Last night, I went immediately into lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox) for the entire evening yet again. Lately, I have taken to view the "sanitized" news on CNN®, which leaves a lot to be desired. Redundant, bland, often parochial, to put it mildly. When I could not take the "talking heads" banality any further, I retrieved my Palm® TX and piddled with it until the internal batteries drained to a few dull sparks. If I only I had a computer with Ubuntu Linux, I said to myself. There's the infantile urge to consume wielding its ugly head again.
Another day of the same ol' shit. As I sit in the student computer lab at the Diploma Mill, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming wave of hopelessness. Around me are the typical college students, satanic gargoyles in training, who will soon take our places as the driving force of consumerism. Random loud tones are heard as various cell phones are delivering useless text messages to their recipients. Well, that's a little better than listening to four or five intrusive cell phone conversations simultaneously, I suppose. Within minutes, the students are sitting at the computer sending off e-mail or piddling around on Myspace®. They have already inherited uncivil behavior from their parents and peers, so there is no hope that we will see the restoration of a real society in our lifetimes. The "poor student" syndrome is at the heart of the rationale for shopping at Wal-Mart®, a habit that will perpetuate far into the senior years.
That's a snapshot of the culture that we are breeding, one that promises to be even more consuming than the last. There will be no end to the consumer-driven culture. Consumer debt will continue to grow until it surpasses the GDP. I've called it a disease, the epidemic of the "seven sins," and that's what it is. Whether Peak Oil has arrived or not is inconsequential to the average satanic gargoyle. The disease reaches an advanced stage rapidly. Every day, I observe the endless streams of 4000-pound motorized chairs (read: automobiles) vying for space on the crowded roads. Every parking lot is filled with 4000-pound motorized chairs fleeting about carelessly in an effort to find a convenient parking space. When petrol reaches $10 per gallon, the traffic will be even more horrendous. Traffic now is worse than when petrol was half the cost per gallon. Thus, I am not surprised that consumers are incurring even greater debt at higher interest rates. Infantile desires have overridden common sense.
I become sickened when I hear or read various platitudes from the rabid sophist punditry that serve as meaningless apologia for the "American people." They have faith in the "American people." They believe in the "American people." They know that the "American people" are not easily duped. The believe that the "American people" are best the world has to offer. Are these fools that far detached from reality? Did they neglect to take their anti-psychotic medication? The "American people" are by far the most dumb, uncivilized, and ungrateful satanic gargoyles on the planet. By means of their gluttony, greed, and avarice, they are complicit in actions that enslave and oppress the majority of the world population (including themselves), rob the world of most of its resources, and destroy the viable ecosystems of the planet. Then, these same great "American people" wrap their evil ways in the flag and in the doctrines of their false religions (most professing to be so-called "Christians").
In my discussion yesterday, I tersely focused on China for a number of reasons, the main one being its tremendous dollar currency reserves and its holdings of dollar-based securities. The US has been trying to pressure China to manipulate its currency in an attempt to increase the cost of imported Chinese goods, a feeble attempt to slow down the trade deficit. The US can no longer manipulate the dollar. It's been devalued to its lowest point, another feeble attempt to depreciate the huge trade deficits. A stronger dollar would only serve to increase imports and decrease exports across all countries. In addition, there are severe limitations with dollar valuation since it still remains the oil trading currency. Since real inflation is a function of oil prices, the tedious relationship between the dollar and per barrel prices of oil can be devastating. Thus, the US was left with only one option: isolate the problem by forcing China to tweak its currency. Obviously, if China tweaks its currency, then it changes the entire nature of its trade with all countries.
Internal collapse of the economic "system" seems even more unlikely. Even when the total wealth of the middle class and impoverished classes is transferred to the elite class, the "system" will remain intact for a number of years, if not indefinitely. The resultant impoverished class will be populated by an extremely large, docile, and demoralized demographic base. We can only expect the former satanic gargoyles to wallow in their misery and perish silently. Whether they incurred huge sums of debt is also inconsequential because their future purchasing power will be severely limited. All of their debt will be restructured for payment over their lifetime, not likely to be "forgivable" given the new bankruptcy laws.
External collapse of the economic "system" is the most probable scenario. The current accounts deficit (i.e., trade deficit) and the national (i.e., governmental) debt will most likely be the cause with a major crisis such as Peak Oil being the catalyst. An increased war theater in the Middle East vis-à-vis Iran could also be a major catalyst. When, I keep asking myself, will the secular Apocalypse finally arrive?
Well, the long-awaited icon of stupidity will soon become reality. Rather than face the enormous Easter Island emulation of unsustainability, the "planners" have decided to have the residents pay to ship garbage from Hawai'i to the mainland, at least according to an article in the Star-Bulletin. Out of sight, out of mind ... until the invoice shows up. If we read between the lines, the message is quite clear: keep building more hotel, subdivisions, and condo projects. Infinite growth on a small island? "If you build it, they will come1."
1Quote from film, "Field of Dreams."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Farewell Godot
I was back to the same ol' shit again today. With the faculty computer room at the Diploma Mill being closed, I had to tote my gym bag around with me all day. In addition, there was no free generic coffee available. So, I had to purchase a cup of coffee at Safeway®, which I will have to do all week. My computer time will be accomplished in the student computer lab. Incidentally, I spend about one hour to report every single one of the 200 pieces of crap e-mail that I receive daily. That does not include the over 500 "spam" e-mail that is automatically deleted daily. Mind you, most of the crap e-mail is filtered directly to the trash. However, I still report the crap e-mail. I do not plan to detail this benign shit in the "blog" again for the rest of the week. That's the routine, shitty as it may be.
The proliferation of "spam" and crap e-mail is a sorry statement of our culture, whether we chose to believe it or not. Receiving close to 1,000 such e-mail daily is ridiculous to say the least. The nature of "spam" and crap e-mail is the solicitation of money. Every aspect of our lives is now jeopardized by the constant solicitation of money. I am sickened by the fixation we have with money. I am made to gag by the greed that has festered out of control in our culture.
I usually spend a lot of time reading the alternative news media but, frankly, I am getting sick of that shit as well. I am essentially sick and tired of everything. All I want is a very simple cost-effective life-style that infringes little upon the fragile ecosystem of the planet. I want to enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. As for the alternative news, it's the same ol' shit. I have decided that nothing is gong to change because of the majority rule. The majority of satanic gargoyles love the "system" and nothing will change until they are ultimately betrayed by that same "system."
I have become mentally drained with the continued discussions about the incursions into Iraq and Afghanistan. Both wars are extremely badly, no matter what propaganda is released by the "mainstream" press. Sadly, I am fatigued by the continued discussion of the logistics of both wars by the alternative media. Can't anyone get a clue? The Shrub administration remains firmly committed to both war fronts. The so-called "surge" in Iraq has already metamorphosed into a long-term escalation. Was that a surprise? Even in the face of passive public outcry, the Shrub administration, the Republicans, and the Democrats continue with the "good cop, bad cop" theatrics when it is fairly obvious that the plan to escalate the wars is the main priority. Was that a surprise? In the end, the rhetoric is no longer making sense. The justifications for war have either proven to be lies or are simply lame. In addition, there are only three truly independent nations in the region left, that being Syria, Libya, and Iran. What does that tell us? We have a "rogue" government that is no longer answering to the "American people." Can this not be made any clearer?
My contention is that we have entered into the era of Peak Oil. We are in the plateau region, which means supply and demand are at an equilibrium, albeit a shaky one. Even if production quotas were increased, there would still be an equilibrium condition because demand is increasing proportionately. Rising oil prices are a symptom, not inflation. Real inflation, if anything, is a function of rising oil prices. Thus, the answer to the "rogue" nature of government lies in the premise and validity of Peak Oil. At this time, Peak Oil has nothing to do with the aggregate quantity of crude oil remaining in the ground.
Ultimately, of course, the consumption practices of the US population is the driving force behind the instability on the planet, running the gamut of the thinly-veiled "war on terror," global pollution, global climate change, global resource depletion, global financial instability, and so forth. There is no escaping this fact. I, myself, came to further understand the precarious nature of world events when I had perused Kevin Phillips' book, "American Theocracy" for the second time. As with most of the other authors who detailed the perils of empire, Phillips delved into the subject of debt. In the foreword to the paperback edition of the book, Phillips provided a detailed update. I focused on his apparent shock at discovering that national and consumer debt as well as the current account deficit continued to climb throughout 2006 and was slated to increase unabated from that point forward. All that amidst an environment of rising interest rates! Most of the "doom and gloom" prophets had expected the US economy to have collapsed by now. Could the doomsayers have all been wrong? Are they simply foolish pessimists? Is the US just so powerful that it can do anything while suffering absolutely no repercussions?
Personally, I do not believe that the "doom and gloom" prophets were wrong. What seems to be occurring is that several nations, China in particular, are continuing to amass dollar currency reserves and are using those reserves to purchase US securities, essentially extending loans to the US. China, South Korea, and Japan will continue this practice indefinitely because it is essential that they maintain their export status quo. The kingpin is China. If and when China decides to stop purchasing US securities, then the game is over for the US. That will happen whenever the central planners have determined that China will be able to maintain its own sustainable market-driven society. Thus, in the meantime, the Chinese government is investing heavily in the nation's internal infrastructure and its military. It is almost plainly obvious that China is making rapid investments in its military because it expects a military confrontation with the US in the future. The latter is not totally incomprehensible. The Chinese central bank has refused to capitulate to US demand to manipulate its currency. China has also been blamed for many US woes as of late (e.g., tainted pet food, copyright piracy). And, the Chinese government has been wheelin' and dealin' with many resource-rich nations using "soft diplomacy" (read: money).
So, how long can the Asian nations continue to fund the US with loans? Indefinitely, I'd say. The US, naturally, gives preferential treatment to Japan and South Korea because both nations' governments and central banks kowtow to the moneychangers and powers-that-be. Only China remains the shadowy, unpredictable entity. Yes, all of that financial wizardry was made possible by the satanic gargoyle consumer, so completely infected with the epidemic of the "seven sins." The need to purchase so much useless crap at the lowest possible prices is what has brought us to this juncture. The disease has become so malignant that consumer debt continues to rise. The consumer has created the debt-driven economy. The consumer has caused the huge trade deficit. The consumer is fueling real inflation because of excessive energy consumption, most of which rely on imported resources. By the same token, a like-minded government has caused the huge national debt by invoking "endless" wars. Yes, the buck stops here, as the old adage goes.
Lastly, the homeless population in Hawai'i increased by 28.2 percent according to an article in the Honolulu Advertiser. I predicted that the homeless population was going to continue to rise as the cost of living increases exponentially in the islands. Need I say more?
The proliferation of "spam" and crap e-mail is a sorry statement of our culture, whether we chose to believe it or not. Receiving close to 1,000 such e-mail daily is ridiculous to say the least. The nature of "spam" and crap e-mail is the solicitation of money. Every aspect of our lives is now jeopardized by the constant solicitation of money. I am sickened by the fixation we have with money. I am made to gag by the greed that has festered out of control in our culture.
I usually spend a lot of time reading the alternative news media but, frankly, I am getting sick of that shit as well. I am essentially sick and tired of everything. All I want is a very simple cost-effective life-style that infringes little upon the fragile ecosystem of the planet. I want to enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. As for the alternative news, it's the same ol' shit. I have decided that nothing is gong to change because of the majority rule. The majority of satanic gargoyles love the "system" and nothing will change until they are ultimately betrayed by that same "system."
I have become mentally drained with the continued discussions about the incursions into Iraq and Afghanistan. Both wars are extremely badly, no matter what propaganda is released by the "mainstream" press. Sadly, I am fatigued by the continued discussion of the logistics of both wars by the alternative media. Can't anyone get a clue? The Shrub administration remains firmly committed to both war fronts. The so-called "surge" in Iraq has already metamorphosed into a long-term escalation. Was that a surprise? Even in the face of passive public outcry, the Shrub administration, the Republicans, and the Democrats continue with the "good cop, bad cop" theatrics when it is fairly obvious that the plan to escalate the wars is the main priority. Was that a surprise? In the end, the rhetoric is no longer making sense. The justifications for war have either proven to be lies or are simply lame. In addition, there are only three truly independent nations in the region left, that being Syria, Libya, and Iran. What does that tell us? We have a "rogue" government that is no longer answering to the "American people." Can this not be made any clearer?
My contention is that we have entered into the era of Peak Oil. We are in the plateau region, which means supply and demand are at an equilibrium, albeit a shaky one. Even if production quotas were increased, there would still be an equilibrium condition because demand is increasing proportionately. Rising oil prices are a symptom, not inflation. Real inflation, if anything, is a function of rising oil prices. Thus, the answer to the "rogue" nature of government lies in the premise and validity of Peak Oil. At this time, Peak Oil has nothing to do with the aggregate quantity of crude oil remaining in the ground.
Ultimately, of course, the consumption practices of the US population is the driving force behind the instability on the planet, running the gamut of the thinly-veiled "war on terror," global pollution, global climate change, global resource depletion, global financial instability, and so forth. There is no escaping this fact. I, myself, came to further understand the precarious nature of world events when I had perused Kevin Phillips' book, "American Theocracy" for the second time. As with most of the other authors who detailed the perils of empire, Phillips delved into the subject of debt. In the foreword to the paperback edition of the book, Phillips provided a detailed update. I focused on his apparent shock at discovering that national and consumer debt as well as the current account deficit continued to climb throughout 2006 and was slated to increase unabated from that point forward. All that amidst an environment of rising interest rates! Most of the "doom and gloom" prophets had expected the US economy to have collapsed by now. Could the doomsayers have all been wrong? Are they simply foolish pessimists? Is the US just so powerful that it can do anything while suffering absolutely no repercussions?
Personally, I do not believe that the "doom and gloom" prophets were wrong. What seems to be occurring is that several nations, China in particular, are continuing to amass dollar currency reserves and are using those reserves to purchase US securities, essentially extending loans to the US. China, South Korea, and Japan will continue this practice indefinitely because it is essential that they maintain their export status quo. The kingpin is China. If and when China decides to stop purchasing US securities, then the game is over for the US. That will happen whenever the central planners have determined that China will be able to maintain its own sustainable market-driven society. Thus, in the meantime, the Chinese government is investing heavily in the nation's internal infrastructure and its military. It is almost plainly obvious that China is making rapid investments in its military because it expects a military confrontation with the US in the future. The latter is not totally incomprehensible. The Chinese central bank has refused to capitulate to US demand to manipulate its currency. China has also been blamed for many US woes as of late (e.g., tainted pet food, copyright piracy). And, the Chinese government has been wheelin' and dealin' with many resource-rich nations using "soft diplomacy" (read: money).
So, how long can the Asian nations continue to fund the US with loans? Indefinitely, I'd say. The US, naturally, gives preferential treatment to Japan and South Korea because both nations' governments and central banks kowtow to the moneychangers and powers-that-be. Only China remains the shadowy, unpredictable entity. Yes, all of that financial wizardry was made possible by the satanic gargoyle consumer, so completely infected with the epidemic of the "seven sins." The need to purchase so much useless crap at the lowest possible prices is what has brought us to this juncture. The disease has become so malignant that consumer debt continues to rise. The consumer has created the debt-driven economy. The consumer has caused the huge trade deficit. The consumer is fueling real inflation because of excessive energy consumption, most of which rely on imported resources. By the same token, a like-minded government has caused the huge national debt by invoking "endless" wars. Yes, the buck stops here, as the old adage goes.
Lastly, the homeless population in Hawai'i increased by 28.2 percent according to an article in the Honolulu Advertiser. I predicted that the homeless population was going to continue to rise as the cost of living increases exponentially in the islands. Need I say more?
Monday, June 18, 2007
Nada
This morning, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure and drove to Ala Moana Center. I purchased a cup of coffee at Starbucks® and waited for moms near Longs®. Moms arrived at 10:30am. After moms did some shopping, we walked to the other end of the mall to eat lunch at Shirokiya. Then, I drove moms back to Hawai'i Kai. I spent the rest of the afternoon in Hawai'i Kai. As to be expected, I walked to the gym in Koko Marina to do my cardio workout while moms took a nap. My bro and his family will be returning on Friday, so this was the last day for me to spend an extended amount of time with moms. All in all, I valued the time.
When I returned to Waikiki, I went into lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox) for the remainder of the evening. The rest of the "blog" for today was lost because of the shitty computer that I was typing this shit on. Frankly, I am sick of writing this crap. I will not attempt to replicate the lost verbiage.
When I returned to Waikiki, I went into lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox) for the remainder of the evening. The rest of the "blog" for today was lost because of the shitty computer that I was typing this shit on. Frankly, I am sick of writing this crap. I will not attempt to replicate the lost verbiage.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Squeakin' By on Nothin'
Another evening of the same ol' shit has come and gone. Lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox)! How can I go on with this mundanity?
Skipping my usual Sunday routine, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure and drove out to Hawai'i Kai this morning. Once there, I went on another tanning hike up Koko Head. This time, I brought a tube of sunscreen and a bottle of water with me. I went on the hike even though I had barely recovered from the bout of sunburn last week. The hike was relaxing. On the way back down, I observed one person actually longboard surfing in Hana'uma Bay. The maximum ride that the surfer could attain was probably 50 feet. Hana'uma Bay is fairly shallow with lots of coral reefs. The surfer was able to make an abrupt turn just before the coral reefs, quite a feat with a longboard. Then, he paddled out to catch the next wave.
I spent the rest of the day in Hawai'i Kai visiting with moms. As to be expected, I walked down to the gym in Koko Marina. Moms made Curry Stew for dinner. I departed for Waikiki at 7pm. As for the rest of the evening, what can I say? I made an appearance at Barnes & Noble®. The hottie "bookseller" was on duty. Baby was looking mighty fine. I was very fatigued, so I simply meandered around the bookstore. I checked out a few Linux books as well. The main advantage of Linux, if I haven't mentioned it before, is the proliferation of young Linux hotties. E wawa! I ran into Airi, a former Diploma Mill student, at the prison transport stop (read: bus stop). I was able to chat with her for 20 minutes because the bus we were waiting for did not show up. Once back in my prison cell, I went back into lockdown.
I transferred $400 from my investment account to my local bank in order to cover more expenses. As of the beginning of this month, I have been totally reliant on the proceeds of my investment accounts. As it stands, I am only breaking even. Thus, if the interest rates were to decrease, I will be in financial chaos. I can safely say that I am one of the poor fools who are in the impoverished class. I will be part of the first or second wave of the impoverished masses to be reduced to a state of dereliction. Concurrently, the wedge that is driving the so-called "middle class" apart will finally fulfill its task. A small percentage of "middle class" satanic gargoyles will graduate to the elite class. The rest will be put in the queue slated for dereliction. In the end, we will either be in the proletariat or bourgeoisie class, the former being the most probable.
I will have no access to a computer until Tuesday, which is a blessing. I can, of course, sneak into the Apple® Store and briefly use one of the display models. Or, I can sit outside the Apple® Store and connect to the wireless network with my beloved Palm® TX. The faculty computer room at the Diploma Mill will be closed all week because new carpet is being put in. If anything, I will have to spend time in the student computer lab (just as I do on the weekends). This could have been a perfect opportunity for me to wean myself of the "blog" or commence the curtailment of regular updates. Just as a fat slob satanic gargoyle cannot resist the temptation of lard-filled Hostess® Ding Dongs, I cannot avoid "blog" gluttony. Sickening, isn't it?
Skipping my usual Sunday routine, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure and drove out to Hawai'i Kai this morning. Once there, I went on another tanning hike up Koko Head. This time, I brought a tube of sunscreen and a bottle of water with me. I went on the hike even though I had barely recovered from the bout of sunburn last week. The hike was relaxing. On the way back down, I observed one person actually longboard surfing in Hana'uma Bay. The maximum ride that the surfer could attain was probably 50 feet. Hana'uma Bay is fairly shallow with lots of coral reefs. The surfer was able to make an abrupt turn just before the coral reefs, quite a feat with a longboard. Then, he paddled out to catch the next wave.
I spent the rest of the day in Hawai'i Kai visiting with moms. As to be expected, I walked down to the gym in Koko Marina. Moms made Curry Stew for dinner. I departed for Waikiki at 7pm. As for the rest of the evening, what can I say? I made an appearance at Barnes & Noble®. The hottie "bookseller" was on duty. Baby was looking mighty fine. I was very fatigued, so I simply meandered around the bookstore. I checked out a few Linux books as well. The main advantage of Linux, if I haven't mentioned it before, is the proliferation of young Linux hotties. E wawa! I ran into Airi, a former Diploma Mill student, at the prison transport stop (read: bus stop). I was able to chat with her for 20 minutes because the bus we were waiting for did not show up. Once back in my prison cell, I went back into lockdown.
I transferred $400 from my investment account to my local bank in order to cover more expenses. As of the beginning of this month, I have been totally reliant on the proceeds of my investment accounts. As it stands, I am only breaking even. Thus, if the interest rates were to decrease, I will be in financial chaos. I can safely say that I am one of the poor fools who are in the impoverished class. I will be part of the first or second wave of the impoverished masses to be reduced to a state of dereliction. Concurrently, the wedge that is driving the so-called "middle class" apart will finally fulfill its task. A small percentage of "middle class" satanic gargoyles will graduate to the elite class. The rest will be put in the queue slated for dereliction. In the end, we will either be in the proletariat or bourgeoisie class, the former being the most probable.
I will have no access to a computer until Tuesday, which is a blessing. I can, of course, sneak into the Apple® Store and briefly use one of the display models. Or, I can sit outside the Apple® Store and connect to the wireless network with my beloved Palm® TX. The faculty computer room at the Diploma Mill will be closed all week because new carpet is being put in. If anything, I will have to spend time in the student computer lab (just as I do on the weekends). This could have been a perfect opportunity for me to wean myself of the "blog" or commence the curtailment of regular updates. Just as a fat slob satanic gargoyle cannot resist the temptation of lard-filled Hostess® Ding Dongs, I cannot avoid "blog" gluttony. Sickening, isn't it?
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Slow Motion
I spent most of the evening in lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox), a deplorable compromise of my nightly ritual. Later, I became distraught and stir crazy. So, I spent an hour in the prison compound (read: hotel lobby) browsing through Mike Ruppert's book, "Crossing the Rubicon." I have been particularly interested in the projected timeline of events detailed in the book, much of which is unfolding as we speak.
After going into final lockdown in my prison cell for the night, I also perused Robert Fisk's book, "The Great War for Civilization." When events unfold in various parts of the Middle East, I refer to Fisk's book in order to review the historical perspective and possible antecedents. The violent rift between Fatah and Hamas is tearing apart the Palestinian nation. Yet, there can be no understanding of why such a violent clash came about until the history of the Palestinians, oppressed by both Zionist Israel and the US, is analyzed. The eruption of civil war in the Palestinian state is not just an act of random violence. Feelings of frustration and abandonment have been festering for decades.
I followed my usual Saturday routine as detailed in the April 28th "blog" titled, "Who Knew?" I have been making a concerted effort to slow down my pace. Believe me, the task has been difficult. The fact that I am a senior citizen has been been fully accepted by my physiology. My body seems to have no qualms about moving at a slower pace. However, my mind becomes impatient, anxious, as it were. I must consciously calm myself down. I must actually reason with myself to prove that there is no need to be in a hurry. Moving at a slow pace has its drawbacks. At times, I feel as though I am going to pass out from moving so slow. That's the beauty of moving in "slo-mo" (read: slow motion).
After going into final lockdown in my prison cell for the night, I also perused Robert Fisk's book, "The Great War for Civilization." When events unfold in various parts of the Middle East, I refer to Fisk's book in order to review the historical perspective and possible antecedents. The violent rift between Fatah and Hamas is tearing apart the Palestinian nation. Yet, there can be no understanding of why such a violent clash came about until the history of the Palestinians, oppressed by both Zionist Israel and the US, is analyzed. The eruption of civil war in the Palestinian state is not just an act of random violence. Feelings of frustration and abandonment have been festering for decades.
I followed my usual Saturday routine as detailed in the April 28th "blog" titled, "Who Knew?" I have been making a concerted effort to slow down my pace. Believe me, the task has been difficult. The fact that I am a senior citizen has been been fully accepted by my physiology. My body seems to have no qualms about moving at a slower pace. However, my mind becomes impatient, anxious, as it were. I must consciously calm myself down. I must actually reason with myself to prove that there is no need to be in a hurry. Moving at a slow pace has its drawbacks. At times, I feel as though I am going to pass out from moving so slow. That's the beauty of moving in "slo-mo" (read: slow motion).
Friday, June 15, 2007
Desire
I was back to my old routine again today. Yeah, same ol' shit as detailed in the April 28th "blog" titled, "Who Knew?" I have spent a considerable amount of time visiting with moms in the past week. My bro and his family will return at the end of next week from their vacation. Thus, I have another week to spend additional time with moms. I cannot place a set value upon those visits, they are priceless.
Even though the world situation is apparently degenerating, I have opted to spend much of my conscious moments contemplating the purchase of a new computer. I have already identified that I am succumbing to the initial disease of consumerism, the same disease that weakens the psychological immune system to debilitating effects of the epidemic of the "seven sins."
I can only add that the acceptance of oppression, albeit through coercion, has been voluntary. The current form of oppression was something that the "American people" wanted. The malignant life-style of the fat slob satanic gargoyle was highly desired, hence there will be no change. Sadly, a desired life-style, when obtained, is not a product of oppression no matter how malignant it is. Freedom to accept coercion is still freedom.
Even though the world situation is apparently degenerating, I have opted to spend much of my conscious moments contemplating the purchase of a new computer. I have already identified that I am succumbing to the initial disease of consumerism, the same disease that weakens the psychological immune system to debilitating effects of the epidemic of the "seven sins."
I found that I have grown weary of my Palm® TX. It is too small and useless, I tell myself now. Yet, my only purpose for owning a computer is the "freedom" to compose of the "blog." What is more ironic is that I am fighting an internal battle to free myself of the "blog." I find that it no longer serves any purpose.
The real reason that I want to purchase a new computer is that I am essentially bored and devoid of any meaningful activity. Boredom, in and of itself, need not be a catalyst for useless purchases. However, the construct of society now only recognizes consumer transactions as valid social processes. As I have said many times before, our sole purpose is to purchase goods and services. Our existence is defined only by financial transactions. By the very nature of the latter definition, our lives are meaningless.
Even more disconcerting is that one of my objectives has been to decrease my dependence on technology, which was an essential component for my ultimate exodus from society. My latest rationalizations are even more ludicrous. A new computer will allow me to revisit an old hobby. I will be able to "nerd out" by installing and tweaking the Ubuntu Linux operating system, I tell myself. What will I do with the finished product? Most likely, I will spend time reading the alternative news sites or composing the "blog." Of course, I could resurrect my vast hurdy-gurdy DVD library since the computer will have the Totem media player. No, my rationale makes no sense.
My own manner of thought is all-pervasive in the current malignant culture. Whenever I wait at the prison transport stop (read: bus stop) at night in Ala Moana Center, I observe the sheer number of satanic gargoyles walking in single-file all loaded down with shopping bags from the Wal-Mart® superstore across the street. Although Wal-Mart® is the trendsetter for abusing wage slaves, the spendthrift consumer cares only about lower prices. The sickness of acquiring more useless crap (made in China) at the cost of our dignity is alarming. Am I any different in desiring a useless computer? Knowing that the computer will have been manufactured in China seems to be the largest deterrent for me so far. I have nothing against Communist China. However, I cannot be discussing our domestic economic perils on the one hand and purchasing excessive amounts of Chinese-produced goods on the other hand. That, my friends, would be hypocrisy.
There is a point where pain and suffering must enter the picture for those of us who have not experienced such a reality. As I have previously mentioned in the "blog," there must be some kind of equilibrium in the long run, even for abstractions such as pain and suffering. Until there is sufficient pain and suffering in this nation, nothing will change.
Even more disconcerting is that one of my objectives has been to decrease my dependence on technology, which was an essential component for my ultimate exodus from society. My latest rationalizations are even more ludicrous. A new computer will allow me to revisit an old hobby. I will be able to "nerd out" by installing and tweaking the Ubuntu Linux operating system, I tell myself. What will I do with the finished product? Most likely, I will spend time reading the alternative news sites or composing the "blog." Of course, I could resurrect my vast hurdy-gurdy DVD library since the computer will have the Totem media player. No, my rationale makes no sense.
My own manner of thought is all-pervasive in the current malignant culture. Whenever I wait at the prison transport stop (read: bus stop) at night in Ala Moana Center, I observe the sheer number of satanic gargoyles walking in single-file all loaded down with shopping bags from the Wal-Mart® superstore across the street. Although Wal-Mart® is the trendsetter for abusing wage slaves, the spendthrift consumer cares only about lower prices. The sickness of acquiring more useless crap (made in China) at the cost of our dignity is alarming. Am I any different in desiring a useless computer? Knowing that the computer will have been manufactured in China seems to be the largest deterrent for me so far. I have nothing against Communist China. However, I cannot be discussing our domestic economic perils on the one hand and purchasing excessive amounts of Chinese-produced goods on the other hand. That, my friends, would be hypocrisy.
There is a point where pain and suffering must enter the picture for those of us who have not experienced such a reality. As I have previously mentioned in the "blog," there must be some kind of equilibrium in the long run, even for abstractions such as pain and suffering. Until there is sufficient pain and suffering in this nation, nothing will change.
I can only add that the acceptance of oppression, albeit through coercion, has been voluntary. The current form of oppression was something that the "American people" wanted. The malignant life-style of the fat slob satanic gargoyle was highly desired, hence there will be no change. Sadly, a desired life-style, when obtained, is not a product of oppression no matter how malignant it is. Freedom to accept coercion is still freedom.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Twilight
I ended up at Barnes & Noble® last night. The hottie "bookseller" was on duty. Once again, baby was looking mighty fine. I was significantly distracted by baby all evening. I had no choice to procure a big-ass can of cheap brewski once I returned to Waikiki. How else can I tolerate the conditions at Quagmire Prison?
This morning, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure and drove to Kahala Mall. I purchased a cup of coffee at the Barnes & Noble® Café and perused a few Linux magazines to waste time. I drove to Hawai'i Kai at 11:45am. Moms was already home when I arrived. I spent the afternoon in Hawai'i Kai. I drove moms to Koko Marina to do some shopping at Foodland. Then, we ate a nice lunch. I walked to the gym during moms' nap time. Later, moms and I ate Spam® and rice for dinner. Simple meals are the best. I was able to enjoy a nice chat with moms as well. I finally said good-bye at 6:45pm.
My evening was predictable. I ended up back at Barnes & Noble®. The hottie "bookseller" was on duty and looking mighty fine. I meandered about with no express purpose other than avoiding time in my prison cell (read: little shoebox). However, once I returned to Waikiki, I went directly into lockdown for the rest of the evening.
To conclude my previous discussion yesterday about the economy, I will add that I must revise my opinion on the possible economic collapse. The trigger for global economic upheaval will be the collapse of the US economy (i.e., financial "system"), the final effect emulating falling dominoes. Sadly, the US economy will most likely not collapse for an extended period of time. It will take several years of labor exportation through "globalization," immigrant and "guest worker" displacements, and "free trade" to "dichotomize" (read: pulverize) the middle class. Extended credit and debt options will also allow most wage slaves to leverage their life-styles and extend payments over their lifetime. As long as the average wage slave can amortize total purchases and payments to fall at or below net monthly income, the charade can go on forever. Asset depletion (i.e., raiding savings and retirement accounts) will also prolong the agony. My guess is that a combination of Peak Oil (or an artificially-induced oil supply reduction), a complete collapse of the so-called "real estate bubble," a major catastrophe (e.g., "terrorist" attack or natural disaster), and an escalation of war activities will be required to break the empire.
Of course, there is one way the powerless "American people" can throw a wrench in the works. At this late stage of the game, it is the only method of empowerment for the powerless, the wage slaves, the peons. As I stated yesterday, the US consumer is the driving force for the global economy. If greed, avarice, and instant gratification can be put aside for a few months, the entire "system" will collapse. That would mean a dramatic decrease in consumer spending to subsistence levels only and also require an increase in savings. It will also require a dramatic shift of assets to pay down existing debts above and beyond the minimum. I am afraid that the latter is the closest that the "American" public is able to approach activism and rebellion, but that is still too much to ask.
As an aside, I should mention that I remain undecided about purchasing a computer. If anything, I must be able to purchase the unit without the dreaded Microsoft® Windows® operating system. If the computer is packaged with the operating system, then the cost of the software license has been figured in. So far, Dell® appears to offer three systems with Ubuntu Linux installed. I don't particularly care to own a Dell® computer either.
This morning, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure and drove to Kahala Mall. I purchased a cup of coffee at the Barnes & Noble® Café and perused a few Linux magazines to waste time. I drove to Hawai'i Kai at 11:45am. Moms was already home when I arrived. I spent the afternoon in Hawai'i Kai. I drove moms to Koko Marina to do some shopping at Foodland. Then, we ate a nice lunch. I walked to the gym during moms' nap time. Later, moms and I ate Spam® and rice for dinner. Simple meals are the best. I was able to enjoy a nice chat with moms as well. I finally said good-bye at 6:45pm.
My evening was predictable. I ended up back at Barnes & Noble®. The hottie "bookseller" was on duty and looking mighty fine. I meandered about with no express purpose other than avoiding time in my prison cell (read: little shoebox). However, once I returned to Waikiki, I went directly into lockdown for the rest of the evening.
To conclude my previous discussion yesterday about the economy, I will add that I must revise my opinion on the possible economic collapse. The trigger for global economic upheaval will be the collapse of the US economy (i.e., financial "system"), the final effect emulating falling dominoes. Sadly, the US economy will most likely not collapse for an extended period of time. It will take several years of labor exportation through "globalization," immigrant and "guest worker" displacements, and "free trade" to "dichotomize" (read: pulverize) the middle class. Extended credit and debt options will also allow most wage slaves to leverage their life-styles and extend payments over their lifetime. As long as the average wage slave can amortize total purchases and payments to fall at or below net monthly income, the charade can go on forever. Asset depletion (i.e., raiding savings and retirement accounts) will also prolong the agony. My guess is that a combination of Peak Oil (or an artificially-induced oil supply reduction), a complete collapse of the so-called "real estate bubble," a major catastrophe (e.g., "terrorist" attack or natural disaster), and an escalation of war activities will be required to break the empire.
Of course, there is one way the powerless "American people" can throw a wrench in the works. At this late stage of the game, it is the only method of empowerment for the powerless, the wage slaves, the peons. As I stated yesterday, the US consumer is the driving force for the global economy. If greed, avarice, and instant gratification can be put aside for a few months, the entire "system" will collapse. That would mean a dramatic decrease in consumer spending to subsistence levels only and also require an increase in savings. It will also require a dramatic shift of assets to pay down existing debts above and beyond the minimum. I am afraid that the latter is the closest that the "American" public is able to approach activism and rebellion, but that is still too much to ask.
As an aside, I should mention that I remain undecided about purchasing a computer. If anything, I must be able to purchase the unit without the dreaded Microsoft® Windows® operating system. If the computer is packaged with the operating system, then the cost of the software license has been figured in. So far, Dell® appears to offer three systems with Ubuntu Linux installed. I don't particularly care to own a Dell® computer either.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Equinox
By late afternoon yesterday, I was feeling significantly disconnected from my environment. Nothing around me seemed to matter. From my vantage point, shopping is a force that gives us meaning. I became sickened. Family is what will give me meaning, at least for a few more years. Sadly, the family of humanity has let us all down. We have become estranged family members with very little love or respect for each other, yet we share a common beginning point. Yes, whether we are creationists or evolutionists, there is one irrefutable fact - we have all originated from one pair of common ancestors. There is no way around the latter fact given our specific genetic coding. Rather than rejoice in our common roots, we have instead established a so-called "society" aimed at self-destruction.
I ended up at Barnes & Noble® last night. I was very fatigued. I wandered about aimlessly with no idea what I was doing. However, I was cognizant enough to notice that the hottie "bookseller" was on duty. Baby was looking hot, I might add. When I returned to Waikiki, I spent an hour in the prison compound (read: hotel lobby) reading the remainder of the AARP® Magazine before going into lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox).
In an attempt to slow my pace down, I have been riding the prison transport (read: bus) to Ala Moana Center in the morning. From there, I transfer to any of the prison transports bound for town. It takes me a little longer, but the journey is much more relaxed. Aside from restoring my monk haircut at the Institute of Hair Design, the rest of the day was the same ol' shit.
I have devoted several weeks to reading about our so-called "financial system," the basis of our economy. In fact, I am perusing the section about debt in Kevin Phillips' book, "American Theocracy," for the second time as well. Trying to understand "financial capitalism," the latest incarnation of capitalism, is difficult. Here is what I've come up with:
I ended up at Barnes & Noble® last night. I was very fatigued. I wandered about aimlessly with no idea what I was doing. However, I was cognizant enough to notice that the hottie "bookseller" was on duty. Baby was looking hot, I might add. When I returned to Waikiki, I spent an hour in the prison compound (read: hotel lobby) reading the remainder of the AARP® Magazine before going into lockdown in my prison cell (read: little shoebox).
In an attempt to slow my pace down, I have been riding the prison transport (read: bus) to Ala Moana Center in the morning. From there, I transfer to any of the prison transports bound for town. It takes me a little longer, but the journey is much more relaxed. Aside from restoring my monk haircut at the Institute of Hair Design, the rest of the day was the same ol' shit.
I have devoted several weeks to reading about our so-called "financial system," the basis of our economy. In fact, I am perusing the section about debt in Kevin Phillips' book, "American Theocracy," for the second time as well. Trying to understand "financial capitalism," the latest incarnation of capitalism, is difficult. Here is what I've come up with:
- The "American" consumer drives most of the global economy.
- Consumption comprises about 75 percent of US GDP.
- Economists and investors (read: elite class) expect the economy to continue to grow infinitely and expect corporate profits to continue to rise, neither of which will occur unless consumer spending grows as well.
- Wages for the "garden variety" wage slaves has not kept up with real inflation, thus most wage slaves must seek debt as the means to continue consumption.
- The Fed, throughout Alan Greenspan's reign, embarked on a grand experiment to transform the economy to one of serial "bubbles," which served to mask inflation with speculative increases in wealth.
- Banking reform allowed for massive deregulation of the banking industry which, in turn, created the gargantuan finance, insurance, and real estate (FIRE) corporatocracy.
- The banking and credit card lobby effected drastic changes in the bankruptcy laws, further indenturing wage slaves.
- Manufacturing and "blue collar" jobs have been exported overseas through "globalization" as means of exporting inflation.
- The manufacturing sector now only includes weapons production (i.e., "war" economy), automobiles, a select heavy industries.
- The Iraq and Afghanistan incursions keep the "war" economy afloat, but will require further escalation (i.e., incursion into Iran) to maintain the status quo.
- The packaging and selling of debt is the largest industry in the US.
- The continued growth of the debt industry requires cheap liquidity offered by low borrowing rates.
- Interest rates must be kept artificially low to maintain or increase the negative national savings rate, a prerequisite to perpetually increase consumer spending.
- Interest rates must be lowered to refuel the so-called "housing bubble" in order to maintain the serial "bubble" economy.
- The stability of financial capitalism requires extensive military backing and protection to vassal states.
- The economic conflict of interest between China and Japan must be maintained in order perpetuate the Asian subsidization of US debt.
- A new Cold War must be established in the European theater in order to keep the European states in check.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Ubuntu
I have gone back to my regular routine today (refer to the "blog" of April 28th titled, "Who Knew?"), much to my chagrin. I've become quite fatigued with my need to read the alternative news sources. Frankly, I am losing my patience with all of the greedy fools who will supposedly bring about the secular Apocalypse. What is taking so damned long?
Instead, both the alternative news sources and the "mainstream" media are filled with hypothetical scenarios of "doom and gloom," including the upcoming incursion into Iran, a possible and likely epidemic, a catastrophic natural disaster, a global oil shortage, a "terrorist" attack, a new Cold War with Russia, illegal immigration woes, epidemic of illict drugs, and so forth. Bring it on already! CNN® has even begun trumpeting the idea that China is building up militarily in order to invoke a "pre-emptive" first strike on the US. The fearmongering is out of control. At the least, fear serves as a catalyst for rampant consumerism. The sheep-like consumer will be more apt to run to the store to purchase everything in sight ... or get totally hammered on cheap booze. Why, we might be in the "last days." In fact, if I had any sense, I should be out there trying to "skin up" as many young hotties as possible. Yes, we seeing a proliferation of "last days" desperation.
Now more than ever, I am finding value in "family," that is, the time I spend with moms. I am reminded of my childhood and of "growing up." I can recollect the importance of family during that time, whether it was good or bad in retrospect. Family gave me a sense of belonging and a kind of social structure that inculcated me with the values that I possess to this very day. There is also a sense of obligation and commitment, something so tragically amiss these days. When we speak of family, we often refer to familial love. There is something much more synergistic about family, something spiritual perhaps. And, whether it be our parents or our kids (if we have them), there is a deep bond that transcends genetics. Family is the most important aspect of the human struggle. I believe that family enables us to understand that there really is a Higher Source, that we are part of an even larger family that goes well beyond our physical realm. Ubuntu1.
My tooth is giving me trouble again. It is the lower left molar furthest back. Actually, the tooth has been a source of trouble since the filling was replaced. The tooth is extremely sensitive to temperature. Often, when I bite down into hard substances like the unknown rock-like crap in the Safeway® air-filled energy bars, I experience extreme pain in the tooth. I suppose that I will have to make an appointment with the rip-off dentist. The cost will most likely be well beyond the projected cost of a new computer. Oh well. Did I really need a new computer with Ubuntu Linux installed on it?
1Ubuntu is an African word, which has been described as "too beautiful to translate into English". The essence of Ubuntu is that "a person is a person through other people". It describes humanity as "being-with-others" and prescribes what "being-with-others" should be all about. Ubuntu emphasises sharing, consensus, and togetherness.
Now more than ever, I am finding value in "family," that is, the time I spend with moms. I am reminded of my childhood and of "growing up." I can recollect the importance of family during that time, whether it was good or bad in retrospect. Family gave me a sense of belonging and a kind of social structure that inculcated me with the values that I possess to this very day. There is also a sense of obligation and commitment, something so tragically amiss these days. When we speak of family, we often refer to familial love. There is something much more synergistic about family, something spiritual perhaps. And, whether it be our parents or our kids (if we have them), there is a deep bond that transcends genetics. Family is the most important aspect of the human struggle. I believe that family enables us to understand that there really is a Higher Source, that we are part of an even larger family that goes well beyond our physical realm. Ubuntu1.
My tooth is giving me trouble again. It is the lower left molar furthest back. Actually, the tooth has been a source of trouble since the filling was replaced. The tooth is extremely sensitive to temperature. Often, when I bite down into hard substances like the unknown rock-like crap in the Safeway® air-filled energy bars, I experience extreme pain in the tooth. I suppose that I will have to make an appointment with the rip-off dentist. The cost will most likely be well beyond the projected cost of a new computer. Oh well. Did I really need a new computer with Ubuntu Linux installed on it?
1Ubuntu is an African word, which has been described as "too beautiful to translate into English". The essence of Ubuntu is that "a person is a person through other people". It describes humanity as "being-with-others" and prescribes what "being-with-others" should be all about. Ubuntu emphasises sharing, consensus, and togetherness.
Monday, June 11, 2007
King Kamehameha Day 2007
Last night, moms made hot dogs for dinner. Such a simple meal, but very enjoyable. Moms had purchased huge hot dog buns by mistake. The meal was delicious nonetheless. I chatted with moms until 7pm. Then, I departed for Waikiki. Incidentally, my tanning hike yielded a terrible sunburn. Frankly, I was surprised that the one-hour hike produced sunburn of that magnitude. I can only wonder if there is anything left of the ozone layer. I ended up at Barnes & Noble® later in the evening as I had predicted. The hottie "bookseller" was back. Baby looked mighty fine. I spent an hour there. Upon my return to Waikiki, I went into "Paris Hilton lockdown" in my prison cell (read: little shoebox) for the remainder of the evening.
This morning, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure at 9am. I drove to Kahala Mall. I purchased a large cup of coffee at the Barnes & Noble® Café and persued a few magazines. I met moms at the entrance of the mall at 10:35am. Moms and I ate lunch at Pearl's Korean Barbeque. Lunch was delicious. I drove moms back to Hawai'i Kai. I sat and chatted with moms until 1pm. Then, I walked to the gym in Koko Marina. I had no reason to go to town because today was a holiday, King Kamehameha Day, not to be confused with the drunken derelict Burger King® Kamehameha whom I had the displeasure of encountering on the prison transport (read: bus) a few months ago. I did my usual Monday workout and took a nice cool shower. I observed that the liquid soap was not watered down.
Later, I helped moms water the lawn. I also washed my truck. Moms made a small portion of leftovers for dinner. We were both still full from lunch. I chatted with moms until 7pm. Moms gave me a bag of goodies including some tangerines. I drove back to Waikiki. After parking my truck and dropping my stuff off in my prison cell, I was off to Barnes & Noble® again. The hottie "bookseller" was not on duty. Boohoo. I spent an hour basically doing nothing. After returning to Quagmire Prison, I went into "Paris Hilton lockdown" in my prison cell for the rest of the evening. I was fatigued, but my anxieties had abated significantly.
This morning, I retrieved my truck from the Waikiki Banyan parking structure at 9am. I drove to Kahala Mall. I purchased a large cup of coffee at the Barnes & Noble® Café and persued a few magazines. I met moms at the entrance of the mall at 10:35am. Moms and I ate lunch at Pearl's Korean Barbeque. Lunch was delicious. I drove moms back to Hawai'i Kai. I sat and chatted with moms until 1pm. Then, I walked to the gym in Koko Marina. I had no reason to go to town because today was a holiday, King Kamehameha Day, not to be confused with the drunken derelict Burger King® Kamehameha whom I had the displeasure of encountering on the prison transport (read: bus) a few months ago. I did my usual Monday workout and took a nice cool shower. I observed that the liquid soap was not watered down.
Later, I helped moms water the lawn. I also washed my truck. Moms made a small portion of leftovers for dinner. We were both still full from lunch. I chatted with moms until 7pm. Moms gave me a bag of goodies including some tangerines. I drove back to Waikiki. After parking my truck and dropping my stuff off in my prison cell, I was off to Barnes & Noble® again. The hottie "bookseller" was not on duty. Boohoo. I spent an hour basically doing nothing. After returning to Quagmire Prison, I went into "Paris Hilton lockdown" in my prison cell for the rest of the evening. I was fatigued, but my anxieties had abated significantly.
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