Politics

I think we need, if not a new political system, more real (organized) political parties in this country. I don't know...just a shot from the hip.

Trying to Turn a New Leaf

It seems that during my existance, as far as I can recall, I've always been trying to rework myself. My persona, my mindset, outlook on life, and what not. As I reflect on my progress in any of those areas it seems on the contrary they have a very subtle ring of static to them. But now of course I feel like "this time" I really am turning a new page and it seems like it maybe in a new book. I'm not sure that even holds much logic, but whatever.

I'm starting to really become aware of my appearance and style of being...manners, maneurisms and the like. Don't get me wrong, I think ABC Family (and Disney, and Bushpublicans, and Robertson's & Falwell's Uni) sucks and is a drain on humanity leading to a sour mash of rotting human sewage, but it's apart of one's character and that in itself is apart of one's being.

So far I've started smoking a pipe; I drink gin and bourbon (no mixer); I build fires in my backyard; I built a doghouse; I take long epsom-salts baths; I read a lot more; still brewing beer; learning to fly an airplane; learning to code a decent website; re-learning French & German; learning Farsi & Chinese; drafting a business plan; revitalizing my musicianship and artistry; and trying to write more.

I'm not sure those first two on the list are really all that good for me, but they help to relax and are enjoyable on several levels for me at this time, or so it seems like that anyway.

Statistical Indicators

How far out do statistical indicators have to be before they become 100% worthless? An example would be:

The Index of Leading Economic Indicators fell 0.2% in Dec., the 3rd straight monthly drop. Year over year, the LEI sank 1.4%, the worst drop since the ’01 recession. Also, ECRI’s leading U.S. index rose for a 2nd week. The annualized growth rate edged off a 6-year low to -6.7%, but is still at recessionary levels.

-From the Jan 22nd IBD

Leading Economic Indicators? I gotta look into that.

Cost vs. Value

What is the real cost of something? Then what is its value...its real value as it is to you? I've been watching the decline of the dollar and the ascent of gold. I think it was in 2001 gold was less than $300 per ounce. Now as of Monday it was $900 per ounce. I only think that the dollar weighs less mostly because that is what I'm told by newspapers and financial columns. Now that I'm looking to buy a house I'm really starting to grasp what the value of things really is. Will the house be worth more in a few years? Next year? How long do I want to live in the thing? Do I want to live there at all? Is it really worth parting with $100,000 or should I look for something much nicer, but one that'll put me close to broke on a monthly basis? I don't know, I've heard that renting may still be the right thing to do for a little while longer.

But still, how does the value of $1.05 for a coke compare to $105,000 for the house? Could I buy it using cokes? I might like to try that, but I think ringtones are a better currency for now.