The Paradox of Thrift

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/the-paradox-of-thrift-for-real/

The Paradox of Thrift is an economic conundrum that bears special attention during this period of economic recovery. How can we act responsibly by increasing our savings rate during these uncertain economic times while simultaneously taking part in the stimulus? My suggestion: go to your neighbors and urge them to make purchases. Bring Wish Lists filled with items you've been putting off purchasing, preferring to stash away a bit more for an inevitable rainy day. It's a win-win. You'll get some shopping done, free and easy as can be, and they'll have been empowered by you to do their part. Don't forget to include members of your extended family, close friends and acquaintances, and co-workers on your list.Your nation needs you.

Savior OR Bubonic Plague Carrier? You Decide

My Workout Regimen Is Progressing Nicely

Iconoclast

I consider myself to be a bit of an Iconoclast, if only because I'm rather clumsy in churches.

Hayden Jonas-Cyrus

Hayden Panettiere's feature in an unfortunately perused recent People magazine wherein she chatted about her car and her favorite bottled water put me in mind of a 1950s Photoplay. Well, kids, I do remember a time in this here Republic when people objected to being fed manufactured celebrity blather. Of course this time coincided with the Pet Rock/Rubik's Cube years. But I digress. And I dilute the power of my argument. Not for the first time. To paraphrase the Journalist's Checklist: Where is the ability to discern entertainment from noise? Who is Jon and Kate? Why does Disney get to decide which music white suburban teenagers listen to? When did so called outrageous behavior that no one can be bothered to be outraged by qualify as interesting? How long have I been asleep? What?

Why I Oughta!

I am hardly a devotee of Obama and could not bring myself to vote for him but the naysayers seem to have forgotten what that man inherited upon taking office. It is no small feat that in spite of the bankruptcy of two thirds of America's auto manufacturing capacity and the insolvency of our financial system our nation is still functioning. This was not accomplished through judicial application of the principles of The Secret but rather a great deal of skill and finesse. Buy that man a beer, Professor Gates.

What Can I Believe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&NR=1

This is very interesting, as I don't know what to make of it. The Republicans held a majority in both Houses throughout the years of the Bush administration under discussion.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0774721.html

I think some of this could certainly be true (as I think they're all money hungry whores), but Fox has a reputation for actively participating in news creation and I for one couldn't say how much historical revision has occurred via the efforts of the video's producer. If Bush could count on a majority in the Congress, and he and his advisors were so concerned about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, (and, yes, I also believe George really was that stupid) why not do something about it?

I'm surprised they didn't include a "re-enactment" of Barney Frank rimming Nancy Pelosi's husband.

The Death and Re-Birth of Michael Jackson

The most alarming aspect of the death of Michael Jackson, for me, if not for Mr. Jackson, is that he has gone from pariah to saint by virtue of an apparent insomnia medication overdose. We hated him, now we lament his passing with the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. In a court of law he was found not guilty of child molestation in regards to his patently odd behavior with young boys, though in the public's mind this finding was attributed primarily to a skillful legal defense team's work. The public's mind, ruled by the media, which covered the legal proceedings as entertainment, convicted the entertainer. Now, in an effort to sell more erectile dysfunction drugs we are treated to a State Funeral, replete with a delightfully understated gold plated casket. Though Congressman Peter King's thoughts are duly noted, what neither viewpoint acknowledges is that the truth exists as a separate entity, unencumbered by fears, prejudices, idol worship, or the challenging need to sell discretionary consumer goods to the unemployed.