High Truths and Low Lies

My Take on Tattoos!

August 19,2024

“If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.” Self

The tattoo on this woman costs about $3,000. Maybe more! What’s the point? Painting your body with artwork? This might be the same woman that is protesting student debt, or credit card interest rates. I am not sure.

Three thousand dollars could be used to pay off debt or to buy a used Honda. Or tuition for a community college. A great investment on yourself.

I am at the beach this week. I see 100’s of men and women with tattoos. Most have multiple tattoos. I saw one young mother with 3 small children ages 2-5. She had a huge tattoo of a gun belt with cartridges, holster and large revolver tattooed on her upper thigh. Not exactly sure what that meant.

I do not recall seeing tattoos in the 60’S or the 70″s or the 80’s except on criminals, delinquents, and some military personnel. But in the late 90’s Allen Iverson, star NBA player had multiple tattoos. He is “credited” with the explosion of tattoos in the NBA, especially among the Black players. Young men admired these players. At the same time, drug gangs emerged in major cities, and the members were often identified by their tattoos. The photo below is MS 13 gang members.

Women started getting tattoos in the early 2000’s, mostly small ones depicting flowers, or animals. I guess their male friends encouraged them These tattoos were called “tramp stamps” often because of the type women having the tattoos.

Unfortunately, the tattoo craze has exploded, and the “tats” have grown to full-size pieces of art. Huge images of animals, beasts, dragons, birds, etc. Some tattoos cover the entire thigh or back. People are getting tattoos on their necks and faces. Mike Tyson has a tattoo on his face.

The problem with tattoos is that they are permanent! Ink is injected under the skin to form the picture. But tattoos can be partially removed using lasers. The cost to remove a tattoo is $1,500. The laser heats the ink particles to partially dissolve, and the body then absorbs.

To pay this fee, new “medical credit cards” are offering an introductory interest rate of 15% for new customers. Wow, a great deal!!

New Record for Car Repossessions, 1,800,000 vehicles

August 9, 2024

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” Thoreau

Please note the first quarter 2021 when Biden took office, and also note the steady rise for 3.5 years. Government stimulus checks went to purchase new cars. Inflation caused cars to be more expensive (average price is now $48,000) and also caused interest rates to rise. The average interest rate is 7.3% This year the average new car loan monthly payment is $700, and the average auto loan amount is $40,000.

This situation is being called “sub-prime” exactly like the housing disaster of 2007-2008. Car owners are “upside down” on their car loans. That means they owe more on their cars than the car is worth. And it gets worse. See next graph.

The current auto loan balance in the US is $1.6 trillion. That represents a 100% increase over the last 9 years.

Of course, the result is a record number of repossessions. See data below:

US. repossessions by year:

-2021 1,110,000

-2022 1,228,00

-2023 1,500,00

-2024 1,800,00 (estimate)

Interestingly, the Ford F 150 truck and the Honda Civic are the most repossessed vehicles!

Sadly, and to make matters worse, credit card debt is also at record levels. Americans now owe $1.2 trillion in credit card debt. See below.

US consumers, especially young people, are spending more than they earn and borrowing more than they can afford. Period, and yet, these same people complain about a 7% mortgage rate. Interest rates on credit cards are 22-24%. I hope Powell does not lower the Fed. Res. rates.

PS-Taylor Swift tickets cost $1,100 on average this year, yet her concerts are sold out!!!! A family of 4 would spend $4K on the concert. Pay off the credit card!!

UNC is dropping Majors

Philosophy, Drama, French Literature, and Sociology are on the list.

July 30, 2024

“Most people work hard enough to not get fired and get paid enough not to quit.” George Carlin

The University of North Carolina System has 19 universities, and an enrollment of 250,000 students. Universities include UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina University, and 14 other universities.

At two of the universities, enrollment is declining. UNC Asheville (2,900 students) and UNC Greensboro (16,000 students) have seen an enrollment decline of 20-25% over the last 4-5 years. Decline in student enrollment equates to loss of revenue. UNC Asheville has a $6 million budget shortfall.

So, both universities have made decisions to curtail about 24 curriculum offerings, and thus reduce teaching staffs. I support these moves since both universities are state/federally supported.

Cuts in the degree programs include Religious Studies, Drama, Philosophy, German language, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, (Ugh!) Anthropology, Geography Education, and others. Interestingly, at UNC-Asheville only 4 students of 2,900 selected Philosophy as their major and the university has 6 tenured professors in that curriculum. What do they do all day?? Ancient Mediterranean Studies had 3 students.

Of course, the faculty senate at UNC Greensboro condemned the course reductions.

The good news is that both universities have seen sharp declines in liberal arts student enrollment. See chart above. My advice to incoming students, select a major that will lead to employment. Duh!

Debt is Debt!

Banning medical debt from credit reports

July 27, 2024

There is no such thing as "fun for the whole family." Jerry Seinfeld

President Obama and Elizabeth Warren set up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2011. The bureau was established as an “independent agency.” Big mistake and no oversight by Congress. The agency now has 1500 employees and an operating budget of $600 million.

The CFPB’s new proposal is to ban lenders from using medical debt on credit reports. Credit rating agencies would be banned from showing a consumer’s total debt. Of course, this would allow high risk borrowers to borrow more, perhaps a new car or a home mortgage.

According to the CFPB, medical debt contained in credit reports equals about $88 billion. So, the CFPB wants it hidden. Where’s the transparency? And what about the incentive to pay medical bills.? If medical debt doesn’t count on a credit report, people won’t pay, and what happens to the doctors and hospitals that provided services? How will they recover those costs? Higher billing rates for others, closing facilities? UGH!

The sub-prime mortgage disaster of 2007-2008 started the same way. lower the standards for loan qualifications, give people more credit and watch the unqualified borrow more $$$$’s and then default on those loans. Nobody wins.

The CFPB is wrong about medical debt.

The Three Stages of Retirement:

Go/Go—–Slow/Go—–No/Go

July 18, 2024

“Punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminal.” Elizabeth Fry, English Quaker, prison reformer, 1780-1845.

For the average American, you will be able to enjoy retirement for about 16 years, from age 65 to age 81. Of course, many retire early, and many others live beyond age 81, I hope so!

For your retirement years, there are clearly 3 Stages of Retirement. Here they are:

STAGE 1. Go/Go-in this stage you are quite active taking 6-7 trips a year. Trips to Jamacia, the beach, a river cruise, to the mountains for a Xmas tree, perhaps 1 golf trip, and 1-2 trips to visit children. You are also active around the house with numerous projects. You cut your own lawn, plant flowers and maybe a tomato plant. You spread your own mulch. You play golf, some tennis, and/or pickleball. You clean your car-inside and out. And-you go to dinner with friends 1-2X a month. During this stage, you lose weight. Your dog, Molly, has slowed, but remains a very good companion. Life is good.

STAGE 2. Slow/Go-your trips decrease to 4-5 each year. One trip via air. At the beach, you rent ground floor unit. Your trips to visit children are shorter in duration. Too much noise! No more tennis. Sometimes you play just 9 holes from the “hybrid tees”. When eating out, you seek quiet restaurants. Afternoon naps are common. Your wife starts doing puzzles. You might have a joint replaced (knee/hip). At least one or two cocktails/wine every night. Your weight goes up slightly. Your TV room has a sectional sofa with 2-3 fleece throws. Molly sleeps 20 hours a day. Ugh! The IRS forces you to withdraw money (RMD). You consider the purchase of a convertible. Ha! life is good.

STAGE 3. No/Go-only one car trip a year, usually to the beach. If your children want to see you, they have to come to your house. Lawn service handles outside maintenance. Your wife and you prefer large print books. You enjoy the miniseries “Bridgerton.” You cook at home and eat dinner around 5pm. Your afternoon naps begin at 2pm. For exercise, you walk the neighborhood. Your pharmacist knows you by your first name. You have gained 10-15 lbs. but remain in good shape. Molly has passed, not being replaced. Life is still good.

To quote Joe Walsh, guitarist, “The Eagles” “life’s been good to me so far.”

Enjoy yourself!!

Another criminal from the NBA

July 15, 2024

“Pity to the guilty is treason to the innocent.” Ayn Rand-Russian author

This week, Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a New York Federal Court. He informed sports bettors about confidential information in NBA games and helped rig the outcome of those games. This is despicable behavior.

Porter accepted a plea deal and will serve 4-5 years in Federal prison. He will also have to pay $450,000+ in fines. He is also being investigated in Canada.

Porter played in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors. The NBA has banned Porter for life.

Jontay Porter has a younger brother, Coban, who is serving a 6-year prison sentence for vehicular homicide. He killed a 42-year-old woman in 2022 while driving drunk.

In Case you missed it!

June 24, 2024

“Never underestimate the power of stupid people, especially in large groups.” George Carlin

My local newspaper, The Charlotte Fishwrap, ran an editorial advocating the election of a 36-year-old lawyer to the NC Court Of Appeals. According to the article, electing a young candidate would bring “diversity” to the three-seat court. Bull. The Appeals Court hears cases already adjudicated by lower courts. The Appeals Court needs very experienced judges, not diversity picks. There is too much at stake.

Electric car manufacturer, Fisker, has filed for bankruptcy. See stock price chart below. The company was started in 2016 by Henrik Fisker and his wife Geeta, both from Denmark. The company spent millions to develop one model, the Ocean. That vehicle has numerous defects, especially and suddenly losing power. The company tried numerous financing schemes to stay afloat, including an IPO. The company’s electric vehicle technology did not work.

The NBA team, Detroit Pistons, fired their head Coach, Monty Williams. The Pistons had the worst record in the NBA, 14 wins, 68 losses, including a 28-game losing streak. Amazingly, Williams signed a 6-year contract last year worth $76 million. The Pistons have to pay out his contract. How stupid!!!

Russia and North Korea have signed a military pact. If one country is attacked, then the other country is attacked. North Korea now has a partner with a nuclear arsenal. Putin gets weapons and men from NK. Both countries have also pledged to strengthen their military. Where in hell is Biden and his Dept. of State. Trump had a good relationship with Kim Jong Un and most likely would have stopped this pact from being signed. Biden promised aid the NK if the country slows their nuclear development. Now they can slow, they have a partner. Biden is so weak. His policies have failed, and the world is dangerous. Houthis in Yemen and the Red Sea, Hamas in Gaza, Putin in the Ukraine, the Taliban in Afghanistan, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. All of this happened since Biden took office.

Congress is considering re-instituting the military draft. Volunteer enlistments have been trending downward for 10 years. Right now, men aged 18-25 must register with the Selective Service. That process is done via driver’s licenses and college admissions, but for men. What about women? Why are they excluded? I would love to see a panel of women rights leaders debate this topic.

Lastly-Caitlin Clark continues to set records and drag the WNBA into prosperity. Yet, social media fools are aggressively trying to harm Clark. Many of the posts are nasty. Yet, Clark has responded with class.

I cringe when watching Biden

July 7, 2023–updated post

June 16, 2024

“Never argue with an idiot, they will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.” George Carlin

Biden’s debate performance was disgraceful. And, quite frankly, scary. He obviously has some sort of dementia. Who is running the country? The WH and the liberal press has been covering up Biden’s medical condition. Why???

President Joe Biden is unfit for office. I can see it with my own eyes. He is an embarrassment to the US when traveling aboard. At the G7 recently, he was lost. At a fundraiser he had to be manhandled to leave the stage.

Biden can’t speak, even when using notes or teleprompters. His sentences are incoherent with strange words. He loses his train of thought and mumbles. And when asked a serious question, Biden get angry.

Biden can’t walk. He takes small (baby steps) and keeps his arms at his sides. Sometimes he gets in a trance, standing motionless for 7-10 seconds with his mouth open.

We all see it. Yet the White House says the videos are fake. I guess Donald Trump was right about “fake news.” Of course, the videos are real and numerous. Other world leaders see what we see. Can you imagine Biden speaking with Putin making demands to stop the war in the Ukraine???

Biden’s job is to run the Executive Branch of the US government. He is the country’s CEO. And he is charge of the country’s foreign relations. Hell-he can’t even get the USPS to break even, ($7 billion operating loss last year).

I cannot understand any intelligent adult in the US casting a ballot in November for Biden. He is incapable of running this country.

My “Gems” for the Week!

May 24, 2024

“The problem with Socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money.” Margaret Thatcher, Bristish PM 1979-1990.

German Test scores:

A new batch of standardized tests show Germany’s students at the bottom. Almost all other countries in Europe score better. Student test results in reading, math and science show a very sharp decline in Germany starting in 2015. The timing correlates with Angela Merkel’s, German PM, “open border” policy. The school system got overwhelmed with immigrants.

Special Note: Germany also experienced a sharp rise in violent crime beginning in 2015. Data shows crimes committed by migrants was the cause.

The ACLU is being sued by a Korean woman employee for wrongful termination of employment. She apparently complained about her Black bosses at the ACLU and said the work environment was fear-based and rife with sexism.

NC is getting ready to pass a voter ID law. Opponents say the law is discriminates against people without a state approved ID. Who are they? How many people do not have ID’s? You need photo ID to drive, travel, rent an apartment, buy a car, open a bank account, check into a hotel, pick up prescriptions, apply for social benefits like Medicare, buy alcohol/cigarettes, start a new job, and enroll in school. Voting is so important. Under no circumstances should a person be allowed to vote without proving ID. A vast majority of NC citizens support this new law. Finally, people without ID’s can vote and later appeal their case. You can even get a free voter ID card at county board elections offices. The fear is that Biden’s 8-10 million illegal immigrants will vote thus swaying the elections. The NAACP is against this new law claiming it burdens the people, yet to join the NAACP requires completing an application and paying a fee!

Also in NC, the Board of Governors for UNC System has decreased funding for DEI. It’s about time. The Board cites DEI as a politically divisive ideology and one that excludes people that do not share in that very narrow ideology. They also cite research studies that actually show DEI deepens the divisions among people while not promoting inclusion. Part of UNC’s diversity program included “climate change.” Really!

Three US Congresswomen engaged in childish sparing this week while at a public hearing. Reps. Crockett, Green and AOC fired personal barbs at each other that sounded like expressions used by high school girls. All three are an embarrassment and quite stupid.

My Weekly Dumbass Award

May 16, 2023

“It is a society where strident hysteria drowns out truth, and where polices are based on strong nonsense loudly shouted.” Professor Julian Simon, Economist, U. of Maryland

This week’s award goes to Minouche Shafik, President of Columbia University.

Shafik was born in Egypt to Muslim parents who were educators. This August she will be 62 years old. She has advanced degrees in economics from U. Mass, London School of Economics, and Cambridge.

In July of 2023, Shafik she was appointed President of Columbia University. Columbia has about 30,000 students and tuition is $84,000 per year.

Last October, Columbia erupted with student protests and riots regarding the Hamas attack in Israel. For months students were allowed to establish encampments on campus, disrupt classes, take over buildings, threaten Jewish students, and university workers, and carry signs supporting the terrorist group Hamas.

In November, Shafik was asked to testify before a Congressional Committe on anti-semantic activities, she declined.

Finally, after 7 months of on-campus disruptions, Shafik ordered in the NYPD to “clear” the encampments, 100 students were arrested.

Image of Saham David Ahmed Ali provided by Google

Classes at Columbia University were converted to on-line, due to student safety concerns. At the commencement address this month for the College of Public Health, the student speaker, Sahim David Ahmed Ali condemned the university and the Israeli response to the Hamas attack. Graduation officials silenced her mic.

Also, this month, the College of Arts and Sciences faculty voted in favor (65%) of a resolution of “No Confidence” in President Shafik.

Shafik has completely mishandled the student protests/riots on campus. Free speech ends where the rights of others begin.