Here Comes 2015 - You Ready?

It's back to work and back to school for most everyone around the country, including yours truly. That also means a return to regular blogging. As you may have noticed, I took the holidays off from blogging, since I was on the road quite a bit. I'm looking forward to 2015, and I'm ready for takeoff. 

You'll see my same random thoughts here of course, possibly a bit more from me about local goings on around Columbia on Fig, and as always you can follow me on Farmer'sOnly.com.

What Happened to Bubba Watson?

I follow golf fairly causally, which means I pretty much know who wins the major tournaments.

Sometimes I'll watch a little golf, but that's usually because there's nothing else on. However, I know Bubba Watson, and I always kind of thought of him as a madcap, hangin' loose, fun guy. I mean, he is one of the "Golf Boys" who make funny music videos. He's even got the actual General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. Heck, when your name is "Bubba" you can't really be that uptight. I think that's a rule somewhere.

Accordingly, I was really surprised when Will Vereen brought this to my attention via Twitter.

I find Bubba Watson extremely unlikable. http://t.co/5mq10frT6o
— Will Vereen (@wolverine280) August 7, 2014

Apparently, Bubba was too uptight to participate in a long drive competition during a practice round? This doesn't sound like the Bubbba Watson I know. That sounds like the behavior of an Assistant Principal at a middle school.

What's changed in Bubba? I don't know, but I have to agree with Will. I find this version of Bubba Watson unlikable as well. Someone needs to tell Bubba: "Lighten up, Francis."

Is This a Thing?

Todd Kincannon is suing the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in federal court.

Is this a thing? It could be. Or is it just a stunt?

I don't know Todd Kincannon, other than what I've seen on Twitter. He certainly pushes the limits of propriety in his political speech. But not everything has to be everyone's cup of tea. He seems to relish political confrontation.

However, filing a complaint in federal court isn't something you just do for kicks or as a stunt.

Before forming any sort of opinion at all, I'll be interested to see what the defendants' response is to the complaint.

via Insty

#BringBackOurGDP

Am I the only person slightly concerned about this whole economy contracting by 2.9% in the first quarter of 2014?

It's not all "weather related". The weather doesn't drop your GDP by 2.9%. Or as Reuters puts it:

While the economy's woes have been largely blamed on an unusually cold winter, the magnitude of the revision suggests other factors at play beyond the weather.

No kidding? The weather isn't entirely to blame? I think we need to deploy a hashtag. Remember #BringBackOurGirls?. If we have another quarter of negative GDP, that's a recession.

Yeah, I think it's time for #BringBackOurGDP.

Clowney's Appearance on The Tonight Show

I knew Clowney would be on The Tonight Show last night, but I missed it. Luckily, Carmen Thomas brought the video link to my attention via Twitter, so hat-tip to her for that.

Link here.

Is There a "Twitter Gap"?

"Democrats are supposed to be the party that all the young, hip people are crazy about. But when it comes to Twitter, Democrats have actually fallen behind Republicans in several important metrics."

Maybe it's because 140 characters limits your ability to BS.

[via Insty]

What Was Your First Tweet? Here's Mine

I joined Twitter in March of 2011, and since then I've generated 7,143 Tweets. To celebrate it's 8th birthday, Twitter has now com up with a site that allows you to see your very first Tweet. It's called First Tweet.

In the three years that I've been on Twitter, it has really grown on me. I love the fact that it's whatever you make of it. I honestly couldn't remember my first tweet, but here it is:

I think it holds up to the test of time quite well. A solid cheer for my favorite college team.

And the best part is that you aren't limited to finding just your own first tweet. You can type in anyone's username and find their first tweet. It's a neat little way to show you that the internet is forever.

What was your first tweet?

2014 State of the Union

Play along at home. I'm going to try and Live-Tweet the State of the Union on my semi-automatic Twitter Feed. It might not be the same as actually being there, but at least you won't have to stand up and clap every couple of minutes.

Meanwhile, in Columbia, no snow to report here at Casa de Caskey.

Sen. Lindsey Graham is in Trouble

I shared this on Twitter earlier, but I thought I should post it here for those of you who aren't Twitter-inclined. If you haven't been paying attention, Lindsey Graham is in big trouble for his reelection this fall. How much trouble?

Try 31% on for size.

Clemson political science professor Dave Woodard conducted the poll last week and found only 31 percent of South Carolina's Republicans plan to vote to re-elect Graham, regardless of who else was in the race.

For those of you not familiar with math, that's bad. Further down, the article cites Richard Quinn who is critical of the methodology that Woodard uses. That may or may not be a fair criticism. As Quinn notes, he doesn't know what methodology was used.

For comparison's sake, a Landmark/Rosetta Stone poll has Senator Graham up by a comfortable margin in the primary. However you slice it, I don't think Senator Graham is going to coast to reelection in a state known for long-term senators.

Unemployment Rate Drops to 7.6%

The March employment statistics are out today, and one thing is clear from these numbers: people have given up looking for work. We added 88,000 jobs here in the US, but that was dwarfed by the decline in the labor force by 496,000. Yep, about a half-million people just dropped out of the labor force last month.

This was the biggest monthly jump in folks dropping out of the labor force since January 2012, when the BLS did its census reset. To put things in a historical perspective, the labor force participation rate is now at 63.3% - the lowest since 1979! However, the unemployment rate doesn't count those people anymore, so unemployment fell to 7.6%.

Happy days are here again!

Losing people in the workforce making the unemployment rate better would be like the Braves saying they're giving up trying to get hits when they face Cliff Lee in an effort to raise their batting average.

A wise man I know has accurately commented that "we have reached the point on many individual's labor economics curve where not working is the most attractive option". That's a sad commentary of the state of our country right now. We had a big recession in 2008....five years ago. And we haven't been able to pull out of the ditch. People are just giving up.

What would the unemployment rate be if we actually assumed a normal employment force? Oh, just a rosy 11.6%.

In the meantime, everyone in charge wants to argue about same-sex marriage and  gun control. It's probably because they have no freakin' clue as to how to actually deal with the economic problems we face.

Sorry to be an Eeyore on a Friday, but I wish I had better news.

Latest Video from the "Golf Boys" - 2.Oh

I tweeted this out earlier today, but this video is too good not to be it's own independent post. So this is for all y'all who don't follow me on Twitter (You can fix that by clicking on the button to the right).

The best line is clearly: "Kevin Naaaaa".

My Post Super Bowl Thoughts

So the SuperBowl was yesterday. I hear that it was a blowout at the beginning, Beyonce was awesome in the middle, energy efficient in the third quarter, and close at the end. I didn't actually watch one moment of the game. Yeah, I know, it's The Superbowl! You gotta watch it. I didn't. Wasn't interested. Not even a little.  Don't worry, I'm not one of those smug jerks who loves to show off how out of the mainstream they are. I wasn't reading Jack Kerouac.

I watched a marathon of Game of Thrones because I had never seen it. It's awesome, by the way.

The thing is, I only have so much sports in me, and I really follow the college football season and baseball closely. If I started watching NFL football, it would be like a late-night booty call. I just show up for the playoffs after not having watched a game? That feels kind of cheap and trashy to me.

Mrs. Permanent Press likes to say that the time from the end of the college football season until the beginning of baseball is "the romance time". Ever seen Fever Pitch? Conveniently, Valentine's Day falls at just the right time.

However, the Superbowl is one of those shared experiences that everyone has. Reading through my Twitter feed (from last night) during lunch today, I felt a twinge of remorse for not being "part of it" and enjoying the same thing the rest of my friends (and most of the world) was enjoying. That wouldn't have really been possible just a few years ago. Social media has brought us together for these shared experiences in a new way.

I did see most of the big commercials, courtesy of YouTube, and I have to say that I wasn't that impressed by most. The Budweiser Clydesdales was probably the best, because it's almost a traditional commercial now. Check out this link; it's got some great old Bud commercials.

Krauthammer on Challenges Facing Conservatives

Krauthammer has a wonderful wit, thinks sensible thoughts, and is an all-around smart guy. If you have a few hours, it's worth your while. If you're a conservative looking for a way forward, it's a must-watch. Link here.

[h/t @rdbrewer4]

Phil Mickleson and Incentives

Mountain man and trout reaper @wolverine280 brings us the story of PGA golfer, Phil Mickleson, who has decided that he may need to make "drastic changes" because of the 60% tax rate he faces living in California and facing steep Federal and state taxes.

Look. It's pretty simple. If you can move from California to Florida and save a bunch of money in the process, is it really that hard of a decision? We are all obligated to pay taxes, but we aren't obligated to stay in any particular state. If one state is more tax friendly (and has equivalent golf) why shouldn't Mickleson move? Heck, tons of PGA pros have their residence in Florida. I know that he regrets getting political. He's got tons of fans that he doesn't want to alienate. He can't say what he really thinks, so I'll say it for him: the taxes are too damn high.

The important thing here is that incentives matter. People almost always act in their self-interest. Mickleson leaving California is what is best for him and his family, because he'll have more money to spend on his family.

He won't be the last wealthy person to leave the Golden State in his rear-view mirror.

Sunday Reading: WWII Posters and the Brooklyn Bridge

If you've seen my Twitter icon, it references this WWII propaganda poster that the British used. I decided to go with it while reading Churchill's epic memoirs of WWII. Seriously, it's a lot of reading, but it's good (if you like that sort of thing).

I've put my own little spin on it, but here's an interesting read on some of the other related posters and how the same ethos is applicable today.

On a related note, I've started an old book (new to me). It's David McCullough's "The Great Bridge". It's the story of the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, which I thought was somewhat topical, given recent events. I'm still not through with Churchill's memoirs, but I'll double-fist it for awhile.

Tweets from Celebrities on the Final Debate

At some point (hopefully tonight) I'll get a chance to give my post-debate thoughts. In the meantime, and for comparison, here are some Tweets from celebrities on the Final Debate. [Note: Sarah Silverman's is not exactly safe for work.]

Happy Fourth of July

Seen on Twitter:

Independence Day:  America's original "conference realignment."

Enjoy your holiday.

National High Five Day

It's National High Five Day. This was brought to my attention by @wolverine280. Follow him on twitter for all of your #Bro related stories.

The Highest of Fives. Use sparingly.

Columbia City Council District 3 and My Thoughts on Daniel Coble's Candidacy

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed that I had the beginning of a conversation going about my thoughts on Daniel Coble's candidacy for the District III seat on the Columbia City Council. My thoughts are more than 140 characters, so I'm here to ramble:

First of all, I've never met Daniel Coble. I don't know a thing about him other than what is on his campaign website. Accordingly, I come into this without any preconceived ideas about him. All my information about him comes from his website. Also, I don't live in District III, so who cares what I think anyway, right?

Experience: Daniel Coble is a third year law student at USC Law. He's scheduled to graduate this May. I assume he'll sit for the bar this summer. If he passes, he'll be sworn in and admitted to the South Carolina Bar in the fall.

Here's the bio on the website:

I grew up in Shandon, attended Rosewood Elementary, Hand Middle School, Dreher High School, Clemson University (Dean’s List; Student Government; SAE Fraternity) and USC Law School (Journal of Law and Education, Phi Delta Phi, William T. Howell Scholarship), Community Relations Council Board Member.  Clerked at Lewis & Babcock LLP and Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office; Law Clerk, SC House Judiciary Committee.  USC Law School graduation, May, 2012.

Ok. I think he's about 24 years old, so that means he went straight from Clemson to USC Law School. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, that's exactly what I did, what my wife did, and what hundreds of other practicing lawyers did. It's evidence that he clearly wants to be a lawyer, and that's great. I'm a lawyer. Nothing wrong with that.

He lists his clerkship at a very well-respected local law firm, the local solicitor's office, and clerking for the SC House Judiciary Committee. If he did that during law school (as most students usually do) I assume he split a summer along the line, because that's three clerkships in two summers. Again, nothing wrong with that. It's a great resume for a 3L. It is certainly better than mine was when I was a 3L.

However, he's running for City Council - not head of the Student Bar Association. He's not even a baby-lawyer yet because he won't be a baby-lawyer until after he passes the Bar and is admitted in the fall. He hasn't even commenced his legal practice yet. I'm sure he'll find a job because he's a smart guy who has a sterling resume. However, he doesn't appear to have an offer yet (or he's not disclosing it on his website). Again, all I have to go by is the website.

On a visceral level, I have an objection to a 3L running for City Council. In my opinion, that's presumptuous. He's not yet complete with his education. He has not practiced for one day. If you're in favor of Daniel Coble, you're conceding that having the life experience of being employed (any any occupation) in a full-time position is irrelevant to qualification for City Council. If you're ok with that, great. I'm not.

Why Is He Running: Ok, so we have a 3L running for City Council. Why? What does he want to do? Per his website:

My generation is skeptical about government but not about public service.  We know things must change.  The old ways of governing no longer work.  My approach to problems facing District 3 are based on having lived in the district all my life, knowing the neighborhoods and the people I want to serve and bringing fresh ideas to Columbia.”

Things must change? What things? The old ways of governing no longer work? What does that even mean? What is he talking about? His approach is based on living in the district "all my life"? You know, if I was only 24 and running for City Council, my main selling point wouldn't be Hey! I've lived here all my life! You know, since 1988!

Issues: (Public Safety) Hey! Coble is in favor of public safety. Me too. Is anyone in the race against public safety? If so, don't vote for them...unless you're a criminal. "Funding the police department is vital, but we must also remember that we live within realistic budgets." I agree with this 100%. Spending money is ok, but obviously, we don't have a bottomless pot of gold. So far, so good. What else?

Until we can expand the police budget over the long term, we have to focus on the short term and the resources we have at hand.  This means investing in three specific areas:

• Parks- Our parks bring our communities neighbors together, which means that they have to be a friendly and safe place to be.  These parks must be properly patrolled at both day and night.  Signage should be up showing the park rules and hours and also no profanity if that is the rule.  I also want to make sure our park manager of each park is known in the community both by local leaders and local police officers.
• Pedestrians- Everyone should feel comfortable in their neighborhoods, whether they are walking around the block or walking to their car.  I will work with local neighborhood leaders and police so that we know where the high crime areas are and will be able to focus our resources and energy in those areas.
• PACE- None of these ideas will work without full funding and support of our Pro Active Community Enforcement Team.  The PACE Team fosters and grows community relationships between neighbors and community PACE officers.  Over time, I would like to see more officers put on this team so that our current ones are not stretched thin.

Having a safe environment is the strongest selling point of any city.  Chief Scott, along with many other officers, are turning the morale our department around and continuing to make our police force something to be proud of.

Wait, what? We're just starting from the assumption that were going to expand the police department budget over the long term? I'm not necessarily against that, but I don't like that we're assuming that as our first principle. In any event, yes...patrol parks, keep people safe, and arrest the bad guys. It would be more helpful if Coble would identify the problems, rather than just say: Let's patrol more! More signs! It makes me feel like he doesn't really know what the problems are.

CMRTA: In any event, whether he was 24 or 84, here's why I won't be supporting Mr. Coble:

As the capital of South Carolina, it is imperative that Columbia have a fully functioning and modern public transportation system. [Actually, no it's not. Columbia is a sprawling city where the parking is plentiful, the roads are wide, and everything is spread out. Columbia isn't Chicago, or Manhattan. And that's good.]  The CMRTA is essential to sustaining and growing our economy and making sure that Columbia is the leader of this state. [Essential? Hardly.]

It is essential that we have a long term funding source for the CMRTA, which is why I fully support the penny referendum. [We need to tax everyone more to pay for the bus system]  The penny sales tax will allow for Columbia and other regional partners to fully invest [every time he says invest, he means spend money] in this system and let everyone see that we care about all of our residents. [What is this crap about showing people that we "care"? I care about not funding a bus system that cannot cover its own costs because of inherent flaws in the bus system model.]  I will take a leadership position in pushing for this referendum  and travel our city expressing some of the ideas I would like to see:

• Regional Cooperation- Our bus system will thrive as long as we continue to work together and share resources. [Share our resources? I think you mean spend more of our tax money.]  We will have to work with the local governments on both sides of the river to ensure that everyone is chipping in and paying their fair share. [Fair share? Where have I heard that before? What if the "other sides of the river" don't want to pay for the bus system? Lexington has already said they don't want it.]
• Changing the Attitude- I want to see our bus system integrated with the University’s so that all of our citizens are sharing the same public transportation.  I believe that this will not only change the attitude and vision of CMRTA but will help grow and shape our economy by allowing students to travel all around the city. [This is a HORRIBLE idea. I mean really bad. USC students aren't going to want to ride the bus "all around the city", especially, when you make them ride with other non-USC students.]
• Public Safety- Another way I believe we can change the view of our bus system is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and safe when riding.  This means have lit and properly patrolled bus stops.  I would also like to invest in something similar to the “Yellow Shirts” that patrol the Main Street area.  These men and women do a great job of creating a comfortable atmosphere of reassurance. [People don't ride the bus in large numbers because it's not practical in Columbia. The problem is not a lack of yellow-shirted bus-captains.]

Passing this referendum will not be easy as we saw just a few years ago. [The people are against it, but I'll force it through, because I know what's best.] I will work with our County Council and well as the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce to express my support for this referendum and the benefits it can have for our city.  A viable public transit system is critical for our city, and I will work as hard as I can to ensure CMRTA has the funds it needs. [I won't hesitate to spend as much of your money to keep the failed bus-system around for as long as possible.]

After this, I won't fisk the rest of his "Issues", but they can be boiled down thusly:

1. Spend money on "green energy".
2. Spend more money to build walkways and paths along the river.
3. Spend more money on the arts.
4.  Be exceptional.

MY THOUGHTS: Here's what Columbia City Council needs to do: Fund the police, fire, water, and the other municipal departments...you know the basics. Fill in the potholes, arrest the criminals, put out the fires, and keep the peace. It's not sexy, but it works.

I don't want Columbia to be "The greatest city in the Southeast". I'm fine to be Columbia. I don't want this to be Austin, TX. Austin's slogan is "Austin: Keep it weird". I'm comfortable with Columbia; we don't need to try to be some other place. I kinda get the feeling he doesn't like Columbia the way it is.

Columbia: Keep it Columbia.

Seen on Twitter

Edison didn’t sell light bulbs by having Congress penalize candle makers. Behavior modification via punitive taxation fails every time. Via @shellsuber

Damn right.