Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Today's Founders Quote: Every Corner and Crevice


"If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute."

- Thomas Paine, 1791.


    Yes, wherever innovation and commerce is, there are a trail of governemnt bureaucrats behind to fee and tax them wherever possible. If we were them, we'd be more interested in getting into every corner and crevice of Birgette Marielle Kinn Rustad....

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Tardy Cartoon of the Week....


       Some of us are bigger than others.... Sorry for being late. I spent Saturday night renewing my love for Rolling Rock, and didn't come home til Sunday afternoon, to catch up on sleep.


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Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Has Sprung? Not Quite ....


       Just a picture for a good laugh for my buddies Down South.  I woke up Thursday morning - March 24th, 4 days after Spring started - and found this as I walked out the door.  Not much, just enough to cover everything.  By lunchtime, it was gone, but the cold snap continues. It's been around 40 since Monday, and won't crack 50 til Tuesday... One last blast of Winter, before Spring finally hits.  At least there isn't any pollen!


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Sunday, March 20, 2011

We'll Just Pay Extra , Thanks Lady...

Coupon Suzy: Another Creepy Spokesperson That Makes You Avoid Clipping For Discounts...


     In the world that gave us Billy Mays, Vince the Shamwow Guy and Limey Nutjob Anthony Sullivan, we give you Coupon Suzy... Suzy (actual name Shannon Moore) is the spokeperson for a website where you can pull up and print coupons to use on groceries.  Sounds like a good enough idea, but we gotta say - there's just something about Suzy that gives us the shakes....


   Maybe it's the high pitched voice. Or that left eyebrow popping up and down on it's own, or her too short hair for her slightly chubby body (yeah, we know her body is 'Real Woman' , but this TV, folks!).  But, we get the feeling that this website is someplace folks on Thorazine go... We'll just let you decide:


www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3OBiOm5rEc



    At first, we thought it was just us, but when we pulled the commercial up, we got solid proof that we weren't the only ones - the Coupon Suzy Spoof. We give you Coupon Suzy on Elm Street.....


www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ReBsAtpQY


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Fuzzy Thoughts: The Many Splendored Thing Edition

Women Are Like An Onion .... You Have To Peel Them a Layer at a Time, and You Always End Up Crying When Your Done!


      Welcome to the return of Fuzzy Thoughts!  It's been a while since we had our serial post come back. Honestly, there hasnt been much different going on lately outside of the usual fare. When that happens, you take a break from it...   


     A while back, our social calendar was actually pretty good. Nothing great, but at least we had a couple dates here and there. The well has dried up, and what is left is nothing short of strange.  We're still on Match, but I haven't gotten a wink or reply in months.  Meanwhile, on the actual face to face front, it is nothing short of frustrating.  I once was kinda involved with someone before I left, and it has rekindled in a way, but that is impossible now.  I also have been going out with an old friend from college, but I can't read this girl for anything. She calls and calls, but when we go out, nothing happens. Meanwhile, it looks like I'm out with her, but it goes nowhere, and I miss out on other possibilities. Screwed up all around.. yet, we remain positive.  Hey, it IS me we're talking about.. It'll happen.  Onto the fuzziness....


    First, the weather.  It's that time where you will likely laugh at me. It's a bi cool - 50's, although it did hit the mid-60's last week.  Spring is almost here, but when it was 20 for four months, it still feels nice.


     Very frustrating week all around: definitely a full moon crazy week.  Massive 2 week notices at work, and a major spat with the drummer of my band.  Not much I can do at work, but at least my job is secure, and I'm actually making more. The band problem worked out as well: we backed up our show 2 weeks to practice more, but I still got to pay it where I wanted. We also found a second place to play as well. Had no idea I was such a good negotiator until now...


    Still adjusting to life in Commack.  I finally found a beer distributor, gas station and drug store here.  Unfortunately, the Pathmark grocery store was closed 2 weeks after I filled out my MVP card. It was a nice ride... Speaking of losses, after waiting 10 months for Samuel Adams White Ale to come back, i found out that they stopped selling it as a seasonal brew. It only comes in variety packs, where I have to drink 10 crappy beers to get 2 White Ales - and it doesn't taste quite as good as I remember. Think I'm gonna find me some Rolling Rock and just enjoy it, rather than the Beer Stuntpilot routine...


   How quickly we forget: after thinking what does the Japan disaster matter to me, I quickly remembered than I do know someone in Japan - my old tenant, Hiro.  I couldn't find him on Facebook, so I tried another route... I located the Honda ATV plant in Japan where everyone in South Carolina was trained, and it turns out the plant is in extreme Southwestern Japan - the completely opposite side of the country from the earthquake and meltdown. Looks like he's OK, but I still don't know for sure.. 


     In sports, more proof this week that the gigantic five game Big East tourney only wipes out all the teams come March Madness time.  Even worse, we forgot to do our annual tourney picks this year. Please forgive us...



   I bought the new CD's from Adele and Mumford and Sons (I finally went to Best Buy for something!).  Adele's CD is great, but I haven't made it to listen to the M&S yet..  Right now, I'm watching 500 Days of Summer for the 20th time on cable this month. Still haven't figured out what I like about Zooey Deschanel, but I do like the line "I haven't gotten a blowjob or a handjob. No jobs - I'm still unemployed"...


    A question to Nikki Haley: South Carolina has very few billionaires - how many more do you plan on pissing off?  Meanwhile, Rome burns a little bit more...

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We Break Our Silence on Ken Ard ....

We Didn't Know Cynthia's Had Such Nice Stuff .....


     Yes, Tammy does look quite fetching in her dress, although she could wear a trash bag and still look hot... Obviously, the big SC Political news this week was the SC Ethics Commission investigating Lt. Governor for 92 violations between his election and inauguration.  While most people jump right on a bandwagon, and call for heads to roll, sometimes we'll sit back for a day or two, and comtemplate things. No, it won't make us newsbreakers, but that's not what we're here for. Our job is to be as honest and objective as possible...


   First off, our disclaimer: Yes, we did support Ken on his campaign. I wouldn't call myself a member of the inner circle, but we would have occasional policy and campaign discussions via text or in person before I left for New York. No, I wasn't paid - my insights aren't worth compensation.  Nothing against Bill Connor. I consider him and especially Joshua Gross friends. He would be a good Lt. Governor, but I felt and still feel Ken Ard would be better..


   Now, onto the issue at hand.  Taking away all the hyperbole and side show stuff, the problem is very simple: why did Ard use the campaign account for personal expenses, and is it legal or ethical?  Why is very simple: Ard dropped hundreds of thousands of his own personal cash into his election. If there's money left over, and you have things related to the job, you might feel entitled to using that cash for it.  Ken does have a bit of a reputation for tightness with the duckets, so the opinion that your wife's inaugration dress would be a legitimate expense.  Of course, that is wrong....


   Anyone who itemizes on their taxes (correctly, that is) knows that only items for exclusive use on the job are deductible.  For example, I can't write off my dress slacks and shirts for work, because I can use them elsewhere, even if I don't. Uniforms, OTOH are deductible... Laptops, lunches, and yes, cocktail dresses are verboten.  Ard made lots of enemies across the state last year, so it doesn't surprise us that someone was watching the numbers...


    We have little doubt that Ken will be fined and have to pay back the money he took out. Personal money only goes in - it's not allowed to go out.  As for the call for him to resign, that's too far.  Those calling for it all have an axe to grind with him, so why listen to them?  Ard is pretty new to the statewide campaign game. County Council races are cut and dried. You're mostly dealing with your own cash, so there's more leeway.  Ken is a guy who might eff up the details, but he's a bigger picture guy who can help bring jobs to the state,and work across the aisle - even if it hurts him in GOP circles.  


    We won't call it a small blip or misstep, but it's easily fixable. No need for the witch hunt yet...


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Today's Founders Quote: Business of Little Minds


"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

- Thomas Paine, 1776.


   Yes, people who face adversity often grow from it, if applied properly.  Meanwhile, we also love Aussie Nikkie Visser. She doesn't make our 'little mind' shrink..

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Cartoon of the Week...



      Hey, we all have our priorities..... Ours are just more screwed up than other people's.


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Saturday, March 19, 2011

Bombs Away !!!!!

Obama Gives Libya His Own Version of 'Shock and Awe' .... Washout and Benson Are Ready!


      Granted, 'Shock and Ouch' might be more like it.  After all, how badass is it when you let France fire the first shot?  After you, Mr. Sarkozy.....  After weighing all the options - almost to the point where the resistance was wiped out - Barack Obama decided to fire off a few Tomahawks at 20 targets on the Mediterranean coast.  No Marines yet, although we're wondering why not. After all 'To the Shores of Tripoli' is part of the first line of the Marine Corps Fight Song... 


     The big question right now is 'Why Now?'.  What exactly pushed Obama to press the little red button on Moammat Qaddafi?  We think we know what it is. Simply put, it's two words ...... Charlie Sheen.


     Seriously, here's our theory, Oliver Stone fans... What's been going the past month? Libya and Charlie Sheen.  Actually Sheen has been the bigger story.  We think Obama has been slouching around the rec room at the Oval Office, and when you hear enough about Charlie Sheen, you'll finally pop in a DVD. For many of us, that means watching 'Hot Shots'.... After that, the story takes it's own path: Obama watches Hot Shots, thinks about Qaddafi, and the next thing you know, Obama's going all Topper Harley, bombing an accordion factory and mime schools in Falafel Heights....



    All right, maybe it needs polishing.  Actually, the choice was finally made that in the long term, a free Libya is better than a Libya with Qaddafi at the helm.  Short term, oil prices will probably jump again, but not much.  Libya does only have 2% of the world oil supply.  Long term, a friend in Tripoli would be better.  Qaddafi is batshit crazy - he makes Saddam Hussein sound like a levelheaded thinker.


    The important question now is 'what next?'  Short of an extremely well-placed missile shot, Qaddafi will not evacuate the office.  Perhaps we have another Black Ops job here... No doubt the country will gladly flip sides with him gone - they've been doing it already.  Too bad Topper Harley is busy at the Sober Valley Lodge.   WINNING !!!!!!!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfPZN8fygU&feature=related


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Is Microsoft's CEO an SC6 Fan ???

Yeah Steve-O, We Think We're Pretty Funny Too...


    We here at SC6 have long said that we're not the blog where everyone goes - just the smart people. The Movers and Shakers. The people who make things happen. Those are our core readers. At least that's what we would like to think. However, we JUST MIGHT finally have some concrete proof of it....


   Take a look at the post below that we had for St. Patrick's Day, and check the first commentors name.  Steve Ballmer.  Who is Steve Ballmer? Well, the only Steve Ballmer we know is the CEO of Microsoft.  Yeah, we got just a little conceited when we first saw the comment.


   Of course, some kind of solid proof would be nice in proving that we attract powerful people here.  It's pretty iffy. Now, there is an e-mail attached to it, and while we won't give it here, it is a G-mail acct.  From what little we know, G-mail is a Google or Apple property, not Microsoft. Secondly, why would Ballmer be trolling around Blogger - which is definitely a Google program?  especially a post with a topless girl on it?


    Our guess is that someone is using Ballmer's name, and thought SC6 was a high volume blog on Google, and decided to try and make him look bad.  Anyone can make a user name of Steve Ballmer, and say dumb stuff. Granted, the comment wasn't perverted or anything. Brett Favre's done worse.  However, despite all the evidence to deny this, we're going to be blissfully ignorant, and trump up our Top Shelf readership... Who's Next?

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Erin Go Braghless !!

SC6 Wishes You a Happy St. Paddy's Day .....


     Somehow, we just knew that we'd find a topless photo of a girl named Erin on Chickipedia.  Erin McNaught, that is... We're straight-edging it tonight at home, due to the fact that there is a mass conspiracy to drive us insane this week.  Rest over alcohol, at least for a day.


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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Putting It Off.... And Off.... And Off.

Doing Bad Government, Three Weeks at a Time.



      After pushing off making massive budget cuts of a whole 1% for three weeks, word is that DC is preparing to send up another Band-Aid bill to push off what we all know needs to be done..



     We are starting to have very little faith in many of those in power in Washington to do even the smallest of accomplishments.  If they can't find $60 billion, how the hell can they cut $1.5 billion a year?  They can't take care of the small stuff, and we're expecting them to do the heavy lifting?  It reminds us of the contractor guys from 'The Money Pit', who said the house would be done in 2 weeks for a year. How much did they spend eventually?


www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdxDroSVdL4

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Like We Said, We're Always One Step 'Ahead' Of You Up North ....



     Recently, we noted the big smoking war that came to Flotown this month. At the time, we told you that every stupid public awareness idea that ever comes to South Carolina happens in New York first.  Just when you thought they couldn't create any more intrusive rules to what you can/can't do, we just got another one this week...



    Here on Long Island, two mommy county legislators introduced a bill to ban smoking with children in cars.  Now, we all know the dangers of second hand smoke on adults and children, but a quick look at outlawing smoking with kids in cars shows how shortsighted legislating 'common sense' really is...



   We'll be quick, because there is just a much scientific evidence to show that these two dummies really didn't do their homework on this one.  Here's our argument: Mommy and/or Daddy smoke.  As long as there is a kid in the car, they can't smoke.  But, if the kids are out, they can smoke, right?  OK, what happens to the smoke enclosed in the car? It stays, it incubates inside the car and immerses itself into the seat and cloth of the vehicle. Ever get into a car fove hours after someone smokes in it? How does it smell? It reeks.  So, now, it's ok to put the kids in the car, right?  Uhh....


    Like most bills, No Smoking In Cars is a thoughtful idea, with little thought to it's application.  The only way for this to work is to tag a car with a 'No Kids' tag, to allow people to smoke in cars, or outrightly ban smoking in cars altogether.  Try passing that one....  Remember, the long-held comment of 'There Oughta Be a Law' rarely ever is workable.  Whoever voted these two in needs to find people who actually understand the bigger picture in legislation.....

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Cartoon of the Week ...


       Times are tough, Tin-Man..... I'm not sure why they're leaving him there.  Let him rust up, then cash him in at the scrap yard.  Alumninum's going at 50 cents a pound!!  No doubt next week will be about Japan, though we don't expect anything funny...

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Tuesday, March 08, 2011

If This Is Winning, Then We'll Prefer To be Losers..



          We've been watching Charlie Sheen the past couple weeks without comment, and it's time for our decision - he needs meds again.  Either he has had an epiphany of his greatness - along with his F. Everybody bank account - or his brain has completely gone off the rails.  Yo Chuck, what's up with the effing sword?  What are we, the Taliban now?



     We have a lot of experience with nutjobs, drug addicts, liars and any combination of the three.....  Sheen seems just like one of my bro's coked out buddies on a 4:00 AM diatribe - making no sense, with little focus, and not shutting the fuck up for more than two seconds....  It's hard for any of us to think people believe they are that important or great.  Charlie Sheen reads off of cue cards.  He's made more money than I'll ever dream of. Yeah, he's real lucky - he's not great.  WINNING !!!!

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Sunday, March 06, 2011

Today's Founders Quote: Separate and Dissimilar Bodies


"The people can never willfully betray their own interests: But they may possibly be betrayed by the representatives of the people; and the danger will be evidently greater where the whole legislative trust is lodged in the hands of one body of men, than where the concurrence of separate and dissimilar bodies is required in every public act."

- James Madison, 1788.


A very good argument for the separations of powers, and two houses of Congress.  Individuals will never betray themselves, but even Congress can... I thought of using two girls for our 'separate and dissimilar bodies' but Jakki Degg was enough for us!

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A Call to Arms .... It's Precinct Reorganization Time !!



        Want to Play A Part?  You Gotta Be In It First !!



       While most voters think that 2011 is an off year for politics, the truth is that the odd number years are just as, if not more important that the even years.   These are when the political parties organize, or more correctly, reorganized.


      Yes, positions from National Party Chair to precinct captains are up for grabs.  Personally, the Florence GOP will need a Precinct Chair, Vice-Chair and every other position to take over for me, since I'm unable to attend... It sounds a bit cliche', but without being involved in the party of your choice, you have very little power. By being involved, your influence is maximized.  You work with people that you may not agree with 100%, but the goals are in the end, common...


    Now that I've convinced you, how do you get involved?  First, you need to attend precinct reorganization. You can't just show up at the county or state convention, and expect to vote.  It all starts local, then gets bigger - like a groundswell... You need to go to http://www.scgop.com/ and find the date of your home county's precinct elections.  Some precincts may be tough to get a gig in, but many have more spots than attendees. Chances are, they will BEG you to take part...


    The door to really work for your party only opens up every 2 years, and that time is now.  Do as I say: get off your ass, go to reorganization, and get involved!  Who knows - you might like it!

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Part III, Civil War Diary: A Nation Is Born, Lines Are Drawn



   
      In our last post, we chronicled the mass exodus of the Southern States from the Union in December and January, 1861.  At that point, each state had become it's own little kingdom. Of course, a dozen or so fiefdoms had no chance of becoming independent against the Union.  In February, 1861 they all got together, and they organized...



      For two weeks, it was an interesting dichotomy, where the Confederate State of America set up it's Constitution, leaders, Congress, and even resolutions to avoid war with the Union, as arsenals in San Antonio and the paymaster's office in New Orleans were taken over. On February 9, 1861, word was given to Mississippi Senator Jefferson Davis that he would be the first President of the Confederacy. Davis' wife would later write that Davis took the news 'as though a member of his family had passed.'  Nine days later, Davis was sworn in as the South's first and only President...



    Meanwhile, 100 miles up the road in Washington DC, Abraham Lincoln completed his fifteen days tour of the country from Springfield, Ill. to the White House.  Faced with numerous death threats, Lincoln was rushed into the capital in the middle of the night.  On March 4, 1861 Lincoln was sworn in as the 16th US President.  His inauguration speech was laden with conciliation to avoid war, but by then, war was inevitable.....


   After the first week of March 1861, the lines were rawn, the players set. All that was left was when and where - and the biggest probablility was a small armory in the middle of Charleston Harbor...

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Cartoon of the Week...



      I was going to post on this earlier this week, but someone else did it for me .  Anyone who can read my mind wins.  Congrats, Dude!


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Saturday, March 05, 2011

SC6 New Music Pick: Good Old War 'My Own Sinking Ship'


Has Philly Lost All Electricity, Because Everyone There Has Gone Acoustic ...


    Today's Music Pick is Philadelphia-based indie band, Good Old War.  the name actually came from the names of members Keith Goodwin (vocals), Tim Arnold (drums/accordion), and Dan Schwartz (guitar).  I was a huge Hooters fan back in college, and I see that influence all over this band.  That small, almost Revolutionary-War style of music from the past... Nice.


   Here's a clip from the first song from their latest album, "My Own Sinking Ship'.  I wasn't sure at first, but this is a LIVE clip. Stunning....


www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qudqt_QXVE4

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Today's Founders Quote: Wonderful Correctness


"It is so difficult to draw a clear line of separation between the abuse and the wholesome use of the press, that as yet we have found it better to trust the public judgment, rather than the magistrate, with the discrimination between truth and falsehood. And hither to the public judgment has performed that office with wonderful correctness."

- Thomas Jefferson, 1803.



    Not to offend media people, but without bias of motivated people - polticians included - the people will generally make the right choices. If we only listened.. As far as Spanish hottie Karen Junqueria, there is a wonderful correctness there as well....

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Hitting the Mark, Guys .....

Yes, We Are Compelled To Teach Guys How to Pee In Toilets.. And Mankind Takes a Step Back.


      For starters, if you want to pee in a toilet with photos of women staring in amazement at your Johnson, you'll have to go to Queensland, New Zealand.  OK, we'll explain our motivation.  I spend almost 12 hours a day at work, so eventually, i gotta go hit the head. Sometimes, it's Number One, and sometimes I gotta sit to shit.. There are a couple semi-private employee bathrooms we get to use. You'd think that knowing you share a toilet with co-workers would make you a bit more responsible.  Uhh, not quite....


    On almost a daily basis, the toilet is almost untenable.  We have guys who can't piss in a Corn Riser from a ladder... We're not talking about a drop from shaking... On the lid. All over the lid. On the floor. I once saw piss in the sink. I shit you not.  So, in the interest of consideration of harmony, cleanliness and common friggin' sense, we submit some simple tips to our guys to teach them what their Momma's apparently didn't. Hitting The Mark...


Rule 1: Flip Your Lid

     Guys, I hate to say it, but the women are right on this.  Flipping the lid up is actually a free pass to piss like a fire hose.  I couldn't care less about piss on the bottom of the toilet , just leave the lid clean for me.  Of course, put it back down when done - for the ladies...



Rule 2: Focus, Daniel-San

     Simply put, pay attention, dammit!  I don't know what planet some people allow their minds to drift off to when peeing, but obviously, it ain't on keeping it on the head.  Thirty seconds of attention is all we're asking for. After that, you can trail off to Neverland again. Mr. Miyagi would be proud.....



Rule 3: Aim Small, Miss Small

    Quite possibly the only good advice Mel Gibson ever gave, his quote from 'The Patriot' applies not only to shoot a rifle, but taking a leak as well.  Yeah, there's plenty of room to hit a 1/2 inch wide stream into a 18 x 28 inch wide area, but for some of you, that still ain't enough.  Pick a spot, and be a good soldier and hit the target...


Perhaps we need to make pissing more interesting to guys for them to do a better job.  Maybe a video game toilet that gives points for total input into the toilet. Picture it..... 'Hey Joe, how'd that piss go?'  'Max Flow, Dude.  I scored a 782!!'.   I think i just found my million dollar idea.  Maybe not, although that might do well in Las Vegas... Until then, just leave my seat clean. I'm not asking - I'm begging......

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America Pays the Price For Other's People Freedom..


      We think it might be the hair, but if they had a Muammar Qaddafi Lookalike Contest, Moye would win hands down... Seriously, pop that hat on him, add the sunglasses and the pencil-thin mustache, and the trophy is his.  Hey, if I can look like a Klingon with a goatee, he can pass for Qaddafi.  Damn, there is your Libyan solution: Take out Qaddafi with black ops, install Moye as puppet dictator, and let the Libyan oil flow, baby!!! Everyone wins - except Moye, who has to trade in Graham Slough for Tripoli.  A small sacrifice to pay, we think...


    This month, we are learning that freedom around the world has it's price, depending on where it happens.  To us, there are good places for freedom, and other places where it hurts us... Unfortunately for now, Libya is one of those places.  It's not the fault of the Libyan people, but Qaddafi is not the most stable or sensible leader.  Hosni Mubarak was a statesman compared to Qaddafi.  If anyone expects him to see the light and step down, they are mistaken.....


   Of course, Libya rebels shooting bullets at government forces hasn't lessened the supply of oil or gas.  For the $3.69 I saw at the pump yesterday (a full dollar more than in July), you can thank speculators, not the oil companies or producers.  Investors are the ones making money right now. Hurricane Katrina couldn't cause as much financial damage as investors do.  Scumbags....


    In this current gas crisis, there is one hope - that whatever end result happens in Libya, whether it's Qaddafi hangs on, leaves, or ends up on the end of a rope or firing squad, that it happens quickly.  This could be a small blip on the radar, and we think it will go that way.  This is not Iraq.  In most ways, it is better.  In some ways, it is worse.  For now, suck it up at the pump, and pay your extra price for Freedom.  It's what we Americans do... Time again to get serious about Energy?

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We Discover the Nexus of the Flotown Media World..


      Sometimes, you get information that you can't help notice a trend on... When I worked at Roy Rogers, I noticed that there were an inordinate number of people born in July and January.  I still think that personality traits - and therefore, occupations they eventually end up in - are tied in.  Today, we got further proof, though on a much smaller scale.



    Thanks to the magic of Facebook, I found out today that BOTH Flo Mo News City Jackie Torok and Florence News Journal Editor Brenda Harrison both celebrate their birthdays next Sunday, March 13th.... Coincidence? We think not.  If you want your kid to work in newsprint, might we suggest you and you spouse pencil in June 13th for some snuggle time...

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Peering Into the Crystal Ball .... Or Wishing We Did.

If Zoltar Were In Government, He Wouldn't See the Future..


      Today's little tidbit of wisdom.  I'm watching Bulls & Bears on Fox News, and Jonas Max Ferris was asked about the debate of slashing public service jobs - like teachers, police, fire fighters.  To people in South Carolina, the argument seems ridiculous, becuase teachers and cops are woefully underpaid, and property taxes are low. Up here in Yankeeville, cops get 100k after five years, and teachers are right there with them, along with benefits that would make you puke. 


     But, to other areas this is a real, real problem. So, back to my point.  Ferris was asked is now a good time to lay off teachers and cops, or is there a better time?  Ferris answered that four years ago, or four years from now would be a better time.  Conservatives on the panel groaned, but Ferris was right, and he made his reasons: the actual cost to government and in turn, the taxpayers...


    Here was his point. The best time to drop public service jobs is when the private sector is in the position to absorb them.  Drop them when times are good, not when they're bad.  Why?  If you fire people when there are no jobs, they become unemployed longer, and the costs to people are greater.  Fire some when corporations and other municipalities can pick them up, and a much lesser cost.  It's simple, and it's true... In one word, Ferris showed a trait that does not exist in DC, Columbia, and most local governments: Vision.


    We live in a time where every program is life or death, when every penny of spending is sacred.  It takes vision to see what is coming before it comes, and guts to actually do it, and take the criticism today - all in the knowledge that you eventually will get the quiet credit in the end.  If our leaders had Vision - and Guts - we would not have looming problems like Social Security, Medicare, Interest Debt and budgetary problems on out plate.  DC is asleep at the wheel when it comes to Vision, and they only slam on the brakes at the last second - to find the pedal has been disconnected.


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Florence Takes On the Smoking Debate ..

First They Came For the Smokers .....



       We're watching from afar, as the Great Smoking Ban debate has come to Florence.  Most times we take positions on an issue - and we're usually right.  However this time, we'll stay out of it as an unbiased observer, and we'll explain in a minute.


      No, we don't smoke. I'm pretty tolerant of smokers in fact.  We do know that smoking is bad for you, and bad for those around you.  Medically, the argument of whether smoking is a negative is a no-brainer.  But, the smoking ban debate is more of a Personal Freedoms issue - the freedom to smoke, and the freedom to not be exposed to the smoking of others.  Yeah, it does kinda go both ways, folks....


     No, we don't like big government getting in the way people live their lives, but there's also an incorrect motivation to smoking bans: That banning smoking is a deterrent to smoking.  Watching from afar, from the place where smoking bans in bars, restaurants and public buildings started, I can give you a glimpse into your future..


    When I first left Yankeeville, they started taxing cigarettes to 'deter' people from smoking. That was when they were about $3 a pack.  Today, they're about $10 per pack from further 'deterrent taxes' ...... and no one has stopped smoking.  If you want to smoke you'll find a way, despite the deterrents...


   So, what am i saying? I'm saying for the most part that everyone is wasting their time.  It's an argument where both sides are right, both sides are wrong, and in the end, it matters nothing. It's one giant push...  Yeah, there will be smoke-free areas, but smokers will still smoke. Freedoms will not be lost, but still lost at the same time.  It matters nothing... But it's always fun to watch politicians pound their heads against the wall for a little while...

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