American Ale

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Revelation...history

Yesterday I was driving home listening to a re-broadcast of Obama's speech.  I thought it was good.  I identified with much of what he had to say.  One of his bullet-points, he mentioned about schools today, made me think.  My mind raced at the possibilities of the future of our schools.  It quickly went to the extreme of forcing all children to be in state-run schools.  I coupled that with Bush's history of unauthorized wiretapping, and increased Homeland Security authority.  Then in popped my a thought, "Socialism".  Of course I haven't really heard that term since government class in high school. 

When I was a kid in high school, I asked my parents why I had to learn the crappy subjects like history & social studies.  They told me a simple answer, "so we don't repeat the mistakes we made in the past."  It sounded reasonable enough, but I never gave it any more thought.  My parents were "smart" so I assumed they knew what they were talking about.  Now that I'm an adult, and I am directly affected by the government and its restrictions, I am naturally more interested in politics.  (Of course it's more apparent with this past election, and its significance.)  I realized that if we as a people don't know our history, and the history of other countries, we are doomed to repeat mistakes of the past.  We won't be able to recognize when a capitalist society slowly turns into a socialist society. 

These thoughts really have nothing to do with Obama in particular, but only the presidential position in general.  You may be thinking I'm taking things too far with my thoughts, but remember, Hitler was elected (sort of), and so was Chancellor Palpetine.

Debris Kills Boy in Stands at Monster Truck Show

"TACOMA, Wash. – Debris flew into the grandstands at a monster truck show in Washington state, killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring another spectator, witnesses and fire officials said Saturday. A red truck came apart while doing doughnuts during the freestyle competition of Friday night's Monster Jam show, the witnesses said. "I can't help but think of how much my 4 year old son LOVES cars/trucks. He would love to be at an event like this. I imagine what this boy was like during the show; happy, exuberant, excited to see the loud monster trucks doing their thing. I can only imagine how I would be in this situation if this were to happen to my son.

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Resolution update

Last week I stated that one of my New Year's resolutions was to significantly reduce my sugar intake.  Yesterday I read a great post on why people fail at their resolutions.  I had a realization that it's a combination of consistency, and in my case, moderation.  So far I've been pretty successful at paying attention to my sugar intake.  I am constantly avoiding (extra) chocolate, and other related candies.  I refuse to buy more chocolate once my Christmas stash gifts run out.  If I must have a doughnut for breakfast, I'll just eat half the doughnut.  So far so good.  I figure once I master the moderation, I can move into ridding myself of that garbage once and for all.

Technorati Tags: goals, resolutions, doughnuts, food

This is a good one...

9 Methods for Mastering Your Money in 2009 ∞ Get Rich Slowly

Starting tonight I'm going to put forth intentional effort to my our finances.  I'm going to start with a priority list (needs vs. wants), then move on to the debt-reduction plan.  I didn't make this a "resolution" but I don't need to; it's on my mind a lot.  I plan on using the tips from GRS in the link above.  I expect to be in good financial position by April.  Oh yeah, that reminds me.  I need to adjust my federal exemption again!

Technorati Tags: budget, money, spending plan, GRS

Interview with the Nielsens

Interview with the Nielsens from Mark Nielsen on Vimeo.

New Year resolutions

Photo by iirraa

Until now, I have never really believed in New Years resolutions. I figured if I don't have any resolutions, then I can't not keep them, and therefore, I can't be ridiculed. So this is the first time I'm going to make a resolution. I plan on joining millions of other Americans and am going to go on a diet. What I should really do is exercise more, but considering my schedule, it'll be easier to control what I eat. This is going to be tough. I've been eating pretty much anything I can get my hands on as of late. Sugar is going to be the main substance that's getting deep cuts. No candy canes, Hershey's Kisses, doughnuts, animal crackers, ice cream, chocolate chips, cookies (except for an extreme rationing of Girl Scout cookies), sugar-cereal, etc. It's going to be painful for a little while, but not nearly as bad if I were to continue this downward spiral.

I've also been thinking about getting the family to exercise regularly. I'd like to think as much as the kids run around all day they wouldn't need it. But I think we can all (at least) go for a walk everyday, it'll get the kids into a structured exercise routine that, hopefully, they carry on for their entire lives. This item may take a little more finesse in the logistical department.

I have a few others that I'm not placing as much weight on, but would still like to keep track of them. Here are all of my resolutions in bulk:

• Control eating
• Develop exercise plan & execute
• Take more video of the family (without fancy editing)
• Take more pictures of all the family. This includes both Laura & me.
• Create emergency savings (aka don't be stupid with the money)
  
• Expand photography skills by taking more pictures.

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