observationation

yay for unions!

2011-03-05T19:31:00.001-08:00

Been hearing about the stuff in Wisconsin with unions. Their buddy representatives running away and hiding so they don't have to vote on sensitive issues affecting them. That's great government.

Then I heard this video on the evil Glenn Beck's show. Glenn is such a liar, and this kid has clearly been well educated in college and molded correctly. I mean come on, listen to what each person is saying and you'll come to that conclusion.

i don't know where to begin talking about what a joke this guy is. i feel sad that he's forced to live under such a terrible regime like the Noodle company. Whiny, entitled, clueless- scary how common that is now.

Here's an article from today's paper. On a day when the island is nailed with a big storm and a bunch of people are without power, the electrical company union workers go through with their strike and leave them hanging. On the radio they talked about what bad PR this is for the unions, but that really doesn't matter in a state so completely brainwashed into voting democrat. Elections show about 70- 80% the vote is democrat and democrat politicians here are voted in over and over from the time they're around 20 until they're 100.

The whole idea that the company or government you work for is the enemy and trying to destroy you so you need a union to protect you is very odd and unhealthy to me. Just a strange way to start a career or job. Why don't they just work elsewhere? But all businesses are evil! How sad, paranoid and cynical.

My own experience? I went to the capital a year or so ago to listen to arguments for and against the rail here. The American Institute of Architects Honolulu opposed what was being discussed and had a panel there to present their case. I thought it'd be interesting as I had learned about rail and community development etc in school and also had opinions. There were many people there with signs opposing and many people for what was being presented. (not whether the rail should exist or not, but what type of rail construction basically).

The unions were there in full force to oppose the AIA's position and suggestions. They had been given signs and had been told what to say. They were full of rage and couldn't be talked to. They had a chance to ask questions of the architects and planners research and presentation but wouldn't listen to their answers. It was as if they all had ear plugs. They had been so fully brainwashed that they couldn't see any other point of view.

They complained about a rail design requiring more out of state union labor and specialized labor: the AIA recommendations would use more local and less specialized labor, but the unions didn't care.

They complained about the rail being delayed and work for them being delayed: the AIA plan would allow for a quicker start time for the project. but the unions didn't care.

They complained about the need to get it finished sooner to alleviate traffic congestion quicker:
the AIA plan would finish the rail much sooner. but the unions didn't care.

They complained about the overall cost of the rail being more: the AIA plan would bring down the cost by millions. but the unions didn't care.

They didn't care about anything that was presented that day. The unions had been told: "Go to the capital and protest the AIA panel. Anyone who opposes the Mayor's current rail design and plan is the enemy. Don't listen to anyone that disagrees."
And they knew the Mayor is democrat and the Governor (the one who thought it was important enough to hold this at the capital and invited the absent Mayor) was a republican. They left angrier than ever because this alternate plan threatened the one the Mayor and their union bosses had agreed on, when if they had come with an open mind they could have learned something.

It was interesting to see everything in action. Some union people even went to class warfare and said that the President of the AIA Honolulu doesn't understand anything because he's basically 'a rich haole from the rich Kahala area' and they are poor 'working people' from the other side of the island.

Us against them. 'Working' people vs 'wealthy' people (who apparently don't work?). So unhealthy and vital for unions to succeed. Sad and strange.

To sum up, maybe some unions are good, I don't know. Many are out of control and full of corrupt bosses and brainwashed followers. When I see our President and the state of Hawaii is in bed with them it is frustrating.

presidential update

2010-07-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

heard this today and thought it was sweet.

'if you drive a car, i'll tax main street... if you try to sit, i will tax your seat. if you get too cold, i will tax the heat. if you take a walk, i will tax your feet." so great.

remember how no one making less than $250,000 a year wouldn't have an increase of taxes? right.

really, can you believe anything that comes out of his mouth?

he was right though, it isn't politics as usual. It's far, far worse.

Let's make a list of current events:

1- oil spill. day 80 something now. how's that going? forget cleaning up, let's bash oil companies, stop drilling altogether and put more people out of work (and lie about recommendations regarding a moratorium). Push cap and trade and environmental responsibility (while the environment there is being completely ruined). bravo. never let a crisis go to waste.

2- new black panther voter intimidation. After they were found guilty, the DOJ drops the case against them. Look it up on youtube, it's right there and it's crazy. But there is a new policy: no case where white people are victims and black people are the ones committing the crime against them will be taken seriously.
- remember the 'beer summit' after Obama said the white policeman acted stupidly when in the same sentence he acknowledged not having the facts. hooray for a post racial America, united under the Chosen One.

3- Immigration and Arizona. The vast majority of humans understand a border is necessary and without that border being secure it is pointless. Obama would rather get votes from clueless and far, far left people and ignore the American people and go ahead and sue Arizona. Sue it for a basically harmless law that mimics the federal law. Imagine being stopped by a cop for doing something wrong (like speeding or shooting someone) and he asks for your license! WOW, that IS like Nazi Germany. Give me a break and cry me a river people. When asked about whether law suits would be considered against sanctuary cities that openly defy immigration law, they couldn't answer. One more double standard in my book of evidence. And chalk up another one on the 'Obama on opposite side of America' board.
Perhaps they should drop the lawsuit and get to work on fixing the problem.

4- Economy. Get ready for the double dip is what i'm hearing more and more. My hours at work just got cut. Obama continues to give speeches about how awful the country would be if they hadn't run up the debt and wasted money on stimuli. Oh, and don't forget how messed up everything was from EVIL BUSH. That's not getting old at all. Like his 'created or saved' garbage that can't be measured, we are just supposed to take his word for it that he's all knowing and taking great care of us. I prefer to look at reality. He has no clue what he's doing. He and all his socialist textbook reading academic friends are still going for the big government take over with redistribution of wealth and trickle up economics to fix the country. The rest of us have history and reality to look at and understand they're only making things worse.

5- NASA- isn't involved in space anymore, but Islamic relations. Making them feel good about contributions they made to science and math hundreds of years ago... google it. it's happening.

I'm getting tired and don't want to waste more time on this.
The point is Obama is exactly what I thought. That is why i didn't vote for him. Let's hope he doesn't fundamentally change anything beyond repair and will kindly disappear when his lone term is finished. Maybe go get a massage with his buddy Al Gore. Then, hopefully the country will be woken up enough and have their eyes open next time and will elect an actual leader to be president.

a nice entry

2010-02-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

from a house in an old issue of dwell. http://www.dwell.com/articles/opdahl-remastered.html

bathroom sign

2010-01-30T13:26:00.001-08:00

in a house = awesome?

coexist bumper sticker

2010-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Driving with Shandra yesterday I noticed on a car one of the most annoying bumper stickers. It's one that I've seen occasionally, as we live in a place that appeals to hippie types and has several colleges/ a university nearby. But this one struck me as particularly annoying:

The Obama logo had been slipped in there...
but I guess it only makes sense- Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Obama.

I wanted to roll down my window and ask the guy driving that car what planet he's from, and also that he should go back...before I punch his face. How can human beings be expected to 'coexist' with people like that?

Obama hasn't transformed the world into the garden of Eden like he promised and his followers voted with hopeful tears in their eyes for.

- He's not 'open and transparent' at all
- He's not bipartisan at all
- He has a clear dislike for capitalism and other basic principles that make this country what it is.
- He hasn't made the country less hated or more safe by being 'like-able' or incessantly apologizing
- The country is even more racial than before
- Unemployment is still high- he continues to blame Bush- and wants to make every new job be a government one.
- He ignores things that need help and focuses on his predetermined agenda items like health care and global warming. He then ignores data (or the fact that data may be fake) and the American public that disagrees with his own views and proceeds.
- To sum up, I don't understand what people are still in love with him about.

Here in Hawaii I see lots of people wearing clothes by local companies with Obama's face or name on it because he's 'local'. Some of it is pretty sweet. Good designs- because 'cool' artists like Obama. Cool people wear Obama. "Malama Obama" or "Obama Ohana" etc. What are all the props for? Nothing that I can tell. He just exists, and thus is deserving? He truly is an American Idol President, and like most trends and celebrities I think he's annoying. Can't wait till he's out of style. Until then I just wish people would look at the man and what he's doing and talk and think about him accordingly. He's not a God or Religion(not for normal humans, at least). He has done nothing to prove otherwise. Please be realistic. Don't tell me to 'Coexist' Obama style.

I heard this quote a while ago, it's Obama describing himself from one (of two) books he wrote about himself.
"I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their own views..."

Obama the blank screen. Doesn't that sound like a great philosopher or prophet? Someone that stands for ideals and truths and is a shining example for others? Someone willing to take persecution for his beliefs? Don't think so. Sounds like the guy I saw running for president. A guy who stands for nothing (that he'll be open and honest about) but speaks well of vague and positive things that make you feel good. A guy that instead let's others believe what they wish about him and make him into whatever they want him to be- which he'll then use to gain favor and get ahead. It's not rocket science. but then I may be wrong, I didn't go to Punahou and Harvard.

all that from a bumper sticker?

kitchen cabinetry

2009-09-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this kitchen renovation on AT and liked what i saw. If plywood is involved, more than likely I'll be on board. I'm not afraid to say I like materials many people cringe at or think sound cheap: concrete, concrete block, plywood, corrugated metal, it's all very good. I like this kitchen's clean lines, colors (or lack of) and simplicity. I'll file this under my nice interiors section.

political (again?) observations: blasphemy in the temple

2009-09-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

"Hey, hundreds of thousands of people- Go home. You're wrong."

It's not that I love politics and I don't spend much of my leisure time at all talking to people about it. But when something seems strange, annoying or frustrating and is always in the news or being talked about on the radio, then I sometimes feel the need to chime in and state what I agree or disagree with.
I've written before on the blog and others in comments about politicians being out of touch with reality or the common people they're supposed to represent. Written also a lot about Obama's campaign of feel good ambiguity, subsequent deification and worship and the whole elitism thing.
I haven't written here lately about the whole health care thing, czars being exposed and thrown under the bus, push for propaganda by artists, etc and etc. Sometimes the material seems like too much, it's too overwhelming. But for now I thought I'd write a quick note on the overall situation.

The majority of American people don't want the health care plan Obama is pushing. He ignores that fact and makes another speech. The dems in congress say things like the Repubs are blocking it and want the status quo. That's two lies in the same sentence: They don't need the Repubs, they can run them over if they have all the Dems, and 2. Repubs don't necessarily want the status quo, I've heard lots of suggestions to fix the system everyone recognizes needs changes. They just don't want the plan that Obama and Pelosi want. It makes perfect sense to me, but this garbage is repeated by them daily. Obama says he's open to ideas and the door is open. McCain says the door has been shut on Repubs since April. I believe McCain, he has a history of working together with people, Obama does not.
But Obama gets to say whatever he wants and gives his speeches almost on a semi-daily basis. He just doesn't want to budge.

In his speech to congress he says things like 'We must stop with the scare tactics...if we do not pass (my) health care reform now, "our deficit will grow, more families will go bankrupt, more business will close, more Americans will loose their coverage when they are sick and need it the most, and more will die as a result." Wow, that's not a scare tactic, people will just be dying as a result. I'm sorry, what? Do as I say, not as I do! What about a shortage of doctors? -nope, that's a scare tactic, ignore it. It really is comical.

When the left protest, they are noble and 'grass roots' and should be listened to. But when people (who happen to be more conservative) all over the country protest government spending and taxing in huge numbers, they're called 'racist' and 'astroturf'. Today, Obama Senior adviser, David Axelrod, says that the thousands and thousands of protesters that came to Washington from all over the country on 9/12 'do not represent the views of the broader public when it comes to health care reform.'

"I don't think it's indicative of the nation's mood," Axelrod said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "You know, I don't think we ought to be distracted by that. My message to them is, they're wrong."

Talk about elitism on glaring display. What happened to championing free speech? Representing the country? Nope. If you're on the conservative side and have a difference of opinion and you choose to protest, you're wrong. That's all there is to it. End of discussion. You're mocked, ignored, called phony. That's something that I've seen more than once and I think is hilarious, hypocritical and sad.

When Obama is 'disrespected' or shouted at, then the people are 'racist', 'extreme', 'plants' and should be harshly dealt with. To disagree is hateful, shocking and disappointing. Did you see Nancy Pelosi's face when that congressman called Obama a liar during his big health care speech? It could melt your face off. It read: You have blasphemed in the temple of Obama! I know it was maybe wrong place, wrong time, but seriously, what's the big deal? Do you think Bush was never challenged, disrespected, called a liar? If you can say that with a straight face then you're brain dead, I'm sorry. But did you hear Bush complaining? Gasps of shock and disgust that someone disagrees? Calls for apology? NO WAY! Bush said over and over he knew he couldn't please everyone and that people have a right to opinion. He shrugged it off. Man, it makes me appreciate Bush more.

When that reporter in Iraq threw the shoe at Bush, the video was played over and over on the news. All over the radio. Sketches on SNL. It was hilarious and had to be shown to the world! The Iraqi was championed as a hero. The left embraced him as a symbol. Bush's response? 'That guy is entitled to his opinion.' and he laughed about it.

It's clear that Obama has unbelievably thin skin and the Pelosis of the world can't handle disagreement or 'disrespect' of any kind. It's a double standard made apparent over and over in many situations and is, again, hilarious, hypocritical and sad.

And why is dissension during Bush justified and reasonable, but under Obama extreme, hateful and unreasonable? I'm not understanding. I know Obama is relatively new, but at the same time he has done ALOT and I think there has been ample time to critique what he's got going on. When he says things like fundamental change I believe it's important for close and constant dissection, otherwise if we let him work it and question later, then we got a whole new system going on and it might not be pretty or easy to repair. Health care? I think the people know what he wants, it's been discussed, (albeit not always clearly-not the public's fault) for months now. The people have voiced their opposition. His response? 'You're all wrong'. wow.

I don't want to continue on with more stuff, but just wanted to get some thoughts out onto computer screen.
It's because of stuff like this that I continue to see the left as more extreme, hateful, intolerant and hypocritical than the right. It's as simple as that. And I totally agree with Courtney that labels are stupid and unproductive. When discussing things like politics right now i don't know any other way to distinguish the two sides than to use words like left, right, conservative, liberal, etc., And since our system only has two sides at the moment I have to look at it accordingly. When people step up to be bi-partisan I'll check them out. So far I haven't really seen that. Hopefully next election will allow us to bring in some new blood who aren't so divisive/ set in their party line ways. And I don't agree with Republicans 100% of the time, but time and again I have seen things happen like the above examples that make me think that Republicans/ Conservatives tend to be less ridiculous than non-conservatives. They tend to use reason and common sense over emotion and trends.

**breaking news**: As I was about to post this I see an article on Obama being on 60 minutes tonight, I suppose as part of his semi-daily health care speech schedule. He is going to say - "There are those in the Republican party who think the best thing to do is just to kill reform. That that will be good politics." He's still got the talking points going! Keep it up, It's really effective! Obama's door is open (as long as your ideas align identically with his!) He's missing just three words keeping that first line from being truthful: My Version Of.

"...kill my version of reform..." That would be openness and transparency.

interesting conversation in The Fountainhead

2009-06-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

Was just reading a little tonight in Ayn Rand's Fountainhead. I thought a conversation between Ellsworth Toohey and some of his followers, a group of educated and cultured men and women who like to sit around commentating on society and how great they think they are, was pretty interesting. One in the group refers to them all as 'liberal businessmen'. I became confused and disoriented as to whether I was still reading the book or had magically and secretly transported to a meeting held by Obama and the liberal empire in Washington. Some quotes from the conversation:

"The basic trouble with the modern world is the intellectual fallacy that freedom and compulsion are opposites. To solve the gigantic problems crushing the world today, we must clarify our mental confusion. We must acquire a philosophical perspective. In essence, freedom and compulsion are one. Let me give you a simple illustration. Traffic lights restrain your freedom to cross the street whenever you wish. But this retrain gives you the freedom from being run over by a truck... Whenever a new compulsion is imposed upon us, we automatically gain a new freedom. The two are inseparable. Only by accepting total compulsion can we achieve total freedom."

"People make too damn much fuss about freedom...I'm not even sure it's such a blessing. I think people would be much happier in a regulated society that had a definite pattern and a unified form- like a folk dance. You know how beautiful a folk dance is...That's because it took generations to work it out and they don't let just any chance fool come along to change it."

"What makes people unhappy is not too little choice, but too much...Having to decide...torn every which way all of the time. Now in a society of pattern, man could feel safe..."

"No intelligent person believes in freedom nowadays. It's dated. The future belongs to social planning. Compulsion is a law of nature..."

"Everybody can't be as competent as you...We must help the others. It's the moral duty of the intellectual leaders. What I mean is we ought to lose that bugaboo of being scared of the word compulsion. It's not compulsion when it's for a good cause...But I don't know how we can make this country understand it. American's are so stuffy."

"It's stupid to talk about personal choice. It's old-fashioned. There's no such thing as a person. There's only a collective entity..."

"Something's got to be done about the masses. They've got to be led. They don't understand what's good for them... I can't understand why people of culture and position like us understand the great ideal of collectivism so well and are willing to sacrifice our personal advantages, while the working man who has everything to gain from it remains so stupidly indifferent..."

"No, you would never be able to match Gail ('evil' self-made capitalist) Wynand's career. Not with your sensitive spirit and humanitarian instincts. That's what's holding you down, not your money. Who cares about money? The age of money is past. It's your nature that's too fine for the brute competition of our capitalistic system. But that, too, is passing."

Rand wrote this in 1943 and now people with the same mindset as those in this fictional group are running the country. Capitalism is evil, we must teach the masses the correct way, we are so much more enlightened, we must force people to rejoice in collectivism, we must bring CHANGE to this old-fashioned society. Sound familiar?
Kind of eerie.

Change one word in this sentence from above and you have the theme of a cover article from Newsweek since Obama was elected: 'What I mean is we ought to lose that bugaboo of being scared of the word socialism'.

No thanks. Compulsion and freedom aren't the same. Is this the change people believed in and voted for, honestly?

well said, jon voight

2009-06-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

I heard some of this speech and had to go listen to the whole thing. I haven't written about politics or 'The Messiah' for a while- I don't know what to say, there is too much. I'll let my friend Jon Voight say things for now. I think he does a pretty great job of laying it out and describing our current situation to the T.

I love his descriptions of Obama. It's not often that people (on tv, news, from hollywood, from hawaii, etc, etc) look at him critically, realistically, logically or with any degree of common sense. The blind faith, obedience and unfounded trust of his followers is scary and frustrating, as I have gone on and on about before...

It is refreshing to hear someone who is well known speak critically of His Highness. Thanks Jon.

let us mourn on earth day

2009-04-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

"...bring me to this rock, that has the most incredible life..."

-i know that inspired me to be a better human.

no more nukes! no more nukes!

2009-04-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

weird. even SLATE agrees that Obama wanting to disarm the U.S. to help transform the world into a place of peace and tranquility without nuclear weapons is unrealistic. To live in a Utopia sounds nice, that's why he sends chills through you when he describes the world he's going to create. But the real world we live in doesn't function the way it does in his dreams. and to pretend it does, or that he has the power to change it into his idyllic vision, is not only unrealistic but dangerous for the rest of us.

presidential update

2009-04-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

I hate to waste energy dwelling on this stuff, but our President is doing too much good in the world to ignore.
The Obamas went to Europe for the G-20 recently - where some fans in the streets still cheered as they did before his election, but many world leaders weren't quite as in love. He asked for other countries to pour money into their economies to bail out banks and other hurting companies/ industries, preaching what he does here, that the government is the answer (and also that the key fixing a huge deficit is to increase it). Some European (Germany, France, etc)countries' leaders said no thanks, they've been there before.
Funny how Obama dreams of making the U.S. more European while much of Europe becomes more conservative and less like the Europe Obama romanticizes about. He's still convinced socialism is the solution. Meanwhile countries that have been down that road are now turning away from it.

Obama's trip has turned into an apology tour, telling the world he's sorry for the U.S. being a superpower, sorry for the last 8 years, sorry for being so bossy and independent. And then he goes around saying how the U.S. and the world needs to get rid of nuclear weapons and will quit being so annoying and pushy. We'll quit trying to lead the world and just work towards a one world government where our constitution is replaced with a panel of leaders from around the world representing different cultures.

I think he looks weak and naive and is making the U.S. look pathetic.

Now a word about Obama making himself the CEO and head car designer of GM and Chrysler.
I already wasn't into most American cars due to there ugliness and my belief that other car companies like Honda or Subaru make better cars. Thus, I (along with many, many Americans) wasn't planning on buying one from them. That's why they're failing (that and labor unions, also something Obama won't let go away)! Obama somehow thinks that by the government taking over these car companies and then dictating what type of car they should make, people like myself will suddenly buy a GM. I actually am now even more, far more, inclined to avoid buying from these companies because of this. I think Obama's vision will fail and companies that continue to do their own research and development and make cars accordingly will succeed. Obama will probably tax us all if we buy a non Obama-motors car so we slowly all must obey, at which time I'll move to New Zealand.

A caller on the radio made this comparison: it's like sending a package to someone. You know the Post Office is probably the cheapest, but FED Ex or UPS is probably faster and will get the package there more reliably. That's the nice thing about having choices. The government does some things that are fine, but often times private companies do the same things better and more efficiently. Imagine your car being designed and made by government employees now. No incentive to be inventive or excel beyond the minimal requirements. Sound good? I'm just afraid that by using taxes, Obama will try to MAKE it sound good.

I enjoy and take seriously the power I have as a buyer and consumer (and want to write posts on the subject more, what items i like, which business deserve our business, etc). I know that we are the backbone of a capitalist economy. If stores sell things we want at the price we want, they succeed. If not, they fail and disappear. Obama and his minions, as the elite humans they are, believe their opinions and preferences have more weight than we the buying public. They, for some reason, think they have the power to take companies over, tell CEOs they don't like to quit, and then tell those companies how to do business. That is not capitalism, that's not even constitutional, as far as i can tell.

New polls show Obama is already one of the most divisive presidents in history, shown by the huge numbers of approval by Democrats and huge disapproval numbers by Republicans. He said he was beyond partisanship, he was going to be a uniter! But we've quickly learned it's his way or the highway and his way is just as extreme as some of us feared. His followers in the Democratic party fell in love with his image and his promises of change, even though he never really outlined what the change would be. Strangely, now that we see him taking the country to a place it shouldn't be, many of his devoted are willing to close their eyes and trust in him- This is supported by the polls showing a much lower percentage of people that approve of his policies than of him in general.

I am excited for the day that people wake up and realize the mess he's making.

ps: no, the fact that Michelle is planting an organic garden at the White House doesn't cancel out all the other crap her husband is doing. I still cannot support the Obamas. My priorities must be messed up.

photo: Obamas taking care of business- breaking protocol (left) and bowing to the Saudi King (right).

this must be the place

2009-04-04T01:56:00.001-07:00

i just want this video on here. i watch it often and it makes my day a lot better when i do.
everything about it: the lamp, the smiling guitarists, the dancing backup singers, and david byrne. it's happy and amazing.
*
*
also, i love this interview with david byrne by david byrne. it also makes my day a lot better. he's sweet.

"I'll tell you later..." - genius.

i love you mr. president!

2009-02-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Example of Obama in campaign mode, trying to, I guess, keep the romance going during this time when he looks to be failing miserably. This is our new President, isn't it wonderful. It looks like a cross between The Price is Right and Dr. Phil or something. Obama love fest is still in full swing, and Obama's love for himself is as clear as ever in this video. 'Sit down women, it's needs to be a man...' Gosh, aren't I the coolest.

Give me a break and get to work!

p.s.- Julio: here's why you haven't found another job in 4 years: You're a freak. (sorry, that's a little mean)

2009-02-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Listening to the radio today there was a lot of talk about the 'stimulus' and what's happening in the country. Lately, Obama talking to D.C. sounds kind of like a cry baby threatening to take his toys elsewhere. Or when he's speaking to the media or going out to communities he sounds identical to his campaign speeches (trying to be funny, get the crowd all excited with promises his government will take care of them if they surrender themselves to it.) It's very odd, but I don't think he's being a leader or at least a good one. I'm not sure how anyone can defend or feel good about him right now. Some things were mentioned by John Gibson and Tom Sullivan I thought were interesting.

The unemployment rate is over 7 % now. That is high, I know. So Obama is going around with his new word 'catastrophe' and words like that, threatening everyone. He says the country's doing the worst since the Great Depression.
-But when Reagan was elected it was higher, some sources have it up to 13% and he got it down to 3-5%.
-When Clinton took office unemployment was up at about 7-8% and things turned around.
- how did Reagan and Clinton get out of the slump? lower taxes, less government.
-During the Great Depression, unemployment was up at about 25-30%.

-have some perspective.

Obama and dwindling supportors of running up our debt more and spending a trillion dollars to save us from destruction say 'we can't afford to do nothing.' But they want you to ignore the fact that over the past year hundreds of millions of dollars have already been spent to help banks and other problem areas in the economy. Have you seen the positive effects of that money? Is throwing more money at it going to bring different outcomes? -especially when people like Tim Geitner have been involved in the bailouts that have already failed, and are now running these new bailouts and stimuli? We heard before the first bailout that if we didn't do it there would be certain disaster. Now all that money is nowhere to be found and Obama and his buddies are back repeating the exact same thing. I know Obama is magic, but how is this going to solve anything?

Tom mentioned the quote about democracies failing when the people figure out they can vote themselves gifts. Then he shared this quote from Alexander Tyler in 1787. It is kind of scary, and basically the same as cycles seen in civilizations we know about that he doesn't mention.

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."

"The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith; 2. From spiritual faith to great courage; 3. From courage to liberty; 4. From liberty to abundance; 5. From abundance to complacency; 6. From complacency to apathy; 7. From apathy to dependence; 8. From dependence back into bondage "

I've already written about how our country can't deal with hardship, we've grown fat. That is why the crisis we're in now IS different from times past. The people of today are accustomed to living a certain way and never dreamed of having to live otherwise. The way I see it we are in the apathy to dependence phase of the above cycle.

Thus, Obama and liberals have gained favor of this country by promising things like bigger government, universal health care and income redistribution. Artists like Shepard Farley have made themselves famous by making Communist/Socialist-propaganda-poster-type art of Obama. Chairman Mao is in cool designs of clothing or household goods, and portrayed as a great and kind caretaker of his people. Newsweek apparently has an article out saying we are official socialist now. The word that couldn't be uttered during the campaign is now proclaimed by Obama supporters. Socialism is good. Government control of our lives is good. Mao and Obama are hip and benevolent leaders we must trust and obey. It is cool and trendy to talk of such things. Capitalism is the new bad word. It failed. That's why we need change.

Is this not alarming? I don't agree with his trend. I hope it's not too late to turn back. America was not made great through such ideas. Why are they now deemed the antidote to our problems? Is Obama's encouraging apathy and increasing our dependence the answer here? Read Tyler's quote again. Does it sound nice? Are we not on that cycle? Is socialism really that sexy?

think about it

2009-01-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

To quote my friend jemaine, 'what's wrong with the world today...?'
There's a lot of crazy stuff going on right now and wanted to share some thoughts.

global warming- Gore argued again for support and money this week in d.c. and I'm sure he'll get it from this presidency. While our economy is tanking, we're gonna spend millions and millions to combat environmental problems that Gore peddles. He is smooth though, I mean he's set it up so now when the country is suffering from crazy freezing cold or even the earth takes a break from warming (even for a few years/decades at a time?) He's able to say, 'Well global warming symptoms include 'changes' and 'fluctuations' in weather and temperature. Ok, so he's safe when we start freezing or we even stop warming.
What about when in a few years and we are still here and the earth is doing grand, what does Gore say for himself then? 'Well, we made just the right changes to avoid certain disaster! thanks everyone for your cooperation (and your money!) Politicians cannot be trusted, apparently unless they tell you they love mother earth. that's tender.

So this must mean I'm a typical pollution-loving, trash creating conservative right? Give me a break. I appreciate the earth as much or probably more than Gore. I appreciate and want clean air to breath, I hate trash and pick it up where I can. I even have a couple of totes in our trunk to take shopping (hate saying that now that it's such a trend thing....that my mom started about 30 years ago, thanks mom) But I'm not a crazy overly dramatic person who bases all my political thinking on trends and emotions. I am practical and realistic. I also think that freedoms should remain with people, they should be able to make choices and not have the government dictate their lives. Because while we know there's plenty of idiots out there, we've seen that politicians are often greedy and corrupt and too much governmental power ends up being a bad thing.

our economy- I saw an article on msn about our country's present state being compared to the great depression. They had an old picture of soup lines stretching down the street. I haven't seen any here in Honolulu, I didn't know it was that bad. oh wait, it's not.
When you look at history, even recently history, it shows that our country has had it worse than it has it right now. It's a recession, it happens from time to time. If bad choices are made, it can become a depression. I think that the media that got Obama elected are now telling us that we are all on the verge of economical collapse, that our country has never been worse and that people are actually killing themselves because it's so bad.
They want us to be scared, could it be perhaps that they want us to be terrified for reasons two fold?
One, when Obama tries to spend the country to prosperity and it fails and forces us into a depression, then the media will be able to truly say, see, the country IS that bad. Obama couldn't have done anything about it.
Two, we the public will not question his highness and his big plans to save us. We will realize our hopelessness and need for a larger, more powerful government and resign ourselves to it, giving Obama and his socialist friends power to federalize banks, businesses, etc. and expand their domination over our lives. Far fetched? Maybe. But the fact that Obama's already got a bunch of the country to believe he is their savior and the only hope this world has shows us that it wouldn't be too difficult to take it a step further and just make himself King over us.

I think Obama hasn't a clue what he's doing, but in light of his knowing the above paragraph is true, he is seeking to spend more money than other time in the history of the world for the latest 'stimulus'. He knows no one will question him, he knows the country wants free stuff and wants to love him and serve him. So why not do it? Liberals complain about the cost of the war? Well, Obama's gonna top it his first month in office. But that's no problem. Really people?

And his right hand man who's gonna fix the money problem? Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. He was caught not paying his own taxes and tried to cover up, but he is clearly the only person fit for this job. Of course he lied and said it was a little mistake he made, of course Obama says he believes him and covers for him. It is astounding. Geithner's the only person fit for this job, right. Even if it was a mistake and he messed up his taxes(for a few years), we really want to have him running the entire IRS and treasury. Really?

Times are hard for many, I know. We have a few good friends who have lost their jobs and it's super sad and rough for them. But it could be much worse. I still go shopping and I still see long lines at most places. And I'm not talking soup lines. It is just frustrating to be told that we live in the worse time in our country's history and we should surrender to the power and majesty of Obama and have faith. Give me a break, and I thought only conservatives were fear mongers.

I have to finish lunch now, and have a new lego truck I want to put together, so will stop.
Please, don't believe the hype! Our lives are not horrible and hopeless, it could be worse and probably is in almost any other part of the world. I just wish we had the power to take our leaders out and put new, trustworthy and competent people in to fix these problems. WAIT?!! I thought that was what was supposed to happen after the election of His Holiness. Guess not, it's business as usual. Overspending by politicians trying to give handouts, and keep their positions of power, shady and questionable characters being given a pass as they rise to power and make choices that affect our future. Is there anyone that Obama has appointed (or even been associated with) that isn't questionable and controversial??? Surprisingly no. He came from the sewers of Chicago politics clean and unspotted. But, all we can do now is HOPE for the best.

p.s.- I drive a subaru, does that make me a progressive?

presidential shaka

2009-01-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

I wanted to acknowledge that today, as I walked to the bus stop and looked at the front page of today's newspaper, I felt something warm inside.
This is the image I saw:

Obama throwing a shaka yesterday. I admit I thought that was pretty sweet. I felt a portion of affection inside for Obama that I'd never felt before. I thought he could be a cool President, and it would be nice to see him do well and support what he does for the country.

But just some thoughts on yesterday's events...
I have to say that I heard most of Obama's speech yesterday and I didn't cry. I thought it was pretty standard really. Thus far I think President Palmer on 24 got me far more proud and excited, as I still don't really know what to think or believe about Obama (whereas Palmer was tested and tested and always showed his integrity!).

I had to think yesterday, as people around me were recovering from personal sob fests, what I would do if I were walking to the bathroom here at work and the elevator opened and the new President walked into the office. I really thought about it and concluded I would say, 'oh, hi President Obama!' and shake his hand and then continue on with my life. I wouldn't disintegrate into a puddle of mush, I wouldn't pee my panties, I don't think I would even shed a single tear. I had to share that with Shandra when she picked me up due to all the ellation around us. To me, Obama is just a man. A good orator, a lawyer and a politician. That is it- I realize I left 'deity' off the list. I am proud that even though many countries put us down and pride themselves on being more progressive, that even they would not elect an African American to preside over their non-black majority population. It is a great thing and our country continues to be an example to the world. But the whole love fest is a little ridiculous. If you found yourself crying uncontrollably yesterday, I would suggest taking a deep breath and trying to grab a hold of reality (of course I'll make an exception if you actually suffered through segregation first hand). Let's have hope Obama can keep us safe and help turn around our economy, sure. But let us all remember, he is only human, he is just a man.

Thanks, George W. (& thoughts on the state of the union)

2009-01-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to write a quick note at the end of our President's time in office. A little thank you note.

W.-
Thanks for keeping us safe from another attack, I was sure we would have another something happen after 9/11. I'm sure the people under Sadam appreciate not being killed by their evil dictator anymore too. I'm sure that that jerk who throw his shoes at you secretly appreciated the fact that he wasn't instantly taken out and hung for committing such an act. It is a bit ironic.

I know that in the future, when the ridiculous hatred towards you has been purged and the ever negative, radical, conspiracy theorist, confused, whiny, paranoid and bitter feelings have had time to fade and such people find something new to complain about or have had to face the fact that other things/people affect our world besides you, then you will be seen as a decent President and man. You have not been a failure and disgrace, you have done much good. I know that your keeping the country safe will be seen as a huge accomplishment by historians. I could care less what some of the other countries of the world think and I'm glad you didn't allow them to dictate what we do here.

I appreciate that you weren't afraid to make tough choices that you knew some people wouldn't like. You did what you thought was best for us. Thanks for pouring water down KSM's nose, thanks for listening to phone calls that caused suspicion, thanks for not giving terrorists and any random person in this world trying to kill others the same rights, protection and freedom that we law abiding citizens of the U.S. enjoy. Thanks for not caring what the media or crazed bloggers say and write about you but doing what you thought was necessary. The disapproval of such people/outlets has only increased my appreciation and belief that you're doing something right.

Thanks for trying to help stop the craziness in the home mortgage industry. All efforts to stop the nonsense of no money down and low interest loans were shot down and you were told you were against affordable housing. You were told there wasn't a problem. Now you're blamed for the problem by those like Barney Frank who created it, but I know it wasn't your fault. I know that there are many issues we are dealing with as a country that are not your fault, even though everyone else tries to convince me otherwise. To accept the idea that people are responsible for themselves, for their own choices and consequences, is to be in the minority.

To sum up, G.W., thanks for keeping it real and keeping me safe. I don't mind the way you talk even if sometimes it didn't sound like a Harvard professor. I don't care that you said 'use the google', or whatever it was. That was good times. I know that your actions are what counts and you've done good in this world that is appreciated.

I saw an article on MSN today about the good you've done in Africa against AIDS. This must truly be an impressive thing you've done to get MSN to stop the bashing and hateful obituary writing they and most other media here are looking to run up until the moment you leave for Texas. Thanks for the ignored good you did there, I'm sure the people actually living there appreciate it too. So keep your head up and go enjoy some well deserved R&R.

Your Friend,

C

Thoughts in closing:
Our country has changed and will now continue as a place filled with people blaming others for their own problems and looking to the government to be their babysitter. More and more people will learn and accept the idea that the government should do everything for you. Future President Obama in his recent speech said that the government is the only thing able to fix our problems. He is the anti-Regan, who said that the government was the problem, not the solution. And our country has evolved to accept and crave this new President's view of the government. People thought Bush had too much power? hmm, so the answer is to give the next one even more?

In our time of wealth and growth we have learned to take everything for granted, to always expect that what we want will be provided for us. We've evolved into a gluttonous place where humans are actually trampled to death by other people trying to buy a flat screen TV- and further into a country where these same people take their new TV home, clean the blood off to watch a movie and complain the whole time about how hard their life is and that they need help from the government.

We have seen money spent at an insane rate in recent months to avoid the inevitable consequences of the mess we've made of our businesses and economy. Businesses expect to be provided with what they need to continue to live, even if it is continuing an unsustainable and lame business model, and many have been given money. Obama promises to give about $1 trillion more despite it being unclear whether the money used thus far is going to do anything. I fear things will only be made worse and our problems postponed.

Our government has become a group of inbred career politicians, and we've just given a single party the power to do almost anything they want. It should be interesting, I just hope that when it comes time for questions or criticisms that there will be people willing to step up. Bush cannot be blamed forever.

shelving idea i like

2008-12-13T19:36:00.000-08:00

I saw this shelf on apartment therapy, talking about using found objects and recycling to make different shelving/ storage space. I really like the idea of using different pieces to make a new and interesting one, and since my goal is to make everything in our house I wanted to post this and have it as a reminder and source of inspiration down the road. peace

what's up with Obama?

2008-11-21T14:03:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to post an update on what's going on with Obama. Well, he's been busy not saying anything specific about what he'll do as President because "there's only one President at a time." Maybe he's buying time to sort it out himself, who knows.
But in the meantime, Obama has been picking his cabinet and people to surround himself with for the next 4 years. This means we finally get a glimpse of 'Hope and Change'.

So what does 'Change' look like?

The Clinton years apparently. Did I miss Obama's mentioning a time machine or anything during his many inspirational speeches?? Maybe Obama's taking early steps in combating global warming and protecting the environment by practicing 2 of the 3 Rs: Reuse and Recycling. It really looks like some serious recylcing of Washington politicians to me. I'm excited to hear his choices defended by his many fans. I'm sure Hillary and Bill's come back is a 'stroke of genius' somehow.

Should be fun! Can you say drama?

In other news:

Looking to stay fit and healthy??? Two words: coffee and cigarettes!
Interesting choice. But it's a collector's edition, so I have to buy it.

how Obama got elected

2008-11-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

This is way too interesting and funny to not pass on. I recommend watching the whole thing and visiting www.johnziegler.com if you want more on Obama voters, media bias, etc. It's pretty astounding. I know media bias is a myth created by evil conservatives to keep us down, but I think it's pretty clear to me...also clear that many people in this pop culture, American idol landscape we now live in get their information from lopsided sources or SNL skits or people like Bill Maher because it's hip, funny, cutting edge and entertaining. People see things like a candidates clothing more important than their actions, associates, or platforms.

Ok, so I was told the country sucks, so who's in charge of congress? Must be Republicans.

Who said there are 57 states? Well, Palin is an idiot so she must have said it.

Who did something bad or weird? I don't know, so it must be the Republican.

Who is House Speaker? Who is this person? This person? Who did that? Who said that?
Can't say that I know, or even care to know. OBAMA...OBAMA....OBAMA....

hmm...

house i like

2008-11-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

at least on the inside. Really similar style to ours, i just wanted to post it so i could find it to check out again in the future. slide show.

are you patriotic now? how about now?

2008-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

I heard on the radio all this stuff about people in liberal parts of the country buying American flags and wanting to show pride in their country for the first time in their entire life since the election. They mentioned this article from a Seattle newspaper. I think it's a strange thing for people to claim they are now proud for the first time, or that they now love their country, when a week ago they couldn't say that. I've been thinking about lots of stuff lately about this sudden love for your country thing, and also the idea of acceptance- but only when the other person agrees with your point of view. They seem often to be tied together somehow, or at least usually involve a lot of the same people. I bet if you go to places in middle America, 'traditional values' places or 'bitter-clinger' territory as some like to say, places that typically have lots of American flags up throughout their towns and neighborhoods, I bet you will continue to see those flags through the next four years. Even if they didn't vote for the man in the white house, I bet those flags remain. I think they know, as I know, that our country isn't one man. It isn't even 2 people, or even a small group of temporary leaders and governors, it is something much larger and greater.

Dad, I suppose you've taken your flag down right? Have maybe even burned it after seeing the election results? Probably won't even consider taking it out for the next four years? I highly doubt it. I just think it's really funny that papers in Seattle or San Francisco are actually running pieces on properly displaying and caring for the flag because their readers never cared to honor it before and don't even know how. Whatever their reasoning be, I say- 'Welcome! Join us in appreciating our country!" I just hope that that truly is what they are doing, because no matter who got elected, I think it's a pretty great place.

election day positivity

2008-11-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

In trying to remain positive while drowning in the Obama worship around me, I look to my new friend Peggy. She seems to be feeling pretty good right now.

I will try to share her sentiments. Perhaps it's true, I may no longer have to pay for my gas. My student loan: taken care of. Rent? gone. That does sound nice. (I mean, look at Obama's illegal aunt Zeituni in the Boston projects, his half brother in his Kenya shack, etc., this guy is benevolent!) Anyways, I learned somewhere that if I have even a seed of hope or faith I should plant that seed within me and see how it develops. Maybe I should try it out. Maybe rich people should be punished and everyone else should depend on Obama to give them those greedy rich people's money. You know, those doctors and lawyers and people who don't deserve their wealth....wait, that's everyone in my own family except for me! HA! Suckers!

this guy's sweet

2008-10-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've seen a couple of this guy's videos on youtube. He's pretty cool, makes alot of sense to me. Gives it to you straight.

see more here

vote obama and fix the broken foundations of the U.S.

2008-10-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

If it's still possible to think clearly about His Holiness, the Dalai Obama, then perhaps its time to take his election a little more seriously. He wants to address the problems handed down to us all when the founding fathers wrote the flawed constitution. Obama believes it too negative (says what the government can't do) and falls short in the, i guess, positive as he sees it (what the government should do for you). Hopefully people who are fans of the founding fathers and believe that they knew what they were doing will think Obama's words a little troubling. Here's a clip from a recently unearthed interview with Barry on Chicago public radio in 2001.

I think Obama should be running in North Korea, Russia or Cuba or someplace else, where the government actually does take upon itself the duty of providing everything for people, distributing wealth, and having a much more intrusive role in our everyday lives.

If you believe that people shouldn't control how to use their own money, that hard work and success doesn't allow you to lift yourself above others who don't exert the same effort, and that the government should have far more power in your life, than please vote Barry.

It is scary the way Obama hides his intentions to completely alter the country and our freedom by saying generic garbage like "change". We hung out with friends over the weekend, there was another couple there we didn't know and they all had fun talking about how dumb Palin is and how great SNL is for making a fool of her, how great Obama is, how they'll move if he's not elected, blah, blah, blah. Typical young liberal person recently graduated from college stuff. And why doesn't she like McCain? "Oh like, I just can't take another old geezer who's like 'yeah, more war' and stuff." Wow, she sounded smart. She almost convinced me.

It is scary that the Obama crowd attacks people who question him or ask him a hard question. See what happened to Joe the plumber: we now know more about him in a matter of a week or 2 because he asked Obama a question, than we know about Obama. Biden is asked a question about Obama's socialist tendencies and he throws a tantrum and the Obama people cut that news channel off for the rest of the campaign. You question or don't agree with him, you get in trouble. is that scary to anyone else? and he's not even president yet. imagine what it will be like when he is, with an unstoppable congress behind him.

Obama will be change indeed. Anyone else concerned about where the change will take us?

elect inexperience, get tested.

2008-10-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Crazy Joe made another gaffe yesterday, but it's not that funny or inacurrate. Sure it's the last thing Obama wants his running mate to say, but even Biden cannot ignore the situation we'll put our country in when we elect a make believe hero as president. He foresees a big event happening to test whether Obama is able to be a strong leader and see what he'll do in times of crisis and danger. I thought Repubs were supposed to be the fear mongerors, but is this some new, weird tactic: striking fear, but calling on us to embrace the fear, because daddy Obama will be there? But even Biden doesn't seem comforted at the thought...
Hey, we might get blown up, but I'm willing to take the chance for the possibility of some feel-good change!

Biden even went on to say a bunch more weird and troublesome stuff about Obama possibly reacting and making choices that the public might not agree with or think are correct ones when this big test occurs. But Biden calls on everyone to not fear, not question Obama, but to have faith that it'll turn out in the end... man, that sounds optimistic. And that's coming from his #2!

exhibit A: Blindly following Obama

2008-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is funny and a little scary. How can McCain compete when Obama gets the nod no matter what platform someone supports, even when it's McCain's. hmmm. maybe it's the old jedi mind tricks...

final debate and closing statement

2008-10-15T23:05:00.001-07:00

Can you image how frustrating it would be to run against Obama? I think McCain deserves a medal just for the fact that he's survived without spontaneously combusting.
McCain tried to be on the offense tonight, he had to, it's his last stand. I wish he went harder, there is an incredible amount of ammunition to use. But McCain was given, with the Repub nomination, the impossible task of running against someone who was preordained to the presidency, who was anointed by almost all media outlets as the savior of the world and who has captured a frightening amount of supporters all in love with the idea of Obama.

Obama made a joke about Fox news' bias during the debate. Fox is a tiny segment of the media, one little network, against the entire rest of the world. Give me a break, because they want to look at the man who might be president without falling all over themselves and openly promote him Obama's going to whine about it?

Obama is running on the idea that McCain is more of Bush, that is it. Add in some garbage about spreading wealth around and giving people that don't pay tax tax breaks and you have Obama's platform in a nutshell. Oh, he speaks well too. And apparently that is enough to win.

It is astounding to me the faith and trust so many people are willing to put in this man. It is so simple and logical to question and so difficult to defend. I look at it like this:

He says he is a man of character. Let's hypothesize about his character by what he's done and who he associated with. He was taught and molded to become a political leader by radically thinking people, Ayres, Wright, Flagger and others. I know that it is lame to use the guilty by association thing, but really, there is a large number of questionable characters in this relatively unknown man's life. Obama, when asked about associations, has repeatedly lied at first, saying that there is nothing there to worry about. As it becomes a problem for him, he repeatedly comes up with poor excuses like 'I wasn't there...', 'I was eight years old'...etc. What about saying constantly to adoring fans: 'We need to bring the troops home now!', then going to Iraq and telling their government behind closed doors that he doesn't think any such action should be taken until he's president? That is not character! It is disturbing to me and basically ignored by most other people. Now the stuff with ACORN. He plays it off in the debate, laughing and saying he has nothing to do with ACORN? He was employed by them, he trained their people, he gave them money to have their help in registering people to vote. Now their own people are pleading guilty to fraud and they are being investigated in many states across the country. In Houston alone, 40% of the over 27,000 registrations were found to be fraudulent. ACORN has registered over 1.3 million voters so far this year. Thousands and thousands of votes are, I'm sure, being cast illegally and Obama laughs it off and says he's got no part in it and it's not a big deal. He is in bed with them, please open your eyes people. That is not character. He is a sneaky, smooth talking, erudite snob who uses people to get ahead.

He says to judge him by his record. He has none. He's voted present almost always and has done pretty much nothing as a senator. He said in the debate tonight that he's 'reached across the isle'. I don't know what he was talking about. When the economic collapse happened, he receded into the shadows, letting others take the blame. He and his friends at Freddie and Fannie were part of the problem, yet they are not called out. Obama didn't show any kind of leadership and wasn't at all involved with the bill they worked on and passed. He said for the Dems in D.C. to call him if they needed him. He didn't want to be involved in the mess, so did nothing and now he's picked up momentum because the blame has been dealt to people like McCain by the media. Again, look at the record: Repubs called for something to be done years ago that could have helped avoid such a housing crisis. McCain was there calling for it, Obama was stopping it. Now, McCain gets the blame and Obama crowd surfs by, carried by cheering fans that now trust him to fix the problem.

I didn't want to write alot and hope that this will all be over soon, whatever the outcome so I can try to focus on other things.

I just think it is incredible the way this has turned out. I am so curious to have a real chat with people who are so convinced of Obama. What are they going off of? His speaches? Because that is all there is!! Honestly. But it is too late, there are polls out that show more people think their taxes with go up more with McCain than Obama! Where are they getting this from? It makes no sense whatsoever. There is an epidemic of blind faith and self deception that is unbelievable. Obama could come out tomorrow and say that the moon is made of cheese and his followers would believe it. At the same time, McCain would be called racist and then assassinated for saying that in fact, it is not, but is rock and we can prove it.

Again, McCain is a hero for still standing after this complete joke of a race. The poor guy has been running against a ghost. Obama says any attack or question about him is a distraction. Distraction from what? His halo and glowing aura that everyone is supposed to be awestruck by? Man, Obama is incredible. He sidestepped or just shrugged off every question about his actions or associations tonight and for most of his campaign. He knows that his dorky looking frame has come to stand for something that cannot be stopped. And the masses continue to buy into the idea of OBAMA: A man that will transcend race, political party and all other divisiveness and evil to spread wealth, peace and joy- even though there is no such evidence to be found that he is anywhere near willing or able to do it.

Anyways, please mark me down as not buying any of it. It sure has been fascinating to watch though.

takes green to be green

2008-10-13T01:05:00.000-07:00

Kind of rare to see something on msn that makes sense to me.
Just wanted to pass this short article on- talking about the rich and famous and environmentally conscious trying to tell everyone else how to live because they can handle the costs...

Even though this isn't a big issue right now, it's something I think is really annoying. McCain is supposed to be a complete idiot because he thinks we need more oil right now. I think it's nice he realizes that most of us live in the real world where the priority is to put food on the table and not save a polar bear from drowning. To me, it's not 'more of the same' or being 'out of touch', it's called dealing with reality and common sense.

get ready for the debate tonight!

2008-10-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing we'll see plenty of Obama's magic:

be aware...

2008-10-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

hey- that sounds like an interesting book!

If you wrote a book on Obama and how great and important his campaign and accomplishments are, then were to come out with that book in the very moment the next presidency was sworn in, then which ticket would you be routing for? Which presidency would help sell more of your book?

These are all good questions. Apparently the person who wrote this book on Obama's greatness is the moderator of tomorrow's VP debate. Gwen Ifill is from the always unbiased and informative PBS. She's also been joining in the standard trash talk about Palin lately...

It should be a good debate. A woman who feminists and Obama fans want to publicly hang vs. an old boring guy with a cheerleader asking him questions.

Read the description and pre-order your own copy of the book here.

p.s. Gwen- I hope your book does really well!

candidates on green technology

2008-09-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just looked at a list of issues and platforms on Foxnews having to do with science and technology and where each candidate stands...Kind of interesting, although I don't think many of them are that important to this election. One thing that is interesting to me is their difference regarding green technology. Since this is such an obsessed over topic, particularly by liberals, McCain's plans show he is not Bush, and I think has a better one than Obama.

From the piece:

‘Green’ Technology

McCain and Obama both demand a reduced reliance on foreign oil and support “clean coal technology,” which will reduce carbon emissions from burned coal. Both support “smart” electric grids to reduce energy use at home, and both support developing alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.

McCain hopes to build 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030, plans to offer a $5,000 tax credit for purchasing zero-carbon-emissions cars and has suggested a $300 million prize for building a better plug-in battery for hybrid and fully electric cars.

Obama plans to weatherize 1 million homes annually to reduce energy use; offer a $7,000 tax credit for purchasing no-carbon-emissions vehicles; and press for the use of more biofuels.

McCain's plan seems more multi-layered and aggressive to me. The weatherizing of homes sounds interesting, just not sure what it means exactly...maybe for all those people who shouldn't have bought a home in the first place and got bailed out once, and now will get a home makeover?

Also, interesting to note that when it comes to spending more money or increasing government intervention, Obama does it almost across the board. I guess that is in line with the Democratic standard, but a)throwing money at stuff isn't always the best strategy, b) that's a whole lot of money he's gonna need from some where.

the two faces of obama...

2008-09-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

Here's what Barry was doing behind the scenes during his extensive, one day Iraq visit in July.
Ignoring conditions on the ground there, as always, and trying to work on his own political career.
Read from NY Post. Was he really concerned about the Iraqis? Perhaps the 'state of weakness and political confusion' back home in the U.S. leading to wrong moves there? Or, maybe he wanted to put it off and then push for it after he took office, become the hero he thinks he is, and have his massive ego stroked. you decide. Looks like hope and change to me.

Palin= Obama, but with substance...and more on the GOP convention

2008-09-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to write a quick note on the GOP Convention thus far.
I had heard good things about Sarah Palin over the past little bit and today was able to listen to hear speak live. It was a pretty great speech. I am convinced she was a smart, solid pick. I had Shandra watch it with me again when we were home tonight. More than any other person I've seen on either side, she seems genuine and someone I think we can all identify with. She's like the mom next-door, but clearly smart, tough, hard working and not afraid of her critics. I was afraid she'd look weak or too young or out of her league, but man, she killed. Also great was her utter destruction of the media and Obama's campaign in general. Her jabs were smart, piercing and 100% accurate. Things that needed to be said. One of my personal favs was her contrasting the optimism of the Repubs with the negativity/narcissism of the Dems, when she mentioned how Obama "can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting and never use the word 'victory' except when he's talking about his own campaign." amen.

-Palin's speech is about 40 minutes long, but I do think it's a good investment of time if you have it. Giuliani was another speaker who killed and is very worth listening to. Listen and watch here.

But with the media against her and conservatives in general, it will be interesting to see what happens now. Palin is already being attacked mercilessly, but I do think that this will backfire and cause thinking Americans to be more open and sympathetic to Palin.

There is no media bias? Here is one of the more blatant and recent examples:

vs.

Can someone help me, I just barfed on myself. This is one of the reasons I don't care to pay for TV or support most of the 'mainstream media'. And Please note the subtext/ bullets on the articles- give me a freakin break!

- So who do you want to vote for now? The Huxtables or that weird white trash lady with all the babies? OMG! Michelle shops at Target! Oh, totally Obama all the way!

I just hope McCain/Palin get the consideration they deserve, but it definitely will be an uphill battle.

*** One last observation, Shandra and I both noticed how nice it is to see and hear people chanting USA!!! USA!!! They may have been protesters, and if so, all the more reason to support McCain: he angers nut jobs enough to get them to come out to his speeches and look like fools!

Obama defends his experience...poorly.

2008-09-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Obama's experience qualifying him to be our next president? Campaigning to become president! Sounds logical to me. Great argument. He explains Palin was only mayor of a small town, leaving out that she is also governor of the whole state. He mispronounces the name of the town she was mayor of to make it sound silly, and to be honest, sounds like an idiot making his little argument and some other fumbling nonsense.

I think it's great that the shock of Palin for VP has caused Obama to begin attempting to convince us that he's more qualified than her. Running for President, he is threatened enough to now feel he needs to prove he is better than the Repub. Vice Presidential nominee? I personally think that is an effective tool to make himself look ridiculous. Keep it up Barry!

Obama is no longer the only young exciting person on the ballot, and worse yet, Palin has actually accomplished things during her short time of service.

In summary, I'm now convinced. Obama's overblown, media-peddled, rock star-like, and so impressively fancy campaign does, I think, make him qualified to be president of the U.S., simply because of the fact that he has been a part of it. That sure takes alot of blind faith.

the campaign

2008-08-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post something since it's been a while. I'll keep it simple and short.

It seems Obama's campaign strategy can be narrowed down to two, maybe three, key points. They somehow figure it will be enough to make him the President of the World. The two things his attacks and campaign focuses on are these: 1. McCain = Bush 2. McCain doesn't know how many houses he has. (Really, is that all they got? They really were counting on Obama-mania to have had this locked up by now)

Pretty basic, really. Throw in a 3rd key point- that the world and especially our country sucks and Obama is the "change" we all need- and you have the brilliant campaign strategy of Barry Obama.

All I can say is it's been great to see McCain take advantage of the weak spots in Obama's armor. Despite the overwhelming biases one is bombarded with trying to push Obama, we actually have a race. McCain wasn't supposed to do this well.

But maybe others, like me, have looked at the two candidates and are able to cut through all the garbage- Bush hatred, eco-trends, celebrity worship, PC-ness, etc. and have been able to draw their own conclusions.

For me, it's simple and I like graphics, so I will share it with you. The two things I have been able to decipher are:

1.

2.

Sorry, even though McCain = Bush (or 'more of the same') was the punchline of every Dem Convention speech, I don't buy it. Gotta hand it to them though, those 'Freudian slips' sure are clever. I hope they will start expanding their argument beyond cheesy little one liners that aren't based on reality. Actually, I hope they keep doing it, cause it's a lame strategy.

It'll be interesting to watch as the suit and McCain are able to battle face to face. We've all seen what happens when the teleprompter is snatched away from Obama. It ain't pretty, but it's pretty telling.

May the best man win!

Interesting reads regarding His Holiness, the Dalai Obama

2008-07-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

I heard some about these recent articles on Obama on the radio so I went and read them, pretty interesting stuff. I'm really not obsessed with him, nor hold any hatred like the many Bush-bashers. I just am sick of him being shoved down my throat everyday and don't want him to be U.S. president or world president. I think I'm a good judge of character, and it didn't take much for me to draw the conclusion that Obama seemed a little shady and not very trustworthy. Unfortunately there isn't much, it seems there is nothing, actually, to deter the believers from chanting mantras of change and praise, but still want to share some things. So here are some of the articles I suggest reading to both understand more who Obama is and what people, regular and nutty, are thinking:

* First, let's start with the nut's perception of Obama. 'Obama as lightworker' from a writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. These people cannot be reasoned with.

* Next, a pretty reasonably thinking person, Jon Voight's, 'concerns for America' op-ed from the Washington Times.

* Third, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, looks at Obama's recent speech in Berlin during his impressive world tour. He looks at how Obama gets facts wrong and speaks naively of 'One World' to excite the crowd.

** Last, a very informative, interesting and, in fact, scary look at Obama and his mysterious policies, particularly 'economic justice'. From Investor's Business Daily, this article seeks to define this phrase that Obama loves to throw out to cheering fans. It outlines Obama's ties with and influence from radical socialists and even communists from his early years. For those radical leftists, they understand and get excited by the implications of 'economic justice', for the many regular folks caught up in the hysteria, it just sounds like a good thing. Enjoy.

Forget English, teach your kids Spanish!

2008-07-11T03:43:00.000-07:00

Our future president believes teaching in English only at school is a silly idea. When elected, I think a main goal of his will be to shape the U.S. into a more European-like country. That's ok in some regards, but in others, no thanks. Here, Obama is teaching us how ridiculous we Americans are for not all being bilingual like those in Europe. We should apparently be ashamed of ourselves when we travel abroad and speak in English to people.

He says he doesn't understand why people go around being worried about English being taught in schools. Another example of his being out of touch with reality and the clear thinking person. It was frustrating living in California and going to the store and receiving application forms for discount cards and various things in Spanish, and Spanish only. Our country bends over backwards to allow people to rely solely on their native language to the detriment of everyone else. Funny how Obama blows past immigrants learning English..."of course they will"...and then focuses on the real problem: us not learning their language. What? Why would they learn English when it is no longer required, when you know that the world around you will change for you? Why are there so many communities of immigrants, legal and non, that refuse to assimilate and are their own mini countries, sucking resources, money, classroom space, etc. and give as little as possible back- and why should we encourage more of it?

Obama just makes me laugh. I love when he get carried away in his own speech or goes into comedian mode and his voice goes into that higher pitch...
Someone please tell him that the landscape in Europe is not slightly different from that of America, and if he's so in love with it, they'd love to have him.

slumber's over, the gloves are off

2008-06-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

I like Dennis Miller, he's pretty sweet. Here he is talking about Obama's speech to a group of his disciples recently.

- sorry to the Obama fans out there, I know Fox news makes your ears bleed...

Obama gets more annoying to me the more I hear about him. I think he's arrogant, sneaky and a master at playing this country's people. I only ever hear liberals talk about black/ white affecting anything in this race. But Obama tells his worshipers what they like to hear, but isn't based on reality. Repubs will try to scare everyone about Obama because he's black and has a different name. Give me a freakin break. This guy is so phony I don't know what to do with myself. Everything about him is contrived and planned out to get ahead politically. His changing his name from Barry to Barack, his choice of a church, his friends, everything about him. Now all he has to do now is spew the standard garbage liberals love to hear in his eloquent smokers voice and it is genius. And no matter what flip flop or weird idea he comes up with he will get a pass, for he is The Chosen One.

Repubs are always accused of being the fear mongers, of scaring the public into doing things.
That's interesting when you consider the doomsday crap from the global warming people. That stuff is by far more scary sounding and isn't even based on anything immediately affecting me right now. It's funny too, that those fighting to stop the world from changing from it's current state are also the same people who think the creation is garbage and evolution should be taught exclusively. WHAT? Did evolution end with the birth of the great Al Gore??? I think the world is a tough place and is used to going through changes... (or evolving)...People can be pretty resilient too.
Al Gore is another great person to contemplate. How many millions has this guy made from his preaching of inconvenient truths?? It is astounding. And yet how much energy is he using at this present time after all his newfound knowledge?? oh, only like 20 times the average family? That seems about right. But Bush and Republicans are the fear mongers right? Just watch Gore's movie about how everyone in the world is gonna be dead in a few years. That's not playing off of fear at all.
Gore's another professional, playing the public. Maybe Obama and Gore would make a perfect ticket.

So, after a month of slumber, I was awakened again by ridiculous things happening around me. I had to say something. To sum up: Obama is annoying.

glenn murcutt

2008-04-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

An architect that I greatly admire is Australian Glenn Murcutt. Known for his sustainable and site sensitive designs, he creates architecture that works together with its surroundings and forces interaction with it. His designs utilize nature to passively heat, cool, daylight and water. His work isn't influenced by trends, but draws from local vernacular architecture, the site and a sound knowledge of materials to inform the design. Murcutt uses materials that are local, sustainable and sometimes even recycled from an existing structure to create buildings that are rich in character and in his words, "touch the earth lightly".

Read an article on Murcutt from the New York Times.

I recommend these books for more info and great pictures of his work.

Understanding Obama

2008-04-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

I really didn't want to write more on this guy, but he is always being talked about on the news and radio, and I can't help myself. So I will write some thoughts on things I've been hearing as we learn more about the man behind the myth. I really think Obama would mean a change for America, but a kind of change, I'm beginning to think, that is different from that found in his soaring speech. The change is one that is actually craved for by a some in this country and would mean a radical departure from much of our current ways.

I again think of Rev. Wright. I know, Obama lovers are sick of hearing it, sick of guilt by association, etc. Tonight the Rev. can be seen in an interview on PBS with Bill Moyers for his first big public appearance since his infamy began. Moyers, probably just as in love with Obama as the standard media personality, doesn't challenge the Rev. at all, but sits through Wright's soft spoken explanations like Oprah listening to some poor woman's story. I had to keep looking down at the bottom of the screen to see if they were holding hands. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy each other's company, it was tender. One small thing that the Rev. said was interesting to me, regarding everything that's been going on with Obama: "He's a politician, I'm a pastor. We speak to two different audiences. And he says what he has to say as a politician. I say what I have to say as a pastor..." What do we typically mean when we think, 'it's politics' or 'I can't stand politicians'?? Is it that politicians are usually associated with honesty and trustworthiness? or are these common phrases instead coming from the idea that politicians tend to say what is safest, what the people want to hear and not necessarily the truth and facts? Obama has tried to say things to keep himself safe, first it was that he didn't think his church was particularly controversial, then it was that he never heard such things in the pews, then finally he had to come out and say he completely disavowed himself from the pastors comments. I think Rev. Wright has it right. Obama is doing what politicians do.

What does he really believe about things? It's very hard to tell and that has worked well for him thus far. Obama seems to be struggling to keep it that way, since he isn't a fan of debates or interviews or questions about these things anymore. Recently, when Bill Ayers and the Weather Underground came up, you could tell Obama was quite annoyed that he had another problem to deal with. What happened to the good ole days of everyone throwing themselves at his feet and cheering when he so much as sneezed? But Ayres is another interesting insight into Obama's world and into the group of people that have been around him while Obama was being reared and groomed to be an instrument for 'change'.

Ayre and his wife and their radical group in the 60s-70s bombed various sites in the U.S., including the pentagon, the capital and other government buildings. They were and probably still are anti-capitalist and more for a communist or socialist form of government. On September 11, 2001, Ayres said he wished they had done more back in the day against the government. He never apologized for any of these domestic attacks and now has joined many other radical left academics as a professor, teaching at a university in Chicago. A recent audio clip of him showed Ayres continues to harbor hatred for America, saying that 'we're in the belly of the beast' and 'in the heart of the monster' here in this country. People like him see America as basically evil and in need of drastic change. The left's utter hatred of Bush has created a climate where radicals like Ayres are not criminals, but patriots, and the things Ayres did and stood for and now glossed over. And Obama knows Ayres well enough to know he still hold radical views and distaste for our country, but as his weak response in the debate showed, he doesn't want to deal with it, but wants you to think it is trivial and should be ignored.

Lately, when we get to dig at who he is and ask about things he says or people he hangs with, things don't go too well for Barack. Prepared speeches where his eloquence and inspiration can shine are much safer. So he tries to deflect all the questions and concerns we have about his character with irritated answers like, 'this happened 40 years ago when I was 8' and other things to make it seem unreasonable to look at who he associates as an indicator of his own character. But Ayers has never admitted guilt or shame about what they did as domestic terrorists, and continues to say he wishes they did more and hasn't left his anti-american thought in the past. So if Obama has a relationship with him, does that mean anything or not? When there isn't much to gather as far as an understanding of who Obama, I will stash this little nugget into my satchel.

My man John Gibson, dealing with Obama supporters calling and complaining that too much focus is put on Obama's associates and not on the issues, put it like this: We've had plenty of debates and time to know all of their policies, we already know what he and Hillary say they will do. They are basically the same or similar on most every issue. What we want to know is about Obama's character and what he will do when he is in office. We know Hillary, not much more dirt can be brought out on her, we know it all. We do not know Obama.

I think there are two main groups of people who pretty much blindly follow Obama (it must be blindly, because no one can profess to know much about him, really).
- One is comprised of many left leaning and most far-left leaning people. Many of this group are educated (by people like Noam Chomsky), and believe the country is flawed. And not just from Bush doing a bad job- this has sure fueled their fire- but more than that. They call for a complete changing of our country, where income is re-distributed, our borders are torn down, our military is eliminated, and basically all laws are done away with because of the belief that laws discriminate, infringe, offend or something like that. They often think people that disagree are uneducated or less then they are. I thought Obama speaking to a group of wealthy liberals in San Francisco was quite telling, if for no other reason, because it sounded so different from his prepared inspirational speeches he knows will be made public. I thought his commentary on working class whites in rural America illustrated well the snobbish attitudes people in this liberal group hold. They dream of (and hold as an actually reachable goal) an earth where everyone around the world holds hands, all religions other than Christianity thrive and the temperature ceases to rise, where cars no longer exist, but people ride around on magic unicorns.

- The other group are those poor people who don't know and don't want to know who Obama is, or how liberal he really is. They see a man who is young and exciting. They love his being different from the norm in his racial makeup and background. They like that he says he's going to make their life great and give them lots of stuff. They like that he says 'hope' alot and makes them feel good inside when he speaks. For these reasons they will vote for him. When asked what they like about him, they will probably answer because he is young and different, that he is inspirational, or even that he is black. They like the idea of change, but don't care to know exactly what type of change it will be.

- There is probably a third group, with people who have bits of themselves described in the above two groups.

Thinking about it all makes me worried. I'm scared by the thinking of both groups.
An argument often made by Obama supporters regarding his ability to change America is that he a diplomat, that he will talk and work with other people to get things done. But this is not based on the reality of his past. Looking at those that have helped him get to where he is now is a who's who list of radical thinking people in this country. They are people that seem to foster hatred of others and hold quite extreme views that do not lend themselves to negotiation or reaching across party lines. He speaks of unifying America, of overcoming all differences, but the groups he has associated with for his adult life represent division and outright enmity toward others. Obama is the most liberal senator we have right now. And as far as reaching across the isle and working together to pass laws, McCain and Hillary have him beat. However, a group we can count on him working with for sure is Hamas, who has already given Obama their endorsement.

What I can gather as I try to understand Obama is that he associates with people of extreme views and positions. His character is pretty much unknown still, so I will look at the character of those he hangs out with. It has become clear that he is a politician, saying things that sound good but isn't necessarily truth. I think it will be difficult for him to become president as moderately thinking people look past his inspirational speeches and realize who he is.

Things that make bad architecture

2008-04-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

As a result of my distaste for much of the built world being produced nowadays, I thought I would offer some critiques for everyone inhabiting it with me to consider. Looking at the architecture in the U.S., much of it, in many ways, is lagging if not void of any architectural validity. Quality design is no longer a priority, but quantity and efficiency. I've made a quick list of ways buildings fail, reasons they frustrate me and do not provide their inhabitants with the many benefits good architecture should. My interest is in designing homes and so my most critical eye is upon this building type.

1- Ornamental excess/ trend reflection: Too many buildings lack good design where it matters, and become mere displays of the latest trends in architectural style and materiality. For example, the 'Tuscan' obsession right now in the western U.S. Trends come and go- if you look at subdivisions in Southern California you can tell which decade they were built by the style they are reflecting. There, entire shopping centers and areas of town can become run down and abandoned when the style they represented has run its course. I have witnessed the strange phenomenon of a strip mall getting a make over- application of the trendy stone cladding, correct beige tone stucco and the obligatory arch here and there- and all of a sudden it is a thriving oasis once again.

This seems odd and also wasteful when so much material and money is spent on superficialities with such short life spans. I realize buildings require maintenance and the occasional renovation. But good architecture and design is timeless. It should reflect the culture, character and climate of the area it is in and not fleeting trends. In places where culture and character is becoming increasingly lacking, this wasteful cycle is thrown into hyper drive. Good design has never been so needed and so disregarded.

2- Faux cladding: I see this often as a way to disguise an otherwise ugly and poorly designed building. Cladding does have its place- perhaps on a high rise where the true material is too large, heavy or expensive to use, but if it is simply for the purpose of a trend like that mentioned above, please spare me. Let something a little less costly and permanent like your car tell the world you seek its approval and inclusion.

3- Stucco: Just a nasty looking exterior material. Affordabilty makes it attractive, so I suppose it has its place. But it looks and acts cheap as well! Concrete block is infinitely cooler in my book, and am still partial to wood and other materials displaying a more natural beauty. In general, I like the idea of using materials that don't need to painted and disguised, but can be celebrated for their unique properties just as it is.

4- Fabric Awnings: I think of a sculptor finishing a masterpiece in stone, celebrating the human body- Then ruining it by dressing it up in a cheesy outfit. If it is a true masterpiece, then the outfit is unneeded and detracts from the finished work. If it is good architecture I feel like it should have more of a sense of permanence and purity. If shade or shelter is required, a material which doesn't require regular bathing and maintenance would, to me, be more successful. The idea of materials that age well is something I am also a fan of. Too often, fabric awnings look like an old band aid or cheap remedy for a design that missed something somewhere during the process.

5- The 'Grand Entry': I am not impressed by these, am I completely insane? I feel like these have become increasingly important in the world of those seeking their neighbors praise, or those building a home as a temple unto themselves. An article I once read discussed this design element, along with a couple others, as an extremely effective selling tool. The person mentioned that such a feature ups the 'wow' factor for someone viewing the house quickly and superficially. Once they move in they find the grand entry to be less impressive, but more a waste of space, decreasing privacy throughout the house and increasing the noise level unnecessarily. I suppose that is one of the main differences in buying a developer designed home and one designed by an architect. Wow factor, trendy materials and gimmicks to make a quick profit vs. quality design tailored to the needs of the occupant. But people continue to eat it up. It is a waste of space! It serves no function but to impress the person as they enter! If that is a main requirement in your home's design, please don't seek out my input. I think of some of my favorite architects and their designs, even when a home is large, the entry is often quite humble. For me, a home with a connection with nature is important, not one that is meant to outdo it through the use of high ceilings and spiraling staircases. Spaces with a sense of openness or of intimacy should be strategically designed and located to fit the users needs, lifestyle and the overall site.

6- Site unspecific design: Too many buildings look like they were designed without any particular site in mind. This leads to generic, predictable, out-of-place, or at the least, inefficient design. Quality architecture should respond to the site and client and user needs. Although the idea of green building is being touted as the latest fashion, many of the concepts regarding sustainable design have been there since the beginning. Orienting the building to maximize/minimize daylight and heat gain, use of local and sustainable materials, etc are simple strategies of good design that until modern times have simply been logical and necessary decisions. One of the main things that bothers me with tract and 'cookie cutter' homes is their uniformity despite their location and orientation. Many buildings today look as though they were designed without any visit to a site or research into the surroundings of where the project is to be. But most don't care about such things when they wish only for maximum square footage and four car garage. Impact on the site, energy efficiency, conscientious use of materials are all things for others to worry about- but as the built world increasingly taxes the natural world and we find our quality of life being compromised, a return to such basic principles is important.

7- Disconnect from nature: This issue blends together with the previous- In our complete ignoring of the world outside our own built universe, we not only are wasteful, but harmful to the environment. A connection with nature is not only beneficial for daylighting, heating, cooling and ventilation, but also healthy for people themselves. There is a tradition now of dominating, neglecting and abusing the natural environment which must be reversed before it is too late. A balanced relationship should be the goal.

8- Reliance on unnatural systems: Last idea and one that has been talked about already is the overuse of a/c and ventilation systems, electric lighting, and other inorganic systems. While their use is sometimes unavoidable, simple design solutions and the right materials can usually greatly reduce the need for these energy consuming and pollution causing systems. Corbusier called the house 'a machine for living'- and I love the imagery it brings to mind. A place adaptable to fit the changes in living and usage by its occupants as well as to accommodate the changing environment outside. To paraphrase architect Glenn Murcutt, a home should be a living and breathing thing, one that closes up when it's cold and rainy and opens up and can breathe when it is hot and sunny. Bad architecture relies on unnatural systems- these systems allow for sloppiness as they can make up for the design's incompetencies.

Help me nail this coffin

2008-03-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

(and various tangents as they come to me, ending with the rebellion against a robotic clone take over of society)

First coffin I'd like to ask your help with:
Blockbuster Video. I recently was a helpless bystander, watching, like most other people out there who live in towns or areas built prior to the mid 90s, my local video store go out of business. The story is the same, a new shopping center is built or redone and this current American chain staple is guaranteed a home in your community. It didn't take more than a few months and Waimea Video store, where we went every weekend growing up and knew the owners and everyone working there had to close shop. We tried to keep supporting them but we apparently couldn't do enough. That was a good 2-3 years ago and the space it occupied still remains empty. It looks run down and really great.

But the trade off was worth it, right? Sure! We can all go to Blockbuster now and pay $6.00 (or is it more now?) for one movie for one night, deal with disinterested high school dropout workers, and dish out money to some unseen franchise owner who may or may not live in the area. And for some reason, despite their huge selection, it is often harder to find anything to watch.

Solution? Netflix. Plans start at $5 for 2 movies a month, and you can keep them as long as you want. We have the 2 at a time unlimited per month plan, it's $14. We watch up to about 8 movies a month, and we can watch an additional unlimited amount on our computer. It is far, far cheaper than Blockbuster and you don't even have to spend money on gas to drive anywhere. We are giving money to a ghost, sure, but at least not encouraging bad architecture and a sterile and monotonous landscape.

*note: Blockbuster Video also offers movies via mail similar to Netflix, but do not be fooled. Blockbuster is still again more expensive, and also, think of all the bad architecture. Also, I know Blockbuster is struggling lately as a result of their being so lame, so just participate in the coffin nailing!

Future Coffin I'd love to nail down:
Starbucks. See previous post for details on this annoying and trend defining phenomena. I'd say more, but I don't drink coffee so don't really care about it other than, again, looking at predictably generic architecture and equally predictable patrons.

Solution? Make your own. Or at least sacrifice that recognizable white and green cup and go someplace where lattes aren't $10.

Other future coffins I have seen in dreams:
Borders, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy. I would love to see these chains go down mostly for their participation in the demise of a place close to my heart: the music store. No more local music stores to hang out at, get recommendations at, to special order CDs you can't find, or to buy tickets to local shows. Even old school chain stores like Tower Records (which, though a chain, was pretty sweet and usually pretty localized) couldn't survive in the new landscape of Big Box economies of scale and convenience. I recognize the digital revolution has completely changed the music business more than anything else, but am still bitter with my terrible choices when I want to go on Tuesday and buy the new CD I was waiting for. Want a CD today? You have to go to Borders, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy or maybe Walmart. The sad thing is unless your taste in music completely sucks, then more than likely you won't find what you're looking for. The selection is frustrating and prices: high. It's sad to see smaller, local music stores with more diversity in music being utterly wiped out by gigantic boxes of sameness with identical music selections no matter which part of the country you're in.

Solution? Boycott and shop online. Amazon.com has a decent selection of music, used and new, for a range of prices. Online shops are able to provide whatever you are looking for. I have used Amazon for the past few years, as I'm old school and still like a tangible CD from time to time, and love it. Prices are great and it's shipped quickly to your door.

In summary:
The landscape has drastically changed with the global economy and increased trade, outsourcing and the internet. While this has brought us goods for lower prices and many other wonderful benefits, I believe in many ways our choices are becoming more limited as ultra-efficient and morbidly obese companies like those mentioned above put every one else out of business. I know that people make choices, and thus are to blame for going to these big box, generic chains and leaving the others to go under. Two thoughts: One, people are like robots. Two, the physical landscape has changed in so much of America that people no longer have access to local businesses without a car, they are no longer blended into communities like they were in the past. We have built an automobile dependent environment where everything in life is separated by vast amounts of roadway and parking lot. Naturally, this has created a niche for these mega chains as people now go to one particular zone to buy goods and need everything they seek in that one zone. The birth of the mega chain big box. A one stop shop for everyone, so you better be seeking the same goods as everyone. This neatly separated and planned out environment connected by roads begins altering the way we live and interact. To function in an overly planned, inorganic system, the human must also become inorganic and simply participate in the system. Robots on a conveyor belt, going from zone to zone.

But I don't want to give up and watch the natural world of the past be taken over. And not all places have been fully converted to this new system of living. And I think a growing number are becoming dissatisfied with this artificial way of life (Just visit real communities of real people and see the influx of those fighting their robotic transformation moving from elsewhere, seeking a real life among humans). My hope is for change towards more variety (not one or two big box chain stores full of products everyone must shop at), freer movement (on foot, by car, bicycle, horse, piggyback, your choice!) and a more naturally functioning system of living without conveyor belts.

In closing, I again ask all humans for help. I believe there will always be a need for video stores, music stores, book stores, coffee shops, and so on. I do not believe the one size must fit all dominance of huge chain stores is healthy for communities of members of a variety of sizes. By not giving these chains money, but by finding what we can on the internet, or of course at the few surviving local businesses in your area, humans can resist the robotic clone take over threatening to eclipse our entire society. Everything is cyclical: I believe the Walmart era isn't eternal, but humans will turn back towards a world of human scale and interaction as it is the most natural and sustainable. As humans begin to get a handle on things and are able to fight off the evil robot forces, human scale businesses run by fellow humans of various sizes may again proliferate throughout the land, enriching the character of communities and fulfilling all of our wildest dreams.

Obama's 'I have a racist grandma' speech

2008-03-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to see Obama changing right before our eyes as a result of the increasing insights into his personal life and beliefs. Until now he always said race wasn't an issue, he was an American running for office. If anyone else brought it up they were painted as racist or someone stuck in the past. When Geraldine Ferraro said she didn't think Obama would be in his position if he were white (a comment most reasonable people agree with...and Hillary wouldn't be where she is...but does anyone care?), he immediately said that was out of line and she shouldn't be allowed to continue working for Hillary. He actually tried to compare that with what Rev. Wright was spewing over the pulpit?

Race is not a factor with Obama- that is what he's worked so hard to get into everyone's minds for the past year. As people begin questioning what really is inside the man due to what many he associates with carry inside themselves, Obama has completely changed his message. It turns out that race is everything after all.

In his race speech, Obama again says he disagrees with his mentor Rev. Wright, but then tries to trivialize it by saying we all have gone to church and disagreed with church leaders before. I personally think my being told that I shouldn't put off having children until I'm wealthy isn't quite on the same level as, say, the fighting and killing between fellow white people needs to stop and we should instead turn against the real enemy: black people- As Wright suggests, but of course reversed, in one of his uplifting sermons.

As Obama's halo fades and people see two regular human democratic candidates with nothing much separating them politically, Obama turns to the tried and true. No longer can he stand back and let everyone else argue about whether or not race is an issue, pretending to be above it all. He sees his momentum slowing... His speech, I think, can be summed up in a few phrases: Racism exists in America. I am black. Nothing will ever change until we the people do something about it.
and the ONLY way to do anything about it is: Elect ME! hint hint....

Apparently the only way we can get past racism is if we vote for Barack Obama, so I guess I have to. To me, that is a sad and desperate attempt to win back the love and affection of the country.

I just wish Obama was a regular old black guy who was actually experienced enough. No racist church membership, no questionable acquaintances, no seemingly disgusted with America spouse- but just a solid, experienced, honest person. There wouldn't be all this ammunition and ridiculous stuff to be made into gigantic issues like they have unless something wasn't right. What is not right is I think Obama has been counting on his race to get him the presidency. And now it is becoming more apparent than I'm sure he would have liked.

I don't know much about Colin Powell or Condi Rice, but I know they are pretty high up there and I can't image such a huge deal being made about their being black. I don't know whether its the democratic party and their obsession with being PC, the fact that Obama is a mythical creature we don't really know, or whether he's more of a celebrity rock star than legitimate candidate that has caused this circus. I do know I'm getting bored with it.

Obama-nation

2008-03-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts on Barack H. Obama and what I've been seeing and hearing regarding the presidential race.

It seems the country has fallen- and fallen hard- for this charming and inspirational speaker. People write songs about him, praise him as the savior of the world, and faint when they are in his presence. When most people are asked why they are voting for him, it's because he's a good speaker, young and exciting, or just that he represents change. I'm hoping the infatuation is coming to a close and people will awake from their love drunkenness and look at who this is that may become our President.

* I should note that I am not completely anti-Obama, I don't know much about him, but I think he has become a national obsession and most people jumping on the bandwagon don't know any more than I do. I don't think that is a good thing.

I think Obama was smart enough to know that running for president would cause people to talk about a variety of issues, namely religion due to his name, and race. I think he was also smart enough to know, by looking at the current climate in America, that people are so afraid to say anything about his religion and his race in particular, he could reach an almost untouchable status without doing much more than showing up and mentioning 'hope' a few times. He has come at just the right time and said just the right things to utilize this opportunity, no one can disagree his campaign has been near perfect.

Any time a doubt in his experience is raised, a question of his ability to protect us in the face of foreign threats is asked or how he will change and unite the world as one happy family, the person in doubt or seeking information is immediately called out as a racist or some kind of fool for doubting the Great One. Obama can keep himself above most of it and not even address any questions asked, others surrounding him shoot those questioning down, they will nurture America's fear of being called a racist or discriminatory and shield Obama from any kind of meaningful and healthy scrutiny. And I'm sure he foresaw this landscape and is now basking in it.

At first I thought that it would be fine if he were elected. I wouldn't go out and vote for him, but I also think it could actually be a historic step for the country and maybe he could do some good. But when I take some of the little things and add them up, I begin to wonder whether he really would be the positive force for change he makes himself out to be. I recognize that I do not know everything about him that I could if I researched more, but for now, with what I have, here are some observations:

- Wearing a flag pin is a small and fairly generic thing, but stating that you won't because you're above the need to because of your patriotic living coupled with not acknowledging the flag when the American anthem is sung while standing next to others who do acknowledge it seems a bit odd.

- Telling parts of the country that an element of the great change you will bring may require adjustments in NAFTA, and if Canada and Mexico don't want to work with your new plans you will get the U.S. out of it, is a great plan to gain the vote of people who may have lost their job. Learning soon after that some top aids had contacted officials in Canada and explained this was all campaign rhetoric and not to worry about anything sounds a little sketchy.

- When your wife says things that make people question whether you love and respect the country you're running to be president of and then the leader of the church you attend for 20 years, who married you and your wife, baptized your kids and who you call your mentor and is like a father, is found to be preaching things that sound completely racist, hateful and in many ways anti-American- it makes me wonder what YOU really are thinking inside.

- It seems Obama is slowly learning that people won't give him a free pass anymore, too much has caused need for explanation. But he continues to give vague and generalized answers to avoid any trouble. When Obama said he had never heard such things while sitting in the pews as Reverend Wright has been heard saying I couldn't believe how blinded by his greatness he must think people are. To hear a person preaching with such passion and conviction, it doesn't take an expert to hypothesize that these are things the speaker deeply believes, and thus, must make mention from time to time over the years. For people to believe that Obama heard these outrageous things for the first time after he began his campaign and just completely rejected it all is gullible to say the least. I love the quote by Obama that he doesn't think his church is all that controversial. AIDS was created by the government and the white man as some type of tool to destroy black people- that seems pretty reasonable to me too, Barack.

Obama, it seems, has taken the human form of a movement, and people will say anything they want about him, and it becomes so. A mythical creature no one can fully understand because fact is so blending together with fiction. And, for the most part, I think Obama has believed the myth himself, making grand statements like 'We can change the world!' with himself as president. Is it just me or is that a bit lofty?

Rev. Wright explains in one of his fiery sermons that Obama essentially knows what it's like to be raised by a black parent in the ghetto, knows what it's like to grow up with racism, and be called a n_ _ _a. But wasn't Obama raised by his white grandparents in the multi-racial state of Hawaii where he attending one of the most prestigious private schools in the state?? Later, he went on to Columbia and then Harvard and became a successful lawyer. I don't claim to know Obama's life experiences, but it seems Obama has enjoyed many great opportunities and successes. For his preacher friend to whip up the congregation into a frenzy, saying Obama knows the hard life and struggles of all minorities in this country, it seems like layers are being added to the mythical hero's story. As people begin to look into who Obama really is, hopefully the layers may be peeled back, showing the man without all the fluff, legends and lofty speech. Then, as a mere human, we can see him against the opponents, and decide between the candidates.

Getting people young and old excited to participate in our democracy is a great thing, but I hope that people will not join in the celebrity worship for superficial reasons like appearance or inspirational oratory. To me, integrity, honesty and what a person stands for and plans to do in actuality (and 'changing the world' doesn't count) are most important to me.

Material Worlds and Celebrity Worship

2008-03-06T00:58:00.000-08:00

(and other random thoughts of an architect)

One of the deadly plagues sweeping the land is one that is man-made, fostered and passed on by knowing and anxiously volunteering victims. I'm not sure exactly when it shifted. What were once simple and common tendencies we all shared, little indulgences here and there, these two seemingly interconnected concepts have mutated into the defining elements of people's lives, completely taking over many people's every conscious thought.

A few steps I think may have helped along this destruction of culture include, but are not limited to:

- Suburban sprawl and the homogenization of peoples and their entire worlds and the altering of public interaction within these worlds. This is a thesis in itself, not to be outlined here....

- Growing obsession with people on television and in movies as 'normal life' became
more monotonous. Celebrities are now built up into gods, torn down as the worst losers, and always maintain a constant and complete influence on people in environments increasingly void of character and meaning.

- Naturally, as an environment becomes lacking in an area a person seeks to fill it with something else. Things. Material things not only offer an appearance of character and fill the holes in a damaged way of life, they are also used as a way to define success. To some, a way of showing they're like everyone else, or at least the others of the 'up with the trend' crowd. To other people, things are used to try to separate themselves from others- for those sharing the material mindset, having something another lacks makes them superior.

- Even most actors have been become mere shells of people, participating in the obsessive acquirement of things to impress and fill holes. Not that actors indulging themselves in worldly ways is a recent thing, but the fact that they are also increasingly lacking in character, depth, individuality and often times talent has become apparent. Our obsessions demand their lives are held under ever-present microscopes and shared with all in magazines, reality shows and everywhere else you look. As the public builds them up, celebrities essentially become model robots*. We must gain as much information about them as possible so that we may successfully mimic, fulfilling the purpose of life as a robot.
*see post on Robotics.

- The utter saturation of celebrity life into our own through the above means has created a situation now, where people strive to not keep up with the Jones family next door, but with the celebrity on the screen in front of them. Many see themselves as a celebrity, or at least a person deserving of an audience as they attempt to look and live like those they made rich by subsiding the giant microscopes. Such examples include the small purse-size dog, the velour jumpsuit, or the big shiny SUV.

- This morphing of our culture has caused a greater number of people to dedicate their lives to the acquirement of money and material things and eroded the overall character and individuality of all participating. Shows like American Idol and virtually all reality shows clearly illustrate the average person's overwhelming desire to become rich and famous, even if it means exposing themselves in every way possible and sacrificing all sense of decency or dignity.

- While blaming bad architecture and design may seem like a stretch, when visiting places of older, traditional neighborhoods and communities and then more recent sprawl environments, examples of this change of thinking and living are far more evident.

Robotics

2008-03-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

People are like robots. More than content with their placing in the rat race, they often celebrate their participation in it. Here are some examples of this:

- Over sized SUVs like the Hummer. Often 'customized' to void their off road capabilities with small/ thin tires and bling-ing rims, flat-screen TVs, and other necessities in the quest to gain the attention and to impress the other trend following robots. Wouldn't a big sign that says "look at me PLEASE" be less expensive? But atlas, until big signs are deemed the new 'must have item' of the robot in crowd, the $50,000 variety is the clear choice.

- Starbucks coffee. Ever watched someone carrying their piping hot little friend on their way to work? The robot resemblance is there, sure, but what makes me smile is the way they all hold them: out, extended away from their body and raised up slightly, like a trophy they've just been awarded for something- Almost like the coffee is the one leading the half asleep, caffeine craving zombie to its destination.

* note: If you're of the typical 'current trend' robot variety, it must be Starbucks. Some people ahead of the curve may be seen with other less known, or 'underground'/ local coffees in hand. These cutting edge counterparts seek to separate themselves from the other robots, but for all other intents and purposes are still robots- just robots from a few months in the future.