Well this weekend I finally got to go out and do something I have wanted to do for a long time, play a round or two of disc golf. I found a place online before I even came to Japan but had no clue how to get there. Finally after talking up the game for a few months I found someone to go with me that would be able to help, plus the game is quite a bit better with two. So here are some shots from the day. This first one was not actually on the course, but he had to walk through it to get to the course. Nice little bit to look at in the background. Plus it made me curse less as I threw like crap. Ho hum. Enjoy, I know I did.
5.31.2005
a little putt putt
Russell soon found that couldn't drive the disc worth crap but that the putting was truly the important part.
no discs lost here...
The best thing about the course was that they thought ahead and had the tree branches lifted so that you wouldn't have to crawl under some huge tree when you lost your disc. Such a practical country that Japan.
5.26.2005
Union blogger
I am currently on strike until Brian Riggins posts something new. Actually I have just been slightly busy and don't have time for this right now. But please remain faithful and check me out every once and a while.
Note to Brian: Dear Good Sir, you really should post something new soon...it's not like you have a job or anything.
Sincerely,
Me
Note to Brian: Dear Good Sir, you really should post something new soon...it's not like you have a job or anything.
Sincerely,
Me
5.10.2005
a dilly of a pickle...
Anyone who has a minute and would like to get a little insight into just how confusing a country this is please read this .
It just seems a little strange to me. I can't decide if it is really news or if it is just plain strange. Perhaps it was either a slow news day or perhaps there is just a cultural sensibility that I have not picked up on.
Let me know what you think.
It just seems a little strange to me. I can't decide if it is really news or if it is just plain strange. Perhaps it was either a slow news day or perhaps there is just a cultural sensibility that I have not picked up on.
Let me know what you think.
5.06.2005
More of what I've been up to...
This last week (Tuesday through Thursday) I went camping with some friends from the rugby team. It was a blast. They went by car and I met them off the train in the wonderful, and beautiful, town of Shiga. It is north of Kyoto and was a much needed change of scenery. It is always nice for me to see trees and moutains that are taller/not hidden by the buildings. We camped beside lake Biwa (Japan's largest lake). The water was freezing but he weather was nice and we couldn't have asked for more.
What I've been up to...
Recently I went to another aquarium (mostly in an attempt to please Tanner's, Mr. Rachel Rudolph, father...sorry no luck on the fiddle fern seahorse). It was nice and had a dolphin show which was amazing. Also it was one of the first really nice, and hot, days that we have had. So it wasn't all that bad to take a walk along the beach and then head into the aquarium. Something to do...right?
Well anyway I went with this nice girl and learned an invaluable lesson: take off the big lens and put on the small one before asking someone to take a picture for you...enjoy the following.
Well anyway I went with this nice girl and learned an invaluable lesson: take off the big lens and put on the small one before asking someone to take a picture for you...enjoy the following.
4.27.2005
UPDATE
So I have decided that in loo (is that spelled right? Spelling SS do your worst, or best, either way just correct the damn thing) of my missing camera I have decided to change things up a bit and make it quite interesting...instead of using your usual fancy pants digital camera, I am going to use my standard ¥1 (=$.01) cell phone to take all the pictures. How Japanese of me...and I hope to God that you all know why I linked what I did to the title.
So I have decided that in loo (is that spelled right? Spelling SS do your worst, or best, either way just correct the damn thing) of my missing camera I have decided to change things up a bit and make it quite interesting...instead of using your usual fancy pants digital camera, I am going to use my standard ¥1 (=$.01) cell phone to take all the pictures. How Japanese of me...and I hope to God that you all know why I linked what I did to the title.
4.26.2005
Game Off! temporarily, I hope...
sooo I decided not to take any pictures of the train wreck because I felt that it would not be right...plus I couldn't find my digital camera. Which means that the First Annual "Ichiban Scavenget Hunt" has been temporarily haulted. I shall still do my best and get to it. If puch comes to shove and I can not find the digital I shall use my manual and get one of them fancified discs made up of all 'em pictures. Patients my loving friends...and wish me luck on finding the camera.
Arigatoo Gozimasu!
(or "Harry Grotto Grows Grime Us"...if you talk like Scooby)
Arigatoo Gozimasu!
(or "Harry Grotto Grows Grime Us"...if you talk like Scooby)
To all concerned (that's you Brian), I was not personally affected by the train wreck yesterday. It was a big shock, but things are okay. Luckily (thank God) no one that I work with or any of my students were harmed. It is a horrible thing and I feel quite bad being so happy about no one close to my school being injured. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and I hope that the healing is quick. The accident happened early yesterday morning and I beleive that they are still searching the wreckage for more people. The accident happened about two miles from my home and was a little surprising for me...okay than, enough about that. I am going to go now.
Brian-I may take a few shots of the wreckage, but I feel a little odd about it. But I guess that in the end it is noteworthy. I will do my best. Take care of yourselves.
Brian-I may take a few shots of the wreckage, but I feel a little odd about it. But I guess that in the end it is noteworthy. I will do my best. Take care of yourselves.
4.23.2005
My Dream
So I have to share this with everyone as it is one of the only times that I woke up laughing.
Last night I had a dream. Now I am not usually the dreaming type; however every once in a while I do have the occasional vision. But this morning has got to be my favorite. Before I get into it I have to say that I was not on any drugs, chemicals, or alcohol (and have not had a drink for a few days); so it was all sober fun...but really strange.
I am going to write this out in story form (for added delight):
"Axelson! Get in there!"
It was the last minute of the big game. I threw on my mesh jersey and stepped out onto the field. As I glanced around the field I saw all of the past and present heroes that I only really knew from t.v. and press releases. I had always known that the "Retarded Robots" sandle kicking team was big, but not as big as they were in real life.
(story break: I actually had a dream that I was on some sort of team that was playing a game in which we were trying to kick a sandle/couch like object over an assigned line. Now, if it was a sandle it was a large leather like sandle; and if it was a couch it was a small (most likely Japanese) sized couch...there wasn't too much detail that I remember, but I shall do my best).
I sprinted onto the field just as boxing glove-bot (small robot with large boxing glove) stole the sandle/couch (scoudle) from one of our forwards and passed it over to cast-legged Bears uniform guy (self explanatory; he was a robot with a cast over his foot and a bears uniform on). Just as ole casty was moving up field one of my boys kicked the sandle all the way to the other end of the field (which must have been kinda short); the scoudle landed a meter or so in front of me...right under the foot of Optimus Payton (huge friggin' robot who look like a rock 'em sock 'em version of the late great Walter Payton). I could feel the pressure, but I couldn't move. I stood in awe as he raised his giant leg preparing to clear the scoudle away from his own goal, and suddenly a giant thud as shook the entire field and stadium as his raised leg snapped off from it's foundation and feel to the ground. My opportuity flashed before my eyes and I gently tapped the scoudle within an inch of the goal, and then another little pansy kick took it over the edge....GOAL!!!! We mere mortals had won the game over the horrible "Re-Bots." The cheerleaders came out and gave each of us our ceremonial hats (similiar to the crown worn by the late Mao Tsa Tong...you know, 1920's style "Newsies" hats...they were boss). As we paraded off of the field, which then became some sort of train tracks, as I now found myself decending onto a platform the winners were announced and the next games were called. As I stood there in Mao style hat and blue fleece I was ablaze with pride and power. My poofter like taps had won the match.
"this next match is between (I don't remember opponets), and..." I knew that it was my squad, so I began to communicate telepathically with the woman calling the match to refer to us in some way or shape as the "Rowdy Renegades" (it had good illiteration)...please, please, please, I thought to myself. Her voice came through again, "and they will be playing the amazing come back kids, Dan's Rowdy Rapscalian (good enough I nodded in approval) Renegades (wha what? this is amazing!)."
My team ascended the platform with a new found desire and spiffy hats. It was going to be another tough one...but we would patsy our way through it.
Then I woke up. Laughing. That has got to be one of my favorite dreams ever. My mind rules!
Oh yeah, the other day I mentioned there was something else that I wanted to say to you all; I remembered what it was.
As of late I have noticed that many people are quick to mention what it is that they are listening to lately on their blogs. Well, this is a good idea, but I have no original (or good) taste in music-to be honest, I listen to what you all talk about (by the way, thanks). So I have decided that I will take one intellectual step forward and tell you all what I am reading at the moment (or what I have read...or what I am thinking about reading...I shall tell you something; keyword "books"...see how chairy likes that one).
Books for this post: Just finished "The Wind Up Bird Chronicles," by Haruki Murakami. A review can be found here . It is most definately worth checking out (to give you a hint at how easy and exciting it is to read I finished the 606 page book in a little under two weeks).
Now I am reading "Blue Like Jazz." Good book. I shall tell you more about it when I am finished. Also, I have started the following, "The Dubliners" by J. Joyce, "Galapogos" by K. Vonnegut, and "On Bullshit" by Harry Frankfurt. It's been a tough time for me as of late, as I have not been able to really get into any of them after reading Murakami...it set a high standard.
Okay than. Take care.
Last night I had a dream. Now I am not usually the dreaming type; however every once in a while I do have the occasional vision. But this morning has got to be my favorite. Before I get into it I have to say that I was not on any drugs, chemicals, or alcohol (and have not had a drink for a few days); so it was all sober fun...but really strange.
I am going to write this out in story form (for added delight):
"Axelson! Get in there!"
It was the last minute of the big game. I threw on my mesh jersey and stepped out onto the field. As I glanced around the field I saw all of the past and present heroes that I only really knew from t.v. and press releases. I had always known that the "Retarded Robots" sandle kicking team was big, but not as big as they were in real life.
(story break: I actually had a dream that I was on some sort of team that was playing a game in which we were trying to kick a sandle/couch like object over an assigned line. Now, if it was a sandle it was a large leather like sandle; and if it was a couch it was a small (most likely Japanese) sized couch...there wasn't too much detail that I remember, but I shall do my best).
I sprinted onto the field just as boxing glove-bot (small robot with large boxing glove) stole the sandle/couch (scoudle) from one of our forwards and passed it over to cast-legged Bears uniform guy (self explanatory; he was a robot with a cast over his foot and a bears uniform on). Just as ole casty was moving up field one of my boys kicked the sandle all the way to the other end of the field (which must have been kinda short); the scoudle landed a meter or so in front of me...right under the foot of Optimus Payton (huge friggin' robot who look like a rock 'em sock 'em version of the late great Walter Payton). I could feel the pressure, but I couldn't move. I stood in awe as he raised his giant leg preparing to clear the scoudle away from his own goal, and suddenly a giant thud as shook the entire field and stadium as his raised leg snapped off from it's foundation and feel to the ground. My opportuity flashed before my eyes and I gently tapped the scoudle within an inch of the goal, and then another little pansy kick took it over the edge....GOAL!!!! We mere mortals had won the game over the horrible "Re-Bots." The cheerleaders came out and gave each of us our ceremonial hats (similiar to the crown worn by the late Mao Tsa Tong...you know, 1920's style "Newsies" hats...they were boss). As we paraded off of the field, which then became some sort of train tracks, as I now found myself decending onto a platform the winners were announced and the next games were called. As I stood there in Mao style hat and blue fleece I was ablaze with pride and power. My poofter like taps had won the match.
"this next match is between (I don't remember opponets), and..." I knew that it was my squad, so I began to communicate telepathically with the woman calling the match to refer to us in some way or shape as the "Rowdy Renegades" (it had good illiteration)...please, please, please, I thought to myself. Her voice came through again, "and they will be playing the amazing come back kids, Dan's Rowdy Rapscalian (good enough I nodded in approval) Renegades (wha what? this is amazing!)."
My team ascended the platform with a new found desire and spiffy hats. It was going to be another tough one...but we would patsy our way through it.
Then I woke up. Laughing. That has got to be one of my favorite dreams ever. My mind rules!
Oh yeah, the other day I mentioned there was something else that I wanted to say to you all; I remembered what it was.
As of late I have noticed that many people are quick to mention what it is that they are listening to lately on their blogs. Well, this is a good idea, but I have no original (or good) taste in music-to be honest, I listen to what you all talk about (by the way, thanks). So I have decided that I will take one intellectual step forward and tell you all what I am reading at the moment (or what I have read...or what I am thinking about reading...I shall tell you something; keyword "books"...see how chairy likes that one).
Books for this post: Just finished "The Wind Up Bird Chronicles," by Haruki Murakami. A review can be found here . It is most definately worth checking out (to give you a hint at how easy and exciting it is to read I finished the 606 page book in a little under two weeks).
Now I am reading "Blue Like Jazz." Good book. I shall tell you more about it when I am finished. Also, I have started the following, "The Dubliners" by J. Joyce, "Galapogos" by K. Vonnegut, and "On Bullshit" by Harry Frankfurt. It's been a tough time for me as of late, as I have not been able to really get into any of them after reading Murakami...it set a high standard.
Okay than. Take care.
4.22.2005
Bankruptcy Bill Rants Revised (let's be educated)
So I have been thinking over the past day about how I just laid down some large claims yesterday (i.e. "Bush outlawing bankruptcy" etc, etc.), but I didn't really back any of it up. So I shall do my best and put my money, or at least my credit report (as I don't have to real stuff) on the line and try to make my point clear.
The common person cannot lobby with the same effect as big business. In the last election I believe that for a $20 donation to the Howard Dean campaign you could get a coffee cup. However, I did not know that for $1, 341, 202.00 you could get your own legislation passed. Obviously MBNA did, MBNA being an issuer of Credit Card companies ; this fine company donated the overwhelming sum through 7 soft money donations. How kind of them; oh I forgot to mention that this big chunk of change went exclusively to the Republican Party. But have no fear MBNA is a bipartisan briber and also donated $50, 000.00 to the Democratic Party.
Now that I think about it I guess that I'm really not all that surprised that the legislation passed through the Senate 229-73. But it does make me question the few Democrats that are in the Senate. What the hell are they doing voting for something like that in the first place? Well according to someone I am glad I don't have the choice to vote for, Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif), who stated that she voted for the bill because she wanted to support her constituents who "work hard, pay their bills, live within their means." She then continues by stating that those that are going into bankruptcy are the same that are raising the costs of goods by living outside of their means. She also made the incredibly stupid observation/statement that "Let's (the democrats) keep our eye on the real foes here: the Republican majority who don't write good legislation and don't provide the minority the chance to offer alternatives." Good point woman! You should most definitely support the majority that is stepping on your constituents...oh but wait, she lives in that strange part of California, and the country for that matter, that doesn't contain the poor folks.
Which brings up the next point; who exactly are these "Poor Folks" in which I speak of? Well to be honest I can only think of one person that I know who has gone into bankruptcy, and that person shall go unnamed. However the majority of the people that do go into bankruptcy are those that have gone through one (or many) of the following: divorce, sickness, or loss of work. A recent study published by the Harvard Medical School and Law School showed that out of the 2 million bankruptcy claims in the U.S. in 2001 illness/medical expenses caused half. Another interesting fact is that studies also "show that only about 3% of bankruptcy filers could pay as much as a third of their debt," at the time of filing. However the bill was passed by a majority of people that were convinced that most of the cases of bankruptcy were by obvious “fakers,” just some lazy people trying to take advantage of the rest. It probably wouldn’t have anything to do with the increasing cost of living or with the poor economy; it’s really just about a declining work ethic in the United States.
Now that I have pointed out a few of the people involved, let's get onto the actual provisions of the bill. In the past post I mentioned that Bush was “outlawing bankruptcy,” this was far from the truth, and for that I am sorry. However I am now convinced that it would by slightly better if he were to outlaw the system as those that break the law can count on an equal punishment that will most likely be predictable and open. But instead they have created a system of tests and hoops to pass and jump through. If you were to look at the new Bill passed you would first find that it is largely difficult (at best) to understand. To me, the average (I can’t stress that enough) American, I could not find a clear way to understand what it is trying to say. However with the help of a few articles here is what I understand: before the bill was passed an individual could claim chapter 7 bankruptcy and his/her debts would be erased (with the lasting impact of a horrible credit rating, but at least with a clean slate to start again); however the recent bill has changed that so that instead of simply starting over an individual has to claim chapter 13 bankruptcy and is then placed on a repayment schedule that they will have to follow (thus guaranteeing that MBNA gets their money-now they have a sure thing). Also, “the bill applies a means test: if a debtor earmns less than the median income in the state where he lives, then his case will remain in Chapter 7, where, after he gives up certain property that he owned at the time of filing for bankruptcy, his debts will be cancelled.” To me this sounds as though they make sure that not only will you not be able to pay your bills but that you will also be left unable to pay for anything. To be below a median income in any given state is really to say that you are below the poverty level, which is already disgustingly low; and to take the only property that you own, like say, your car, means that you are left without some of the bare necessities required for work.
The easy assumption for most of us to make at this point is to simply shake our heads and say, “well Joe Blow (Mr. Bankruptcy) is simply living outside of his means. Perhaps this sort of bill is the only way of straightening him out.” In thinking this way we are simply blowing off our common man. Many people in the United States are brought up with poor money skills, not to mention overwhelming class differences (which only help to build a material dependency for the have-nots). But that’s another essay.
The other “individual” provisions of the bill include discussions over what is considered necessary for the individual’s home (i.e. cookery, electronics, toys, furniture, etc); as well as “luxury items” and “antiques,” (note to those about to claim bankruptcy, get rid of all tiffany lambs and related items, as they are not considered necessary). Child support is also discussed, but not before discussing repayment schedules for bill collectors (for it is better to trickle down then to water those in front of you). All in all, check it out online if you really want to; it can be found at: http://www.moranlaw.net (somewhere on there…).
Now for the other side. Who does this bill help? Well I have tried to make it clear that it doesn’t really help the common person; that is unless the common person is a member/stock holder of a large corporation. Now I know that it is a widely held belief that Republicans (who, again, passed the bill with overwhelming support) are always there to help big business screw over the above mention demographic (i.e. everyone else). Normally I do not agree with this; however, the Monkees put it best when they proclaimed, “…Now I’m a Believer.”
When a business decides that it has gotten to the end of it’s financial rope and about to chock they enter the lovely state of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The best (and first definition of Chapter 11) that I could found is as follows.
“Chapter 11 is typically used for business bankruptcies and restructuring. It is not commonly used by individual consumers since it is far more complex and expensive to pursue. It allows businesses to reorganize themselves, giving them an opportunity to restructure debt and get out from under certain burdensome leases and contracts. Typically a business is allowed to continue to operate while it is in Chapter 11, although it does so under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court and its appointees.”
Sounds nice. Why can’t everybody just “restructure?” Because we don’t have the money to shift around, or the resources (i.e. stuff to be looted) like businesses do (unless you are a small business owner, in which case Wal-Mart will trade you a lifetime of “Rolling Thunder” Soda in exchange for all tangible goods in stock, including half used rolls of toilet paper…big in China). Enough opinion already, on with the factoids:
1. New Bankruptcy Bill amends Section 507 of title 11 in the following ways: previously Chapter 11 mandated that corporations pay employee benefit plans for all services rendered within 90 “days before the date of filing of the petition or the date of the cessation of the debtor’s business, whichever occurs first,” it also stated that the business would have to pay $4, 000 less x the number of employee plans. This is a little confusing for me; I believe that they are referring to a break in the actual amount of money that they have to put into the benefit plans (i.e. take the number of employees that will be receiving the benefits and than multiply if by $4, 000 and that is the total break in actual payment that the corporation will have to pay out).
2. The changes implemented within this bill state that the total amount of the break (previously $4, 000) has been raised to $10, 000; therefore the businesses will have to multiply the number of benefactors by $10, 000 and pay that much less. However the period of time that the benefits could be claimed is increased to 180 days (double the previous). This is kind, but the math still works out to support that business and not the “about to be laided off” employee. Seems a wee bit unfair to me.
So the actual changes weren’t exactly the smoking gun for me either; but I did find some interesting point in the Chapter 11 text; such as the list of priorities for Businesses that are about to restructure themselves. Employees came 3rd of the list; doesn’t seem to bad. However the number of things ahead of these people is slightly astounding. Such as the administrators, lawyers, and accountants (the exact same people that should have been able to avoid going into the bankruptcy in the first place) are the ones to get paid first. Buried within the text of Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter I, Subsection 507 the list of “priorities” states firstly that, “The following expenses and claims have priority in the following order: (1) First, administrative expenses allowed under section 503 (b) of this title…,” which states, “(b) After notice and a hearing, there shall be allowed administrative expenses, other than claims allowed under section 502 (f) of this title, including-
(A) the actual, necessary costs and expenses of preserving the estate, including wages, salaries, or commissions for services rendered after the commencement of the case…” (i.e. those that are going to be sitting in the courtroom or in on the “Board” after everyone else has been laided off). It continues to state all other “administrative expenses” that shall be paid first; most of which included those that have had the power within the company. The most interesting language used in the Sub-chapter/section/conscious was in the second to last section of the test which stated that, “responable compensation for sevices rendered by an indenture trustee in making a substantial contribution in a case under chapter 9 or 11 of this title, based on the time, the nature, the extent, and the value of such services…” so really anyone within the “trustee” category can stake a claim to the company that they screwed up before an employee even has a chance. Nice backdoor fellas. In the end I find it sad that not only does the employee get screwed first, but that they can’t even understand most of the wording/meaning of this bill; guess that’s why the lawyers get paid along with the crooks first.
I’m no expert, just angry. So let’s move on to the state of the union and the great example that Mr. President is setting for our future generations and money management. You all should be happy at this point because in an attempt to keep this rambling slightly limited I will simply list the following point (#1-4 from Yahoo news, section on increased military allowance…sorry, I didn’t write down the story address. :
1. April 22, 2005-Senate votes to allow $81 billion for Afghanistan and Iraq
2. This year-+$3 billion for war/reconstruction
3. New bill only enough to last through September of this year (which is when the new budget begins); in 2006 the pentagon plans to ask for more
4. Only good point of this bill: the families of dead soldiers will now receive a $100,000 lump sum, instead of the previous $12,000.
Current National Deficit Figures (all figures from Terence Samuel piece @ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/08/opinion/main686839.shtml)
1. Current trend: annual deficit-$368 billion this year; 10 year projection (without figures for continued presence in Afghanistan/Iraq) $1.35 trillion
2. At the time Bush tool office there was a 10 year projected surplus of $5.6 trillion
3. Since that time there has been a trend of a +$400 billion/year deficit
4. The National Debt Limit has been raised three times since current president has taken office
5. Current projected deficit $7, 782, 816, 546, 352.00
I tire of the subject. It is all slightly depressing.
Bottom line: I once got a free hat for signing up for a credit card at a Cubs game. I gave it to my little brother (the hat that is). It’s good to know that I can give my children a sense of emotional and financial insecurity because I silently agreed to oppression and violence against the “Axis of Evil.”
The common person cannot lobby with the same effect as big business. In the last election I believe that for a $20 donation to the Howard Dean campaign you could get a coffee cup. However, I did not know that for $1, 341, 202.00 you could get your own legislation passed. Obviously MBNA did, MBNA being an issuer of Credit Card companies ; this fine company donated the overwhelming sum through 7 soft money donations. How kind of them; oh I forgot to mention that this big chunk of change went exclusively to the Republican Party. But have no fear MBNA is a bipartisan briber and also donated $50, 000.00 to the Democratic Party.
Now that I think about it I guess that I'm really not all that surprised that the legislation passed through the Senate 229-73. But it does make me question the few Democrats that are in the Senate. What the hell are they doing voting for something like that in the first place? Well according to someone I am glad I don't have the choice to vote for, Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif), who stated that she voted for the bill because she wanted to support her constituents who "work hard, pay their bills, live within their means." She then continues by stating that those that are going into bankruptcy are the same that are raising the costs of goods by living outside of their means. She also made the incredibly stupid observation/statement that "Let's (the democrats) keep our eye on the real foes here: the Republican majority who don't write good legislation and don't provide the minority the chance to offer alternatives." Good point woman! You should most definitely support the majority that is stepping on your constituents...oh but wait, she lives in that strange part of California, and the country for that matter, that doesn't contain the poor folks.
Which brings up the next point; who exactly are these "Poor Folks" in which I speak of? Well to be honest I can only think of one person that I know who has gone into bankruptcy, and that person shall go unnamed. However the majority of the people that do go into bankruptcy are those that have gone through one (or many) of the following: divorce, sickness, or loss of work. A recent study published by the Harvard Medical School and Law School showed that out of the 2 million bankruptcy claims in the U.S. in 2001 illness/medical expenses caused half. Another interesting fact is that studies also "show that only about 3% of bankruptcy filers could pay as much as a third of their debt," at the time of filing. However the bill was passed by a majority of people that were convinced that most of the cases of bankruptcy were by obvious “fakers,” just some lazy people trying to take advantage of the rest. It probably wouldn’t have anything to do with the increasing cost of living or with the poor economy; it’s really just about a declining work ethic in the United States.
Now that I have pointed out a few of the people involved, let's get onto the actual provisions of the bill. In the past post I mentioned that Bush was “outlawing bankruptcy,” this was far from the truth, and for that I am sorry. However I am now convinced that it would by slightly better if he were to outlaw the system as those that break the law can count on an equal punishment that will most likely be predictable and open. But instead they have created a system of tests and hoops to pass and jump through. If you were to look at the new Bill passed you would first find that it is largely difficult (at best) to understand. To me, the average (I can’t stress that enough) American, I could not find a clear way to understand what it is trying to say. However with the help of a few articles here is what I understand: before the bill was passed an individual could claim chapter 7 bankruptcy and his/her debts would be erased (with the lasting impact of a horrible credit rating, but at least with a clean slate to start again); however the recent bill has changed that so that instead of simply starting over an individual has to claim chapter 13 bankruptcy and is then placed on a repayment schedule that they will have to follow (thus guaranteeing that MBNA gets their money-now they have a sure thing). Also, “the bill applies a means test: if a debtor earmns less than the median income in the state where he lives, then his case will remain in Chapter 7, where, after he gives up certain property that he owned at the time of filing for bankruptcy, his debts will be cancelled.” To me this sounds as though they make sure that not only will you not be able to pay your bills but that you will also be left unable to pay for anything. To be below a median income in any given state is really to say that you are below the poverty level, which is already disgustingly low; and to take the only property that you own, like say, your car, means that you are left without some of the bare necessities required for work.
The easy assumption for most of us to make at this point is to simply shake our heads and say, “well Joe Blow (Mr. Bankruptcy) is simply living outside of his means. Perhaps this sort of bill is the only way of straightening him out.” In thinking this way we are simply blowing off our common man. Many people in the United States are brought up with poor money skills, not to mention overwhelming class differences (which only help to build a material dependency for the have-nots). But that’s another essay.
The other “individual” provisions of the bill include discussions over what is considered necessary for the individual’s home (i.e. cookery, electronics, toys, furniture, etc); as well as “luxury items” and “antiques,” (note to those about to claim bankruptcy, get rid of all tiffany lambs and related items, as they are not considered necessary). Child support is also discussed, but not before discussing repayment schedules for bill collectors (for it is better to trickle down then to water those in front of you). All in all, check it out online if you really want to; it can be found at: http://www.moranlaw.net (somewhere on there…).
Now for the other side. Who does this bill help? Well I have tried to make it clear that it doesn’t really help the common person; that is unless the common person is a member/stock holder of a large corporation. Now I know that it is a widely held belief that Republicans (who, again, passed the bill with overwhelming support) are always there to help big business screw over the above mention demographic (i.e. everyone else). Normally I do not agree with this; however, the Monkees put it best when they proclaimed, “…Now I’m a Believer.”
When a business decides that it has gotten to the end of it’s financial rope and about to chock they enter the lovely state of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The best (and first definition of Chapter 11) that I could found is as follows.
“Chapter 11 is typically used for business bankruptcies and restructuring. It is not commonly used by individual consumers since it is far more complex and expensive to pursue. It allows businesses to reorganize themselves, giving them an opportunity to restructure debt and get out from under certain burdensome leases and contracts. Typically a business is allowed to continue to operate while it is in Chapter 11, although it does so under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court and its appointees.”
Sounds nice. Why can’t everybody just “restructure?” Because we don’t have the money to shift around, or the resources (i.e. stuff to be looted) like businesses do (unless you are a small business owner, in which case Wal-Mart will trade you a lifetime of “Rolling Thunder” Soda in exchange for all tangible goods in stock, including half used rolls of toilet paper…big in China). Enough opinion already, on with the factoids:
1. New Bankruptcy Bill amends Section 507 of title 11 in the following ways: previously Chapter 11 mandated that corporations pay employee benefit plans for all services rendered within 90 “days before the date of filing of the petition or the date of the cessation of the debtor’s business, whichever occurs first,” it also stated that the business would have to pay $4, 000 less x the number of employee plans. This is a little confusing for me; I believe that they are referring to a break in the actual amount of money that they have to put into the benefit plans (i.e. take the number of employees that will be receiving the benefits and than multiply if by $4, 000 and that is the total break in actual payment that the corporation will have to pay out).
2. The changes implemented within this bill state that the total amount of the break (previously $4, 000) has been raised to $10, 000; therefore the businesses will have to multiply the number of benefactors by $10, 000 and pay that much less. However the period of time that the benefits could be claimed is increased to 180 days (double the previous). This is kind, but the math still works out to support that business and not the “about to be laided off” employee. Seems a wee bit unfair to me.
So the actual changes weren’t exactly the smoking gun for me either; but I did find some interesting point in the Chapter 11 text; such as the list of priorities for Businesses that are about to restructure themselves. Employees came 3rd of the list; doesn’t seem to bad. However the number of things ahead of these people is slightly astounding. Such as the administrators, lawyers, and accountants (the exact same people that should have been able to avoid going into the bankruptcy in the first place) are the ones to get paid first. Buried within the text of Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter I, Subsection 507 the list of “priorities” states firstly that, “The following expenses and claims have priority in the following order: (1) First, administrative expenses allowed under section 503 (b) of this title…,” which states, “(b) After notice and a hearing, there shall be allowed administrative expenses, other than claims allowed under section 502 (f) of this title, including-
(A) the actual, necessary costs and expenses of preserving the estate, including wages, salaries, or commissions for services rendered after the commencement of the case…” (i.e. those that are going to be sitting in the courtroom or in on the “Board” after everyone else has been laided off). It continues to state all other “administrative expenses” that shall be paid first; most of which included those that have had the power within the company. The most interesting language used in the Sub-chapter/section/conscious was in the second to last section of the test which stated that, “responable compensation for sevices rendered by an indenture trustee in making a substantial contribution in a case under chapter 9 or 11 of this title, based on the time, the nature, the extent, and the value of such services…” so really anyone within the “trustee” category can stake a claim to the company that they screwed up before an employee even has a chance. Nice backdoor fellas. In the end I find it sad that not only does the employee get screwed first, but that they can’t even understand most of the wording/meaning of this bill; guess that’s why the lawyers get paid along with the crooks first.
I’m no expert, just angry. So let’s move on to the state of the union and the great example that Mr. President is setting for our future generations and money management. You all should be happy at this point because in an attempt to keep this rambling slightly limited I will simply list the following point (#1-4 from Yahoo news, section on increased military allowance…sorry, I didn’t write down the story address. :
1. April 22, 2005-Senate votes to allow $81 billion for Afghanistan and Iraq
2. This year-+$3 billion for war/reconstruction
3. New bill only enough to last through September of this year (which is when the new budget begins); in 2006 the pentagon plans to ask for more
4. Only good point of this bill: the families of dead soldiers will now receive a $100,000 lump sum, instead of the previous $12,000.
Current National Deficit Figures (all figures from Terence Samuel piece @ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/08/opinion/main686839.shtml)
1. Current trend: annual deficit-$368 billion this year; 10 year projection (without figures for continued presence in Afghanistan/Iraq) $1.35 trillion
2. At the time Bush tool office there was a 10 year projected surplus of $5.6 trillion
3. Since that time there has been a trend of a +$400 billion/year deficit
4. The National Debt Limit has been raised three times since current president has taken office
5. Current projected deficit $7, 782, 816, 546, 352.00
I tire of the subject. It is all slightly depressing.
Bottom line: I once got a free hat for signing up for a credit card at a Cubs game. I gave it to my little brother (the hat that is). It’s good to know that I can give my children a sense of emotional and financial insecurity because I silently agreed to oppression and violence against the “Axis of Evil.”
4.20.2005
Loose Ends
as only Andre 3000 can put it..."alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright..."
Sorry. First for tonight's meeting is all "Old business," really only the final list for the First Annual "Ichiiban Scavenger Hunt." The responses were まま, to say the least. Because of low reader participation, no biggie there, those that helped were great, I have added a few other things that I want to throw up on the ole blogger when all is said and done. A little something for you all to look forward to. Without further ado, here is the final list, with points at the end of each one (one to five; one being in the "easy" category and five being "friggin' tough dude"):
1. Woman in Kimono 1
2.Temple 1
3. Popular "Yume" doll for senior citizens (you know, the one that keeps the old folks company because their kids stopped caring...Hey mom, guess what you're getting for your b-day...) 3
4. Japanese individual eating a Big Mac with either A. thumbs up B. flippin' the bird (I think you all know which one I'm going for on this one) 2 (thumbs) 5 (birdy)
5. Short Japanese, specifically an individual that is no taller than my knees 2
6. Cosplay Ho's 4
7. Me Vomiting with no fewer than three pieces of rice coming out of my nose and horrified onlookers 5 (がんばります）
8. Tube Hotel 4
9. Lobster Crane Game 5 (not going to happen...they just don't exist anymore, but I shall still do my best)
10. The letters "J," "M," "K," and "Nippon" spelled out at some point in Japan 3
11. Japanese Text Book bad mouthin' either/both China or Korea (only the Good Korea, you know, the one with Seoul (as the popular t-shirt will have you know)) 1(like any of you could even read it if I put the right one up there...prolly shouldn't give away too much...sorry)
Okay then. I shall do my best to get these things done within two weeks. Seem fair? I hope so. If not then tough hot totties. Deal with it.
New Business:
Rugby is done for now and I got the MVP for the last game. Not too shabby. I got a hat from a professional player (New Zealand Hurricane's Isaac Boss, suck it...suckers...yeah, you're good at that) he's my captains cousin or something. Either way it's pretty Boss, if you catch my pun.
Other new business...let's see...Just so you know, I am one of the best teachers ever. If there was a Japanese Golden Apple award I might make it to the semi-semi's. So not only do I take my students out to view cherry trees, but I also let them sleep when they feel like it. Example: This girl in my class came about 10 minutes early and I was kindly ignoring her, as I am sure that she enjoys her private time as much as I do...anyway, she feel asleep. Now her and I have had a sorted past, like the fact that she drives me slightly nuts (in a bad way). So I just decided to sneak out the door while she was off in slumber land (not the store but the actual place). So that makes me pretty cool...right? Didn't think so. But it was liberating. By the way, she was my only student at the time. So I am not ditching out on anyone else...besides her.
Damn, I really thought I had more to tell you all. Sorry about that. Okay then. I guess that I am off to my wednesday night lesson at the temple...better take the digi...picture numba 2, check...
Sorry. First for tonight's meeting is all "Old business," really only the final list for the First Annual "Ichiiban Scavenger Hunt." The responses were まま, to say the least. Because of low reader participation, no biggie there, those that helped were great, I have added a few other things that I want to throw up on the ole blogger when all is said and done. A little something for you all to look forward to. Without further ado, here is the final list, with points at the end of each one (one to five; one being in the "easy" category and five being "friggin' tough dude"):
1. Woman in Kimono 1
2.Temple 1
3. Popular "Yume" doll for senior citizens (you know, the one that keeps the old folks company because their kids stopped caring...Hey mom, guess what you're getting for your b-day...) 3
4. Japanese individual eating a Big Mac with either A. thumbs up B. flippin' the bird (I think you all know which one I'm going for on this one) 2 (thumbs) 5 (birdy)
5. Short Japanese, specifically an individual that is no taller than my knees 2
6. Cosplay Ho's 4
7. Me Vomiting with no fewer than three pieces of rice coming out of my nose and horrified onlookers 5 (がんばります）
8. Tube Hotel 4
9. Lobster Crane Game 5 (not going to happen...they just don't exist anymore, but I shall still do my best)
10. The letters "J," "M," "K," and "Nippon" spelled out at some point in Japan 3
11. Japanese Text Book bad mouthin' either/both China or Korea (only the Good Korea, you know, the one with Seoul (as the popular t-shirt will have you know)) 1(like any of you could even read it if I put the right one up there...prolly shouldn't give away too much...sorry)
Okay then. I shall do my best to get these things done within two weeks. Seem fair? I hope so. If not then tough hot totties. Deal with it.
New Business:
Rugby is done for now and I got the MVP for the last game. Not too shabby. I got a hat from a professional player (New Zealand Hurricane's Isaac Boss, suck it...suckers...yeah, you're good at that) he's my captains cousin or something. Either way it's pretty Boss, if you catch my pun.
Other new business...let's see...Just so you know, I am one of the best teachers ever. If there was a Japanese Golden Apple award I might make it to the semi-semi's. So not only do I take my students out to view cherry trees, but I also let them sleep when they feel like it. Example: This girl in my class came about 10 minutes early and I was kindly ignoring her, as I am sure that she enjoys her private time as much as I do...anyway, she feel asleep. Now her and I have had a sorted past, like the fact that she drives me slightly nuts (in a bad way). So I just decided to sneak out the door while she was off in slumber land (not the store but the actual place). So that makes me pretty cool...right? Didn't think so. But it was liberating. By the way, she was my only student at the time. So I am not ditching out on anyone else...besides her.
Damn, I really thought I had more to tell you all. Sorry about that. Okay then. I guess that I am off to my wednesday night lesson at the temple...better take the digi...picture numba 2, check...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
