welfare, foodstamps, etc... you want help, you ought to help

I'm not super in-tuned to how things work in the food stamps, welfare checks, government assistance arena.  But here's a thought.  I understand that people may have trouble finding a job and taking care of themselves and their families.  The government steps in and helps those people.  Some take advantage of the situation, and some truly need it.  It happens whether you like it or not, I'm not here to talk about that. My thought here is, if you're getting assistance like this, and you're physically able to work (not disabled/handicapped), you should be required to do volunteer work in order to get that assistance.  There is a lot that needs to be done in our cities, states, countries.  We give out millions, if not billions of dollars in this sort of aid, and ask nothing in return.  There's been chatter about requiring these folks to be drug tested, which I would support.  But why not require them to HELP as well.  I'm not asking for much.  I would start with 8 hrs a week of volunteer work.  If you do this, you get your check/foodstamps/etc.

What do you think?  Why don't we require this? 

Furthermore, why don't we require this in our prisons.  Most prisoners do nothing but continue to commit crimes in prison.  I know that there are some work programs, but it should be required for most if not all.

You're free to live your life, but is the man who made it possible?

Watched the Medal of Honor ceremony today at a restaurant during lunch.  Began asking myself questions.  Overall, I do believe that this country is a great country, however, I certainly have my reservations about what is happening to it and who the "leaders" are.  To quickly jump off course, I believe that people should not be allowed to make "careers" as politicians.  Politicians should be citizens that have other jobs and are elected by their peers to make a difference, for a short period of time.  They should be compensated for stepping away from their job, but they should not make a career as a politician.  Back to the point, overall, this country is great (but getting less great).  We are a country of selfish people who, everyday, take for granted the liberties that they have and those who sacrificed for that liberty.  Sure, every now and then, people realize that they are thankful for what others have done, sacrificed, etc for their freedom, but is it enough?  Are our priorities in line?  Regardless of how you feel about the current wars our country is fighting and the reasons why, soldiers come home every day and are quickly forgotten.  It's time we evaluate where our country has been, where it is today, and where it's going.  I think it's time to re-evaluate our priorities, take care of those who sacrifice for us and make changes so that this country remains GREAT.  The leaders of this coutnry are supposed to be citizen elected, and are supposed to work for the citizens.  Although they are "citizen elected" I would argue that more oft than not, citizens are voting on party lines.  Politicians are swayed by lobbyists and a select few win out, while the rest of us suffer.  If this continues, we will likely lose more and more liberties and freedoms, until we have none.

My solution will take time, but here it is.  Stop voting.  Don't vote for anything political.  It may seem radical, but if you think the system is broken, I believe this is the only way to realign it.  If in 20-30 years enough people think the system is broken and stop participating in it, it will allow the citizens of this great country to change it.  Keep voting and you are essentially saying that you think what we've got is working.  Stop voting and show them that it is not.

Moving to Canada?

Are you a US citizen that is considering a move to Canada.

My friend can answer any and all quetsions you may have.

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Crossfit - The Latest Fitness Fad

You've probably heard the term Crossfit in the last year.  With exersizes like "Burpees" and a growing population of Crossfitters, ESPN coverage and "gyms" popping up all over the nation in small bare buildings with basic weights, bars and ropes in them it's certainly experiencing a BOOM.  But is it worthwhile?  Is it Safe?  Is it. . .  really anything new?

Remember the Atkins diet? For a few years, "fat" people thought 'all I have to do is not eat carbs and I'll lose weight.'  Well, that fad died quickly.  There are certainly people who are following the basic guidelines of it, the fad is over.  And soon, I believe, the Crossfit fad will fade away.  It's cult like following has looked similar to the fan base of the Dave Matthews Band, or members of  "The Warehouse" as they like to refer to themselves...  But remember 15 years ago when the DMB fad took place.  DMB was everywhere.  Now, sure they've got their diehard fans, but the general population realized that their music really wasn't that great and that in fact Dave is sort of an asshole.  When his tour bus emptied their pooper onto some unsuspecting tourists in Chicago 5 years ago, speculation began to form as to whether or not it was done on purpose after DMBs twitter account was seen to make some leading tweets.  The tweets were take down later, but the stench remained.

Regardless,  in 5 years you will drive by some "not so great" part of town and find an empty building with a few weights and bars and a half torn down sign that says Crossfit.  You might even have a good laugh thinking about what could go down as the greatest hoax in fitness history that is to be known as Crossfit.

My advice, don't take the easy way out.  Eat organic fruits and vegatables with the occassional fresh grass feed beef and fresh seafood.  Stay away from every and anything that is processed or contains preservatives, and keep active.  Play sports, run, walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and most importantly, do it like they do on the discovery channel.  Because you and me baby, we ain't nothing but mammals.

C.B.C.S

- JP

Detroit Auto Show 2013

I had the opportunity to attend the industry preview day for the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Wednesday. Here are some of the picture highlights from what I saw.

There were big trucks...

And some fast cars...

Some new cars...

And some little cars...

The bottom line is...go down to the D and enjoy it!

Coop

stocks and bonds

wishing I bought more... am I smart, an idiot or just lucky.

Not too long ago I decided to buy back some RIMM stock. We owned some in our investment club but sold it a while back and it had since tanked. I bought in at $11.34.share thinking that the stock was way undervalued and that the new BB10 would breath a little life back into the company. Today, it's trading at $15.20/share (at this moment). It's up $3.86 or 34% in the past month. not a bad return on investment.

What stock has been your biggest movement in your portfolio lately?

Mine would have to be SAM bought at $20ish and trading between $130-140... again wish I bought more.

Worst in the portfolio is Flagstar. It's reverse split several times and I think I only have a handful of shares. It will cost me more money that I will cash out just to sell the damned thing so I keep it in there. BIG loser for me.

 

What do you look for in a stock that you are going to purchase?

Weber Grills - Fun in Advertising

I am pretty sure these Weber Grill commercials started to hit my television screen sometime in 2011. They caught my eye then, and they have caught my eye again. These commercials are fun and bring a smile to my face every time I watch them. They are as fun as being out by the grill and enjoying a beautiful summer day. I am not in the market for a grill, but I am pretty sure that I would check Weber out if I was. I think it is great advertising.

Now for the real reason I wrote this. Please watch the video posted below. Pay very close attention at the 0:13 mark. This is your typical "white guy wedding dance." Not only do we all have a friend that dances like this, but we are blessed to have one of the contributors of this blog do this exact move on very special occasions. Mr. Mitchell, this could not be any more similar to you! Did you try out for this role and just not make the cut?! This is "your move." I think you may want to talk to a lawyer about your rights and chances in a copyright infringement case. Love it!

Coop