I'm here

Funny how many of the good names for blogs are taken.

I was looking for a new name for some of my more individual thoughts and rants, and I seriously had like 20 in a row that were already taken that I thought were original.  I noticed that most of them hadn't been edited since 2001 or 2002.  Jerks.  Stealing the good names and camping on them For-Ev-Er.

So the economy is rough.  We're looking to buy a house.  I figure house prices are pretty good.  So now we need to see if we can get a mortgage.

We would really like our own place.  It'd be spectacular.  But I still don't know if the time is right.  An Oppenheimer analyst said today that prices should go down another 25%.  I would hate to jump in now if that's the case.  But then again, the new socialist bailout proposals are sure to keep foreclosures down, which means prices go up.  Which means more expensive houses.  Good for banks, bad for me.

Actually, I'd like to rant on that for a minute.  I had a rant typed up but I deleted it because it makes me angry.  Suffice it to say that I find the bailout plan, capping short sales, and and this last minute response to be reckless, harmful, and overly socialistic.  And McCain's comments have kinda made me sad.

The Office starts in 2 days.  And Pushing Daisies starts October 1.  These are our favorite shows. 

In other news, Haylee is not enjoying some of her classes at school.  Apparently music theory can be a beast.

I start work at 6:30, so I'm doing pretty good at getting to bed by 9:30, but Haylee's been staying up later working on homework.  
:-(.

In fact, I'm going to go to bed right now and she's still at her choir practice.  Poor Haylee.

Max's Stable

Politics - A Rant with Endorsements

O Republican party, where is thy rockstar?

As I enjoyed the Democratic National Convention, I couldn't help but wonder where the Al Gore or Bill Clinton or Obama of Republicanism is hiding. Honestly, Arnold is the best we've got, and not only is his Republicanism less than strict, but his political career is at its apex. Ronald Reagan is gone and we are stuck with the wrinkles and negative political capital that eminates from the Bush and Cheney and Dole families. Honestly, dear conservative allies, why have you alienated yourselves from the future?

In complete respect for the great Republican political machine, I refuse to believe that this election is over, but Republicanism has relegated itself to a future of wrinkles and presidential victories that rely on a carefully placed minority of the popular vote. It is true that Republicanism is plagued by old ideas and a delivery of those ideas that hides any optimistic excitement and passion.

I hope I'm wrong. I hope that tomorrow's announcement of a running mate gives us some excitement. I hope that the Republican convention is not focused on separation from our present, but rather a unifying vision of a solid tomorrow.

America does need vision. Obama wants change, but change has already come. America needs reassurance that our America can be the same. Our America fought over 200 years ago for the principles of justice and freedom. In the 1860's, our America faced a great division and emerged with a new commitment to principles of justice and equality. Our America fought throughout the 1910's and the 1940's to ensure that the divinely delivered rights of freedom and justice were not destroyed through arrogant dictation of thought and action. Even on our own soil of the 1920's, 1950's, and 1960's, the principles of freedom and justice were defended by valiant Americans who shall live on through the rights that they secured for all Americans, regardless of race or gender.

The change has occurred. We know that change has already come because it is now unAmerican to buy an American-made vehicle. We know that change has already come because our Suburbia is suddenly desolate. We know that change has come because we are watching nations emerge competitively into the arena of world trade, in many cases showing American corporations a product that in all apparent measures is of acceptable quality while at a much lower cost than American counterparts. We know that change has come because we are surprised by the changes we observe in our climate and the ferocity we observe in our weather extremes.

We don't need change. What we need is reassurance that America will be the same America that has overcome every barrier and obstacle placed in its past. We need assurance that the same America that sprouted from the dreams of valiant men centuries ago can emerge from the economic and environmental challenges of today.

Senator McCain, please help me to hope that America can be the same.



Friends, please vote on September 2 during the primaries.

My endorsements:
US Rep (District 5) - Jim Ogsbury
State Senator (District 18) - Russel Pearce
State Legislature (District 18) - Cecil Ash
Corporation Commission - Barry Wong and Bob Stump (I know you can choose 3, but I will only choose 2 until I can vote for Kara Kelty in the general election)

(The rant and endorsements are the views of Michael and not necessarily Haylee.)

Traffic.

I decided to take the freeway home today. I would get on the 202 at Center and get off at McClintock. That is around... meh... 2 miles. I get off work at 4pm, so traffic is usually pretty good, but I hardly ever take the freeway because it's too unpredictable.

Today: Case in point.

During my short 2 mile drive, there were THREE accidents. That's right. Count 'em.

1. (haha.. dumb guy in smart car!)

2.

3.

I could hardly believe it. I knew something was up when I was passing the first accident and didn't see the traffic let up. So I pulled out my blackberry and tried to take pictures to share this craziness with all two of my readers while staying out of the accident tally myself. I realize that the traffic doesn't properly capture the pure essence of the traffic situation, but trust me, it was frustratingly bad.

Usually, taking surface streets, I get off work at 4, exit the parking lot around 4:05, and get home around 4:20.

Today, I got off work at 4, but I was at another building across the street for a meeting. So my car was closer. I got out of the parking lot BEFORE 4:05 and didn't get home until around 4:35. Which cut 15 minutes out of my Rock Band time. Go ahead. Ask me if I'll be taking the freeway again. 15 extra minutes for TWO MILES!

Civilization is okay.... Sometimes I kinda wish I lived in the forest with a windmill, solar panels, a fireplace, and thousands of acres as a buffer between those who I want to be with and... well... the incivility of civilization. I think civilization is the new ironic word of the day. What's civil about it?

Rock Band update

So I thought I would show off my newly acquired Rock Band skills.
So far, I'm pretty good on medium, not so good on hard.
My first drum solo song... 602 note streak!

My first 100%, playing as Haylee's guitar person. I then got a 100% on a song called Seven.

Rock Band

We purchased RB. And it's beautiful.

And I also purchased Guitar Hero 3 so that we can have 2 guitars, but that was on ebay and I won't get it for a few days, at least.

Life is beautiful.

Haylee starts school tomorrow. She's not too happy about that, but I think that it will be good. Especially if we can settle in to a productive schedule.

Neverending Story... I mean School.

School starts Monday. In case anyone is wondering, I am going into 18th grade. Bachelor's degree, here I come! (Only 2 more years...)