• 22Jan 08

  Politics '08

  First of all thanks to everyone for your support in my previous post. I appreciate it.

  What I want to do today is weigh in on the 2008 Presidential race.

  Now I know most of you all aren't old enough to vote this election cycle, but many of you are. I'd like to hear your opinions regardless of age, though.

  On to my opinion. Early in 2007 when candidates were just getting their campaigns going, my buddy told me about this one guy (and that already disqualifies Hillary ) and I decided to look into him, as well as some of the other candidates.

  I'm pretty conservative in my views so naturally I registered as a Republican. And the Republican field was abundant with candidates. So I began the narrowing down.

  Well the guy I support now is the same guy I got to know early last year. Through watching his speeches, researching his views, etc. I was very impressed with his leadership ability and optimistic outlook for Anerica.

  The candidate I want for President is Mitt Romney. He spent 25 years of his life in the private sector as a very successful businessman, where he accumulated a lot of personal wealth. In 2002, he was chosen to run the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, which were plagued by scandals and financial problems. Mitt Romney turned those games around, which occurred only months after 9/11, and uplifted the spirits of Americans after its most devastating attack in its history.

  Then there's Massachusetts. From 2003-2007 Romney served as governor of Massachusetts. Results are seemingly mixed, but he made some very notable accomplishments. In MA, he was able to work with a Democratic legislature to get everyone in the state health care, without the kind of socialized medicine Hillary Clinton. He also inherited a $3 billion deficit and turned it into a surplus within his term without raising taxes. Think about that: Romney solved two of the major issues in this national election as a governor of MA. As President he would offer states incentives to try out and come up with their own health care systems and not insititute "Hillarycare." He would also be able to cut out the waste and duplication in the federal government and balance the budget during his administration.

  Another advantage: as a businessman, he has been in the economy, seeing how jobs are created and lost. He would offer unique insight into the economy and could prevent us from moving into a recession. He has proposed a broad economic stimulus plan (worth over $200 billion) that would, among other things, lower the income tax rate for those making roughly $95,000 a year and less to 7.5% from 10%, retroactive to 2007. He'd also eliminate payroll taxes on workers over age 65. And he'd eliminate taxes for those making $200,000 or less on capital gains, interest, etc. View his full stimulus plan at mittromney.com.

  Anyway, just thought I'd throw this out there. Let the debating begin!

  • Posted Jan 22, 2008 4:28 pm PT
  • Category: Opinion
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• 13Jan 08

  Avatar Guide Retirement.

  As you probably have noticed, I have been retired as Editor of the Avatar guide. This was not done with my consent, but rather by the TV.com staff.

  The new editor will see the burden that is running the Avatar guide. I feel very fortunate to have held the position for so long.
  
  That being said, maybe it is time for change. I've been sensing a new direction is being taken here for a little while now and I wish the next editor good luck.
  
  I will state for the record that TV.com forced me out at their own discretion, and even though I respect their decision, I disagree with it. Forget the hours of time put into the guide and forum, a few submissions go a few days late and all of a sudden I am retired. It's unfortunate and I hope TV.com does not continue this policy, or they will lose some really great members.
  
  As for me, I'll still lurk around here occasionally, but probably a lot less frequently than in times past. And I can offer suggestions to the new editor, if they would like it.
  
  So, all in all it was fun and I'm glad I could meet all the awesome people here. Though I'm sorry this is the way it had to go down.
  
  Enjoying Avatar Over At Dongbufeng.net,
  
  Pooldude256 - Jake

  • Posted Jan 13, 2008 1:44 pm PT
  • Category: Other
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• 9Dec 07

  [Insert Random Title Here]

  Seems like forever since I've written a blog here on TV.com. Got so much stuff going on.

  Right now I'm enjoying some time off. Not working right now, not going to school either. I will go back next year to a community college, most likely, and will look for another job soon after the new year begins.

  Guess I should talk about Avatar. I have been hearing a lot of complaints about this season, and I believe those people are full of it. I think every episode has been great so far. IMO, "Nightmares and Daydreams" would be the weakest link in the chain so far, but it's still not that bad (well maybe it is...).

  My personal favorites are "The Avatar and the Firelord" and "The Puppetmaster," not to mention the Day of Black Sun's two episodes. Those four episodes alone make up for anything that was "lacking" in the beginning of the season. "The Beach" was very different, "Sokka's Master" was great, and "The Painted Lady" gave Katara a new "identity." "The Headband" did a fair job of showing the propoganda in Fire Nation schools. "The Awakening" has been trampled on because it wasn't as epic as the season 2 finale, but it served it's purpose, as the bridge from S2 to S3. The Ozai scene may not have been as dramatic as it could have been (which is primarily the director's fault). Still it was a great episode. "The Runaway" had a little bit of character development, but not much, so that's near the bottom of the list. The above mentioned weakest-link was just plain scary and felt like an LSD trip the whole time. I didn't like it, and right before what are the most two important episodes, it seemed very much out of place.

  Anyway, this season has been high on character development and not as much action, which I think is necessary going into the second half of the season. Even starting at 310-311, the second half of season 3 will most certainly have plenty of battles and epicness that has not been present so far, especially now that obviously the Gang has been exposed. I look forward to the last 10 episodes, from here on out the season picks up and I feel confident people will stop bashing it then.

  I also want to address the writers strike, since this affects TV greatly. Like most Americans, I support the writers here. The studios are claiming that shows streamed online are for promotional purposes only, but when you watch an episode of a show online, there are ads. And they aren't giving those ads away free. The studios have enough that they can let the writers in on a little bit. The studios wouldn't have any revenue if not for the writers.

  Today is my birthday. I turn 19. So what would be the most amazing present ever? Seeing my Steelers beat the undefeated Patriots, of course! Yes the game starts in like a half an hour, and I am looking forward to it, because the Steelers have a great shot at winning it today. So LET'S GO STEELERS!

  That's it for this blog. I'm sure I'll write again in a few months.

  • Posted Dec 9, 2007 12:46 pm PT
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