http://mysa.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=29765
Luridtransom endorses Angela Ramirez.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Hola, ladies.
It's your civic duty as an American or Foreigner to: (1) inform yourself on the issues, and (2) vote for the Hottest Latina 2011.
http://mysa.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=29765
Luridtransom endorses Angela Ramirez.
http://mysa.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=29765
Luridtransom endorses Angela Ramirez.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
And we runnin' out of french fries and burrito coverings.
There’s lots of talk about the federal deficit these days. How much do you know about the federal budget, federal revenues and the deficit? You should at least know the basics before the next Tea Party Rally or march to protest spending cuts (transportation and refreshments courtesy of AARP). So pay attention, ignorant Americans and Foreigners. Today we'll focus on Budget Basics.
These numbers are for FY 2010. (Source: Internet)
Federal expenditures: $3.5 trillion (24% of GDP)
Federal revenues: $2.2 trillion (15% of GDP)
Budget deficit: $1.3 trillion (9% of GDP)
So how does Uncle Sam spend all that cash money, you ask. About 80% of the budget comes from five categories:
• Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP: $732 billion (21% of the budget). $452 billion went to Medicare, which provides coverage to 47 million people age 65+ or with disabilities (15% of the population). $280 billion funds Medicaid and CHIP, which provide health care or long-term care to 60 million low-income children, parents, elderly people, and people with disabilities (19.3% of the population). Medicaid and CHIP require matching payments from the states.
• Defense and security: $705 billion (20% of the budget). This includes the cost of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which totaled $170 billion in 2010.
• Social Security: $707 billion (20% of the budget). As of March 2011, 59.8 million people receive Social Security benefits of some sort. That’s 19.2% of the population.
• Safety net programs: $496 billion (14% of the budget). These programs include: the refundable portion of the earned-income and child tax credits, which assist low- and moderate-income working families through the tax code; programs that provide cash payments to eligible individuals or households, including Supplemental Security Income for the elderly or disabled poor and unemployment insurance; various forms of in-kind assistance for low-income families and individuals, including food stamps, school meals, low-income housing assistance, child-care assistance, and assistance in meeting home energy bills; and various other programs such as those that aid abused and neglected children.
• Interest on the national debt: $196 billion (6 percent of the budget). As of March 25, 2011, the total federal debt was $14.26 trillion. That’s 97.3% of calendar year 2010’s GDP of $14.66 trillion.
And here it is all USA Today style:
These numbers are for FY 2010. (Source: Internet)
Federal expenditures: $3.5 trillion (24% of GDP)
Federal revenues: $2.2 trillion (15% of GDP)
Budget deficit: $1.3 trillion (9% of GDP)
So how does Uncle Sam spend all that cash money, you ask. About 80% of the budget comes from five categories:
• Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP: $732 billion (21% of the budget). $452 billion went to Medicare, which provides coverage to 47 million people age 65+ or with disabilities (15% of the population). $280 billion funds Medicaid and CHIP, which provide health care or long-term care to 60 million low-income children, parents, elderly people, and people with disabilities (19.3% of the population). Medicaid and CHIP require matching payments from the states.
• Defense and security: $705 billion (20% of the budget). This includes the cost of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which totaled $170 billion in 2010.
• Social Security: $707 billion (20% of the budget). As of March 2011, 59.8 million people receive Social Security benefits of some sort. That’s 19.2% of the population.
• Safety net programs: $496 billion (14% of the budget). These programs include: the refundable portion of the earned-income and child tax credits, which assist low- and moderate-income working families through the tax code; programs that provide cash payments to eligible individuals or households, including Supplemental Security Income for the elderly or disabled poor and unemployment insurance; various forms of in-kind assistance for low-income families and individuals, including food stamps, school meals, low-income housing assistance, child-care assistance, and assistance in meeting home energy bills; and various other programs such as those that aid abused and neglected children.
• Interest on the national debt: $196 billion (6 percent of the budget). As of March 25, 2011, the total federal debt was $14.26 trillion. That’s 97.3% of calendar year 2010’s GDP of $14.66 trillion.
And here it is all USA Today style:
I Hate You, RoughRiders.
Note Henry the Puffy Taco in the background.
From the E-N:
Decker's three-run, eighth-inning homer was the difference in the Missions' 6-5 triumph over the Frisco RoughRiders, but it turned out that was only the beginning of what ended up as one of the wildest games in the franchise's 106-year history.
Before it was over, the small crowd of 2,153 witnessed a controversial ninth inning and a brief but frightening melee between Frisco players and a handful of unruly fans immediately after the game.
During the disturbance, heated words were exchanged. A trash can and bats were tossed into the stands by Frisco players from in front of their dugout, then back at the players by the fans.
By the time the dust had settled, at least three fans were handcuffed and detained by police. The fans were subdued and detained by San Antonio police officers, including officers called to the scene to back up off-duty police working as security, but a department spokesman could not confirm whether charges were filed.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Luridtransom Official Inquiry: E-Mail to Gov. Rick Perry. Response will be posted upon receipt.
Dear Gov. Perry:
I ran across this article in the San Antonio Express-News yesterday about a proposed frisbee golf course in Helotes which has been scrapped. Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php
The story mentions a “state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay” for the frisbee golf course. I did not realize the State of Texas was in the business of funding frisbee golf courses, but apparently even in this time of budget crisis, there’s always money for frisbee golf. Is that right?
A few questions:
(1) Will you veto any budget sent to you that contains allocations for frisbee golf? (In other words, are you AGAINST state subsidies for frisbee golf?)
(2) If you answered no to Question #1, how much money would you like to see allocated to frisbee golf related items in the budget for 2012-13?
(3) Would you be willing to use the Rainy Day Fund to pay for frisbee golf related items?
(4) Finally, do you play frisbee golf? If so, what is your handicap?
Thank you in advance for your candid and thorough answers to my frisbee golf related questions. (I will post your response on my blog.)
Regards,
Luridtransom
I ran across this article in the San Antonio Express-News yesterday about a proposed frisbee golf course in Helotes which has been scrapped. Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php
The story mentions a “state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay” for the frisbee golf course. I did not realize the State of Texas was in the business of funding frisbee golf courses, but apparently even in this time of budget crisis, there’s always money for frisbee golf. Is that right?
A few questions:
(1) Will you veto any budget sent to you that contains allocations for frisbee golf? (In other words, are you AGAINST state subsidies for frisbee golf?)
(2) If you answered no to Question #1, how much money would you like to see allocated to frisbee golf related items in the budget for 2012-13?
(3) Would you be willing to use the Rainy Day Fund to pay for frisbee golf related items?
(4) Finally, do you play frisbee golf? If so, what is your handicap?
Thank you in advance for your candid and thorough answers to my frisbee golf related questions. (I will post your response on my blog.)
Regards,
Luridtransom
Luridtransom Official Inquiry: E-Mail to Speaker Joe Strauss (R-San Antonio). Response will be posted upon receipt.
Dear Speaker Strauss:
I ran across this article in the Express-News yesterday about a proposed Frisbee golf course in Helotes which has been scrapped. Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php
The story mentions a “state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay” for the frisbee golf course. I did not realize the State of Texas was in the business of building frisbee golf courses, but apparently even in this time of budget crisis, there’s always money for frisbee golf. Is that right?
A few questions:
(1) How much did the state spend on frisbee golf in the last budget?
(2) How much is allocated to frisbee golf in the budget recently approved by the House?
(3) Do you play frisbee golf? If so, what is your handicap?
Thank you in advance for your thorough answers to my frisbee golf related questions. (I will post your response on my blog.)
Regards,
Luridtransom
I ran across this article in the Express-News yesterday about a proposed Frisbee golf course in Helotes which has been scrapped. Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php
The story mentions a “state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay” for the frisbee golf course. I did not realize the State of Texas was in the business of building frisbee golf courses, but apparently even in this time of budget crisis, there’s always money for frisbee golf. Is that right?
A few questions:
(1) How much did the state spend on frisbee golf in the last budget?
(2) How much is allocated to frisbee golf in the budget recently approved by the House?
(3) Do you play frisbee golf? If so, what is your handicap?
Thank you in advance for your thorough answers to my frisbee golf related questions. (I will post your response on my blog.)
Regards,
Luridtransom
Open E-Mail to Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas). Response will be posted upon receipt.
Congressman Smith:
I ran across an interesting suggestion on Ezra Klein’s blog today. Here’s the link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/what-if-medicare-required-a-living-will/2011/04/13/AFk8qZsE_blog.html
In short, the idea is that to be eligible for Medicare, you would have to give someone power-of-attorney and sign a living will. You could tell your attorney-in-fact, and write in your living will, that you want every possible measure employed to keep you alive. You could say cost is no object, and neither is pain or quality of life. Or, you could instruct your attorney-in-fact not to prolong your life by extraordinary measures if you lost consciousness in a long, fatal illness or simply old age. You could make whatever choice, and offer whatever instructions, you want. You just have to do it. You have to make the decision.
Klein suggests that the simple act of making that choice would cut costs, as many people would prefer something besides maximal treatment, and would ensure fewer people suffered needlessly because their health deteriorated before they made their wishes clear.
Congressman Smith, as you may be aware, many economists say Medicare costs are a major part of the federal deficit. For example: "If you look past the next eight to 10 years, Medicare is the deficit problem," says Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former head of the Congressional Budget Office. "And there's simply no way we can address our fiscal problems without coming to terms with Medicare's future." (http://www.npr.org/2010/12/01/131701211/medicare-key-to-conquering-deficit-dilemma)
So, are you for or against Ezra Klein’s idea to make it mandatory to designate a power-of-attorney and sign a living will to be eligible for Medicare benefits? Please clearly state whether you are FOR or AGAINST this proposal, and then you can explain your position all you want. Thank you in advance for your straight forward response. Which I will post on my blog.
Regards,
Luridtransom
I ran across an interesting suggestion on Ezra Klein’s blog today. Here’s the link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/what-if-medicare-required-a-living-will/2011/04/13/AFk8qZsE_blog.html
In short, the idea is that to be eligible for Medicare, you would have to give someone power-of-attorney and sign a living will. You could tell your attorney-in-fact, and write in your living will, that you want every possible measure employed to keep you alive. You could say cost is no object, and neither is pain or quality of life. Or, you could instruct your attorney-in-fact not to prolong your life by extraordinary measures if you lost consciousness in a long, fatal illness or simply old age. You could make whatever choice, and offer whatever instructions, you want. You just have to do it. You have to make the decision.
Klein suggests that the simple act of making that choice would cut costs, as many people would prefer something besides maximal treatment, and would ensure fewer people suffered needlessly because their health deteriorated before they made their wishes clear.
Congressman Smith, as you may be aware, many economists say Medicare costs are a major part of the federal deficit. For example: "If you look past the next eight to 10 years, Medicare is the deficit problem," says Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former head of the Congressional Budget Office. "And there's simply no way we can address our fiscal problems without coming to terms with Medicare's future." (http://www.npr.org/2010/12/01/131701211/medicare-key-to-conquering-deficit-dilemma)
So, are you for or against Ezra Klein’s idea to make it mandatory to designate a power-of-attorney and sign a living will to be eligible for Medicare benefits? Please clearly state whether you are FOR or AGAINST this proposal, and then you can explain your position all you want. Thank you in advance for your straight forward response. Which I will post on my blog.
Regards,
Luridtransom
Ca$h Money Time
The Greatest credit card in existence: Fidelity American Express. No annual fee and you get 2% of the amount of your purchases deposited in the form of Ca$h Money into your Fidelity account.
The only reasons I can see to NOT get a Fidelity Amex are:
(1) You’re too lazy;
(2) Your main credit card concern is interest rate, because you carry a balance;
(3) You think I’m lying or I’m wrong;
(4) You think your current card gives you a better deal on rewards; or
(5) You aren’t interested in free money and/or you prefer a lower rewards yield from your credit card.
Unless one or more of the above apply, you should get a Fidelity Amex and make it rain with free cash money. You’re welcome.
Oh, and if you get a better rewards deal from another credit card, please let me know. Luridtransom loves value.
The only reasons I can see to NOT get a Fidelity Amex are:
(1) You’re too lazy;
(2) Your main credit card concern is interest rate, because you carry a balance;
(3) You think I’m lying or I’m wrong;
(4) You think your current card gives you a better deal on rewards; or
(5) You aren’t interested in free money and/or you prefer a lower rewards yield from your credit card.
Unless one or more of the above apply, you should get a Fidelity Amex and make it rain with free cash money. You’re welcome.
Oh, and if you get a better rewards deal from another credit card, please let me know. Luridtransom loves value.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Hipster Estates at Oak Meadows
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/where-have-urban-austins-children-gone-1428955.html
Interesting story on Austin's demographic trends.
Interesting story on Austin's demographic trends.
Ca$h Money Time
Telefónica (TEF) is luridtransom's stock pick of the day. It's cheap (7.89 P/E) and pays a great dividend (6.6% yield). And it's called Telefónica. Buy some shares immediately. It's a 5-star lock.
Telefónica is the number one Spanish multinational by market capitalisation and one of the largest private telecommunications companies in the world.
Telefónica is the number one Spanish multinational by market capitalisation and one of the largest private telecommunications companies in the world.
Product Review: Maui Jim Typhoons
Maui Jim Typhoons take some getting used to. The fit is different from Costas. I like the Typhoons, but we're still getting to know each other. I'll provide the definitive Typhoon review at a later date if that's what the people want.
luridtransom official inquiry to follow.
From the Express-News:
Amid concerns from nearby residents, a proposed championship disc golf course, pavilion, walking trails and other amenities are no longer moving forward in Helotes.
City Council members voted on Apr. 14 to withdraw their support of seeking a state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay for the project. It was planned for 58 city-owned acres in the Iron Horse Canyon Natural Area.
Wait a minute. Did you say the state of Texas, which I hear is facing a pretty serious budget problem, gives out $500k grants to build frisbee golf courses?
The article mentions the project would have required an additional $250k from the City of Helotes. A $750k frisbee golf course? In a Natural Area?
www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Smoked Meats and Dance Yrself Clean YouTubes.
Since you obviously like reading blogs, I suggest you check out this blog:
http://elsmokeadorysmokehopper.blogspot.com/
http://elsmokeadorysmokehopper.blogspot.com/
Introducing Dr. Vannoy.
Some of you may already know Dr. Vannoy from such episodes as Mini-Date and Bad Rico. If you haven't heard, Dr. Vannoy's latest mania is restoring a 1973 Sidney Vannoy 16' hull, and transforming this hull into an ass-kicking, ultralight, tiller steer poling skiff. Look out, redfish. With Dr. Vannoy's permission, I'll provide periodic updates on plans and progress. Here's the current state of the skiff. Consider these the before photos:
Yeah, I know REI is a co-op and opens less than 10 stores a year.
Dear REI,
It's high time to open a store in San Antonio. Not out on 1604 or some garbage like that, though. Open a store inside Loop 410. I previously suggested the old Butter Krust bakery, but somebody beat you to the punch.
I suggest a location at the Pearl Brewery or near there. http://www.atpearl.com/ Or, you could buy the old Dodge dealership on Broadway, tear it down, and build an awesome REI there.
I look forward to seeing you at the new REI in San Antonio. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional suggestions.
Thanks,
luridtransom
Via Alberquerque, per UPS.
Guess what is scheduled to arrive tomorrow? Maui Jim Typhoons. Check back for product review.So I made time for Twitter. As I suspected, it was a huge waste of time. It's the one-wheeled boat trailer of the Online-a-tron. And I don't even know what most of it means. All the @s and #s. Huh? I thought maybe I signed up to follow the wrong people, but how can you go wrong with Nancy Pelosi, Sarah Palin, Dez Bryant, Jessica Stroup and Hugh Ramsey?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Welcome to the rebirth of luridtransom.
Hello Citizens!
Great news. I'm back to blogging. We'll see how long I stick with it. But since it's just typing on a computer, it's not like I have to do much, so maybe it'll stick. My last post on luridtransom was in 2007, back when blogging was on the cutting edge of cyber and disappointing meant 10-3. And then there was the short-lived Critical Elitist, featuring Toronto Ron. When was that? 2008? Well, as everyone knows by now, Toronto Ron and I had creative differences and went our separate ways. But now I'm renaissancerating luridtransom, and all that's ancient history. A word about the state of blogging. These days it's all Facebook and social media. Look, I don't have time for social media. I just have time for old-fashioned blogging.
There are lots of topics to cover. A review of past posts indicates I've already said everything there is to be said about Houston sports talk radio, so let's move on. If that's the kind of blog you're looking for, you won't find it here.
My first point of the New Era is Boddington's Ale. See picture above. Why can I only put the photo at the top? I don't know. Toronto Ron? Anyway, you need to try a Boddingtons Pub Ale if you haven't. It's the ribeye of ales.
My second point of the New Era is celosia flowers. See above. Again, I don't know how to put photos into the body of the blog entry. F-ing Zuckerberg. I planted celosias in my garten, and they get an A+. They tolerate lots of sun (they crave sun) and they add a delightful yet respectful splash of color.
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