Short Musings and a Short Video

I hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas with friends and family.  Hopefully you can find yourselves grateful for both the gifts of retail (hopefully from Best Buy) and of fellowship.  I am currently spending the rest of this week up in Duluth with my mother.

I was able to see my sister this week as well.  What is apparent is that all of us are starting to see the signs of the years passing.  My sister apparently is set to make some life changing commitments in the next year.  As a famous Duluth native said, the times are a changin'.

Work has been nearly all-encompassing for me.  Even on days I've scheduled to have off I'm doing work on the side.  Hopefully I can figure out some work-life balance at some point in the future.

In politics, I recently talked to a family friend who does HR administration who said with the continued implementation of Obamacare next year (elections do have consequences) that small business should expect their health care costs to rise 30%-40% next year.  Now as an individual who has been around small and large businesses all my life, there are two ways for a business to address these cost increases, limit staff/overhead (costs) or shift the costs to the consumer.  Either one doesn't facilitate greater economic activity.  One could argue that the costs are simple being shifted from the public (who pays for those who enter the ER without coverage) to the employers themselves.  All I say is higher costs certainly won't be stimulative for this economy as it is now.

Did someone say "fiscal cliff?"  It's government's finest moment, for sure.

For your video, I think if you are ever bored, you can do what this gentleman did.

Oh the ingenuity.  

Quick Update and a Christmas Video

For those who would like a quick update, here it is:

- Work is keeping me busy at Best Buy.  As you may know, the company has been under much speculation of a buyout by the company's founder, Richard Schulze.  But to say I know what's going to happen would be misleading.  So I'm not to mislead.  However, I will say I took a quick jaunt through the company party today and saw this man.

I guess we're cutting back on the entertainment budget.  

- Otherwise, I cannot say much has changed.  Gopher men's ball games I have a season ticket to attend. I'm cautiously optimistic.   My mother will return to the country from China next week, hopefully with nothing brought back for me.  It's been a year since I've started on my Medifast diet and I'm about 47 pounds lighter.  So there you be.

- Finally, I'm looking forward to the annual Christmas Party at Straitgate Church.  Great music, great messages and outstanding fellowship awaits. Although I've been tasked to run the sound system (don't yell at me, ok!) I still think it's too bad that SG didn't bring back the Ad Hoc Choir.  So I guess this will do for now.  

Merry Christmas, folks.

Head Slapper of the Week

As I'm trying to figure out what to do with my unused concert tickets due to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra lockout,  I needed to find a diversion.  I found it from where else, North Korea.

Now does that make you feel better about our national security.  In fact, I wonder if Puff the Magic Dragon is far behind.   Three and a Half Head Slaps.

Thanksgiving and "Black Friday"

This is a the time where I wish everyone had an utterly belated happy Thanksgiving.  Hopefully everyone had great times with family and friends.  Thanksgiving is generally seen by many a very male-friendly holiday since many take the day to eat much carbs and protein and watch football.  Take the day as you like, but one should be spending it with conversation and fellowship in my myopic opinion.

As you may know, my mother is in the old country, so I was able to spend Thanksgiving in St. Paul at the gracious invitation of the Delaney household.  It's the second time I've had the opportunity to join them for Thanksgiving and each time I left full of protein and grilled turkey.  I think I'm still recovering five days later.  Very good food and very enjoyable fellowship for sure.

I also know that many go shopping Thanksgiving evening/Friday morning for a commercial event called "Black Friday."  I personally don't go shopping on Black Friday, mainly because I have a quasi-phobia to shopping in general.  When I go shopping generally I try to get out of the store as quickly as possible because I subconsciously hear a "giant sucking sound" on my wallet.   But as a Best Buy corporate employee, I'm glad not everyone feels that way.  In fact, I hope most individuals does what this young lady is up to at a local Best Buy near you.

So knowing that "Black Friday" is a high traffic time at Best Buy (you just have to trust me here),  how do we get our employees  in the store, the "Blue Shirts" (no not the Chelsea Football Club) ready to take on such a challenge?  The Best Buy Cheer, of course:

That's the corporate spirit!  Shop away everyone! We're ready!

Head Slapper (of the month)

I know, I know.  It's been a long times since the last Head Slapper.  I've been so busy with work that Head Slappers haven't really come into focus.  So this past week I thought about possible winners, such as the attention Patrick Reusse gets for naming Turkeys of the Year and my Pastor at church singing Beatles tunes.   But I did find a winner:

"I've been to some bizarre spots in South Korea, from DMZ tunnels to a seaside park dedicated to male "parts,"  but a new theme park in Suwon is at the top of my must-see list: it celebrates toilets.

The Restroom Cultural Park is billed as the world's first toilet theme park. It's a monument to the colorful former mayor of Suwon, a man known as Mr. Toilet.

The late Sim Jae-duck was himself born in a toilet and had an affection for loos throughout his life, rigorously promoting public facilities while mayor.

Sim also founded the World Toilet Association and wrote a book entitled "Happy to Be With You, Toilet." He died of prostate cancer in 2009……"

Indeed folks, you can head to South Korea to go to a toilet museum.  I'll just leave you with this link and the following BBC News story (discretion is advised) (Three and a half head slaps).

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57548161-1/flushed-with-pride-korea-celebrates-toilet-theme-park/

Quick Update

I guess it's been awhile since I last posted in this space.  As you can guess, I've been insanely busy with work as Best Buy continues to be in the news, both locally and nationally, regarding the condition of the company.   I've worked multiple all nighters the past couple weeks as I've tried to keep up with different fire drills as they happen.  Gotta love that corporate life.

 Last week, CEO Hubert Joly provided his prognosis on how to revive the company's fortunes.  As I saw the PowerPoint deck he presented to stock analysts and the public at large, I kept thinking to myself that I have seen many of these slides already.  I guess having a cube within 75 feet of the President and CEO of the company could have something to do with that.  I don't know if that's a good or bad thing either.

 

Oh by the way, support this blogger and buy an item or two from Best Buy this Christmas shopping season :)

I also learned last weekend while I was in Duluth that my mother is going back to Hong Kong for a month.  It'll be a first time back there since my father passed away.  I'm glad that she'll be able to see her family for an extended period of time.  She asked me before she left if I wanted her to bring anything back.  I simply said no. 

I have been told that I should post pictures of individuals on this blog.  Well, as a single guy that doesn't get out much outside of Gopher sporting events and church I have to say I don't have many opportunities to take pictures of different individuals.  So I'm sorry about that.  However, I have to say that this being the first blog after an election that shows the milquetoast Presidential candidates present negative vibes for his party, I'll present my feeling how this election turned out through one picture.

Head Slapper of the Week

While disappointed regarding this year's election results, (who would have thought John McCain generated notably more GOTV enthusiasm than Mitt Romney), I have to say the following story was too strange to pass up:

"Rochester City Council President Dennis Hanson died of a brain aneurysm in June. On Tuesday, he won re-election.

And it wasn't even close.

Hanson prevailed with 51.5 percent of the more than 46,000 votes cast. Challenger Jan Throndson was second with 43 percent, and write-in candidate Jeff Thompson received about 5 percent of the votes.

"It's what Denny would have wanted," said John Eckerman, Hanson's campaign manager and a longtime family friend.

The unusual election came about because Hanson died after the deadline for withdrawal from the race.

Filings closed June 5, with only Hanson and Throndson signing up to compete for the job of running the City Council. The withdrawal deadline was two days later. Hanson died June 27.

Under state law, his name couldn't be removed from the ballot, said Rochester City Clerk Judy Scherr.

And so the race…."

Think about it, a deceased man had better electoral success than Mitt Romney.  Three and a Half Head Slaps.

A Walk Through Target Field

Last Friday, I took the day off from work at Best Buy as an indulgence for my birthday.  I had lunch at the Ike's with a few of Straitgate's best and brightest law minds and then I decided to take a tour of Target Field.  Here are a few photos:

Dining Room of the Champions Club

Memories of better times

Manager's Ron Gardenhire's view from the dugout

View from behind home plate

3rd base dugout (Vistors)

Visitor's Batting Cage:  Underneath the 3rd base stands

Visitor's Vending and Dining Area

Visitor's Clubhouse

Yes, the Twins did win championships while in MInnesota

The tour was about 90 minutes and was well worth it.  If you have a chance to take a tour, I would advise you to do so.

Election Predictions

Since it seems like my revelation of my ballot has created enough head slapper comments that I probably won't be providing original material till the New Year, I guess I should just go ahead and quickly provide some election predictions.

President:

Here's my map:

US Senate:

53 Dems -47 Reps.  No Net change.  

US House of Reps:  242 Reps - 193 Dems.  No Net Change.

Minnesota:

DFL wins Senate, GOP keeps House

Voter ID amendment passes

Marriage amendment fails due to excessive number of blank ballots (refusing to vote is counted as a "No" vote).  If it fails, MN will be the first state in the country where a traditional marriage amendment fails.

It is what it is.

The Time has Come!

In 10 hours, I will journey down to the Ramsey County Elections office and complete my election ballot.  It's been a long election season and I have pretty much made my decision on whom I'm voting for for each office.  For now I'll just say I'm voting for my strongest preference, which I urge all of you of voting age to do also.

In regards to this election, I assume that many may agree with this young lady:

Nevertheless, as my father told me, we are all blessed to live in a country of this much wealth and freedom, protect it at all costs.   Please decide with great care.

Short Takes

Well, life has been hectic with work.  As you may of heard, these are interesting times at Best Buy.  So interesting, in fact, that Best Buy's CEO, Hubert Joly, has decided to move his office to my floor.  I have to say I find it strange to see him walk in each day off the elevator and speak French to the secretary.   But that just means there is never a dull moment as the turnaround is upon us (I hope).

I see that the "Frankenstorm" bashing the East Coast is playing havoc with much of the country.  Not only are millions of folks facing sudden hardship and trial, but everything is put into a political context.  Should Republican Governors in the storm's path say positively things about the President?  Will the President get a boost from appearing like a leader that has some likability to him?  Should Mitt Romney or his surrogates compare how the President is taking such care in the aftermath of the "Frankenstorm" and much less care concerning what happened in Libya where his ambassador was killed?  So many questions, so few answers.  Does it really matter?

I am still bummed out that the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is still on lockout.  Thus far, none of my concerts have been canceled.  Yet if an agreement is not reached by Wednesday, that could change in a hurry.  If I can't attend the concerts I purchased tickets for I will be very, very disappointed.

I heard Wednesday is Halloween.  Folks dress in costumes, beg for candy and act silly on that day.  Halloween is also known as Samhain, when the souls of the wicked who have died are supposed to come forth from their graves to revisit their former friends and family. Back in the day, the way folks kept away those souls from visiting your front door was setting out food to save themselves.  So based on that logic, when folks are setting out candy to children all across the country, they are celebrating Samhain.  Such a pagan holiday was so prevalent thousands of years ago that in 835 Pope Gregory the IV wrote, "If the pagan traditions cannot be forbidden, then let them be tamed."  Doesn't that sound familiar for so many pagan traditions of this day?     Rather, I recall that Wednesday is Reformation Day, when  in 1517 Martin Luther took his bold steadfast stand to nail the 95 debating points that changed world history forever in a positive direction in my myopic opinion.  But if one wants to put on a costume and beg for candy, as them to reflect on Samhain.

Head Slapper of the Week

Apparently science research has no bounds.  Eduardo Santurtun of the University of Queensland is conducting research in Australia on the buying questions, "do sheep die of sea-sickness?"   Yes, I know this is paradigm changing stuff, but someone has to do it.   

What was so interesting about this research is to simulate a ship at sea, capital expenditure was needed.

Santurtun couldn't do his research on board a real boat, so his team of researches recreated one in the lab. They've set up a moving crate experiment to test the effects of live export on sheep stress levels." 

You can listen to the news story here.

Baaaaa!!  Three Head Slaps

Poll Questions

Apparently I'm not good at poll questions so I'm replacing my question for this week.  But I would like suggestions for future questions.  Please Post Them!!

Update and a Musing(s)

It's been awhile since I provided an actually post, so I guess I should put one together.

Life has been quite busy for me.  Work has been keeping me for long hours and it seems like it's dark when I head to Best Buy for work and getting dark when I leave.  So I'm assuming fall is here now or I'm working much longer hours than I thought I was.

I'm also made the commitment to actually change my drivers license and voting registration to reflect my residence.  It was a bit delayed, but "I'm legal" now.  Not that I was "not legal" on purpose.  I do plan to vote on November 2 though in St. Paul.

A couple of musings:

- As the election enters its final weeks, it appears the Presidential contest is a close as ever.  It could be the President's or Mitt Romney's to win.  Frankly, I still think the President is the favorite in this election.  The electoral math is simply too much in the President's favor.  As of this date, I'm thinking the President will win a President Bush "43"  type victory with between 270-290 electoral votes, keeping us up until the wee hours of the morning.  Romney has been surging in most polls, particularly in swing states.  However, he would pretty much need to win VA, CO, FLA, NC and at least OH or PA to assure victory.  I don't see that happening at this point.  I expect the President to have a strong debate on foreign policy tomorrow  and perhaps regain momentum in the polls.  The reason why I think the President will do well in tomorrow's debate is not because it's been a sound foreign policy.  The situations in Libya and the Middle East are quite hostile these days, however, the President's should simply be stronger than Romney on these issues based on pure experience.  Perhaps I'll be wrong, but I'm thinking it's still the President's race to lose.

- Earlier this month the Centers of Disease Control released a study on births in the United States, including out of wedlock births.  The short story is that nearly 41 percent of all births are born out of wedlock.  That includes 72.3 percent of non-Hispanic blacks are now born out-of-wedlock; 66.2 percent of American Indians/Alaska Natives; 53.3 percent of Hispanics; 29.1 percent of non-Hispanic whites; and 17.2 percent of Asians/Pacific Islanders.  

All in all, this is a disaster in my myopic opinion.  I'm struck by how prevalent societal ills regarding alcohol, drugs and crime are associated with these same populations.  How different would these children's lives would be if these societal ills were not prevalent in their lives and they were raised by a heterosexual married couple?  How much would our society as a whole gain in lower social support costs (the federal government paid a trillion bucks in welfare payments last year), economically (perhaps the educational attainment of these populations would provide them higher-skilled, higher paid labor) and socially.    I'm frankly sadden by this news.

- Finally, I'm sadden to hear that the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra has locked out it's musicians after failing to come a contract agreement.  I've purchased tickets for various concerts this season and am quite disappointed of the very real possibility that I won't be able to attend the concerts due to a contract dispute.  The crux of the dispute is simple: the SPCO management wants to shrink the orchestra and reduce pay by 15 percent in exchange for larger severance packages to save money.  The musicians want the same pay and to reduce the operating deficit raise ticket prices.   This dispute looks like it will take awhile and that really concerns me.

Head Slapper of the Week

As teachers in MN have their union-backed conference this week, giving students two free vacation days, let's see what the Socialist President of France, François Hollande, has proposed:

Socialist Hollande worries that privileged children benefit from parental assistance on take-home assignments and that disadvantaged children do not.

"An education program is, by definition, a societal program. Work should be done at school, rather than at home," Hollande said at La Sorbonne in Paris last week.

Although students will likely celebrate the axing of homework, they might lament Hollande's plan extend the school week from four days to 4 ½ days. Schools will dismiss children earlier than they already do most days and after lunchtime on the extra day, but the planned schedule is not without criticism.

So France's President has decided that despite high unemployment and economic malaise throughout Europe that banning homework was a burning issue.  Sometimes priorities appear to be mixed up for some folks.  Three and Half Head Slaps.

Head Slapper of the Week

For all those Andrew Zimmern fans, the following news will be of great disappointment and sadness.   A Florida man, Edward Archbold, passed away  on Friday after winning a cockroach eating contest.   The debate over the over-exposure to alternative protein sources can perhaps wait.  I'm not so sure that eating both cockroaches and super worms on the same evening would be beneficial to anyone's diet.

Here's the news story:

Hopefully no one's eating habits will need to be changed.  Two Head Slaps

What's up and Debate Thoughts

As you can guess from the frequency of my posts, I've been quite busy with work.  Work at Best Buy has been going at high intensity.  It seems like I'm working 10 plus hours many days.  But it is what it is.

I was also up in Duluth this past weekend to help out with my duties at the Golden Inn.  I learned a couple things while I was up there.  One, it's getting a bit nippy in Duluth these days.  Two, I probably should get up there more often to see my mother.  

Regarding that Presidential Debate over 60 million folks saw, I read and hear that Mitt Romney proved that he was well prepared for the debate in sharp contrast to the President.  I have to agree with that assessment.  I saw much of the debate and I have to say that the President's body language was terrible and his answers to the questions appeared cliches while Mitt's body language was quite energized and engaged.  

His answers, while eloquent, were certainly not stuff that would appeal to small government conservatives.  When did we think Republicans would cheer Romneycare as a triumph of bipartisanship and that they are fan of green energy too?  These are strange days in a strange election season.

Regarding the debate tomorrow, perhaps Rep. Paul Ryan can ask the VP about the following (which I do give Mitt credit for bringing up against the President):

  Who says the Road to Serfdom is not already here?

Head Slapper of the Week

In relation to Head Slappers, this week's winner is a physical accomplishment.   A 40 year old man in India created a record by smashing 18 coconuts on his head in 18 seconds.  Why?  To create a record of course.  See the feat via this link:

http://www.keyc.tv/story/19707176/man-breaks-record-by-breaking-coconuts?clienttype=printable&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7792300

Some folks may need to prioritize their time a bit differently.  Three Head Slaps.

Short Takes

As you may know, work has kept me quite busy last week.  However, at Best Buy they occasionally bring guests around for different promotions.  Last week, Best Buy was promoting the expansion of it's Wellness Center facilities.  These facilities include a nap room, health assessment center (body fat, weight, blood pressure), a work/fitness center (i.e. workstation on a treadmill), etc.  As part of the grand opening, Best Buy brought in Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Chad Greenway to take pictures with the employees.  So i dropped by for a quick chat and a picture.

The fitness center folks said that this was a great looking picture.  But I think it's just shows that both Mr. Greenway and I like to show off our dental work.

The only other news is that my supervisor comes back this week, so I may be down to helping replace some of the functions of two instead of three of my co-workers.

Other bits:

- Well, the Presidential debates are this week.  But frankly, I don't know if I've ever been so bored with a Presidential campaign.  I hear that we have two candidates, the President and Mitt Romney, that have distinctly different visions for the country.  However, while it's become quite clear what the President believes,  I don't know anything distinctive of what Mitt Romney beliefs.  I have not heard him distinctively talk about specific issues such as unemployment, the deficits, the Middle East, traditional values, etc. that would make him materially different than the President.  I have heard that he would "replace" Obamacare with "sensible reforms."  Well, if the man who signed government-run health care in Massachusetts talks about "sensible reforms," that sounds quite vague. So perhaps the debates will change the tenor of the campaign, but currently I've very bored with this election season.

- I went to my second wedding last weekend.  As I said, I don't go to many weddings, but I have to say it was once again a very nice occasion.  However, I don't see myself attending any other weddings anytime soon.  I guess this would be a good poll question though, hmm..

Head Slapper of the Week

Note: This is a pop culture alert!!! Please considered yourself warned

As a Minnesota Golden Gopher football season ticket holder, I'm as enthused as anyone for the team's fast 4-0 start.  One thing that has been lacking for this team is student attendance at the games.  As a former student, I can see two reasons for this.  One, the team wasn't too entertaining to watch (the team is just showing some respectability after the failed Tim Brewster coaching era).  Two, the tickets are expensive for students.  Season tickets were 90 bucks a piece, a tough pill for a poor undergrad to pay to watch a subpar football team.  

Well, the team is trying to gin up enthusiasm by putting up a short dance video.  All I can say is when I saw this on my local news the first thought in my head was "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"

I think Max Shortell should stick staying in the pocket.  Three Head Slaps!!

A time with Authority and Revisiting Hayek

To say the least, I've been very busy recently.  At Best Buy, I'm currently not only covering requests for my everyday tasks, but also most of the tasks of a couple of co-workers who are out on leave.  These 10+ hour days even have my Director asking me questions on when I'm taking vacation.  It is what it is.

I have though, had a chance to meet Best Buy's new Chief Executive Officer, Hubert Joly.  The Frenchman spent a little time to introduce himself to others at the Richfield corporate office.  As you can see, I had a chance for a short conversation.

I have to say Mr. Joly did not have the firmest handshake.  He had a friendly demeanor to him though.

The conversation was simply me introducing myself and talking about how well Mr. Joly has been able to integrate himself into the company.  The man has led the turnaround of three companies.  He'll have his work cut out here though.

At the end of our conversation, Mr. Joly asked me to hold a "V for Victory" sign in our picture together.  I'm working to see that victory actually happens and I'm confident that they will not be a dull moment in the next few months pursuing it.

I'll just say that there's never a dull moment working at Best Buy.

---

As we enter the final stretch of this election year, I thought it would be interesting to take a contextual view of how this election fits into the evolution of our society.  Call me a pessimist, but I generally see us following the path that was dictated by Friedrich A. Hayek in his famous book, "The Road to Serfdom"

 I have a copy of this book which I first read as a sophomore at Carleton.  However, I will have to recollect facts of the book mainly by memory since I loaned the book out months ago.  Hopefully whoever has it is gaining some enlightenment from it (they know who they are).

Anyways, I'm quite concerned that the issues that Hayek talked about in the 1940s are quite relevant now.  Hayek wrote the the book to  "warn of the danger of tyranny that inevitably results from government control of economic decision-making through central planning,"^[1] 

^{Hayek discussed that back in post WWI Germany, the Nazi part was simply against individualism, capitalism, democracy and classical liberalism.  However, they used the} democratic system to gain power by convincing the electorate that socialism (economic control and guidance by the government) could be mixed with democracy and freedom would not be lost.  Well, we know how that story ended.

But way did it happen?  Let's think about what was happening about the time Hayek wrote the Road to Serfdom:

• Germany as wells as the world was recovering from a great economic crisis;
• A growing consensus that the solution of – trust in government to solve the problems of this crisis (Hitler was the ultimate Keynesian, pursuing a massive public works program to rebuild the economy, but also help his own ends);
• A growing acceptance to the concentration of power on part of the government through the message crisis (greater emphasis on nationalism)
• laws that are passed to legitimizes economic control over people lives
• loss of personal freedom (in Hitler's Germany, you know what that meant, I hope).

Does this sound familiar? Does the economic crisis in 2008, greater financial regulation, the increase of federal power in education, immigration, healthcare, etc. make you think about how much power has been centralized in our society today.   Personal freedoms lost to greater regulation and more invasive tracking techniques make you pause in thought of the devaluation of individualism that was seen for many years an integral facet of American Exceptionalism?

Going back to Hayek, another idea that he discussed in the Road to Serfdom is that the diversity of expectations in a democracy often leads to elected officials not being able to implement the policies they promised.  This generally leads to gridlock, which I'm generally a fan of due to my pessimistic view of the quality of any policies that are implemented these days.  However, the public at large over time can become disenchanted with government's inability to get things done (fiscal cliff, anyone?).

Hayek also talked about the the importance of economic freedom and economic security in relation to a more centralized state.  Hayek said that "Economic control is not merely control of a sector of human life which can be separated from the rest; it is the control of the means for all our ends."  If one is expecting government intervention for mere subsistence, then a loss of economic freedom with inevitably result.  When one thinks that about 2 out of every 5 Americans are living under the poverty line and we hear folks expecting public assistance to pay their mortgage and/or their student loans, there's the potential for much loss of economic freedom and greater public disenchantment.

When the public becomes disenchanted, they can eventually unify behind one leader or group of leaders who promises to address their needs.  Over time that leader can gain greater centralized power the leads to the bullet points above.  That's pretty much what I recall from the book.  Does history repeat itself?  We'll see.