This is pretty cool

Follow the link to see a pretty cool animated .gif graphic.

Bad Obama: Global Warming Trumps Recession Recovery

President Obama is off to a bad start. By allowing states to enforce differing automobile fuel mileage and emissions standards, he's crippling the auto industry's ability to recover, forcing auto makers to squander their federal bailout funds by requiring them to meet segmented standards by 13 different states – all in the name of combating global warming. I have a feeling this is just a taste of the reckless policies we'll see pushed down our throats in the coming years. Hold tight!

They're Not Laughing Now

Peter Schiff, a tv financial analyst, appeared to be the lone voice of truth in the days leading to the financial meltdown. Watch as he is jeered and laughed at.

When you listen to what he's saying, he words are painfully clear. But back in 2006-07, people were enjoying their borrowed wealth to much to listen. Once again, I'm glad to be among those who've been taught to live within their means.

Relevant quote:

“All too often a family's spending is governed more by their yearning than by their earning. They somehow believe that their life will be better if they surround themselves with an abundance of things. All too often all they are left with is avoidable anxiety and distress” --Joseph B. Wirthlin

Here's a fun game

Ugh! Google Cuts Services

What a bummer. I frequently use both Google Notebook and Google Video, both of which are being discontinued in coming weeks and months.

I have a lot of clips stored on Google Notebook. Thankfully, they will still be available for the indefinite future; Google is simply ceasing further development of the app.

Google Video will also continue to operate, but video uploads will cease. This is a real bummer, since this is where I store all the silly little (and big) videos I've taken over the years.

The answer, of course, is to start uploading to YouTube, which is fine, except there's a 10-minute limit on each upload. So much for posting lengthy performances or travelogues. There HAS to be another solution.

This Makes Me Sad

Ricardo Montalban dies at 88.

Oh, this is dandy

Says the headline, U.S. military report warns 'sudden collapse' of Mexico is possible. Just what we need on top of everything else--another Columbia right at our doorstep. I guess the only thing holding it back has been the free flow of funds from Mexicans living in the U.S. Now that the money fountain has dried up, Mexico is descending into anarchy.

At least this might justify getting some good border security.

Still Winter

Sometimes snow smothers the fun.

Zappa and Obama: Can You Tell the Difference?

Is it just me, or does Frank Zappa sound almost exactly like Barack Obama?

Click and listen!

Where Your Treasure Is...

A global financial crisis tends is very illuminating in a lot of ways. It weeds out the enterprises that lack efficiency. It's a commentary on the credit culture in which we've lived for the past few decades. And it shines a spotlight on those who have placed money above all else in their lives. It seems every month now we're hearing of some rich guy who was so in love with his riches that he couldn't bear to live without them, such as billionaire Adolf Merckle. Or about crooks like ponzi mastermind Bernard Madoff, who lost not only his own fortune, but that of many other financially enhanced individuals willing to risk all for the easy buck.

Even among the cash-strapped masses, big money is the overriding goal, what with billions spent on lottery gambling each year.

Ever more relevant is the admonition in Matthew 6:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also...

At times like these, I'm thankful that I have enough to keep a roof over our heads. But I'm even more thankful that whatever happens economically, my most precious possessions are secure.