"Redistribution of Wealth" written by Drew on estrip.org

10/31/08 01:26 - 58ºF - ID#46450

Redistribution of Wealth

I know that some people are coming out against it, but I have to think that in reality, they are not. If you are not in favor of "redistribution of wealth," than why do you work/invest/by/sell/trade? If you hope to receive an inheritance, than you expect your parent's wealth to be redistributed to you. If you have an interest-bearing bank account, then a borrowers' wealth is being redistributed to you. A lottery ticket is redistributing many small pieces of wealth, in the hopes of receiving a large redistribution.

Most people, when they say this, really mean that they prefer a "market-based" redistribution of wealth. Most of the time (because some people enter a market with advantages), in a completely open market, wealth becomes re-distributed by becoming concentrated. A concentration of wealth is the opposite of what is commonly referred to as "spreading the wealth around."

Nobody wants their wealth to be redistributed into somebody else's concentration, but everybody wants their concentration to grow.

If people do not think they will enjoy their wealth, than people will lose the incentive to work. Sometimes, high taxes discourage them from working. Other times, a market out of control discourages people, (as in "I owe my life to the company store.") Both must be checked.

I could go on regarding the different ways that tax policy encourages the re-distribution of wealth in different directions, but that isn't my point right now. My point is: everybody wants wealth redistributed. The only question is, how?

Permalink: Redistribution_of_Wealth.html
Words: 253
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: film

10/29/08 05:13 - 37ºF - ID#46408

Mean girls

It's not going to be a big party (like Friday) but some friends are gathering at my house to watch mean girls tomorrow night (Thurs). Call my cell for the address: 510-7086.

I really like this movie. On the surface, it's a teen film, but underneath it is a study in Girard's understanding of the scapegoat, and how religion is born out of memetic imitation and the violence to which it leads leads.

Permalink: Mean_girls.html
Words: 81
Location: Buffalo, NY

10/28/08 09:32 - 39ºF - ID#46382

For Jim, James and Janelle.

Another flim short from my favorite improvisers.

And, for Mom and anyone else who might be offended: Yes, this film includes a dirty word.

Permalink: For_Jim_James_and_Janelle_.html
Words: 32
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: football

10/27/08 09:10 - 43ºF - ID#46374

It's monday . . .

and that means it's time for another episode of "Yinz luv da Stillers."

PS Next week the game is on ESPN. (e:twins), can I bring beer and make use of your big screen HD with cable? Or should I invite people to meet me at the thirsty buffalo (opening tomorrow!)

Permalink: It_s_monday_.html
Words: 59
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: health

10/27/08 10:04 - 41ºF - ID#46363

I wanna be sedated

After being motivated by (e:jim) (and my wife, my mom, my co-workers, and my general state of disorganization), I sought treatment for ADHD, which I have had for as long as I can remember. Up until this point, I just worked with it/around it. Now, I have Stratera on my team.

I'm not usually one for taking drugs (or even vitamin pills) but I am curious to see what is going to happen.

Also, I need to eat better and exercise more. I am working on that one.

james writes at 11:41:43 10/27/08 - Comment #41014: Diet and exercise help with a variety of problems.

But then, some people who eat worse and don't exercise have no problems what so ever.

I know that to battle my depression I can't miss a gym day, I can't eat lots of sugar, I can't stay inside all day, I can't do a laundry list of things. Thankfully, most of these things I can't do aren't very good for me anyway. But, before cognitive therapy I couldn't do other things, like be in a large crowd for too long, be by myself for too long, be with other people for too long. That is debilitating and getting a little medication to help is no crime.

So, I wish you luck on your adventure. I hope you have a good outcome.

mrmike writes at 10:47:16 10/27/08 - Comment #41013: I renewed my Bikram Yoga for another month. In the two and half weeks of going & still getting used to it, and the backaches are gone, it's helping with what's left of the Bell's Palsy and I actually lost six pounds that stayed lost. I like the program because it's not competitive, along the lines of the "Do the best you can" mentality. I think the regularity of that or anything (not a runner myself) can be a good outlet.

drew writes at 10:29:23 10/27/08 - Comment #41012: Once upon a time, I was an athlete, and even when I swam over 2 hrs/day, I was still affected.

But I am going to step up my running, because it is good for me in general, even if it doesn't do much for my brain.

paul writes at 10:23:24 10/27/08 - Comment #41011: Okay, I don't think I have ADHD although I usually am working on 1,000 tasks at once - so this is just a tip for better concentration, not a cure for a disease.

Have you tried upping exercise alone. Since I started being more active (gym, running to/from work) it has changed my life in a lot of ways. No more headaches, crohn's is in check, less body pain in gerneral and much better at relaxing, concentrating and handling stress. The only thing is if you try it after the pills you could never know how much affect each one was having. And then you might give credit to the pills where exercise was due credit.

Permalink: I_wanna_be_sedated.html
Words: 90
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: 10 things

10/26/08 02:32 - 58ºF - ID#46348

10 Things I like about Tony Campolo

1. It obviously not all about appearance with him.

2. He loves God, and loves the Bible, and lives it out in a way that is good for the whole world.

3. He's not afraid to say what he thinks.

4. He's not afraid that you might think differently.

5. He's a black-church guy in a white-church body.

6. His "the Kingdom of God is a PARTY" sermon.

7. His ". . . and you don't give a shit" sermon.

8. His story about when he picked up a bunch of prostitutes.

9. He is willing to admit that he has changed his mind.

10. He has the ear of presidents, but treats the "lowliest" people as if they were president.

Permalink: 10_Things_I_like_about_Tony_Campolo.html
Words: 122
Location: Buffalo, NY

10/24/08 02:26 - 53ºF - ID#46305

Kitchen stuff

Cross posted from Craig's List:

Wooden microwave cart: Little bit wobbly but works fine: $40

Storage unit on wheels: counter height, with storage inside, wooden, approximately 4'x2': $100

Four kitchen cabinets (lower units), in a row, with a pink formica counter on the top. Not pretty, but useful. Couldn't find a pic for this one, but if you are buying for looks, you should go elsewhere anyway. If you need good storage and something to put stuff down on, this is for you. $80.

(Links are to closest thing found on google image search and not actual photographs. Actual items are worn, but useful)

also available: a toaster oven that broils well but isn't so hot for toasting or baking. a spice rack without spices in it. Both are free.

Prices are negotiable for (e:strip)pers. If you need the stuff and are short on cash, we could even give it away.

Permalink: Kitchen_stuff.html
Words: 166
Location: Buffalo, NY

10/24/08 01:02 - 51ºF - ID#46301

Best improv group in Pittsburgh . . .

Doesn't always improvise. Here's a film trailer they made:

Permalink: Best_improv_group_in_Pittsburgh_.html
Words: 18
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: religion

10/23/08 02:39 - 49ºF - ID#46279

James Dobson: huh?

Here's what I don't get: In the article that (e:James) showed us in his post, we were reminded that James Dobson stated that he wasn't sure if he would even vote for a McCain ticket.

Now, however, he is praying that God intervenes so that McCain wins.

Now, I'm all for divine intervention. In fact, I think we need it. But why should I ask God to elect somebody that I stated I wouldn't?

You can't have it both ways. If a person is such a leader that you ask God to install them supernaturally, than the least you can do is vote for them yourself.

Tony Campolo said that mixing politics and religion is like mixing ice cream and horse manure. The manure doesn't get changed much, but nobody wants to eat the ice cream!

Coming soon (it's been a while): 10 Things I like about Tony Campolo.

Permalink: James_Dobson_huh_.html
Words: 149
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: football

10/20/08 10:30 - 56ºF - ID#46221

Hines Ward

I already listed 10 things I like about Hines Ward (http://estrip.org/articles/drew/42423.html), but Jason mentioned football players he likes, and I have to mention what Ward did recently.

Hines Ward is a receiver, and receivers are ordinarily some of the most dainty players around.

Ward is also a veteran. This is significant because some veterans get away with loafing in lopsided games on plays that don't matter to them.

Hines Ward does not slack in the least bit. In fact, he goes out of his way to hit somebody every chance he gets. He is, without a doubt, the best-blocking wide receiver in football, and a large part of the reason that the Steelers run well is because Hines Ward blocks people that other receivers fear.

Two games ago, Ward was fined, not because he did anything illegal (he wasn't penalized), but because he was too aggressive. (This is BS, by the way, Ward plays clean and within the rules)

He swore that he wouldn't let the fine change the way he played, and it didn't. On a pass to Matt Spaeth, Hines Ward launched himself into some hapless Bengal linebacker (who had to outweigh him by at least 50 lbs) and BROKE HIS JAW (unintentionally).

Again, Ward doesn't mean to hurt people--almost everybody he hits is way bigger than he is--he just plays all out.

Watch the video (and please excuse the quality):

Dude is huge, and plays football with all of his heart.

Permalink: Hines_Ward.html
Words: 263
Location: Buffalo, NY