I just got back from running the early show of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in Dreamland at the Colonial Theatre, and simply must recommend it to everyone. Unless you absolutely hated any of the earlier incarnations, you will enjoy yourself immensely. Tip: stay for the credits. There is an extra bit very near the end.
Peace,
Tor
Friday, April 29, 2005
Many Strains of Environmentalism
Do read this article by Jonah Goldberg if you get the chance. It's a fairly good take on a nascent conservative environmental movement. For extra credit, do a Google search on Karl Hess and environmentalism.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
The AARP's forked tongue
This NewsMax article is really all you need to know. The AARP is heavily advertising against the very notion of individual accounts within the Social Security system, yet it speaks with hypocrisy. The best part of the article:
On a tangential note, I know that many people who are near and dear to me do not understand the full extent of the Social Security taxes they are now paying. This is because there is purportedly an "employee payment" and an "employer payment." Don't be fooled. Here is an article from a non-partisan source that might help anybody understand that half of the Social Security tax is "hidden" from them. Anybody who is self-employed (and bless your hearts) finds this out on day one. For those who don't have time to visit the Newsday Link, this sums it all up:
Now that we've been made aware of the cost, what's the benefit? Yes, many people value the reliability of a check of a certain amount arriving every month. However, it is my contention that one of the effects of the Social Security system, especially in more recent times (with higher tax rates), has been an ever larger number of elderly people in poverty than would have existed without the program. And that's even if, instead of saving the money that would have gone into the black hole of Social Security, everyone had spent every last cent on utter frivolity. Simply stated, money kept in private hands will benefit the economy to a much greater extent than money handled by the government, due to the inefficiency of government. A strongly growing economy will do more to provide for the poor of all ages than any government program.
As for Bush's proposal last night, I'd like to see it pass, as opposed to staying with the status quo. Even better would have been to allow folks to totally opt out of the system, but I know that's a pipe dream. Yes, I would happily abandon all that I've already paid into the system and waive all future benefits for the right to leave now.
Realistically, I think it might have been better to allow the Social Security trustees to invest about a third of the incoming funds in broad-based market index funds to avoid all the transaction and administrative fees that the personal accounts will entail. But Bush's trip is better than the one we're currently on, so it's a no-brainer to try and hitch a ride.
About ten years ago, I made a simple financial calculation. What if the money that had been deducted from my checks up to that point were simply allowed to grow at 4% tax free, without putting any more money into the fund? And then, at retirement age, I'd just live off the interest. The result blew me away. My monthly check would be about double what the SSA told me I'd be getting from them. But to get that "guaranteed" benefit, I'd have to keep earning and contributing till retirement. The inequity of this scenario is appalling, especially if you do what I should have done and add in the "employer's matching contribution."
Peace,
Tor
....AARP's stock offerings include far riskier options than what proponents of personal retirement accounts propose, including a Latin American stock fund, a junk bond fund and a gold and precious metals fund.
"It seems that as long as AARP gets a cut, investing in the market is fine," states Investor's Business Daily. "But if you do it on your own, you're one step from crushing poverty."
AARP's investments in what it calls the "risky" securities market have brought in a healthy average return of 7.29 percent a year since 2000. Only 8 percent of the organization's portfolio was invested in safe government-backed securities in 2003.
On a tangential note, I know that many people who are near and dear to me do not understand the full extent of the Social Security taxes they are now paying. This is because there is purportedly an "employee payment" and an "employer payment." Don't be fooled. Here is an article from a non-partisan source that might help anybody understand that half of the Social Security tax is "hidden" from them. Anybody who is self-employed (and bless your hearts) finds this out on day one. For those who don't have time to visit the Newsday Link, this sums it all up:
Would you be surprised to learn that you pay more in Social Security tax than you pay in income tax? If you are like most people, you do!
Now that we've been made aware of the cost, what's the benefit? Yes, many people value the reliability of a check of a certain amount arriving every month. However, it is my contention that one of the effects of the Social Security system, especially in more recent times (with higher tax rates), has been an ever larger number of elderly people in poverty than would have existed without the program. And that's even if, instead of saving the money that would have gone into the black hole of Social Security, everyone had spent every last cent on utter frivolity. Simply stated, money kept in private hands will benefit the economy to a much greater extent than money handled by the government, due to the inefficiency of government. A strongly growing economy will do more to provide for the poor of all ages than any government program.
As for Bush's proposal last night, I'd like to see it pass, as opposed to staying with the status quo. Even better would have been to allow folks to totally opt out of the system, but I know that's a pipe dream. Yes, I would happily abandon all that I've already paid into the system and waive all future benefits for the right to leave now.
Realistically, I think it might have been better to allow the Social Security trustees to invest about a third of the incoming funds in broad-based market index funds to avoid all the transaction and administrative fees that the personal accounts will entail. But Bush's trip is better than the one we're currently on, so it's a no-brainer to try and hitch a ride.
About ten years ago, I made a simple financial calculation. What if the money that had been deducted from my checks up to that point were simply allowed to grow at 4% tax free, without putting any more money into the fund? And then, at retirement age, I'd just live off the interest. The result blew me away. My monthly check would be about double what the SSA told me I'd be getting from them. But to get that "guaranteed" benefit, I'd have to keep earning and contributing till retirement. The inequity of this scenario is appalling, especially if you do what I should have done and add in the "employer's matching contribution."
Peace,
Tor
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
What a Mess
More updates on the referendum process to overturn the most likely unconstitutional borrowing that Maine's legislature has wraught.
Peace,
Tor
wider shot
Here's a wider shot. I swear the cats know they're being photographed for world-wide distribution.
Peace,
Tor
love of my life
Here's the love of my life, and the love of her life. Oliver always looks irate, but that's just the "flat cat effect." He's really extremely affectionate....
Peace,
Tor
fire on the hill
Here's what I saw Sunday morning as I was talking on the phone to Mom. Got me wondering. The photo with the flames under the gnarly tree make the whole situation look worse than it was. The neighbors had a pile of rubbish and old beams from their renovated barn, and they had the fire dept. over for practice so they could burn it. Nothing caught fire unintentionally.
Peace,
Tor
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Money and Politics--but I repeat myself
Here's an excellent link for anyone following the Tom DeLay situation, which now is threatening to blow the lid off the junket industry in Washington, D.C.
Peace,
Tor
Monday, April 25, 2005
Now They'll All Want Canadian Prescriptions
Check out this post by aine for an update on marijuana pills in Canada.
Peace,
Tor
Boot Newt
Just because I got heck from my most nearly perfect wife for the mere appearance of promoting Newt Gingrich, I offer up a link to this blog, which specializes in nasty (and sometimes funny) parodies of all things right-wing.
Peace,
Tor
The Future of Biomass
Daniel links to a report about the feasibility of biomass replacing up to 30% of petroleum use.
Peace,
Tor
Wiccan Shutout of Government Prayer
I found this story by perusing WoodMoor Village. I'm hoping those county commissioners get their heads handed to them on the next appeal. This goes so far beyond any reasonable interpretation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment that it's almost risible. Of course, we have to wonder, What are government bodies doing wasting their time with prayers, anyway?
Peace,
Tor
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Happy Wesak
Just a shout out to all of my fellow Buddhists, many of whom celebrate Wesak today. It is a celebration of the enlightenment and death, and, in some cultures, birth of the Buddha Gautama. Some folks celebrate it on slightly different dates.
Peace,
Tor
Saturday, April 23, 2005
A Decent Show
Todd Feinburg is a new weekend offering on WLOB. Check out the guests he had today. It was an interesting education on Saudi Arabia from people who know it intimately. I'll be looking forward to more listening. I especially like the fact that he allowed his guests to make their points. He's reminiscent of the old Jim Bohannon or David Brudnoy shows in that respect.
Peace,
Tor
The Titan "H" Up Close
Check this out! I don't know how I missed these pics from last week, but they are stunning!
Peace,
Tor
A People's Veto
A Maine GOP-led "citizens' initiative" now has a web presence at MaineVeto.com. As one who has consistently over the years voted against all bond referenda, I am particularly incensed by the Dems in the legislature who have deprived me of my symbolic and usually quixotic effort.
One of the things that government at all levels in this state needs to learn is that a drastic reduction in spending is necessary, and soon. The longer we delay this, the more people it will hurt. Not even the Republicans are in favor of doing what really needs to be done. At least they've finally decided to draw a line in the sand.
Peace,
Tor
Eye of Newt
Newt Gingrich is hawking his new book, but as always, despite the intense demonization he experienced in the 90s, his ideas are well stated and thoughtful. While I am a libertarian, not a conservative, I am heartened by his attempt to bring to light the difference between supporting people you want to get into power and supporting people who will give power back to you.
Peace,
Tor
Friday, April 22, 2005
Retreat of Antarctic ice gathers pace
An update on the climate-change front. Note what one of the authors says:
David Vaughan, one of the authors of the study, said: "The widespread retreat of the glaciers on the Antarctic peninsula over the past 50 years was largely caused by climate change. Are humans responsible? We can't say for sure but we are one step closer to answering this important question."
Yes, the answer will come in steps, so let's not do anything rash in the meantime.
Peace,
Tor
When Two Side Go to War
When an in-law of the Kennedy clan wears a wire to take down Clinton operatives, you know there's got to be more to the story. Howie Carr has been really enjoying this story which is, so far, avoiding the notice of most sites.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Thursday, April 21, 2005
An Example of What You're Not Supposed to Eat
This is the most terrible thing I have heard this week. There have been several stories here in Maine about animals in terrible situations over the last few days, but this one from our neighbors to the north is absolutely atrocious.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
You Are What You Think You're Supposed To Eat
I'm going back to the four food groups taught to me in my fraternity: Crunchy, Salty, Chocolatey, and Individually Wrapped.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Anathema
I was just so impressed to see the word "anathema" in print, that I had to point it out.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Monday, April 18, 2005
Stuck in the Mud, part DOH!!
Here's the rest of the unbelievable saga concerning my wife's 1988 Volvo 240 DL.
As you might recall, I had finally set the alternator ground correctly. So the following morning, the most nearly perfect woman set out again for Portland. She got to exactly the same spot where the car died previously, and ..... not poooof, but WHOOOOSH! Smoke billowed from beneath the car! She stopped, and found transmission fluid pouring out on the ground. She luckily had some more in the trunk, put it in, and drove right home.
Now, I have to admit I was quite worried that driving even a short distance with low tranny fluid might have ruined it. I was also quite worried that she might have seriously reinjured her ankle when she kicked the fender. (Yes, the recent car woes are just the capstone on a winter that's been hard for many reasons.)
I was able to Google some Usenet discussions on repairing transmission cooling lines, and found that some had had success with EFI fuel line. If you ever need to do it, just make sure the inner diameter of the reinforced rubber tube is the same as the outer diameter of the cooking line. Cut off as little of the cooling line as you can get away with, and extend the rubber line at least three inches along each end of the cooling line. I used four clamps on each end of the hose, because wotthehell clamps is cheap.
So far, so good. It seems the tranny fluid was never down more than about a quart, so nothing too ruinous occurred. No leaks yet, either. Just a ruined vacation for my poor wife, who most definitely deserved far better.
Peace,
Tor
As you might recall, I had finally set the alternator ground correctly. So the following morning, the most nearly perfect woman set out again for Portland. She got to exactly the same spot where the car died previously, and ..... not poooof, but WHOOOOSH! Smoke billowed from beneath the car! She stopped, and found transmission fluid pouring out on the ground. She luckily had some more in the trunk, put it in, and drove right home.
Now, I have to admit I was quite worried that driving even a short distance with low tranny fluid might have ruined it. I was also quite worried that she might have seriously reinjured her ankle when she kicked the fender. (Yes, the recent car woes are just the capstone on a winter that's been hard for many reasons.)
I was able to Google some Usenet discussions on repairing transmission cooling lines, and found that some had had success with EFI fuel line. If you ever need to do it, just make sure the inner diameter of the reinforced rubber tube is the same as the outer diameter of the cooking line. Cut off as little of the cooling line as you can get away with, and extend the rubber line at least three inches along each end of the cooling line. I used four clamps on each end of the hose, because wotthehell clamps is cheap.
So far, so good. It seems the tranny fluid was never down more than about a quart, so nothing too ruinous occurred. No leaks yet, either. Just a ruined vacation for my poor wife, who most definitely deserved far better.
Peace,
Tor
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Disembodied Brain sci-fi weblog | Speculating on what's inside the bunker on ABC's Lost
Disembodied Brain sci-fi weblog | Speculating on what's inside the bunker on ABC's Lost
As a fan of this wonderful show, I couldn't help but pass this column on to all who might want to read it....
Peace,
Tor
Stuck in the Mud
For the five people out there who are fascinated by Range Rovers, I can proudly report that I managed to remove the broken shifter cable from my 1987 Rangie. I plan to install the new one Saturday.
A few weeks ago, a couple of traumatic events occurred, which greatly delayed the repair of the Rover, and yet underscored the desirability of getting it repaired quickly. My wife and I managed to get both of our vehicles (hers an '88 Volvo, mine a '90 Honda) stuck on our muddy road. We were two of at least five who were stuck that day. I was the last one, returning home after an evening shift at one of my jobs.
I managed to stave the heck out of my jerry-rigged exhaust system. I eventually needed to replace everything between the catalytic converter and the muffler. Oh, wasn't that fun, sawing off those bolts under a car with about two feet of clearance afforded by ramps, atop an extremely un-waterproof tarp on a muddy area that averaged fifteen degrees Fahrenheit.
But I get ahead of myself. Before I could try and fix my exhaust, I had to deal with issues that bedeviled my wife's car. Her alternator decided to crap out a couple of days after being extracted from the quagmire. I stayed home from work one day, and took about five hours to remove the cursed thing. I believe we will never buy another Volvo for this reason. I have never seen an alternator so difficult to access and remove.
Anyway, I did manage to get it off and get the new one on. However, because it had been so many hours since I had removed the wiring from the old alternator, and the terminal screws on the new one did not exactly match up position-wise, I decided that the new alternator must be self-grounding through the mounting bolts. This was a major mistake. When I tested the new alternator, all seemed well. However, the grounding wire must have been just touching one of the many spots on the alternator that would ground it. When my lovey-dove undertook again her trip to Portland.....poooof! No go.
At this time, I observed the battery was dead. I charged it, started the car, and tested the charging system again. Everything seemed fine. Then .......pooooof! I figured the battery couldn't handle the load, so we bought a new battery. Everything seemed fine. Then.....pooooof! At least now I was finally able to see that the charging system wasn't working.
So here's a hint to anyone installing a new alternator, especially if you can't figure out where the grounding wire should go: The ground is important. There are probably many places you can attach it. As I discovered, the remanufacturers at Auto Zone had place at least eight small bolt-ends for my grounding convenience.
More later, and peace,
Tor
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
John Stossel gets it from the Global Warming crowd
Another interesting essay about the political side of the global warming debate. By the way, I still intend to follow up on the other readings that were suggested to me earlier about this subject.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
More Fair Tax activity
There's more of the (tax) seasonal excitement eddying about this year, it seems. Most Americans seem to be against a flat tax system, as recently championed by Steve Forbes. I'm still hoping that the Fair Tax will gain some ground this time around, or at least get out of committee.
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