. So many tax cuts....yikes...
How many times have you heard about spending cuts? Lots.
How many times have you heard about specific spending cuts? Almost never. They are very unpopular. If you cut something, a few people get hurt a lot and raise a lot of ruckus, many people benefit a little and don't seem to notice. This is not a recipe for good budget discipline.
So....we've been down this road a lot of times, what are the Republicans and Democrats doing about it?
How many times do you hear about tax cuts from politicians? The correct answer is all the time. So many tax cuts....yikes...
How many times have you heard about spending cuts? Lots.
How many times have you heard about specific spending cuts? Almost never. They are very unpopular. If you cut something, a few people get hurt a lot and raise a lot of ruckus, many people benefit a little and don't seem to notice. This is not a recipe for good budget discipline.
So....we've been down this road a lot of times, what are the Republicans and Democrats doing about it?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Politics Update: Monday -- 2/27/2012
An interesting point of view on how the liberal journalist's desire to give equal weight to all points of view moves the country more center-right.
Health-care reform surprise. Where are the death panels?
What to look for in Michigan.
The biggest threat to Obama's re-election is high gas prices. Wouldn't it be funny/sad if the sanctions against Iranian oil are the cause-in-fact of President Rick Santorum? However, given uncertainty, such as increased tensions with Iran, the markets will be reactionary...typically over-reacting.
Santorum is going off the deep end with criticizing a speech made by the first Catholic president, JFK. Santorum, also a Catholic, probably is too dumb to realize that at that time, Catholics were viewed with the same suspicion that Blacks/Hispanics/Muslims receive today in this country. Catholics, immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, etc. were thought off as "taking American jobs", only able to do menial work, doing a lot of crime (think about how Irish and Italian mobs are so popular in culture...there's a reason for that), and doing other shady behavior. This suspicion was enough to sink the candidacy of the first Catholic nominee of a major party for president, Al Smith in 1928. JFK had to give a speech based on the separation of church and state because a very sizable portion of the population thought that he would take orders from the Pope. Santorum, at least the public image of Santorum, needs to know that JFK's speech is one of the reasons that Santorum's candidacy is even possible and why Santorum doesn't have to constantly address questions over why Santorum will have to take orders from the Pope. JFK's speech helped Catholics assimilate into the rest of society without suspicion. Did you know that our current Supreme Court has a Catholic majority? What would our Protestant fore-fathers think?
Tomorrow is the big Arizona and Michigan primaries. I will be doing a review of the results on Wednesday.
Also, is college is biggest threat to American Freedom? You decide.
Health-care reform surprise. Where are the death panels?
What to look for in Michigan.
The biggest threat to Obama's re-election is high gas prices. Wouldn't it be funny/sad if the sanctions against Iranian oil are the cause-in-fact of President Rick Santorum? However, given uncertainty, such as increased tensions with Iran, the markets will be reactionary...typically over-reacting.
Santorum is going off the deep end with criticizing a speech made by the first Catholic president, JFK. Santorum, also a Catholic, probably is too dumb to realize that at that time, Catholics were viewed with the same suspicion that Blacks/Hispanics/Muslims receive today in this country. Catholics, immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, etc. were thought off as "taking American jobs", only able to do menial work, doing a lot of crime (think about how Irish and Italian mobs are so popular in culture...there's a reason for that), and doing other shady behavior. This suspicion was enough to sink the candidacy of the first Catholic nominee of a major party for president, Al Smith in 1928. JFK had to give a speech based on the separation of church and state because a very sizable portion of the population thought that he would take orders from the Pope. Santorum, at least the public image of Santorum, needs to know that JFK's speech is one of the reasons that Santorum's candidacy is even possible and why Santorum doesn't have to constantly address questions over why Santorum will have to take orders from the Pope. JFK's speech helped Catholics assimilate into the rest of society without suspicion. Did you know that our current Supreme Court has a Catholic majority? What would our Protestant fore-fathers think?
Tomorrow is the big Arizona and Michigan primaries. I will be doing a review of the results on Wednesday.
Also, is college is biggest threat to American Freedom? You decide.
Financial Investment: A very interesting investing idea
Like investing in big banks?
Want to take advantage of "too big to fail?"
Scared of just investing in one big bank?
Want to diversify but you don't have enough money to adequately do it?
Want an expert to pick investments for you?
Like a 6%+ yield?
If the answer is "yes" to all of these questions, this investment might be right for you.
Want to take advantage of "too big to fail?"
Scared of just investing in one big bank?
Want to diversify but you don't have enough money to adequately do it?
Want an expert to pick investments for you?
Like a 6%+ yield?
If the answer is "yes" to all of these questions, this investment might be right for you.
A Curious Difference Between Red States and Blue States
Taken as a whole, both parties now have large numbers of economic haves and economic have-nots. The current class distribution within the parties is in direct contrast from the height of the New Deal Coalition
(1932-1968) when the classes were more neatly divided between the
Republican-haves and the Democratic-have-nots. While the New Deal dichotomy has eroded since its peak, the rates of erosion are lower in red states than in blue states.
Financial Investment: A pretty cool equity market graphic
View here.
This graphic has more or less of the S&P 500. It is really cool because they organize all stocks by industry and the map incorporates relative market cap. Market cap is basically the market's way of determining firm size. You can see how the common stocks of these firms perform, given the parameters that you set up. Because of the map structure, you can visually map out things like industry performance, large cap performance, etc.
For practical purposes, it might not be that useful because past performance does not guarantee future performance, unlike many things in life. It could be useful in giving you ideas on your next trade however. This is a neat tool to sort through stocks.
This graphic has more or less of the S&P 500. It is really cool because they organize all stocks by industry and the map incorporates relative market cap. Market cap is basically the market's way of determining firm size. You can see how the common stocks of these firms perform, given the parameters that you set up. Because of the map structure, you can visually map out things like industry performance, large cap performance, etc.
For practical purposes, it might not be that useful because past performance does not guarantee future performance, unlike many things in life. It could be useful in giving you ideas on your next trade however. This is a neat tool to sort through stocks.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
America's Abundant Energy
Although America is not as rich in oil as it probably wants to be, it is very rich in other hydrocarbon fuels, natural gas and coal.
Coal is widely used in America as the main source of electricity. It is very plentiful here and we have known supplies of coal to power us for 300-500 years. The main problem with coal is really dirty. Although there has been a lot of rhetoric about clean coal, not that much progress has been made.
Natural Gas is widely available in America, especially in shale rock. There has been a lot of whining and complaining about how the environmentalists are constraining our domestic energy production in the realm of natural gas. However, this complaint is a bunch of s**t. The problem currently is demand, not supply. If there is a problem with supply, it is over supply-not under supply. Natural gas prices have utterly collapsed lately. Even in the past year, natural gas went from 4.40 to 2.50 (not good for my COP stock). The supply gut has been such a problem that two leading natural gas producers, ConocoPhillips and Chesapeake Energy, have cut production.
Coal is widely used in America as the main source of electricity. It is very plentiful here and we have known supplies of coal to power us for 300-500 years. The main problem with coal is really dirty. Although there has been a lot of rhetoric about clean coal, not that much progress has been made.
Natural Gas is widely available in America, especially in shale rock. There has been a lot of whining and complaining about how the environmentalists are constraining our domestic energy production in the realm of natural gas. However, this complaint is a bunch of s**t. The problem currently is demand, not supply. If there is a problem with supply, it is over supply-not under supply. Natural gas prices have utterly collapsed lately. Even in the past year, natural gas went from 4.40 to 2.50 (not good for my COP stock). The supply gut has been such a problem that two leading natural gas producers, ConocoPhillips and Chesapeake Energy, have cut production.
What Democrats and Republicans Have in Common
There is a very interesting parallel between the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary and the 2012 Republican Presidential Primary. Both of these races seem to pit the haves of the party against the have-nots. Both parties now have very high numbers of both haves and have-nots given the complex ideological positions the parties have taken.
For the 2008 Democrats, Obama was the favorite of the haves while Clinton was the champion of the have-nots. For the 2012 Republicans, Romney is the candidate of the haves and Santorum is the choice of the have-nots. The campaigns reflect their strongest constituencies. Haves generally are better organized and make better decisions than the have-nots. Similarly, the 2008 Obama campaign and the 2012 Romney campaign were/are generally considered be to be better run than the 2008 Clinton campaign and the 2012 Santorum Campaign.
For the 2008 Democrats, Obama was the favorite of the haves while Clinton was the champion of the have-nots. For the 2012 Republicans, Romney is the candidate of the haves and Santorum is the choice of the have-nots. The campaigns reflect their strongest constituencies. Haves generally are better organized and make better decisions than the have-nots. Similarly, the 2008 Obama campaign and the 2012 Romney campaign were/are generally considered be to be better run than the 2008 Clinton campaign and the 2012 Santorum Campaign.
Song of the Day
New Genre! Surprisingly, country is my favorite genre.
This song of the day actually has some analysis!
"American Honey" sounds a lot like the Republican ideal for the following reasons: (1) it is set in a rural setting, the GOP's strength, (2) the video harkens back to the past and is nostalgic, and (3) makes the rural area seem awesome.
This song of the day actually has some analysis!
"American Honey" sounds a lot like the Republican ideal for the following reasons: (1) it is set in a rural setting, the GOP's strength, (2) the video harkens back to the past and is nostalgic, and (3) makes the rural area seem awesome.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Marketing Differences Between Left and Right
There are some interesting differences between how center-left
politicians market themselves and how center-right politicians market
themselves in this country. The next time you are listening to political speeches, take the time to notice these subtle differences.
Center-Left:
Center-left politicians always seem to focus about the future. They often talk about the "need to do better" and creating visions of a better tomorrow. Generally, center-left politicians' rhetoric center around a future utopia ("ending poverty", "a land where everyone has health insurance", etc.). Usually, this utopia will never happen, or if it does happen, the consequences aren't as bright as the politicians say it will be.
In order to demonize the other side, center-left politicians portray the other side as Neanderthals...dumb and brutish. Left-wingers always make it seem like right-wingers are stupid. The hubris of the Left
Center-Left:
Center-left politicians always seem to focus about the future. They often talk about the "need to do better" and creating visions of a better tomorrow. Generally, center-left politicians' rhetoric center around a future utopia ("ending poverty", "a land where everyone has health insurance", etc.). Usually, this utopia will never happen, or if it does happen, the consequences aren't as bright as the politicians say it will be.
In order to demonize the other side, center-left politicians portray the other side as Neanderthals...dumb and brutish. Left-wingers always make it seem like right-wingers are stupid. The hubris of the Left
Why Gas Prices are so F***ing High Right Now
As this is an election year, the politicians are all being really stupid.
Myth #1: It's because Obama rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline.
The problem is not about the supplying tar-sands oil to gulf coast refineries in 7 years. Even if the Keystone XL Pipeline gets approved, gas prices would still be this high. Also, there is no guarantee that oil carried by the Keystone XL would be used in America-it would be introduced to the world market. Rejection of the Keystone has the following affects: (1) encourage Canadians to build refineries in Alberta, (2) encourages an oil pipeline to the Pacific which would probably happen anyways and would also be introduced to the world market.
Myth #2: It's because of lack of domestic production driven by anti-oil liberals.
Domestic production peaked in 1971. This is not politically caused, it's caused by the fact that the U.S. only has 3% of the world's proven reserves and all the easy oil in the U.S. is gone : (. There have been plenty of Republican and conservative regimes since 1971 yet this 1971 is still the peak. Domestic production has actually increased under Obama. Newt Gingrich is right when he says America is an energy rich nation. It's just that its not in oil, its in coal, natural gas, sun, and wind.
Here are some facts:
Myth #1: It's because Obama rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline.
The problem is not about the supplying tar-sands oil to gulf coast refineries in 7 years. Even if the Keystone XL Pipeline gets approved, gas prices would still be this high. Also, there is no guarantee that oil carried by the Keystone XL would be used in America-it would be introduced to the world market. Rejection of the Keystone has the following affects: (1) encourage Canadians to build refineries in Alberta, (2) encourages an oil pipeline to the Pacific which would probably happen anyways and would also be introduced to the world market.
Myth #2: It's because of lack of domestic production driven by anti-oil liberals.
Domestic production peaked in 1971. This is not politically caused, it's caused by the fact that the U.S. only has 3% of the world's proven reserves and all the easy oil in the U.S. is gone : (. There have been plenty of Republican and conservative regimes since 1971 yet this 1971 is still the peak. Domestic production has actually increased under Obama. Newt Gingrich is right when he says America is an energy rich nation. It's just that its not in oil, its in coal, natural gas, sun, and wind.
Here are some facts:
Friday, February 24, 2012
GOP Race: Friday Update
My boy, Rick Santorum, is now on the Indiana ballot! Yay!!!!
Mitt Romney is leading in polls in Michigan for the first time in while.
Mitt Romney is doing an "economic" speech in Ford Field. The crowd will likely be less than 20% below capacity, it's going to take a lot of effort to make it not look embarrassing. Probably because, Romney's "economic" is going to be more about talking points than real, sensible policy. Also, most people have more going on with their lives than to go see Mitt Romney give the same speech over and over again.
Romney's also saying elitist things again.
Mitt Romney is leading in polls in Michigan for the first time in while.
Mitt Romney is doing an "economic" speech in Ford Field. The crowd will likely be less than 20% below capacity, it's going to take a lot of effort to make it not look embarrassing. Probably because, Romney's "economic" is going to be more about talking points than real, sensible policy. Also, most people have more going on with their lives than to go see Mitt Romney give the same speech over and over again.
Romney's also saying elitist things again.
Why the focus on Jobs?
There is a great focus in our public discourse on jobs being representative of the health of our economy. Why? This doesn't make that much sense since we like in a capitalism economy, not in a labor-ism economy. Private business make up the majority of our economy and are often the main drivers of economic growth and job growth.
However, businesses aren’t in the business of creating jobs. At best, job creation is a byproduct of a successful business. Most businesses — most successful businesses — actually destroy jobs. That doesn’t mean businesses are evil; it’s just what they do: They create wealth for their owners by maximizing profits.
However, businesses aren’t in the business of creating jobs. At best, job creation is a byproduct of a successful business. Most businesses — most successful businesses — actually destroy jobs. That doesn’t mean businesses are evil; it’s just what they do: They create wealth for their owners by maximizing profits.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Case for Progressive Income Taxes
Recently, there was a study of 54 countries' tax system and happiness in the citizenry. This study found a positive correlation between a more progressive tax system and happier citizens. Regardless of what you think about this study, I want to lay out a separate case to keep the progressive income tax.
A progressive tax system is one where the tax rate increases as income goes up. The idea is that the more money people earn, the more disposable income they have after covering the basic costs of life. Thus they can afford to pay more taxes. The U.S. has a progressive income tax system, with federal income tax rates that currently range from 15% to 35%. (Our top income tax rate has been as high as 91% in the past. It is important to note that this is simply income from labor. Income from capital is taxed at a much lower rate, either 5% or 15%.
There is a lot of rumblings in the GOP about how we need a "fairer" tax system.
A progressive tax system is one where the tax rate increases as income goes up. The idea is that the more money people earn, the more disposable income they have after covering the basic costs of life. Thus they can afford to pay more taxes. The U.S. has a progressive income tax system, with federal income tax rates that currently range from 15% to 35%. (Our top income tax rate has been as high as 91% in the past. It is important to note that this is simply income from labor. Income from capital is taxed at a much lower rate, either 5% or 15%.
There is a lot of rumblings in the GOP about how we need a "fairer" tax system.
Financial Investment: The Safest Options
Here are the safest options in order of increasing riskiness:
1. Checking Account
2. Savings Account
3. Certificates of Deposits (CD)
4. Money Market Accounts (some)
Why are these the safest options? They are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per individual per institution. This means that if you have $250,000 in a savings account with Bank of America, $100,000 in a checking account with the same bank, and Bank of America fails, you only get $250,000 back from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
1. Checking Account
2. Savings Account
3. Certificates of Deposits (CD)
4. Money Market Accounts (some)
Why are these the safest options? They are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per individual per institution. This means that if you have $250,000 in a savings account with Bank of America, $100,000 in a checking account with the same bank, and Bank of America fails, you only get $250,000 back from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Three Step-Process for 90%+ Effective Natural Birth Control
WARNING: R-rated material ahead.
Given the latest controversial firestorm about contraception. I've decided to write a 3 step method for natural, Catholic-endorsed, birth control in order to help people out.
Step 1: Use the Rhythm method.
Both Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney have done this step. Doing this step alone will not be too effective (don't believe me? click on the links).
Given the latest controversial firestorm about contraception. I've decided to write a 3 step method for natural, Catholic-endorsed, birth control in order to help people out.
Step 1: Use the Rhythm method.
Both Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney have done this step. Doing this step alone will not be too effective (don't believe me? click on the links).
Rick Santorum's Weaknesses
Curious Capitalist is officially endorsing Rick Santorum for the 2012 GOP Nomination. I have been supporting Rick since Iowa and then I stopped. Then I started again, right after the Nevada caucuses.
Despite his rise in the polls, there is a lot not to like about the Rick Santorum train. As discussed in an earlier post, Santorum and Santorum's most generous supporter seem to both have Santorum of the mouth. Unfortunately, Santorum has been getting more media coverage lately over this as well.
Despite his rise in the polls, there is a lot not to like about the Rick Santorum train. As discussed in an earlier post, Santorum and Santorum's most generous supporter seem to both have Santorum of the mouth. Unfortunately, Santorum has been getting more media coverage lately over this as well.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Republican Primary Prediction Revisions
It is now a week from the Arizona and Michigan primary and things are heating up. Mitt Romney's SuperPAC, Restore Our Future, continues to spend on negative advertising in Michigan. Rich casino dude, Sheldon Adelson, donated another $10 million to Newt Gingrich's SuperPAC. My boy, Rick Santorum, is opening his mouth and weird stuff is coming out. His main donor, Foster Friess, is also saying very bizarre things; he says it is joke but I'm skeptical (decide for yourself here). However, Santorum's SuperPAC, The Red, White, and Blue fund got a $1 million donation from some rich Louisiana dude. I'm sure these dudes don't know that like 98% of American women use birth control. It is looking more and more like Michelle Duggar is the model woman for the GOP.
Gay Marriage and the End Times
Opponents of same-sex marriage often invoke references to natural disasters and the end times as a result of legalizing gay marriage. Its an effective argument, and the results of those predictions are clear, as we can see from the destruction and death and misery suffered by the people of Argentina, Norway, Belgium, Portugal, Canada, South Africa, Iceland, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the states of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
My home state of Washington suffered the same fate, having broke from the North American continent and sunk into the Pacific Ocean after the simultaneous eruptions of Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt. Rainier following Governor Chris Gregoire signing our states gay marriage bill into law.
Click here for examples of true Americans who had the foresight to warn the Washington legislature against the destruction they caused.
My home state of Washington suffered the same fate, having broke from the North American continent and sunk into the Pacific Ocean after the simultaneous eruptions of Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt. Rainier following Governor Chris Gregoire signing our states gay marriage bill into law.
Click here for examples of true Americans who had the foresight to warn the Washington legislature against the destruction they caused.
Monday, February 20, 2012
A Curious Take: The Case for Outlawing Adultery
Gay marriage was just approved in my home state, Washington. After hearing much of the testimony on the side against gay marriage, I was thinking about how applicable these reasons were to the argument against adultery. Since gay marriage is largely outlawed in the U.S., perhaps there should be laws against adultery throughout the land.
Here are some reasons that are applicable in both instances:
1. It is against the teachings of the Bible:
Adultery is fornication. The Bible regards adultery as a great sin and a great social wrong.
It has been inferred from John 8:1-11 that this sin became very common during the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem.”
Here are some reasons that are applicable in both instances:
1. It is against the teachings of the Bible:
Adultery is fornication. The Bible regards adultery as a great sin and a great social wrong.
It has been inferred from John 8:1-11 that this sin became very common during the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem.”
A Funny (and True) Video
WARNING: It's race based on blacks and asians. This is not offensive to normal people. But if you are super sensitive about everything, don't watch it.
Libertarianism is Basically Conservatism
Given that they seem incompatible in policy and principle, it is prima facie puzzling why conservatism and libertarianism sleep together. This post motivates the puzzle, and suggests a solution. (Related on the same topic, see this post.)
As Corey Robin persuasively argues, conservatism's core commitment is to the preservation of pre-existing social hierarchies: the patriarchal family; heteronormativity; white supremacy; and a mighty economic elite. This is not, needless to say, conservatism's self-image (white supremacy, in particular, is in bad odor nowadays), but it best explains the disparate set of outcomes and policies that conservatives support: the regulation or abolition of abortion, the abolition of affirmative action ("racial preferences"), the repudiation of reparations (. . . how dated do I sound?), and the celebration of "Southern Heritage" (see, for example, item 37 here); the preservation of inequality among people with different sexual orientations; and a tax and regulatory structure that minimizes consumer protection and egalitarian wealth-transfers. Conservatism's policies toward penality --- tough on crime that is perpetrated by the poor; lenient on economic malfeasance --- also evince a univocal commitment to the preservation of social hierarchy.
Introduction to Financial Investment
The United States, along with the U.K. and Japan, has one of the 3 most developed financial markets in the world. In the U.S. itself, over half of all the 300 million people own stock in some form of another. This can be (1) owning shares themselves, (2) owning a mutual fund, or (3) participating in a pension fund that owns stock.
This post, along with others of this type, are meant to be informational and as a foundation for further research. They are not meant to be a final authority on anything. Financial Investment is so important especially if we ever want to retire. Given the dire straights of Social Security, it is looking more and more likely that we will have to be responsible for our own retirement. The only way we will achieve this security is if we save money and invest it wisely.
Here is a basic rundown of basic terms we hear a lot about in the media:
This post, along with others of this type, are meant to be informational and as a foundation for further research. They are not meant to be a final authority on anything. Financial Investment is so important especially if we ever want to retire. Given the dire straights of Social Security, it is looking more and more likely that we will have to be responsible for our own retirement. The only way we will achieve this security is if we save money and invest it wisely.
Here is a basic rundown of basic terms we hear a lot about in the media:
Mitt Romney's Business Experience
There has been a lot of criticism over Mitt Romney's tenure at Bain Capital, a private equity firm. Private Equity firms generally take over another company, either private or publicly traded. They generally pay a significant premium for that company. Once the private equity firm takes control, they usually pile on a lot of debt on the company's balance sheet and try to trim the fat on the costs of operating the company. Trimming the fat is a euphemism for laying off a lot of workers since labor costs are generally a large portion of the costs of production. Good private equity firm managers such as Mitt Romney try to find opportunities to cut jobs costs without sacrificing revenue or growth opportunities.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Socialism in Sports
In all of the major U.S. sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS), there is a bit of socialism. Socialism in this context is defined as redistributing the wealth to make a more even playing field. In all of these leagues, generally teams with worse win-loss records and performance get better draft picks. In the NFL and NHL, there are also hard salary caps which does not allow teams from bigger metropolitan areas to flex their financial muscles to outspend on players from smaller markets. The other leagues also have some sort of salary cap with certain exemptions. The major North American sports leagues all have some sort of socialism inherent in its operations. The major European Soccer Leagues do not.
Different Definitions of Millionaire and Their Significance
There are two kinds of millionaires: the Obama 30% tax plan millionaire and the Millionaire Matchmaker millionaire.
Obama proposed a 30% minimum tax on all millionaires in his State of the Union. This "impossible to pass" proposal would be a tax on those making a million or more a year in income, such as Mitt Romney. These are Annual Income Millionaires.
An annual income millionaire definition is different from the Millionaire Matchmaker definition. In order to be eligible for Millionaire Matchmaker, someone just has to have $1 million in net assets. This means that a person's asset (minus) their liabilities has to be at least a million. These are Net Worth Millionaires. Assets include a person's home, any land they own, their 401(k) plan, etc. Liabilities include debt, a mortgage, etc.
This difference is almost never explained to people and is very important to understand. You ought to be super rich if you are an Annual Income Millionaire. If you are just a Net Worth Millionaire, you aren't that rich although you are about the top 5% of the population. Much of the Upper Middle Class in America are Net Worth Millionaires. My parents fit under this description and they still order off the dollar menu at McDonald's.
Obama proposed a 30% minimum tax on all millionaires in his State of the Union. This "impossible to pass" proposal would be a tax on those making a million or more a year in income, such as Mitt Romney. These are Annual Income Millionaires.
An annual income millionaire definition is different from the Millionaire Matchmaker definition. In order to be eligible for Millionaire Matchmaker, someone just has to have $1 million in net assets. This means that a person's asset (minus) their liabilities has to be at least a million. These are Net Worth Millionaires. Assets include a person's home, any land they own, their 401(k) plan, etc. Liabilities include debt, a mortgage, etc.
This difference is almost never explained to people and is very important to understand. You ought to be super rich if you are an Annual Income Millionaire. If you are just a Net Worth Millionaire, you aren't that rich although you are about the top 5% of the population. Much of the Upper Middle Class in America are Net Worth Millionaires. My parents fit under this description and they still order off the dollar menu at McDonald's.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A Few Administrative Notes
Hi All,
Thanks for reading my blog!
I've recently implemented two aesthetic/function improvements: (1) longer posts now have a "Read More" function so that the Home page is not as cluttered and (2) you can now navigate between the different categories of posts on the "Page" menu, available at the right hand side.
I have also enabled the readers (you) to share your feelings if you feel that a particular post is funny, interesting, or cool. This option is available at the bottom of each post. Anonymous commenting is available as well. Your feedback will help me have a good topical balance of posts, the proper jokes, and the most appropriate subject matters.
Best Regards,
Curious Capitalist
Thanks for reading my blog!
I've recently implemented two aesthetic/function improvements: (1) longer posts now have a "Read More" function so that the Home page is not as cluttered and (2) you can now navigate between the different categories of posts on the "Page" menu, available at the right hand side.
I have also enabled the readers (you) to share your feelings if you feel that a particular post is funny, interesting, or cool. This option is available at the bottom of each post. Anonymous commenting is available as well. Your feedback will help me have a good topical balance of posts, the proper jokes, and the most appropriate subject matters.
Best Regards,
Curious Capitalist
Is LeBron James a Teenage Girl?
Can't seem to make a decision and be happy with it. I will elaborate on this psychological phenomenon in a later post.
Art of Political Persuasion: the Use of the Boogieman
The use of a boogieman is alive and well in politics today. Every politician uses scapegoats as a way of passing off people's problems and giving themselves a whipping boy for the public to be mad. For the left, its usually Wall Street, rich people, oil companies, super crazy religious people, and foreigners. For the right, its usually teacher's unions, dark-skinned minorities, socialists, those immoral secular people, and foreigners. Notice how much Barack Obama is depicted as a Muslim-Socialist who hates America and how we're all going to stand in a Soviet-style bread line in the near future.
Even the noblest of causes have used this ugly strategy. During the women's suffrage movement, there was rampant hatred towards blacks. At this time, black males in the north could vote while white females could not. Many of the propaganda pamphlets for women's suffrage predictably said a bunch of racist things. In the South, pro-women's suffrage framed giving a white woman the ability to vote as a way of maintaining white supremacy.
Even the noblest of causes have used this ugly strategy. During the women's suffrage movement, there was rampant hatred towards blacks. At this time, black males in the north could vote while white females could not. Many of the propaganda pamphlets for women's suffrage predictably said a bunch of racist things. In the South, pro-women's suffrage framed giving a white woman the ability to vote as a way of maintaining white supremacy.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Learning from Mitt Romney's "Mistakes"
When Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts, the state got both universal health care and gay marriage. He has been hammered on this ever since and it looks like his record as governor is going to cost him the 2012 Republican nomination.
Today, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a gay marriage bill, likely with an eye on the 2016 GOP Iowa caucus and the 2016 South Carolina primary. You get an A for learning!
Today, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a gay marriage bill, likely with an eye on the 2016 GOP Iowa caucus and the 2016 South Carolina primary. You get an A for learning!
Japanese Women and Body Issues
Apparently 29% of young Japanese women in their twenties are underweight according to estimates on BMI index. Such is the result that comes with the expectation that a 5 ft. 2, 110 lbs. woman being "fat".
For the full article, click here.
For the full article, click here.
Free Speech and Money
Environmental Terror
OBVIOUSLY, THE ONE ON THE LEFT IS MORE LIKELY.
Disclaimer: I am not an investment professional. Do not follow anything I do or recommend without your own independent research.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Common Myths about Taxation
Random Banter:
Taxes suck, but aircraft carriers are expensive, so are police officers and roads. Also, Team America: World Police is really expensive (To hire a guy like Gary--that's high 6 figures). I know a lot gets mentioned about the poor "stealing"...yadda, blah, yadda, blah, but that is not that as big of a part of government budgets given the 4 decade run away from Keynesian economics, government intervention, and welfare. Our safety net in the U.S. has consistently gotten worse through these 4 decades (1970-present). You hear a lot from conservative politicians about how we need to make our safety net even crappier, with the implied notion that the welfare system is for blacks and hispanics. In fact, my Civil Procedure professor likes to constantly complain that people think that welfare is a "black and brown problem". However, its not, there are a lot of poor white people too who receive a lot of government benefits as Bill O'Reilly (the conservative talk show host who has sold out to the left) states, see here.
Here are two myths about taxes:
I know a lot of smart people and a lot of elitists and the vast majority of these people get these mistaken.
Taxes suck, but aircraft carriers are expensive, so are police officers and roads. Also, Team America: World Police is really expensive (To hire a guy like Gary--that's high 6 figures). I know a lot gets mentioned about the poor "stealing"...yadda, blah, yadda, blah, but that is not that as big of a part of government budgets given the 4 decade run away from Keynesian economics, government intervention, and welfare. Our safety net in the U.S. has consistently gotten worse through these 4 decades (1970-present). You hear a lot from conservative politicians about how we need to make our safety net even crappier, with the implied notion that the welfare system is for blacks and hispanics. In fact, my Civil Procedure professor likes to constantly complain that people think that welfare is a "black and brown problem". However, its not, there are a lot of poor white people too who receive a lot of government benefits as Bill O'Reilly (the conservative talk show host who has sold out to the left) states, see here.
Here are two myths about taxes:
I know a lot of smart people and a lot of elitists and the vast majority of these people get these mistaken.
Review of the 2012 GOP Candidates: Ron Paul
Last but not least, here is my review of Ron Paul. For those of you looking for Mitt, Newt, or Rick, please click on their names.
Ron Paul is a congressman from Texas who has run for President many times. He is a rather elderly man of slight build who used to be an ob-gyn doctor. Ron Paul is also special in so many other ways. He is almost a true libertarian, except for abortions and gay marriage. He strongly believes in the gold standard and in general, believes in a very narrow interpretation of Constitution as to what the government can do. He seems to distrust everything governments do, everything (war, currency, regulations, being existent). He is a lot like an ivory-tower intellectual professor type. His message can be very attractive because of its intellectual consistency.
Ron Paul is a congressman from Texas who has run for President many times. He is a rather elderly man of slight build who used to be an ob-gyn doctor. Ron Paul is also special in so many other ways. He is almost a true libertarian, except for abortions and gay marriage. He strongly believes in the gold standard and in general, believes in a very narrow interpretation of Constitution as to what the government can do. He seems to distrust everything governments do, everything (war, currency, regulations, being existent). He is a lot like an ivory-tower intellectual professor type. His message can be very attractive because of its intellectual consistency.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Update on 2012 GOP Race: Now until Super Tuesday
This is a post designed to get us caught up to what has happened so far in the GOP race and what will happen between now until next Tuesday.
What has happened so far?:
Mitt Romney won NH (primary), FL (primary), NV (caucus), ME (caucus)
Rick Santorum won IA (caucus), MN (caucus), CO (caucus), MO (non-binding primary)*
Newt Gingrich won SC (primary)
Ron Paul finished second in NH, MN, ME
*MO will hold caucuses later to determine allocation of delegates
Santorum has shown strength in the Midwest. Romney is strong in the Northeast, states with a lot of Mormons, and Florida, a state with a lot of Northeast transplants. Gingrich has won the only state in the traditional South. Ron Paul does well in libertarian minded states and caucus states.
What has happened so far?:
Mitt Romney won NH (primary), FL (primary), NV (caucus), ME (caucus)
Rick Santorum won IA (caucus), MN (caucus), CO (caucus), MO (non-binding primary)*
Newt Gingrich won SC (primary)
Ron Paul finished second in NH, MN, ME
*MO will hold caucuses later to determine allocation of delegates
Santorum has shown strength in the Midwest. Romney is strong in the Northeast, states with a lot of Mormons, and Florida, a state with a lot of Northeast transplants. Gingrich has won the only state in the traditional South. Ron Paul does well in libertarian minded states and caucus states.
Song of the Day
This is my favorite Taylor Swift song. Not only is it upbeat and catchy, it has a non-happy ending which is antithetical to her other songs.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Fun Political Ideology Quizzes
Hi All!
Many of you thought the "how elitist are you" quiz from my second post on this blog was very fun, so I decided to post more fun quizzes.
Here are some political ideology quizzes that I thought were fun!:
Quiz 1: The Political Matrix
This quiz is scored from -10 to 10. -10 being super leftist and 10 being a right wing nut. It gives you two -10 to 10 scores: one for economic issues and the other for social issues.
Quiz 2: The Progressive Quiz
This quiz is scored 0 to 400. 400 being super progressive (left-wing); 0 being super conservative (right-wing).
I included these two quizzes so that there wouldn't be a bias of positive numbers towards either end of the political spectrum.
My scores: in case you cared...or wanted to compare your ideology to the author of these posts
Quiz 1: Economic -0.71, Social -4.61
Quiz 2: 236
Many of you thought the "how elitist are you" quiz from my second post on this blog was very fun, so I decided to post more fun quizzes.
Here are some political ideology quizzes that I thought were fun!:
Quiz 1: The Political Matrix
This quiz is scored from -10 to 10. -10 being super leftist and 10 being a right wing nut. It gives you two -10 to 10 scores: one for economic issues and the other for social issues.
Quiz 2: The Progressive Quiz
This quiz is scored 0 to 400. 400 being super progressive (left-wing); 0 being super conservative (right-wing).
I included these two quizzes so that there wouldn't be a bias of positive numbers towards either end of the political spectrum.
My scores: in case you cared...or wanted to compare your ideology to the author of these posts
Quiz 1: Economic -0.71, Social -4.61
Quiz 2: 236
Review of the 2012 GOP Presidential Candidates: Mitt Romney
This is the 3rd part of my 4 part series on the 2012 Republican Candidates.
Mitt Romney, a man of patrician good looks, immense wealth, an elitist demeanor, and an awkward personality. The man, who many consider the overwhelming favorite for the GOP Presidential nomination, has been either first or second in the polls pretty much throughout the race. He has always been there as either a frontrunner or the frontrunner.
Mitt has a litany of advantages over his opponents. He has the most money. He has the best campaign surrogates (Chris Christie, Karl Rove, other people right wingers love). He seems to have a bunch of home states (all the New England states, all the Mountain West states with Mormons, Michigan). He is the most-presidential looking. He has the best "organization"-whatever that means. All of these advantages have made him an overwhelming favorite on Intrade and the presumptive GOP nominee in the mainstream media.
Mitt Romney, a man of patrician good looks, immense wealth, an elitist demeanor, and an awkward personality. The man, who many consider the overwhelming favorite for the GOP Presidential nomination, has been either first or second in the polls pretty much throughout the race. He has always been there as either a frontrunner or the frontrunner.
Mitt has a litany of advantages over his opponents. He has the most money. He has the best campaign surrogates (Chris Christie, Karl Rove, other people right wingers love). He seems to have a bunch of home states (all the New England states, all the Mountain West states with Mormons, Michigan). He is the most-presidential looking. He has the best "organization"-whatever that means. All of these advantages have made him an overwhelming favorite on Intrade and the presumptive GOP nominee in the mainstream media.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Wage Disparity and Occupational Leverage
Much has been made about the rising divide between rich and the middle class from the 1970s to the present day. Wages for the rich has been increasing in real terms (ignoring inflation) while wages for the middle and working class have been stagnant. Therefore the wealth disparity in the US has been widening. There have been many explanations for this. Those on the left like to bemoan this result as the product of the decline of unions and decreasing tax rates on the higher income brackets. Those on the right like to explain it away by stating that compensation among all social strata has increased but because of the rising cost of health insurance, wages have been stagnant for the middle and working class.
I would like to propose a new theory, one based on the leverage of an occupation.
I would like to propose a new theory, one based on the leverage of an occupation.
Song of the Day
Here is an amazing acoustic cover of "The Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga. It is especially amazing because acoustic covers of fast songs/club songs like this one usually suck, but this one is really good. On a side note, The Edge of Glory is banned in the People's Republic of China. This act of banning is as stupid as the Pete Hoekstra campaign.
The GOP's love of straw polls
Straw polls are votes whose results are non-binding. The GOP seems to love these as indicators of something important, see the Ames straw poll. There are also a lot of GOP straw polls. Commentators like to point out that this is what the GOP wants democracy to be -- paying a fee to be able to vote. I personally think this is less true given that the GOP is no longer the exclusive party of the business elite.
Sometimes there is an entrance fee, sometimes paid for by various campaigns who want to get their supporters in the straw poll. This is usually a good way to have a money contest/good way to compare penis sizes...or whatever.
Romney recently won the CPAC straw poll which Santorum has accused Romney of paying for Romney supporters to attend. However, what likely happened behind the scenes is that Santorum is just jealous of Romney's campaign cash advantage. While I have little doubt that Romney payed for his supporters to come to CPAC, Santorum would have likely done the same had he had the money to do so. That's basically what you have to do to win these kinds of votes and now Santorum is whining on national TV about losing a vote when no one broke the rules and calling it "rigging". This is just sore loser talk.
The other point is, why are the GOP candidates caring about this seemingly useless vote. To be fair -- this is supposedly the pulse of the conservative energy/intellectualism in the country and might seem important to some people, but frankly I don't see it.
Sometimes there is an entrance fee, sometimes paid for by various campaigns who want to get their supporters in the straw poll. This is usually a good way to have a money contest/good way to compare penis sizes...or whatever.
Romney recently won the CPAC straw poll which Santorum has accused Romney of paying for Romney supporters to attend. However, what likely happened behind the scenes is that Santorum is just jealous of Romney's campaign cash advantage. While I have little doubt that Romney payed for his supporters to come to CPAC, Santorum would have likely done the same had he had the money to do so. That's basically what you have to do to win these kinds of votes and now Santorum is whining on national TV about losing a vote when no one broke the rules and calling it "rigging". This is just sore loser talk.
The other point is, why are the GOP candidates caring about this seemingly useless vote. To be fair -- this is supposedly the pulse of the conservative energy/intellectualism in the country and might seem important to some people, but frankly I don't see it.
Review of the 2012 GOP Presidential Candidates: Rick Santorum
Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, is running as the relatively most social conservative candidate. Even though Santorum lost his last political race in the 2006 U.S. Senate election to current Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D) by a landslide 59%-40% margin, he is somewhat relevant again. While Pennsylvania has been mostly a blue state in the past, a 19% margin is a lot to lose by. Also, his campaign has basically been on life support ever since its started. He's had constant trouble raising money throughout, enough to the point where he couldn't really compete in Florida or South Carolina and is planning to sit out Arizona. He also wasn't relevant at all until just before Iowa. However, this is just the kind of underdog story that Americans love. Now, Santorum is a co-frontrunner or at least chief rival to Romney and has somewhat lovable qualities such as his sweater-vests and his constant smiling.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Please let me know what you think!
Hi All,
I just started blogging (in general, not just this blog). So far I have three, distinct categories of posts (1) music, (2) political stuff, (3) pieces of social trends/events (like the Fox News post or the one on Belmont/Fremont.
Please let me know through your comments on what you think, like if you want more satirical reviews of Rick Santorum!
I just started blogging (in general, not just this blog). So far I have three, distinct categories of posts (1) music, (2) political stuff, (3) pieces of social trends/events (like the Fox News post or the one on Belmont/Fremont.
Please let me know through your comments on what you think, like if you want more satirical reviews of Rick Santorum!
A Curious Take on the Catholic/Contraception
Recently, the Obama administration mandated coverage of contraceptive health products in health plans offered by employers, without an exemption given to Catholicism-based employers. Over 75% of Catholic women use contraceptive products which is very close to the national average. Virtually all women have used contraceptive products at some point in their lives.
So, what's the problem...the problem is that the some parts of the current ideology of the Catholicism does not approve of the use of contraceptives...not for anyone, even to prevent AIDS. One way of looking at this issue is that the federal government is putting mandates on the employer who is putting mandates on the employee.
So, what's the problem...the problem is that the some parts of the current ideology of the Catholicism does not approve of the use of contraceptives...not for anyone, even to prevent AIDS. One way of looking at this issue is that the federal government is putting mandates on the employer who is putting mandates on the employee.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Bonus Song of the Day
I've decided to included a bonus song of the day. There will be days where I'll be unable/forget to post anything so this is my way of paying it forward.
Review of the 2012 GOP Presidential Candidates: Newt Gingrich
Newt Gingrich is one of the 4 major candidates in the running for the Republican Party's nomination for the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election. He is most famous for being the Speaker of the House in the 1990s, a face of the Republican Party of the mid-1990s during the Clinton Presidency.
He has the great distinction of being married three times. His campaign operation has not been the best either. Newt is not on the Virginia primary ballot, a state where he has the potential to do well in. However, Newt has had his moments in the sun this campaign cycle. He was twice the GOP frontrunner, first-a week before the Iowa caucuses, and then the week of the South Carolina primary. He is currently in the doldrums of polling though. However, he has been in this position before and subsequently recovered (For example, during the 2011 summer, Newt was in CA courting Asians--that was dumb--Asians don't vote in large numbers in the Republican primary not is CA towards the front of the 2012 primary calendar).
He has the great distinction of being married three times. His campaign operation has not been the best either. Newt is not on the Virginia primary ballot, a state where he has the potential to do well in. However, Newt has had his moments in the sun this campaign cycle. He was twice the GOP frontrunner, first-a week before the Iowa caucuses, and then the week of the South Carolina primary. He is currently in the doldrums of polling though. However, he has been in this position before and subsequently recovered (For example, during the 2011 summer, Newt was in CA courting Asians--that was dumb--Asians don't vote in large numbers in the Republican primary not is CA towards the front of the 2012 primary calendar).
Song of the Day
It's Friday...and this particular song has reached its 1-year anniversary. Hate if you want to, but how many super catchy, popular songs have you written sang?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Why is Fox News #1?
Fox News, the conservative leaning 24 news channel, has been #1 in cable news for the past 10 years.
The mainstream media does not seem to understand why this is so. Here are some of the reasons commonly given:
1. Fox News is the best channel for news with a conservative bent. Since conservatives only have one source of news and left-leaning voters have many sources of news which divide their viewership, Fox News is #1.
2. Fox News updates its news often and is the first out with breaking news.
3. Fox News uses a nice font and graphic scheme for its headlines and other displays.
I'm not saying these are untrue. But here's the real reason: attractive women.
Please, tell me hot chicks is not the real reason.
In the word of a dentist friend of mine who keeps it on all day in the office: "If I have to have the TV on all day, I might as well have something to watch."
The mainstream media does not seem to understand why this is so. Here are some of the reasons commonly given:
1. Fox News is the best channel for news with a conservative bent. Since conservatives only have one source of news and left-leaning voters have many sources of news which divide their viewership, Fox News is #1.
2. Fox News updates its news often and is the first out with breaking news.
3. Fox News uses a nice font and graphic scheme for its headlines and other displays.
I'm not saying these are untrue. But here's the real reason: attractive women.
Please, tell me hot chicks is not the real reason.
In the word of a dentist friend of mine who keeps it on all day in the office: "If I have to have the TV on all day, I might as well have something to watch."
A Bad Political Ad
It's 2012 and election season is upon us. Most Americans generally bemoan these times as it means that their TVs are filled with misleading, lying politicians who like to distort the truth. Let's be honest, who wants to watch these ads when we're in the middle of "Two Broke Girls", "CSI", "30 Rock", or "The Mentalist".
During the Super Bowl, U.S. Senate candidate Pep Hoekstra (R-Michigan) ran an ad against her opponent that highlighted many of the worst aspects of the campaign season.
Here are a list of things that are wrong with this ad:
During the Super Bowl, U.S. Senate candidate Pep Hoekstra (R-Michigan) ran an ad against her opponent that highlighted many of the worst aspects of the campaign season.
Here are a list of things that are wrong with this ad:
A Guilty Pleasure
In addition to commenting on the relevant social trends and current events of the day, I also enjoy popular, catchy tunes and well-done covers of those songs. I will be periodically inserting music videos. They are meant to take us away from the cynicism of the world and the depressing narratives. Without further ado, here is a catchy song from U.K. artist, Jessie J.
An Interesting Article on a Possible Dichotomy of Society
I recently read a very interesting article by Charles Murray about what has happened to Non-Hispanic White Americans from the 1960s until the present day. For those who do not know, Charles Murray writes for the American Enterprise Institute, one of the three leading conservative think tanks in the U.S. This article he writes, titled "Belmont & Fishtown" is surprisingly not overtly over-the-top in right wing ideology.
The basic premise of this article, which is actually a summary of Murray's book, is that White Americans, while once a culturally similar group, are now on divergent paths based on wealth.
The basic premise of this article, which is actually a summary of Murray's book, is that White Americans, while once a culturally similar group, are now on divergent paths based on wealth.
Hello!
I am starting this blog to analyze the many social trends, issues, and phenomena which make up the United States of America. What makes the U.S. so interesting is our immense, great freedom. The freedom has manifested itself into a very diverse country full of very different people and cultures throughout the country. This combination has created a unique set of problems and opportunities of which I will explore in future posts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)