Up until now, I've been fine with the Bob Costas commentary coming from the Olympics broadcasted by NBC. My favorable opinion of Costas was strongly reversed, almost instantaneously, at the close of his interview with President Bush.

I expected somewhat of a liberal based question drilling of the President to happen, given that Costas is with NBC and they almost exclusively drink the liberal Kool-Aid anytime it's served. But I personally think that Bobby showed very little respect for the President. Like him (Bush) or not, he deserves respect. Bob's questions were long, leading, carried a sour attitude, and were worded in a spoon fed liberal fashion; anything but balanced and unbiased.

But to cap it off, Bob's final remarks in the short interview directed to President Bush were, "You are dismissed." Did I really hear that? A reporter telling the President, "You are dismissed?"

I think, "Thank you for coming" (to the interview) might have been an appropriate final remark. Or how about, "It was an honor having you." Maybe, "Thank you for your time." But no, it was, "You are dismissed". It was extremely pompous.

I wish someone with cue cards, or working a camera could have quietly reminded Costas, "Hey... remember you are a news reporter, and you're talking to the President... just remember that in case you have the urge to feel more important then you actually are."

For those I rub shoulders with, it's no secret that I've snubbed my nose at faintest idea of an iPhone for over a year now. I've even blogged my snubbing remarks here and here.

So let's just say the tables have turned. I bought an iPhone 3G on opening weekend. News outlets will tell you that they sold a million units in the first 3 days, while it took them 74 days to reach the same milestone on iPhone v.1. So very literally, I'm one in a million now. But the question is, should you believe the hype?

Apple says it's twice as fast. Coming off of my well featured Treo (which had email, touch screen web browsing, etc), I would say the 3G unit is far more than twice as fast. As far as mobile data speeds are concerned, this thing is way faster. The phone imported all 7 email accounts from my Outlook (Win XP), and it checks all the accounts at lightning's pace.

The web browsing is just insane. Though the 3G unit's network is the fastest cellular network out there, it will pick up any available WiFi networks in reach. Being honest here, I only sense a mild speed difference between fully connected WiFi networks and the 3G network from ATT. The multi touch zoom in/out and drag while browsing is without doubt the most efficient mobile web browsing available.

Not even being an avid iTunes user, I easily synced the phone to my XP Pro running Dell, and threw a couple music and photo albums on the phone. Continuing to play around, I downloaded Bloomberg's free application for financial markets news and quotes. It also comes with a Google Maps app complete with pin point GPS location. So if you're lost in the car or otherwise, help is right in the palm of your hand. Bottom line, It was all a snap. A dumber than average monkey could work this thing like a pro.

Final remarks. I was once an iPhone doubting skeptic, but now I'm not only drinking the Koolade, I'm ready to serve it up to others. It is by far the best smart phone device out there.

Having just gotten back from a fun filled week at K-Kauai, there is much to reflect on. If you are not familiar with Kanakuk Kamps, just know that they are the best Christian camps on the face of the planet. Headquartered in Branson, Missouri, Kanakuk operates several camps throughout the Ozark Mountains, dozens of youth ministries across the U.S., and various other inner city camps and outreach camps located as far away as Africa.

Though Kanakuk started in 1926, it came into my world while I was in Junior High. Just this past week, we attended their family camp, K-Kauai. Calling it a family camp is accurate, but almost misleading. It's really an all inclusive family resort, that happens to have some similarities with camp. They take care of all the meals. Each family has their own air conditioned, 2-bathroom cabana. Kids of all ages, are not just taken care of when the grown ups are busy, but they are involved in age appropriate teaching and activities every day. All the Kanakuk staples are present: multi level ropes course, unbelievable pool grounds, on site water park, zip line over the edge of a cliff, most any sport you can think of and several others you can't, water skiing, bluff jumping, and many others. I hardly call it vacation, because there just isn't a lot of resting going on. After one week, I'm tired and sore.

The week is over, and one item of interest keeps standing out. Most of the 40 families there while we were had all been to Disney World before. And time and time again, I heard the same story from families who asked their kids earlier in the year if they would rather go to Disney World or Kanakuk? Each time the kids would give the parents the unanimous decision for Kanakuk.

I have to stop right there, because that seriously blows my mind. But on the drive home, it clicked:

Kids would rather have authentic, inspiring, and challenging activity based interaction with their family, well trained Kanakuk staff, and counselors, then have entertainment to the multi-million dollar N'th degree from Disney. Put simply, it's authentic interaction vs. world class entertainment.

All reflections aside, we had an awesome and unforgettable time and can't wait to go back. Enjoy the photo album on the left.

I have to look at the bright side here. I know some might call me crazy here, but I almost welcome high gas prices. Katie is a stay at home mom, and my commute is between 12-15 minutes. So from a selfish perspective, the pain at the pump that most people are feeling right now just isn't that painful for us. At the same time, lets just pretend that a whole dollar fell off the gas prices, and took the national average to just over 3 dollars a gallon. Well, that's still expensive gas, which means we're at the point now where it's worse than horrible. So prices getting a lot better, barely puts a dent in reality.

But back to welcoming high gas prices. High gas prices are pretty much the only thing that will kick energy innovation into high gear, because frankly most of the solutions being pitched right now just aren't going to cut it. I would even say it's an embarrassment to U.S. innovation that the 145 million cars on our highways are virtually running on the same fuel that the first cars ran on exactly 100 years ago. In 1908 the Model T ran on gasoline and ethanol. Now in 2008, our cars (vast, vast majority) are running on gasoline and ethanol. The Model T also ran at about 18 mpg (miles per gallon). I think the only reason we're not still driving the Model T is probably because it wouldn't pass today's safety inspections.

Ethanol is a great buzz word; I sure fell for it a couple years ago. And FYI, ethanol is not going to cut it. It's caused the price of certain crops to skyrocket, so many countries can't even afford basic foods now. And it takes a boat load of corn and 80 gallons of water to make a gallon of ethanol fuel. That's immeasurably ridiculous.

So how about Hybrids? That word is about as grey as "broadband internet service". What does it really mean? You could buy a 2 wheel drive hybrid Tahoe and get 22 mpg (Hwy). But wait there's more. What if you opted to save $15,000 and get the non-hybrid version, and just take the 19 mpg (Hwy). Pretty simply math here; for 15 grand you get 3 more miles per gallon. NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

Now, there certainly are some hybrids that are just killing it out there. They're not all marketing scams. The Prius boasts more than 45 mpg. That's pretty impressive. For me, I'm not really drinking the hybrid Kool-Aid yet. My well performing sports sedan gets close to 30 mpg on the hwy, and I'm fine with that for now. Premium gas and all.

And as many are pitching, the future is not in driving less for me. It's not in ethanol, hybrids, carpooling, windfall profits taxing, or any of the other insufficient ideas out there. It's not in better fuel economy as far as I'm concerned. It's in DIFFERENT fuel economy. We're a hundred years past the Model T right now. I'm actually shocked that my car isn't running on tap water, nuclear energy, batteries, stored solar power, or frankly anything other than the energy that OPEC gouges for.

Quick reminder, it's takes between 2 and 4 dollars to get a barrel of oil out of the ground in the Middle East. The current market value for that barrel is close to $140. And crying about it doesn't do much, because it's a great case and point for Economics 101: Supply and Demand. Very few people control the supply, and about a billion people feed the demand.

So I look forward to high gas prices. Real pain at the pump is simply a line we will all have to cross. There is no doubt it will have to get worse before it gets better, and I am really looking forward to better.

So I wrote this back in January, and I have been wondering why Apple is up the last several days here. It turns out some analyst that follows AAPL like a shadow noticed that the iPhone was fairly sold out across the Nation. History tells us that Apple tends to eliminate supply of a product when the new version is around the corner (sounds easy enough). So the rumor is that the 3G iPhone is on the (near) way and Apple doesn't want to get stuck sitting on a bunch of version 1 iPhones. Very interesting.

I thought this was interesting...

From the Heart...

I have surprised even myself at how my opinions of the presidential race have shifted over time. As the dust from the primaries settle, I am starting to think that my opinion shifting is sure to slow down.

But what is Obamamania? This week, we have received 4 messages on our home phone from Obama telemarketing. Yesterday, we had a family stop by our house doing some door to door promotions for Obama. Certainly that is Obamamania. They were disappointed that both Katie and I had already voted earlier that day, and not for Obama. I did not have the time to ask "why" when they knocked, but I wanted to. Why is a simple question. Why Obama? I just want to know why those who support Obama so passionately do.

Here is my Obamamania.

I hear Obama make a speech, and I'm moved by it. I look at his voting record as a senator, and I'm disappointed (if not disgusted).

I watch Obama's performance at the debates, and I'm impressed. I take note of his various relationships and associations with questionable characters, and I'm disappointed.

So it turns out, when I see the guy on TV, when he opens his mouth, when he inspires the masses; I too get caught up in the Obamamania. But when the rubber meets the road, it turns out he has the most liberal voting record in the history of the senate. Well that doesn't really gel well, when my views typically aren't in line with the far left.

So I am constantly baffled about how on the surface I can be so attracted to a candidate with whom I couldn't disagree with more?

Serving the Illinois State Legislature, Obama voted "Present" 129 times. Present means I'm here at the vote, and I choose not to vote Yes or No. That's essentially showing up to vote and passing, like it's a game of Go Fish. He defends that point in interviews by saying that voting Present is a tradition in Illinois. So indecisiveness is a tradition? For a leader? The President of the USA doesn't get to vote Present. It's yes or no, all day every day; much like any leader. Voting present is a habit that needs breaking.

On government spying, I say let them spy and Obama says no, not even on foreign suspects. That means our agencies must acquire a court order every time they want to tap the phone line of a foreign suspect. I call that thick red tape in the form of delaying productivity.

On partial birth abortion, he voted Present. On lowering the penalty from carrying an unlicensed concealed weapon from felony to misdemeanor, he voted Present. On firing a gun near school grounds, Obama voted Present. On sealing the trial records of Sex-Abuse victims to protect the victim's privacy, he voted present (making himself the only member not supporting the bill.) On protecting the life of a failed abortion, he voted Present. On prohibiting strip clubs from operating within 1000 feet of schools, churches and daycares; he voted Present.

Now keep in mind, voting present aligns with NO, because Present will not get a bill passed. Voting Yes gets bills passed, while No and Present will not. But we'll keep calling it Present, because that's what the vote says.

Even in his book, The Audacity of Hope, he writes, "You must vote yes or no on whatever bill comes up..." Well that is interesting.

So I guess I'm at a point where I just don't get it anymore. Why all the fanfare? Why all the fainting at rallies? Why all the support?

By no means am I saying Hillary and McCain are saints to be praised. I just don't get the run away blind love that Obama receives from so many. Obama coming to Dallas got the same response as U2 did, as if Obama has been building a fan base of millions for 30 plus years.

He says he wants to have an immediate withdraw from Iraq. But if he withdraws from Iraq and turmoil develops there again (in the Middle East) then he'll order troops to go back. I'm sure that would be cheap. Of course he will raise taxes, so maybe that will help with the Leave and Go Back plan.

I wonder what would happen if the US left Iraq. I wonder if things would go bad in the Middle East? I mean, I have no historical reference to draw from, so I just wonder. I mean, it's not like we have sworn enemies growing armies, and taking refuge in nearby territories or anything? I wonder if Oil prices would go so sky high that it would cause serious and long term damage to the US economy. Now, more so than ever, is not the time to mismanage the Middle East.

I am simply truly interested to hear why people support Obama. I don't want hear about Bush, he's not running. I would like to know Why Obama? That's my question.

Many of you know and have heard Eric Orson sing. From the moment I first walked in the doors of Fellowship Church back in the fall of 1999, his voice was the first voice I heard. Having previously served on praise and worship teams for churches; I was immediately imprisoned by the music and worship at Fellowship Church. For almost 10 years now Eric has led Fellowship Church in song, in worship, in praise, and in prayer. Very few people have the passion, heart, sincerity, and the immeasurable raw talent that Eric has.

Whether it is an event for President George W. Bush, a nation wide church conference, a youth camp, a weekend service at Fellowship Church, a missions group in Africa, or just a small group of ten people; Eric's ministry and passion for music has touched a number of people far to large to be counted. Anywhere in Dallas/Fort Worth, he's likely to be asked for his autograph. Even when in Mexico, or while backpacking in Europe, he's sure to be stopped with the question, "hey, aren't you that guy that sings at Fellowship?"

Little did I know back in 1999 that Eric and I would eventually become close friends. I could not foresee that Eric would invite my future wife to 1824 (the single's ministry) in 2002. I could not foresee that we would eventually rent a house together, serve in ministry together, and eventually stand in each other's weddings. All that to say, I've been blessed to come to know the man that Eric is, not just hear the voice he has.

Eric and his wife Emily are now accepting the challenge to a whole new life adventure. After months of hard consideration and prayer, they are moving to Honolulu. Certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity, Emily has accepted a position with one of the top marine institutes in the country and will be working with dolphins, which is her life long dream.

I know I speak for many when I say they will be missed here on the main land. Eric's ministry, reach, and impact to the masses has no bounds. I have to guess that there is a lucky church somewhere in Hawaii that might soon be blessed the way Fellowship has. I can not wait to see what the future holds.

With much love for the Orson's, we wish them well in their new adventure. If you would like to do the same, feel free to leave a comment here (which he'll get), or comment on his MySpace page at: www.Myspace.com/EricOrson

(Thanks to Bill Harned for the Video Montage)

The song that Will-I-Am put together for Obama is getting quite a bit of attention. Millions and millions of views on youtube are just the start. The media is all over it. I watched the video, and I was impressed. Very impressed. It is catchy, carries the strong "yes we can" hook, and it's loaded to the brim with A-list celebrities.

It is apparent: people are absolutely desperate for inspiration. Whomever shows the first inkling of inspiration; Hollywood and its naïve-idealist followers all come running. Passion. Charisma. People are yearning to hear something and be moved by it.

Here's the problem. It's a speech. It's a song. It's the image of the famous, who most people unfortunately confuse with the wise minds of our time. For the most part they Act. They pretend to be someone else, for a living. Does it take talent? Yes! Can it be unbelievably entertaining? Absolutely! Does it deserve the blind and inherent personal influence it gets? No.

Don't hear me wrong, it took strong talent to put that piece together. It IS a great piece. It also takes strong talent to put an amazing speech together.

I cannot discount the talent it took to create and deliver that message in song. What I can discount is its ease of impact on the masses. What does this mean? Good, original rhetoric is powerful. Combine that with song, and you have an emotional magnet.

If needed, I could write a song to convince people of a position (at least 51 percent of an audience). I cannot say my song will be near as good as Will-I-Am's, but I bet I could put together a pretty good piece.

What does this mean? Nothing. It's music and lyrics. Songs can be powerful. Words, emotion, music, delivery... it's just that. It is art. It's not a plan and follow-through.

This election is not about our Nation's issues anymore. It's not about finding the best man/woman for the job either. It is a popularity contest. A presidential hopeful doesn't really need to convince people that their plan is the best plan. They need to figure out how to get you to vote for them. There is a big difference.

Personal example. Ten years ago, I interviewed with a partner of a big firm. He was the decision maker of me getting a job or not (getting elected you might say). The interview with this company was my last straw. But instead of talking to him about why I am the man for the job, I researched his interests. I talked to people that knew him. For over an hour and twenty minutes of conversation, we talked about his interests and hobbies, and boy I was excited about them. I didn't have the credentials for the job, so I pursued the path of convincing him to LIKE me. I didn't have the experience. I didn't have a plan, the skills, or the knowledge. Granted I might figure out a plan, and acquire the skills and knowledge to get things done and make things work. But at the time of the interview I was a blank slate. So instead of talking about technologies (the issues), my previous work with them (experience), my plan on how I can make his team better, and my ability to invent solutions to solve problems; I worked every angle so he would LIKE me. I needed him to go back to his boardroom, with the rest of the million dollar salary partners, and say, "I like Matt, I think we should go with him". I needed his vote. This man knew absolutely nothing about my experience, my skills, or my potential to learn and become and asset on his team. He simply had an enjoyable hour and twenty minute interview. You could say I did a song and a dance. Was it right? You be the judge.

Back to the Yes-We-Can song and dance. Let it entertain you. Let pop culture and musicians entertain you. Let Hollywood entertain you. That is what they are there for. But do not let them influence you. Influence is Power. Do not hand that power over to the first person who entertains you. Look at the facts. Look at the plans. Look at their beliefs. Look at their position on the issues. Look at their experience. Weigh that on your own personal scale, however you see fit. Make your own decision. We should all be so careful that we don't let someone else do that for us.

For the last couple years, I have felt sorry for Aruba. Their tourism industry is in shambles. One horrific crime that happened to take place on their turf has crippled the island.

I've been to Aruba, and it's a beautiful place. Great beaches, great food, and very friendly people. The US dollar is accepted everywhere, and over all, it's an inexpensive travel destination. Given that it's only 3 hours south of Miami, the year round temperature is in the upper 70s, and the fact that it is a Caribbean island outside the tropical storm path make made it a great place to vacation.

Despite the fact that Aruba has the lowest overall crime rate in the region, Katie and I thought it was quite close to a lawless society. Traffic laws aren't enforced. You can go as fast as you want. No one stops at intersections. Right of way is lost to anyone who yields. You can drink and drive, while not wearing a seat belt. Some drugs that are illegal here in the states are legal there. For the most part, if you don't kill or steal, you won't get yourself in trouble.

The Holloway case started in May of 2005. Understating the obvious, it is a terrible story. For the past couple of years, I've found myself wanting justice for those involved, but sticking up for Aruba with comments like, "They aren't prepared or qualified to solve high profile/serious crimes, because they have no experience." The USA has tons of experience solving violent crimes. We have several branches of law enforcement, zillions of lawyers and private investigators. Our media is like an unstoppable rebel force. It was our media who practically moved to Aruba so the story wouldn't disappear. Aruba doesn't know how to deal with serious crime, because it so rarely happens. The island is roughly 7 miles by 19 miles. There's nowhere to hide.

I have a new opinion now, and I will say I have already visited Aruba for the last time. Here is my problem. Natalee Holloway's step father was interviewed just days after the disappearance. He was asked a series of questions about whether or not Natalee was epileptic, or had a history of seizures. That line of questioning seems strange all by itself. Now just this week, an undercover video is exposed to the world with confessions (albeit conflicting and confusing at best) from Joron. Regardless if his recorded statements are true or not, he spoke at length about Natalee shaking, and displaying seizure like symptoms, just before dying (he claims).

Why would the Aruba authorities have asked Natalee's family just days after her disappearance if she was an epileptic? Is that question normally asked in a murder or missing persons investigation? How would they know to ask that question more than 2 years before the release of the undercover confessional video? Now, I am not bringing any new information to the table. However, I do feel that question is the most important question on the table right now, and the answer to that question is in the critical path to solving this terrible crime.

Wow. Though I was tired of hearing about the Olympics, I am saddened that Romney is no longer in the race. His most powerful campaign speech (by a mile) was given moments ago while announcing his campaign's end. Had he come across that powerful over the last month, he would be winning the race, not leaving.

1. The democratic debate was interesting. Not as much mud slinging. Hillary is doing a good job of not being despicable. I think she is continually improving her likeability. But then again, when you're touted as the least likable person on the table, there's nowhere to go but up.

2. The audience roared uncontrollably on the thought of a Clinton/Obama (or Obama/Clinton) ticket. If the two dems want to trade their pride for the office, I think that transaction is readily available. I think it would be very hard for the Repubs to win under those circumstances.

3. The republican debate was disappointing for me. CNN invited all four candidates, and only let two of them talk. They almost focused their questions completely on Mc and Rom. What an insult to the others.

4. Why do moderators continue to chime in with , "so and so just took a stab at you". You know, in some cases they did (stab), and in some cases they didn't. Either way, the candidates are smart people, they don't need jokers trying to stir up drama out of thin air.

5. Romney is growing a likeability problem from where I sit. Almost as if he's caught the disease from HRC as she cures. More and more he's showing a defensive demeanor, and an almost abrasive attitude with come back comments. Aren't we talking about the President of the United States here? There are massive problems on the table. If I hear one more word about the Olympics, I just might break out into a conniption. Part of me feels like comparing Olympics to Presidency is like telling the world you are going to take your tee box lemonade stand all the way to Fortune 500.

Tonight I was reminded tonight of an almost forgettable phenomenon. I am not a big fan of fast food, but I happened to pick up Sonic tonight. With my combo deal, I received a couple packets of Ketchup. I looked at the little packets and almost laughed. Four packets, all just a hint larger than a crushed pine nut. And there it hit me. These things just keep getting smaller. Year after year, things like this keep getting smaller.

Last week, I caught up with a former colleague (and good friend) over a lunch at Pei Wei. One of the things we talked about was the benefits of going to college. Or ultimately, is college worth it? What do you learn? Now, fresh out of college (go Baylor Bears), I could not tell you what I learned. But 10 years later, I can go on all day. Business case studies, product break throughs, accounting methods, pricing theory, operations, process efficiency, negotiating, and yadda yadda yadda. Of course I did learn a lot about technology, but typically that knowledge expired almost as fast as each day. I do remember from one class the discussion of shrinking products. It's a reality. More times than not, the 80 cents you pay for a 350 milliliter can of soup will probably cost 90 cents next year. It will come in the same can, but will only have 330 milliliters of soup. And of course the metal that makes the can will be a little thinner. Pretty soon you'll be able to open it with your fingernail.

Somehow we Americans are so hell-bent on cost savings, and quarter over quarter profit growth, that implementing methods to meet those goals tend to border on deception.

Have you seen a fun size candy bar lately? It used to be a good two bites. Now it's a mere bite and a half, or just one bite if you're in a hurry. Or what about the fun pack of Doritos? There's like 8 chips in that bag now, and 4 of them are broken. But there's a whole lot of air. I know you've seen it. You open up the bag and it looks like there's just a few chips hanging out in the bottom of the bag.

Profits. Cost Cutting.

Those must be important words, because they clearly and overly dictate American business. Quantity is getting smaller while Quality is on the chopping block. My Ketchup packet was enough for 1 onion ring... and I'm light on the sauce.

But keeping the example of the Ketchup packet condiment, why not take the packaging from a 3 ink printing to 1 ink? Product display isn't that important, because the end consumer isn't buying it. It's a freebee. You know you want it or you don't before you even get your food. How about just red. One red box with Heinz written in the middle. If costs need to be cut, don't give me less product. That is such a cheap shot. Anyone can cut costs by shrinking product.

I believe that some of the most creative and brilliant business minds are here in the states. Those brilliant minds need to come up with cost savers other than shrinking product. I'm just expecting my can of coke to shrink from 355 ML to 350 ML.

On the flip side, God bless Harley Davidson. Killer quality. Limited production. Could they make more money? Absolutely. But they choose to keep the integrity of the brand, their quality, and iconic status of their product. There's probably a 100 things they could do tomorrow to fatten up the margins, all of which would deteriorate quality. Now that's an American icon.

In closing, how long can you shrink product and still have product? There is an end to that rope, wherever it is. You will eventually have to come up with a real idea, because shrinking won't save the profit every time.

I suppose it is time to revisit this post from May-07. Many months in the making, MSFT is finally taking over YHOO. (Press)

So this morning I walked into the office and just laughed when I saw the DOW down 260 points. I have no problem with the correction going on, because A. our downside protection has kicked into overdrive (90+ days out IWM puts). So at this point the more absurd tanking goes on, the better off I am. But somewhere around 1PM (cst), I just happened to glance at Apple trading in the 120s. Totally ridiculous. The stock has had an unjust amount of downside surprise, regardless of how you interpret their soft outlook. So I looked at AAPL trading at 127, and thought enough is enough, the ridiculousness has gone too far. I jumped in @ 127, thinking I’m willing to ride out any further downside. They have product, they have cash, they have growth, innovation… what’s not to like? Turns out my spontaneous buy time happens to be the luckiest timing I have executed in a long time. And even though it’s rebounded an Earth shocking 9% since 1PM, I’m not even thinking of dropping out now. Personally I think 127 is a great avg cost for the longer term.

I am paying attention to politics like never before. Compare my social classification from 8 years ago to now, and the differences are massive.

I'm married. I have a child. I own a business. I'm a partner in another. Taxes are a whipping: corporate, partnership, individual, federal, state, etc. Health care is unrighteously expensive (about $800/month).

Simple thoughts.

The Dems (HRC, BO, and JE) want to raise capital gains taxes. That's the dumbest thing I've heard of since the "New Coke" (circa 19-80-something). Move 20 percent to 28 percent? Yeah that will get people investing in the economy. Now that's change I can believe in. It would sure change, and I believe it. And it would be the worst thing for our times. Slowing economy, weakening dollar, China and India are bidding (and in some cases over bidding) for the same oil the US wants, possible recession. Wait… let's raise capital gains, that will fix things. Dumber ideas have never been discussed.

Employee based health care is the second dumbest thing I've ever heard of. Small Business is the creator of jobs and the entrepreneurial spirit of America. So why make it so hard for people to get HC insurance? What if you're a sole prop? What if you're in a company with less than 15 employees? I've been insured by Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, Humana, and probably more that I can't even remember. I can't stay with Aetna because I don't work for KPMG anymore. I can't keep my Blue Cross coverage, because I don't work for Scient any more. And on and on. Why is it a company's burden anyway? What's the message? I can go get a job with some big fat company, clock in, clock out, most likely not enjoy my day to day, but I can get fabulous insurance on that path. Wow. Our hospital bills out 1 pill of Aspirin for $6. Double wow. I wonder why my family coverage is nearly $10,000 per year? What's the going rate for a band aid?

IRS vs Consumption Tax.

The IRS is the 3rd dumbest thing I've ever heard of. Anyone talking of ridding of the IRS and moving towards consumption based taxes… I'm listening (and probably voting). Mega rich actually historically pay a low percentage of taxes. Complicated corporate structures, teams of CPAs, filling every loop whole with credits and write offs like it's a game (because it is). Illegal immigrants don't pay taxes, and they get free health care. That's quite an incentive. No wonder they're coming in droves. Crime lords, illegal businesses, hookers, drug dealers... what is their tax bracket? Oh wait, there's not one. Only the legitimate are taxed, because that's how the system is set up. And most any study would support me saying there are tens of millions of illegitimates in the country. The poor don't pay taxes, so the get in line so they can be paid by the government. If you barely qualify for welfare, what motivates you to make another $1000 a year? You could lose welfare and start paying taxes? Boy that sounds desirable. What part of any of this sounds like a good plan?

Tax my car. Tax my cheese, paper towels and property. Leave income alone. Taxing income is counter productive at best.

So to make a long story short (too late), I'm all over this election season. Can't America be presented with change they can (actually) believe in? I just ask for one other qualifier. It has to be good change.

GM is set to raise prices for their New Year's Resolution. Now, is that really a good idea? Home foreclosures are still at all time high rates, and GM's stock has fallen almost 40 percent since the 52 week high in October. Banks have less money to lend from their self-caused credit crunch. Nine out of ten car notes are upside down. Is now the time to raise prices on the cars people aren't buying? You be the judge. I just find it interesting.

Click here to watch.

Google dipping below 650 the other day was one of those blessings of second chances. Since GOOG will be heading back to 750 (it's only a matter of time), the market was nice enough to let people back in at 650 (or lower) again. Consider that a blessing, which on the heals of Thanksgiving you should be thankful for.

Google will be monetizing phone service soon. Since cell phone providers know where your phone is (via GPS), it's safe to assume that Google will know where you are too. Maybe Google will be able to automatically know that you've been in motion for more than 300 miles. I would speculate that they might send you a little blurb about the nearest gas station, or closest restaurant? What if it's Saturday morning and you're just around the corner from a donut shop? That donut shop might be paying Google to tell people near their shop to stop in for some donuts. It's certainly not far fetched. Imagine the possibilities. Then imagine what that will do to the value of the company.

Let me first state for the record that I tend to vote republican. But for the first time ever, I am routing for Hillary. The fire between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama continues to rage, but I do hope that Hillary pulls ahead. Iowa, New Hampshire, whatever the case… democrats should to come together and pull for their leading lady.

Please, hear me out.

Republicans need Hillary Clinton on the campaign ballot. She is just the kind of change the 2008 election needs.

By my research, it appears that somewhere around 122 million people voted in the presidential election of 2004. The results show that Bush edged out Kerry by just 2.62 percent (or roughly 1.5 million votes). Now from 122 million people, a disparity of only 1.5 million people is really pretty small.

If we have Hillary running for president in 2008, I think we can crank that disparity up to about 10 million, and really produce a run-away election, grand-slam style.

Here's the deal. There are a lot of people who like Hillary. But the thing is, "like" doesn't drive people to the voting booths. I suppose "love" might get people to the vote for a cause. But how many people "love" Hillary, or any candidate for that matter?

The truth is, we're talking about the United States here. And there's just not a lot of love out there. But there is a lot of "love to hate" running around. Just take a look around. Our magazine racks? Our news? Lifting people up (love) just simply just isn't cool and trendy right now. However, tearing people down is. With that said, our people are probably more likely to vote against someone, than for someone.

This is why Republicans so critically need Hillary Clinton in the race. So long as she is running, Republicans will turn out in mad droves, just to vote against her. And this my friends, is what will produce a run-away election, and will put the Republicans in the White House, again.

Man, who let the dogs out? Remember this post? When I recommended MasterCard (MA) at 160/share? They blew the roof off their quarterly earnings this week and MA is up over 20% today (intraday), over 100% year to date. Wow. Seriously, I almost can't believe my eyes. Ding ding ding, ring the bell on this party, pigs get slaughtered.