Cable, Bikes, and Podcasts
I cancelled cable Monday. I was amazed at how liberated I felt. Interestingly, the Brighthouse lady hassled me offering discounts if it was too expensive, asking if I had children and wasn't I concerned about them, and what were we going to do with our time? We went to the library yesterday and checked out books. I am personally reading Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged" right now and that will keep me busy for a while. I plan to teach the kids to play chess and card games like cribbage.
For clarity, because I cancelled cable we did not give up television. Instead, we have Blockbuster.com and at thelibrary we found we can get DVD's for free. Among those are entire television series like "Lost" which we never saw. So, we can watch 42 minutes of a single episode on our time with no commercials. If we ultimately tire of that I discovered that most of the major networks have archives so we can retrieve shows.
Most important - we are FREE!! Free from the time waster coming into our home. And, we save $100/month! Think about it, think about canceling cable.
Second, I started riding again. It feels good. I am training for the Spacecoast Freewheelers Century at the end of October
Third, podcasts. I have an iPod Touch (http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/). I have subscribed to several podcasts such as: NBC Nightly News, CNBC Mad Money, Science Channel, and one I really wanted to share with you. This is the "KunstlerCast". The details are: James Howard Kunstler, author of "The Geography of Nowhere" and "The Long Emergency," takes on suburban sprawl, disposable architecture and the end of the cheap oil era each week with program host Duncan Crary.
You can visit his web site at http://www.kunstlercast.com/ and subscribe to the podcast. I subscribed - they are 15 minutes. The last two episodes from last week are Part 1 and Part 2. They are 30 minutes and 20 minutes each. He takes a tour of Saratoga, NY and describes main street America with a retreat from suburbia. Also, his personal blog is availble here http://www.kunstler.com/.
Last but not least, remember you are not tied to using your iPod. You can listen on your laptop with iTunes (which I do too). So, I balance out using my iPod and my laptop to listen to content.
JOHN
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Death and Taxes.
Tonight I had to go to a funeral of a friend. As I drove on this cloudy, gray, evening, I reflected on how I knew him when we last visited, his last few months, and ultimately on death. Death is not a bad thing, I thought to myself, as our bodies seem to wear out for one reason or another. Thus, we so readily state the obvious and often recite, “Only two things are known; death and taxes.”
That basic assumption though, bothers me and caused me to further think how I cannot do anything about death. I know with certainty I will die, you will die, and everyone around me will die. Of course, the cause of death cannot be predicted but the risks associated with it can be minimized. Each of us tries to live with a goal of prolonging life as it is paramount to the survival of our species, and any other, to do so. With that in mind though, we must die as we scientifically understand death. We cannot change that one basic fact about our life.
However, taxes on the other hand are not an absolute. At some point in our ancestral history it appears that we evolved to accept taxes part of our being, just like death. Instead of continually working toward ending this other ‘absolute’ in our lives our society seems to willingly perpetuate this self-destructive mechanism upon ourselves. Taking a step back, maybe a better word for tax would be “privilege payment”. I am thinking that we pay for the privilege of living in a civilized society, and this argument could be made throughout human history. Most of us are willing to contribute a nominal amount of our individual efforts to support the purported common good of the society in which we live.
I accept there is a cost to the civilization in which I desire to live. I expect to have infrastructure to bring me water, carry away my waste, defend my country, and provide for me to move from place to place. In some instances, I do not object to contributing to a common indigent fund for those that cannot work or are suffering physically.
Arguably, there may be additional ‘common goods’ we may decide to support. For instance, we may agree, or disagree, on the need for a method to enforce rules and laws and thus pay the personnel needed to do those jobs. We may want workplace safety, trees planted along side boulevards, stripes down the middle of roads, and jails to house those that do not follow our rules. Some members of our society may decide to put money toward paying others not to plant crops, not to go to work, or to take care of doctor’s bills, to give some people meals, housing, and even access to the internet; all in the name of the common good of the society.
Regardless of the specifics of the individual line items that we agree to allow our taxes to pay, we should be asking if it is necessary. I choose to minimize the risks I take in my daily life and therefore am hopefully prolonging my life and cheating death. I argue that we no longer do the same regarding taxes and instead readily acquiesce to turning more benefits of our individual efforts to a common entity to control and disburse. When this happens, we no longer have our individuality and we have voluntarily enslaved ourselves to an entity that we may not be able to escape. In ancient times entire societies fled enslavement and they knew they had to for a better life.
Death is inevitable; the process of self-destruction through taxation is not. Taxes are acceptable when presented with a true cost and benefit analysis, a clear exit strategy from the tax, and a method to provide for checks and balances against a tax. If you were taking an inventory of your personal health in an effort to ensure you were prolonging your life you would question every risk, every activity, and eliminate those that are harming you. This same analysis must be performed frequently and regularly regarding taxes. We must question every dollar that is spent and be willing to take tough measures to eliminate waste, just as you would do personally.
Tonight I had to go to a funeral of a friend. As I drove on this cloudy, gray, evening, I reflected on how I knew him when we last visited, his last few months, and ultimately on death. Death is not a bad thing, I thought to myself, as our bodies seem to wear out for one reason or another. Thus, we so readily state the obvious and often recite, “Only two things are known; death and taxes.”
That basic assumption though, bothers me and caused me to further think how I cannot do anything about death. I know with certainty I will die, you will die, and everyone around me will die. Of course, the cause of death cannot be predicted but the risks associated with it can be minimized. Each of us tries to live with a goal of prolonging life as it is paramount to the survival of our species, and any other, to do so. With that in mind though, we must die as we scientifically understand death. We cannot change that one basic fact about our life.
However, taxes on the other hand are not an absolute. At some point in our ancestral history it appears that we evolved to accept taxes part of our being, just like death. Instead of continually working toward ending this other ‘absolute’ in our lives our society seems to willingly perpetuate this self-destructive mechanism upon ourselves. Taking a step back, maybe a better word for tax would be “privilege payment”. I am thinking that we pay for the privilege of living in a civilized society, and this argument could be made throughout human history. Most of us are willing to contribute a nominal amount of our individual efforts to support the purported common good of the society in which we live.
I accept there is a cost to the civilization in which I desire to live. I expect to have infrastructure to bring me water, carry away my waste, defend my country, and provide for me to move from place to place. In some instances, I do not object to contributing to a common indigent fund for those that cannot work or are suffering physically.
Arguably, there may be additional ‘common goods’ we may decide to support. For instance, we may agree, or disagree, on the need for a method to enforce rules and laws and thus pay the personnel needed to do those jobs. We may want workplace safety, trees planted along side boulevards, stripes down the middle of roads, and jails to house those that do not follow our rules. Some members of our society may decide to put money toward paying others not to plant crops, not to go to work, or to take care of doctor’s bills, to give some people meals, housing, and even access to the internet; all in the name of the common good of the society.
Regardless of the specifics of the individual line items that we agree to allow our taxes to pay, we should be asking if it is necessary. I choose to minimize the risks I take in my daily life and therefore am hopefully prolonging my life and cheating death. I argue that we no longer do the same regarding taxes and instead readily acquiesce to turning more benefits of our individual efforts to a common entity to control and disburse. When this happens, we no longer have our individuality and we have voluntarily enslaved ourselves to an entity that we may not be able to escape. In ancient times entire societies fled enslavement and they knew they had to for a better life.
Death is inevitable; the process of self-destruction through taxation is not. Taxes are acceptable when presented with a true cost and benefit analysis, a clear exit strategy from the tax, and a method to provide for checks and balances against a tax. If you were taking an inventory of your personal health in an effort to ensure you were prolonging your life you would question every risk, every activity, and eliminate those that are harming you. This same analysis must be performed frequently and regularly regarding taxes. We must question every dollar that is spent and be willing to take tough measures to eliminate waste, just as you would do personally.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
I am going to try to take time to start posting here again. Great weekend with the kids. My goal has to been focus on getting to the beach, slowing down to enjoy things in life again. We have made efforts to get to the beach, walk the dog, and slow down. Even reading takes time, but makes life better.
Less is more - less stress, less worry, less things, less everything.
Less is more - less stress, less worry, less things, less everything.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
SUNDAY - July 29, 2007
Alan and I have a plan – Depart Oshkosh, head to Kankakee, Illinois. Next, we will fly to Cornelia, Georgia and then home. Of course, our plan was to depart at 7:00a for the airport but after talking and hanging out with Gary it was nearly 8:30 before we left the house. We had no problem this morning with our normal plan of going to Weeks Hangar and parking the car. It has worked out great as we park, head through the gate and then walk to the airplane. Alan and I have concluded if you just look like you know what you are doing then it is easy to move around.
I am in the airplane writing this after leaving Kankakee. Alan has the left seat and is doing a great job flying the airplane. Right now though, I wish we had a weather GPS. I spent most of the week looking at GPS. Which would be better? A Garmin 396, 496, Anywhere Map, or AvMap. As the week wore on and I went through the multiple sales presentations I concluded that the AvMap was the way to go. The price is $1495 and they had a show special of $1349 at West Cost Avionics for it. But, I am so tight when it comes to spending money on myself I did not buy it. As Alan and I fly between KIKK and KAJR right now though it would be nice to have. We checked weather at KIKK and everything looked clear, there are definitely building showers and we know we are flying into the afternoon convective activity. Just knowing though how it is building up over several hours, in this case, two hours, would be nice.
As I ride along, typing about what we did today and yesterday, I keep thinking about what I just saw happen at Kankakee. Alan and I were stepping into the airplane and I heard another plane start up. Within 1-2 seconds I heard a boom and turned to look; I saw the tail of a bi-plane bouncing up and down. The engine stopped and I realized it had collided with a Cherokee on the ramp. I looked and saw the pilot in a blue shirt and jeans jump, yell, pound his fist on the ground. I decided to run inside and tell the FBO. I wanted to let him know, most of all, no one was hurt. Wow, I am glad that is not me.
We made it into AJR (Cornelia, Georgia) with no problems. We had to fly the GPS approach, due to the weather, which was good practice for both of us. Mr. Tatum greeted me on the ground and we took on more fuel. Our concern, right now is the weather. After looking we decided to head into town and wait to see if it dissipates – all of southern Georgia is covered in storms. Alan wanted to see the cabin so we drove the crew card (an ancient BMW) out there and saw it. We headed to Helen next and had dinner. I think Leeann is really struggling with me not coming home. I miss her with all of my heart, but hope she understands. Fortunately, I had a note from her reminding me to be careful and that she knew I would be home if I could. I needed her to affirm that as it was the only pressure I was feeling to make a decision to go on.
I had a chance to talk to Haley just a little bit ago. She wanted to know if I saw John Travolta last night – no.
Here I sit, at the Hampton Inn updating pictures, worried about things to do tomorrow and a horribly busy week. But, I know we made the right decision regarding weather. Alan spoke to a friend that had to deviate at 45,000 feet to avoid the same storms.
SATURDAY - July 28, 2007
This morning was absolutely beautiful weather. A cool morning greeted us, clear skies and the smell of Wisconsin soil (cows and dirt). Alan and I had no plan this morning, just the President’s dinner pending tonight. After some discussion we decided to head to the airport – why not – meander around some more. We agreed that we had pretty much seen everything at the airport. So, our plan was to come back here and pack, change and shower for dinner around 3:00p. Then, we could head back to the airport and load round one of our baggage.
We had a chance to give Gary and Christine the wind vane this morning. Christine said that she would not see us again before tomorrow because she had to work tonight. Alan and I quickly grabbed the wind vane out of the car and brought it inside. Of course, it looks like and airplane and it should be perfect for their backyard. Christine started to cry, she said she always gets emotional. She was on her way out with her daughter and future son-in-law to work on wedding plans.
Alan and I drove to the airport about 10:00 and worked out way toward parking lot B. All week we have parked here so getting in and out has gotten easier as the week has passed. We both decided to travel light – cameras only and began walking in the gates. We stopped and visited with a salesman from Columbia Aircraft and then went to Cirrus. Both aircraft are beautiful, especially when put next to a Cessna 172. Bucket seats, leather interior, glass cockpits. For $500,000 you can easily cruise at 185-200 kts.
We headed back through Aeroshell square but decided we needed some pizza. Hey, we work hard, so why not? Sitting, eating pizza we talked more about the aircraft and I pointed out why not just get the RV-10 if you wanted a 4 place faster airplane. We saw one yesterday or Thursday that was $265,000 and looked just as good as these aircraft.
We made our way into one of the buildings to find the Oregon Aero booth. Alan wanted to buy a seat cushion for his plane. This would boost him up some and protect his back. Within a few minutes we had the cushion and I suggested we take it back to the car. I noticed right away that today’s crowd was much different – more families, girls, kids. Early in the week it was just old, sweaty men walking around. As we walked too, I noticed it was much warmer today. A quick trip to the car and we realized, “why not leave the camera and everything else?” Ahh, I lightened my load and now could just walk and enjoy.
We spent the next three hours walking through the pavilions, the vendors and into the aeromart. About 2p we decided we were hungry and needed corn pork sandwiches. We went back to the place we were on the first day, “Beerventure 2007”. The pork sandwich was great and hit the spot.
Packing went well. However, Alan forgot his hanging clothes in New Smyrna we came to discover. We had packed and headed to the plane to drop off the first load. Again, we parked at Weeks Hangar and just walked in. I was glad we did this on Monday night and learned how to get in and out without a problem. At the plane, where we thought the clothes were we discovered they were not there. Convinced they were in the Jeep back in Florida we found out from Amy later that they were actually hanging at home. I had to note this because our whole week had centered around getting to this dinner. We had talked about what to wear and coordinated so we ‘would fit in’. With an hour to go, no clothes. Alan adapts easily and he wore his new EAA shirt and a pair of khakis. No problem, but now we were running late. Again, not a problem as we found ourselves with a motorcycle escort (actually, a Honda scooter) headed to the parking lot where we needed to be.
Paul Pobernzy is the founder of EAA. Anything I say will not begin to describe what Alan and I experienced Saturday night. Honestly, my expectations were much more about celebrities and some wow factor. Instead, I felt privelaged to meet him, his son Tom, and be at their home for dinner. The home sits on 13 acres and is beautifully manicured. There were two buildings that we toured – a preview of “the Founders Collection”. Apparently, since 1953 he has never thrown anything away. The great thing about this is there is an entire history of the EAA.
My own perception of the EAA changed tonight. I had always considered the “experimental” aircraft association something that I did not understand. I fly in ‘real airplanes’. I learned this week that, in my opinion, these are the guys keeping things alive. Building airplanes is definitely not something crazy – it is how every airplane was built until regulatory control got in the way. Best of all, EAA is about youth. Alan and I noted many times this week there were ‘old guys’ walking around. But yet, there are huge numbers of high school programs out there to support youth and encourage flying through aviation clubs at schools.
This morning was absolutely beautiful weather. A cool morning greeted us, clear skies and the smell of Wisconsin soil (cows and dirt). Alan and I had no plan this morning, just the President’s dinner pending tonight. After some discussion we decided to head to the airport – why not – meander around some more. We agreed that we had pretty much seen everything at the airport. So, our plan was to come back here and pack, change and shower for dinner around 3:00p. Then, we could head back to the airport and load round one of our baggage.
We had a chance to give Gary and Christine the wind vane this morning. Christine said that she would not see us again before tomorrow because she had to work tonight. Alan and I quickly grabbed the wind vane out of the car and brought it inside. Of course, it looks like and airplane and it should be perfect for their backyard. Christine started to cry, she said she always gets emotional. She was on her way out with her daughter and future son-in-law to work on wedding plans.
Alan and I drove to the airport about 10:00 and worked out way toward parking lot B. All week we have parked here so getting in and out has gotten easier as the week has passed. We both decided to travel light – cameras only and began walking in the gates. We stopped and visited with a salesman from Columbia Aircraft and then went to Cirrus. Both aircraft are beautiful, especially when put next to a Cessna 172. Bucket seats, leather interior, glass cockpits. For $500,000 you can easily cruise at 185-200 kts.
We headed back through Aeroshell square but decided we needed some pizza. Hey, we work hard, so why not? Sitting, eating pizza we talked more about the aircraft and I pointed out why not just get the RV-10 if you wanted a 4 place faster airplane. We saw one yesterday or Thursday that was $265,000 and looked just as good as these aircraft.
We made our way into one of the buildings to find the Oregon Aero booth. Alan wanted to buy a seat cushion for his plane. This would boost him up some and protect his back. Within a few minutes we had the cushion and I suggested we take it back to the car. I noticed right away that today’s crowd was much different – more families, girls, kids. Early in the week it was just old, sweaty men walking around. As we walked too, I noticed it was much warmer today. A quick trip to the car and we realized, “why not leave the camera and everything else?” Ahh, I lightened my load and now could just walk and enjoy.
We spent the next three hours walking through the pavilions, the vendors and into the aeromart. About 2p we decided we were hungry and needed corn pork sandwiches. We went back to the place we were on the first day, “Beerventure 2007”. The pork sandwich was great and hit the spot.
Packing went well. However, Alan forgot his hanging clothes in New Smyrna we came to discover. We had packed and headed to the plane to drop off the first load. Again, we parked at Weeks Hangar and just walked in. I was glad we did this on Monday night and learned how to get in and out without a problem. At the plane, where we thought the clothes were we discovered they were not there. Convinced they were in the Jeep back in Florida we found out from Amy later that they were actually hanging at home. I had to note this because our whole week had centered around getting to this dinner. We had talked about what to wear and coordinated so we ‘would fit in’. With an hour to go, no clothes. Alan adapts easily and he wore his new EAA shirt and a pair of khakis. No problem, but now we were running late. Again, not a problem as we found ourselves with a motorcycle escort (actually, a Honda scooter) headed to the parking lot where we needed to be.
Paul Pobernzy is the founder of EAA. Anything I say will not begin to describe what Alan and I experienced Saturday night. Honestly, my expectations were much more about celebrities and some wow factor. Instead, I felt privelaged to meet him, his son Tom, and be at their home for dinner. The home sits on 13 acres and is beautifully manicured. There were two buildings that we toured – a preview of “the Founders Collection”. Apparently, since 1953 he has never thrown anything away. The great thing about this is there is an entire history of the EAA.
My own perception of the EAA changed tonight. I had always considered the “experimental” aircraft association something that I did not understand. I fly in ‘real airplanes’. I learned this week that, in my opinion, these are the guys keeping things alive. Building airplanes is definitely not something crazy – it is how every airplane was built until regulatory control got in the way. Best of all, EAA is about youth. Alan and I noted many times this week there were ‘old guys’ walking around. But yet, there are huge numbers of high school programs out there to support youth and encourage flying through aviation clubs at schools.
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