people who make stuff, people who sell stuff and people who buy stuff

It seems to me that what might be wrong with this country's economy is that there aren't any ( or very many) people who make stuff.    Oh there are people who think of stuff for other people to make.  People in China, or Bangladesh, or Mexico.  Or we can secretly invite Mexicans to come here--and make Jumbo Jacks, and Quarter Pounders.  We all think we are too good for that sort of thing--those of us who are the people who buy stuff.

We bought the idea that a college education would guarantee us a good living, and we borrowed the money to go to school.  And now we don't really want to pay it back because it just wasn't as easy as that.

We bought the idea that everyone should be able to own their own home.  And we borrowed the money for that also.  And jobs disappeared.  And the value of homes disappeared.  And we want to blame the people who sold us stuff and the people who lent us the money and not be accountable for the stuff that we bought.

Last weekend was Black Friday, the kick off of the holiday shopping season. the time when retailers make their profit for the year.  Every year they open earlier and earlier, offer bigger and better deals (maybe) and the people who buy stuff get crazier and crazier.  And then there are the people who steal stuff mugging the people who bought stuff in the parking lot outside the store.  And we blame the people who make stuff and the people who sell stuff.  We say it's awful how they compete for our dollars-make their emloyees give up their holiday and all just to make a buck.  But the truth is they wouldn't do it if it didn't work.  And we buy their stuff as if we didn't have a choice. And that is pretty sad.

occupy whatever

So.....I've really wanted to write about this occupy Wall Street thing going on for awhile now, but I still can't quite wrap my head around it.  I grew up in the fifties and sixties and participated in one anti-war march, believed in the civil rights movement, and distrusted the military-industrial complex.  I've called myself a Democrat and I've voted Republican over the years, but now I consider myself an independent and (sadly) often choose not to vote at all.  My question is what do these "occupiers" want?  Or what are the against.  it seems to me that they just occupy space and would like others to take care of them.

I have (reluctantly) become a bit conservative in my old age.  I don't believe it is the government's job to provide us with health care, or jobs, or even social security for that matter, but since I've paid into social security for 40+ years, and I could have invested it rather than just let it sit there I want it back when the time comes.  I've never needed to use food stamps or collect unemployment.  Lots of folks wouldn't necessarily consider me successful but I have been able to take care of myself most of the time.

So what is all the complaining about?  Just get out there and do something other than occupying space.

X Factor Attitude

I think they got it right when they sent Stacy Francis home.  I had finally decided that the reason no one criticized her pitch was because Randy Jackson has some kind of patent on the word.  I think she was so often off key and out of control and often screaming instead of singing.  I  would have thought Simon would have pointed that out, but we have a kinder gentler Simon now.  And she has a sad story to tell and she's a sinle mother yada yada yada.

And then there's ASTRO who thinks since America didn't vote for him, he will just give up.  And blame the voters for not appreciating Hip Hop.  Well he's just a kid after all, gotta give him a chance to grow up. 

And I still haven't found anyone I just love,  Maybe Melanie but I didn't like her last performance much. Simon has to find the right song for her.

just a few thoughts

I am still disappointed by The X Factor.  I think the opening number was horrible tonight.  And I really feel bad for Paula.  America please get rid of one of "the boys" next week ok?

I am loving Survivor this season.  Don't know whether its the casting or the editing but I'm really impressed with how these folks are playing the game.  Any one of several of these people could win and I would be happy.

I need to stop recording The Chew; it takes up too much room on my DVR and I will probably never watch all of them.  Especially since I've found two new shows to watch.  Grimm and Once Upon A Time are kind of interesting.  I am kind of losing interest in American Horror Story though.

Participating in a neighborhood patio sale this weekend and going through a bunch of useless stuff I've been saving thinking it might become useful one day.  Wondering if anyone else will find any value in any of it.

This stuff about Herman Cain, Joe Paterno, and even Justin Beiber i find really depressing.  I need some seriously good news, and the sooner the better.

Well those are my thoughts. best I can do today.

Wednesday Night TV

So it looks like Wednesday night and Sunday night will be my favorite nights for television this season.  Tonight I had Survivor, The X Factor, and Harry's Law all opposing each other on different networks with American Horror Story representing Cable TV later in the evening.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't exactly like The X Factor; there seems to be something phony and overdone about it.  But for some reason I want to like that old guy Leroy who is almost my age, that young kid Rachel, the guy who makes burritos,  and the group of kids they threw together from the leftover solo acts.  And Melanie, I really really like Melanie and I hope I've spelled her name correctly but so many folks spell their names all kinda different ways these days so maybe I haven't.  And the judges keep sniping at each other about song choice and I haven't cared for any of them.  But then who am I?  Just an aging baby boomer.

Meanwhile Survivor was pretty cool. Remember how Sandra won the million twice by playing the "as long as it isn't me voted out" game?  I'm thinking it will not be possible to play that game anymore.  We got people making some really risky moves this season.  We have people really playing the game not just playing it safe.  We got nerds and bullies and atheletes and cowboys and medical marijuana sellers who play poker.  Weird huh?  And then there is the Dragon Slayer who is so mellow and almost spiritual this time around.  Of course there are the usual floaters as they call them on Big Brother, but I don't think one of them will take the million.  I'm kind of hoping it will be Coach, or Cochran, or Albert just because he is he is sooo good looking.  Or maybe Dawn cause she is old like me.