The Weekly Drip!

On gun control in the US!

2012-12-23T03:01:00.000-08:00

Today the article presented below is written by a guest of mine.
Please enjoy and comment or not.

On gun control in the US,

In regards to your coverage of the School shooting in Connecticut and subsequent policy debate over gun control in the US, I would like to offer my perspective. I am an American graduate student in Anthropology at the University of Oxford. I would like to think I have a somewhat complicated and nuanced view of the debate given my social training in anthropology, my US upbringing, and my experience living overseas and seeing very tight control laws here in the UK.

My argument is essentially that tightening gun control laws in the US will be yet another fear-driven policy that both curbs freedom and does little to prevent events such as those in Connecticut. My argument draws on two schools of thought: the traditional one—“guns don’t kill people, people do”, but secondly on a sociological view about the history and culture of the US.
As far as tight gun laws affecting massacres I think there is ample evidence to argue that this is fallacious. Four examples, include the Norwegian massacre in 2011 at the hands of Anders Breivik, the Dunblane shooting in 1996, the Hungerford Massacre in 1987, and the 2010 Cumbria Shootings. This sample was selected amongst numerous others from throughout Europe, including Denmark and Germany, many since 2002. Both Norway, and particularly the UK have much more restrictive Gun laws than the US, and yet these shootings still occurred. This supports the idea that those seeking to commit such acts will find the means to do so even in a tightly regulated environment. Further evidence includes bombings— although numerous incendiary devices have full bans, devices made of homemade chemicals have proven just as deadly innumerous attacks. I believe few would argue that it would be illogical to ban all of the household chemicals which can be used in bomb-making. The same argument is applicable towards gun control.

Therefore, I see a tightening of gun laws in the US as an ineffective policy that has punitive effects solely on those who obey and respect proper gun use. Such tightening would only limit the ability of responsible citizens to posses weapons, and simply force criminals and sociopaths into less regulated (“black market”) avenues to obtain weapons. Further, a tightening of gun laws would in effect mirror America’s long inefficacious “war on drugs” in that minor offenders would be jailed for long periods, and in turn amass huge legislative and correctional costs, only worsening the fiscal burden on the US.

Lastly, and in a more subjective argument that may be hard to understand by non-Americans, I argue that “the right to bear arms” is a fundamental tenet of American culture, governance, and social contract. Specifically, what I mean is that in the US, weapons ownership by ordinary citizens serves as a “check” on governmental and institutionalized power as part of the “checks and balances” system which are the lynchpin of the democratic structure in the United States. Institutionalized power at every level, from police and local government, to state and federal government, must consider as part of every decision, the ability of US citizens to forcibly resist and protest policies as they see fit. In my view, this consideration is a must for maintaining the Freedom that Americans so adore and covet, as it creates an ever-present tension between institutionalized and civil power, which in turn maintains peace and balance within the system.

In summary, I argue that the US should not seek to tighten gun control laws on the back of the Connecticut massacre as it would do nothing to solve the problem. Rather it will curb the freedom of responsible citizens and increase the fiscal burden on the US.

Duncan MacDonald-Korth

Let's fight back...

2012-11-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

Living in the UK is a fantastical experience, London is a special capital with its old traditions and polite ways that the modern lifestyle (capitalism) seems to change. Fortunately the "old fashion" is equally strong part of the city life therefore the "modern hype" is forced to embrace it and from time to time really accentuate it in order to restore it and the identity of Britain.

After the appreciative intro let's talk about the issues that one can think are minute yet on the other hand they represent a "monstrous carbuncle" as Prince Philip put it. The problem is the imbalance that exists between the individual (seeking and paying for service) and a corporation (receiving payment and failing to provide proper service). This type of imbalance appears to be more drastic in Britain, Europe and possibly other part of the world. It is the absence of "Checks and Balance" system that has greatly developed in the United States resulting brilliant customer service and giving rights and protection to millions against abuse from corporations.

The fundamental reason lies is the difference in size. These corporations are not human-like even though it is created, managed and organised by people. It's first motif is to make profit disregarding all else and will do anything to achieve the financial gain. Company's that have ignored the "happy customers = more profit" formula need to be reminded by the customers/peoples that is time to change because this equation eventually will satisfies both side of the business.

As people/customers it is one's duty to ensure one's power against abuse by corporations, monopolies and anything less than excellent all over service. First of all, the government need to protect it's people much better from such abuse!!! Second of all, people have to take this matters into their own hand and stop tolerating this abuse!!!

The best way to fight back is gathering enough man power/support by joining this website and then suing companies that take peoples money and as a return they practice unlawful behaviour, deny customer's request to quit while providing absolutely useless and horrid service or customer service. They will not refund anyone for the trouble and extra expenses they accumulate. There is nothing that would possibly threaten them except a lawsuit. As an individual one cannot make a difference and would be small and weak against a corporation, however as a united body people can beat the beasts!

Personally I am tired of being constantly frustrated and mistreated! The tyranny of these companies and corporation angers me. Let's fight back and end this horror. Companies that have caused me and continuing causing months of unrest and financial loss are BT (British Telecom) and Barclays (commercial bank devision). Here are my stories,and Please Feel Free to Share Your Horrible Experience on this website, the more people and more stories the stronger case we have:

"When moving to the UK and signing a contract with BT for 24 months of good service, after 2 months of frustration and about 20 phone calls later they failed to set up and provide useful service, I told them I would like to quit their service because they failed to provide acceptable service, while I was paying monthly and was spending on expensive phone calls to them, waiting hours to get transferred to a representative and building up constant stress and frustration. Their answer was: No, you cannot quit us. Supposedly the only way the contract can be determinated if they fail to set up the service in that 24 months while the contract lasts (on customer's money) ergo as an individual with free will one has no right or power to quit a contract with BT when they serve unspeakably horrible service and disconcerting customer service.
Complaint was made. It has been about 14 months since we signed the contract, we are still paying because we do not want to receive bad credit rating, the company is viciously hated in our circles and any time there is someone thinking to do business with BT, we make sure we tell our story."

"My Barclay's experience is more recent, they have the "find-the-credit-card-that-suits-you-the-best" scheme on their website, and I did it. It recommended me the percentages each cards would suit me according to their assessment (which is absolutely faulty looking back on it now) then I decided to apply for the one that gave me a 90% assurance. After I applied, I received a letter informing me that I was accepted (second assessment that turns out to be executed incorrectly looking back on it) and I sent them copies of proof of identity and of address. One month later I had to call (again spending my money because they fail to inform me as good customer service dictates) and ask if the copied personal documents have arrived and also to find out the status of my application. After 20 minutes of self identification to a young arrogant customer service representative who told me she cannot identify me and sent me to one of the branches (again they are dictating unjustly) I became understandably upset and asked to talk to a manager. She put me on hold for 5 minutes then came back and told me that: "My manager said that he would tell you the same thing as I did"... My head almost exploded. I could not believe this company's culture allowed such arrogance and misdemeanour towards its customer's. When a customer wishes to talk to the manager, the manager suppose to fulfil the request and apologetically resolve the issue.
Next day, there was a letter in the mail denying my application due to Barclay's failure to gather sufficient information on me after I passed two of their own assessment. Conclusion: faulty assessment process, horrible service all around.
Complaint was made."

Conclusion #1: Such companies can afford to practice horrible all around service because their rights therefore powers are disproportionately greater than the customers!!!
Conclusion #2: People need more rights and power to create the "Checks and Balance" system!

P.S
In order to end this article on a positive note, I would like to thank and send a shout out to all the companies that provide people with outstanding service:
Thank you Barbour, Thank you Three (3), Thank you Marks and Spencer, Thank you HSBC...

Who are the 'One Percent'?

2011-12-02T01:57:00.001-08:00

First of all, everybody who is honest to themselves is Greedy. Anyone to use this word as a base of an argument only against the One Percent and only accuse Wall Street with it does not have a case. It is just a description of human nature. It is like protesting against your Grandma because she is old.

This Occupy Wall Street has been a very controversial and contagious event around the world. Let's just start with gathering information on this matter. Some data that needs to be researched to have a grasp on the Financial-Economic-Political-Social circumstances: Who works on Wall Street, What do they do, Why are they doing it, Who can work on Wall Street, How many hours of work they put into their job on average, How much money do they make, Demographics of the one percent, What percentage of tax revenue do the one percent constitute, Who occupied Wall Street, Why did they occupy Wall Street, What is their main agenda?

I believe that there is so much to say about Occupy Wall Street that I could put the Harry Potter series to shame. Anyway let me begin to answer these questions. I will be as unbiased in my research as possible.

Who works on Wall Street? Investment Bankers, Asset Managers, Brokers, Traders, Auditors, Lawyers, Programmers and many more.

What do they do? "An investment bank is a financial institution that assists individuals, corporations and governments in raising capital by underwriting and/or acting as the client's agent in the issuance of securities. An investment bank may also assist companies involved in mergers and acquisitions, and provide ancillary services such as market making, trading of derivatives, fixed income instruments, foreign exchange, commodities, and equity securities." /http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_banking/

Why are they doing it?

Investment Bank/Corporate Finance: "Traditional aspect of investment banks which also involves helping customers raise funds in capital markets and giving advice on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The investment banking division (IBD) is generally divided into industry coverage and product coverage groups. Industry coverage groups focus on a specific industry, such as healthcare, industrials, or technology, and maintain relationships with corporations within the industry to bring in business for a bank. Product coverage groups focus on financial products, such as mergers and acquisitions, leveraged finance, project finance, asset finance and leasing, structured finance, restructuring, equity, and high-grade debt and generally work and collaborate with industry groups on the more intricate and specialized needs of a client."
Sales and Trading: "On behalf of the bank and its clients, a large investment bank's primary function is buying and selling products. Sales is the term for the investment bank's sales force, whose primary job is to call on institutional and high-net-worth investors to suggest trading ideas (on a caveat emptor basis) and take orders. Sales desks then communicate their clients' orders to the appropriate trading desks, which can price and execute trades, or structure new products that fit a specific need. Banks seek to maximize profitability for a given amount of risk on their balance sheet. The necessity for numerical ability in sales and trading has created jobs for physics, mathematics and engineering Ph.D.s who act as quantitative analysts."/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_banking/

Therefore according to Occupy Wall Street, people with Finance and Economics majors are greedy as well as these above mentioned Physics, Mathematics and Engineering students because they would rather go into Investment Banking than work in their field of study because it pays better affording them a better life-style. The problem is the low income potential for Physicists, Mathematicians and Engineers with Ph.D.s that forces them into Investment banking causing an enormous "brain drain" in those areas. That is not Wall Street's fault. On the other hand, the tuition for a Ph.D student will add up to such an amount that he/she will rather make a significant amount working for an Investment Bank in order to pay back the student loans than becoming a professional in their field of study. I am not trying to point fingers, however that is once again is not Wall Street's fault.

Research: "is the division which reviews companies and writes reports about their prospects, often with "buy" or "sell" ratings. While the research division may or may not generate revenue (based on policies at different banks), its resources are used to assist traders in trading, the sales force in suggesting ideas to customers, and investment bankers by covering their clients. Research also serves outside clients with investment advice (such as institutional investors and high net worth individuals) in the hopes that these clients will execute suggested trade ideas through the sales and trading division of the bank, and thereby generate revenue for the firm."
Others: - Global transaction banking: is the division which provides cash management, custody services, lending, and securities brokerage services to institutions. Prime brokerage with hedge funds has been an especially profitable business, as well as risky. - Investment management: is the professional management of various securities (shares, bonds, etc.) and other assets (e.g., real estate), to meet specified investment goals for the benefit of investors. Investors may be institutions (insurance companies, pension funds, corporations etc.) or private investors (both directly via investment contracts and more commonly via collective investment schemes e.g., mutual funds). The investment management division of an investment bank is generally divided into separate groups, often known as Private Wealth Management and Private Client Services. - Merchant banking: can be called "very personal banking"; merchant banks offer capital in exchange for share ownership rather than loans, and offer advice on management and strategy. Merchant banking is also a name used to describe the private equity side of a firm. - Commercial banking: It is a bank that provides transactional, savings, and money market accounts and that accepts time deposits./http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_banking/

Who can work on Wall Street? Anybody who can handle stress, is tenacious, ambitious, analytical, spends his/her free time networking and reading Yahoo news, Bloomberg, etc. plus have excellent interpersonal skills.

How many hours of work they put into their job on average? (all numbers below relate to large "Bulge Bracket" banks in the United States)

Investment Banking: Summer Analyst (intern): 90-100hrs/week for 8-10 weeks Analyst: 90 hours/week for 2 years Associates: 75-80hrs/week (usually for 2-3 years)
Trading: Summer Analyst (intern): 60hrs/week (on structured products desks it is usually more) Analyst: 60hrs/week Associates: 55-60hrs/week (usually for 2-3 years)

How much money do they make?

Investment Banking: Compensation for first year analysts is 70-80K base, 5-10 to sign, and 30-60 year end bonus. Second year, 80-90 base, 70 year end bonus. First year associate promote (w/ MBA), 25K to sign, 120k salary, 80-110k year end bonus (sometimes prorated)
Trading: Compensation for first year analysts 70k-80k base, 10 to sign, and 30-60 year-end bonus. Second year, 80-90 base, 70 year end bonus. 1st year associate promote, 25K to sign, 110-120k salary, 80-110k year end bonus (sometimes prorated)

Demographics of the "One Percent":

"Occupy Wall Street is leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%. We are using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to achieve our ends and encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants."

/http://occupywallst.org/

These demographics will be shocking to some:

https://files.nyu.edu/bps261/public/numbers.html

"Any surprise? Less than one of every seven members of the uppermost crust work in finance. Medicine has twice the number law does. Perhaps the protests should be "Occupy Boardrooms," to protest the fat-cattery rampant in multinational corporations. Better yet, "Occupy New Brunswick/Whitehouse Station/Indianapolis," the homes of 3 of the largest pharmaceutical companies. And where is the "Occupy Big Law" movement?"

"Some facts to consider:

Wall Street comprises one-seventh of the 1%
The 1% controls 39% of wealth globally
Occupy Wall Street demonizes one industry alone for the entire "greed and corruption of the 1%"

Food for thought. Knowledge is power."

What percentage of tax revenue do the one percent constitute?

"WHAT THE TOP 1%, 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% MAKE IN AMERICA

Based on the Internal Revenue Service’s 2010 database below, here’s how much the top Americans make:

Top 1%: $380,354

Top 5%: $159,619

Top 10%: $113,799

Top 25%: $67,280

Top 50%: >$33,048

SUMMARY OF FEDERAL INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX DATA, 2010

http://www.financialsamurai.com/2011/04/12/how-much-money-do-the-top-income-earners-make-percent/

The One Percent does pay a significant amount, 38% of the Income Taxes in the US balancing out the bottom 50% who is responsible for 2.59%. I believe it looks fair enough. In my opinion, the most equal, beneficial and fair taxing system would be a flat tax on every income level because it would encourage people to work harder, hence would boost all levels of the economy. However since capitalism has been the most competitive, efficient and growth driven system, because it's number one purpose is making profit. Up until this latest economic crisis this has not been as big of a problem as it is right now. Throwing more tax on the One Percent would stifle growth and competition and people would have less incentive undertake business ventures which help the economy grow (higher taxes=lower NPV of venture=less incentive=stifled growth=stagnant economy).

" ...we don't need Wall Street and we don't need politicians to build a better society."

There is more people responsible for the financial crisis than the One Percent. But these people are made a scapegoat for the simple reason that they make a lot of money. It is easy to blame Politicians because of the power they are given (nevermind that it is our job to elect them). OWS represents an extraordinarily simplified thought process that unfortunately shows societies glaring incapacity to take responsibility for their own actions and to critical analyze failures and properly place blame. Am I saying that Wall Street have not made mistakes--an unequivocal no. But am I saying that every 'common man' who re-financed his house and took on debt that he knew he couldn't pay without unsustainable growth in the housing market is free from blame--likewise, an unequivocal no. Let's do away with notions of predatory lending. Every man and woman knows how much they make and how much they can afford, and if they don't is that truly anyone else's fault? Are we to infantilize the 99% to the extent that we are essentially saying that can't even manage their monthly finances. Perhaps in espousing predatory lending what we are truly doing is reinforcing the 99%/1% divide--we are separating the 1% and the 99% along lines of competency. I don't think that is what anyone wants.

What is their main agenda? Protesting is very important in modern society--it supports freedom and reinforces the system of checks and balances. My issue is with the agenda of the protesters. For instance, in the UK at St. Paul's Cathedral BBC interviewed a woman protester (Occupy London) and she could not say one logical, meaningful sentence about why are they protesting. On the other hand, reading the Occupy Wall Street website it becomes very hard to find a concrete logical, helpful and informative agenda that would pinpoint the real issue and would give a good argument or a reasonable solution. Even if one wanted to sympathetic to the cause, their lack of a cohesive, unifying objective undermines their entire purpose.

Historically, protests use to be Anti-Nuclear, Anti-War, Gay Rights or Feminist Protest (to name but a few) but currently it is Anti-Politicians/Governing Body and Anti-Bank/Financial Industry. What does that mean? How does a government work without politics and finance?

Wall Street is just a middle man between multiple layers of society and organizations--everyone from Fortune 500 companies to 'Joe the plumber.' Do they tend to make large sums of money?--yes. Are they absolutely integral to the free movement of capital and the functioning of a healthy capitalistic economy?--absolutely. Have they made mistakes?--yes. Are they perfect?--no. Do we need them?--yes, beyond any doubt.

THE PINNACLE OF GREED:

"The Verizon skyscraper by the bridge had "Happy Birthday OWS" projected on to it, and "We are the 99 percent."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15784439

It is mind-blowingly ironic that Verizon being a multibillion dollar corporation who exploits the 99 percent on a daily basis by its monopolistic power and who also uses Investment Banks to make multibillion dollar deals for them puts a banner celebrating OWS and proclaims that they are the 99%. Talk about manipulation.

Hahaha. Good one.

Who occupied Wall Street? Anyone who is unhappy, lost their job, or has some spare time on their hands.

Why did they occupy Wall Street?

"Teachers told me they were marching to protest against the privatisation of education. Students said they had huge debts and no prospect of jobs to pay them off."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15784439

I empathize with these people and agree that privatisation of education would absolutely disadvantage less fortunate students. I believe everybody should have equal opportunity to get into prestigious schools, however this is a hard issue to tackle, because schools can afford better professors, facilities and stronger degrees if they are supported by a large amount of money. Unfortunately how does privatisation of education or no prospect of jobs for students relates to Occupy Wall Street?... It is very vague and distant relationship between those things and there are many other bodies that could be held responsible for those issues.

I will let you take all this information into consideration and draw your own conclusion. Point is the whole nation is responsible for the financial crisis and not only 1% of it. People are greedy all over the world.

Scary London!

2011-08-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

It is all over the news that London is "hosting" some serious riots. Unfortunately, so far the riots are in charge of police (instead of the other way around!), of the community and the overall atmosphere. How should the mayor treat this situation? There are two options. Option one: the police department hires e-detectives to catch info about upcoming possible riots and enforce their power on the rioters by being a little bit more physical. There is option two: take away their "bloody cell phones"... After watching the news, reading the papers and trying to make sense out of the turbulence I came to ponder: How did the UK manage to mismanage society so badly that it turned against itself? And what is the message or purpose of these riots other than just vandalism and robbery?
This previous rhetorical question is actually directed to the unhappy youth to find out the motives behind their actions.
The stock market shares are sinking madly and the streets of London are in flames. For all the fellow survivors in the UK here is a useful guide to keep surviving until this chaos comes to and end: http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Riot. (A shout out for awesome Wiki: 'Thank you for saving our lives again after helping us through long college research papers!')
When I say it feels very disconcerting being here in London I believe many people would agree with me. Do you stay as a brave patriot endangering yourself while hoping that today everything will resolve itself or do you leave as a free spirited tourist to save yourself and slightly feel that you throw in the towel too soon ...

Motor City Mojo!

2011-03-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

What happened in Detroit?

There is a major decrease in the population of the Motor City, the loss of population is equivalent to the volume of evacuation that happened after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. In the last decade 25% of the society decided to leave Detroit leaving homes and businesses behind. Would the decline in the motor manufacturing industry have such an large-scale effect or the city has became "too efficient for its own population"?

The mayor's plan is to tear down lots and residential buildings. It certainly is part of the ultimate solution to repopulate Detroit. At least cleaning up certain areas would be just as effective. In my opinion there is a lot more ideas and work to the solution:

There is a burst of marketing initiatives already in attracting people to the Motor City by advertising Chrysler cars with native rapper Eminem. Good commercial, undoubtedly is a good start. However, I am not sure if it efficiently targeted the right social segment. Chrysler has done more than the city did for itself by advertising the Motor City. Detroit need to take urgent steps to establish major reasons that make it more favorable in the public's eye and put these reasons into work by creating a professional media propaganda about the advantages of the city. I would start a competition amongst colleges for a TV commercial for the city and eventually televise the winner project.
The second idea instantly came to my mind is investing in Detroit. It needs to be rejuvenated. The city should invest in to PR and make innovator businesses, corporations and CEOs understand the opportunities lies in the city. It could become a new capital for all sorts of biomimicry, sustainable innovations companies and Eco-friendly agriculture.
In the past "Motown" had been celebrated for its music, the city and state need to enhance and relaunch this movement and organize several different regional and international music, sport, or IT events. In the 18th hundred the city was announced the most populated city because everything from sports to music to motor industry was blooming there at the same time. Also, Detroit needs to put more funds and effort towards supporting local art to recruit a versatile group of people that will improve the variety of interests in the city and could be key factors in the advertisements through media.
Support of small business is another way to take Detroit to the next level. The small businesses could occupy the residential buildings and bring a unique edge to the Motor City, not to mention it would prove unemployment. Food has always been an international language to people, by supporting agriculture and small businesses people will feel encouraged to open up food carts, small diners and fancy restaurants and that will magnetize masses to the city.
Building self-sustaining spas with saunas, steam baths and massage rooms. Affordable price for everybody. It could open in the months when its cold serve as an alternative to Great Lakes. It would open up job opportunities. It would create a new social network place. It would be healthy and attract masses of people. I am perfectly confident in this statement because many European immigrants live in Detroit and visiting spas is a tradition overseas.

All that said I am clearly aware that most of these things exist but maybe they need more attention, more support and nonetheless more media and Internet exposure in the US and all around the world.

As an individual all I see is opportunities when I look at Detroit. Big city, famous city, large masses, interesting history, gorgeous environment, hot summers, cold snowy winters, mixed cultures, mixed cuisines, and so much more. This unique old city has a copious amount of potential so be the first to explore.

Childhood Bizarre Foods Becoming Gourmet Cuisine!

2011-03-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

In the last couple days I have watched No Reservations and Bizarre Foods on the travel channel so before I delve deeper in to my analysis on this topic, note I understand the marketing approach of these TV shows by televising odd and unusual things in order to achieve more engaging and interesting episodes. Having said that, I have to address my adverse surprise, because knowing the fashion, food, healthcare and beauty industry have similar patterns to the stock market I did not expect this new gourmet culinary trend to be so popular. The similarity between those industries and the stock market in this case does not lie within the finance department but the popularity of trends. For instance, the bull market in the NYSE would be equivalent to a brand new fashion trend spreading across the industry and the world, whereas the bear market in the NYSE is to a phase when the fashion designers run out of new ideas and they return to the roots, better said to a fashion trend that had its primetime already at least 10-15 years ago. What does this little monologue has to do with those TV shows? In explaining first I have to start with a little biography.

I was born and raised in Hungary (land of Magyars) and even though my family lived in Budapest I used to spend my summers at my grandparents house in a town in east Hungary. They raised a few pigs, chickens, geese and goats to sustain themselves. Therefore, I really had a chance to acquaint myself with their eating habits and lifestyle. I remember having chicken feet soup or turkey neck soup, and fresh bread with chilled goose lard spread with slice of goose liver on it (these meals still feel delicious to me). Other times I woke up to the noise of a screaming pig, because we would have a pig roast that day. My grandpa gave me raw pig ears to chew on or fresh boiled pig liver with salt on it as a healthy snack because that was the same snack he probably grew up eating. We had pig stomach stew and pig feet in gelatin broth so I was exposed early to all those unique flavors growing up.

This happened about 10-15 years ago and these traditions were indigenous to Hungarian country side cuisine. Growing up in Austria, Budapest and Germany I was introduced to different culture's food and then coming to America and exploring even more culinary delights these childhood memories have begun to become distant and very unusual. After all my experiences I conclude now that it has always been a very positive zero-waste psychology to eat every part of an animal. However, I would prefer not to consume many of those food items anymore unless it is matter of survival.

This is the reoccuring food fashion trend I was mentioning above that is having an amazing and expensive comeback in the culinary industry. All around the world gourmet restaurants are serving up animal placenta, brain, intestines, blood, eyeballs and charging an unrealistic price for these historically considered "peasant" parts of animals. In my opinion, I would not pay money to eat these items on a menu because the price to quality and price to flavor ratio is equal to zero or "not worth it". However, I have a different point of view than other people who did not grow up experiencing those flavors as oppose to those who probably are tired of the taste of exquisite lobster and stone crab and are ambitious to try new flavors. Finally, I would like to pay homage to those who like to dine out and order these bizarre peasant foods because they certainly promote sustainability in the food industry which is always an admirable deed.

Wiggly, have no limbs, and Cleopatra made it a crime to kill them. What am I thinking about?

2011-03-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Worms!

Evidently they are the best thing that happened to nature at least in terms of speed and recovering, refreshing and filling up soil. Yes, we knew that already but for some reason we never utilized it. Worms are like a forgotten remedity to revitalize earth. It may just be the most natural thing we are looking for to clean the Earth from all the toxic and debris we manage to inject in it. It is AMAZING, after doing thorough research on the Internet I found that worms are the ultimate organic, bio, natural super food to humans, animals and to our planet, there was nothing about these invertebrates are extremely healthy, healing and cheap and easy to farm. In Europe it has grown into a contagious fashion fortunately, hopefully this fashion will spread all around the world. All right, after cumulating a magnificent vibe around worms I will list you advantages why everyone should consider having worms one way or another as soon as possible. (Before consumption or any sort of farming please talk to professionals).

Advantages of vermicomposting (wormcomposting) over conventional composting:

Organic waste is broken down more quickly by earthworms.
Resulting material is more stable, non toxic and has higher nutritional value
Earthworms are the only animals whose “poop” has a higher value than their food.
Nutrients are released slowly.
Vermipost has better porosity, aeration, drainage and moisture holding capacity
Pathogens (germs) are eliminated during vermicomposting.
Vermicomposting decreases the bioavailability of heavy metals
Hormone like compounds are added during the process which accelerate plantgrowth.
Germination (plant emerging from seed) up to 60% faster using vermicompost.
Virtually eliminates harmful bacteria
Plant diseases are greatly reduced

I know, WOW. Now that we know it is a win-win situation for agriculture and the ozone. I shall inform you about the benefits of worm shakes. I am sorry to every vegan, vegetarian etc. However, this research shows that in certain cases of illnesses it can act as a very effective medicine.

"Using a liquid that contains thousands of pig whipworm eggs, treatment trials involving patients with inflammatory bowel disorders proved successful with those who drank the unusual mixture.
“A lot of researchers couldn’t believe this treatment was effective, but people are always skeptical when confronted with new ideas,” Joel Weinstock, a gastroenterologist at the University of Iowa, who developed the treatment, said in a press release announcing his findings. “With our new impressive results, we can come out of the closet.”
Weinstock focused on the use of pig whipworms for treating inflammatory bowel disease after seeing a rise in incidence of the condition in western countries over the last 50 years as infections by such parasites as roundworms and human whipworms declined. In developing countries, inflammatory bowel disease is uncommon but infections by parasites remain frequent.
Whipworms get their names from their adult shape, which looks like a whip.
The study in the United States focused on 100 patients with ulcerative colitis and 100 with Crohn’s disease both of which fall under the heading of inflammatory bowel diseases. With the use of the pig whipworms, many of those in the study who suffered symptoms of the diseases – such as abdominal pain, bleeding and diarrhea – felt remarkable relief.
For ulcerative colitis, the remission rate was 50 percent while the Crohn’s patients had a rate of 70 percent.
Researchers chose the pig whipworm because it cannot survive long in humans. The human whipworm infects a half billion people and can occasionally cause such problems as anemia.
While the pig whipworm’s short life in the human body presents a great advantage for its use, the weakness of the pig whipworm cocktail is that it cannot be stored for very long.
Until researchers develop a longer lasting formula, fresh eggs would have to be prepared regularly to treat patients.
The U.S. study follows earlier trials reported in the journal New Scientist in 1999. But it is the success of the U.S. studies that have led to more focused efforts to offer the treatment to the public.
German company BioCure is working to develop a method of storing the mixture, which will enhance its ability to serve as an effective treatment. Working with treatments such as use of pig whipworms is a familiar challenge for researchers at BioCure. The company is related to another firm, called BioMonde, which sells leeches and maggots to treat wounds.
BioCure chief executive Detlev Goj has given the name TSO, short for Trichuris suis ova (or the formal name for pig whipworms), to the product. His company was first launching sales of TSO in Europe.

Gruesome and Fascinating isn't it?

Capitalist Unlimited Income Potential and Lower Taxes vs Socialist Welfare and Financial Security?

2011-03-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

Lets talk about this as professional economists:

Null hypothesis: lower taxes, capitalist unlimited income potential and socialist welfare, financial security can exist under the same government.
Alternative hypothesis: lower taxes, capitalist unlimited income potential and socialist welfare, financial security cannot exist under the same government.

Now lets talk like an idealist:
After long hours of statistical testing (not true, it sounds pro however) I reject the null hypothesis which does not mean that I am right. There is a contradiction between the two ideology obviously, but if I think of a scale and say the left side is capitalism and the right side is socialism than imagine that they weigh the same so the two side meet in the middle and that state would be an ideal world, where you get the best of both economic system.

Let's suppose I am right and they cannot go hand in hand. In which country would you rather live?

Hypothetical country A where you have the freedom and rights to become as wealthy as possible, out of $100,000 of income you only pay approximately $17,000 to the government in taxes, have access to superior wireless Internet, to any delicious culinary food, sleep in the most comfortable beds with lots of pillows, drive large SUV, have the whitest and best teeth, attend to the most elite universities worldwide, tweet on an IPhone and have one million friends (in case you lose one there are 999,999 still left), and be blamed for everything that happens in the world, or
Hypothetical country S where you have limited amount of freedom and rights to become as wealthy as possible, out of $100,000 of income you would pay approximately $54,000 to the government in taxes, your children would have a chance to go to any school and still have good education, are required to visit your doctors several times a year to prevent any serious illnesses, be financially secure, drive a smooth Volvo, chat on an Ericsson, eat only very healthy organic food, speak an elf like language, and never be blamed for anything that happens in the world?

Ireland is searching for oil

2011-03-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Not so long ago the whole world was very unforgiving against America after the BP oil spill happened, which is understandable. It was terrible and the consequences are irreversible. This morning I was watching Bloomberg and some investors are very excited about a new project: drilling more holes close to Ireland to find oil. The reporter asked the interviewee if it was difficult to convince people about this opportunity and he interviewee said no in fact investors and partners were very excited about the idea. It made me ponder, after the oil spill in the Gulf coast countries have become more sensitive and cautious about this topic. Hopefully it was a lesson for everybody to learn! The point is that there is a lot of pressure on Ireland because in case they make a mistake and spill some oil than the drilling company along with the country better employs an army of PR specialists to keep some good reputation left in the eyes of media.

Popular does not mean good flavor?!

2011-03-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have three things to say: truffle, saffron, and goat. It is not a random sample for a statistics project or for a research paper it is three popular gourmet food items that cost a lot and taste funky. Of course they taste delicious when you barely taste them in a dish or when other flavors are overpowering them. In my opinion after an extensive trial of using these ingredients different ways, truffle still smells and tastes like fermented mold (I really do not want to sound negative). Then, saffron, honestly could be marketed as a healthy version of tobacco because that is the essence hitting my nose and taste buds every time after consuming it, and goat meat which is extremely pugent without intensive seasoning or hours of stewing, it brings a barn flavor into my mouth.

Zero-Waste Family

2011-03-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

We are cautiously paying attention to save our planet by recycling properly, buying products that are recycled already and using products that are environmentally friendly, however it is not enough because we produce an immense amount of rubbish without realizing it. In a grand scheme of things we are not really making that big of a difference at all. Here is a more efficient way than recycling, eliminating debris by minimizing purchases of packaged and canned items. I saw this video, and I started to use as minimal amount of plastic and paper bags as possible when shopping at the store. Also, another green step we took was keeping glass bottles and metal containers to reuse at the bulk section. My goal is to be one of these Zero-Waste households and I would recommend this lifestyle to everybody in order to help our planet. Essentially we are returning to old methods practiced by our ancestors.

United States involvement with Libya

2011-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

Should US stay active or become inactive on the Libyan war front?

Can US, UK, France and Italy afford to take the initiative in trying to protect civilians from violence abroad or will this generous act cost more lives, money, and possible loss of relationship with Mediterranean partners? It is hard to predict, however fortunately US is trying to limit military involement and with UN are mandating to enforce a no-fly zone. Predictions on this move refer to a logical and pragmatic solution to partially paralyze the communication between Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi and his forces. At the same time an appropriate self-evaluation would be questioning the timing of the approach in saving Libya from its corrupt, and brutal dictatorship. Many articles mention that Qaddafi is out of time to seek new arms to crush the popular uprising against his regime which is always a calming sign. On the other side, the Libyan leader is promising a "long and glorious war". The irony lies in Qaddafi's motives, he is trying to defend his country from so "called crusader aggression" because that would be better than his own terror?
Then the Libyan leader "warned the involvement of international forces will subject the Mediterranean and North African region to danger and put civilians at risk" indicating he will not quit his terror to protect those civilians.

Did you know that eating your booggers is actually very good for you?!

2011-03-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Who would think?

Dr Bischinger said: "With the finger you can get to places you just can't reach with a handkerchief, keeping your nose far cleaner.

"And eating the dry remains of what you pull out is a great way of strengthening the body's immune system.

"Medically it makes great sense and is a perfectly natural thing to do. In terms of the immune system the nose is a filter in which a great deal of bacteria are collected, and when this mixture arrives in the intestines it works just like a medicine."

So do not be shy, dig in and Bon Appetit!!!

In Europe you only get two icecubes per drink!

2011-03-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

It is always the same. The drink is room temp and you have two ice cubes floating in your glass. Water is expensive in Europe. Why? Would they charge me for more ice cubes too? Drinking tap water is not a tradition there yet it is the cheapest way to quench thirst...