Tuesday, July 14, 2009

My reptilian phase







There are many things I don’t understand. Many.

As I immerse into my reflective state I wonder how I look like when my thing fluids are put to use.

Today I came across an unflattering but somehow affable image that is my best guess.

These snake oil doses are taking the best of me.

Sunday, July 12, 2009


If snake oil were still to be in production today, it would probably be manufactured in Chicago. Permits would be acquired, donations made and medicinal claims validated (though this would be a federal and not state issue but then again..).
Today's point however has nothing to do with this once popular alleviator to all known afflictions.
It does have to do with the fact that for the first time ever, the internet is coexisting with a huge recession. One one side, a large number of unemployed or soon to be unemployed are desperately looking for alternate sources of income. Others of a more flexible work ethic are looking to be compensated without effort. Together an insatiable hunger for immediate opportunity is created.
On the other side, some very creative businessmen have quickly responded to the Law of Supply and DEmand developed thousands of virtual products who are everywhere on the web. The more prominent "snakers"even manage to advertise on reputable venues such as Facebook and other highly ranked pages.
In the past, internet scammers managed to escape the long arm of the law by residing in countries where little could be done to put them out of business. Such is no longer the case.
A large number of companies offer multiple IP's with 5 second rotations, false product testimonials (pictures included), fabricated Paypal statements and yes, false names that are market tested for efficiency.
Overall the sales pitch is convincing and many product offers reach conversion rates as high as 2% despite the high prices that are charged for these raptile oppportunities.
Being the last to support market regulation or government interference, I search for a solution. and find none.
Back in the snake oil days, regulation was simple, swift and effective; it was called the 45 Navy Colt six shooter. We should seriously consider broadening the ever so wise Second Amendment.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Are you bored silly this Saturday? I may be of assistance.

Check out these Internet scanner stations and listen to police and firemen doing good and fighting evil. Listen to events as they develop (well maybe a cat that won't come back down a tree). You will find several states and large cities here.
Should you wonder why every other word starts with the number 10, that is because the dispatchers are using the appropriately named 10 code.
No, not the ones from the CB era of days gone by.Here is a complete list.


Friday, July 10, 2009

My to-do list is constantly on steroids. Priority systems of approaching to do lists basically do not work as one must combine what must be done with a little of what's cool to do. So if your list reads root canal work Monday to Friday, it unlikely you can add further torture to your week. Naturally masochists are excluded from my theory. What do you think, fellow non-masochists?

Marquis de Sade in prison, 18th-century line engraving.[Credits : ullstein bild/The Granger Collection]

Friday, June 12, 2009

From Opera to Blogger

Capitalist that I am, remaining in a sponsor free, limited script Blog such as Opera would not last for long. Hopefully the link will allow for an easy transition.
I have several goals for this new blog, and I hope to accomplish them:
1. Be informative.By that I mean applicable content
2. Replace political correctness by honesty and mutual respect
3. Not be arrested.

So tonight's topic: social skills vs. "brutal honesty' in dealing with people.
There are times when a clear answer or position is required and yet people seem to believe that
the simple statement of a yes, no, number or diagnostic is an iconic moment of truth.
My Italian grandmother would not agree. While in her mid 40's, several doctors told her, quite "honestly", that she had 6 months to live. Soomehow she did not take that very seriously, as anyone should!
Fast forward 30 years and as a teenager I find her having a laughing fit while reading the obituary column on the daily paper.
That was the second doctor who had diagnosed her terminally ill to pass on to the great beyond, three decades later. In fact, I think she probably overlived them all.

For me that falls in to the old and das category of making a virtue out of a severe incapacity.
Take Ricskon Gracie, retired and undefeated MMA fighter. KNown for his temper and many out of ring brawls, he could in fact chose to be peaceful in a situation of possible conflict.
Now, when a 130 lb guy makes the same assertion, is he really making a choice?