October 12, 2008
The Large Hadron Collider: The End Of The Universe? Truth or Lie?
Watch this video about the Large Hadron Collider. This guy knows what he is talking about! Decide for yourself, should this project be stopped?
October 10, 2008
Is it impossible to truely plan our future? Truth or Lie?
For over twenty years of my working life I designed large scale custom homes and developed working drawings and specifications for those homes. I can tell you based on my life experience that planning is very hard and that the hardest part of planning has to do with people. For instance, once after having spent hundreds of hours developing – first a written design program then a series of schematic designs then several versions of preliminary designs, designs that included detailed floor plans, elevations, site plan and sections; the owner was finally ready to sign off on the design so we could start the working drawings, and specifications, the actual documents a builder would use as a guide to build the house.
The married couple who was planning on having this house built was just about to sign off when the wife said, “before I sign off on this design, I have one question”. She pointed to a symbol on the floor plan and said, “my husband and I have both been wondering what this symbol means”. The symbol she was pointing to was one of the most basic floor plan symbols used to communicate an important element of home design, it was the symbol representing a door. So, I quizzed them a bit and I started to realize that they didn’t understand what many of the symbols on the floor plan meant but had been wasting many hours of their time and my time pretending they did and giving me written approval for this design.
At the time, I was a seasoned designer and had designed at least 100+ homes that were built. I began to wonder, how many times I had gone through this design process with people and they really didn’t understand what I was showing them.
I sometimes wonder if that is not a big part of the problem that we as humans have. We are lead down a certain path of planning by well meaning people or not so well meaning people, we think we know what we are approving when we approve it but we do not. We do not really understand and although we are included in decision making through a democratic process, we really have no idea what we are getting, we don’t even understand the basics but we are so opinionated about what we don’t understand!
And the well meaning try to lead us but we foil their plans because we are so opinionated and because we can be so easily mislead by those who are not well meaning or who are only driven by their own self interest and; although you have elected them and paid them to represent you, they expertly misguide you and persuade you to make decisions that help them personally and may very well be against your best interests.
How is it possible for a well meaning leader to succeed in a situation like this that is so deeply rooted in our own human nature? Are we capable of planning our future in any kind of a meaningful way? I don’t know the answer to this, I am curious what others like you might think.
October 6, 2008
A Ray of Hope in the Economy – Truth or Lie?
Everyone is so doom and gloom now about the economy but this video just goes to show that the Horatio Algers of this world who are in the right place at the right time can still go from Rags to Riches!!
Halloween is going to suck this year – Truth or Lie?
Here at Lie of the Day – what can we say? We are just doing our job and hoping for the best.
October 3, 2008
Is it an illusion that reason and Western liberalism will win out over fanaticism? Truth or Lie?
Even when I take off the illusionary blinders of my culture, no real reason becomes visible that can explain why reason should prevail over fanaticism or why fanaticism should be thought of as culturally backward and something that will disappear over time.
Instead, I see myself as having been blinded by a cultural myth, blinded to the fact that the law of the jungle is very possibly stronger than reason and modernity and may win out in the long run.
What do you think?
October 2, 2008
Is this any way to run a society of human beings? Truth or Lie?
This is an excerpt from an excellent article by William Blum:
Why do we have this thing called a “financial crisis”? Why have we had such a crisis periodically ever since the United States was created? What changes occur or what happens each time to bring on the crisis? Do we forget how to make things that people need? Do the factories burn down? Are our tools lost? Do the blueprints disappear? Do we run out of people to work in the factories and offices? Are all the services that people need for a happy life so well taken care of that there’s hardly any more need for the services? In other words: What changes take place in the real world to cause the crisis? Nothing, necessarily. The crisis is usually caused by changes inthe make-believe world of financial capitalism.
All these grown men playing their boys’ games. They create an assortment of financial entities, documents, and packages that go by names like hedge funds, derivatives, collateralized debt obligations, index funds, credit default swaps, structured investment vehicles, subprime mortgages, and dozens of other exotic monetary vehicles. They create all manner of commercial pieces of paper, of no known real or inherent value, backed up by few if any standards. Then they sell these various pieces of paper to the public and to each other. They slice and dice mortgages into arcane and risky instruments, then bundle them together, and sell the packages to those higher up in the pyramid scheme. And some of those engaged in this Wild West buying and selling become millionaires. Some become billionaires. They get Christmas bonuses greater than what most Americans earn the entire year. Is all this not remarkable?
And much of the buying is not done with the buyer’s own money, but with borrowed funds; “leveraged”, they call it. The pieces of paper sometimes represent commodities, but the actual commodities are not seen, may not even exist; if the seller demanded the buyer’s own funds, or the buyer wanted to see the goods, the whole transaction would freeze. They sell “long”, expecting the price to rise; they sell “short”, expecting the price to fall; they sell “naked short”, which means they neither possess nor own what they’re selling; a name for each gimmick. They take ever-greater risks buying and selling increasingly-esoteric pieces of paper. It’s a glorified Las Vegas, casino capitalism.
These pieces of paper can be so complex that many of those buying and selling them do not fully understand them; no problem, they just resell the pieces of paper to someone else at a higher price, even when one or both parties know that the paper, while pretending to be payable debt, is virtually worthless. The government, even when it tries to moderately regulate this Monopoly board, can at times also be confused by the complexities of the pieces of paper, compounded by the less-than-transparent practices that envelop the transactions; a potpourri including speculation, manipulation, fraud. Billionaire financier Warren Buffett has called the pieces of paper “weapons of mass financial destruction.”
The boys of finance have been playing their games for years, and so at each stage of the process there are insurance policies allowing the players to hedge their bets; they insure, and they re-insure; hopefully covering themselves against the many risks of the game, often knowing that they’re trading in questionable debts; the giant corporation AIG, a major player in the insurance game, has just been taken over by the federal government. And with each transaction, at each level, someone earns a commission or a fee. There are also other firms whose purpose in life is to go around rating various players and their pieces of paper and their credit worthiness and giving seals of approval which are relied upon by investors. Some of these rating firms, we’re now learning, have been surprisingly incompetent, when not simply dishonest
President Roosevelt, confronted in the 1930s with similar players, called them “banksters”.
It’s all built on faith, as fragile as the religious kind, the belief that something is worth something because it comes with a piece of paper with reassuring words and numbers written on it, because it’s traded, rated, and insured, because someone will sell it and someone will buy it. The same market psychology, the same herd mentality, that went into constructing this house of cards built on pillars of greed can cause the house to collapse in a heap. But the Monopoly players keep their bonuses, and bow out with multimillion-dollar golden parachutes; while tent cities are springing up all over America.
Is this any way to run a society of human beings?
And the government is in the process of trying to bail out these reckless traders, these parasites, rescuing them and their system from their own nonsense. With our money; without a major restructuring of the Alice-in-Wonderland rules of the financial games, without instituting the toughest of regulations, oversight, and transparency, and with no guarantee that the spoiled-little-brat Masters of the Universe will act in any way other than their own narrow self interest, the rest of us be damned.
Capitalism is the theory that the worst people, acting from their worst motives, will somehow produce the most good.
If you would like to see the whole article here is a link to: The Anti-Empire Report
What is your opinion? Is this anyway to run a society of human beings?
October 1, 2008
Whether Truth or Lie – One Man’s thoughts on how a woman’s brain works
I have my theory about unhappy people. You know the people that never smile if you say ‘hi’ to them. They give you the I know what you really mean grunt or the stare of death.
Truth is, I found if you’re extra nice toward one of these people they only get worse. Anyway, back to my theory ( and please women this is not a knock on women ) it’s just a theory I have – it’s how a man thinks your thinking works. You may have a different theory and who knows one of us may be right. I think all unhappiness is caused by unhappy women and when their men come in contact with them, they become unhappy to, as no woman will allow her man happiness above her own feelings. Again this is just a theory of mine. What do I know?
So you ask why would women be so unhappy? Well that is simple. Women think to much and hold on to past hurts. Women think that all women’s hurts must be the result of some bastard of a man.
I was talking to my own mother about a movie she saw the other day. She went on and on how the men were all bastards towards the woman in this movie. She was cranky all day over this movie. It’s a damn movie! I’m thinking to myself.
So here it is: whether truth or lie – it is this type of thinking on the part of women that is keeping me single.
Is this a real Management Course? Truth or Lie?
Lesson 1:
- A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, ‘I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.’
- After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.
- The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, ‘Who was that?’
- ‘It was Bob the next door neighbor,’ she replies.
- ‘Great!’ the husband says, ‘did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?’
Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2:
- A sales rep, an administration clerk and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, ‘I’ll give each of you just one wish. ‘Me first! Me first!’ says the admin clerk. ‘I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.’ Puff! She’s gone. ‘Me next! Me next!’ says the sales rep. ‘I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pena Coladas and the love of my life.’ Puff! He’s gone.
- ‘OK, you’re up,’ the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, ‘I want those two back in the office after lunch.’
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 3:
- An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, ‘Can I also sit like you and do nothing?’ The eagle answered: ‘Sure, why not.’ So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 4:
- A turkey was chatting with a bull. ‘I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,’ sighed the turkey, ‘but I haven’t got the energy.’
- ‘Well, why don’t you nibble on some of my droppings?’ replied the bull, ‘they’re packed with nutrients.’
- The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.
THIS CONCLUDES THE 5-MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE
September 29, 2008
Is this what animals write in their diaries? Truth or Lie?
WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES…….DOGS RULE !!!
- 8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
- 9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
- 9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
- 10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
- 12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
- 1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
- 3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
- 5:00 pm – Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
- 7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
- 8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
- 11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary…
Day 983 of my captivity…
- My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
- Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
- The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
- Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.
- There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
- Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
- I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
- The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…………….
September 27, 2008
Is this the attitude a Perfect Employee should have? Truth or Lie?
1. Never give me work in the morning. Always wait until 4pm and then bring it in to me. The challenge of a deadline is refreshing.
2. If it’s a rush job, run in and interrupt me every 10 minutes to inquire how I am doing. That helps. Or even better, hover behind me, advising my every keystroke.
3. Always leave without telling anyone where you are going. It gives me a chance to be creative when someone asks where you are.
4. If my arms are full of papers, boxes, books or supplies, don’t open the door for me. I need to learn how to function as a paraplegic and opening doors with no arms is good training.
5. If you give me more than one job to do, don’t tell me which is the priority. I am psychic.
6. Do your best to keep me late. I adore this office and really have nowhere to go or anything to do. I have no life beyond work.
7. If a job I do pleases you, keep it a secret. If that gets out, it could mean a promotion.
8. If you don’t like my work, tell everyone. I like my name to be popular in conversations.
9. I was born to be whipped.
10. If you have special instructions for a job, don’t write them down. In fact, save them until the job is almost done. No use confusing me with useful information.
11. Never introduce me to people you are with. I have no right to know anything. In the corporate food chain, I am plankton. When you refer to them later, my shrewd deductions will identify them.
12 Be nice to me only when the job I am doing for you could really change your life and send you straight to manager’s hell.
13. Tell me all your little problems. No one else has any, and its nice to know someone is less fortunate. I especially like the story about having to pay so much taxes on the bonus cheque you received for being such a good manager.
14. Wait until my yearly review and THEN tell me what my goal SHOULD have been. Give me a mediocre performance rating with a cost of living increase. I’m not here for the money anyway.
September 26, 2008
Could we all use a Free Hug in America ( or where ever )? Truth or Lie?
Free Hugs – See the video.
Will this be the New Dollar Bill? Truth or Lie?
Has the American economy tanked so badly that our government is issuing new money? I received this prototype from a friend. Will this be the new dollar bill?
Sara Palin and the Rape Kits? Truth or Lie?
This video seems too crazy to be true
[ which being 2008 in America – likely makes it true ]
September 25, 2008
Video: Can Mama Make it all better? Truth or Lie?
Students at WASU have been talking about this video and others. Many students have expressed dismay and wonder if this can really be happening.
Join the students of WASU and let us know what you think.
Can Mama make it all better?
Here at We’re All Screwed University students seek the truth!
September 24, 2008
Does size matter? truth or lie
Watch the video:
I can tell you I’m fine with me, but I sure feel sorry for those average size guys.
September 23, 2008
Do men want more than sex from a woman? truth or lie?
Of course, men want more than just sex from a woman. How about a smile now and then?
Men try so damn hard to please their woman in hopes of sex. It is the only way men know of, if their woman cares about them, is to have sex when their woman wants to have sex with them. Therefore I think, men are strongly motivated to please their women.
And dang it woman! If you are not going to smile, you can at least do the washing and ironing!
September 22, 2008
Should taxpayers demand five conditions on trillion dollar blank check? truth or lie?
Robert Reich suggests that five conditions be added to the “blank check” the Bush Administration is requesting to bail out Wall Street:
The public doesn’t like a blank check. They think this whole bailout idea is nuts. They see fat cats on Wall Street who have raked in zillions for years, now extorting in effect $2,000 to $5,000 from every American family to make up for their own nonfeasance, malfeasance, greed, and just plain stupidity. Wall Street’s request for a blank check comes at the same time most of the public is worried about their jobs and declining wages, and having enough money to pay for gas and food and health insurance, meet their car payments and mortgage payments, and save for their retirement and childrens’ college education. And so the public is asking: Why should Wall Street get bailed out by me when I’m getting screwed?
So if you are a member of Congress, you just might be in a position to demand from Wall Street certain conditions in return for the blank check…
1. The government (i.e. taxpayers) gets an equity stake in every Wall Street financial company proportional to the amount of bad debt that company shoves onto the public. So when and if Wall Street shares rise, taxpayers are rewarded for accepting so much risk.
2. Wall Street executives and directors of Wall Street firms relinquish their current stock options and this year’s other forms of compensation, and agree to future compensation linked to a rolling five-year average of firm profitability. Why should taxpayers feather their already amply-feathered nests?
3. All Wall Street executives immediately cease making campaign contributions to any candidate for public office in this election cycle or next, all Wall Street PACs be closed, and Wall Street lobbyists curtail their activities unless specifically asked for information by policymakers. Why should taxpayers finance Wall Street’s outsized political power – especially when that power is being exercised to get favorable terms from taxpayers?
4. Wall Street firms agree to comply with new regulations over disclosure, capital requirements, conflicts of interest, and market manipulation. The regulations will emerge in ninety days from a bi-partisan working group, to be convened immediately. After all, inadequate regulation and lack of oversight got us into this mess.
5. Wall Street agrees to give bankruptcy judges the authority to modify the terms of primary mortgages, so homeowners have a fighting chance to keep their homes. Why should distressed homeowners lose their homes when Wall Streeters receive taxpayer money that helps them keep their fancy ones?
Because its in print, because the majority believes it is so…
I’m wondering how many people think that if something is published or recorded either in a book, a newspaper or magazine, shown in a video, broadcast on radio, ( written in a blog [smile] ) or broadcast on television – I wonder, do they think that there is somehow more truth to it?
Do you believe news on television is more reliable in the area of truth than say the spoken word?
Do you think if a book is really old that it is somehow more true than a newer book, especially relating to religious beliefs?
Say you read a story in the newspaper and then hear the same story on TV but the story’s are a bit different, say some guy is accused of hit and run on TV but the newspaper accused the mans wife? Which do believe?
Say someone tells you a book they have read is the gospel truth or say someone tells you it is the word of God, will you believe them? Do you ever wonder how it is that they would know this as fact?
Do you think if more people believe something that that somehow makes what they believe more true, i.e. that the majority is somehow more right?
Remember at one time everyone thought the world was flat and it was only one man who said it was round. Now, you would be thought of as an idiot if you really thought the world was flat. Yet how do you know that many hundreds of years from now, people might not disprove and find laughable some belief everyone now-a-days currently believes to be true? Or, is it possible that people in the future will be the deluded ones, in which case, are you really sure the world is round?
How do you determine for yourself, what you think truth is?