Give a reason - any reason - to drive oil prices higher

The laws of supply and demand apply most everywhere except oil prices. Last week, the US reported more oil on hand than at any time since keeping record began twenty years ago. Another analyst I read in UAE newspapers commented that if only supply and demand were at play the price of oil would be half what it is now... as tankers are still sitting full off the shores of the UAE with no place to go.

The US numbers are released Wednesday mornings at 9:30 Iowa time. (Must see TV for me when I'm living in the US... Hey! Stop calling me a geek.) Today's numbers showed a drop in gasoline supplies from near record levels. It's not that Americans were driving any more, it was that the refineries simply stockpiled more oil and didn't convert it to gas.

The result? By the end of the day oil closed up $2.95 higher to $69.66 and (this is where it will hit you in the pocketbook) the wholesale price of gas jumped over 8 cents.

Nothing in the fundamentals have changed; there's way too much oil sloshing around the world markets. But given any little teeny tiny excuse the markets will go up.

And you get screwed.

Happy humpday!

Update: My bad: US oil closed at $70.61... almost another dollar higher than quoted above. I don't have the wholesale gas prices but you can bet they'll be higher, too.

Congratulations! You are paying more at the pump - not because you've been driving more - but that the refineries chose not to convert as much oil to gas.

*****

As a pro-free-market liberal I can understand those who say "capitalism is broken" to the left of me. I won't go that far, but on days like this, the case can be made.

On the government payroll?

We spent two hours visiting this historical site. During that two hours these guys never did more than sit up.

Ukraine Day 3: Subways

The subway system (called the Metro) is incredibly cheap: Less $.20 per ride. The subway is built way underground. According to our Lonely Planet some of the stations require an 8 minute ride on escalators. None of our trips were that long, but the escalators were not like any I've seen before. First, they were incredibly fast. A brisk walk was necessary to step on them. Second, they descended at a very steep angle.

The fast steep descent left me humming, "Highway to Hell"...

Ukraine - Day 3: Scenes of Kiev

Fall has always been my favorite season. Experiencing fall in Ukraine was particularly wonderful because I knew it wasn't to be followed by an Iowa winter!

The forestation on each side of a large river reminded of Cedar Rapids... or Pittsburgh.

I don't think I've been anywhere with more cobblestone-like sidewalks and roads.

As always you can see a much larger version of each of these pictures by clicking on them.

I found the blue of the river quite stunning. Too bad there's still radioactive silt from Chernobyl.

This is taken on the main thoroughfare in the heart of downtown Kiev.

Helpful advice

If I had only seen this two weeks ago it would have come in handy during my trip to Ukraine.

In defense of the country most places had toilet paper, but a state run (very clean) bathroom did not. 

The most unique thing about the bathrooms in the country was that many were unisex.  The stalls had doors or walls, of course, but you’d emerge into a foyer area with a sink shared by all.  I found it quite logical.  If I were a woman, however, I don’t think I’d like sharing toilets en masse with the guys.

Ukraine - Day 2: McDonald's walkthrough

I love this! While we have drive throughs at McDonald's they have walk throughs. I think this would be very popular at the pedestrian mall in Iowa City.

Ukraine - Day 2 Church day

On the first day we visited some of the many churches in Kiev. For a formerly Communist country, it was stunning how many beautiful churches line the streets.

Unfortunately, I'm not a church person so I can't tell you the names of these churches or what makes them important.

The church's interior was remarkably intricate.

I do remember this church well. It's the home of a monastery. The monks were singing.

I love the churches' architecture.

Here's a picture of me across the chasm of large church.

The fix is in?

Obama is going to Denmark to make a pitch for Chicago hosting the 2012 Olympics. I hope this is either a done deal or very close. It would be embarrasing if he makes the personal appeal and then they pick a different site...

*****

After getting 3 hours of sleep last night I'm too tired to do Ukraine Day 2 tonight. I know, I know... you've been waiting on the edge of your seat...

Ukraine - Day 1

Upon arrival we were fortunate to secure an apartment on the south end of the heart of the city. This is a view from our window. At the base of the picture (right below the Coke truck) is a ramp to a complete underground city and subway. I was amazed at the ability to walk for many city blocks underground to visit hundreds of shops.

At the very bottom of the picture is a concession stand like many we found in Kiev and Lviv. These are very social cities where people like to hang out in public. It's perfectly OK to buy a beer (for around 50 cents) and drink it with friends on the sidewalks. As you can see from the picture below there's an impressive selection of beer:

The Ukrainian beers ranged from .$50 to $.80. What surprised me was the Corona selling for $1.50. The Mexican beer was the most expensive import and found at most of the stands. I have no idea why anyone would drink the urine-flavored Corona when there were great Ukrainian beers to drink.

Note the McFoxy next to the McDonald's. It was closed as was another McFoxy I saw later. I'm sure McDonald's was not happy with the idea of someone copying their look.

*****

On the first day I realized this would not be an "easy" vacation. Virtually no signs were in English. Simple picture signs like "airplane" or "bus" were missing. Very few people understood English. The weather, however, was great! A high of 80 and by night it had the feel of autumn. It's been two years since I've felt that and it was wonderful.

Back safely in the land of sand

As we boarded the plane in Kiev the cool fall breeze gave us a chill. It was wonderful.

The exciting news here is that on Sunday the high might not reach 100! Yippee! It's been above 100 every day since May 4.

If you're keeping count that's 146 straight days above 100.

But, you know, it's a dry heat...

Recomanded by European

This note was left at every door in my apartment complex. I'm not sure why "Good recomandation work with European" is better than, say, a "recomandation" from an American or an Emirati...

I'm ready to go home now

I have had very little interaction with Ukrainians because very few speak English (or American... see post below).

What little interaction I've had makes me wonder... On the first full day we met a guy who works for the government who believes that 9-11 was done by the American secret service, Zbigniew Brzezinzki is the mastermind of American foreign policy and that Obama wants to give illegal aliens healthcare. After that meeting Ann asked, "Who's Brzezinski?" I replied, "Carter's national security advisor... he's had no power for 29 years."

*****
I read a magazine that recounted the space race and how Russia won the first several rounds with the first satellite, first animal in space, first man in space, and first pictures of the dark side of the moon. It went to say "Americans (allegedly) were the first to land a man on the moon but it may have been Hollywood."

*****
We picked up a KievToday where an editorial said, "Bush favored missile defense for Poland and Czech Republic* but Obama has canceled that. That means that Obama is willing to sacrifice Eastern Europe for better relations with Russia." No, it means Obama is sane.

* The Polish and Czech systems were ostensibly to protect them from Iran's missiles, but in reality it was to piss off the Russians.

*****
Today we passed a a stand with nested dolls. There was an Obama, inside that a smaller G.W. Bush, inside that a smaller Clinton, inside that a smaller Papa Bush, inside that a tiny Reagan. I found it interesting. The guy proceeded to tell me that he's selling it as a pair with the Russian Putin, Yeltsin and Gorbachev nested doll.

I gave him a puzzled look. He said, "Because Bush was not friends with Putin but Obama is friends with Putin." I gave him a "what the hell are you saying" look and he said, "That is my opinion."

I said "No" firmly and walked away.

The British being British

In a store today a couple overheard Ann and I talking.

Wife: It's nice to hear someone else speaking English.
Husband: That's not English, it's American!

Oh, fuck off. If it wasn't for us you'd be speaking German.

A visit to the pork shop

Shortly after getting back to the country in late August we stopped by the local pork shop. I don't know what "SUCKLING PIG" is... and I couldn't bring myself to ask for it.

Stifle

Before discussing the band I have to ask, "Is it a requirement that rural Iowa bars have a dead animal hanging on the wall?" I didn't mind, however, as this was a bar near Anamosa and seeing a deer on the wall is better than on the road. In 1997 I drove this stretch of 151 several hundred times. I am still amazed I didn't hit a deer. I lost track of the close calls.
Anyhow, my friend Mark performs in the cover band Stifle. They performance was good and I can understand why they've gained groupies. Their next performance is September 26th at the Breakroom.
I decided to support the band by buying a t-shirt ($10) and a bumper sticker ($4). The groupie in charge of the merchandise took my $20 and handed me the merchandise. Then she started playing with her cell phone. I paused and finally asked, "Umm, can I get change back?"

"Hold on," she replied. "I am adding it up on my phone."

Oh.

Ukrainian prices

Imagine a convenience store selling a 16 ounce beer and a bottle of water for less than $.75.

I overheard a guy saying he came here from Northern Ireland because a vacation there would cost more than flying here.

Yep.

Emirati dance

From the department of lost posts... Months ago I went to the dedication of a new mall. Part of the opening ceremony was this dance by young men. They used the drum and tapping the sticks to create an interesting percussion sound. Like young rappers in America they seemed to really get into it.

Just a massage, thank you

We finally found a massage place and I had my first Thai massage. I can describe the massage in phases:

Massochistic: She giggled as she pulled my pinky toe and big toe farther apart than they've ever been. I'm not sure how scraping the insides of my toes is therapeutic. I kept thinking, "This will be over soon... this will be over soon..."

Erotic: While laying on my back she spread my legs wide and proceeded to massage from one side to the other, leaving nothing untouched.*

Happy Ending Offer: The masseuse indicated that for some extra money she would make it a memorable massage. She also made it clear that we had to be quiet since my wife (Ann) was next to us only separated by a hanging sheet. I said, "No, just a massage, thank you." She was clearly not happy.

Business-like and painful: There was nothing remarkably good about the next half hour of the massage.

The massage was over by 9:30 at which time she went to change her clothes in the bathroom. She emerged in a sleek leopard skin outfit and wearing tons of makeup.


Apparently she had another job to go to...

*I initially wrote that she "awoke a sleeping giant."

Ukraine's weather

We have been incredibly lucky. Normally highs are in the 50's this time of year. It's been in the 70's pretty much every day and sunny enough that both of us have been slightly burned. It is quite fall-like as many trees have changed color.

To experience fall is an amazing experience; the high in Al Ain tomorrow is 109. We're spending one more day in Lviv before heading back to Kiev. It's a pretty cool European city with picturesque architecture. The best part of the trip (for me) was visiting a 300 year old brewery.

Given that the trip is half over I have to say that you shouldn't expect any Ukrainian gifts from me. They just haven't built up the tourist industry and I've seen very little that would make a good gift... besides, of course, vodka or mugs from the 300 year old brewery (but I'm not sharing).

I find your lack of ice disturbing

I know I've had rants on this blog but if it were possible, this would be a mega-rant. From my first day in the Emirates I've been disturbed by the lack of ice. It's certainly not an issue of money. (This is the land of the indoor ski slope.) Many here like drinking room temperature water and room temperature Coke.

I do not.

At the Hilton I had a standing order for a bucket of ice to be delivered to room each night because heaven forbid the hotel have an ice machine for its customers. At restaurants I rarely get more than two tiny cubes when I ask for ice. If I ask for more I get a look of exasperation. I could live here for ten years and I think this will perpetually drive me nuts.

Ukraine update - Lviv edition

We took an overnight train from Kiev to Lviv. The train was remarkably nice and remarkably cheap: Less than $20 for a cross country trip with a private sleeper car. Considering our apartment stays are more expensive we could save money and ride the train every night!

Or not. While it was relatively quiet it wasn't a great night's sleep.

We've continued to walk and walk and walk. We did this in Nepal but at the end of each day we could get a 90 minute massage for $15. We've yet to find anything similar here.

This country is not tourism friendly. Simple things like a picture of an airplane to indicate "airport" are nowhere to be found. Unlike Nepal, we look like the locals so people are constantly saying things to us. Yesterday I said to one, "I'm sorry, I don't speak English." Ann corrected me, "No, Steven, that is the language you speak..."

Blog of the week

Here's a website sure to divert your attention from work: Cake Wrecks:

I personally don't consider Darth Vader cradling a newborn as a cake wreck. After all, Luke discovered his soft, paternal side.
I'm a bit disappointed that nobody got me a cake like this when I moved away.

Then again it could have been worse:

Paying off (to get off) murder

Two brothers and a friend burned their driver to death. The case is in the courts:

The next hearing in the case was postponed until October 5 in order for the families of the accused to attempt to resolve the case by offering blood money to the victim’s family.

If they offer enough blood money they'll only face a maximum of five years.

Hugh Laurie

I've never watched House with Hugh Laurie. There are pictures, t-shirts and buttons of Hugh Laurie and "House" everywhere.

I can't find the connection in the time I have in the internet cafe. Please let me know if any of you find anything.

And now a little parenting advice…

It’s such a rare chance that I get to do this…

Thought for the day

I'm over 40. I'm single with no kids. I have an obsessions with bacon and anything Coke. By any standard I've crossed the line to eccentric.

I wonder how many of my friends tell their kids, "See, that's what happens when you don't settle down and get married."

James Bromwell

A close friend's grandfather passed away last week. I met him many times and loved to hear him tell the stories of Cedar Rapids from yesteryear. He knew the political history of Cedar Rapids and Iowa like nobody else I had ever met.

He was also a congressman representing eastern Iowa. He was defeated, interestingly enough, by John Culver, father of our current governor.

The Gazette has a nice story about him. My biggest regret is the same as many who knew him: Why didn't I spend more time talking with him and taking notes. He was a phenomenal political historian.

My condolences to his family. He was a great man.

Ukraine - so far so good

We arrived in the Ukraine yesterday and have navigated the city fairly successfully. It's clear English is not the first, second, or third language... yet, American music (mostly from the 80's) plays in most public places.

Kiev is pretty cool. From the interesting architecture to the masses of women wearing high heels on cobblestone streets to the beautiful fall-like weather it's safe to say we've had a good start.

Ann's sister's sister-in-law is from Ukraine and lined us up with a very centrally located apartment for $65/night. Splitting that cost makes this trip quite reasonably priced. Also, a Big Mac value meal is $3. (And it tastes just like a Big Mac in the US... unlike in the UAE.)

Anyhow, we made it safe and all is well. In Nepal internet cafes were everywhere because they catered to tourists and most locals couldn't afford internet on their own. Here, this is the first internet cafe we've found. I will post updates when possible and I find more internet cafes.

A blast from the past

My car insurance was set to expire while in Kiev. I went to buy it just before leaving. I was stunned that the policy was typed up on a manual typewriter. Wow. Also, the rate for the insurance was $180 for liability only for one year.

Blog update

The blog will continue while I am in the Ukraine. I have pre-written posts for every day because I know many of you use the blog as a way to kill time during work. I'd hate to disrupt that routine!

I may also post occasionally from Kiev and points beyond. I'll be back in the UAE on Saturday, September 26th.

I'm headed to a city with a forecast high of 80 today and 60 on Saturday. Hmm, sounds like Iowa.

Because it's there?

This morning Ann and I flying to Ukraine. Why? Well, that's a question I've been asking myself for the past week. Here's the answer: We wanted to go to...

...Moscow but didn't have time to get the permits.

...somewhere cheap.

...somewhere non-muslim because the country would be on holiday.

Ukraine pretty much won by default. The monsoons haven't left Nepal so that was ruled out.

Hence we are heading to Kiev. I'm trying to remember a time when I was less excited about taking a trip. Then again, I felt the same before heading to Nepal last year.

Grassley is the new Lucy holding the football

Sen. Max Baucus worked hard to find a "bipartisan compromise" with Grassley and two other Republicans. In the end he gave them everything and got nothing in return. I'll join the chorus of others who say, "Fine, if Republicans won't play ball let's go back and make this a Democrat sponsored bill with full public option, cost controls and tax the rich to pay for it."

This insightful blog sums up our Chuck Grassley: "what this really means is that in order to meet Grassley’s definition of bipartisanship, Dems must effectively hand over to Republicans total veto power over health care reform. It’s that simple."

Baucus came close by giving Chuck 95% of what he wanted.

This is reminiscent of the stimulus where Obama gave and gave Republicans what they wanted in the bill... and sacrificing the real "stimulus" liberal economists were fighting for. In the end the Republicans voted against it. I asked at the time why Dems just didn't revert back to the real stimulus bill. Too late.

Sometimes I wonder why my party acts like a bunch of pussies. George Bush never concerned himself with compromise. He just rammed what he wanted through with much smaller Republican majorities than the Democrats currently have.

Iowa's dry spell

After the torrential rains at the end of last month, it's been very dry across the Hawkeye State. The National Weather Service has an interesting compilation of dry spells. The surprise for me is that the fifth longest dry spell in Cedar Rapids ocurred this year. It was 25 days ending on February 8th.

I was home during that period and I wanted it to snow. Nah, of course not. It was just cold. Bone chilling cold.

Happy Birthday, Ann!

Ann dropped off an old table that I can use as a computer table. That was my birthday present. I gave her a lady bug flag (not pictured), a lady bug blanket and matching slippers. Then we went out to dinner where she conveniently forgot her purse.

Hmm...

A great birthday gift

I told my class it was my birthday and that my birthday gift for them was getting out of class early. (Ok, that was really a birthday gift for me...) Two of the girls ran out and bought me two flowers before I left the building.

Nice, but that's not the great birthday gift.

Today should be the last day I ever have to teach during ramadan. Why is teaching during ramadan something less than fun? I consume a lot of liquids while I teach because I, you know, talk a lot. During ramadan the most I can do is sneak sips in the bathroom before class.

Also, the students are just dead. They stay up almost all night and eat and drink their last food at 4:30 in the morning and they are walking zombies during the day. I would be too if I tried to fast in this heat.

So, with ramadan moving up ten days next year it will start on August 11th and end on September 9th. That's followed by a week holiday. There's no way they'll have us start school for one week and then take a week off.

There's no way. There's no way. There's no way. I'm going to keep saying that... knowing full well nothing is a given in this region.

Quote of the day - Obama's America

From Rush Limbaugh:

"In Obama's America the white kids get beat up with the black kids cheering, 'Yay, right on, right on, right on."

And the truly tragic fact is that there are millions of Americans who believe Rush is right.

Iftar

My department sponsored a trip to the Hilton for Iftar. It was nice, however, there was no Veal Feet Soup.

Inappropriate baby gifts

If you can't teach your toddler how to handle the pole, how will they every make money as a stripper? You'll find the inappropriate gifts here.

Personally, I love the stuffed STD's. Nothing is more comforting than explaining Herpes as the sun shining.

RIP Patrick Swayze

When I think of Patrick Swayze I think of Dirty Dancing or Roadhouse.  Roadhouse must have played in the chapter room 200 times while I was at Coe.  I have to admit this is not how I remember him:

I’ve never seen To Wong Fu.  I’ll have to put it on a list… right after High School Musical 3.  I’m sure both movies will still be available when I’m in retirement.

The day the economy (almost) died

September 15, 2008, is the date Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy. The financial markets sitting on the edge of a cliff had just been pushed over the side.

In the next two weeks markets would tumble, credit would freeze up, McCain would suspend his campaign, TARP would be voted down and then approved days later...

As a political-economy geek there is no period of time in decades to match the last two weeks of September 2008.

Unfortunately, I don't think most Americans realize how close we came to the abyss. Had TARP not passed and the Fed decided to go places it had never dreamed of going, we'd have unemployment today in the upper teens.

Once again, I thank God that Bush's one excellent decision was picking an expert on the Great Depression to be the Chair of the Federal Reserve. This guy acknowledged that the Federal Reserve had largely created the Great Depression and before he became chair he promised an old friend, "Never again."

So say we all.

Quote of the day - "Wait till her fat ass is sitting at this desk"

The quote is from President Bush referring to Hillary Clinton. It's part of this must read piece from one of Bush's former speech writers. One of my favorite parts discusses how to sell the TARP bill a year ago. They humorously called it the "I can't believe it is not capitalism" plan and the "Marx plan."

Another interesting tidbit: While the conservatives at the White House were beside themselves with joy about the choice of Sarah Palin, President Bush was not impressed. He said, "What is she, the governor of Guam?" He went on to explain that there was no way she or her family were ready for the national stage.

In the post election I read that Obama had had the same reaction. While his team was in near panic of McCain's choice of Palin, Obama told them that it took him months to get used to the national spotlight.

While I try to provide links for most of my posts it usually the equivelant of adding a citation to a paper; I don't expect many to click on them. This article will take 10 - 15 minutes to read and it is worth it.

Jealous of Iowans

Weather in the 70's to low 80's. Sunny. Dewpoint of 53.

This is the perfect weather. Clear air, no humidity, and comfortable temperatures.

I'd say I hate you all but I know in the coming month my weather gets much better... and, well, yours does not.

Obama does something stupid

I felt the need to give a little shout out to my Republican readers. Obama's tire tarriffs have to be the single most stupid act affecting economics for this administration. If you want to read the economic analysis of why it is stupid read Brad Delong here.

Happiness is...

...discovering that one of my favorite shows in the US - In Treatment - is playing here.

Storm damage

A storm blew through that had lots of lightning, thunder and wind. It destroyed trees all over the city.
Trees here are watered constantly which gives them no reason to grow long roots. A major intersection had to be partially closed off because of standing water and trucks were brought in to siphon the water out.

It was wonderful to hear the thunder and feel the rain. It's just such a rare event here...

Aaron Saylor for City Council

One of the Aaron's who comments on the blog has announced a run for one of the "at large" positions on the Cedar Rapids City Council.

Cedar Rapids has been stuck in neutral since the devastating floods of '08. Too many older politicians have been paralyzed in their thinking. Unable to make decisions they have turned to expensive outside consultants.

If I had my way the new City Council would be composed of young professionals who plan to make Cedar Rapids home for the next several decades. They have the energy and the incentive to get it right. They would not be tied to old ways of thinking and the "Oh, we can't do that" attitude that has gripped too many of the current leaders.

You can see more information about Aaron's campaign at: http://saylorforcedarrapids.org

He's formally announcing his candidacy outside City Hall North (3851 River Ridge Dr. NE) at noon today.

Obama's best friends...

... are his enemies.

Republicans will not come back to power until somebody stands up to their crazies. It won't happen by 2012, but it could by 2016.

Weekend remainders - the bad behavior edition

No matter how much a two year old bothers a waiter, it is simply not appropriate to write "thankyyoulittellfucker."

Think winning the lottery would be great? Read what happened to these ten lottery winners.

I skipped this story this week because I thought I was a little too hard on the Republicans. Another gay bashing married (with two kids) Republican is caught with family values down. He didn't realize his committee microphone was on and brags about banging a lobbyist with cool details: "She goes, 'I know you like spanking me." I said, "Yeah, that's cause you're such a bad girl." This guy received a 100% rating from conservative pro-family organizations. Fortunately, he resigned quickly, although now he claims the story was completely made up.

A marine game of "Do you trust me" went very wrong. A pointed gun accidentally went off and a corporal in Iraq is dead.

And finally... I'll close with a case of good behavior leading to a bad outcome... a devout Catholic is trapped in an elevator. After he gets out he goes to pray for thanks. He grasps a stone pillar and apparently in his excitement he unlodges the 860 pound altar the pillar is holding up and it crushes him.

That had to be one interesting conversation at the pearly gates.

Birthdays

Happy Birthday, Eric! Eight years ago I called Eric and said, "Nobody will have trouble remembering your birthday from now on."

And speaking of birthdays...

(Picture from the QCOnline.)

My friend Sam made the news in the Quad Cities because his first daughter was born on 04/04/04 and his second daughter was born on 09/09/09.

The larger point

The Joe Wilson sideshow is a distraction from the larger truth from Wednesdays speech: Obama rallied the base and swung over many independents.

Many of us who supported Obama in the caucuses wondered what happened to the fiery passionate liberal we had come to love. President Obama seemed to want "post-partisanship" and a cool, reserved image more than fighting for his campaign promises.

I'm sure conservatives swelled with pride when they heard Bush outline his reasons for going to war with Iraq. I felt the same pride as Obama explained the need for healthcare reform.

And the great thing about healthcare reform is that it is far cheaper than Iraq and won't hurt our reputation abroad.

*****

I will try to make this my final post on healthcare for a while. I have more important things to tend to... like...

...remembering how to cook

Last spring and summer I made a series of unremarkable meals. Not bad, but certainly not great. This week I've proved that I can still cook. What you see above is corn on top of pork chop gravy on top of bacon-cheddar mashed potatoes with pieces of pork chop mixed in.

I'm pretty sure I regained most of the food poisoning weight loss in one meal.

Romney the socialist

Andrew Sullivan makes a great point in a post titled, "Obamacare vs. Romneycare." Romneycare is the popular health insurance reform passed in Massachusetts and signed by then Governor Romney.

"... The weirdest thing about the Republicans right now is the their most viable candidate next time backed almost exactly the healthcare reform Obama is proposing. If Obama is a socialist, why isn’t Romney?"

Now that Obama's included an individual mandate (requiring people to buy insurance) his plan is virtually identical to the one Romney signed into law.

It looks like we'll have to pick between our socialists in the 2012 election.

Healthcare reform in a flow chart

Hey, it worked for Ross Perot... Click on the following chart to see how healthcare reform would affect you.

Children & Congress

Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought Obama speaking to children was a warmup for his congressional speech.

At least the children behaved better.

Using hair to conduct electricity

I follow anything I can about Nepal... and hope to return later this year. This is a great story: Instead of using expensive silicon for solar energy why not use inexpensive hair? Apparently hair is a great conductor and has the potential to provide electricity for the very poor nation.

It's too bad I have so little I could contribute...

A win for Iowa, a loss for ag caps

Harkin (surprisingly) is replacing Kennedy as chair of the Health and Labor. Combined with his position on Appropriations, Harkin is now one of the most powerful senators.

He's giving up the chair of the Ag committee and with it go any hopes of reducing the ridiculous government subsidies for super-large farmers. Harkin and Grassley have been working in bipartisan fashion to limit government subsidies to a mere $250,000. With Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture there was a chance it could have passed this spring.

Nah, the powers of the southerners is too great in congress. It's their cotton farmers pulling in hundreds of thousands of dollars each and every year. With the new chair being Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas there's no chance there will be reform in this area anymore.

******

What will be Harkin's input on healthcare? He's a big proponent of preventative healthcare. So look for incentives in that direction.

Healthcare speech

I woke at 4AM to watch the speech. Well done, Mr. President. He gave all the elements I wanted: No pre-existing conditions, catastrophic care (McCain idea '08, Kerry idea '04), and competition (though not quite a public option). He included something I wasn't expecting: Mandated coverage. The only way insurance works is if everyone pays in. Right now millions of 20-somethings are rolling the dice without coverage. It's a smart gamble. They probably won't need insurance and if something really bad happens they'll end up on the public health insurance. Forcing them to buy at least a catastrophic plan is good idea.

I think the Republican outbursts made them look small. Given what they've gotten away with for the past month I'm not surprised they overplayed their hand.

If you're lucky, they'll graduate

I was surprised to learn that some universities have less than a 40% graduation rate. Who would send their kid to a place where they have less than a 50% chance of graduating?

I was also surprised that the U of Iowa has only a 66% graduation rate. I was about to gloat and boast of the virtues of a private liberal arts education... but then I saw that my alma mater Coe has a graduation rate of 67%.

Doh!

People working in any profession see signs that worry them. In higher education I see the move to online classes, much larger class sizes and skyrocketing tuition as storm clouds gathering. Fortunately - for those of us in higher education - the health care system is so fucked up nobody is noticing us.

The loonies

I spent way too much time yesterday watching cable news. I heard that parents were right to keep their kids from watching Obama's speech because the president is too charismatic. For which the anchor replied, "Really? It would have been ok to watch if he wasn't as charismatic?" Yes, the guest replied, because in the future Obama may ask them to support something against their parents' wishes and children (with no critical thinking skills) will blindly follow Obama.

I can think of a group with no critical thinking skills, but it's not children.

The best part of the day? Dr. Nancy Snyderman on MSNBC. She had a guest who opposed the president's speech because he asked students to set goals and work to achieve them. Snyderman asked, "What's wrong with setting goals?" It's unconstitutional was the reply.

Dr. Nancy cut him off and never came back to him. I was cheering from the couch.