Monday, June 16, 2008

So Typically French

I have no words...

French Chop Down Historic 'Name Trees' Carved by U.S. Soldiers During Normandy Invasion

How many French citizens are upset by this? Some emotions can not be described.

##That's my opinion##

Thursday, June 12, 2008

More Math for the Masses

Part of economics (and life) 101. If you want more of something, then you encourage the source to produce more. If you want less of something, then you discourage the source to continue it's current activity. This approach works with young children, teenagers, employees, business competitors, business suppliers, foreign countries, family members, corporations, and just about anybody else.

Therefore the following equations can be offered:

Activity + Positive Reinforcement = More Activity
Activity + Negative Reinforcement = Less Activity

Most people should be able to follow that logic - even Senators and Congressmen. So, just by replacing the generic with the specific we arrive at:

Gasoline Production + Windfall Profit Tax = Less Gasoline

For proof of this theory please reference the Carter administration and the summer of 1979. Delivered July 15, 1979 by President Jimmy Carter:


Congress must enact the windfall profits tax without delay.

Beginning this moment, this nation will never use more foreign oil than we did in 1977 -- never. From now on, every new addition to our demand for energy will be met from our own production and our own conservation.

You know we can do it. We have the natural resources. We have more oil in our shale alone than several Saudi Arabias. We have more coal than any nation on Earth. We have the world's highest level of technology. We have the most skilled work force, with innovative genius, and I firmly believe that we have the national will to win this war.


Carter got the alternative fuel part right. He also knew that we could not continue to use more oil products than we produced. Too bad we didn't learn from those painful moments.

However, on the point of a windfall profits tax on the oil companies he really got it wrong. We really can not allow for a mistake like the one we made in 1979 to be repeated. We really can not afford to have our investments, many of which contain oil stocks, to be deflated due to falling oil company securities. We really can not afford a return to Carter's fiscal policy.

##That's my opinion##

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Fifty Years of Math

I received this via email - author unknown to me.

Fifty Years of Math 1957 -2007 (in the USA )

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )

6. Teaching Math In 2007 Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

This is a humorous example of the serious damage to the United States caused by big government, teachers unions, and multiculturalism. America was founded by independent thinkers who created a governmental framework to enable freedom and capitalism. We can embrace our American culture and protect it for future generations, or we can cater to special interest and group-think mentality of a dependent citizenry and watch our nation crumble before our eyes. And would the last American out of Miami please bring the flag.

##That's my opinion##