Arlan posed a couple of questions in an effort to help with my blogger block.
He asked "what's the best way NOT to buy a house? What pitfalls should a new home buyer try to avoid?
While I have an interest in Real Estate, I am not an expert. But, I do know a little about credit and the one piece of advice I would have is to make sure your credit is clean before applying for a mortgage. If you know you have some past due accounts or collections, then get those taken care of because your credit score will dictate what rate you are charged. Typically, if you can have a credit score over 700 you will qualify for the best rate and, a difference of just 50 basis points (.5%) can mean you might pay $10K to $20K more in interest over the life of the loan.
Don't rush into a house purchase until you know your credit is in line, you have enough down payment and you can afford all the added expenses of home ownership. You need to be prepared to fix a broken air conditioner, a garage door that won't go down, or any number of unexpected expenses.
Rushing into a home purchase can be very costly.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
20/15
Went to the doctor and I am testing at 20/15. It is amazing, last week at this time I couldn't see 5 feet in front of me.
I use to say I wouldn't get Lasik until it was in pill form but I am a convert.
I use to say I wouldn't get Lasik until it was in pill form but I am a convert.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Kansas Passes Right to Carry
From the NRA
On Thursday, Governor Sebelius' (D) veto of NRA-backed Right-to-Carry legislation, Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act," was overridden!
"After 12 years, it took a collective, bi-partisan effort to win this fight," NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox declared. Kansas now joins 38 other states that respect the Right-to-Carry and allow their citizens to carry a firearm for personal protection.
The Kansas State Senate voted 30 to 10 to override Governor Sebelius' veto of the Right-to-Carry legislation. Less than a day later, the Kansas House of Representatives voted 91 to 33 to sustain the override.
Cox continued, "We want to recognize the steadfast support of several state leaders. Without their hard work, Kansans would still be deprived of this valuable law. Senator Phil Journey (R-26), Representative Candy Ruff (D-40), and Representative Gary Hayzlett (R-122), worked tirelessly on this measure and we thank them."
"As always, we appreciate the commitment and participation of our members in Kansas for helping pass this legislation and helping override the Governor's veto of this law that will serve to protect law-abiding Kansans and their families," concluded Cox.
On Thursday, Governor Sebelius' (D) veto of NRA-backed Right-to-Carry legislation, Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act," was overridden!
"After 12 years, it took a collective, bi-partisan effort to win this fight," NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox declared. Kansas now joins 38 other states that respect the Right-to-Carry and allow their citizens to carry a firearm for personal protection.
The Kansas State Senate voted 30 to 10 to override Governor Sebelius' veto of the Right-to-Carry legislation. Less than a day later, the Kansas House of Representatives voted 91 to 33 to sustain the override.
Cox continued, "We want to recognize the steadfast support of several state leaders. Without their hard work, Kansans would still be deprived of this valuable law. Senator Phil Journey (R-26), Representative Candy Ruff (D-40), and Representative Gary Hayzlett (R-122), worked tirelessly on this measure and we thank them."
"As always, we appreciate the commitment and participation of our members in Kansas for helping pass this legislation and helping override the Governor's veto of this law that will serve to protect law-abiding Kansans and their families," concluded Cox.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Has Church ruined Church?
Recently I have had some conversations with different people but they all had similar experiences. It seems that church has ruined church for them. At some point in their past they had a bad experience with a church or churches. Either it was boring, too legalistic or just didn't seem relevant to their life. I think this is so sad that we have churches not doing a very good job of communicating the good news of the bible and that they are actually turning people off instead of firing them up.
But, I also wonder why all churches seem to get thrown into one big pot and considered all the same? I was guilty of doing this myself. I had grown up going to churches that were boring and seemed a waste of time and I assumed they were all that way. If you go to a bad restaurant, you don't assume all restaurants are bad and never eat out again, do you? I know most people have been to more bad restaurants than bad churches but they are more willing to keep looking for that good restaurant than they are to look for that good church.
One thing I do know is that my church, Fellowship Church won't ruin church for you. It might not be the church for you but it will show you that there is more than one way to do church and it will at a minimum have you searching for that church that is for you instead of saying "I won't ever go to church".
But, I also wonder why all churches seem to get thrown into one big pot and considered all the same? I was guilty of doing this myself. I had grown up going to churches that were boring and seemed a waste of time and I assumed they were all that way. If you go to a bad restaurant, you don't assume all restaurants are bad and never eat out again, do you? I know most people have been to more bad restaurants than bad churches but they are more willing to keep looking for that good restaurant than they are to look for that good church.
One thing I do know is that my church, Fellowship Church won't ruin church for you. It might not be the church for you but it will show you that there is more than one way to do church and it will at a minimum have you searching for that church that is for you instead of saying "I won't ever go to church".
Lasik
Well, I had the procedure and it went awesome. Just 20 hours after the procedure I was already seeing 20/25 and my vision should continue to improve over the next week as my eyes continue to heal.
I got to the doctor's office and they immediately took me back and ran me through some more tests. I have been very impressed by the promptness and thoroughness of this doctor. I have never waited more than 5 minutes to be seen once I have arrived at their office and if you know me, I am always early, so they are usually getting to me before my scheduled appointment. Also, on the day of the surgery, some of the tests they did on me were being done for the third or fourth time this week.
After the test, I went to the surgery area where I was prepped. I got to wear a nice little hat, and some nice little booties and they cleaned my eyelids with some iodine. I was in a room with four others, all waiting to get the procedure done. I waited about 10 minutes and then was called back for the first of two parts to the procedure. This was the part where the make the flap and this is when I started getting nervous. I laid down in the chair and they put a thing to hold my eye open and then the machine came down and felt like it was pushing me through the chair. I think it puts so much pressure on you to keep you from moving. Well, I started feeling a little claustrophobic plus knowing what was happening really made me nervous. I didn't feel any pain or discomfort but it was very stressful. The left eye wasn't any better. After this step was done it was like I was looking through a coke bottle. I then when back to the room and waited about another 15 minutes and then I was led back to actually have the procedure.
Again, this is when I got really nervous and a little creeped out. I sat in the chair and they taped my eye open, put numbing drops in and then the doctor proceeded to peel back the flap. I want to go back to the numbing drops because I kept thinking, what if it is a bad batch and it doesn't work, how will they know? Well, anyway, the drops worked and again I didn't have any pain but seeing them peel the flap back and then knowing what the laser was doing and then at the end, folding the flap back down, kind of freaked me out.
But, I got up and could see almost immediately. It wasn't great but a lot better than before when I didn't have my glasses on. I then went home and started my regimen of drops. Now about an hour after the surgery was probably the worst part. I started feeling a lot of irritation in my right eye and I was very uncomfortable. It was also difficult because I couldn't rub it and that was exactly what I wanted to do. But, I took a shot of Nyquil (my wonder drug), it knocked me out for 3 hours and when I woke up the irritation was gone and my vision was a lot better.
Overall, it has been a great experience up to now and would recommend it to anyone considering it. And if you are looking for a doctor then I would recommend Clearview Laser Vision Center, they have been great.
I got to the doctor's office and they immediately took me back and ran me through some more tests. I have been very impressed by the promptness and thoroughness of this doctor. I have never waited more than 5 minutes to be seen once I have arrived at their office and if you know me, I am always early, so they are usually getting to me before my scheduled appointment. Also, on the day of the surgery, some of the tests they did on me were being done for the third or fourth time this week.
After the test, I went to the surgery area where I was prepped. I got to wear a nice little hat, and some nice little booties and they cleaned my eyelids with some iodine. I was in a room with four others, all waiting to get the procedure done. I waited about 10 minutes and then was called back for the first of two parts to the procedure. This was the part where the make the flap and this is when I started getting nervous. I laid down in the chair and they put a thing to hold my eye open and then the machine came down and felt like it was pushing me through the chair. I think it puts so much pressure on you to keep you from moving. Well, I started feeling a little claustrophobic plus knowing what was happening really made me nervous. I didn't feel any pain or discomfort but it was very stressful. The left eye wasn't any better. After this step was done it was like I was looking through a coke bottle. I then when back to the room and waited about another 15 minutes and then I was led back to actually have the procedure.
Again, this is when I got really nervous and a little creeped out. I sat in the chair and they taped my eye open, put numbing drops in and then the doctor proceeded to peel back the flap. I want to go back to the numbing drops because I kept thinking, what if it is a bad batch and it doesn't work, how will they know? Well, anyway, the drops worked and again I didn't have any pain but seeing them peel the flap back and then knowing what the laser was doing and then at the end, folding the flap back down, kind of freaked me out.
But, I got up and could see almost immediately. It wasn't great but a lot better than before when I didn't have my glasses on. I then went home and started my regimen of drops. Now about an hour after the surgery was probably the worst part. I started feeling a lot of irritation in my right eye and I was very uncomfortable. It was also difficult because I couldn't rub it and that was exactly what I wanted to do. But, I took a shot of Nyquil (my wonder drug), it knocked me out for 3 hours and when I woke up the irritation was gone and my vision was a lot better.
Overall, it has been a great experience up to now and would recommend it to anyone considering it. And if you are looking for a doctor then I would recommend Clearview Laser Vision Center, they have been great.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Lasik Pre-Op
I had my Lasik Pre-Op appointment this past Tuesday which was over 2 hours of test, retest and sometimes testing a 3rd time. I must say they are very thorough. For some things, three different people did measurements and the results were compared to make sure they were consistent. They also are very up front and honest about the risks and don't pull any punches. They showed me pictures, videos and talked about how the procedure would go up to the point I was ready to scream "I get it". I can even count how many pictures of cutting the "flap" I have seen.
I have to admit that I am getting a little nervous but I am also getting very excited. I can't wait to throw out all of my contact supplies and glasses.
Surgery is tomorrow at 11 am.
I have to admit that I am getting a little nervous but I am also getting very excited. I can't wait to throw out all of my contact supplies and glasses.
Surgery is tomorrow at 11 am.
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Adventure
Seth has started calling our recent vacation the "adventure". I am finding this ironic.
Prior to meeting Shelley, I never took vacations. As a kid we were either moving to a new city or when we did go somewhere, it was always back to see family in Arkansas. I carried this forward as an adult. I was either too poor, too cheap or I thought I didn't have time to take a vacation. This is proven by the 90+ days of accrued paid time off that I have accumulated.
But, when I met Shelley that was not what she was accumstomed to, she liked taking vacations. So, we quickly started taking trips. We went to places like Clearwater, Florida, Memphis, TN, Louisville, KY and Salt Lake City, UT. I always referred to these as "Adventures" because they were so different than what I was used to (plus when you travel with Shelley, it can be an adventure).
I think our family is going to be taking "Adventures" going forward. Doesn't that sound more fun than a vacation, anyway?
Prior to meeting Shelley, I never took vacations. As a kid we were either moving to a new city or when we did go somewhere, it was always back to see family in Arkansas. I carried this forward as an adult. I was either too poor, too cheap or I thought I didn't have time to take a vacation. This is proven by the 90+ days of accrued paid time off that I have accumulated.
But, when I met Shelley that was not what she was accumstomed to, she liked taking vacations. So, we quickly started taking trips. We went to places like Clearwater, Florida, Memphis, TN, Louisville, KY and Salt Lake City, UT. I always referred to these as "Adventures" because they were so different than what I was used to (plus when you travel with Shelley, it can be an adventure).
I think our family is going to be taking "Adventures" going forward. Doesn't that sound more fun than a vacation, anyway?
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Rainy Day
This morning with the weather forecast being rain all day I planned on doing nothing and then writing about how much I love rainy days. I wish I had got to do nothing today but instead the A/C unit that supports our server room at work went out and the temperature got to be 95 degrees. Needless to say the servers didn't like that very much so I spent most of the day at work either working with our A/C vendor to try and fix the unit, which they couldn't, and then working to get portable A/C units brought in. Kudos go out to Spot Coolers who had delivered and installed 4 portable units within two hours of our call.
But, back to why I love rainy days. I have a tough time doing nothing while my wonderful bride has earned a PH.D in doing nothing. As a kid I was always driven by my father to be productive everyday. He wanted me to practice golf or baseball X hours every day and his first question when he got home was what had I done that day. So, as a kid I learned to love rainy days because it gave me the perfect excuse to do nothing and I didn't have to worry about my father asking me what I had done that day. I have carried that to adulthood and I find rainy days are the only days I still can feel comfortable doing nothing. Yes, we have talked about this in counseling and I am working on letting it go.
I hope to have another opportunity to do nothing and I won't wait for a rainy day.
But, back to why I love rainy days. I have a tough time doing nothing while my wonderful bride has earned a PH.D in doing nothing. As a kid I was always driven by my father to be productive everyday. He wanted me to practice golf or baseball X hours every day and his first question when he got home was what had I done that day. So, as a kid I learned to love rainy days because it gave me the perfect excuse to do nothing and I didn't have to worry about my father asking me what I had done that day. I have carried that to adulthood and I find rainy days are the only days I still can feel comfortable doing nothing. Yes, we have talked about this in counseling and I am working on letting it go.
I hope to have another opportunity to do nothing and I won't wait for a rainy day.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Cowboys Sign T.O.
The Cowboys have signed Terrell Owens and I have to admit that I am not pleased. I don't know the details yet but a press conference is scheduled to happen in about 30 minutes. But, I also have to be honest and admit that it always comes down to winning and if T.O. helps take the Cowboys into the playoffs and possibly even the Super Bowl and he does this without causing any problems, I will be saying how it was a brilliant move. But, if he causes a disruption and the Cowboys don't improve then I will be the biggest critic.
So, for me, I guess it is a wait and see. I hope T.O. stays out of trouble and the Cowboys win the Super Bowl.
So, for me, I guess it is a wait and see. I hope T.O. stays out of trouble and the Cowboys win the Super Bowl.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Joys of Fatherhood #21
A joy of fatherhood is driving home from vacation and looking in your rear view mirror and seeing a little boy exhausted and sound asleep from a hard day at Sea World.
Another Joy of Fatherhood is arriving home from the same vacation and being greeted by a 9 month old who is obviously very happy to see us and literally hugging our necks.
Another Joy of Fatherhood is arriving home from the same vacation and being greeted by a 9 month old who is obviously very happy to see us and literally hugging our necks.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Pillows
I don't travel well and there are a thousand reasons why and I'm sure Shelley could even add several more. One of those reasons is that I am very particular about my pillows and most hotels never have ones that are just right. It is more about the size and the number than anything else. I can't stand to sleep flat on the bed and need to have my head elevated. So, I usually stack several pillows to just the right height and this usually leads to some "squishing" and "folding" to get them just so. Shelley and I had been married for a few years, when for some reason that is still unclear to me, she decided we needed new pillows. I came to bed not knowing of this change, put my head down and realized that something was amiss. I didn't sleep for two weeks as I broke in these new pillows.
So, was the scenario this week in San Antonio. Try as I might, I could never get the pillows worked into the right configuration and in the words of Seth, "I didn't get good rest."
Am I the only one out there that is weird about their pillows?
So, was the scenario this week in San Antonio. Try as I might, I could never get the pillows worked into the right configuration and in the words of Seth, "I didn't get good rest."
Am I the only one out there that is weird about their pillows?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Back from Vacation
We just returned from a fun filled family vacation to San Antonio and Sea World. I hesitate to use the word "family" because we were minus Chase but we felt he would have a better time staying here with his Grandmama and I believe we were right.
When Grandmama arrived Seth didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay with Chase and Grandmama but we bribed him and told him we would find a Wal Mart on the way and see if they had an "Emily", "Duck" or "Spencer" from Thomas and Friends. These were ones we had looked for all over North Texas and South East Oklahoma without any success.
We had barely made it to Waco when Seth started wanting to stop at a WalMart so we began looking. While WalMarts are everywhere they are a little hard to spot doing 70 mph down the highway but we finally found one in Austin. They had Emily, Duck and Spencer so the trip was off to a raving success and Seth wouldn't have cared if we turned backed and went home but we continued on.
Upon arrival to the Marriott Riverwalk, we decided to hit the Riverwalk. Seth immediately spotted the boats and wanted to ride one. So, we stood in line for over an hour to take a tour of the Riverwalk via a boat with all the expectation that as soon as Seth got in the boat, he would want to get out. He has a history of this but he didn't. He loved the 20 minute boat ride and couldn't stop talking about it.
The next morning our journey to Sea World began. We couldn't have picked better weather with it being a little overcast and in the 70s (I'm not sure how people do it during July though). Our first stop was the dolphins and Seth loved them but he quickly wanted to go see the horses. Since Sea World is owned by Anheuser Busch, they have a team of Clydesdales there. But, as soon as Seth got close to them he started screaming he wanted to leave. (I mentioned he had a history of this didn't I?)
Next stop, Sea Lions. Seth loved the sea lions and even fed them fish which surprised me. We wanted to see the Sea Lion show but had a little time to kill so we went to an area where there were some kiddie rides and Seth rode the Shamu Express, a rollercoaster. He barely slid in over the 38 inch height requirement and I was sure he would change his mind (remember he has a history) but he didn't and he loved it.
Now, back to the Sea Lion show with anticipation knowing Seth is going to love it. We are about 30 minutes early, find our seats and settle in. After about 5 minutes Seth starts screaming, crying and saying he wants to leave (again with the history thing). But, we make him wait it out and once the show started I don't think he blinked. When it was over he said something to the affect "That was fun".
Grab a little lunch and then off to see the penguins. Seth had been asking about the penguins all morning so we were sure this would be a hit. We walked into the exhibit and he started wanting to leave (more history). But, we went in and waited and then he went through the exhibit twice. I have to admit, it was pretty cool seeing 4 different species of Penguins.
Now, it was time for what we had all been waiting for, Shamu. But we had a little time to kill so we made the decision I would go and get our seats and Shelley and Seth would roam around the park until it was just about time for the show to start. But, while I was waiting the whales came in so I called Shelley and told her the whales were already there and to bring Seth because I was sure he would just love it. But just moments before Shelley and Seth arrived, the whales left so we had 20 minutes to kill before the show and we did that with tears, screams and constant request to leave. Shelley finally told Seth to cover his eyes and pretend he was somewhere else, and he did and it worked.
Once the whales came out Seth was motionless and he is still talking about Shamu.
We intended to leave at this point but decided to make an attempt at riding the log ride. The wait was only about 30 minutes so Seth and I got in line and he was really excited. We finally got in our log and things were going very well until we went down the first drop and then Seth came unglued. He started yelling for his mommy and trying to climb out the log, all the while we are 6 stories above the ground. We finally came down the final drop and he was still yelling for Shelley but when we got off and he saw his mom, all he had to say was "I got wet and that was fun".
This ended our day and we went back to the hotel for well deserved rest.
The next morning started with a trip to the Alamo. This was mostly for my purpose because Seth had no interest except for the Davy Crocket action figure we bought him in the gift shop. Then we were off to Sea World for a little more fun. First stop again was the dolphins because those were my favorites.
Seth then started asking to go see the horses so I figured, why not, he's probably ready now. Well, I was wrong. We got up to the barn and again he started screaming to leave so we did.
We then went to the shark exhibit which we hadn't see yet but again Seth didn't want to go in. We finally talked him into going in but that only lasted a few minutes and he started wanting to leave. From what I saw of the sharks, it looked pretty cool.
Seth then wanted to go back to the penguins so we figured that is how we would end our trip to Sea World. Seth loved the penguins and even got to touch a penguin egg this second time around.
Overall, Seth really enjoyed the trip. He is still talking about the boat ride, Shamu and riding a roller coaster. I think he also learned a little bit about dealing with some fear which is a big lesson for a 3 year old.
When Grandmama arrived Seth didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay with Chase and Grandmama but we bribed him and told him we would find a Wal Mart on the way and see if they had an "Emily", "Duck" or "Spencer" from Thomas and Friends. These were ones we had looked for all over North Texas and South East Oklahoma without any success.
We had barely made it to Waco when Seth started wanting to stop at a WalMart so we began looking. While WalMarts are everywhere they are a little hard to spot doing 70 mph down the highway but we finally found one in Austin. They had Emily, Duck and Spencer so the trip was off to a raving success and Seth wouldn't have cared if we turned backed and went home but we continued on.
Upon arrival to the Marriott Riverwalk, we decided to hit the Riverwalk. Seth immediately spotted the boats and wanted to ride one. So, we stood in line for over an hour to take a tour of the Riverwalk via a boat with all the expectation that as soon as Seth got in the boat, he would want to get out. He has a history of this but he didn't. He loved the 20 minute boat ride and couldn't stop talking about it.
The next morning our journey to Sea World began. We couldn't have picked better weather with it being a little overcast and in the 70s (I'm not sure how people do it during July though). Our first stop was the dolphins and Seth loved them but he quickly wanted to go see the horses. Since Sea World is owned by Anheuser Busch, they have a team of Clydesdales there. But, as soon as Seth got close to them he started screaming he wanted to leave. (I mentioned he had a history of this didn't I?)
Next stop, Sea Lions. Seth loved the sea lions and even fed them fish which surprised me. We wanted to see the Sea Lion show but had a little time to kill so we went to an area where there were some kiddie rides and Seth rode the Shamu Express, a rollercoaster. He barely slid in over the 38 inch height requirement and I was sure he would change his mind (remember he has a history) but he didn't and he loved it.
Now, back to the Sea Lion show with anticipation knowing Seth is going to love it. We are about 30 minutes early, find our seats and settle in. After about 5 minutes Seth starts screaming, crying and saying he wants to leave (again with the history thing). But, we make him wait it out and once the show started I don't think he blinked. When it was over he said something to the affect "That was fun".
Grab a little lunch and then off to see the penguins. Seth had been asking about the penguins all morning so we were sure this would be a hit. We walked into the exhibit and he started wanting to leave (more history). But, we went in and waited and then he went through the exhibit twice. I have to admit, it was pretty cool seeing 4 different species of Penguins.
Now, it was time for what we had all been waiting for, Shamu. But we had a little time to kill so we made the decision I would go and get our seats and Shelley and Seth would roam around the park until it was just about time for the show to start. But, while I was waiting the whales came in so I called Shelley and told her the whales were already there and to bring Seth because I was sure he would just love it. But just moments before Shelley and Seth arrived, the whales left so we had 20 minutes to kill before the show and we did that with tears, screams and constant request to leave. Shelley finally told Seth to cover his eyes and pretend he was somewhere else, and he did and it worked.
Once the whales came out Seth was motionless and he is still talking about Shamu.
We intended to leave at this point but decided to make an attempt at riding the log ride. The wait was only about 30 minutes so Seth and I got in line and he was really excited. We finally got in our log and things were going very well until we went down the first drop and then Seth came unglued. He started yelling for his mommy and trying to climb out the log, all the while we are 6 stories above the ground. We finally came down the final drop and he was still yelling for Shelley but when we got off and he saw his mom, all he had to say was "I got wet and that was fun".
This ended our day and we went back to the hotel for well deserved rest.
The next morning started with a trip to the Alamo. This was mostly for my purpose because Seth had no interest except for the Davy Crocket action figure we bought him in the gift shop. Then we were off to Sea World for a little more fun. First stop again was the dolphins because those were my favorites.
Seth then started asking to go see the horses so I figured, why not, he's probably ready now. Well, I was wrong. We got up to the barn and again he started screaming to leave so we did.
We then went to the shark exhibit which we hadn't see yet but again Seth didn't want to go in. We finally talked him into going in but that only lasted a few minutes and he started wanting to leave. From what I saw of the sharks, it looked pretty cool.
Seth then wanted to go back to the penguins so we figured that is how we would end our trip to Sea World. Seth loved the penguins and even got to touch a penguin egg this second time around.
Overall, Seth really enjoyed the trip. He is still talking about the boat ride, Shamu and riding a roller coaster. I think he also learned a little bit about dealing with some fear which is a big lesson for a 3 year old.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
The Economy
What is your opinion of the state of the economy? A poll taken in November by the American Research Group indicated that 43% of Americans believe that we are in a recession.
But according to Jerry Tuma of Cornerstone Financial the economy is recording some of the best growth marks in almost 40 years.
-Corporate cash to debt levels are at the best levels since 1969.
-In January the unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% (with 4% considered full employment)
-Earnings continue to rise at a record pace
-If you adjust stocks for the appropriate interest rates you'll find the stock market 30% undervalued.
One of Jerry Tuma's favorite topics is the emotion of investing. He says that bull markets go through three emotional phases.
-Skepticism - Investors are disturbed after having been through a difficult time for the market and economy. This phase occurs early in the cycle just after the recession and is marketed by fear, worry and anxiety. This is the phase we have been in for the last few years.
-Recognition - Investors begin to realize that this a good economy and market and begin to fear missing out on future gains more than they fear losing money. Jerry believes we are about to enter this phase.
The "Chase" Phase - This is the final phase and when insanity rules. It's in this phase that the new investment "geniuses" are born. Almost all fear of loss has worn off and people are looking to get rich quick. This phase will not likely hit until around 2009 or 2010.
But according to Jerry Tuma of Cornerstone Financial the economy is recording some of the best growth marks in almost 40 years.
-Corporate cash to debt levels are at the best levels since 1969.
-In January the unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% (with 4% considered full employment)
-Earnings continue to rise at a record pace
-If you adjust stocks for the appropriate interest rates you'll find the stock market 30% undervalued.
One of Jerry Tuma's favorite topics is the emotion of investing. He says that bull markets go through three emotional phases.
-Skepticism - Investors are disturbed after having been through a difficult time for the market and economy. This phase occurs early in the cycle just after the recession and is marketed by fear, worry and anxiety. This is the phase we have been in for the last few years.
-Recognition - Investors begin to realize that this a good economy and market and begin to fear missing out on future gains more than they fear losing money. Jerry believes we are about to enter this phase.
The "Chase" Phase - This is the final phase and when insanity rules. It's in this phase that the new investment "geniuses" are born. Almost all fear of loss has worn off and people are looking to get rich quick. This phase will not likely hit until around 2009 or 2010.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
What Blogs Are Republicans In Congress Reading?
Right Wing News published this list of what blogs some Republicans in Congress are reading.
Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn
Hugh Hewitt
Kudlow's Money Politic$
RedState
TennesseeTax Revolt
Congressman Mike Conaway
Blogs For Bush
Expose the Left
RedState
Right Wing News
Senator John Cornyn
Instapundit
Little Green FootballsMudville Gazette
National Review Blogs
Power Line
The Volokh Conspiracy
Congressman Trent Franks:
Arizona Congress Watch
Blog For Arizona
Espresso Pundit
Expose the Left
NewsBusters
Power Line
RedState
TownHall
World Magazine Blog
Congressman Jeb Hensarling
Quorum Report
RedState
Congressman Jack Kingston:
Capitol Report
Congressman Conaway's Blog
Expose the Left
GOP.com
Hugh Hewitt
Human Events Online
Instapundit
Michelle Malkin
No Agenda
PoliPundit
Power Line
Peach Pundit
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Friday, March 10, 2006
F-14 Retired
The F-14 Tomcat made famous by the movie "Top Gun" and one of my favorite TV shows, "JAG", has been officially retired by the Navy.
The last two squadrons of the sleek, Cold War fighter jet returned home from their final deployment Friday.
"We're putting the premier fighter to sleep," said pilot Lt. Jon Jeck, 32, as he held his 3-year-old son Collin. "It's a staple of Americana."
Read the story here.
Seinfeld Geography
I found this on Bag of Nothing and it is a Google map of a variety of locations from Seinfeld like Jerry's apartment, Monk's cafe, etc. Address and locations are from the actual Seinfeld scripts, observations, and website descriptions. Since some address are from the scripts, they may not make perfect sense in a real life.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Barry Bonds
I first want to be very upfront with the fact that I have never liked Barry Bonds. He just seems like a very unfriendly, spoiled professional athlete and the thought of him breaking Hank Aaron's all time home run record has always annoyed me.
Then as it became more evident that he may have done steroids, I have really been irritated that he may hold one of the most prestigious baseball records. Now, excerts from a new book called "Game of Shadows" are telling a story of a human chemistry lab. It states he was taking Winstrol, Deca-Durabolin, Insulin, Testosterone decanoate, Human growth hormones, Norbolethone, Trenbolone, and Clomid. I don't believe Major League Baseball should let Bonds play another game and I would support a life time ban like they gave Pete Rose. If it takes an investigation similar to what produced the Dowd Report that outline Pete Rose's gambling activities then I believe baseball needs to do that.
If baseball even lets Barry Bond's buy an admission ticket to the Hall of Fame much less vote him in as a member, then it will be the biggest stain on baseball history.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Cats in The Cradle
I can't remember exactly when I heard Harry Chapin's song Cats in the Cradle for the first time but I remember one incident when I was about 15 and in our basement lifting weights. I wasn't lifting weights because I wanted to but because I was trying to please my father. Cats in the Cradle came on the radio and I started singing it as loud as I could, possibly in hopes he might hear it.
A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."
And so the song goes. It has always hit home and described at some level the relationship I have with my father and exactly how I don't want my relationship with Seth and Chase to be.
Yesterday I was working late and Shelley sent me this IM.
[17:25] shelleydowdle: when you coming home son? i don't know when . . . ''
Ouch!
Now, I use the song not as a statement but as a reminder. Shelley, thank you for always being there and helping me remember what is important.
A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man in the moon.
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."
And so the song goes. It has always hit home and described at some level the relationship I have with my father and exactly how I don't want my relationship with Seth and Chase to be.
Yesterday I was working late and Shelley sent me this IM.
[17:25] shelleydowdle: when you coming home son? i don't know when . . . ''
Ouch!
Now, I use the song not as a statement but as a reminder. Shelley, thank you for always being there and helping me remember what is important.
Monday, March 06, 2006
The Joys of Fatherhood #21
Our house is full of activity these days because Chase is everywhere. Gone are the days of placing him on a blanket and him staying there. Now, he is pulling up, crawling over, crawling under and last night I swear he almost stood up on his own. He is also extremely strong (almost a brute) and nothing seems to stop him. And his top two teeth have busted through so it won't be long before we are going through the drive thru to get chicken nuggets.
I'm trying to take in all these little moments but they are going by so fast.
Also, this weekend Seth threw a birthday party for me. It wasn't my birthday but that didn't matter to him. It was complete with cake and him singing happy birthday to me. But, the best part was the collection of original songs he entertained us with. He must have done at least 10 songs for us and at one point had to run out and write a new one.
I'm trying to take in all these little moments but they are going by so fast.
Also, this weekend Seth threw a birthday party for me. It wasn't my birthday but that didn't matter to him. It was complete with cake and him singing happy birthday to me. But, the best part was the collection of original songs he entertained us with. He must have done at least 10 songs for us and at one point had to run out and write a new one.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Question for the Ladies
I know I have a few woman readers so I have a question that Husbands all over have always wanted to know. If you can help answer it, we will sell the answer and I will share the profits.
How do you get your wives to do what you want them to do?
Men have been trying to figure this out for ages and sometimes this quest leads us to some poor choices. Take for example the wacked out Travis Frey marriage contract. I'm not going to link to it because it is pretty explicit but if you haven't read it a simple Google search will take you to it. Yesterday I was at the gym and one of my buddies who has two kids was telling us how they have decided they aren't going to have any more children and how his wife wants him to get a vasectomy. He told her that if she gets her weight down to 118 lbs. and keeps it there for two consecutive months, he will get the vasectomy. I'm sure if I told Shelley that, she would perform the vasectomy herself.
The answer to this question would be the equivalent of finding the Rosetta Stone.
How do you get your wives to do what you want them to do?
Men have been trying to figure this out for ages and sometimes this quest leads us to some poor choices. Take for example the wacked out Travis Frey marriage contract. I'm not going to link to it because it is pretty explicit but if you haven't read it a simple Google search will take you to it. Yesterday I was at the gym and one of my buddies who has two kids was telling us how they have decided they aren't going to have any more children and how his wife wants him to get a vasectomy. He told her that if she gets her weight down to 118 lbs. and keeps it there for two consecutive months, he will get the vasectomy. I'm sure if I told Shelley that, she would perform the vasectomy herself.
The answer to this question would be the equivalent of finding the Rosetta Stone.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Those &%#@! IT Guys
I have been watching all day as Shelley cusses the IT guys at her company(actually she doesn't cuss but I couldn't think of a better way to describe her emotions). Since I am an IT guy and responsible for all of the technology operations at a small to medium sized company, I have been listening from a different perspective. On more than one occasion she has said something like "They are one of your kind".
This isn't the first time Shelley has gone to battle with her company's IT department and I don't think that is unusual for a lot of people that work at company's with IT departments. Why do people dislike us so much? We are generally geeky guys with a desire to please.
But, one thing I think we fail to do very well is communicate. Isn't that at the root of many problems? We fail to tell people we are taking email down over the weekend or we don't tell people that because of the latest upgrade that all of their passwords are going to be reset.
Also, as a general rule we aren't people persons. We are more comfortable communicating via email than over the phone. And when we discuss a problem over the phone we can have a tendency to be short and abrupt out of our desire to get off of the phone quickly. But, I think this can often leaves the user feeling like their problem is just an inconvenience to us.
I also think users often feel that we enjoy it when things aren't working properly, like it gives us some sense of power or purpose. Or that it shows how important the IT department is to the company. This couldn't be further from the truth because we hate it. Since we are not social people the thing we like the least is being the center of attention and when things are not working, we become the center of attention and that makes us very uncomfortable.
So, Shelley, from all of us "grumpy" IT guys, I am sorry for the bad day you had today.
This isn't the first time Shelley has gone to battle with her company's IT department and I don't think that is unusual for a lot of people that work at company's with IT departments. Why do people dislike us so much? We are generally geeky guys with a desire to please.
But, one thing I think we fail to do very well is communicate. Isn't that at the root of many problems? We fail to tell people we are taking email down over the weekend or we don't tell people that because of the latest upgrade that all of their passwords are going to be reset.
Also, as a general rule we aren't people persons. We are more comfortable communicating via email than over the phone. And when we discuss a problem over the phone we can have a tendency to be short and abrupt out of our desire to get off of the phone quickly. But, I think this can often leaves the user feeling like their problem is just an inconvenience to us.
I also think users often feel that we enjoy it when things aren't working properly, like it gives us some sense of power or purpose. Or that it shows how important the IT department is to the company. This couldn't be further from the truth because we hate it. Since we are not social people the thing we like the least is being the center of attention and when things are not working, we become the center of attention and that makes us very uncomfortable.
So, Shelley, from all of us "grumpy" IT guys, I am sorry for the bad day you had today.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
We Have Our Boy Back
Prior to me getting this new job title of "Parent", I had heard of this mythical thing called the "terrible twos" and I thought it had to be just a myth. Why would 2 be so different from 1 or 3? or 33 for that matter? Those parents just need to learn how to control their kids.
Even up until Seth was about two and a half and things were still going smoothly, I was thinking, "yep, I knew my kids wouldn't experience the terrible twos". And them WHAM, it hit like nothing you had ever seen before. Emotional swings, tantrums, screaming, crying, everything my kid would never do. He would get upset if we wanted to take him to the zoo and then he would get upset if we didn't take him to the zoo or any of a number of different scenarios.
But, that was then and this is now. Seth turned three a month ago and it was like someone flipped a switch. We have our old boy back. He is so pleasant and reasonable. He listens to us and does what we ask him to do. He doesn't throw the fits like he use to and we are all getting along so much better.
I admit it, "I was wrong" and I apologize to every parent in the grocery store that I had an evil thought about. I now know your pain.
We are so glad to have our little boy back.
Even up until Seth was about two and a half and things were still going smoothly, I was thinking, "yep, I knew my kids wouldn't experience the terrible twos". And them WHAM, it hit like nothing you had ever seen before. Emotional swings, tantrums, screaming, crying, everything my kid would never do. He would get upset if we wanted to take him to the zoo and then he would get upset if we didn't take him to the zoo or any of a number of different scenarios.
But, that was then and this is now. Seth turned three a month ago and it was like someone flipped a switch. We have our old boy back. He is so pleasant and reasonable. He listens to us and does what we ask him to do. He doesn't throw the fits like he use to and we are all getting along so much better.
I admit it, "I was wrong" and I apologize to every parent in the grocery store that I had an evil thought about. I now know your pain.
We are so glad to have our little boy back.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Foundation Repair
If you live in Texas you have either had your home's foundation repaired or you lie awake at night worried about the day you will. And, if you live in Texas long enough you will more than likely have to repair a foundation. Well, I have been one of those lying awake at night worried but I finally got the courage to call someone to look at my foundation. You know, face the fear.
For me, the biggest worry was first the cost,I have heard it can be very expensive. And second, they could tell me I had to fix my foundation and I would be none the wiser. I know as much about foundations as I do transmissions.
I called All-Pro Foundation Repair and they came out and were very nice and very professional. But, the best part is, he told me I didn't need to repair my foundation but instead I needed to work with someone to fix the drainage around my house. I was really shocked because I was certain they would try and sell me some type of repair but he didn't. He said, just to call a landscaper and if the landscaper had any questions to have him give them a call.
So, if you think you might need foundation repair I would recommend giving All-Pro Foundation Repair a call. I can't speak to the quality or cost of their work since they aren't doing any for me but I do feel they will give you an honest assessment.
For me, the biggest worry was first the cost,I have heard it can be very expensive. And second, they could tell me I had to fix my foundation and I would be none the wiser. I know as much about foundations as I do transmissions.
I called All-Pro Foundation Repair and they came out and were very nice and very professional. But, the best part is, he told me I didn't need to repair my foundation but instead I needed to work with someone to fix the drainage around my house. I was really shocked because I was certain they would try and sell me some type of repair but he didn't. He said, just to call a landscaper and if the landscaper had any questions to have him give them a call.
So, if you think you might need foundation repair I would recommend giving All-Pro Foundation Repair a call. I can't speak to the quality or cost of their work since they aren't doing any for me but I do feel they will give you an honest assessment.
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