The candidates only seem to be speaking about income taxes. I thought I'd list a few more taxes and whether they are progressive (rich pay a greater % of their income), regressive (poor pay a greater % of their income), or neutral.
Income tax = progressive
Payroll tax (paid by both individuals and corporations) = neutral to progressive
Property tax = regressive
Sales tax = regressive
Inflation tax = regressive
"One of the greatest mysteries of our time is how the GOP convinced the poor and middle class to vote against their self-interest."
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Prop 8 (CA) and Prop 102 (AZ)
Andrew is dead wrong.
The LDS Church supports these constitutional amendments to define marriage as being between a man and a woman because it believes that marriage is not just a word. Marriage is an eternal principle. A principle which modern day prophets have revealed to be strictly between a man and a woman (see The Family: A Proclamation to the World). In our view (and I know there are alternative views - I used to have one of them), defining it as anything else would be mocking God. And that is not something we(I) are prepared to do.
The LDS Church supports these constitutional amendments to define marriage as being between a man and a woman because it believes that marriage is not just a word. Marriage is an eternal principle. A principle which modern day prophets have revealed to be strictly between a man and a woman (see The Family: A Proclamation to the World). In our view (and I know there are alternative views - I used to have one of them), defining it as anything else would be mocking God. And that is not something we(I) are prepared to do.
Today's Testimony
From Alan Greenspan. He has some 'splaining to do. Cheap money. Cheap money. Cheap money.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Equality
I've been thinking about equality and inequality lately. The above graph (generated from CIA Factbook data and posted on Wikipedia) represents income disparity by country using the Gini Index from the last 50 years. The fact that income disparity has been rising and that we are on par with China disturbs me. Income begets wealth (usually) and wealth begets wealth which begets sick amounts of wealth forever.
This rising gap between rich and poor is not just a moral issue (although in my mind, this is the more important of the two arguments for greater equality), it's a stability issue. The greater the gap between rich and poor, the less stable a society you have. Now I understand that inequality is an incentive for the poor to work harder to become rich (and they will work exponentially harder than the rich do to stay rich), but if economic mobility is not a reality for the majority of people, which I believe it isn't, then you have a huge French Revolution-like stability problem.
But back to morality. Is it right for the poor, not just in our country, but in the world, to be stuck in this poverty trap? (And it is a trap. I've lived in Brooklyn. I've lived next to the Bronx. I've driven very quickly through terrible parts of Oakland. I've been to places in South Phoenix that I never should have gone to. There is little hope and the likelihood of someone escaping is extremely low. There is no such thing as a level playing field.)
It's not right. It's not just. It's not merciful. It's not charitable.
US$
The rise of the US$ is really interesting. When you think of the awful state of the U.S. economy, the $ should not be rising, but it is, which means currency traders think that the $ is relatively safer than the Euro, the BP, the Yen.
The U.S. sneezes and the world gets a cold. Globalization. Gotta love it.
The U.S. sneezes and the world gets a cold. Globalization. Gotta love it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cornered
Is this going to be another 1984 election or can McCain actually turn this thing around?
"...dumb Populist-in-Chief..." from The Economist! That's saying something.
"...dumb Populist-in-Chief..." from The Economist! That's saying something.
Don't Read This
If you want to remain in a good mood today. Bernanke's statement to Congress yesterday.
A 20% increase in unemployment this year. Nice.
Bernanke's life work has been a study of The Great Depression. Let's hope he learned something. More fiscal stimulus is on its way.
And if you're not depressed enough, from Nouriel Roubini:
...need traditional Keynesian spending of $300B to boost private consumption so that an unavoidable 2-yr recession doesn't become a decade long stagnation by hitting Main Street given that the private sector is not spending and the first stimulus was ineffective...
A 20% increase in unemployment this year. Nice.
Bernanke's life work has been a study of The Great Depression. Let's hope he learned something. More fiscal stimulus is on its way.
And if you're not depressed enough, from Nouriel Roubini:
...need traditional Keynesian spending of $300B to boost private consumption so that an unavoidable 2-yr recession doesn't become a decade long stagnation by hitting Main Street given that the private sector is not spending and the first stimulus was ineffective...
Bretton Woods III
Stratfor looks at the upcoming meeting of the U.S. and Europe in what could be the next Bretton Woods.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tinny Tin Tin
From the Opinion page of the Wall Street Journal: Conservatives Against Conservatives.
Friday, October 17, 2008
SF
I come to San Francisco every couple of months just to make sure that the people in my office know that I have not yet been sacked. And to eat at the best sushi restaurant in America. Because I am not here on a regular basis, I sometimes forget what a unique city SF really is, which lasts about five minutes until the protest/parade inevitably rolls past my office window.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
From The Treasury
This month's Treasury Report.
Page 5 shows you which departments are eating up the budget (in descending order Social Security, Defense, Health and Human Services (i.e., Medicare/Medicaid)).
Page 20 makes me physically ill.
Page 5 shows you which departments are eating up the budget (in descending order Social Security, Defense, Health and Human Services (i.e., Medicare/Medicaid)).
Page 20 makes me physically ill.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Joe The Rich Freaking Plumber
I chose the wrong profession. A plumber makes more than $250K? Are you kidding me?
Great debate. If I was only listening, I would give it to McCain, especially the first 30 minutes. The Senator was a bulldog. Unfortunately this is television. McCain's pallor and grimacing reminded me of Nixon in 1960.
"I am not President Bush." was a great line from McCain.
Energy, education, and judges brought it back into Obama's court. Obama had a better closing.
The one issue that I completely disagree with Obama on is abortion. It's troubling.
Neither choice is perfect. Both pass the intellect test, although Obama has the edge here. Obama clearly wins the temperament test. Judgment. The key issue for me is Palin. Lest he die, lest he die, lest he die. Unacceptable.
The Final Debate - Factcheck.org
Is he really a plumber?
Great debate. If I was only listening, I would give it to McCain, especially the first 30 minutes. The Senator was a bulldog. Unfortunately this is television. McCain's pallor and grimacing reminded me of Nixon in 1960.
"I am not President Bush." was a great line from McCain.
Energy, education, and judges brought it back into Obama's court. Obama had a better closing.
The one issue that I completely disagree with Obama on is abortion. It's troubling.
Neither choice is perfect. Both pass the intellect test, although Obama has the edge here. Obama clearly wins the temperament test. Judgment. The key issue for me is Palin. Lest he die, lest he die, lest he die. Unacceptable.
The Final Debate - Factcheck.org
Is he really a plumber?
Fed Beige Book
The October Report.
High Lights
- International travellers continue to increase. Yea, Minnesota. It's awesome!
- Kansas City, Chicago, and St. Louis are offering higher incentives on automobile purchases. What? My worthless credit score is actually worthless?
- Kansas City and Chicago are still buying heavy machinery. With what? BBQ and nasty ass pizza?
- Consulting firms experienced reduced demand. Shit.
- Credit conditions are creating a heightened sense of concern about the economy. I need the Fed to tell me this??
- The prices of homes are declining and the supply is increasing. WTF??
- Businesses report difficulty in obtaining credit. How much did generating this report cost exactly? I'd like to undercut them by 50%. I'll have the next report ready by tonight.
- Conditions for energy and mining are positive. Is that why the Exxon guy down the street has three new cars and a boat?
- Higher retail prices are expected over the next few months. Merry Christmas to you too!
High Lights
- International travellers continue to increase. Yea, Minnesota. It's awesome!
- Kansas City, Chicago, and St. Louis are offering higher incentives on automobile purchases. What? My worthless credit score is actually worthless?
- Kansas City and Chicago are still buying heavy machinery. With what? BBQ and nasty ass pizza?
- Consulting firms experienced reduced demand. Shit.
- Credit conditions are creating a heightened sense of concern about the economy. I need the Fed to tell me this??
- The prices of homes are declining and the supply is increasing. WTF??
- Businesses report difficulty in obtaining credit. How much did generating this report cost exactly? I'd like to undercut them by 50%. I'll have the next report ready by tonight.
- Conditions for energy and mining are positive. Is that why the Exxon guy down the street has three new cars and a boat?
- Higher retail prices are expected over the next few months. Merry Christmas to you too!
The Imperial Presidency
From Cato on how both candidates view extraconstitutional presidential authority and how they will wield The Magic Scepter of Inherent Authority. Where is that Constitution thing again?
"Debating the Debates"
In anticipation of tonight's debate, The Economist walks us briefly through the history of presidential debates.
My favorite line was, "Sarah Palin, meanwhile, avoided difficult questions by asking her own and then answering them."
I expect more of the same. Same questions. Same answers. No real interaction between the candidates.
But I can hope for a bloodbath. Politics is afterall just another form of entertainment.
My favorite line was, "Sarah Palin, meanwhile, avoided difficult questions by asking her own and then answering them."
I expect more of the same. Same questions. Same answers. No real interaction between the candidates.
But I can hope for a bloodbath. Politics is afterall just another form of entertainment.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Power
The Monday meeting between the government and the bankers.
To be a fly on that wall.
Thinking of the power being wielded in that room makes me a little giddy.
To be a fly on that wall.
Thinking of the power being wielded in that room makes me a little giddy.
May I?
I think I am dreaming CNBC at this point. I've always enjoyed it, but travelling as much as I do gives me many more hours of evening and morning CNBC viewing. Mad Money, Squawk Box, Squawk on the Street, and of course Kudlow and Company. It's required viewing at the Westin these days.
The Treasury unveiled it's latest plan this morning. Click here for the full Treasury memo.
My favorite part is that if a corporation wants to increase its common stock dividend, it must ask the government for permission. Seriously, capitalism is dead.
The Treasury unveiled it's latest plan this morning. Click here for the full Treasury memo.
My favorite part is that if a corporation wants to increase its common stock dividend, it must ask the government for permission. Seriously, capitalism is dead.
It's Far From Over
Stratfor's look at Europe's and the U.S.'s current solutions to the financial crisis.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Why
Ever since I became politically conscious (~15 years old on the speech and debate and mock congress teams), I've been a self-described libertarian, realist, free market Republican. Ideologically, it is extremely appealing. Everyone looks out for his or herself, is self-sufficient, rises to his/her level of incompetence, and allows everyone else the same freedom. It's an extremely empowering ideology. All of your success is due to your hard work. Any failure is due to you not wanting to work harder. Having been born and raised in the Southwest, with all of its cowboy independence, it was a natural fit. I voted Republican down the line (with the exception of Bill Clinton in '96 - who was I to turn away from peace and prosperity?).
Last week, I voted for Barack Obama for President (early voting, as I'll be out of state on Election Day).
Up until a month ago, I was going to vote for John McCain. I voted for Senator McCain in the 2000 Republican primary (and how I wish he had been President the past eight years. And for full disclosure, I did not vote for him in the Republican primary this year. I voted for Ron Paul.). However, events over the past four weeks have convinced me that I cannot vote for him again.
First and foremost was his selection of Governor Palin. I wasn't immediately opposed to her because I knew nothing about her. I took a wait and see approach. Well, I've waited and I've seen. In my opinion, she lacks the intellect, the judgment, and the temperament to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. I won't YouTube you to death, as I'm sure you've seen the interviews and debate (no press conferences though??), but I expect more from my leaders, especially after the past eight years.
McCain's political selection of her reflects poorly on his own judgment. Yes, it made sense politically. He did need to fire up his social conservative base, a base extremely wary of some of his more liberal tendencies (see campaign finance reform and immigration), but his selection of her as his running mate demonstrated that he was not putting 'Country First'. McCain selects Lieberman or Romney and I might not be writing this.
Which brings me to reason number two. The Republican social conservative base. I refuse to be affiliated with a group of people that hates/despises/thinks I am bound for eternal damnation and is pretty vocal about it due to my religion. The Republican base despises The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I used to ignore it. I will not ignore it any longer.
Reason number three: The Republicans are no longer the party of small government. The romantic allure of Barry Goldwater's Republicanism no longer exists. In today's globalized environment of multi-national corporations and interdependent economies and governments, and as evidenced by the global financial meltdown now occurring, I'm not sure a small government approach is even possible.
Over the past thirty years, Republican administrations have increased the size of government in real dollars and as a percentage of spending year on year more than Democratic administrations have. We have a party that says government has a role to play and then spends pragmatically (relatively speaking) and another party that says government should get out of the way and then does the opposite and drives spending (the size of government) up.
If I don't have my romantic and possibly infeasible option any longer, I'll go with the pragmatic. Senator Obama is no messiah. He will not change our current situation with a wave or clap of his hands. However, I believe Senator Obama has the intellect, the judgment, and the temperament to do what is best for our country. My instincts tell me that he will put pragmatism over dogmatism. Could I be wrong? Absolutely. Only time will tell, but for now, this could be the end of my own personal history (see Francis Fukuyama). Ideology from both the left and right has demonstrated that what ideology is really good at is getting in the way of doing what is right.
Last week, I voted for Barack Obama for President (early voting, as I'll be out of state on Election Day).
Up until a month ago, I was going to vote for John McCain. I voted for Senator McCain in the 2000 Republican primary (and how I wish he had been President the past eight years. And for full disclosure, I did not vote for him in the Republican primary this year. I voted for Ron Paul.). However, events over the past four weeks have convinced me that I cannot vote for him again.
First and foremost was his selection of Governor Palin. I wasn't immediately opposed to her because I knew nothing about her. I took a wait and see approach. Well, I've waited and I've seen. In my opinion, she lacks the intellect, the judgment, and the temperament to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. I won't YouTube you to death, as I'm sure you've seen the interviews and debate (no press conferences though??), but I expect more from my leaders, especially after the past eight years.
McCain's political selection of her reflects poorly on his own judgment. Yes, it made sense politically. He did need to fire up his social conservative base, a base extremely wary of some of his more liberal tendencies (see campaign finance reform and immigration), but his selection of her as his running mate demonstrated that he was not putting 'Country First'. McCain selects Lieberman or Romney and I might not be writing this.
Which brings me to reason number two. The Republican social conservative base. I refuse to be affiliated with a group of people that hates/despises/thinks I am bound for eternal damnation and is pretty vocal about it due to my religion. The Republican base despises The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I used to ignore it. I will not ignore it any longer.
Reason number three: The Republicans are no longer the party of small government. The romantic allure of Barry Goldwater's Republicanism no longer exists. In today's globalized environment of multi-national corporations and interdependent economies and governments, and as evidenced by the global financial meltdown now occurring, I'm not sure a small government approach is even possible.
Over the past thirty years, Republican administrations have increased the size of government in real dollars and as a percentage of spending year on year more than Democratic administrations have. We have a party that says government has a role to play and then spends pragmatically (relatively speaking) and another party that says government should get out of the way and then does the opposite and drives spending (the size of government) up.
If I don't have my romantic and possibly infeasible option any longer, I'll go with the pragmatic. Senator Obama is no messiah. He will not change our current situation with a wave or clap of his hands. However, I believe Senator Obama has the intellect, the judgment, and the temperament to do what is best for our country. My instincts tell me that he will put pragmatism over dogmatism. Could I be wrong? Absolutely. Only time will tell, but for now, this could be the end of my own personal history (see Francis Fukuyama). Ideology from both the left and right has demonstrated that what ideology is really good at is getting in the way of doing what is right.
Credit
"Part of the reason this crisis occurred is that everyone was living beyond their means – from Wall Street to Washington to even some on Main Street. CEOs got greedy. Politicians spent money they didn't have. Lenders tricked people into buying home they couldn't afford and some folks knew they couldn't afford them and bought them anyway.
We've lived through an era of easy money, in which we were allowed and even encouraged to spend without limits; to borrow instead of save."
For the full text of Obama's speech today, click here.
We've lived through an era of easy money, in which we were allowed and even encouraged to spend without limits; to borrow instead of save."
For the full text of Obama's speech today, click here.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
The G7
And I thought the past two weeks were interesting. What is the G7 going to do this weekend? Coordinated rate cuts down to 0%, insure all deposits, nationalize the banks, revalue all mortgages, suspend all foreclosures, massive public/international works? Or something even more drastic (Central World Bank anyone with a single new currency?)?
Two Years
Can't I just go to sleep and wake up in two years with everything all better? A Global meltdown is at hand. Here's hoping for effective coordination among governments and central banks.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Three-Headed Monster
And what can be done about it. From The Economist.
I bet we see another coordinated rate cut in three weeks (maybe a full 100 basis points from the Fed).
I bet we see another coordinated rate cut in three weeks (maybe a full 100 basis points from the Fed).
Spending Freeze?
He was just kidding. McCain's mortgage restructuring would put $300B immediately into the hands of shareholders and bank managers (via economist Brad DeLong). Seriously what happened to the John McCain that I knew a year ago? A month ago?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Passion
Donna Brazile - CNN contributor, Democratic superdelegate, and Obama supporter at The New Yorker Festival last weekend.
Not So Doomy
An Op-Ed from a UCLA professor in the WSJ.
Immigration will save us. I thought I said that a couple of years ago.
Immigration will save us. I thought I said that a couple of years ago.
CFR Debate
Dr. Doom at the Council on Foreign Relations.
You can watch it here. I'd recommend watching it if you can. The transcript doesn't convey the interplay between the panel very well.
You can watch it here. I'd recommend watching it if you can. The transcript doesn't convey the interplay between the panel very well.
Unprecedented
A coordinated rate cut. Thank you Sweden.
More money, more money, more money. Where's my $500 loaf of gluten-free bread?
More money, more money, more money. Where's my $500 loaf of gluten-free bread?
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Debate v3
- Obama started out weak and unclear. He had to warm up to his talking points. McCain was on point from the get go.
- Point/counterpoint with the Fannie Mae/Obama connection and the deregulation/Bush/McCain connection
- McCain is going to actually buy the loans? Not just the securities? Wow, I never thought I'd hear a Republican talk about nationalizing home ownership. Socialism with a capital S (and probably a good political move - he needs something radical at this point).
- Obama is for a net spending cut (balanced budget or just smaller deficits? Tax Policy Center shows that Obama balances the budget.)
- Health care, entitlements, energy - McCain is going to do all three at once? Really? You're going to take on the third rail of politics at the same time as solving the energy and health care crisis? Now that's ambitious.
- Of course Obama puts entitlements last. He is a Democrat. Also politically smart to prioritize in this way.
- McCain links Obama to Hoover. Now that's a neat trick.
- Brokaw is an excellent moderator. The best of the three so far and heads and shoulders above Iffel.
- Starting to get nasty with the responses to each other. Brokaw is clearly frustrated, but still some semblance of control.
- Obama just talked about his mother's death and health care. Health care is a right. IT IS!!
- Foreign policy - what, no "naivete" tonight Senator McCain?
- Obama - McCain - "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" Low blow and effective.
- And the rest...
Again, no gaffes. More nastiness, but that only solidifies positions, (see Sean Hannity's ravings preaching to the right wing choir). I think the 2% of undecideds are waiting for something spectacular and if that something spectacular does not happen, they'll go with what they perceive as either intellect and judgment or experience and judgment.
This election is Obama's to lose and he's doing a very good job at not losing it so far. FactCheck.org is up.
- Point/counterpoint with the Fannie Mae/Obama connection and the deregulation/Bush/McCain connection
- McCain is going to actually buy the loans? Not just the securities? Wow, I never thought I'd hear a Republican talk about nationalizing home ownership. Socialism with a capital S (and probably a good political move - he needs something radical at this point).
- Obama is for a net spending cut (balanced budget or just smaller deficits? Tax Policy Center shows that Obama balances the budget.)
- Health care, entitlements, energy - McCain is going to do all three at once? Really? You're going to take on the third rail of politics at the same time as solving the energy and health care crisis? Now that's ambitious.
- Of course Obama puts entitlements last. He is a Democrat. Also politically smart to prioritize in this way.
- McCain links Obama to Hoover. Now that's a neat trick.
- Brokaw is an excellent moderator. The best of the three so far and heads and shoulders above Iffel.
- Starting to get nasty with the responses to each other. Brokaw is clearly frustrated, but still some semblance of control.
- Obama just talked about his mother's death and health care. Health care is a right. IT IS!!
- Foreign policy - what, no "naivete" tonight Senator McCain?
- Obama - McCain - "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" Low blow and effective.
- And the rest...
Again, no gaffes. More nastiness, but that only solidifies positions, (see Sean Hannity's ravings preaching to the right wing choir). I think the 2% of undecideds are waiting for something spectacular and if that something spectacular does not happen, they'll go with what they perceive as either intellect and judgment or experience and judgment.
This election is Obama's to lose and he's doing a very good job at not losing it so far. FactCheck.org is up.
The German Question
From Stratfor. Germany's position on Ukraine/Georgia and Russia. Particularly interesting in light of McCain's and Obama's stances on foreign policy.
Only the Third Inning?
An IMF working paper written in August on recessions, credit crunches, and asset bubbles. Pages 17 through 33 contain the real meat.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Senator Kyl
I wrote Senator Kyl twice over the past several weeks (along with Senator McCain and Congressman Jeff Flake). Today I received a reply from him that I'm sure several thousand other Arizonans received as well. The gist of it was:
- Our economy is in shambles
- We had to do something
- We talked to a lot of smart people
- We abandoned our free market principles
- This is the best we could do in the short term
- Let's cross our fingers and hope it works
Today's meltdown indicates to me that not enough of us were crossing our fingers.
- Our economy is in shambles
- We had to do something
- We talked to a lot of smart people
- We abandoned our free market principles
- This is the best we could do in the short term
- Let's cross our fingers and hope it works
Today's meltdown indicates to me that not enough of us were crossing our fingers.
FL
Holy Florida Batman! and a Transformed Election.
Talk about one of the worst three week stretches in American political history.
Talk about one of the worst three week stretches in American political history.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
Choked Up
Modern debates are not won on arguments. They are won on emotion. This was the moment of the debate:
Palin did surprisingly well, meaning expectations were so low that unless she had totally wigged out or said that she was Jesus, she was going to be perceived as having done a good job. Biden won the actual debate (pretty easy as Palin didn't really answer any questions posed to her by Iffel, only those questions written on her note cards, which once in a while corresponded to the question being asked).
FactCheck.org just for kicks.
Palin did surprisingly well, meaning expectations were so low that unless she had totally wigged out or said that she was Jesus, she was going to be perceived as having done a good job. Biden won the actual debate (pretty easy as Palin didn't really answer any questions posed to her by Iffel, only those questions written on her note cards, which once in a while corresponded to the question being asked).
FactCheck.org just for kicks.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
More from Dr. Doom
Coordinated 100 basis points reduction across all central banks globally. And that's just for starters. The man predicted this event two years ago. Maybe more people in Washington should start listening to him.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Deposit Insurance
Haven't our legislators ever heard of moral hazard? Deposit insurance is a terrible idea to begin with. It's not even insurance. It's a guarantee to the banks that they will not be held accountable for "insured" deposits if they engage in risky behavior that causes them to fail (think S&L crisis). Raising the limit to $250K simply means that cash strapped banks will need to put more of their cash into federal hands to meet their reserve requirements, which leads to higher fees from the banks and higher taxes from the government to cover the failures. Talk about these guys not understanding basic economics and only playing to their constituencies. Nanny state indeed.
The FDIC should be dissolved and we should be forced to invest our money with banks the same way we do with stocks, bonds, etc. Risk vs. return.
And yes, I realize that I suggested that moving money to insured and nearly insured (Treasuries) short to medium term investments would be a good idea. I don't make the rules, but I do play by them. Call me an idealistic pragmatist.
The FDIC should be dissolved and we should be forced to invest our money with banks the same way we do with stocks, bonds, etc. Risk vs. return.
And yes, I realize that I suggested that moving money to insured and nearly insured (Treasuries) short to medium term investments would be a good idea. I don't make the rules, but I do play by them. Call me an idealistic pragmatist.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sublime
Sometimes the Opinion page in the WSJ leaves me speechless. This is one such article.
Inflation is a tax. Deficits are a tax. Public debt is a tax. There is no free ride.
Inflation is a tax. Deficits are a tax. Public debt is a tax. There is no free ride.
Advice
Save, save, save!. I'm going through every single expense to figure out what can be cut.
FDIC insured and Treasuries for all non-tax deductible short to medium term investments is where I am headed.
FDIC insured and Treasuries for all non-tax deductible short to medium term investments is where I am headed.
NH and VA
New Hampshire and Virginia have become battleground states? Talk about a demographic change. (Click on each state for details)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Full Text
All 110 pages of it. I'm going to read it when I have time tonight. I read the summary on the plane this morning and while I'm still pissed that we are funding this with debt, this is probably as good a deal as the taxpayer is going to get. Let's hope it actually works.
Nouriel Roubini, who I just found out is the economist that Glenn Beck uses (props to Glenn Beck for tracking him down at NYU), is beyond pessimistic. And that scares the hell out of me. The man is brilliant and has been predicting this exact situation for a couple of years. They don't call him Dr. Doom for nothing.
Does anyone else find it a little odd that our entire economy is wrapped around credit? I understand why it works, but maybe we need to rethink the credit paradigm.
I'll comment more tomorrow after I read the details.
Nouriel Roubini, who I just found out is the economist that Glenn Beck uses (props to Glenn Beck for tracking him down at NYU), is beyond pessimistic. And that scares the hell out of me. The man is brilliant and has been predicting this exact situation for a couple of years. They don't call him Dr. Doom for nothing.
Does anyone else find it a little odd that our entire economy is wrapped around credit? I understand why it works, but maybe we need to rethink the credit paradigm.
I'll comment more tomorrow after I read the details.
3%
That's the percentage of the electorate that the debate was targeting, meaning voters that were using the debate to help them decide who to vote for.
Stratfor's Part 4 of its foreign policy debate series.
As I stated previously, I didn't see a clear tactical winner. From what I'm reading in punditland (both sides), it seems that there is a perception that Obama won strategically because he appeared presidential, thus alleviating any concerns of any fence sitters.
Stratfor's Part 4 of its foreign policy debate series.
As I stated previously, I didn't see a clear tactical winner. From what I'm reading in punditland (both sides), it seems that there is a perception that Obama won strategically because he appeared presidential, thus alleviating any concerns of any fence sitters.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Not Quite Inspiring
But at least it wasn't concrete. 9 mile run this morning, with only about 1/2 mile of it being on concrete. I found my canal bank! My favorite parts were the amazing sunrise as the sun comes over the Superstition Mountains, the roadrunner that ran across my path, and the two floppy eared hound dogs that were sharing the yard with about five broken down vehicles baying at me. Not a bad way to start the weekend.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Debate Notes
My comments in bold:
McCain's opening statement was a little weird. "We Republicans" – out of control spending and corruption (uh, you're a Republican John)
McCain – Obama wants to increase spending by $300B (nice jab)
Obama – focus spending on health care and education – spend money wisely – help middle class instead of the rich
McCain – 11% business tax in Ireland vs 35% tax in U.S. means we need to cut taxes on businesses (great point until Obama follows up)
McCain – raise taxes slows down business
Obama – tax loopholes for businesses mean that businesses have lowest tax rates in the world (and a left hook)
Obama – have to have energy independence (10 years), environment, health care (didn't like that he didn't answer the question about what he would give up)
McCain – cut spending, eliminate ethanol subsidies, do away with cost plus contracts in the military (direct answer to the question)
McCain – saved taxpayer $6.6B (Boeing and DOD)
McCain – spending freeze except for Defense, veterans, entitlements (that's what I'm talking about)
Obama – hatchet instead of a scalpel(nice one)
McCain – nuclear power (700,000 new jobs)(double whammy - energy independence and jobs)
Obama – have to trust the values of the candidate (amen and he's shown better overall judgment)
McCain – doesn’t want to hand health care over to the federal government (talking point)
McCain - $800B in new spending via Obama (whoa nelly!)
Obama – McCain agreed with Bush 90% of the time, presided over deficits and increase in spending – (keeps slamming this home)
Obama – against Iraq from the beginning, spent $1T, lost 4000 troops, Al Qaeda is resurgent in Afghanistan, spending $10B a month, when Iraq has $79B surplus, borrowing money for basic functions
McCain – Obama said surge wouldn’t work, but Obama recently said that surge worked (it sucks when you're wrong)
Obama – better judgment based upon 2003, McCain pretends war started in 2007 (one of the top three lines of the night)
McCain – Obama doesn’t understand difference between tactic and a strategy (that's gotta hurt)
Obama – better judgment. McCain took eye off the ball and said we could muddle through Afghanistan (another top three line of the night)
McCain - Obama's initial reaction to the Georgia/Russia crisis showed inexperience (major foreign policy point in McCain's favor. why won't McCain look Obama in the eye?)
After that, it started to get slow and less interesting. McCain's focus on pork was nice until you realize that pork is only $18B out of a $3T plus budget. Peanuts in the grand scheme of things.
McCain's reference to Obama's naivety and his experience was his driving theme. Obama's was his judgment. McCain was better than expected on the economy, until Obama started hammering him on tax cuts for the rich.
McCain had the tactical advantage on foreign affairs with his knowledge of everything foreign and hammered him on the "no preconditions" before talks with axis of evil heads of state, but Obama's better judgment on Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan (the muddle comment was brilliant) makes it about even for me.
Both had good poise. I liked the format. Obama took the initiative by talking to McCain first. McCain's creepy smile and using his nickname to refer to himself was a little odd. He obviously despises Obama.
Both appeared presidential and no major gaffes. Maybe next time.
McCain's opening statement was a little weird. "We Republicans" – out of control spending and corruption (uh, you're a Republican John)
McCain – Obama wants to increase spending by $300B (nice jab)
Obama – focus spending on health care and education – spend money wisely – help middle class instead of the rich
McCain – 11% business tax in Ireland vs 35% tax in U.S. means we need to cut taxes on businesses (great point until Obama follows up)
McCain – raise taxes slows down business
Obama – tax loopholes for businesses mean that businesses have lowest tax rates in the world (and a left hook)
Obama – have to have energy independence (10 years), environment, health care (didn't like that he didn't answer the question about what he would give up)
McCain – cut spending, eliminate ethanol subsidies, do away with cost plus contracts in the military (direct answer to the question)
McCain – saved taxpayer $6.6B (Boeing and DOD)
McCain – spending freeze except for Defense, veterans, entitlements (that's what I'm talking about)
Obama – hatchet instead of a scalpel(nice one)
McCain – nuclear power (700,000 new jobs)(double whammy - energy independence and jobs)
Obama – have to trust the values of the candidate (amen and he's shown better overall judgment)
McCain – doesn’t want to hand health care over to the federal government (talking point)
McCain - $800B in new spending via Obama (whoa nelly!)
Obama – McCain agreed with Bush 90% of the time, presided over deficits and increase in spending – (keeps slamming this home)
Obama – against Iraq from the beginning, spent $1T, lost 4000 troops, Al Qaeda is resurgent in Afghanistan, spending $10B a month, when Iraq has $79B surplus, borrowing money for basic functions
McCain – Obama said surge wouldn’t work, but Obama recently said that surge worked (it sucks when you're wrong)
Obama – better judgment based upon 2003, McCain pretends war started in 2007 (one of the top three lines of the night)
McCain – Obama doesn’t understand difference between tactic and a strategy (that's gotta hurt)
Obama – better judgment. McCain took eye off the ball and said we could muddle through Afghanistan (another top three line of the night)
McCain - Obama's initial reaction to the Georgia/Russia crisis showed inexperience (major foreign policy point in McCain's favor. why won't McCain look Obama in the eye?)
After that, it started to get slow and less interesting. McCain's focus on pork was nice until you realize that pork is only $18B out of a $3T plus budget. Peanuts in the grand scheme of things.
McCain's reference to Obama's naivety and his experience was his driving theme. Obama's was his judgment. McCain was better than expected on the economy, until Obama started hammering him on tax cuts for the rich.
McCain had the tactical advantage on foreign affairs with his knowledge of everything foreign and hammered him on the "no preconditions" before talks with axis of evil heads of state, but Obama's better judgment on Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan (the muddle comment was brilliant) makes it about even for me.
Both had good poise. I liked the format. Obama took the initiative by talking to McCain first. McCain's creepy smile and using his nickname to refer to himself was a little odd. He obviously despises Obama.
Both appeared presidential and no major gaffes. Maybe next time.
Cato
Some history and a minimalist approach.
And an interesting podcast with Arnold Kling("Bailouts and Uncertainty").
"The day after the bail-out passes, the market is going to grind to a halt."
And an interesting podcast with Arnold Kling("Bailouts and Uncertainty").
"The day after the bail-out passes, the market is going to grind to a halt."
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Deficits and Debt
You've seen me rail against debt lately. The problem is that during prosperous times (the last 6 or 7 years), the government has been running massive deficits (spending more than it takes in). This is due to three major items: the Bush tax cuts (yea!), the enlargement of Medicare(BOO!), and Iraq (DOUBLE BOO!). Where did the money come from then? We borrowed it from China (and other countries) by issuing debt (i.e., Treasuries). A lot of it. Almost $5 trillion, effectively doubling the debt and increasing the debt as a % of GDP (domestic productivity) from just below 60% to almost 70%.
Now deficits are not always bad. In bad times, deficit spending can help jump start the economy (see The New Deal) by injecting cash into the economy. However, we were deficit spending in good times. Unprecedented deficit spending.
Which leads us to today. We can't deficit spend our way out of this mess without long term negative ramifications to the dollar, inflation, and GDP. Pardon my French, but it's truly f*&$ed up. We're already in a serious hole and now we're going to dig it deeper.
Our options will be to raise taxes to pay for the debt (which will slow down growth) or just throw caution to the wind and let the dogs of hyperinflation loose (just print more money) in order to make the debt cheaper to pay off (which completely screws us over - just think Zimbabwe today or Germany in the 20s).
I honestly have no idea how we are going to get out of this mess. We need to see massive GDP growth (highly unlikely anytime soon) or cut both discretionary (things like defense and farm aid) and non-discretionary spending (things like Social Security and Medicare) off at the knees (a sure political loser).
Here's hoping for people much higher than my pay grade to solve this. Now I need a drink.
Now deficits are not always bad. In bad times, deficit spending can help jump start the economy (see The New Deal) by injecting cash into the economy. However, we were deficit spending in good times. Unprecedented deficit spending.
Which leads us to today. We can't deficit spend our way out of this mess without long term negative ramifications to the dollar, inflation, and GDP. Pardon my French, but it's truly f*&$ed up. We're already in a serious hole and now we're going to dig it deeper.
Our options will be to raise taxes to pay for the debt (which will slow down growth) or just throw caution to the wind and let the dogs of hyperinflation loose (just print more money) in order to make the debt cheaper to pay off (which completely screws us over - just think Zimbabwe today or Germany in the 20s).
I honestly have no idea how we are going to get out of this mess. We need to see massive GDP growth (highly unlikely anytime soon) or cut both discretionary (things like defense and farm aid) and non-discretionary spending (things like Social Security and Medicare) off at the knees (a sure political loser).
Here's hoping for people much higher than my pay grade to solve this. Now I need a drink.
Here IT Is
The Mother of All Bail-outs.
Where are the details?
Equity sharing: How much? What type?
Profits to pay back the debt: How much? By when?
The debt sickens me. Unless the government is going to increase my income to pay for the inflation tax that it is about to laid at my feet via the printing press and more debt, this should not pass (I'm picturing myself as Gandalf shouting at the Balrog in Moria). We're heading for Zimbabwe territory.
I'm calling and emailing all of my elected representatives again.
Where are the details?
Equity sharing: How much? What type?
Profits to pay back the debt: How much? By when?
The debt sickens me. Unless the government is going to increase my income to pay for the inflation tax that it is about to laid at my feet via the printing press and more debt, this should not pass (I'm picturing myself as Gandalf shouting at the Balrog in Moria). We're heading for Zimbabwe territory.
I'm calling and emailing all of my elected representatives again.
The Bail-Out
What if one of the presidential candidates votes against the bail-out? Another game changer.
Discretion
Interesting little post on Volokh regarding the amount of distribution discretion (i.e., equity warrants, executive compensation, and help for homeowners) Dodd's and Paulson's plans have.
Part 3 - McCain
McCain's foreign policy stance via Stratfor.
The history lessons that this series is providing are exceptional. Rather than just looking at stated positions from each candidate, Friedman is looking at each party's foreign policy traditions and what that potentially means for each candidate.
The history lessons that this series is providing are exceptional. Rather than just looking at stated positions from each candidate, Friedman is looking at each party's foreign policy traditions and what that potentially means for each candidate.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Friday Debate
Some of you might not like the direction I'm headed, but Senator McCain's political stunt in refusing to debate Senator Obama Friday evening is an utter joke. Now IS exactly the time for a debate. Let us see the choices before us. Let us understand what they are thinking in the heat of the moment without their scripted and vetted talking points.
As if the past two weeks haven't provided enough evidence of McCain's lack of knowledge of economics and finance, this cancellation for the benefit of the country trumps his populism/socialism/or whatever flavor of the dayism that he keeps coming up with. I predict that this little gimmick will help speed up the erosion of his support. Although with more than a month to go, who knows what else could happen. Afghanistan could erupt or we could invade Iran.
At the end of the day, we're all going to need to have a gut check when we go to the voting booth. That gut check for me will be all about judgement and pragmatism in moments of both peace and crisis. It's becoming clear to me who that person is.
As if the past two weeks haven't provided enough evidence of McCain's lack of knowledge of economics and finance, this cancellation for the benefit of the country trumps his populism/socialism/or whatever flavor of the dayism that he keeps coming up with. I predict that this little gimmick will help speed up the erosion of his support. Although with more than a month to go, who knows what else could happen. Afghanistan could erupt or we could invade Iran.
At the end of the day, we're all going to need to have a gut check when we go to the voting booth. That gut check for me will be all about judgement and pragmatism in moments of both peace and crisis. It's becoming clear to me who that person is.
Bailout Necessary?
Some think not. The summary on RGE here.
Other alternatives via the Washington Post.
The trillion dollar question is, what happens without a bailout? Will credit markets really completely fail? Will all of the institutions that are currently holding these securities go the way of Lehman? How many bankruptcies is too many?
Ok, that was more than one. Shoot me.
Other alternatives via the Washington Post.
The trillion dollar question is, what happens without a bailout? Will credit markets really completely fail? Will all of the institutions that are currently holding these securities go the way of Lehman? How many bankruptcies is too many?
Ok, that was more than one. Shoot me.
Getting It Right?
From the WSJ Opinion page.
This is an interesting idea. Use the bail-out to buy homes, and in some cases neighborhoods, and demolish them. Get rid of the toxic supply. NIMBY of course.
I'm still wondering why I haven't seen many people talking or pressing on the issue of how we are funding this bail-out (increasing the public debt by ~10%).
This is an interesting idea. Use the bail-out to buy homes, and in some cases neighborhoods, and demolish them. Get rid of the toxic supply. NIMBY of course.
I'm still wondering why I haven't seen many people talking or pressing on the issue of how we are funding this bail-out (increasing the public debt by ~10%).
Devotion
I have always been a political junkie. Few things get my mind and heart racing more than politics. It's fun, entertaining, and helps prevent brain atrophy. Most of the time, aside from my favorite P&E (Politics and Economics) links over to the left, I keep these topics off my blog. I do this for several reasons:
1. There is already a glut of high quality content out there.
2. I hate parroting back simply what I've read or heard.
3. I usually have nothing original to say regarding the topic (see #2).
4. My audience of two just isn't into politics the same way that I am and I'd hate to drive my readership away (i.e., it would be a bad marketing decision).
5. Running in Arizona just isn't as inspiring as running in NorCal or Westchester or even NYC.
However, as you have seen, I've recently begun changing my self-imposed policy. My ardor for politics has not changed, but the events that are taking place right now are too important for me not to express what I'm thinking and feeling (yes, I do feel).
I will continue to sporadically post about my running adventures, as they happen and as they inspire me, but for the immediate future, expect to see more links to political and economic articles that contain topics and opinions that I believe are important. I know that many of you ignore these topics, but (and here is where the editorialist in me escapes), you do so at your own peril. The events and decisions that we as friends, family, communities, and as a nation are faced with today will affect your day to day lives for a generation. It is that important.
1. There is already a glut of high quality content out there.
2. I hate parroting back simply what I've read or heard.
3. I usually have nothing original to say regarding the topic (see #2).
4. My audience of two just isn't into politics the same way that I am and I'd hate to drive my readership away (i.e., it would be a bad marketing decision).
5. Running in Arizona just isn't as inspiring as running in NorCal or Westchester or even NYC.
However, as you have seen, I've recently begun changing my self-imposed policy. My ardor for politics has not changed, but the events that are taking place right now are too important for me not to express what I'm thinking and feeling (yes, I do feel).
I will continue to sporadically post about my running adventures, as they happen and as they inspire me, but for the immediate future, expect to see more links to political and economic articles that contain topics and opinions that I believe are important. I know that many of you ignore these topics, but (and here is where the editorialist in me escapes), you do so at your own peril. The events and decisions that we as friends, family, communities, and as a nation are faced with today will affect your day to day lives for a generation. It is that important.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Beyond Outrage
The size of this potential bail-out (all funded by debt - that means we'll (and I'm including your children in that we) be paying for it for the next 50 years through our taxes) is making me physically ill.
Privatized profit and socialized losses are what we are looking at. And that is clearly unacceptable. The only way to do this is to swap this terrible debt (at prices well below book value) for majority equity stakes (i.e., control).
Write your Representatives and your Senators and voice your opinion.
An Open Letter to Secretary Paulson.
Privatized profit and socialized losses are what we are looking at. And that is clearly unacceptable. The only way to do this is to swap this terrible debt (at prices well below book value) for majority equity stakes (i.e., control).
Write your Representatives and your Senators and voice your opinion.
An Open Letter to Secretary Paulson.
Virtue
"A virtuous leader is one who is clever, cunning, decisive, ruthless and, above all, effective." - Machiavelli
In preparation for the debates beginning this Friday: Part 1 of 4 presented by Stratfor, a top (in my opinion, the top) independent foreign policy think tank.
This is a non-partisan series. The editors of Stratfor have staffers who ardently support each candidate and who are standing by "...to crush" any perceived unfairness toward either candidate. Great reading.
In preparation for the debates beginning this Friday: Part 1 of 4 presented by Stratfor, a top (in my opinion, the top) independent foreign policy think tank.
This is a non-partisan series. The editors of Stratfor have staffers who ardently support each candidate and who are standing by "...to crush" any perceived unfairness toward either candidate. Great reading.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Socialist Bailout
Led by our favorite Republican.
My favorite line is from Gary Hart:
"I know why you are conservatives -- you favor private enterprise for the poor and socialism for the rich."
My favorite line is from Gary Hart:
"I know why you are conservatives -- you favor private enterprise for the poor and socialism for the rich."
Summary of a Crisis
Very good read on the current financial mess. Yes, it's on Kos, but it's the best I've read so far.
And another on the potential cost of doing nothing.
And another on the potential cost of doing nothing.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
269
Please let this scenario happen. According to the Poll of Polls, I can see it.
Only look at the toss-up states.
For Obama:
CO
PA
MI
WI
MN
For McCain:
NV
MT
IN
OH
WV
VA
NH
Although with the economy on the forefront of everyones' minds (with the Republicans having been at the helm) and with the majority of Americans scared to death of a potential President Palin, this is probably unlikely (meaning Obama probably wins OH, IN, and/or VA).
Go Chaos!
Only look at the toss-up states.
For Obama:
CO
PA
MI
WI
MN
For McCain:
NV
MT
IN
OH
WV
VA
NH
Although with the economy on the forefront of everyones' minds (with the Republicans having been at the helm) and with the majority of Americans scared to death of a potential President Palin, this is probably unlikely (meaning Obama probably wins OH, IN, and/or VA).
Go Chaos!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
In Keeping With The Season
Very interesting reading (open the PDF) that only looks at the tax side of the equation (nothing about spending, which is rarely cut anyway - cue the great sucking sound).
Tax Policy Center estimates of each candidates' tax plans.
For general tax/spending projections:
Congressional Budget Office
And just for giggles, one of my favorite Flash creations ever:
Death and Taxes
And for a state by state electoral map look (forget national polling, it is irrelevant):
Pollster
Tax Policy Center estimates of each candidates' tax plans.
For general tax/spending projections:
Congressional Budget Office
And just for giggles, one of my favorite Flash creations ever:
Death and Taxes
And for a state by state electoral map look (forget national polling, it is irrelevant):
Pollster
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
In Honor of Marvin
Liz recently posted about moving mountains. The genesis of this post was our watching Sicko. We both enjoy Michael Moore and even though we(i.e., I) don't always agree with his politics, he sure does know how to make an entertaining movie. My favorite part of Sicko was when he wrote a check to cover one of his critic's wife's medical bills. Like I said, if nothing else (and I do think there is something else), Moore is an entertainer. One of my favorite moments is his Charleton Heston (may he rest in peace) ambush in Bowling for Columbine. It's not often that a movie makes me squirm.
But I digress. Moving Mountains. The day after we watched Sicko, we were driving (we always seem to be driving in Az.) and Liz was doing her communication thing, which I stand in awe of, and I couldn't find anything to say (which wasn't that surprising). We talked about our passions and using those to build the foundation of some tool that we would then use to build a better world.
Liz's task is easy (to me). She has so many passions and more importantly talent that she just needs to pick and do. Me, that's a different story.
My passions (in no particular order and excluding family):
- Running
- Politics
- Um
- I swear I have another one
- Still thinking
It's interesting. People have commented to myself and Liz that I am difficult to decipher because I don't say much and that I must be thinking about really heady stuff. Well, let me clear that up. Here's a sample of my brain activity when I'm not speaking.
"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------."
It's that exciting.
So here I am, approaching the peak of my intellectual powers, with two passions and without an extraordinary amount of talent in either one (this is NOT a not so silent plea for affirmation), and I have nothing interesting to use them on. Even worse might be the realization that my powers are unfortunately, not super. All I've ever wanted to do was to turn into a pterodactyl (why did the girl always get to turn into cool creatures and the boy was always stuck being a pail of water?)
In other news, twice this past week on separate flights, I thought for an instant that I was going to die. Flying does not freak me out. I've logged too many miles. However, there are occasions when something happens that hasn't happened the other 80 times I've flown this year and death does cross the mind. The weird part is what I thought about in those two instances.
"Well, this will be interesting. Or not" I probably would have been bored two minutes after dying anyway.
But I digress. Moving Mountains. The day after we watched Sicko, we were driving (we always seem to be driving in Az.) and Liz was doing her communication thing, which I stand in awe of, and I couldn't find anything to say (which wasn't that surprising). We talked about our passions and using those to build the foundation of some tool that we would then use to build a better world.
Liz's task is easy (to me). She has so many passions and more importantly talent that she just needs to pick and do. Me, that's a different story.
My passions (in no particular order and excluding family):
- Running
- Politics
- Um
- I swear I have another one
- Still thinking
It's interesting. People have commented to myself and Liz that I am difficult to decipher because I don't say much and that I must be thinking about really heady stuff. Well, let me clear that up. Here's a sample of my brain activity when I'm not speaking.
"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------."
It's that exciting.
So here I am, approaching the peak of my intellectual powers, with two passions and without an extraordinary amount of talent in either one (this is NOT a not so silent plea for affirmation), and I have nothing interesting to use them on. Even worse might be the realization that my powers are unfortunately, not super. All I've ever wanted to do was to turn into a pterodactyl (why did the girl always get to turn into cool creatures and the boy was always stuck being a pail of water?)
In other news, twice this past week on separate flights, I thought for an instant that I was going to die. Flying does not freak me out. I've logged too many miles. However, there are occasions when something happens that hasn't happened the other 80 times I've flown this year and death does cross the mind. The weird part is what I thought about in those two instances.
"Well, this will be interesting. Or not" I probably would have been bored two minutes after dying anyway.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What To Do
when the client has taken away all of your resources and is still requiring the same amount of work?
Download NIN and make angry faces across the hall. A little fist pump doesn't hurt either.
It does wonders for business case and Powerpoint productivity.
And if angry, whiney Trent doesn't do it, Paul O. just might.
Download NIN and make angry faces across the hall. A little fist pump doesn't hurt either.
It does wonders for business case and Powerpoint productivity.
And if angry, whiney Trent doesn't do it, Paul O. just might.
Reading
As with most things that have to do with this blog, my Reading Now section has been sorely in need of an update. I can't even remember when I read "A Swiftly Tilting Planet". I do know that I've read many books since then. One of my favorites was March. You'll notice that I continue to be on my novel kick.
I'm currently reading (and have been for quite a while)The Brothers Karamazov. I knew that this book was about a murder. I just didn't know that it would take 400+ pages to get to the murder. Don't get me wrong. Those 400 very dense pages were very entertaining, especially Father Zosima's musings on his youth and Fyodor's buffoon act at the monastery. However, I just didn't expect a book that revolves around a murder to have that murder take place more than halfway through the book.
That might have been Dostoevsky's intent. When it finally became apparent that something was going to happen, the crescendo building up to the murder was overpowering and I couldn't put the book down. It's a good thing that I have lots of hotel and flight time because there is no way I could have gone that last 100 pages uninterrupted at home.
So now poor Dmitri is being questioned by the police and it again appears that something strange is going on between himself and his two (three?) brothers. I'm looking forward to my flight home tomorrow night for more than one reason it appears.
I'm currently reading (and have been for quite a while)The Brothers Karamazov. I knew that this book was about a murder. I just didn't know that it would take 400+ pages to get to the murder. Don't get me wrong. Those 400 very dense pages were very entertaining, especially Father Zosima's musings on his youth and Fyodor's buffoon act at the monastery. However, I just didn't expect a book that revolves around a murder to have that murder take place more than halfway through the book.
That might have been Dostoevsky's intent. When it finally became apparent that something was going to happen, the crescendo building up to the murder was overpowering and I couldn't put the book down. It's a good thing that I have lots of hotel and flight time because there is no way I could have gone that last 100 pages uninterrupted at home.
So now poor Dmitri is being questioned by the police and it again appears that something strange is going on between himself and his two (three?) brothers. I'm looking forward to my flight home tomorrow night for more than one reason it appears.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Two Months?
It's been two months since I posted? What? During the past two months, I didn't finish an ultramarathon, I did pack up and move, I experienced summer and now fall in Seattle, I bought a house, I ran by Steve Ballmer, I've started running simply for the love, I almost killed three other people on one of my runs for the love, and I've started Yelping all of the restaurants I've ever eaten at (I'm only about 10% through and sorry Phoenix, but the highest rating I've given to one of your restaurants is 3 out of 5).
Thursday, June 19, 2008
For Life
The Westin in Bellevue has me for life. If I'm anywhere in the Seattle area, this hotel is where I will be staying at (assuming someone else is paying for it of course).
Last night, I went out for an 8 mile run. Gorgeous sunny evening (the sun doesn't go down until about 10pm). Bellevue is right on Lake Washington, so I decided to follow the shore and ran to Kirkland (yes, the town that headquarters Costco).
Upon my return to the hotel, one of the doormen ran up to me with a bottle of water, handed it to me, and asked me how my run went. A bottle of water at the door. Now that is service.
Last night, I went out for an 8 mile run. Gorgeous sunny evening (the sun doesn't go down until about 10pm). Bellevue is right on Lake Washington, so I decided to follow the shore and ran to Kirkland (yes, the town that headquarters Costco).
Upon my return to the hotel, one of the doormen ran up to me with a bottle of water, handed it to me, and asked me how my run went. A bottle of water at the door. Now that is service.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Mice
My dear sister, Beja, is taking pictures of our home as it is being constructed. I am pleased to tell you that we have lots of cabinets. In other words, we have many places for mice to hang out. Now I love mice droppings as much as the next cowboy and I'm more than happy to let them hang out in my garage and nibble on my cardboard to their smart little hearts content, but c'mon, this is getting a little ridiculous.
You can tell looking at our home that the builder picked out items that would be pleasing to both your typical guy and your typical gal. (I know what you're thinking Liz, "Hey, we're not typical. We're like rock star skateboarder drummers. The coolest people on the block." Well you might be baby, but this farsighted guy in his khaki pants and his white board loving brain, most definitely is. Please keep holding up the cool flag for the family because cool, if ever it resided within this physical body, has long since fled.) That was a long tangent. Sorry.
So back to the house and the gender appealing typicalness aspects of it. Lots of cabinets, back yard, high ceilings, bouncy carpet, spacious master bedroom, bedrooms close to the master bedroom, etc, etc were definitely created and designed with a woman in mind. In fact, I didn't remember anything about these features until I recently looked at Beja's photostream.
Appealing to the male gender, a tower. A tower. A freaking tower. Sold. Honestly, I couldn't have cared less about anything else. "Yes, Mr. Realtor, you may show me other homes, but only if they too offer a tower. No tower, no deal." (Thank you Dale by the way.)
When I looked at Beja's photostream today and saw all of the cabinets, instead of being all aflutter, I thought of rodents. Tiny little rodent dwellings. I hope they don't offer me sweets and then attempt to slice open my brain to take a peek.
In more interesting news, my diarrhea spree of four days has finally ceased. Just in time for my first ultramarathon (50k or 31.07 miles with 9200 feet of climbing) this weekend. Pictures will be forthcoming. Let's hear it for my 60 year old father running it with me and one of my brothers. You are the man!
You can tell looking at our home that the builder picked out items that would be pleasing to both your typical guy and your typical gal. (I know what you're thinking Liz, "Hey, we're not typical. We're like rock star skateboarder drummers. The coolest people on the block." Well you might be baby, but this farsighted guy in his khaki pants and his white board loving brain, most definitely is. Please keep holding up the cool flag for the family because cool, if ever it resided within this physical body, has long since fled.) That was a long tangent. Sorry.
So back to the house and the gender appealing typicalness aspects of it. Lots of cabinets, back yard, high ceilings, bouncy carpet, spacious master bedroom, bedrooms close to the master bedroom, etc, etc were definitely created and designed with a woman in mind. In fact, I didn't remember anything about these features until I recently looked at Beja's photostream.
Appealing to the male gender, a tower. A tower. A freaking tower. Sold. Honestly, I couldn't have cared less about anything else. "Yes, Mr. Realtor, you may show me other homes, but only if they too offer a tower. No tower, no deal." (Thank you Dale by the way.)
When I looked at Beja's photostream today and saw all of the cabinets, instead of being all aflutter, I thought of rodents. Tiny little rodent dwellings. I hope they don't offer me sweets and then attempt to slice open my brain to take a peek.
In more interesting news, my diarrhea spree of four days has finally ceased. Just in time for my first ultramarathon (50k or 31.07 miles with 9200 feet of climbing) this weekend. Pictures will be forthcoming. Let's hear it for my 60 year old father running it with me and one of my brothers. You are the man!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Err, Seattle
I'm in Seattle four days a week for the next four to six months. It rains in Seattle. I'm not that fond of running in the rain. So today, I ran on a treadmill for the first time since last summer. However, it was a little bit different than last summer, as I was doing speed work on the treadmill and today, I was just running. However, I must say that as awful as running on a treadmill is, the technology has come a long way. I'll check the make/model of the treadmill that I'm using, but it had some cool features.
- A picture of a mountain on the display
- A dot representing me climbing the mountain
- A red line showing me where I had run
I ran 6 miles (it was all I could stand - it was a treadmill) and gained 600 feet over the first four miles, with over half of that being in the last mile. It was a decent run. I'm more excited to get out in the morning at 5am and run some of these hills. I do have a race coming up that I'm not the slightest bit prepared for.
- A picture of a mountain on the display
- A dot representing me climbing the mountain
- A red line showing me where I had run
I ran 6 miles (it was all I could stand - it was a treadmill) and gained 600 feet over the first four miles, with over half of that being in the last mile. It was a decent run. I'm more excited to get out in the morning at 5am and run some of these hills. I do have a race coming up that I'm not the slightest bit prepared for.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
30
30 degrees. Yesterday at the 2008 Mt. Diablo Marathon, it was 30 degrees warmer than any of my previous training runs up and down that mountain. Not yesterday. It was in the 80s. And that my friends is a recipe for pain.
Here's the elevation profile. That's 10,100 feet of elevation gain. To put that into perspective, you want to die going up about 1 mile into it. And then when you head down 2300 feet between miles 20 and 23, you want to die again.
I have many pictures. All of them taken on the run. More for me to help me recall why I should never do something like this again.
Here's a picture of my buddy Eric and I at the beginning. Note the 20 things on our belt. We don't travel light.
This is the start of the race. 90 people ran the marathon and 110 people ran the 50 miler. This guy was obviously running the 50.
And we're off. The race was mostly on single track trails, which made passing difficult and preventing getting passed (me) easy.
Cresting Eagle Peak (2300 feet of gain in 3 miles - nice) and running along the spine before dropping back down.
The dude in green shorts caught up to me. But I didn't let him pass me.
I like scenery. It makes me smile inside.
Lots of growth. Much rain this year.
Did I mention that there is lots of walking involved in this ultra-like events?
Pain and only 6 miles into it. Also, I have pretty large nostrils.
The top of the observation deck at the top of Diablo. 7.5 miles down. 18.7 miles to go. I actually felt pretty good at this point, which will partially explain why I felt so bad later.
Fuller's got some self-photography skills on the way down the first time.
The California poppies are out in force this year.
I've now gone down and am headed back up the second time. I have consumed about 80 ounces of liquid fuel (Perpeteum), 1200mg of Sodium, and 4 100 calorie caffeine gels. I need to invent liquid steak.
This face doesn't do justice to how I felt.
This one might. Notice that my right eye is more shut than my left. Always a dead giveaway that Mike is either tired or dead.
My favorite part of the course when I don't feel like dying.
Honestly, I don't remember taking this picture.
I soon finished. In 6 hours and 33 minutes. Just under a 4mph pace. Yikes. Eric finished about 13 minutes in front of me. I finished 27th out of 79 finishers. In the last 6 miles, about 7 people passed me, including Eric.
Here are my toes. The right one is particularly jacked.
And my dirty legs.
Even with the massive fluid and caloric intake, I lost 7 pounds during the race. Of course I gained it back and more by the end of the day. Mmmmm, lasagna.
Here's the elevation profile. That's 10,100 feet of elevation gain. To put that into perspective, you want to die going up about 1 mile into it. And then when you head down 2300 feet between miles 20 and 23, you want to die again.
I have many pictures. All of them taken on the run. More for me to help me recall why I should never do something like this again.
Here's a picture of my buddy Eric and I at the beginning. Note the 20 things on our belt. We don't travel light.
This is the start of the race. 90 people ran the marathon and 110 people ran the 50 miler. This guy was obviously running the 50.
And we're off. The race was mostly on single track trails, which made passing difficult and preventing getting passed (me) easy.
Cresting Eagle Peak (2300 feet of gain in 3 miles - nice) and running along the spine before dropping back down.
The dude in green shorts caught up to me. But I didn't let him pass me.
I like scenery. It makes me smile inside.
Lots of growth. Much rain this year.
Did I mention that there is lots of walking involved in this ultra-like events?
Pain and only 6 miles into it. Also, I have pretty large nostrils.
The top of the observation deck at the top of Diablo. 7.5 miles down. 18.7 miles to go. I actually felt pretty good at this point, which will partially explain why I felt so bad later.
Fuller's got some self-photography skills on the way down the first time.
The California poppies are out in force this year.
I've now gone down and am headed back up the second time. I have consumed about 80 ounces of liquid fuel (Perpeteum), 1200mg of Sodium, and 4 100 calorie caffeine gels. I need to invent liquid steak.
This face doesn't do justice to how I felt.
This one might. Notice that my right eye is more shut than my left. Always a dead giveaway that Mike is either tired or dead.
My favorite part of the course when I don't feel like dying.
Honestly, I don't remember taking this picture.
I soon finished. In 6 hours and 33 minutes. Just under a 4mph pace. Yikes. Eric finished about 13 minutes in front of me. I finished 27th out of 79 finishers. In the last 6 miles, about 7 people passed me, including Eric.
Here are my toes. The right one is particularly jacked.
And my dirty legs.
Even with the massive fluid and caloric intake, I lost 7 pounds during the race. Of course I gained it back and more by the end of the day. Mmmmm, lasagna.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Not Ready
I'm not ready for a 50 miler yet. In two weeks, I'll be running the marathon only. I believe in a two week taper, so yesterday was my last big run. It was the first time I went up the mountain twice. 5 hours to cover 21 miles (9000 feet of elevation gain). I'm hoping to break 6 hours on race day, but I kind of doubt that will happen. All of that up and down seriously kills me. Particularly the down. I will be bringing a camera on race day. The mountain is perfect. I caught my breath more than once yesterday with the sun beginning to set, the dark green hills, and more flowers than you can imagine. I don't have the words. It was amazing.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Addiction
I almost don't like sharing my running experiences anymore with anyone other than Liz. I'm usually pretty self-deprecating, but how can you be self-deprecating about a 23 mile run up and down a mountain or regular running weeks of 60+ miles. It just comes off as either psychotic or bragging, neither of which are words I want to be associated with. So I'll tell you about this past Saturday's run, but going forward, unless I'm running a race, I probably will no longer write about the mileage and elevation gain of my training runs.
The reason is that I crossed an imaginary line on Saturday. A line that spoke to me as I crossed it and said, "You should go 30 miles next week and go up and down Diablo twice." I didn't even flinch when I heard that voice. In fact, I thought to myself, that sounds like fun. So that most of my friends are able to understand, it's like the leap from marijuana to cocaine. It's a line that you don't think you're ever going to cross and then one day you wake up with your face in a pile of the white stuff and an M-16 lying on your desk. You don't really know why it happened, but man you feel pretty good.
So I'm in virgin running territory and I don't think I'm going to deny this addiction or step back over the line. April 12th is now about to become a 50 mile race (assuming the race director gives me the ok).
I haven't graduated to heroin yet. I don't see a 100 miler any time soon, but I'm not opposed to one in the future. The needle is there. I know it's coming. It's simply how long I can put it off.
The reason is that I crossed an imaginary line on Saturday. A line that spoke to me as I crossed it and said, "You should go 30 miles next week and go up and down Diablo twice." I didn't even flinch when I heard that voice. In fact, I thought to myself, that sounds like fun. So that most of my friends are able to understand, it's like the leap from marijuana to cocaine. It's a line that you don't think you're ever going to cross and then one day you wake up with your face in a pile of the white stuff and an M-16 lying on your desk. You don't really know why it happened, but man you feel pretty good.
So I'm in virgin running territory and I don't think I'm going to deny this addiction or step back over the line. April 12th is now about to become a 50 mile race (assuming the race director gives me the ok).
I haven't graduated to heroin yet. I don't see a 100 miler any time soon, but I'm not opposed to one in the future. The needle is there. I know it's coming. It's simply how long I can put it off.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
6000
Yesterday I did a 20 mile trail run that had 6000 feet of gross elevation gain. Half of that was in the second five miles. Completely unplanned and totally sick. The top of Mt. Diablo just didn't seem that far away. Running through a mid-calf-deep stream that criss-crossed the trail 10 times at the bottom of the mountain felt great. I can't say that my quads are happy today, but I promise you that I'm going to do that again within the next two weeks.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Zen
I had a lazy winter (my apologies to those that are still experiencing winter - here in the Bay Area, winter was about three weeks long, with lots of rain and lows in the mid-30s - it is now sunny and in the 70s again). I only ran about 15 miles a week and packed on about 10 pounds. As you saw from the elevation profiles below, that particular program won't work for what I have on my calendar. Two weeks ago, I started ramping up my miles.
Going from 15 miles a week to 45 miles a week is not recommended. Surprisingly, I'm simply weary and a little tight. Maybe muscle memory does last longer than a month. Or maybe I'm just going to break down in another week.
My training for the April 12th race is simple:
M - 8 mile hill run (two massive hills)
Tu - 6 mile flat recovery run
W - 10 mile hill run (two massive hills and one smallish hill)
Th - 6 mile flat recovery run
F - 6 mile flat junk mile run
Sa - 14 - 22 mile hill run
Su - off
No tempo runs. No speed work. No watch. That's right, no watch. Either someone else has a watch or I map out the run beforehand to figure out the distance. I don't plan on picking up a watch until after the June 21st 50k. It's all about getting a large mileage base in preparation of going under 3 hours in a fall marathon.
For past marathons, I've relied on a 16 to 20 week program, again going from 15 to 45 miles in a week, lots of speed work, and my genetics to get me to the finish line in under my goal time. That almost worked last year at St. George, missing 3 hours by 2:07. I'm not leaving it to talent this year. My entire running year is dedicated to crushing 3 hours.
Six months of base and strength building followed by three months of sharpening and speed work should do it.
Going from 15 miles a week to 45 miles a week is not recommended. Surprisingly, I'm simply weary and a little tight. Maybe muscle memory does last longer than a month. Or maybe I'm just going to break down in another week.
My training for the April 12th race is simple:
M - 8 mile hill run (two massive hills)
Tu - 6 mile flat recovery run
W - 10 mile hill run (two massive hills and one smallish hill)
Th - 6 mile flat recovery run
F - 6 mile flat junk mile run
Sa - 14 - 22 mile hill run
Su - off
No tempo runs. No speed work. No watch. That's right, no watch. Either someone else has a watch or I map out the run beforehand to figure out the distance. I don't plan on picking up a watch until after the June 21st 50k. It's all about getting a large mileage base in preparation of going under 3 hours in a fall marathon.
For past marathons, I've relied on a 16 to 20 week program, again going from 15 to 45 miles in a week, lots of speed work, and my genetics to get me to the finish line in under my goal time. That almost worked last year at St. George, missing 3 hours by 2:07. I'm not leaving it to talent this year. My entire running year is dedicated to crushing 3 hours.
Six months of base and strength building followed by three months of sharpening and speed work should do it.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
New Plan
April 12th - Mt. Diablo Marathon. Something to keep me busy during the winter.
June 21 (tentative) - Pacifica 50k. Maybe a family event.
$7B
"FRENCH TRADER'S PROBLEMS UNCOVERED
FRIENDS of rogue trader Jerome Kerviel last night blamed his $7 billion losses on unbearable levels of stress brought on by a punishing 30 hour week.
Kerviel was known to start work as early as nine in the morning and still be at his desk at five or even five-thirty, often with just an hour and a half for lunch.
One colleague said: "He was, how you say, une workaholique. I have a family and a mistress so I would leave the office at around 2pm at the latest, if I wasn't on strike.
"But Jerome was tied to that desk. One day I came back to the office at 3pm because I had forgotten my stupid little hat, and there he was, fast asleep on the photocopier.
"At first I assumed he had been having sex with it, but then I remembered he'd been working for almost six hours."
As the losses mounted, Kerviel tried to conceal his bad trades by covering them with an intense red wine sauce, later switching to delicate pastry horns.
At one point he managed to dispose of dozens of transactions by hiding them inside vol-au-vent cases and staging a fake reception.
Last night a spokesman for SócÃété Générálé denied that Kerviel was overworked, insisting he lost the money after betting that the French were about to stop being rude, lazy, arrogant b.....ds."
FRIENDS of rogue trader Jerome Kerviel last night blamed his $7 billion losses on unbearable levels of stress brought on by a punishing 30 hour week.
Kerviel was known to start work as early as nine in the morning and still be at his desk at five or even five-thirty, often with just an hour and a half for lunch.
One colleague said: "He was, how you say, une workaholique. I have a family and a mistress so I would leave the office at around 2pm at the latest, if I wasn't on strike.
"But Jerome was tied to that desk. One day I came back to the office at 3pm because I had forgotten my stupid little hat, and there he was, fast asleep on the photocopier.
"At first I assumed he had been having sex with it, but then I remembered he'd been working for almost six hours."
As the losses mounted, Kerviel tried to conceal his bad trades by covering them with an intense red wine sauce, later switching to delicate pastry horns.
At one point he managed to dispose of dozens of transactions by hiding them inside vol-au-vent cases and staging a fake reception.
Last night a spokesman for SócÃété Générálé denied that Kerviel was overworked, insisting he lost the money after betting that the French were about to stop being rude, lazy, arrogant b.....ds."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Next
Mt. Diablo 50k in June.
Here's the elevation profile:
That'd be 8900 ft of elevation gain. Ouch. That'll build me a nice base for a fast fall marathon.
Here's the elevation profile:
That'd be 8900 ft of elevation gain. Ouch. That'll build me a nice base for a fast fall marathon.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
BROOOOKLYN!
This is a picture of the young men that I was responsible for in Brooklyn. We'd have a Xbox night at my place every 6 weeks or so. Order pizza. Have extra TVs and Xboxes.
Here in the Bay Area, I have also been asked help with the young men. However, the activities and make-up of these two groups are very different. First, we went ice skating where not only the girls, but the boys knew what they were doing. Second, when I was giving a few of them a ride home, one boy told me that he lived in a mansion. I smiled. Then we pulled up to his mansion. Four people, 8000 sq ft home. Six cars in the driveway, including a Maseratti, a Porsche, and a cheap old Acura. And those were the ones that didn't make it into the garage.
Monday, November 26, 2007
SGM Pic
I realized I never posted a picture. This is me right before Mile 23. Right before I decided that I couldn't take the massive amounts of calf pain anymore.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Pool Review
I was checking out the official length of my pool and ran across this review of another community pool that isn't too far away.
"Good News: Outdoor, 25 yards, kickboards, clocks.
The Bad News: TEN dollars. In (blank). You bastards are lucky I'm in this shit town to begin with and I have to pay ten bucks to swim? You should pay me for bringing some life into snoresville. But I digress.
Details: Bring some sandals, because you have to walk over the rock-embedded, foot-thrashing concrete that surrounds the indoor pool to get to the outdoor pool. Some negligent mother let her kid wander into my lane but I showed him who was boss in this town in no time. I'm doing fly, kid- take that! I don't pay ten dollars so I can be polite to some commune-raised hippie brat who calls his mom "Sarah.""
"Good News: Outdoor, 25 yards, kickboards, clocks.
The Bad News: TEN dollars. In (blank). You bastards are lucky I'm in this shit town to begin with and I have to pay ten bucks to swim? You should pay me for bringing some life into snoresville. But I digress.
Details: Bring some sandals, because you have to walk over the rock-embedded, foot-thrashing concrete that surrounds the indoor pool to get to the outdoor pool. Some negligent mother let her kid wander into my lane but I showed him who was boss in this town in no time. I'm doing fly, kid- take that! I don't pay ten dollars so I can be polite to some commune-raised hippie brat who calls his mom "Sarah.""
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
So Serious
I went swimming for the first time in over three years this morning. I found out that swimmers are just as anal as cyclists are. Apparently you must inform the other swimmers in your lane prior to beginning your laps that you will be swimming in their lane. Additionally, if there are only two people in your lane, you stay on the same side of the lane. If there are more than two people, you circle, which is how I swim if there are at least two people. If you don't follow these rules, they'll stop you in the middle of the pool just to let you know that you've broken the rules.
Also, don't pay cash to get in or the entire line will groan. Finally, a speedo is required or you are laughed at.
I'm glad that I now have two sports whose participants I don't like. I was getting bored only hating cyclists.
Just swam an easy 900 this morning. I'll probably be swimming twice a week until I start training seriously for a race again, at which point I'll drop swimming for the boring exercise that it is.
Also, don't pay cash to get in or the entire line will groan. Finally, a speedo is required or you are laughed at.
I'm glad that I now have two sports whose participants I don't like. I was getting bored only hating cyclists.
Just swam an easy 900 this morning. I'll probably be swimming twice a week until I start training seriously for a race again, at which point I'll drop swimming for the boring exercise that it is.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Sakae Sushi
Just in case you were wondering, Sakae Sushi has the best sushi I've ever eaten. That includes all the sushi I consumed in New York and Japan. Granted, I didn't have the pockets to go to the uber-nice sushi places while I was in Japan, but still, I ate some pretty quality sushi.
My favorites:
- Barracuda - flown in from Japan daily - very rich and meaty
- Bluefin Red Tuna - also flown in from Japan daily - almost steaklike
- Uni - shipped up from Monterey daily - super sweet with a texture that wasn't too firm and wasn't too slimey
- Oh-toro - This place has three grades of toro (fatty tuna belly). This grade is the fattiest. As I eat it, all I'm thinking is that I want to rub it all over my body and then lick it off. It's that good.
Who am I kidding, it is all outstanding.
My favorites:
- Barracuda - flown in from Japan daily - very rich and meaty
- Bluefin Red Tuna - also flown in from Japan daily - almost steaklike
- Uni - shipped up from Monterey daily - super sweet with a texture that wasn't too firm and wasn't too slimey
- Oh-toro - This place has three grades of toro (fatty tuna belly). This grade is the fattiest. As I eat it, all I'm thinking is that I want to rub it all over my body and then lick it off. It's that good.
Who am I kidding, it is all outstanding.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Ageism
The other day I was running in the foothills with a friend. We wanted to do 11 miles and didn't want to run over the same ground twice, so we stopped at a trail map to check out where we could go. As we investigated the map, we heard runners coming. I couldn't see them, but could tell from their voices that it was a group of women. My friend looked at me and said we better go so we wouldn't have to pass them on the trail. So we headed up the trail.
About a minute later, the voices were right behind us. We were in a canyon, so I figured it was just acoustics of the canyon that made it seem as if they were right behind us. After another minute, I finally figured out that they were right behind us. Embarrassed, I moved over to the right, heard a little "Thank you" and watched three young girls run by us.
They couldn't have been more then 14 or 15. And they were blowing past us. Now let me say that were were not trying to run fast. Leisurely 8 minute miles through the hills. We'd also been running for 5 miles with 6 to go and they probably had only been running for 1 with 5 to go (we were on a popular 6 mile loop). However, we still got blown by by three teenage girls.
My friend and I were silent for a few minutes. I broke the silence by saying that that was unexpected. He responded by saying that the girl in the lead "looked good". I was a little shocked. He noticed my shock and quickly said, "You know, her running form. It looked good."
Yep, these are the kind of people I run with.
About a minute later, the voices were right behind us. We were in a canyon, so I figured it was just acoustics of the canyon that made it seem as if they were right behind us. After another minute, I finally figured out that they were right behind us. Embarrassed, I moved over to the right, heard a little "Thank you" and watched three young girls run by us.
They couldn't have been more then 14 or 15. And they were blowing past us. Now let me say that were were not trying to run fast. Leisurely 8 minute miles through the hills. We'd also been running for 5 miles with 6 to go and they probably had only been running for 1 with 5 to go (we were on a popular 6 mile loop). However, we still got blown by by three teenage girls.
My friend and I were silent for a few minutes. I broke the silence by saying that that was unexpected. He responded by saying that the girl in the lead "looked good". I was a little shocked. He noticed my shock and quickly said, "You know, her running form. It looked good."
Yep, these are the kind of people I run with.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Weight Loss
Apparently the best way to lose that last 5 pounds that you've wanted to lose for the past year is to cut your mileage by 75% and drink cases of Diet Dr. Pepper, both of which I've done in the past three weeks. It's the new South Beach.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
So Close
3:02:06. A PR of 6:40.
I was on track for a 2:58 through mile 17. At mile 18, my calfs began to seriously cramp and I couldn't get much push. I would do 7:10s uphill and then 6:40s downhill. At mile 23, I was on track for a 2:59, but my calfs began to scream. No push at all, but all I needed was to go at 7:00 pace for the last 3.2 miles. It was not to be. I had nothing left.
I'm not disappointed with the effort because I gave it everything yesterday. I'm a little disappointed with my preparation. Not enough LT runs or downhill training.
I'll probably take a week off and spend the following six weeks training for CIM on December 2.
I was on track for a 2:58 through mile 17. At mile 18, my calfs began to seriously cramp and I couldn't get much push. I would do 7:10s uphill and then 6:40s downhill. At mile 23, I was on track for a 2:59, but my calfs began to scream. No push at all, but all I needed was to go at 7:00 pace for the last 3.2 miles. It was not to be. I had nothing left.
I'm not disappointed with the effort because I gave it everything yesterday. I'm a little disappointed with my preparation. Not enough LT runs or downhill training.
I'll probably take a week off and spend the following six weeks training for CIM on December 2.
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