Jim Black Sentenced: 5 years

63 months in a federal prison is the sentence handed down today for one of the top Democrats in North Carolina: Democrat Jim Black. That and a $50,000 fine. That's 5 years for public corruption, folks. I guess there's a little justice in world.

Oh, and there's still sentencing in state court for bribery and obstruction of justice to come when the feds are done with him. Couldn't have happened to a more appropriate fellow (but I was still pulling for the full 10-year sentence for this criminal).

Posted by: Ogre at 03:56 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 98 words, total size 1 kb.

Ford Escape Hybrid Value

I'm sure by now, if you haven't been living completely under a rock (where this blog is indeed published to), you've noticed the recent surge towards "green" power. I mean besides algore and his "Warming the Globe with Global Warming" tour.

More people are simply wanting to "go green." There's reports of people modifying cars to run on oil instead of diesel. Many want solar power for their homes. There's kits for solar everything. Half the shows on DIY and other such networks reference "green" technologies. And Ford has taken the lead in offering people "green" solutions with hybrid cars.

I've mentioned before -- I have absolutely NO problem with people who want to use so-called "alternative" sources of energy. It's new technology, so I'm always interested in it. My problem is when people FORCE me (or others) to use things that they like, just because they like them. This issue is loaded with emotion, so I thought I'd add some facts.

Many people who want to "go green" want to do so to save the earth. I think that's a total load of crap. I think people who actually believe man can really shape the earth's climate are awful full of themselves. The biggest reason I haven't "gone green" is the same problems solar and other sources of energy have always had -- they're too expensive and not as efficient as other sources. Once they become economically feasible, they'll explode in popularity. Seriously. When it costs LESS to power my house with solar, I'll buy it in a minute. So will lots and lots of other people.

The environmental wackos and their church of environmentalism know this, so they want you to think you're saving money. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a recent incarnation of this attempt to fool people. You see, with high gas prices, members of the church of the earth want you to think you'll save money by using hybrid cars (while "saving" the environment). Well, a simple analysis shows that's simply NOT true:

The Ford 2008 Escape Hybrid (SUV), according to the Ford web site gets 34 mpg and costs $25075 (starting MSRP). The Ford 2008 Escape Non-Hybrid (SUV) gets 28 mpg and costs $18770 (starting MSRP). None of those numbers are real accurate or great, but they'll do for comparison.

The "average" US driver goes about 15000 miles per year. Comparing the two vehicles, the Hybrid uses 441.18 gallons in a year, while the Non-hybrid uses 535.71 gallons in the same year. At an average of $3 a gallon, the Hybrid costs $1,324 to fuel for a year, while the Non-hybrid costs $1,607.

For purposes of this comparison, I'm only including initial costs and fuel.

For 10 years of service:
Non-hybrid costs: $18770 + 16070 = $34,840.
Hybrid costs: $25075 + 13240 = $38,315.

In other words, if one person bought a hybrid and his neighbor bought the non-hybrid, the hybrid would cost about $3,500.00 MORE over the same 10-year time period. In fact, it would take over 22 years of driving the vehicle for the reduced cost in gas to make up for the increased cost of the vehicle -- and that's not including possible additional repair expenses associated with the electric motor and battery (because the hybrid simply will cost more to repair because it has the same parts as the non-hybrid and more).

So if you're buying a hybrid Escape because you think you're saving money, you're simply wrong. If you're a member of the environmental church, feel free to buy the hybrid to "save the earth," but realize it is costing you money to do so.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:21 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 614 words, total size 4 kb.

Bill Graham on the Election

I just read an article in Blue Ridge Times-News online called "Q&A with Bill Graham, candidate for North Carolina Governor." Interesting.

When asked what the biggest issue is facing voters, he answered "Taxes." Mr. Graham, if that's your central platform, you're not going to win. Republicans have been running on lower taxes for decades. That position does not matter to voters in North Carolina. The vast majority simply DO NOT CARE how high their taxes are. Combine that with the Republicans at the national level who claimed to want to reduce taxes, but are massively increasing spending, and you've got nothing there. Lower taxes are GREAT -- but that's not a platform that NC voters care about ONE BIT.

When asked what he'd do for "Western NC," he gave a practiced politician's answer: PILES of cash. While that may be a vote-getter, that's sort of in conflict with lower taxes, isn't it? And yes, I'm aware he referred to giving them more lottery money, but it's all government money, no matter what kind of games you play with smoke and mirrors.

When asked about other important issues, Mr. Graham replied, "Massively, hugely expanding government." Well, he didn't use those words, but that's what he very clearly meant. Why? Because he said that he wants government to provide cheap healthcare for anyone who wants it, regardless of their lifestyle or risk of using insurance. Hillarycare for NC, anyone?

He continued to provide very conflicting answers -- the sign of a practiced politician. He said he was going to bring "new ideas" to state government. I don't think healthcare for all and more money for some is a new idea. He wants government to treat citizens as "customers." How about treating them like free people, instead? He says the biggest mistake Easley (the current governor) made while in office is "not showing up for work." All the crap this governor has passed and supported to destroy freedom and Graham complains about him not showing up for work?

The Q&A finishes up with Graham asking readers to think of something state government does well for you. If you can't think of anything, it's time for a change -- but the change is that government will do MORE for you if Graham is elected. Well, that might be a platform to majority lazy bums in NC might be able to get behind. I'm not sure I can.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:47 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 413 words, total size 3 kb.

Napster Customer Support

In the past, I've had Napster service. No, I didn't participate with anything illegal, I joined when they were legal and have used their services without doing ANY copyright infringments. However, I HATE month recurring bills. I would rather pay a lump-sum up front than have recurring billing to any credit card. Napster has been good about allowing me to pay for a year in advance. I often let my year laspe and then re-sign up under whatever promotion might be in play at that moment. I recently tried to do that again, however while Napster is quick to take my money, they are also quick to have crap for service.

On June 1 of this year, I signed up for Napster service. I did not want to have a recurring bill, so I emailed their sales team to ask how I could sign up and pay all at once. They very quickly replied and told me how to do that. I then signed up for 1 year of service with a free music player.

Before the end of the day, my credit card was charged $189.00

I patiently waited for my package to arrive. I checked the online status of my order and it said, "processing." I checked the next week. It said that orders normally take 7-10 days and this one was processing. I checked the next week. It said "processing." After 14 days, I sent an email to their store's customer support team, asking why I hadn't received my order. I reminded them that I was billed with hours, but it had now been 14 days and the order was still "processing." I received a reply immediately:

It is possible to check the status of your order by returning to our store and logging into your account.

Once logged in, click the 'Continue' button to select a list of your orders. By clicking on an order, you can review a detailed list of each item ordered, its status and track your order (if a tracking number is applicable).

Please note that "Open" does not indicate that your order has not processed. Please allow 3-5 business days from your order date for the status of your order to update. "Open" indicates that your order is processing. Please also note that orders containing more than one item may be shipped from different warehouses and, therefore, arrive at different times. Thank you again for shopping with us.

Sincerely,
Shop Napster Customer Assistance Center

***This message has been auto-generated. No additional action will be taken. To avoid receiving another auto-response, please reply to this email and we will route your email to the best customer service consultant to assist you.***

Note the last section -- asking me to reply if I want additional action. Of course, I replied, explaining that it had now been 14 days since my order. Napster's response from "the best customer service consultant:"

That's right, absolutely nothing. So I waited. I checked the status of my order. It said, "processing." A week later, June 20th, I attempted to contact them again. Once again I got the same auto-response email, asking me to reply if I wanted more assistance. Once again I replied (this is now my fourth attempt to contact them). And yet again, the same response from Napster Customer Support: Absolutely nothing.

Later in the day on the 20th, I tried contacting Napster support (instead of the Napster store support). The form automatically sent me to the store. Finally, I tried contacting Napster support (not the store) and explained my entire situation, including my order number and all the details about my order. I knew this would go to "Napster" and not the store, but the store wouldn't respond, so I thought I'd try something. Two days later I got a response (from Mike R):

What was it that you purchased?

Sigh. Well, at least I got a response, 21 days after my credit card had been charged. I yet AGAIN explained what I had purchased, when I had bought it, and the order number. Two days later, I got another response (this time from David G.):

Unfortunately I was unable to locate your order on June 1st. Please contact our free Customer Support line at 1-800-839-4210. Live Customer Support is offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Holy crap. Once again, they had NO problem charging me within hours, but now they don't seem to be able to find my order. *I* can still find it -- it's online and shows up as I write this as, yes, you guessed it, "processing." You may want to think twice about using the Napster Store. They're really incompetent. I did call the number once. After spending the first few minutes listening to their message about their FAQs and how to check my account status online, I was on hold for about 15 minutes. I had to go, so couldn't wait any longer.

Today, 40 days after my credit card was charged, I still have nothing. I think that today I shall send 5 emails to Napster, asking for help. Tomorrow I'll send 10. Maybe if I send 50 emails in one day, they'll actually respond to me -- but I'm not holding my breath.

Again, beware of the Napster Store. Their customer service simply does not respond.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:07 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 902 words, total size 5 kb.

PA Government Saves Money

Have you seen the news about the government in PA? The Democrats and Republicans there have come to an agreement that is reported to be saving taxpayers at least $3.5 million a day. This agreement has been going on for 2 days now, so that's at least $7 million in tax refunds that the citizens of PA should be looking forward to this year.

Under this new agreement, instigated by the Democrat governor Ed "I'm the King" Rendell, government has stopped all "noncritical" government services and "furloughed" 23 or 24 thousand people who were doing "noncritical" work for the state. There were just over 5 million tax returns filed in PA last year, so everyone should at least get a couple dollars back under this new agreement.

Unless, as usually happens, the government decides to offer back pay to all the "employees" who aren't working right now.

Do you know that if the state continues this agreement for the rest of the year that every single taxpayer in the state would save over $100? Sounds like a good deal, I hope they keep it up.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:03 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 193 words, total size 1 kb.

Observer Cheerleading for More

Yes, again. At issue this time is how much the Mecklenburg schools "need." As usual, in the mind of the Observer and Socialists around the world, the answer is ALWAYS "MORE." Today's "article", masquerading as a "question and answer" session, starts with the predictions of total chaos and the end of the world if taxpayers don't pass millions of dollars in bonds. And as usual, there's lies and there's omissions.

The very first "answer" claims that the bonds don't cost money. Seriously. The Observer actually claims that if the taxpayers of Mecklenburg borrow $600 million, they don't have to pay it back. Really. They claim it won't cost tax money to repay a loan. I wonder if the "bonds" would have more success if they were called what they are: TAXPAYER LOANS.

Of course, they claim that if the bonds don't pass, there will be "split shifts and year-round schedules." Got to scare the people into voting for the bonds. It's not a socialist/democrat election unless there's a whole lotta fear going on.

Also, they just happen to forget to mention -- the school board already has $200 million THEY HAVEN'T SPENT. In other words, they HAVE $200 million sitting around -- borrowed money on which they are ALREADY paying interest -- and they want a billion dollars more. Well gee, it's for the children, so we better support it. Otherwise the world will end.

I will mention that there is hope for Mecklenburg. Here's the hope: GET OUT! Yes, if all the productive, working citizens (who pay the taxes for these scumbags) all simply moved out of the county, they simply wouldn't have the money to pay for this crap. Otherwise, if you live and work in Mecklenburg and you're productive, your taxes WILL go up to pay to line the pockets of these Democrat bums.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:04 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 315 words, total size 2 kb.

Jim Black Wants Freedom

Jim Black, a person who absolutely believes he is above the law, once again tries to show how far above the law he is. For those who don't know Mr. Black, he is the former North Carolina speaker of the House and leader of Democrats who was recently convicted of various federal crimes relating to abuse of his political power and bribery.

Black has always believed that he was above the law. You see, he was one of the most powerful men in North Carolina. He was responsible for spending billions of dollars as only he knew how. He knew better than anyone else in the state what the best way to spend YOUR money was. He has personal spending accounts of taxpayer money for his own personal use. And he has never believed that the laws that apply to you and I should apply to him because he's all-powerful and all-knowing.

His sentencing has already been delayed once. Now he wants it delayed again. And get this, he's now telling the judge what his sentence should be! Yes, after YEARS of lying about his crimes, and STILL continuing to claim he didn't do anything wrong, he's now decided what his punishment should be! And no, it doesn't include a single day in jail.

So, what do you suppose YOUR chances of telling a judge what your punishment should be after being convicted of public corruption charges (a federal crime with up to 10 years of prison time)? Again, Black thinks he knows better than anyone else on the planet, so he wants to tell the judge to not send him to jail -- even while continuing to lie to prosecutors AFTER his conviction! Only a Democrat politician can be this full of himself.

If there's justice in this world, he'll get the full 10-year sentence. I'm not holding my breath.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:06 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 319 words, total size 2 kb.

Founding Fathers

Thinking about the state of our country, I think this is very, very accurate. Don't you?

Posted by: Ogre at 06:01 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 20 words, total size 1 kb.

Silent Prayer: Disturbing the Peace

Do you know what constitutes "disturbing the peace?" Go ahead, think for a moment. Picture in your mind what you think of when you hear "disturbing the peace."

Did you picture some guy drinking and yelling in the street? Perhaps you thought of someone playing with fireworks in the street. Maybe you pictured someone talking to everyone in sight, refusing to stop (just kidding, Tammi). But I bet you didn't picture someone praying quietly. Well in Elmira, NY, apparently silent prayer in a PUBLIC park is a crime.

Only in America. That's the country that used to be the land of the free. Once again, the police show that if you're Christian, that's a crime. Keep in mind, these people didn't do so much as TALK to anyone. They were completely silent. They didn't bother anyone. They didn't obstruct anyone. They simply prayed and were arrested for it. Well, Jesus did say that this day would come. Apparently, it has come now. I just wonder where else someone will be arrested for silently praying to God.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 186 words, total size 1 kb.

Freedom: Charlotte Observer Hates It

For those who are new to the area, you may not realize the primary viewpoint of the local newspaper, the Charlotte Observer. The editors are strongly socialist. They honestly despise freedom. Seriously. This newspaper believes that you are too stupid and too irresponsible to be trusted with freedom, only they should be allowed freedom. Oh, and anyone they anoint as a leader (Democrats), too.

This can be seen nearly any day in their opinion section. Sunday's editorial shows that strong slant once again.

In this editorial, the Observer editors complain that people are free to make financial agreements with one another. They complain that people get mortgages that they cannot afford -- and that the all-powerful government should step in and make all determinations for the exact dollar amount that YOU can "Afford" -- no matter what you might like or want. You see, in the minds of the Observer editors, government knows everything. They know exactly how much money YOU can "afford" to borrow, and the Observer actually believes that the job of government is to protect you from borrowing "too much" money.

This is the absolute opposite of freedom -- which is consistently the position of the Charlotte Observer. If you truly want to be free, there is really just one place that's got a chance for freedom. Really.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:05 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 231 words, total size 2 kb.

Ogre's Back

Yay. What a vacation. I had almost zero contact with news or information. I didn't even see algore's internet (which is why I had so much spam). As Angel says, "Ignorance is bliss." I can certainly see why so many people are disconnected from the news and politics. Regular blogging will continue tomorrow (unless I go the way of Daisy Cutter)...

For those who weren't aware, I was traveling up and down the east coast, driving and camping. It was indeed lots of fun. I talked to lots of people about lots of things. A few awards:

Worst roads:
PA without a doubt. Sorry, Oddy, but those roads were really bad. I thought I broke a tire (not a wheel, but a TIRE) on more than one of those damn potholes. NJ used to be bad, but PA really took the cake here. Avoid I-84 and I-81 in PA if you can. Runner-up: NC I-40 west of Statesville.

Worst Traffic:
CT without a doubt. CT simply does not have enough roads. If they'd build a few more lanes, there wouldn't be people driving 20mph on the interstate at all hours of the day. CT is ALWAYS bad. They need to build more lanes, period. Actually the traffic is so bad there ALL hours of the day, that I'm seriously considering driving to NH via Albany, NY just to avoid driving through the parking lot that is CT. Runner-up: no one. Nowhere was traffic this bad.

Dumbest Law:
TN alcohol id. Apparently TN has a new law that requires EVERYONE to show ID when purchasing alcohol. The lunatics that make laws in the state apparently honestly believe that forcing gray-haired old ladies to show id to buy beer will make the world a safer place for everyone. Runner-up: VA and their moronic "safety zones" on the interstate to raise cash for the state.

Best law:
When horseback riding in NC, they had a sign posted that informed riders that if you were killed while riding a horse, you were not able to sue the farm. It really is a sad state of affairs to even think that we need that law, but it sure is a good law to have in place. Runner-up: NH helmet laws. I think I saw 30-40 people riding motorcycles in NH and THREE of them had helmets. That really goes to show that when you let people have freedom, they will exercise that freedom. People really do want to be free.

So I'm back, and I'm trying to get things in order before I head back to work. In the meantime, for those thinking about a run for public office:

Posted by: Ogre at 11:55 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 448 words, total size 3 kb.