AIG=Annoying Insurance Giant

I made up that acronym the other day after learning about the $165 million in bonuses AIG paid to their executives. The indecency of it all. Nobody who contributed to the collapse of AIG deserves a bonus. Least of all the gamblers aka traders and executives who made the wrong bets and caused AIG’s house of cards to tumble.

Bonuses are not entitlement. They are not paid simply because an employee spends eight hours a day on company time doing work. That’s a paycheck people. When did corporations loose sight of that small piece of wisdom? Bonuses are for results beyond expected performance. If an employee’s work had a direct impact on the company’s prosperity or improvement then a bonus is warranted. Bonuses are for the employee of the month and year crowd. Bonuses are NOT retainers. And why would any intelligent person want to retain the block of employees who caused the company to fail? If I owned a business and some employees made decisions that caused my business to fail and I needed a huge loan just to stay afloat ALL because of their bad choices then they are fired. Why would I pay them a bonus to keep them from leaving? What type of insane logic is that? I WANT them to leave.

I’m like most Americans. I’m just dumbfounded. So many American citizens are struggling to keep their financial life in something that looks like order and AIG failing employees are getting thousands and million dollar bonuses. And here is the kick in the rear. The same Americans who are struggling are paying for it. If I had the ability to draw I would have a character labeled American taxpayer bending over and another character labeled AIG standing right up behind them smiling. We are getting screwed here. And there seems to be little to nothing the Obama administration can do about it.

It’s like trying to stop a preventable fire after the house is burned down. I don’t care how angry you are at the result it doesn’t matter when the house is in ashes. And since I’m ranting here Geithner is getting on my American taxpayer nerves. He lacks a visible backbone to his character. I have not seen him look strong as the Secretary of the Treasury. I did not like some of the decisions Henry Paulson, the previous Secretary of the Treasury, made but at least the man had balls and I admire that.

I like the idea of taxing the bonuses to recoup the money. More than I like just subtracting $165 million from the next AIG taxpayer installment. Nobody at AIG is going to notice their next bailout money in billions of dollars is missing 165 million of them. The people who received bonuses do not deserve a taxpayers dime and Uncle Sam needs to determine how to get our money back.

Alisa

Get your passport ready to visit Texas

It’s Friday so there is always something unusual in the news. I just read that actor Chuck Norris would run for the presidency of Texas if the state ever secede from the Union. CNN link

Give me a second. I need a moment………

Chuck honey, the last time states tried that it ended in a long war and the southern states coming back into the Union kicking and screaming bloody murder. And the last person to be president over seceding states, Jefferson Davis, spent two years in jail for treason. I’m sure in the 21st century the event of Texas trying to secede from the Union would be a bit more civil than the Civil War but it’s still a bad idea.

I like Texas. I like Texas being part of the United States. I like it being the Lone Star STATE.

Chuck said a few interesting things. “If not me, someone someday may again be running for president of the Lone Star state, if the state of the union continues to turn into the enemy of the state.” And this “…if states decide to secede from the union, that Texas would lead the way.”

Just what the United States needs. A bunch of renegade states all pouring over their state’s constitution, the U.S. constitution, and the Confederate history books trying to figure out how to become mini republics. We are stronger when united (as in the UNITED states) than any state ever would be as a small country. But can a state as it’s own country defend its boarders? Especially Texas of all places. I don’t know but it seems to me the country of Texas would be more vulnerable than the state of Texas. And the last thing the United States need is an additional southern border.

But I’m curious. Is there really a movement concerning Texas seceding from the Union? I typed in ‘Texas secession’ in Google and got more pro websites than any U.S. citizen should be comfortable knowing exists.

I don’t think any state will be seceding from the Union any time soon and I hope there are more Texans against the idea than for it.

Alisa

Hiring people on Work Visas

Someone asked me a question earlier today. “Do you think I’m racist because I think it’s wrong to hire someone on a work visa when so many overly qualified Americans are out of work?”

Interesting question.

No I don’t think the person is racist. I do think the topic of work visas during this recession should be addressed.

In my strong opinion (and this blog is all about my opinion) American jobs should first be offered to Americans. In this economy we have many highly skilled Americans, with enormous student loans to go with those skills, out of work. More than a few are also out of money, out of a house, out of health care and just out of luck. They need a job. If you are hiring then offer the job first to an American citizen. Be a part of this economy’s solution not part of the problem.

Life has taught me there are exceptions to everything. Like 1+1=3. (Just think about it and you’ll figure it out.)

Seriously, there are exceptions to just about every truth and ideology. And there will be times when hiring someone on a work visa makes the most cents. Ooops, I’m sorry. Sense.

Think of hiring Americans first as part of your civic duty. It helps the country. It helps your community because another neighbor now has disposable income to spend into the economy. It helps the morale of your company as they see another neighbor get a job. And its just patriotic like baseball and flying the American flag.

This recession has gripped America intently. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is sinking. The Dow Jones is crying the blues just about every day. And Citibank stock is trading in the $1.00 range. As Americans we should do whatever we can no matter how big or small to help our economy and if you have a job available then offer the job to an American citizen first. Trust me in this economy someone will take it.

Alisa

Watchmen: a movie review

In short: three hours of my life wasted watching psychotic nonsense.

This movie was horrible for a number of reasons. To begin with it was three hours. If you’re going to make a three hour movie you better have excellent content and a slam dunk storyline. Watchmen could have been a two hour movie. Easily. What needed to be deleted brings me to the rest of this review.

First, this movie had soft porn. Who would have suspected this in a superhero movie? The big blue man who they called Jon aka Dr. Manhattan was walking around neon blue butt naked. I’m watching his neon blue “manhood” just swinging. WTH??? The guy in the theater next to me said “he needs to put some clothes on”. I agree. Then there were the two sex scenes between Nite Owl and Silk Spectre II. The second sex scene was too over the top. Breasts all in the air and way too much orgasmic glory. There where teens in the audience who thought to clap when earlier in the movie Nite Owl kissed Silk. Can you imagine what was going through these teens minds when those same two were banging each other later in the movie?

Then the superheros with the mental disorders were disturbing. I don’t even know where to begin. How about with Rorschach. He was a basket case with a consciousness for doing what was right. He was screwed in the head because he was raised watching his mother get paid for sex and then as an adult, while working on a missing girl case, he found the girl (actually he found her leg bone with shoe attached) being chewed on by two dogs. WTH??? Did I really need to see that so graphically displayed in order to understand why Rorschach became twisted in the head? Ah…no. Throughout the movie Rorschach had anger management and aggression issue as he repeatedly beat people without mercy. Then there was Comedian. He beat and tried to rape his superhero cohort and later shot and killed another woman who was pregnant with his child. And he is suppose to be a superhero? How about Ozymandias. The superhero who ends up saving the world by killing half of New York City. Huh? And Dr. Manhattan had the odd ability to blow people up from the inside out and they typically ended up splattered everywhere. Do you like seeing bloody body parts dripping from the ceiling and off of people’s faces? Then you will love this movie.

You know when insane people in a movie dress up in costumes and masks I usually know them as the villains of Gotham City NOT superheros. Seriously, Watchmen was like looking at the villains of a Batman movie stepping out of rehab trying to do good in the world. Same effect.

If you liked Sin City then this movie might appeal to you. Otherwise don’t waste your money and please do not take any children.

Alisa

Chris Brown and Rihanna: Part 2

I just read the affidavit concerning the domestic violence incident in February between Chris Brown and Rihanna. Read it here. I was stunned and just aghast at what Chris actually did to Rihanna. I know the accusations still need to be proven in court and yes Chris is innocent until proven guilty. But to read what was stated in that affidavit is horrifying. You just have to read it yourself. Combine that affidavit with the battered photo of Rihanna and Chris looks guilty of abuse in my book.

If everything in the affidavit is true then Rihanna is a victim of domestic violence but since she has returned into a relationship with Chris then her mindset is of a habitual battered woman. Unless Chris gets therapy I have no doubt he will abuse her again. She too needs therapy to help her understand why she thinks returning to an abusive man makes sense. (I honestly don’t get it. Why would I walk into the same wall twice?) I have read that men who abuse women have a way of attracting abused women into relationships. And women who are abused have a way of attracting abusive men. I don’t know if that is scientific but the proof is in the pudding in this case. Chris is an abusive man who happens to attract a woman who tolerates his abuse? Something to think about.

I believe abusive men think of themselves as “strong men” and may be overly aggressive or overpowering with women. Maybe not physically at first but body language and in decision making. To me that’s a red flag. And I wonder how many red flags Chris was waving when he first started dating Rihanna.

I met a man yesterday while standing at the bus stop. I didn’t know him and wouldn’t recognize him today if I saw him on the street. He just started talking to me for no reason. Talking about his bag being ripped or torn. I didn’t see any bag so I just looked at him as he was rambling he was going to the gym. I asked politely (making pointless conversation with a man who seemed to need to talk to someone) if he was going without his gym clothes as he was wearing a suit (and no change of clothes or bag in sight). The moment he started his explanation with “no, woman” in an authoritative tone I knew then he had issues. My “crazy man” radar alarms went off so loud its a wonder nobody around me heard them. I looked at him like the fool I knew him to be. It just so happens I was waiting for the same bus and I too was going to the gym and knew we were going to the same location. ARRRG!!! Long story short he tells me I shouldn’t be afraid of a “strong man” (I told you they think they are strong men) and I quipped I already had one and got on the bus. I had no doubts this fool would hit a woman. And if this was a first date for me there would never in all of eternity be a second.

So then why did Rihanna go back to Chris after being abused so horribly? He put her in a choke hold for goodness sake.

Chris was in court yesterday but there was a continuance until April 6. So it will be next month until Chris gets his day in court and we find out if Rihanna will testify. But they are still dating, right? If she testifies that would be awkward.

Alisa

The King of Pop says farewell

Michael Jackson will give his final concerts this summer at the O2 Arena in London. There will be ten concerts and Mike says this is it. No more. He’s done. Getting out while the getting is still good I guess. I do hope they will broadcast this concert so those of us on the other side of the ocean will be able to watch. I’m a Michael Jackson fan and I want to see one of his last performances without having to board a plane to London.

Well, that wasn’t happening anyways.

I do find it a bit strange that his final performances will not be in America. Or that he would not perform at least one final show here in the states. Come on Mike! Show some love for your dedicated fans here in your home country! As a side note this does bring up the reoccurring theme of musical performers past their prime finding a performance haven in Europe. Not sure why that works out so well for them. But a lot of oldies but goodies performers seem to draw strong crowds overseas. I guess they go where they will still get paid to perform. Europe is a safe bet. Same is true for Las Vegas.

Mike said he will perform the songs his fans want to hear. And that would be a good long list. I’m a fan of all of those 1980′s hits of his. Ahhh the memories. The 1980′s. Michael Jackson, Miami Vice, Prince and even Boy George. But enough regressing. Back to 2009.

I watched the three minute announcement and was horrified at how unhealthy Michael looks. He moves well just looks sick. Maybe it’s extreme tiredness I’m seeing. Maybe it’s all the stress and strain of the past few years taking its toll on him. But something has zapped some of that MJ zest for life out of him. (Honestly, his appearance has been going down hill since that Pepsi commercial fiasco.) He truly looked tired in his announcement. Makes me want to recite that poem.

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
etc, etc, etc

That’s just how tired Michael looked.

You can find the rest of the poem on Google.

Anyways, I do hope I can see at least one of the concerts this summer broadcast live. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a pay per view event.

Alisa

I’m so sorry Rush. Yea, right.

I normally do not post about the same topic back to back mainly because there is so much going on in the world that it’s not necessary but I just HAD to blog about this.

I was checking out CNN as I always do for some inspiration for my blog and saw an article about the website the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is hosting called www.imsorryrush.com. I laughed out loud so hard and I’m still chuckling. That website is hilarious. Why do Republicans see the need to keep apologizing to Rush after they speak the TRUTH about Rush? The website profiles three Republicans who spoke out against Rush Limbaugh and then recanted their genuine words and replaced them with some crafted B.S. apology they really did not meant.

The website even allows you to create your own apology letter just in case you too want to be a part of the Republican politician movement and apologize to Rush. It’s almost standard rhetoric for Republican politicians these days.

So I went to Rush’s website because I read he had some feedback on the Democratic parody site and OMG his website is dripping with Rush’s own self grandeur. Rush is so full of Rush that he is going to implode himself all over himself. He is so full of self he doesn’t see how consumed he is with ego. Masked self conceit is his Achilles heel. He will fall. Just wait and watch.

Alisa

Rush Limbaugh is so delusional.

Celebrity stature will do that do you. Give you delusions of grandeur. Surround yourself with those who worship you and you begin to think too highly of yourself.

There’s a name for that personality type but I don’t know what it is.

Rush will be Rush. Whatever. God bless him.

I’m a Democrat but I’m going to give Republican politicians some advice. Simply because I just hate seeing people go so horribly in the worse direction. It evokes sympathy out of me. Besides I like the democratic process to be a healthy sport with parties I can respect even if I don’t agree with them.

Republican politicians need to all slap themselves upside their heads for somehow allowing Rush to be the face of their party. Neither the Right wing or the Left wing will ever win the White House without the moderates. And the moderates think Rush is a joke. A BIG joke. Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele said the best thing he could have ever said when in an interview with CNN he stated that he, not Rush Limbaugh, is “the de facto leader of the Republican Party.” I’m a Democrat and even I applaud Steele for saying that.

Steele has balls. Gotta respect that.

Rush got issues. Plenty of them. And he has an insane need for public attention. So he does what he does and that is have a radio show that seems to always be about himself going against ….whomever is his target that week. Totally absurd.

Republican politicians please stop looking for Rush’s endorsement or squirming at his verbal chastisement. It’s embarrassing. I would scream if the Democratic party ever got so entangled with a single radio personality.

People say stuff about Rush and then apologize? WTH?? OMG. Stop it. Please.

Lets have a healthy democratic process with all parties being focused on their philosophies and representing the Americans who support them. If the zealot Right wingers want a political party I advise you not be it and let them start their own. And Rush can be their poster boy and advocate all day long.

Alisa

Watermelons on White House lawn and Rihanna back with Chris. WTH??

OMG.

This is what happens when it snows in Atlanta and I’m house bound all day. I sit on my computer and just read and read and read to keep myself entertained in between chores. And what did my eyes see? Just drama drama and more drama.

First. The watermelons on the White House lawn photo.

Seems like Los Alamitos Mayor Dean Grose didn’t get the African American politically correct dos and don’ts memo . He thought it would be just hilarious to email a doctored photo of the White House lawn with a watermelon patch in the front of it to a small group of friends. The quote with the photo stated “No Easter egg hunt this year.” Yea, ha ha ha. WTH?? Grose said “he was unaware of the racial stereotype linking black people with eating watermelons”.

Right.

Out of all the fruit he could have posted in his photo he just happen, coincidentally, to pick a watermelon. And it just so happens he has an African American for a president. He knew exactly what he was doing. He just didn’t think anybody on his dear trusted email list would speak out about it.

The good news is he will resign. His political career is done.

Look people. If you are racist that’s your business and your wonderful right as an American citizen. But if you are short sighted enough to post your racist views using any type of print or electronic media such as magazines, newspapers, blogs, websites and email then don’t be confused or bewildered when your once unknown self is put front and centered in the media spotlight. Your image will be trashed all over the news.

My dear Rihanna. Stop it. Please.

I read Rihanna is back with Chris. Let me repeat. Rihanna who was physically abused aka BEATEN by her boyfriend Chris Brown went back to Chris.

You have to read the article yourself because it’s just sad. Read article. Why does every generation have their nightmare R&B couple. Ike and Tina. Bobby and Whitney. Now we have Chris and Rihanna. Who would have thought it would be them? They don’t get it. They will NEVER be able to go in public any time soon and be respected. I’ve never bought a Chris Brown song ever and will never buy one. I’ve bought music by Rihanna but I have lost all respect for her. A man beats you down and you get back in a relationship with him. And this wasn’t the first time he’s hit you?

Oh hellllll no.

I’m really beginning to think some people really did just fall off the turnip truck.

Alisa

Kooza

Last night I attended a Cirque Du Soleil event called Kooza. What an amazing show. I’ve seen pictures and quick videos of Cirque Du Soleil shows in the past and knew I wanted to see a show some day.

Cirque Du Soleil has been coming to Atlanta for years and every year when I see that big blue and yellow funky tent at Atlantic Station I promise myself I’ll go. I mean it’s here for MONTHS so I always think I have plenty of time. And every year I never even find out the ticket prices much less go.

This year my parents decided they wanted to go and asked me if I wanted to join them and if I would research ticket prices, seating, dates, etc. Sure I said and I happily researched all the information and ended up choosing last night at 8:00 p.m. as the day and time.

I honestly can not tell you what the storyline is of Kooza. Some person is walking around flying a kite in their pajamas and some wizard or king of mysticalville shows up with a wand and allows him to see all of these incredible feats of acrobatics and stunts of skill and steel willpower. Very fantasy like. Once you get past that though the stunts and acrobatics are incredible.

My favorite act was the contortionists. Every time I see people who can twist their bodies in ways I can’t imagine I’m fascinated. I get cramps just watching them. The ones in Kooza were incredible. When they first came onto the stage they were wrapped up around each other so they looked like this twisted ball being rolled onto the stage. You didn’t really know what that was until the ball unraveled and there you see three women. Below are the three ladies.

There was a juggler, men on tight ropes, a unicyclist who was also swinging a woman around and above his body while bicycling at the same time, crazy men walking on the outside of a spinning wheel (I can’t even explain that one), and the strangest clowns I’ve ever seen. They were kind of bizarre. Maybe it’s French humor. I don’t know.

I do recommend the show if it comes to your town or near your town. The show is not cheap as the cheapest tickets were $50 and the average seat price was $90 which were our seats. The most expensive seats were $130.

The best way to describe Kooza is to call it a circus for adults.

Alisa