How to Clean Up your Economic Situation... Kind Of.

This isn't meant to be perfect, but just because I'm in a bit of a bind myself, I thought I would just offer folks some ideas on how to cut back on expenses and save some cash while still being able to enjoy life. It's the time of year when, after your done all your holiday shopping, your realize that you spent a bit too much on everyone and not yourself. Because of it, you could be seeing some really big credit card bills, or may face some big bills.

If so, or if you want to make sure your not in that situation, here are some suggestions:

1. Check your bills! It may seem simple or common sense, but double-check the charges on your bills! I did recently and found 2 odd things. I looked them up on-line and, sure enough, they were scams.

2. Be careful of scammers! If you went to an FYE or Suncoast recently and signed up for a "free magazine" offer, make sure you cancel them once your done with them, even if it's a debit card! I thought it would just cancel itself but it didn't. The bill will come up as TWX*MAGAZINE. Call them and cancel them if you already have them. Also, look out for FreeCreditReport.com! they charge $13 a month to see your credit score, and it's a good idea to look for another service instead.

3. Buy used and sell things you don't want. This is a good rule to follow when buying older CD's and DVD's. If there is something you've wanted for a while, see if you can get it used instead. You can save a good amount of money on it, sometimes at least half or more instead of buying it new. Sell those old CD's or movies you don't watch anymore as well.

4. Sign up for any budget services. If your electrical or gas company has a low-income plan, see if you can sign up for it.

5. Conserve Energy. Not only do you help the planet, but you help your wallet and bottom line by doing this! Turn off lights and electronic devices when your not in the room or using them, try to keep the heat down low and wear warmer clothes indoors, and open the curtains during the winter to keep the house warm.

Happy holidays!

The Simpsons Movie DVD: Review

First, let me review the movie in 4 words:

Greatest. Simpsons Episode. EVER!

Seriously, that's it. The movie kicks ass and is incredible.

Onto the DVD itself, and thus the post. I just bought it a few days ago, along with the Insanely Delux version of Blade Runner that came out the same day. I was a bit puzzled by the plain-looking package that I was getting for $16 (I got it cheap because it was on sale), and knew that if it was anything like the seasons box-sets that I have ought (Down-right religiously at that!), there would be a TON of extras.

Fox must be holding out on us.

Special features on the DVD are limited to two commentary tracks, one featuring the creators and actors, another with just the director. From the first commentary alone, and from every web account possible, a ton of footage was cut from the film to make sure it worked. So when you open up the special features and only a few select deleted scenes are there... well, as a die-hard fan, I'm pretty annoyed.

In an age when new releases of DVD's tend to come in "special edition" packages upon their initial release, and when I can get a special bonus disc to Clerks 2, Shrek, and god knows how many others, upon their initial release... well, you know where I'm going with this.

This is where the Blade Runner thing is going to chime in. For a good $80, you get 5 different versions of the film, deleted scenes, and more extras than you can shake a stick out! 9 HOURS of bonus footage! Hell, the Lord of the Rings had maybe that much, if not more!

The point of all of this is that I just want more bang for my buck here! The Season 10 commentary was lacking since everyone was busy with the movie, and there was so much stuff that was tied-in with this film... well, I think it's time to lay out what I think should be on a re-release of this DVD:

ALL of the Deleted Scenes - Not kidding. If it was put into a final animation state, add it. If it was something deleted from the animatic, or not fully animated, I want to see it. With all of the stuff cut, and all of Lisa's boyfriends cut... COME ON!

All of the Tie-in Ads - Burger King Spots, any news reports on the Kwik-e-Mart transformations of the 7-11's, photos of the best print ads...

Footage from the Release - I know there had to be something filmed during the Springfield, Vermont screening.

Documentary - Documentary of the making of the film. When isn't there one of these?

That's about it. I want to hear some ideas before I make, yes, an on-line petition. Something tells me FOX is already planning this... but still.

IT'S MILLER TIME!

As in, Donna Reed Miller is still a horrible City Council Person.

It's the holidays, and if you've thought, "WOW! That Larry has been really kinda mellow lately!"... your right, I have been. In terms of politics, it's getting insanely quiet and anything making the news is just... well, it's not aggravating for once. Nutter did something good and scored a good $3 million for the City's Schools. He still hasn't even begun to explain his idiotic Crime Emergency Plan, though.

But let's go back to Miller. Instead of posting a long diatribe about how she shouldn't have been re-elected or just what is wrong, I'll just post the damn article:

A Philadelphia woman was charged Monday with extorting more than $5,000 in cash and a cell phone while working for the city of Philadelphia and City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.

Theresa Pinkett, 53, of Philadelphia is alleged to have extorted the cash and cell phone in exchange for providing assistance on real estate issues for properties located in the city, which was part of her duties, according to the charges.

Pinkett is alleged to have accepted about $5,000 in cash and a cell phone from 2001 to 2003 -- while serving as a constituent services representative for Reed -- and $1,200 in cash from September to December of last year while serving as a community specialist in the Community Affairs Division for the City Controller's Office. No wrongdoing is alleged by others in Reed's office or the Controller's Office.

Just got a Hand-Signed Card from Devin Townsend!

Today, work was just... uh! Traffic was a nightmare, and I've just been in a fairly mediocre mood. So imagine my shock and how happy I was to see a card-shaped envelope from Devin Townsend Records, and when I opened it, seeing a HAND-SIGNED CARD FROM DEVIN TOWNSEND HIMSELF!

It was sent to everyone on the Devin Townsend Newsletter Mailing List, but it still means a lot to have a card signed by him personally. It's been a long period of a lot of pain, suffering, and needing to grow, and this really made it worth it! It's amazing how a little card can mean and do so much!

Devin Townsend is a hero of mine. He spent 15 years writing, preforming, and producing over 20+ albums, and is currently producing about 10 different albums this year alone! He is incredibly hard-working and is one of the greatest and most diverse song writers and guitar players alive.

Thanks again, Hevy Devy! I hope to repay the favor soon!

If You DO Have Some New Toys Lying Around...

Yes, I JUST finished talking about how this economy sucks twice in the last week, and most recently... well, less than 24 hours ago.

If you have some extra cash or some toys lying around that you haven't opened yet (I'm looking at all of my fellow collectors out there!), please donate them to Toys for Tots. As bad as you and I have it, there isn't much worst for a kid to go a Christmas without a present. I know it may seem trivial, but donating a toy for a child who may not get anything is a very nice thing to do.

So please, if you can, donate a new unwrapped toy today at your nearest Toys for Tots drop-off center.

Another Economy Post

"I HATE THIS SHIT ECONOMY, IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SODOMY!"

- "Consfearacy" by Slayer

Let's just get right to it: The economy is pure shit. This holiday season, we are seeing more and more people spend less and less because... well, who can afford to have fun this year other than rich people? For some people it's gas prices, for other rising prices for electricity and home heating. So, yeah, everyone has a problem with gas these days (heh heh...) and we can point it directly at the CEO's who are taking home hundreds of millions every year!

Not only that, but its even harder to not want to spend cash since all the stores are just slashing their prices right now! Hell, Border's has a coupon for 40% ALL DVD Box Sets! I'm not making that up! You know their not having a good year with something like that!

Frankly, no one really has money for anything.

On the flip-side, you have a bunch of people saying our economy is just fine! They point to the fact that while the American Dollar is loosing value, it means that exporting goods is going up, which means we're going to see our value go up as more money is pumped into our economy. Normally, this form of Trickle-down economics work well, but with more and more companies exporting jobs overseas, we are becoming a nation of givers as we are now being sucked dry.

On the plus side, how many times do you see a Slayer fan use the word "shit" and discuss the value of the American Dollar in the same article? Huh?! Sweet....

SHUT UP WITH THIS "STATE OF BLACK PHILADELPHIA" CRAP!

I'm writing this on behalf of no one but myself, but also for anyone else, black, white, hispanic, asian, whatever, who is sick and tired of the non-stop dribble that is being haled by the local media as the "greatest insight on blacks in Philadelphia ever!" Let's get something straight; you would have to live in either a hole in the ground or live on the moon for the last 50-odd years if you didn't know that, sadly, blacks have it a little bit harder than whites, and in Philadelphia it isn't much better.

I wanted to write today that the report was 100% unabashed stupid, unnecessary, and a slap in the face to all the hard-working black people who aren't the beer-drinking, pot-smoking, lazy, welfare check depending idiots that 90% of all media (even black-based media, BET I'M LOOKING AT YOU!) depicts us. We also do not all fall into the insanely-successful blacks who are doctors, lawyers, and live in massive homes.

I speak of the blue-collard workers, the men and women who do work hard, save their money, and live happy, wonderful lives. It isn't glamorous or perfect by any means, but to say that, in essence, we suck and need help is a vast overstatement!

The report is true that there is a gap between blacks and whites in terms of earning and quality of life. I won't dismiss raw data and fact; Philadelphia is becoming more and more a city of the haves and have-not's. Nearly 40 percent of the residents here are poor or on welfare, and those that are tend to be predominately black or hispanic.

At the same time, to automatically assume asinine concepts such as forced integration will help, or giving (and I stress GIVING) blacks more jobs instead of having them earn them doesn't help as well.

The problem lies in education more than anything. For now, let's focus on education for now. Fact is, the Philadelphia Public School system is in terrible shape and needs a lot of work. We have a massive drop-out rate and if you live in a poor area, your more likely not to try and succeed. That isn't always the case, obviously, but it tends to be the trend. On the other side of the spectrum, more white families can afford to send their kids to private schools. So while Dick and Jane are going to private school and getting a decent education, Nasir and Laquita are stuck in public school with 35 other kids in their class not really learning anything.

The solution is very simple; Improve the public school system! We have it for a reason, and that reason is to have a well-informed and intelligent public. We want people who will be productive members of society, and our current education system makes it very, very hard.

Alycia Lane was Arrested

Normally, stupid stories about celebrities, especially local celebrities, piss me off, especially when they make the front page of the Philadelphia Metro... and the Daily News... and... well, everything. Especially since there were 6 murders last week and we actually have 6 suspects in custody.

But this is a rare exception for a few reasons. First is my little bit of joy of checking out Philadelphia Will Do daily to see if they're finally reporting on me again (which is always nice). There is a long-running joke about seeing her in a bikini which I think is silly since you can see plenty of pics of Pamela Anderson in a bikini. And, honestly, who would you rather see, anyway?

Second is the fact that she said this:

"I don't give a fuck who you are, I'm a fucking TV reporter, you fucking dyke."

LINK!

What can I say other than being a local news anchor on the lowest rated TV News show in a city 90 miles away that isn't even seen there doesn't really count for much to me. I love heading to NYC myself, but I don't expect special treatment because I ran for mayor myself.

CZAR CLARKE AT IT AGAIN!!

Ill be honest: It's getting to the point where the lack of attention I'm getting is annoying. I've written every friggin blog I could, as well as newspapers and City Council members about how Clarke is trying to take away freedoms by tracking purchases of Cigarrettes, Beer, and Sharpies, but it's constantly ignored. So when he tries something big, it FINALLY gets noticed. I just wished people would actually listen to me sometimes.

Ranting aside about that, lets get to the point: CLARKE IS AT IT AGAIN!

No longer content with simply tracking your purchases and banning "offensive" images, he now wants to personally oversea where restaurants go. I'll simplify the bill for you; If you have a take-out restaurant, then your going to be zoned just like if you were a strip club! In order to get a variance from the city, you would need to talk to your City Council rep. And, oh look, Clarke is in control of half of Center City! Namely, the WESTERN HALF! Considering that means everything west of City Hall, the business district and the places where the most revitalization has happened, it's obvious that this bill is here to make life hell for anyone running a business.

Credit where's Credit Due, City Council President Anna Verna is also sponsoring the bill.

If your mad as hell about this, WRITE CITY COUNCIL:

1st FRANK DiCICCO Dicicco-1st-District@phila.gov
2nd ANNA C. VERNA verna-2nd-district@phila.gov
3rd JANNIE L. BLACKWELL blackwell-3rd-District@phila.gov
4th CAROL ANN CAMPBELL cambell-4th-district@phila.gov
5th DARRELL L. CLARKE Clarke-5th-district@phila.gov
6th JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI krajewski-6th-district@phila.gov
7th DANIEL J. SAVAGE savage-7th-district@phila.gov
8th DONNA REED MILLER miller-8th-district@phila.gov
9th MARIAN B. TASCO tasco-9th-district@phila.gov
10th BRIAN J. O'NEILL oneil-10th-district@phila.gov

Councilmembers-At-Large
W. WILSON GOODE, JR. goode-at-large@phila.gov
WILLIAM K. GREENLEE greenlee-at-large@phila.gov
JACK KELLY Kelly-at-large@phila.gov
JAMES F. KENNEY Kenney-At-Large@phila.gov
JUAN RAMOS Ramos-at-large@phila.gov
BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN brown-at-large@phila.gov
FRANK RIZZO rizzo-at-large@phila.gov

Also, feel free to buy some Czar Clarke Merchandise. I would love to make some cash off his incompetence!

http://www.cafepress.com/larrysshop/4278795

The Middle-Class is becoming the Working Poor

Today is more based on personal opinion on a day that could be better than a news story, which is a bit of a change. I'm currently am working a new job at Tech Tattoo in King of Prussia Mall. It's a great job, I love it, and I wish more people would take advantage of getting something cool like their cellphone engraved. Sadly, that isn't the case.

I'm currently making more here per hour than at any other job I've ever had. Despite this, I am having a harder time living than ever as well. This is due to a few reasons, but for now, I'll focus on the one that we can all agree with, and that is that aside from the job market being so tough now, the overall economic situation in this country for the working class is far from good.

The average working person now has to deal with paying more for everything then they did even 3 years ago. This goes from everything from mortgage rates, gas prices, home heating bills, and simply eating. The price of milk, bread, meat, and nearly all things edible has risen over the last 3 years. It's safe to say that, in the same time, it's rare that everything in a dollar store is a dollar now.

The middle class in this country have less chances to not only get jobs, but to get good jobs. While working in a factory may have always been looked upon by those seeking a better life, it is these same exact jobs that helped to support millions across the country make a decent living. These same jobs are now being exported ad-nauseum overseas to other countries. It is becoming harder and harder to not only find something made in America, but also to find a person who helped to make it as well.

Our dependency on gas has made us slaves to oil, forcing us to suffer rising prices for gas, plastics, heating our homes, and increasing the cost of living on a whole dramatically.

It is rare to find someone living in this country not living from paycheck to paycheck who isn't among the rich. This is because of various factors from cost of living, to bills, to oil prices, to simply not being able to save money for the future due to those demands. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people working 2, 3, even 4 jobs to help just get by and pay the bills!

A college degree doesn't come with the same promise as a job it once did; Even those who went to college can find themselves stuck working at Wal-Mart.

The fact of the matter is, it seems it has become increasingly impossible to live the American Dream than ever before.

Most available jobs are in the retail and fast-food markets, and from there it is becoming increasingly difficult to attain even office jobs and anything higher. The need for more manufacturing jobs in this country must be realized once more! Even with a constant need for construction jobs, these jobs are still few and far in between if your not in a union, and getting into one has become tougher and tougher.

The fact of the matter is, Slayer had it right: "I hate this shit economy/It might as well be sodomy". The Middle Class has become the Working Poor.

Ted Rall Says it Better than Me

Sick Day's

I've been sick since Monday and today it's finally hit me like a ton of bricks. I have no idea what happened with the bills I brought up yesterday and so far, no updates from any of the blogs.

I'll post as many updates as possible.

An Open Letter to City Council

Dear City Council Member:

I am writing to you today in regards to three bills that will be presented tomorrow at the City Council Meeting by Councilman Darrell Clarke of the 'Licenses and Inspections' Committee. These bills are:

Bill No.: 070875 - The bill that would track sales of cigarettes and beer.
Bill No.: 070876 - The bill that would track sales of spray paint, indelible markers, and etching acid.
Bill No.: 070914 - The bill that would ban showing the image of a burning cross, noose, or swastika in public.

I am asking you to NOT pass these bills!

These three bills would limit the civil rights of the citizens of Philadelphia and impose unnecessary barriers in order to fight crime and racism, respectively.

These bills would allow the Government of the City of Philadelphia to violate the right of privacy to buy beer and cigarettes without having the government know. At the same time, tracking the sale of indelible markers would also include tracking when you bought even a Sharpie marker. What, exactly, is the point of that? Considering the large number of Sharpies sold in the City of Philadelphia, along with Spray Paint, it seems that tracking each and every sale will not lead to a crackdown on crime and being able to catch the criminals, but instead a backlog of useless information that seems more intent on harming the public rather than protecting it!

For those reasons alone, I am asking you not to pass Bill's 070875 and 070876.

As for Bill No. 070914, this bill has one intent and one harmful side-effect; in an effort to defeat racism and protect everyone, the First Amendment Right to freedom of expression is hampered! While the bill specifically state that it would be forbidden to show them with "intent... to incite violence", what that covers is a very large area. In essence, some forms of these symbols are meant to incite anger and hatred, but sometimes also to think. Would a teacher discussing racism being arrested for showing these symbols to provoke a reaction from their class to show them racism is wrong? Would someone wearing a shirt showing a Swastika to show their disapproval of something they see as fascist be banned as well?

The First Amendment is called into question with Bill No. 070914. While I understand and agree with the intent, we already have Hate Crime laws in effect doing the same thing. For a municipal government to create laws such as this is a step in the wrong direction and, in my opinion, a step toward limiting freedom and rights.

I urge you to NOT pass these three bills! They do not seek to help Philadelphia and Philadelphian's, they only exist to impose more useless legislation and barriers in a society built on freedom that slowly seems to be loosing them.

I thank you all for your time and consideration into this matter, and wish you a wonderful fay, the bet of luck in your meeting, and a happy holiday season!

Sincerely,
Larry West

New Calendar is Now Out!

OK, finally released my latest calendar! I haven't had one since 2004, so please enjoy! It's a year of great art!

You can see my website here:

Larry West Productions

And you can buy the Calendar here!

http://www.cafepress.com/larrysshop.197058916

Ramsey Loves the Police State Idea!

About two weeks ago, I discussed in length and in great detail the Crime Emergency Plan, what I felt was wrong with it, how the Ramsey's could impact it, and what could be done instead.

Despite all of this, he still wants to declare it!

"Declaring a state of emergency is fine with me," Ramsey, the former Washington police chief, said in an interview Friday. "Crime is at an unacceptable level. . . . It's certainly something we have to get a handle on real quick."

How Ramsey will carry out the emergency response is less certain. He spent much of last week getting his bearings in his new city - meeting with Johnson and the department's command staff as well as attending several district roll calls to introduce himself to the rank and file.

Again, we're left scratching our heads on how, exactly, this will happen. Despite how "peaceful" where you live is, it could still be declared "dangerous". What if your in an area and don't know it's under lock down, are you still in trouble for being out there late?

This plan is FLAWED! This idea is FLAWED! Ladies and gentlemen, I implore you, write Nutter yourself, tell him NOT to declare this Crime Emergency! IT MUST BE STOPPED!

I Finally Congratulated Nutter

Not exactly headline making news, but it was worth mentioning. I'm a pretty good sport, so on the night of the election I called Nutter to congratulate him on his win. I'm not sure he ever got the message, though, and I'm sure I didn't leave a call-back number for him, either.

At any rate, on Tuesday I was downtown to complain directly to Czar, I'm sorry, Councilman Darrell Clarke about his insane new bills. I went down dressed as myself, so I was more comfortable than usual. After I left, I ran into Rikard Larma. He is the awesome guy who did the photo shoot of me when I was on the cover of the Philadelphia Metro. He's since taken photos of me at the big Anti-War Rally that took place at City Hall in March.

When I ran into him on Tuesday, he wanted to get some more photos and ask me about how the election went, as well as my feelings. I told him I was OK with the results and was OK with Nutter as long as he never declares a Crime Emergency. He tried to call Brian X. McCrone, the guy who did that awesome story about me, but his hands were tied. After speaking a bit, an old friend popped up! We talked a bit when Rikard interrupted. "Hey! Nutter is here!"

I pardoned myself to walk over and shake his hand and say Hi and congrats. Nutter was surrounded by 5 guys (You know, I can't tell you how many times I wished I had either bodyguards or a "posse"!) and some photographers. He was in a rush, so I congratulated him, he said thanks, and walked off.

Rikard got a good photo out of it, and the Philadelphia Metro blog did a little article about it. Good time was had by all!

PS: BRIAN! If you read this, I still owe your lunch! Send me an e-mail when you can!

Darrell Clarke STILL Hates Your Civil Rights!

Saw this in the Metro Blog today, Thanks! More on it tomorrow!

It's been, in no short terms, a weird day. I woke up to protest against Darrell Clarke's bill. The idea for the protest was very simple: Clarke wants to ban being able to display nooses, burning crosses, and swastikas in public. Being a fan of the First Amendment, as well as belonging to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a First Amendment group, I oppose it with every American bone in my body. It doesn't mean I entirely agree with these symbols, but at the same time, let's consider that the Swastika alone has a VERY long history of non-violence before the freakin' Nazi's bastardized it.

Here is the proposed Bill No. 070914.

So to protest, the plan was to draw these three symbols. Not just "draw" them, but make them interesting and put them into some cool contexts. I won't lie, it wasn't a well thought-out plan since I had no clue what to draw and no signs to tell people why I was out there. Plus, I didn't know the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was tonight, so they were getting that done while I was out there as well.

The best part? On the subway ride to City Hall I came up with an idea based on the Anthrax song "Startin' Up A Posse". In it, Scott Ian sings about how Censorship is a cancer, and goes against what America stands for. The entire song is just a cartoony rip and tear of Tipper Gore, and I decided that that was the best way to go with this protest.

Now, my plan was to not only show the picture, but also make flyers to hand out at City Hall WITH the drawing on it, and explain why it was done and what you could do if you felt the same way about censorship as me.

Now, I learned that two other measures he wants (Both which would create electronic tracking of beer, alcohol, spray paint containers, indelible markers and etching acid) are on the docket FOR THE SAME MEETING!

Bill No.: 070875 - The bill that would track cigarettes and beer:
http://www.hallwatch.org/councilnotices/bills/1192803462538

Bill No.: 070876 - The bill that would track spray paint:
http://www.hallwatch.org/councilnotices/bills/1192803462937

The meeting is scheduled for Dec 5, 2007 10:00 am at Room 400, City Hall from the Licenses and Inspections Committee.

Now, I'm sure that a LOT more people agree that all of these measures are, well... INSANE! Czar Clarke, this isn't Oceania and we are not the Proles from Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four! This is the USA in 2008, Councilman, and before you decide to take more rights away from us and start tracking up like cattle, realize a few things!

1. WE ALREADY HAVE HATE CRIME LAWS! Your entire proposal to "ban" these images violates the First Amendment! Not only that, but anyone with some basic legal knowledge knows that it is incredibly difficult to prove intent, and in a case like this, where you can not always tell the intent of an artist who uses any of these symbols, your are going to cost the city millions in lawsuits!

Councilman, why create a new law that can hurt the city to create this awareness that this is already a crime to do in order to commit hate? There is hate crime legislation already that covers this!

2. WE ALREADY CHECK IDS! Clarke's legislation to "electronically scan ID's" come down to tracking these legal purchases. There are already laws in effect to make sure that this doesn't happen, so why the extra move? Why track law-abiding citizens?

In essence, everything Czar Clarke wants is MORE government in your life! Is that what you and I need?

What we NEED, Councilman, is more ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING LAWS! We need to make sure that the citizens of Philadelphia are aware that we do have these laws. Your selective laws and enforcement (I can only suspect your behind the recent run of shut downs of First Friday) have hurt Philadelphia and continue to do so!

If YOU oppose these ideas just as much as me, feel free to contact him:

5th DARRELL L. CLARKE
Clarke-5th-district@phila.gov

Philadelphia City Council Member Darrell Clarke hates the First Ammendment

Did you ever get so angry you can't think straight? That's the case for me...

Whatever happened to the saying, "I may not agree with what you say,but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."? Day after day, I'm left asking this question as I see more and more people deny the right of letting others express themselves. Today, I learned that Czar, pardon, City Council Member Darrel Clarke is trying to ban the image of burning crosses, swastikas, and hanging nooses.

http://willdo.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2007/11/city_council_to_1.html

While many of us will agree that those symbols are linked to years and years of racism and oppression, so are the following:

The Southern Flag
The Cross
Black Face
Pentacles and Pentagrams
Satan
Mohamed
Jesus
Whips
Chains
Swords
Guns
The Bible
The Koran

Ask yourself if you can say for a second that anything in that list hasn't meant someone didn't felt excluded. Ask yourself if anything on there, when you saw it in real life, didn't make you recoil a bit because you had to look at it, hear about, was told about it, or knew about it.

Myself? I'm offended more by people who don't give me room to breath on the train or bus than anything else. That, and people who click their gum. I think there should be a law banning both. Why not? Their offensive to me! Doesn't that stuff annoy you, too?

I went to Councilman Clark's office earlier today and spoke to his legislative aid. We went into a discussion about this and it came down to this conversation:

Staffer: "This is about public places. What if you had to go to work everyday and someone kept putting a noose around you?"
Me: "Well, it would be funny the first time, but it would get old fast."
Staffer: "Exactly!"
Me: "You know, back in high school, I had this guy who constantly tried to set me on fire every single day. He would take out his lighter and go, 'I'm going to set you on fire!' It was funny the first time, but it got old fast!"
Staffer: "That really happened?"
Me: "Yep. It was annoying as sin! And there's a law against that, too, right?"
Staffer: "Yeah."
Me: "So why are we creating a new law to do the same thing an existing law does?"

Yes, a classmate of mine DID try to set me on fire daily in high school. He didn't really intend to hurt me, just light my sweater on fire (It wouldn't burn, so it was annoying when he tried), and I honestly didn't care. He was more like a fly than someone out to kill me.

My point is this: There are laws on the book that ban a lot of this stuff already. The text of what Clarke wants to amend is this:

"No person shall display, with the intent to intimidate another person or incite violence, a symbol of racial or ethnic animus, such as a noose, burning cross or swastika, in a place of employment, in a public accommodation, in a public facility, on public property or in the public right-of-way."

So, in a sense, anywhere but your house. It's a bit silly, really. Let me give you another example: I have a t-shirt with a swastika crossed out on the back. Here it is on the right. It's obvious my intent is to piss off Neo-Nazi's. So, under Clarke's bill, this shirt is now banned.

If you own a Bad Religion shirt with the cross crossed-out (The "No Cross" shirt), it would be banned, wouldn't it? Your intent is to say you don't like the cross as a symbol, but someone else could simply say your intent is to piss off people. Maybe it is. Doesn't matter, IT'S BANNED!

I can also only assume that Marilyn Manson's "Last Tour on Earth" album cover would be banned, too. A flaming cross of TV's. It's a burning cross all right! Would a performance including this act be banned, too? It's done in a public space with the intent of inciting violence, although for the purpose of entertainment.

What about simple classes and lectures on this topic? Are kids now banned from learning about Nazi Germany and the Civil Rights movement because they contain these symbols? What about college courses where the teacher can use these subjects with the intent of inciting a form of violence, of making students angry about the events of the past and use it to make their communities better by eliminating hatred and racism?

The entire point of this boils down to this: You don't have a right to not be offended. In fact, you have a right TO be offended.

That's why I love democracy! It gives you a chance to be challenged, to make you ask questions, and to re-kindle why you are who you are. If I was walking down the street and someone had on a "Stop Snichin'" t-shirt on, I would be a offended by that more than someone wearing a shirt with a burning cross or a noose.

Honestly, why did the noose become racist? It's been used to kill people for centuries! Not just blacks, but everyone! What, just because a bunch of idiots in the South decide to make it racist, BAM, it's racist? One year I wanted to have skeletons hanging from nooses for Halloween, and that was when I was 10. I thought it would be scary, but I took it down because I couldn't do it right. I know I saw it at a haunted house or something.

The noose has a been a symbol for centuries, one that reminds people of execution, death, and even the lost of rights. It has a long history of making people think.

Am I trying to say all of these things are right? Not really. In this country, groups like the KKK, Neo-Nazi's, the Nation of Islam, and countless other racists are allowed to march in freedom. You may not like what they have to say, but it's safe to say we all agree that they have a basic right to say it.

We also have a right to call them idiots for it, too.

If you don't like something, you can either ignore it or call it names back. That options always open, too. I know I do! Someone doesn't like the way I dress, I just flip them off and go on my way. Its life, isn't it? Someone is always bound to disagree with you or do something to annoy you, and you either ignore them or do something.

Civil Rights and a Possible Crime Emergency: Part 3

I was going to post this yesterday, but I've been sick for a bit and it came to a head yesterday.

We've discussed the basic civil rights questions, and asked how long this Crime Emergency could last.

We've discussed the new Police Commissioner, his background in the issue, and and his impact on Crime.

Today, we're going to tackle a few things.

• Guns
• The impact Ramsey had in Washington D.C. (Part 2)
• What all of this boils down to.

So to start things off, we can kill two birds with one stone and discuss Ramsey, D.C., and Guns at once. Why? Because in case you didn't know, handguns have been banned in Washington D.C. for 31 years. OK, let's think about this: Despite BANNING HANDGUNS in Washington D.C., they still had ONE OF THE HIGHEST MURDER RATES IN AMERICA. So all that talk about "banning guns solve everything" is true, right? Ramsey's impact to lower the murder rate 50% during his time there must deal with simple enforcement of existing laws.

On that note, Mayor... sorry, Governor Ed Rendell (He'll be mayor in my heart!) talked to the State Legislators yesterday to try and create three new laws; One to limit gun purchases to one a month, another that would allow every city to create their own gun laws, and one more that would make it mandatory to report any lost or stolen gun.

At first, I did agree with "One Gun a Month", but then again, I live in a major city. I was contacted by someone in Western PA who said, very simply, "The law would effect legitimate collectors and recreational hunters." As someone who collects swords and daggers myself, I understood what he meant.

The second, allowing cities to make their own gun laws, does sound fairly reasonable. In the same vein that this nation allows states to make their own laws, it seems fair to let cities make their own laws. The last measure, to create a law to report a stolen gun, is sheer common sense.

The first two were shot down, and the last measure has been tabled.

During my campaign, my entire gun legislation could be summed up into one sentence: No new gun laws, just enforce the ones we already have. Really simple stuff and doesn't as much time as making a new law. So, guns aside, what does all of this mean? In essence, this is what a Crime Emergency means:

1. A Suspension on Civil Rights

• The right to bare arms and defend yourself
  
• The right to freedom to protest
• the Pursuit of happiness

2. A "Code 10" Lasting as Long as they Want

• No time table needed, or given, for a Crime emergency
• No restrictions on what makes is necessary of when to end it

3. No Discussion on WHERE to implement it

• No ideas given to what "Crime-Ridden" area means.
• No idea if it will be "block-by-block", done based on Council District, or Police District

4. No Criteria given AT ALL

• The only criteria is that there is a large amount of crime

That's IT! Despite some 8 months to discuss and develop and present to the citizens of Philadelphia a full and concise plan on how, exactly he plans to implement his Crime Emergency Plan, NOTHING has been revealed other than he wants to declare one.

I have often referred to the War on Crime here in Philadelphia the same as the War on Terror the US has declared. In much the same way, we need to worry about just how we tackle this issue and what we have to do in order to make sure we not only do something positive, but we also make sure we don't do to much damage to ourselves in the process.

In much the same way that Bush declared a war on Terror, and used our fear of bad men to lure us into a feeling that we must abandon our rights to fight these bad men, Nutter has used the same exact tactic in order to lose our civil rights in Philadelphia. I will hold to him that this was not intentional; That the move was more to honestly protect the citizens of Philadelphia, something that I don't doubt for a second. But even the most well-intentioned person can make a mistake.

Which is EXACTLY what a Crime Emergency is; A MASSIVE mistake.

So, with all of my criticism, what do I propose? It's very simple and boils down to this:

1. Focus on Community Policing

Considering Ramsey has a history of actual using Community Policing, I think we need to focus on THAT more than a police state. What is Community Policing?

Community policing or neighborhood policing is a policing strategy and philosophy based on the notion that community interaction and support can help control crime, with community members helping to identify suspects, and bring problems to the attention of police.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_policing

On top of that, it also relies on you actually knowing who your police officers are and trust them. Something as simple as an officer in your community coming up to you one day and saying, "Hi, I'm Officer Bob. How are you doing? How's the family?" Very simple, everyday conversations can create more of a bond and trust in law enforcement than any camera can!

Look at New York City! There's a cop on almost every corner up there and their murder and crime rate has gone done drastically!

2. FOCUS ON MINOR CRIMES!
I can not stress enough how much this can help! Let's make this simple: Say there is a rather OK section of Philadelphia with a vacant lot. One day, a someone decides to start throw some trash on there. After a week, someone sees that some trash is building up on this lot and they start to throw more on there. In a month, theres a bit of trash there. After 2 months, someone starts dumping furniture on it. After 3 months, the entire neighborhood has taken a turn to the worst because this one lot has shown that the community doesn't care about what's going on around it. Enter the drug dealers.

OK, it's a bit drastic what I'm suggesting, but think about all the areas your afraid to go to yourself and how much trash is there. Maybe not trash; Graffiti, broken-down homes, etc...

If the police focused on targeting even small offenses, such as littering, graffiti, minor theft, jaywalking, all of a sudden you know that not only are the police there to be kind and friendly, but to enforce the law. If criminals learn that not only are the police involved with the community, but they're not taking any crap as well, you've successfully chipped away at the culture of crime that has been festering there.

3. Gun Law Enforcement
As I've said before, we're not enforcing our current gun laws. At the same time, when someone is caught, they're not getting enough jail time. We need to also make sure our police force focuses on making sure they do get illegal guns off the street. Part of my idea is to create a new police unit dedicated purely to this.

That's it. No civil rights violations, not a lot spent on extra man power, and if it proves successful, you can actually take down the cameras and sell them to recoup some money. I'm sure the citizens of Philadelphia would greatly accept this more than a "Code 10".

Larry West to Make his Dansih TV Debut!

THIS JUST IN: I will be on Danish TV SOON!

For anyone from Denmark, here is the e-mail I just got:

"The show will be broadcastet tomorrow in Denmark at 2 pm US time. On Thursday you can find it on the internet at: www.dr.dk/amerika. Click on "Se seneste program". That means watch latest show."

So for us in America, we can see it sometime Thursday. I'll post the actual interview Thursday, so after you watch the parades and before you eat Turkey, check out my 5 minutes on Danish TV!

Also, check out episodes as well:

http://www.dr.dk/DR2/Clement+i+Amerika/index.htm

Mayor Street Steals my Idea: Will Perform a Same-Sex "Marriage" Saturday

Outgoing Mayor John Street will "Officiate" at a Gay Union this Saturday at City Hall. The move, of course, will be met with the usual bunch of assholes (no pun intended) who will claim it is evil, a sin, yadda yadda yadda...

The move is a bit surprising since John Street has been considered an enemy to the Gay community for years. Street said he was asked to officiate at the ceremony for Ryan Bunch and Micah Mahjoubian, a longtime colleague, this Saturday.

I'd just like to say I'm glad he used my idea. OK, maybe not, but from my own campaign lit:

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Philadelphia has an incredibly large homosexual population, and I believe in the right of two consenting adults being allowed to marry if they please. If elected, I will allow the City of Philadelphia to marry same-sex couples. For those of you oppose this plan, think of this; Philadelphia will see an expanded revenue base thanks to more money from marriage licenses, marriage taxes, and the like. I rather call it marriage, though; Civil Unions doesn't really have the same benefits and it almost makes homosexuals seem like second-class citizens, and I don't like that. The City Government will recognize these marriages and give them full benefits.

I'm still calling this another win in the "Larry West actually DID something positive by running", although I'm more likely than not am wrong for doing so. But, damn it, I'm still smiling about this!

Or not.

"Micah is my friend. He has been in my campaign and has been in my administration for eight years," Street said. "I've come to respect him as a person, and if this is something he would like for me to do, then I'd like to do it for him."

About 125 guests are expected at the ceremony, which will have no legal weight since Pennsylvania prohibits gay marriage.

"It's not marriage. It's not real marriage. They can't be married," said Street, a Seventh-day Adventist. "It's not a religious ceremony. I mean, it's not really marriage."

OK, so not really a win for same-sex couples, either, but I guess it's a bit of a start. I can only hope Mayor-Elect Nutter decides to do this, and then some, by just legalizing the thing, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania be damned (Some pun intended)!

Ban the Mohawk? HELL NO!

Frankly, I don't think I even need to explain why I'm angry about this:

Pa. football players appeal school ban on mohawks

The Associated Press

EASTON, Pa. - About 25 high school football players who got mohawks before their traditional Thanksgiving game have been told to shave their heads or risk suspension.

The Easton Area High School players had their hair shorn in what they called a display of unity before the game against longtime rival Phillipsburg, N.J.

"We saw it as a symbol for power and strength, and that's how we wanted to be represented," senior Giovanni Simmons said. "But we were told they had to go."

The district's dress code, approved last year, specifically prohibits "mohawk-type haircuts" or "spike haircuts in which the hair is sectioned and brought to a point."

Principle William Rider, a football coach for 28 years, said he understood the attempted symbolism but had to enforce the district policy.

"Without question I understand teamwork, camaraderie, doing things for the team," Rider said. "But it's not my policy. It's a school policy and I am following the rules."

The players petitioned the Easton Area School Board, and a policy committee will likely revisit the issue in January.

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/11530481.html

I'm calling the high school tomorrow to try and save the mohawks. Worth a shot.

Civil Rights and a Possible Crime Emergency: Part 2

THE CHARLES RAMSEY EFFECT

Hello, and welcome to Part 2 of my discussion of the Crime Emergency and the Crime Emergency. Yesterday, I discussed the basic civil rights issues that I feel could be threatened by declaring a Code 10, and asked the question of how long this would last and if it was needed.

Today, we'll start the discussion on the new Police Commissioner, Charles H. Ramsey. But before we do, I want to mention a few things first that I forgot to mention yesterday.

A large amount of my problem with this is, of course, Civil Rights. In all of my writing yesterday, I neglected to mention something that has been bugging me about all of this. Back in May, when Nutter's "Stop-and-Frisk" program was being called to task for violating civil rights, supporters brought up a Court Case where it was declared constitutional.

It was Nutter himself who coined this phase: "It's a Civil Right not to be Shot."

This bumper-sticker phrase was done so well, it is next to impossible to argue against it. To do so seems to allow for the same type of argument used by Conservative Republicans when you disagree with them; "What, do you mean you WANT people to be shot? You don't think it's wrong to kill and murder people?! No wonder you didn't win the election, you cold hearted bastard!"

The fact of the matter is, you don't. You have a right to live, a right to the pursuit of happiness. You have a right to be free and happy, and to live in a safe environment.

You don't have a right to not have bad things happen to you.

Being shot is something that can be prevented. In terms of federal legislation, you could easily create tougher gun laws, make better living conditions, and do everything you can to make the world a better case. At the same time, it is up to society to make sure that we are all raised well and correctly, that we allow everyone to be safe and happy.

The pursuit of happiness. To me, this is the very basis of our democracy and the idea that this nation is built upon. "Do as you will, but harm none." Not just a good idea, but words to live by if you ask me.

And this brings us to Charles H. Ramsey.

While police chief in Washington D.C., "on September 27, 2002, the MPD made a mass arrest of a large group of demonstrators who had assembled in DC’s Pershing Park to protest the World Bank and IMF meetings. The police enclosed over 400 people in the park and arrested them without ever ordering them to disperse or allowing them to leave the park. Many of the arrested were not actually demonstrators, but were journalists, legal observers, and pedestrians. On January 13, 2006, the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled that the arrests violated the Fourth Amendment and that Chief Ramsey could be held personally liable for the violations."

http://www.philebrity.com/2007/11/15/good-news-about-the-new-guy-he-loves-your-civil-liberties/

In his time as chief, he declared Crime Emergencies as well. Not just once, or twice, but at least 4 times. My answer is to focus on this using the proven method of community policing and cracking down on minor crimes (Broken Windows Theory). When it comes to the Community Policing aspect, Ramsey has been declared an innovator for using it. Nevertheless, we have a new commissioner that has used Crime Emergencies in the past to reduce crime as well. According to the last record I could find, the one he declared in 2006 lasted over 2 months and, during the last week of it, there were 3 teenagers shot and killed.

http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx/age...4/release/9745

At the same time, what was the result of civil liberties because of it? Admittedly, referring to the September 2002 protests where he was held accountable for the unlawful arrests of people there may be a bit much, it still need to be taken into account.

More than anything, we need to consider the effects this will have on the people on Philadelphia, and ask if there is no other way to combat crime here. There is massive personal rights we would eliminate in order for the proposed safety this could bring, and should not be done unless it must be.

I, personally, considered declaring a Crime Emergency the last result, the final straw when all else fails. In the eyes of some, this may be the case, but this is not a matter of organized crime, either. I feel this type of action should be reserved if the killings were more organized and done by a group of connected people. It has been proven that most murders are done, in fact, but random people.

Has this city as a whole really lost it's way so much that we must put everyone on lock down? Do you feel, personally, that you deserve it as well?

The questions I raised, about how long it would last and how it would be implemented, and valid questions and I simply wonder where the political discussion is on this. The elephant in the room of the Nutter election is that he wants to declare a Crime Emergency, but has not once explained how he would do it. Not once. The only parameter given has been that it would be in "targeted areas", and those areas were never explained.

While I may be asking for a hard answer from Mayor-elect Nutter, I am asking for an educated guess on your parts. I'm looking at what has happened in Washington D.C. and the fact that 4 Crime Emergencies were declared by this Chief by 2004. I'm also looking at the overall result in it which was a drop in murders on a whole.

But why did it take 4 of them? How long did each one last? Do they really work as well as it appears? Was the reduction in homicides there largely because of the fact that they declared a crime emergency or was it because of more community policing? Do you think it was a combination of the two?

Tomorrow, we'll probe a bit more and try to wrap this up.

Councilwoman Joan Krajewski to Retire for 1 Day to Collect $300,000!

There's a lot of news going on right now in this city, namely the new murder rankings are in. I'll have to get to that later, because right now, I'm incredibly angry about this!

This is Joan L. Krajewski. She was recently re-elected to an eighth-term as Councilperson for the 6th District. For all her time in office, at age 73, she has decided to retire.

For one day.

At a cost of $297,466.

Yes, that's right; After all her time in office, she has decided to retire simply to cash in before she starts her 8th term in City Council! This is because of a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), which freezes their eventual retirement benefits — meaning they will receive less of an annual pension at retirement. One can only assume that she is doing that in order to save you, the tax payer, money.

Why I do I say that? Because, thus far, no reason at all has been given for this move. The only explanation given has been this:

Krajewski pointed out that she could easily leave office now with her $297,466 payment and begin drawing her $74,366 annual pension — which she can’t get until she leaves office for good — and the taxpayers would have to pay that plus a new councilperson’s salary.

Which we will have to do once she finally retires, anyway, so that's a rather moot point to make.

Let's consider this; According to a 2003 report, the DROP program costs the City of Philadelphia $7 million a year, although some say the program does pay for itself. At the same time, this still comes out of the pocket of you, the taxpayer.

The City of Philadelphia must enter into negotiations with City workers to discuss this very pension plan. Right now, the union wants more money for their pension funds. The question now is if not only should the city do this, but how can a raise now not be justified after this?

We have a Councilperson who has just shown just how blatant some crooks are in this city. Publicly announcing she is ready to rob the City Treasury for a day, telling us just how much loot she's going to get away with? And telling us we should be HAPPY about it?

When I said I didn't want criminals in City Hall, I wasn't kidding! We need to make sure this robbery never happens!

Feel free to contact her office by writing to her personally:

http://www.hallwatch.org/profiles/council/krajewski/faxbank/writeletter

Civil Rights and a Possible Crime Emergency: Part 1.

I want to state one fact here: Despite how much I disagree with him on the Crime Emergency issue, I highly respect the man and was ready to hire him myself once elected. I agree with a large portion of what he wants, but on this issue and mainly this issue alone more than anything else, I feel he is wrong. This article, along with Part 2, are serious looks and criticisms I have about this and I have, and will, state as many facts as possible to back me up on not only my view, but the counterpoint as well.

When it comes to any and all comments, I ask you keep them civil. Thank you.

-Larry

The keystone of why I ran for mayor after the May Primary can be summed up into these words:

To make sure Nutter NEVER declares a Crime Emergency.

In essence, a Crime Emergency is this:

• prohibit or limit gatherings of people on sidewalks, streets, or any outdoor place in the designated neighborhoods;
• halt or limit the movement of vehicles through or within the designated neighborhoods;
• establish a curfew limiting the hours people could be outside their houses; and
• prohibit the sale, carrying or possession on the public street or public sidewalks, or in any public park or square, of weapons of any kind.

Let's stop for a second and look at this. To quote Nutter himself:

Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code authorizes the Mayor to take specified measures if the Mayor determines that “the City or any part thereof is suffering or is in imminent danger of suffering civil disturbance , disorder, riot or other occurrence which will seriously and substantially endanger the health, safety and property of the citizens.” Parts of Philadelphia are clearly suffering a wave of violence that endangers the safety of residents.

In other words, it's exactly what it sounds like: A last resort in case it is incredibly dangerous to even leave your house. For example, say we're under a real threat of terrorism and we've been attacked, that would be grounds to declare a Crime Emergency. Or a massive gang war erupted, where you have two rival gangs killing each other and anyone in their way. That's a good reason to declare it as well.

But at what cost? As you can see for yourself, Title 10, or as he likes to call it "Code 10", states that the local government now has the power to restrict where you can walk, where you drive, and where you go. The government becomes the baby-sitter, giving adults a curfew and telling them when they're allowed to leave their houses. It also restricts your ability to defend yourself.

I've been robbed multiple times in the past. It got to the point when I was 16 that I had to start carrying mace to defend myself. It has sense died-down a bit, but I still carry something at all times to defend myself just in case. This is the right to bare arms.

In order to give safety to the residents of Philadelphia, or at least the appearance of it, the following rights and amendments of the U.S. Constitution will be broken:

1. Freedom of Speech- The law limits gatherings on public sidewalks in certain areas. This permits the government to limit peaceful demonstrations and marches, as well as the ability to protest itself is now in jeopardy, as well as the ability to simply stand on the corner and sing, preach, or talk.

2. The Right to the Pursuit of Happiness - A fundamental principal of our democracy, the right to the pursuit of happiness is tampered by a curfew on adults. How many people will be effected? How many people will not to go out at night and have fun in town? How many bars will lose business, how many clubs will shut down, how will nightlife in this city be effected?

3. The Right to Bare Arms - The ability to just defend yourself if your attacked is basically suspended now. Anything can be used as a weapon. Will it simply be limited to guns and knives, or will it go to even mace and other legal non-lethal weapons?

I've covered two basic amendments and one ideal. At the same time, I've also mainly focused on extremes this "Extension of Powers" can go. While a bit far, they should and must be considered before we simply allow this to happen. We also must consider just WHAT this Crime Emergency will mean.

It should be noted that, per his own website, he makes the following statement:

Declare a limited crime emergency in targeted enforcement zones, as authorized by the City Code.

Now, considering Mayor-Elect Nutter wants this in "certain sections" of the city, he has never said or explained just how long it would last, and he never said which sections. This leaves a very, very, VERY wide hole of just how long our basic civil rights will be suspended, and just how it will be handled.

What would be to decide which sections are picked? Would it be based on police districts with high crime? Would it be based on a block-by-block quotient? For example, I live in the 14th Police District. Office Cassidy, who was shot and killed, worked in the 14 District and the place where he was shot is also in this district. Would the entire police district be put under the Crime Emergency?

At the same time, would this be block-by-block? If, for example, a block 5 blocks away saw crime but mine didn't, would the emergency be declared there and not here?

Could this possibly lead to criminals in targeted errors simply going to non-targeted areas to commit these same crimes?

Now, we are left to ask this same question over the Crime Emergency plan.

In fact, just how long could this be effective? Considering the fact that Operation: Safe Streets worked on criteria similar to a Crime Emergency without declaring one, and we did see a reduction in crime during the first year it was implemented, could we see a similar temporary effect, or do you think it could have a good, positive long-term effect?

At the same time, criminals in targeted areas simply moved to non-targeted areas. The Safe Streets program did not adapt using the CompStat program they had in place, and thus crime got worst. Resources have also started to dwindle, and you now have officers sitting in their cars waiting to go to the next crime instead of helping to prevent new ones.

That leads to the same problem we have now; most of the people out there committing these murders have been in jail before, are out now, and are now doing the same thing again. I understand Nutter's rehab program, but is it really going to be effective in 5 years when there new people come out of prison, let alone 10 after he's out of office?

These are questions we need to ask now before he takes his oath of office.

This is part one. Tomorrow, I'll discuss his new Police Commissioner and his history with Civil Rights, what this may mean for the Crime Emergency, and just how effective it could be. I'll also discuss more my feelings into what should be done instead.

WELCOME TO ANGRY, YOUNG, AND POOR!

Hello, and welcome to the newly re-named blog "Angry, Young, and Poor!"

I got the name from one of my favorite NoFX lyrics, " Things to do when angry, young and bored" from the song "Jaw, Knee, Music". If you can find it, get it, it's a great song! I know that Anti-Flag has the name "Angry, Young and Poor", but "bored" was nice. To a large extent, the former, rather than the later, is the fact most of the time. But I do consider myself one of the angriest folks in this city.

Why am I so angry? Frankly, I was born angry. It's rare that I actually can say I was happy for a full day. I'm a cranky bastard by nature, and all my friends say I'll have a heart attack before I'm 30. I wouldn't be shocked.

Since that election, I've decided that the best thing to just take my own personal blog and make it a way to act as a watchdog during the Nutter administration, and make sure our Presidential race stays clean and fair. Well, at least fair and we don't get stuck with some idiot. Also to make sure whoever wins that does their job.

This blog is also a way for me to just be me. You'll also see concert reviews, album reviews, a video or two from me, as well as some sketching.

But, mainly, I'm here to inform people of the world around them. Well, mainly in Philadelphia. There's a lot of shit here that needs to be taken care of.

Murder, crime, trash, corruption, etc...

It's going to be a long, angry future.

McDonalds: Too Much for Too Little...

I'm just going to ask that the generic "McDonald's isn't food" comment is left somewhere else, I want a discussion for once.

Is it just me, or has McDonald's become a very expensive place to grab a quick bite?

I've been going to McDonald's since I was at least 3, and I've always enjoyed my trips there. I have fond memories of going there every Saturday as a kid with my grandma and getting a kids meal after watching Saturday Morning Cartoons. I remember loving getting a bite there during my teenage years, and sitting back and enjoying it. During college, though, and the last 5 years, I've been eating it less and less and heading to Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, KFC, etc...

I've popped back there a few times this year, namely for breakfast. Right now, I still feel like I can smell a McGriddle and I haven't had one in months! It was nice ti just sit back and eat one and remember being young and the trips with my grandma and the days with mom buying me a treat. I stopped largely because of one reason: Cost. The McGriddle's where I live, for a meal with a hash brown and Orange Juice, costs $5.

On average, in order to get a meal, it's $5. Not too bad... until you consider what your getting for the money.

For example, I don't eat burgers from McDonald's. I doubt I ever will. Instead, I eat McNuggets and Chicken Selects. The cost for a 6 Piece Nugget is $2.50. That's the nuggets alone. With a meal at $4.99, you get the nuggets, a medium soda and medium fries. In essence, your not getting a lot of food for the money because the entire thing can be devoured in only 7 minutes, 10 if you want, and doesn't fill you much.

Another example is the Chicken Selects. A 3-Piece Chicken Select normally goes for $3.99. Again, that's the cost of the chicken alone. In an average meal, it's $5.39. Same deal with medium soda and medium fries. And the result? Nothing too filling.

The problem with a large majority of McDonald's food is that the quality of the food has been declining more and more in recent years. The average complaint is that it isn't even "food" to begin with, a fairly valid claim depending on your position on the issue. For me, it is because it can fill you up. I've been to McDonald's from Philly, to New York, to Washington DC, Baltimore, and more. The best one I've ever been to is near the White House, trust me on that! But the overall quality has been lacking.

What do I mean by lacking? The food tends to be over-cooked and the result are dried and shriveled McNuggets and Chicken Selects, over-oiled French Fries, microwaved burgers, and an experience leaving you still hungry.

Compare this to Wendy's, now my restaurant of choice. The cost is this:

5-Piece Nugget - $1
Small Fries - $1
Value Soda (20 oz) - $1
Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger - $1.29

An average meal for me is a soda, fires, nuggets, and maybe a burger. The burger's are fresh, but still tend to be small and mostly bun. But for $5, I'm getting more than I would at McDonald's. The food tends to be healthier as well.

My point in all of this? McDonald's isn't cheap anymore, it's fairly expensive. At KFC for what could be considered the same meal (3-Piece Strip, Biscuit, Soda, and Fries) your paying $5.49. The quality of the food tends to be good because, like Wendy's, they have eliminated TransFat and the food tends to taste better.