What's new?

This week has been hella crazy. I got an 87% on my history test which got me pretty psyched; the class average was 60%. Today was my last day of running for a week. In all likelihood, I won't miss it for a few days because my legs have been tired the past two weeks. Yesterday I got my schedule figured out for next semester. I will be registered for my classes on Monday.

I'm taking:
Psychology
English 201
College Algebra
Geology 141
Phys Ed 390: Coaching Track & Field

Next Friday I have to give a "persuasive" speech, so I have decided to focus on why lower taxes for everyone, including the rich, are a good thing. Some items that will be included in my speech are how Keynesian theory on the redistribution of wealth is faulty as well as an analysis of JK's tax hikes compared to Bush's tax cuts (why Bush's plan is better, but still has faults). One book that I highly recommend everyone read is Milton Friedman's "Free to Choose." Friedman has been a University of Chicago economics professor as well as a Nobel-Prize recipient for his work in economics research. The book provides a straight forward approach to how many economic decisions should be based around individual freedom and the government's moral obligation to impose the least amount of restrictions necessary upon the economy. Well, that's all for now kids because I need to hit the books. ~ Rich

I had a great weekend back home. When I got home my parents fixed me steak and potatoes which is really great after having consumed basically the same food every day for the past few weeks. Anyway, I watched the New Prairie semi-state and it was really good. The times were surprisingly fast considering how muddy the course was. One guy collapsed 50 feet from the finish line, got back up and walked up to the finish line and collapsed 3 feet short of it, and then finally crawled across after laying there for a few seconds. He still finished in 17:30. Amazing.

One thing happened the night before I left that really pissed me off. This girl asked me to give her my honest opinion regarding what I thought about her frequent harrassment of her ex-boyfriend. So after I tell her that I think she is stupid for thinking that somehow they are going to hook up again and everything will be ok she gets pissed at me. I'm sorry honey, but how many times has the kid already lied to you? How long did he treat you like shit? And do you know what he has been saying about you the past few weeks? Don't blame me for your ignorance, and have fun getting screwed over by someone who is only using you..... again. There is a fine line between trust and just plain stupidity; you've crossed it. That's all for now kids. Sorry, but I had to let off some steam. Later folks.~ Rich

Fall is Full of Beauty

The leaves down here are full of luscious color right now. I've been running through the countryside whenever possible to fully take in the beauty of my southern scenery. On Friday I shall return to the booming metropolis that is Hebron so I can race at New Prairie the next morning. If any Hebronians wanna hang out on Saturday afternoon, just give hit the cell phone or IM me.

Lydia let me borrow Something Corporate's North. I wish I would have had this when it first came out because it's an awesome album. This CD definately gets mad props from me and I hope everyone else will give it a listen.

So apparently Theresa Heinz Kerry didn't remember the last time Laura Bush had a "real job." That's funny, because I don't remember the last time her husband did his job. What I find remarkable is that this Massachusetts-elite duo actually believe that they are in touch with the American people. As much as I would love to side with the billionaire heiress and the senator who spends $75 on his haircuts I must say that a former schoolteacher/librarian and owner of a baseball team know a little more about the average joe. That's all for now, kids. Stay tuned, in another 4 months we will either continue to give tax cuts to the middle class or JK will be punishing successful people for making to much money. Hmmm, thats ironic, Mr. Kerry's initals are also short for "joke." ~ Rich

Fall is in its fullness....

Is everyone enjoying this beautiful fall season as much as I am? The past few days have been absolutely spectacular down here at USI with all of the leaves finally changing into their yellows, oranges, and reds. I have been running out in the countryside more often to fully take in the beauty and serenity of my surroundings.

I have to give a "persuasive" speech in two weeks for my speech class. There are a number of topics I would like to cover, but I have yet to decide on any in particular. Truth about higher taxes vs. lower taxes, social security falsehoods, Kerry's lackluster Senate record, World War IV, and why running rocks are all things that I would really like to cover. Yet I can only choose one. Decisions, decisions.

So Theresa Heinz Kerry didn't know when the last time was Mrs. Bush had a "real job." That's funny, because I don't remember the last time her husband did his job. What I find remarkable is how a multi-billionaire heiress and a senator who spends $120 on a haircut can consider than more in touch with American society than a former school teacher/librarian and a man who owned a baseball team. Then again I do enjoy parasailing in Nantucket and having a jolly old time snowboarding in Idaho even though those !#%$^&* Secret Service agents get in my way. Oh wait, that's John Kerry again.

Have a good night folks~ Rich

America Has a New and Powerful Ally

John Kerry is going to get the support of major nations if he becomes president, or is he? It seems Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin is backing Bush. I find it very interesting that this article actually appeared in The Guardian, a very liberal British newspaper. It's very promising to have a major power such as Russia on our side. It seems the former Soviet republic has realized that they are not immune to al-Qaeda's violence. I'm sure that John Kerry thinks it is far more important to have someone like France supporting us. Then again, when was the last time France actually won a war?

I find it amusing that people think the United States is acting unilaterally, that no other major nations are involved in our efforts. Great Britain, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, and in the near future, Russia, all support the United States' action. So who does that leave out? Germany, France, China, and North Korea? The only country who's lack of support comes as somewhat of a suprise is Germany (France and the EU play a major role in the countries foreign policy). China and North Korea are communist countries that, like Iraq under the Hussein regime, constantly violate their citizens basic human rights. As for France, well I honestly do not consider them to be a major world power anymore. Over the years they have lost much of their world influence. The French hold themselves in the same false esteem the Spanish did for years after their mighty armadas were destroyed by the British.

It is important to be concious about who is on our side, within reason. Certainly there are a number of countries that are important to America's success in its war on terror, but one has to ask whether or not France or Germany's support in the war would really have that much of an effect on the overall outcome. Moreover, how would John Kerry's election change sway their stance? He has even said that he cannot change their minds. So what other "crucial allies" is John Kerry going to win over for our coalition? I don't know the answer to that question, and I don't think Mr. Kerry does either. ~ Rich

Social Security History

The following information was provided to me by Matthew Reffett, a fellow member of USI's cross-country team who is on his way to receiving his Bachelor's degree in accounting as well as being employed at Harding, Shymanski, and Company (the largest accounting firm in Evansville).


SOCIAL SECURITY:
Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised:

1.) That participation in the Program would be completely voluntary,

2.) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual incomes into the Program,

3.) That the money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year,

4.) That the money the participants put into the independent "Trust Fund" rather than into the General operating fund, and therefore, would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program, and no other Government program, and,

5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income.
Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month -- and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the Federal government to "put away," you may be interested inthe following:

Q: Which Political Party took Social Security from the independent "Trust" fund and put it into the General fund so that Congress could spend it?

A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the Democratically-controlled House and Senate.

Q: Which Political Party eliminated the income tax deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?

A: The Democratic Party.

Q: Which Political Party started taxing Social Security annuities?

A: The Democratic Party, with Al Gore casting the "tie-breaking" deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the U.S.

Q: Which Political Party decided to start giving annuity payments to immigrants?

MY FAVORITE :
A: That's right! Jimmy Carter and the Democratic Party. Immigrants moved into this country, and at age 65, began to receive SSI Social Security payments!

The Democratic Party gave these payments to them, even though they never paid a dime into it! Then, after doing all this lying and thieving and violation of the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away! And the worst part about it is, uninformed citizens believe it! Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during this 2004 election year!

I'm watching Bill Maher right now; he just said that we are responsible the international jihad that has started because of Iraq. Hmm... that's interesting Bill, because last time I checked, the jihad has been going on for quite some time. Here are just a few examples:

1992 - 2 Australians killed by a bombing in Yemen

1993 - 6 Americans are killed and 1,000 plus injured in World Trade Center bombing

1998 - 200 people are killed and hundreds more injured in US embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya

2000 - 17 American sailors are killed and 39 more injured when suicide bombers attack the USS Cole off the coast of Yemen.

Awww I suck again!

28:51. That's what I ran yesterday. Not exactly the sub 27:30 I was looking for. Whatever the case my first college XC season has come to a close. I am running the open race at New Prairie's semi-state this Saturday. After New Prairie I will continue training with the team through November. One week break. Then running again for indoor track. Fun, fun. Oh I forgot to give mad props to Cat and Carolyn for being the only people cool enough to give me some love. I know that the rest of you out there wish you could be as cool as them, but you have a lot of catching up to do. That's all for now. ~Rich

"Everyone's in a corner, face to the wall..."

Another week, another good workout, and another meet at U. of Evansville on Saturday. I've tried to post a number of times this week, but each time Blogger screws up and does not post it. Hopefully I can get this post through.

I picked up John Frusciante's new EP (hey, it was only $8). Although it only has 4 songs on it, they are all exceptionally good. The best song, by far, would have to be A Corner. Frusciante's voice gets progressively more melodic with each album. I am looking forward to the next CD that's due out in a week or so.

Yesterday I watched a free viewing of Fahrenheith 9/11; I would never see the movie any other way because I refuse to financially support a morbidly obese version of Joseph Goebbels. They need to change movies genre from "documentary" to "liberal propaganda." Ninety-percent of the movie was nothing more than a play on the audience's emotions rather than an accurate presentation of facts.

This movie reminded me of another point, or rather something that I have wanted to do. It has been a few weeks since I have written a little rant, and it has been even longer since I have actually authored a good one. I have decided that a lengthy rant touching upon a number of political issues will be posted in the coming week.

I will leave you all with a couple of totally kickin' links... partly for your amusement.... and partly for a brain exercise.

Hey, I know that kid!!!

I wish this guy was my history prof.

Thank you and good night. ~ Rich

Shitty weekend....

Now that I've gotten an absolutely terrible week/weekend out of my way, I'm hoping I can start concentrating on the things that matter to me right now. On Friday I lost my wallet right before we were leaving for our XC meet. So I had to leave and try and cancel my ATM card on the way to the meet. I didn't get shit for sleep the night we stayed in the hotel room, but I did have an alright time. We played a game where we tried to connect one person on the team to another on the team which was interesting.

The next morning I woke up, drove to the meet, and proceeded to have an undecribably shitty race. A group of us were supposed to go out in 5:20 for the first mile; we ended up coming through the first mile in 5:40. I pretty much new that I was screwed after that. My best races are run when I run even splits or I go out hard. So, I finished in 28:40, nearly 50 seconds slower than my previous race even though the course was much easier. Our team should have won the race, or placed second at the very least. We finished 7th.... two junior colleges beat us. Needless to say the race was by far my worst of the year. On the way back from the race Rob's car broke down. This made a 3 hour drive turn into a 5 hour drive. When I finally got back I just layed around for awhile and then crashed.

Today I woke up feeling quite refreshed. I got my first full 9 hours of sleeps since I don't even know when. I'm running later on at seven around campus with Rob because he had to go up to Terre Haute to get another car. So here I am with no money and no student ID to eat on campus and no means of transportation to get any food off-campus. Gee Mom and Dad, a car would sure be nice right now :) ~ Rich

Sleep good, sick bad

Pool workouts are always enjoyable... haha, not! I got up at 7 in the morning today so I could make up for my absence of the previous day's workout due to alarm clock malfunction. Aside from the pool workout today has been nice. I crashed for a few hours after I got back. Seeing as everyone around me is getting mono I've decided that it is best for me to a.) avoid making out with anyone right now b.)get lots of sleep. English class only lasted 20 minutes because my instructor was sick. Right now I'm currently listening to the soothing sounds of Metallica. It's been a long time since I've listen to my Master of Puppets CD. Ah, my roommate's using my dishtowel as a placemat for his soup. I love that kid... he's just so damn cool. This is a very random post. Sorry folks, I've just kinda typed whatever has been coming to mind. Oh well, I know you love it. Or then again, maybe you don't? I never get any comments on here anymore, and I don't get to talk to many of my Hebron readers anymore. So Hebron, if you're still reading this from time to time, leave me some love. Peace to your hearts. ~ Rich

Hello all! I figured it would be wise to take a brief break from my studies, so I decided that I would make a post. Things are going fairly well for me, not so well for a number of people around me. One of my roommates has decided start a daily routine that hinders his mental clarity. Although it's quite humorous when he makes an ass of himself on a daily basis, it is also sad seeing as he's basically fucking up his future. A number of us have pressured him into getting his shit together again, but I don't think it seems to be working.

Running is going very well for me right now. We had a workout yesterday that was awesome; it consisted of 5 x 1-mile repeats that were supposed to get progressively faster with each one. The recovery in between each mile started with only a minute after the first one and reached 3 minutes between the 4th and 5th miles. It probably would have been an even better workout if I would not have gone apeshit so early on. My splits were 5:27, 5:13, 5:02, 5:03, and 5:02. This comes out to 25:47 for an 8k race. I know that I can break 27 minutes at Edwardsville this Saturday, it's just a matter of maintaining focus during the race.
Well I believe I need to jet seeing as I have much more research to complete for my speech on Friday. Peace out homies. ~ Rich

Funny Quote: "The fact that there are more people in this race [320 runners] doesn't give you the excuse that you can be farther back in the pack on Saturday.... some of the teams are really shitty" ~ Coach

"Sunday morning is every day for all I care..."

Man I am spent. I got up early this morning and went to the Lutheran church across from campus. The pastor there is really nice and is a VU grad, apparently (Valpo, not Vincennes... I can't simply say "VU" around here) Anyway, I'm going to get over there more often.

We ran at Wesselman's today for an hour and a half. We were well under 6:00 pace for an hour's worth of running which was pretty cool. Tuesday we're doing 7 x 1-mile. Anyway I need to go because I've got some material that needs to be up n' studied. Tscheus ~ Rich

"We're moving so fast, you know they call it rock n' rollin' "

This has been a really good weekend. I have had the room all to myself and I've loved it. It's nice to be able to get homework done without having to go to the library.

Friday's workout rocked! The workout consisted of:

2-mile warmup
5-mile tempo
2 x 1-mile repeats hard on XC course
2-mile warmdown

My group finished our tempo run in 28:25, more than a minute faster than what I ran my first 8k race at Purdue. I went through the first mile repeat in 4:56 and the second in 4:49. With an effort like this, I'm hoping that I will be able to break 27:00 this upcoming weekend at SIEU. That's all for now, I believe. Frieden aus. ~ Rich