Ah me. I am so terrible at communication in this modern age. I recently switched my main email address due to a variety of reasons. One being that zao4metal may be cool when you're 20 and think that zao=live (sort of in ancient greek anyway) makes a great email address. Not at 27 when you're married and emailing a variety of people.
Due to the switch I had no clue it was a D&D (yes, Dungeons and Dragons 3.5) today, until about 9:00 tonight. I had not gotten the new email in time. AND I had not heard my phone ring, lots of times. I'm really bad about that. REALLY bad. I worry sometimes people will think I'm trying to avoid them. I'm not (at least not anymore). I'm just really bad about staying in touch.
Now, I think there is a bit too much communication going on sometimes today. (Texting while driving? COME ON!) But, that is no excuse on my part to not really stay in touch with people. I just need to get better at it. I guess that is something to strive for in the coming year. Better communication with my friends and family.
As to the second part of this...I just want to say that my D&D group is great. I've had so much fun with the group and look forward to each time we get to play. Some of you might think its childish a bunch of 20/30 somethings playing D&D, but its not. Its lots of fun.
Its just nice to get to hang out with people of similar interests and spend time together. Is it a bit cheesy? Maybe, but its also, to me, a book that's been written with me as one of the authors. Each time we play more of the story unfolds, and in ways we couldn't even imagine. (Our elf falling while climbing 10 feet 3 times in row and starting to die from it? Who'd write that? But it made for a hilarious time! Well, not for the elf....)
To my group, you guys are great. To the world, being able to game with a bunch of grown-ups is lots of fun. You should try it.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wal-mart
Ahh, I love when I'm perusing the news and Wal-Mart pops up under a failed venture. This time its with their online video sales venture. What, you didn't realize Wal-Mart had an online video sales venture? Well, they did. And it failed. Mostly due to high prices and DRM which meant you could only play it on one computer. So, they spent lots of money and got little in return. Haha!
I don't like Wal-Mart. I don't like their business model and I don't like how they treat both employees and customers. I shop there, on RARE occasions, but I am blessed to have a Kroger's right around the corner, an Aldi's down the street, and a K-Mart and Sears in the same town, both slightly closer than the Wal-Mart. This is besides the various other stores I shop at to avoid WM. I don't like them because they pretty much force their suppliers into making things overseas (read: China). Nelson sprinkler's are a good example of that. Wal-Mart wanted to sell their products, but at X price. Nelson said, we can't even MAKE them for that price. So then Wal-Mart laid out for Nelson a plan on how to get their sprinkler's not built here in America (many in Peoria, IL) or even Mexico, but China. So now they are cheap, and you get exactly what you paid for even though their is a quality name on the box.
I also don't find it cost effective to walk into a Wal-Mart and have to spend a minimum of 25 minutes in the store. I have to be saving LOTS of money to make going their worth my time. 25 minutes of my time is worth at least $5. At least! Not counting the frustration of waiting in line while 10 or 12 registers are unmanned (or unwomanned). I understand, it saves money. But time is money to me, and so usually the net result is NOT any money saved on my part. And they don't get my business.
As far as online video or music goes, DRM has to go. People are getting tired of buying media and being told HOW they can use it. If I buy a CD, I should be able to do whatever I like with it as long as what I bought stays in my possession. If I can play it on my microwave (you can't, it just makes the back of a CD look really cool) that should be ok, as long as I'm not reselling or giving it away to others. And, in case the media companies haven't caught on DRM doesn't prevent people from doing that, it just makes those of us who try to get our media legally upset.
Services where you have signed a contract and understand you're only "renting" the media are different. I believe that's sort of how Microsoft's Zune works. And if you understand that, and are ok with that, then its all good. But if you're expected to pay full price for media, and only get a VERY limited way to use it, that's not going to make customers happy or want to buy from you again.
I'm not a marketing genius. I don't know what the best business models for digital media are, its still a relatively new market and while growing, its also going through its growing pains. But, the media companies are going to HAVE to learn they must change. And people who work for or make money from the media companies must adapt too. (Sorry Hollywood writers, that includes you. You'll have to figure out how to make it work.)
Me, I still like to hold my media. Movies it doesn't matter so much, but as far as my music, I like liner notes for many of my favorite bands. And since many of them are on indie labels anyway, I like to support them. I don't file-share music or movies. I'm not a better person than people who do, its just I do view it as stealing most of the time. (There are gray areas. I might download a song that's CONSTANTLY on the radio I like. I'll be sick of it in a month, and there are so few good ALBUMS anymore that I view it differently. Maybe I shouldn't, but I do. Oh, this amounts to maybe 10 songs a year...) But to all the file-sharers out there who, if there was a simple, cheap way to get their media how they want it, lobby for it. Make it known you'll pay for and use a good system. And hopefully, one will be coming. (Aside from iTunes :)
I don't like Wal-Mart. I don't like their business model and I don't like how they treat both employees and customers. I shop there, on RARE occasions, but I am blessed to have a Kroger's right around the corner, an Aldi's down the street, and a K-Mart and Sears in the same town, both slightly closer than the Wal-Mart. This is besides the various other stores I shop at to avoid WM. I don't like them because they pretty much force their suppliers into making things overseas (read: China). Nelson sprinkler's are a good example of that. Wal-Mart wanted to sell their products, but at X price. Nelson said, we can't even MAKE them for that price. So then Wal-Mart laid out for Nelson a plan on how to get their sprinkler's not built here in America (many in Peoria, IL) or even Mexico, but China. So now they are cheap, and you get exactly what you paid for even though their is a quality name on the box.
I also don't find it cost effective to walk into a Wal-Mart and have to spend a minimum of 25 minutes in the store. I have to be saving LOTS of money to make going their worth my time. 25 minutes of my time is worth at least $5. At least! Not counting the frustration of waiting in line while 10 or 12 registers are unmanned (or unwomanned). I understand, it saves money. But time is money to me, and so usually the net result is NOT any money saved on my part. And they don't get my business.
As far as online video or music goes, DRM has to go. People are getting tired of buying media and being told HOW they can use it. If I buy a CD, I should be able to do whatever I like with it as long as what I bought stays in my possession. If I can play it on my microwave (you can't, it just makes the back of a CD look really cool) that should be ok, as long as I'm not reselling or giving it away to others. And, in case the media companies haven't caught on DRM doesn't prevent people from doing that, it just makes those of us who try to get our media legally upset.
Services where you have signed a contract and understand you're only "renting" the media are different. I believe that's sort of how Microsoft's Zune works. And if you understand that, and are ok with that, then its all good. But if you're expected to pay full price for media, and only get a VERY limited way to use it, that's not going to make customers happy or want to buy from you again.
I'm not a marketing genius. I don't know what the best business models for digital media are, its still a relatively new market and while growing, its also going through its growing pains. But, the media companies are going to HAVE to learn they must change. And people who work for or make money from the media companies must adapt too. (Sorry Hollywood writers, that includes you. You'll have to figure out how to make it work.)
Me, I still like to hold my media. Movies it doesn't matter so much, but as far as my music, I like liner notes for many of my favorite bands. And since many of them are on indie labels anyway, I like to support them. I don't file-share music or movies. I'm not a better person than people who do, its just I do view it as stealing most of the time. (There are gray areas. I might download a song that's CONSTANTLY on the radio I like. I'll be sick of it in a month, and there are so few good ALBUMS anymore that I view it differently. Maybe I shouldn't, but I do. Oh, this amounts to maybe 10 songs a year...) But to all the file-sharers out there who, if there was a simple, cheap way to get their media how they want it, lobby for it. Make it known you'll pay for and use a good system. And hopefully, one will be coming. (Aside from iTunes :)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Death Penalty
I believe society must first determine if its endorsement of violence begets violence, and if violence undermines our commitment to the sanctity of life. To these questions, I answer, "Yes."
- Governor Jon S. Corzine, announcing the abolition of the death penalty in New Jersey. Corzine also stated, "Other good people will describe today's actions in quite different terms — in terms of injustice — particularly those who carry heavy hearts, broken hearts from their tragic losses. This bill does not forgive or in any way condone the unfathomable acts carried out by the eight men now on New Jersey's death row. They will spend the rest of their lives in jail." (Source: The New York Times)Wow, sensible talk about a sensitive subject. The death penalty ranks with abortion and gay rights as one of the "hot topics" in American politics. It seems you're supposed to be 100% for it, or 100% against it and not to listen to any rational thoughts from the other side.
Here's how I put my views on the death penalty. I believe there are some people, who commit such heinous crimes, that they deserve to die. Some people are evil. Its that simple. I believe God can change and redeem anyone, but that doesn't mean that some people aren't evil and don't deserve to live.
That being said, I don't believe that the state or federal government is equipped to make that decision. Death is irreversible. You can't cast resurrection and spend some diamonds to bring someone back (random D&D reference). Even if you could be 99.9% certain, you'll still eventually, execute an innocent person. That is unacceptable.
You can show all the numbers about how cost-inefficient the death penalty is compared to life in prison, and I agree. But to me, that doesn't even matter in the argument. All that matters to me is that if you have the death penalty innocent people will be killed by the state once in awhile and that is NOT ok. Ever.
Does this mean I'm unsympathetic to the families of the victims? No. But I'm sorry, you will have to find another way to find closure without blood being shed. Life in prison without parole means they won't hurt anyone again. That is what's going to have to happen. I'm sorry. I do believe that some people deserve to die. But I can't support the death penalty anymore. Its unjust and unfairly meted out. And, innocent people will die, something the death penalty is supposed to prevent.
We need to get past the BCE idea of blood for blood. It doesn't solve anything. I'm glad that the governor and legislature of New Jersey could see that. Hopefully, all the states will adopt an approach like theirs. We banned it once in this country, it would do us well as a nation to do so again.
Bhutto
It's never a good day when you wake up, turn on the radio in your car and they're telling you a top political leader in a country has been killed. Benazir Bhutto. A brave woman. Struck down needlessly in an attack by extremists. (Most likely.)
This is pretty much the last thing Pakistan needs right now. Musharraf needed as much stability as possible, and while it had thrown things into turmoil when Bhutto came back, things are going to get REALLY ugly now. The masses seemed to love her and Pakistan needed as much stability and solidarity as possible. Now, thanks to an assasin's bomb, that is all at risk.
The last thing the US and the world needs right now is an unstable Pakistan. With the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan needing full support (or at least decent support) from the Pakistanis, more serious internal turmoil is very, very bad. Add to this the fact that Pakistan is a nuclear armed state, and well, I'm sorry, but I think everyone would agree, you don't want those states unstable.
To the people of Pakistan, you're in my prayers. I hope all the world is praying for peace and stability in your nation. Our belief systems may not agree on many points, but we're all part of the human race, and as such, we're all in this together. God willing, your country will weather this time and come through stronger with more freedoms than ever before.
This is pretty much the last thing Pakistan needs right now. Musharraf needed as much stability as possible, and while it had thrown things into turmoil when Bhutto came back, things are going to get REALLY ugly now. The masses seemed to love her and Pakistan needed as much stability and solidarity as possible. Now, thanks to an assasin's bomb, that is all at risk.
The last thing the US and the world needs right now is an unstable Pakistan. With the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan needing full support (or at least decent support) from the Pakistanis, more serious internal turmoil is very, very bad. Add to this the fact that Pakistan is a nuclear armed state, and well, I'm sorry, but I think everyone would agree, you don't want those states unstable.
To the people of Pakistan, you're in my prayers. I hope all the world is praying for peace and stability in your nation. Our belief systems may not agree on many points, but we're all part of the human race, and as such, we're all in this together. God willing, your country will weather this time and come through stronger with more freedoms than ever before.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Stuff
Merry Christmas to all! It would be wonderful if everyone could come to know the love Christ brought to earth in human form this day (traditionally) 2,000 years ago. Remember, the love CHRIST brought, his followers are still working on that part (we promise).
Today, my wife and I took a day off and had a Hibernation Day. We got the idea from Jars of Clay's Christmas album aptly titled Christmas songs. Pretty much we got up late and have eaten junk food and watched the first two Godfather movies. It's been wonderful! We'll be switching to Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season two here shortly! Yay!
This Christmas I'm not sick and jaded by the whole commercialization of it, mainly because I did most of my shopping online, but also because I have realized this is NOT a new problem. In the spirit of Christmas I watched the 1940s version of Miracle on 34th St. with my wife. It was illuminating because there it was, the 1940s, and Christmas had become too commercial.
Does this make me feel better about how any true meaning of Christmas has been pretty much stripped from society. No, but at least its not a new problem. Funny how so many "new" problems really aren't new, just repackaged and conveniently forgotten by a generation.
We live in a secular society. That's fine with me. I suppose I just want people, whether private or public figures, to be able to speak/act/show support for Christmas freely. People are far too touchy about things. If a Jew wants to tell me Happy Hanukkah, great for them! If I'm told, Happy Kwaanza, I have no issue with that. So on and so forth. So why, WHY do people get upset about Merry Christmas?
Is Christ really THAT scary? (Some of his followers might be, but he's not, I swear!) Ah well, I'm sure I'll touch more on that another time. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Today, my wife and I took a day off and had a Hibernation Day. We got the idea from Jars of Clay's Christmas album aptly titled Christmas songs. Pretty much we got up late and have eaten junk food and watched the first two Godfather movies. It's been wonderful! We'll be switching to Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season two here shortly! Yay!
This Christmas I'm not sick and jaded by the whole commercialization of it, mainly because I did most of my shopping online, but also because I have realized this is NOT a new problem. In the spirit of Christmas I watched the 1940s version of Miracle on 34th St. with my wife. It was illuminating because there it was, the 1940s, and Christmas had become too commercial.
Does this make me feel better about how any true meaning of Christmas has been pretty much stripped from society. No, but at least its not a new problem. Funny how so many "new" problems really aren't new, just repackaged and conveniently forgotten by a generation.
We live in a secular society. That's fine with me. I suppose I just want people, whether private or public figures, to be able to speak/act/show support for Christmas freely. People are far too touchy about things. If a Jew wants to tell me Happy Hanukkah, great for them! If I'm told, Happy Kwaanza, I have no issue with that. So on and so forth. So why, WHY do people get upset about Merry Christmas?
Is Christ really THAT scary? (Some of his followers might be, but he's not, I swear!) Ah well, I'm sure I'll touch more on that another time. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Not so long recap
Ok, well, my work started blocking blogger.com (as well as yahoo.com...all of yahoo.com) so i switched to other blog sites. Now, I'm resurrecting this one as a catch-all for my randomness.
This is mainly due to our new computer and the fact that while we have Vista, it is still an improvement from NT2000 and a messed up old machine.
Its almost Christmas, a time of joy and family. I just don't know where the time has gone. It's going on 3 months I've been married now! Like they say, time flies when you're having fun. :)
I fully intend to keep this fairly updated as topics go through my head. Well, not that often, but often enough.
Oh, and maybe, just maybe, I can figure out how to use google docs and post a campaign blog for our D&D campaign.
This is mainly due to our new computer and the fact that while we have Vista, it is still an improvement from NT2000 and a messed up old machine.
Its almost Christmas, a time of joy and family. I just don't know where the time has gone. It's going on 3 months I've been married now! Like they say, time flies when you're having fun. :)
I fully intend to keep this fairly updated as topics go through my head. Well, not that often, but often enough.
Oh, and maybe, just maybe, I can figure out how to use google docs and post a campaign blog for our D&D campaign.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Meaning in work
I'm currently reading an interesting, if a bit disheartening book, 'Bait and Switch' by Barbara Ehrenreich, about getting a professional white-collar job at or around the age of 40. Its interesting because its a look at people who were discarded by their companies for one reason or another. Down-sizing, mergers, lay-offs, all the different reasons that people lose jobs. Except, what gets missed is that its PEOPLE who are losing their jobs.
When a company, say Chrysler, lays off 5,000 white collar employees, that's 5,000 white collar employees who suddenly are in the job market looking for jobs like the one they had, except hopefully more stable. (I understand that some would just retire, others wouldn't seek another job, but lets just say for simplicity that nearly 5,000 would go looking.) That's quite a few people out wandering around looking for work. Especially since many of the jobs today seem to exist only to insure that people show up to meetings.
This is not a knock on the workers. Sure, there are plenty of 'Wally's' in the workforce, but there are pleny of people who are motivated to do their jobs. Or would be if they could see that their jobs actually mattered. So much time is spent in meetings and speaking a foreign language filled with buzzwords that don't actually mean anything, that lots of companies could cut back payroll by 15% and not notice it if getting things accomplished was actually the goal of management.
Now, I know on a macro level that there are goals and such, but so much focus on the lower level is spent on internal issues as opposed to actually doing things that move the company, or person forward. Too many employees today don't see enough purpose to their work. Since they see no purpose, their output suffers. Also too many managers are looking over their own shoulders knowing an easy way to cut payroll is to eliminate a bunch of $100K jobs.
We have so many "qualified" people and only so many jobs to take them. I see this as a symptom of not actually making things in this country anymore. Someone who's management skills might at one point helped run a plant, is now in charge of PR or Marketing or Accounting shifting money from one part of the company to another. Some of the jobs are VITAL, but there are so many of them now that not all of them are actually useful anymore, and employees feel it.
I'm not a protectionist. I understand aspects of the global economy and our part in it. But, we do need some products made here. Not everyone can be a 'white-collar' professional. There is nothing wrong with that, different people have different skill sets. However, if we don't start creating some jobs that pay a decent wage, i.e. enough that 2 of them can support a middle-class family, serious issues are going to arise down the road. Are arising already in some sectors like housing.
I don't know what the solution is. But I do know that I hate going to the store and being excited to buy something made in Mexico instead of something made in China, and those two being my ONLY options.
When a company, say Chrysler, lays off 5,000 white collar employees, that's 5,000 white collar employees who suddenly are in the job market looking for jobs like the one they had, except hopefully more stable. (I understand that some would just retire, others wouldn't seek another job, but lets just say for simplicity that nearly 5,000 would go looking.) That's quite a few people out wandering around looking for work. Especially since many of the jobs today seem to exist only to insure that people show up to meetings.
This is not a knock on the workers. Sure, there are plenty of 'Wally's' in the workforce, but there are pleny of people who are motivated to do their jobs. Or would be if they could see that their jobs actually mattered. So much time is spent in meetings and speaking a foreign language filled with buzzwords that don't actually mean anything, that lots of companies could cut back payroll by 15% and not notice it if getting things accomplished was actually the goal of management.
Now, I know on a macro level that there are goals and such, but so much focus on the lower level is spent on internal issues as opposed to actually doing things that move the company, or person forward. Too many employees today don't see enough purpose to their work. Since they see no purpose, their output suffers. Also too many managers are looking over their own shoulders knowing an easy way to cut payroll is to eliminate a bunch of $100K jobs.
We have so many "qualified" people and only so many jobs to take them. I see this as a symptom of not actually making things in this country anymore. Someone who's management skills might at one point helped run a plant, is now in charge of PR or Marketing or Accounting shifting money from one part of the company to another. Some of the jobs are VITAL, but there are so many of them now that not all of them are actually useful anymore, and employees feel it.
I'm not a protectionist. I understand aspects of the global economy and our part in it. But, we do need some products made here. Not everyone can be a 'white-collar' professional. There is nothing wrong with that, different people have different skill sets. However, if we don't start creating some jobs that pay a decent wage, i.e. enough that 2 of them can support a middle-class family, serious issues are going to arise down the road. Are arising already in some sectors like housing.
I don't know what the solution is. But I do know that I hate going to the store and being excited to buy something made in Mexico instead of something made in China, and those two being my ONLY options.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
More thoughts on the state of things.
Continuing on from yesterday's ramblings, its just frustrating. Partially, I'm frustrated with Daimler's handling of its Chrysler division. We have some great vehicles on the road. The 300/Charger/Magnum is a solid vehicle. Our minivans are pretty good. The new Caliber and Sebring are fine as well. The Jeep line is, well for people who want a Jeep. You know who you are.
But, even though its been obvious for a number of years now that the price of gas is only going to go higher, they along with other manufacturers, have been slow to realize this. Part of the problem is what I addressed yesterday. People want things that are almost mutually exclusive with today's technology. Also, people don't realize how much their own driving habits effect their gas mileage. But, while this has been going on we've introduced only 2 smaller cars. The Caliber and the Sebring. The Compass by Jeep technically fits into this area as well.
The problem Chrysler now has to overcome, even though they now offer a number of vehicles that get good gas mileage, especially with our "shiftless" CVT transmissions, is of the lumbering truck and SUV builder. This image will be tough to shed. Toyota, which makes a number of large trucks and SUVs that get atrocious gas mileage, is viewed as being a more fuel efficient manufacturer. This is true in that the Corolla, Yaris, Prius, and other cars and small SUVs get great MPG. However, as a whole, their lineup isn't that far ahead of Chrysler's in overall MPG. Part of Chrysler's problem would be the drag down from vehicles in multiple lines. (ie. the Durango/Aspen, the Nitro/Liberty, etc.)
Chrysler, while continuing to look to the future (and hopefully get a hybrid out on the road as well as some clean diesels out there), needs desparately to change their overall image.
This leads me into their global position however. Daimler has done some great things for Chrysler's quality. Our transmissions aren't junk anymore being a big point. But, since their labor costs in the US are so high, many parts are built all over the world, usually by the lowest bidder I would assume. (Or the cheapest labor spots.) This has lead to some quality issues that should have been easily avoided. Sensors have been an issue, often built in Mexico or Eastern Europe. They are not huge problems. But little annoyances are what make people not buy a brand again. I understand globalization, don't get me wrong. BUT, quality has to take precedence over price at some point.
Parts will fail, that is assured. There is no such thing as reaching 100% quality. But even if most of the parts fail under warranty, its still annoying to the customer. They want to drive their car, not sit at the dealership.
This is why I'm so concerned about Chrysler's partnering with a Chinese car company. I'm concerned that in pursuit of profits they will end up shooting themselves in the foot. America can't compete with Chinese labor costs. And, so far, Chinese quality is not that good. That and the fact they are a repressive communist regime with an atrocious human rights record at home and abroad. (Think Darfur...) This is getting long and really rambling. I apologize. But we all need to wake up. Americans need to wake up. DaimlerChrysler needs to wake up. The world is constantly changing I understand. American doesn't provide for itself anymore. We trade with other countries. We do need to remember though, we must produce SOMETHING in order to survive as the nation we are. Everyone can't have a service job. I guess we'll see.
But, even though its been obvious for a number of years now that the price of gas is only going to go higher, they along with other manufacturers, have been slow to realize this. Part of the problem is what I addressed yesterday. People want things that are almost mutually exclusive with today's technology. Also, people don't realize how much their own driving habits effect their gas mileage. But, while this has been going on we've introduced only 2 smaller cars. The Caliber and the Sebring. The Compass by Jeep technically fits into this area as well.
The problem Chrysler now has to overcome, even though they now offer a number of vehicles that get good gas mileage, especially with our "shiftless" CVT transmissions, is of the lumbering truck and SUV builder. This image will be tough to shed. Toyota, which makes a number of large trucks and SUVs that get atrocious gas mileage, is viewed as being a more fuel efficient manufacturer. This is true in that the Corolla, Yaris, Prius, and other cars and small SUVs get great MPG. However, as a whole, their lineup isn't that far ahead of Chrysler's in overall MPG. Part of Chrysler's problem would be the drag down from vehicles in multiple lines. (ie. the Durango/Aspen, the Nitro/Liberty, etc.)
Chrysler, while continuing to look to the future (and hopefully get a hybrid out on the road as well as some clean diesels out there), needs desparately to change their overall image.
This leads me into their global position however. Daimler has done some great things for Chrysler's quality. Our transmissions aren't junk anymore being a big point. But, since their labor costs in the US are so high, many parts are built all over the world, usually by the lowest bidder I would assume. (Or the cheapest labor spots.) This has lead to some quality issues that should have been easily avoided. Sensors have been an issue, often built in Mexico or Eastern Europe. They are not huge problems. But little annoyances are what make people not buy a brand again. I understand globalization, don't get me wrong. BUT, quality has to take precedence over price at some point.
Parts will fail, that is assured. There is no such thing as reaching 100% quality. But even if most of the parts fail under warranty, its still annoying to the customer. They want to drive their car, not sit at the dealership.
This is why I'm so concerned about Chrysler's partnering with a Chinese car company. I'm concerned that in pursuit of profits they will end up shooting themselves in the foot. America can't compete with Chinese labor costs. And, so far, Chinese quality is not that good. That and the fact they are a repressive communist regime with an atrocious human rights record at home and abroad. (Think Darfur...) This is getting long and really rambling. I apologize. But we all need to wake up. Americans need to wake up. DaimlerChrysler needs to wake up. The world is constantly changing I understand. American doesn't provide for itself anymore. We trade with other countries. We do need to remember though, we must produce SOMETHING in order to survive as the nation we are. Everyone can't have a service job. I guess we'll see.
Monday, July 16, 2007
End of Day
End of Day. That's the button I have to hit on my UPS Worldship program if I've sent any packages that day. Sometimes I wish my job had a button like that too. Just hit the button and I'd get to go home with a full day's pay! Yeah right.
I work in the auto industry. The glorious parts department of a Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership. I enjoy my job. Sure it has its down points like all do, but overall its very interesting and I learn new stuff daily, which is important for me to STAY interested in my job.
Unfortunately, DaimlerChrysler isn't doing so hot right now. Sales in from dealerships in our area were off about 40% in June from May. And July is even worse. Not so good. I'll rant sometime on my problems with DaimlerChrysler's approach. Some things they are doing great at, others frustrate the heck out of me.
However, part of the problem is also the average car consumer. Note, I said average. Not the person who really researches their vehicle based on MPG or reliability or horsepower. The average car buyer has NO idea what they want. They want economy. (ie. cheap!) They want quality. They want lots of options. They want fuel efficiency. They want big. (Vans, SUVs, trucks) Now, due to gas prices bigger SUVs and truck sales have plummetted. But some buyers still don't understand the vehicles they shelled out lots of money for.
A case in point. A woman was complaining that her Jeep Commander, a big box on wheels, was only getting 14-15 mpg on the highway. Granted, even for this vehicle that seems a little low, but I don't know how she drives it. The vehicle only has a 3.7L engine that produces 210hp. Not a ton of power to move a giant box at 70+ miles an hour. I'm not sure what she was expecting.
Part of the problem begins in sales. They are geared to sell cars, I understand this. And that is important. But don't let a customer buy a large vehicle with a V6 engine expecting better fuel economy. You most likely won't see the benefits on the highway. Possibly in the city, but even then you are accelerating a large object with an engine that must work harder to do so.
Its frustrating because DC is putting out some decent vehicles right now, and too many people are just ignoring them. And too many people didn't understand what they were purchasing and now are dissatisfied when buying next engine bigger, or the next higher trim line might have solved the issue. Some companies like Hyundai and their Kia line have figured out how to mix price and options and quality. DC is trying to do that, but has to overcome much higher production costs. Hopefully, they'll be able to do this now that they have been bought out mostly.
I work in the auto industry. The glorious parts department of a Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership. I enjoy my job. Sure it has its down points like all do, but overall its very interesting and I learn new stuff daily, which is important for me to STAY interested in my job.
Unfortunately, DaimlerChrysler isn't doing so hot right now. Sales in from dealerships in our area were off about 40% in June from May. And July is even worse. Not so good. I'll rant sometime on my problems with DaimlerChrysler's approach. Some things they are doing great at, others frustrate the heck out of me.
However, part of the problem is also the average car consumer. Note, I said average. Not the person who really researches their vehicle based on MPG or reliability or horsepower. The average car buyer has NO idea what they want. They want economy. (ie. cheap!) They want quality. They want lots of options. They want fuel efficiency. They want big. (Vans, SUVs, trucks) Now, due to gas prices bigger SUVs and truck sales have plummetted. But some buyers still don't understand the vehicles they shelled out lots of money for.
A case in point. A woman was complaining that her Jeep Commander, a big box on wheels, was only getting 14-15 mpg on the highway. Granted, even for this vehicle that seems a little low, but I don't know how she drives it. The vehicle only has a 3.7L engine that produces 210hp. Not a ton of power to move a giant box at 70+ miles an hour. I'm not sure what she was expecting.
Part of the problem begins in sales. They are geared to sell cars, I understand this. And that is important. But don't let a customer buy a large vehicle with a V6 engine expecting better fuel economy. You most likely won't see the benefits on the highway. Possibly in the city, but even then you are accelerating a large object with an engine that must work harder to do so.
Its frustrating because DC is putting out some decent vehicles right now, and too many people are just ignoring them. And too many people didn't understand what they were purchasing and now are dissatisfied when buying next engine bigger, or the next higher trim line might have solved the issue. Some companies like Hyundai and their Kia line have figured out how to mix price and options and quality. DC is trying to do that, but has to overcome much higher production costs. Hopefully, they'll be able to do this now that they have been bought out mostly.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The environment and webcomics
Alright. First, a little frustration to vent. I'm frustrated at rich celebrities, of any stripe, who are suddenly jumping on the "green" bandwagon. I guess I should have stated that I fully support sensible environmental action. Spewing toxins and carbon dioxide into the air is bad. Cutting down too many trees is bad. Over-fishing is bad.
However, I have a problem with many of these people. They buy a Prius, or 'biodegradable' clothes or the newest 'green' appliances. All of that is well and good. BUT! Do you really need a 15,000 square foot home? AND a vacation house?
The response is "I buy carbon credits." As if that somehow makes it ok. What many people, especially wealthier people do not seem to understand about preventing environmental change is that it is going to require a change in lifestyle. A DRASTIC change in lifestyle. We must reduce consumption, not just buy a clean conscience. All that does is push all the real changes off onto the poor people who cannot buy credits.
I am not against credits. Say a singer or movie star or politician has to fly alot for their job. Ok, buy some carbon credits to off-set that. That's great. But, when you go to build a house, build it 'green' yes, but conserve too. I don't care how 'green' a house is built, it'll be a lot more green at 3000 sq ft. than at 15000 sq. ft. All you'll do if you have more space is fill it up with stuff that no matter how energy efficient is going to use energy. It seems the "REDUCE" part of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is being forgotten. And that is not good. I'm concerned that being 'green' is becoming so trendy, that it will become just that, a trend, and not have a lasting impact.
I understand that we NEED to change, but we aren't. We're still just consuming and cosuming and consuming. We must consume some to keep the economy going, BUT at what environmental cost? I'll write more some other day.
The other part, webcomics. Ahh, such wonderfulness. (That is now a word.) Check out PvP. (http://www.pvponline.com/) Check out Sheldon. (http://www.sheldoncomics.com/) Check out Starslip Crisis. (http://www.starslip.com/) Check out Schlock Mercenary. (http://www.schlockmercenary.com/) What artistry, what wit, what fun! If you enjoy the funnies, webcomics is where it is at because aside from Get Fuzzy and Pearls Before Swine and maybe one or two others, there ain't much out there. And they are all so heavily censored and I don't just mean cursing. The web is where creativity is completely allowed to roam free. Check these guys out and others. Then, if you like them, buy a book, or a shirt, or an original art piece. These guys are good.
However, I have a problem with many of these people. They buy a Prius, or 'biodegradable' clothes or the newest 'green' appliances. All of that is well and good. BUT! Do you really need a 15,000 square foot home? AND a vacation house?
The response is "I buy carbon credits." As if that somehow makes it ok. What many people, especially wealthier people do not seem to understand about preventing environmental change is that it is going to require a change in lifestyle. A DRASTIC change in lifestyle. We must reduce consumption, not just buy a clean conscience. All that does is push all the real changes off onto the poor people who cannot buy credits.
I am not against credits. Say a singer or movie star or politician has to fly alot for their job. Ok, buy some carbon credits to off-set that. That's great. But, when you go to build a house, build it 'green' yes, but conserve too. I don't care how 'green' a house is built, it'll be a lot more green at 3000 sq ft. than at 15000 sq. ft. All you'll do if you have more space is fill it up with stuff that no matter how energy efficient is going to use energy. It seems the "REDUCE" part of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is being forgotten. And that is not good. I'm concerned that being 'green' is becoming so trendy, that it will become just that, a trend, and not have a lasting impact.
I understand that we NEED to change, but we aren't. We're still just consuming and cosuming and consuming. We must consume some to keep the economy going, BUT at what environmental cost? I'll write more some other day.
The other part, webcomics. Ahh, such wonderfulness. (That is now a word.) Check out PvP. (http://www.pvponline.com/) Check out Sheldon. (http://www.sheldoncomics.com/) Check out Starslip Crisis. (http://www.starslip.com/) Check out Schlock Mercenary. (http://www.schlockmercenary.com/) What artistry, what wit, what fun! If you enjoy the funnies, webcomics is where it is at because aside from Get Fuzzy and Pearls Before Swine and maybe one or two others, there ain't much out there. And they are all so heavily censored and I don't just mean cursing. The web is where creativity is completely allowed to roam free. Check these guys out and others. Then, if you like them, buy a book, or a shirt, or an original art piece. These guys are good.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Reality...
Ok, so the Sox pry aren't gonna get Ichiro...there are still other options. T. Hunter or A.R. would both work. More than serviceable. And then you'd have a few bucks left over to say...fix your 2nd baseman and shortstop, and maybe pick up right and left fielders too.
Ah well. Too bad A.R. couldn't 'grind' out a single in the All-Star game and LaRussa wouldn't put in Pujols. WHAT IS WITH THAT!? Has Tony totally lost it? Trouble in St. Louis? I guess so! Well Tony, you got your World Series here, you can go and we'll keep Albert.
Bah, that's about all there is to say. Bah.
Ah well. Too bad A.R. couldn't 'grind' out a single in the All-Star game and LaRussa wouldn't put in Pujols. WHAT IS WITH THAT!? Has Tony totally lost it? Trouble in St. Louis? I guess so! Well Tony, you got your World Series here, you can go and we'll keep Albert.
Bah, that's about all there is to say. Bah.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
White sox...
Why not start my new blog with some random thoughts on the White Sox. I became a Sox fan during their '05 World Series year, not just as a bandwagon jumper, but also because I started listening to 670 WSCR the Score out of Chicago.
Being a Cardinals fan #1 (yes, you can root for 2 teams, especially when they are in different leagues) its actually easier for me to follow the Sox and everything surrounding them because of 670. No St. Louis sports talk gets up my way.
So, all that pointlessness out of the way, here it is. The Sox are dead this year. Sox fans need to accept this. Its over. The season is done so its time to see what you have for next year.
Step 1. Trade any position player you can besides AJ and Paulie K. (Even them if you could get enough.) It no longer matters if you win 30, 50, 70% of the games this year, look to 08 and 09.
Step 2. Play the young guys. Fields is doing ok. Bring up Owens, and Sweeny and anyone else who MIGHT possibly have a future in the bigs. If they suck, oh well. This season is done and you need to know what you have.
Step 3. Look at who you want to sign. For some reason many Sox fans are enamoured with Aaron Rowan. (Spelling?) Good hard player, good guy. BUT! Would you rather have Rowan or Ichiro patrolling center? Ichiro of course! Lets just keep it sensible, not sentimental. Nothing wrong with A.R. But he's not Ichiro. Also, you won't get a big name guy for every position. But the Cardinals won the WS with a rag-tag team that got hot at the right time. (And 2 guys little Davey Eckstein and big Albert Pujols.)
Remember all you Sox fans out there. This season is lost. Prepare for next year!
Being a Cardinals fan #1 (yes, you can root for 2 teams, especially when they are in different leagues) its actually easier for me to follow the Sox and everything surrounding them because of 670. No St. Louis sports talk gets up my way.
So, all that pointlessness out of the way, here it is. The Sox are dead this year. Sox fans need to accept this. Its over. The season is done so its time to see what you have for next year.
Step 1. Trade any position player you can besides AJ and Paulie K. (Even them if you could get enough.) It no longer matters if you win 30, 50, 70% of the games this year, look to 08 and 09.
Step 2. Play the young guys. Fields is doing ok. Bring up Owens, and Sweeny and anyone else who MIGHT possibly have a future in the bigs. If they suck, oh well. This season is done and you need to know what you have.
Step 3. Look at who you want to sign. For some reason many Sox fans are enamoured with Aaron Rowan. (Spelling?) Good hard player, good guy. BUT! Would you rather have Rowan or Ichiro patrolling center? Ichiro of course! Lets just keep it sensible, not sentimental. Nothing wrong with A.R. But he's not Ichiro. Also, you won't get a big name guy for every position. But the Cardinals won the WS with a rag-tag team that got hot at the right time. (And 2 guys little Davey Eckstein and big Albert Pujols.)
Remember all you Sox fans out there. This season is lost. Prepare for next year!
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