Now that the bailout plan has been rejected, where does that leave us?
While I’m not sure if the plan was good or not, I’m concerned as to what this all means. How is this going to affect the job, housing, and banking markets?
Obviously, it didn’t help the stock market.
It seems that the politicians are more concerned with pointing fingers and trying to lay blame. Honestly, I could care less.
This is no time for partisanship.
It would be nice if someone would just stand up, be honest and explain what is truly going on, what we can expect, and how this thing can be fixed.
At this point, I could care less if said individual is Republican or Democrat. The truth, as ugly as it may be, is what we really need to hear and would be very much appreciated.
And while they are at it, maybe they can explain why there is still no gas in Atlanta.
The Wizard has spoken.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Wiz’s NFL Week 4 Picks
Sunday Football
Minnesota at Tennessee – Tennessee
Denver at Kansas City – Denver
San Francisco at New Orleans – New Orleans
Arizona at NY Jets – NY Jets
Green Bay at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
Atlanta at Carolina – Carolina
Houston at Jacksonville – Jacksonville
Cleveland at Cincinnati – Cincinnati
San Diego at Oakland – San Diego
Buffalo at St. Louis – Buffalo
Washington at Dallas – Dallas
Sunday Night Football
Philadelphia at Chicago – Philadelphia
Monday Night Football
Baltimore at Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh
The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 32-15
The Wizard has spoken
Minnesota at Tennessee – Tennessee
Denver at Kansas City – Denver
San Francisco at New Orleans – New Orleans
Arizona at NY Jets – NY Jets
Green Bay at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
Atlanta at Carolina – Carolina
Houston at Jacksonville – Jacksonville
Cleveland at Cincinnati – Cincinnati
San Diego at Oakland – San Diego
Buffalo at St. Louis – Buffalo
Washington at Dallas – Dallas
Sunday Night Football
Philadelphia at Chicago – Philadelphia
Monday Night Football
Baltimore at Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh
The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 32-15
The Wizard has spoken
Friday, September 26, 2008
Gas shortage in Atlanta
What in the world is going on here in Atlanta?
Yesterday, I literally had to drive around on lights for over forty minutes because I couldn’t find a gas station open. I passed at least seven gas stations in the area that I was driving around in and they were all out.
At first glance, I thought some of them were open because there were cars by the pumps. I soon found out that they were parked. Apparently, some people ran out of gas right there.
How does something like this happen?
Then when you do find a gas station that is open, you are treated to a line that can be as long as an hour. Not to mention the fact that you are also greeted with inflated prices.
I'm damn near afraid to drive anywhere right now.
This is crazy.
The Wizard has spoken.
Yesterday, I literally had to drive around on lights for over forty minutes because I couldn’t find a gas station open. I passed at least seven gas stations in the area that I was driving around in and they were all out.
At first glance, I thought some of them were open because there were cars by the pumps. I soon found out that they were parked. Apparently, some people ran out of gas right there.
How does something like this happen?
Then when you do find a gas station that is open, you are treated to a line that can be as long as an hour. Not to mention the fact that you are also greeted with inflated prices.
I'm damn near afraid to drive anywhere right now.
This is crazy.
The Wizard has spoken.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Wiz’s NFL Week 3 Picks
Sunday Football
Kansas City at Atlanta – Atlanta
Oakland at Buffalo – Buffalo
Tampa Bay at Chicago – Chicago
Houston at Tennessee – Tennessee
Carolina at Minnesota – Carolina
Miami at New England – New England
Cincinnati at NY Giants – NY Giants
Arizona at Washington – Washington
Detroit at San Francisco – San Francisco
St. Louis at Seattle – Seattle
New Orleans at Denver – Denver
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – Philadelphia
Jacksonville at Indianapolis – Indianapolis
Cleveland at Baltimore – Baltimore
Sunday Night Football
Dallas at Green Bay – Dallas
Monday Night Football
NY Jets at San Diego – San Diego
The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 20-11
The Wizard has spoken
Kansas City at Atlanta – Atlanta
Oakland at Buffalo – Buffalo
Tampa Bay at Chicago – Chicago
Houston at Tennessee – Tennessee
Carolina at Minnesota – Carolina
Miami at New England – New England
Cincinnati at NY Giants – NY Giants
Arizona at Washington – Washington
Detroit at San Francisco – San Francisco
St. Louis at Seattle – Seattle
New Orleans at Denver – Denver
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – Philadelphia
Jacksonville at Indianapolis – Indianapolis
Cleveland at Baltimore – Baltimore
Sunday Night Football
Dallas at Green Bay – Dallas
Monday Night Football
NY Jets at San Diego – San Diego
The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 20-11
The Wizard has spoken
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Concierge service and genetically altered meat? What in the world is going on?
Yesterday, I was watching CNN and two amazing stories came up back to back.
The first was what they are calling the new medical fad, doctors converting to a concierge service. For those who don’t know what that means, there are several doctors who are now asking their clients to pay a retainer fee for their services. The goal for the doctors is to cut down their patient base so they can provide better service to those who can fork out the fee. The fee mentioned on CNN was $1,500 a person.
So, let’s see here. There are millions of people who can barely afford medical services as it is and doctors now want to charge another $1,500 per person so they can provide preferential treatment? What makes it worse is that this fee has nothing to do with insurance. Clients of these doctors will still have to make their insurance payments. And there are no discounts tied to this fee. This fee is simply to allow the doctor the ability to spend more time with their patients. And, of course, they will answer your calls more promptly.
Here is the kicker. The doctors are giving you a choice; pay the fee or find someone else.
Talk about elite health care.
The second story was about genetically altered meat possibly hitting the grocery stores in the near future. This, of course, is meat from cloned animals. Apparently right now, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing regulations that would allow the commercial use of genetically engineered animals.
Nothing warms my heart more than the thought of eating man made meat. Yummy!!
I wonder if these meats will come with possible side-effect warnings.
Things are getting really bad.
The Wizard has spoken.
The first was what they are calling the new medical fad, doctors converting to a concierge service. For those who don’t know what that means, there are several doctors who are now asking their clients to pay a retainer fee for their services. The goal for the doctors is to cut down their patient base so they can provide better service to those who can fork out the fee. The fee mentioned on CNN was $1,500 a person.
So, let’s see here. There are millions of people who can barely afford medical services as it is and doctors now want to charge another $1,500 per person so they can provide preferential treatment? What makes it worse is that this fee has nothing to do with insurance. Clients of these doctors will still have to make their insurance payments. And there are no discounts tied to this fee. This fee is simply to allow the doctor the ability to spend more time with their patients. And, of course, they will answer your calls more promptly.
Here is the kicker. The doctors are giving you a choice; pay the fee or find someone else.
Talk about elite health care.
The second story was about genetically altered meat possibly hitting the grocery stores in the near future. This, of course, is meat from cloned animals. Apparently right now, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing regulations that would allow the commercial use of genetically engineered animals.
Nothing warms my heart more than the thought of eating man made meat. Yummy!!
I wonder if these meats will come with possible side-effect warnings.
Things are getting really bad.
The Wizard has spoken.
I feel for the next President
Obviously, I have my preference as to who I would like to become the next President. But, for this blog posting that is irrelevant.
I have much respect for both Senators McCain and Obama for even wanting the job – I know I wouldn’t.
With the current state of the economy and all these major corporations needing federal bailouts, etc… the next man in the Oval Office is going to have his hands full.
Personally, I’m not worried about if the next man is ready for that call at 3 in the morning. I am more concerned with their ability to make my money safe. At this point in time, stashing money in the shoe box is looking more and more like a better alternative than a savings plan or investing in stocks.
That is just my opinion.
Still someone has to win in November, and regardless of whom it is, history will be made. What will be interesting to see is if either one will be able to get us out of the mess we’re in.
I wish him good luck because it definitely won’t be easy.
The Wizard has spoken.
I have much respect for both Senators McCain and Obama for even wanting the job – I know I wouldn’t.
With the current state of the economy and all these major corporations needing federal bailouts, etc… the next man in the Oval Office is going to have his hands full.
Personally, I’m not worried about if the next man is ready for that call at 3 in the morning. I am more concerned with their ability to make my money safe. At this point in time, stashing money in the shoe box is looking more and more like a better alternative than a savings plan or investing in stocks.
That is just my opinion.
Still someone has to win in November, and regardless of whom it is, history will be made. What will be interesting to see is if either one will be able to get us out of the mess we’re in.
I wish him good luck because it definitely won’t be easy.
The Wizard has spoken.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Highway robbery in Denver
I have seen the play about ten times now and have heard the cockamamie explanation. And still, all I can say is that the San Diego Chargers were robbed.
It’s bad enough when a referee blows a call that cost you a game. It’s even worse when he admits it but then says there is nothing he can do about it.
I thought the reason the NFL instituted instant replay was to prevent situation like this.
Apparently, that is not the case.
So, the Broncos get the highly controversial win and the San Diego Chargers are left knowing they should have won the game but the referees took it from them.
With the competitiveness of the AFC this loss could be the difference between getting a playoff berth and not.
It’ll be interesting to see if the NFL issues an apology later this week.
Even if they do, it won’t matter.
They should have got the call right in the first place.
The Wizard has spoken.
It’s bad enough when a referee blows a call that cost you a game. It’s even worse when he admits it but then says there is nothing he can do about it.
I thought the reason the NFL instituted instant replay was to prevent situation like this.
Apparently, that is not the case.
So, the Broncos get the highly controversial win and the San Diego Chargers are left knowing they should have won the game but the referees took it from them.
With the competitiveness of the AFC this loss could be the difference between getting a playoff berth and not.
It’ll be interesting to see if the NFL issues an apology later this week.
Even if they do, it won’t matter.
They should have got the call right in the first place.
The Wizard has spoken.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
These gas prices are ridiculous
I expected that gas prices would rise because of Hurricane Ike. Still, this is ridiculous.
Here in Atlanta, the prices at my local station went from $3.53 to $4.19 in a matter of a few hours.
President Bush vowed that he would not let gas stations “gouge” consumers during this period. If a sixty-six cent increase in 24 hours isn’t gouging then I must have a different understanding of the word.
Just when it seemed like prices were getting somewhat reasonable again this happens.
Something needs to be done.
The Wizard has spoken.
Here in Atlanta, the prices at my local station went from $3.53 to $4.19 in a matter of a few hours.
President Bush vowed that he would not let gas stations “gouge” consumers during this period. If a sixty-six cent increase in 24 hours isn’t gouging then I must have a different understanding of the word.
Just when it seemed like prices were getting somewhat reasonable again this happens.
Something needs to be done.
The Wizard has spoken.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Wiz’s NFL Week 2 Picks
Sunday Football
Tennessee at Cincinnati – Tennessee
Green Bay at Detroit – Green Bay
Oakland at Kansas City – Kansas City
NY Giants at St. Louis – NY Giants
Indianapolis at Minnesota – Minnesota
New Orleans at Washington – New Orleans
Chicago at Carolina – Carolina
Buffalo at Jacksonville – Buffalo
San Francisco at Seattle – Seattle
Atlanta at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
New England at NY Jets – New England
Miami at Arizona – Arizona
San Diego at Denver – San Diego
Sunday Night Football
Pittsburgh at Cleveland – Pittsburgh
Monday Night Football
Philadelphia at Dallas – Dallas
Baltimore at Houston – Baltimore
The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 10-6
The Wizard has spoken
Tennessee at Cincinnati – Tennessee
Green Bay at Detroit – Green Bay
Oakland at Kansas City – Kansas City
NY Giants at St. Louis – NY Giants
Indianapolis at Minnesota – Minnesota
New Orleans at Washington – New Orleans
Chicago at Carolina – Carolina
Buffalo at Jacksonville – Buffalo
San Francisco at Seattle – Seattle
Atlanta at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
New England at NY Jets – New England
Miami at Arizona – Arizona
San Diego at Denver – San Diego
Sunday Night Football
Pittsburgh at Cleveland – Pittsburgh
Monday Night Football
Philadelphia at Dallas – Dallas
Baltimore at Houston – Baltimore
The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 10-6
The Wizard has spoken
Friday, September 12, 2008
Have you ever felt like you’ve completely lost yourself?
Right now, I’m going through a period in my life where I feel like I am beginning to rediscover who I am. It seems that for so long I have tried to appease others that I lost touch of who I was.
And it really isn’t that I have gone out of my way to try and make others happy. Just in my day-to-day activities. But somewhere, while trying to please my employer, a friend, or a family member I forgot to make sure the one person that truly needed to be happy was satisfied.
For the longest, I have tried not to be a selfish person. I have always tried to treat others as I would like to be treated and many times put the concerns of others in front of my own. And while I still believe those are good traits, I have come to realize that there has to be a balance. More importantly, I have to make sure I am happy first.
In truth, I haven’t been happy for a long time. I mean I enjoy life. But, it seems that happiness is increasingly becoming a forced action rather than something coming naturally.
Thankfully though, I’m starting to remember the things that make me happy and the things I like to do. It sounds too much like a cliché to say that I had an epiphany. Still, it all started coming to me when I was doing the most trivial of things – ironing my clothes.
Suddenly, I became aware of the fact that for many years I have been neglecting myself. I’ve been doing things that I either I don’t like or am not really not interested in for other people’s satisfaction.
And that is just not right.
And while I’m still searching within myself, for the first time, in a long time, I feel good. I feel different and my thoughts and desires are changing. Unfortunately, I realize that as I go through this transformation there will be people who don’t understand or who may leave my life.
But, that is okay.
They probably weren’t meant to be here in the first place.
The Wizard has spoken.
And it really isn’t that I have gone out of my way to try and make others happy. Just in my day-to-day activities. But somewhere, while trying to please my employer, a friend, or a family member I forgot to make sure the one person that truly needed to be happy was satisfied.
For the longest, I have tried not to be a selfish person. I have always tried to treat others as I would like to be treated and many times put the concerns of others in front of my own. And while I still believe those are good traits, I have come to realize that there has to be a balance. More importantly, I have to make sure I am happy first.
In truth, I haven’t been happy for a long time. I mean I enjoy life. But, it seems that happiness is increasingly becoming a forced action rather than something coming naturally.
Thankfully though, I’m starting to remember the things that make me happy and the things I like to do. It sounds too much like a cliché to say that I had an epiphany. Still, it all started coming to me when I was doing the most trivial of things – ironing my clothes.
Suddenly, I became aware of the fact that for many years I have been neglecting myself. I’ve been doing things that I either I don’t like or am not really not interested in for other people’s satisfaction.
And that is just not right.
And while I’m still searching within myself, for the first time, in a long time, I feel good. I feel different and my thoughts and desires are changing. Unfortunately, I realize that as I go through this transformation there will be people who don’t understand or who may leave my life.
But, that is okay.
They probably weren’t meant to be here in the first place.
The Wizard has spoken.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I just found out that I'm a sex addict
Hello, my name is The Wizard and I am addicted to sex.
At least that is according to the survey I took on http://www.sexhelp.com/. Apparently, sex addiction is a serious condition.
Look at what it did to David Duchovny.
He had to check himself into rehab.
Now, that I know that I suffer from this serious dependency, I have comfort in knowing that there are places I can go to get help. There are 12-step programs similar to those for alcoholics and drug addicts. Still, some doctors say that those are not as effective because sex is harder to give up than alcohol or drugs.
I know the pharmaceuticals won’t let me down. The same companies that made pills that may give me erections lasting longer than four hours can surely make something that can eliminate my urges all together.
As a matter of fact, I’m sure that as I write this, they are busy concocting a pill to help me with my urges. Maybe in the meantime, I should put up a curtain in the bed between me and my wife so I won’t be tempted.
Right now I feel so silly and confused. All this time I thought I was normal, and all these urges were a good thing.
But, now I know, I have a problem.
The Wizard has spoken.
At least that is according to the survey I took on http://www.sexhelp.com/. Apparently, sex addiction is a serious condition.
Look at what it did to David Duchovny.
He had to check himself into rehab.
Now, that I know that I suffer from this serious dependency, I have comfort in knowing that there are places I can go to get help. There are 12-step programs similar to those for alcoholics and drug addicts. Still, some doctors say that those are not as effective because sex is harder to give up than alcohol or drugs.
I know the pharmaceuticals won’t let me down. The same companies that made pills that may give me erections lasting longer than four hours can surely make something that can eliminate my urges all together.
As a matter of fact, I’m sure that as I write this, they are busy concocting a pill to help me with my urges. Maybe in the meantime, I should put up a curtain in the bed between me and my wife so I won’t be tempted.
Right now I feel so silly and confused. All this time I thought I was normal, and all these urges were a good thing.
But, now I know, I have a problem.
The Wizard has spoken.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Interesting weekend for sports
Thank goodness the NFL is back!!! I really didn’t realize how much I missed watching my Sunday games until yesterday.
For the most part, the games went as I thought they would. But, naturally there were some surprises.
The Atlanta Falcons looked pretty good this week. Considering all that franchise went through last season, and the fact they started a rookie quarterback and a few other rookies, it was a good performance. Still, you have to consider the competition. Detroit seems headed for another miserable season.
Although no official word has been released, things do not look good in New England. The early reports are that QB Tom Brady is done for the season. If that is true, it is going to be tough for the Patriots to make the playoffs. Maybe, the Super Bowl loser curse is real.
The Indianapolis Colts didn’t look too good either. Peyton Manning was definitely rusty. The Bears, for their part, played a very good game. Even Kyle Orton looked pretty good. Chicago may be a team to look out for. One thing is for sure they still have a stifling defense.
As far as college football, ECU looks like they are the real deal. They’ve upset Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Two ranked teams that were expected to compete for their conference titles. ECU is now the 14th ranked team in the nation.
Can someone please tell me what has happened to Florida State, Miami, and Michigan? Three legendary football programs and none of them are ranked.
And, I must mention Serena Williams. She looks dominant once again and she has regained the number 1 ranking in women’s tennis. If she, and her sister can stay healthy, we may see a whole lot more “Sister Slams”. I’m sure the networks are hoping that happens.
That is it for now – happy Monday.
The Wizard has spoken.
For the most part, the games went as I thought they would. But, naturally there were some surprises.
The Atlanta Falcons looked pretty good this week. Considering all that franchise went through last season, and the fact they started a rookie quarterback and a few other rookies, it was a good performance. Still, you have to consider the competition. Detroit seems headed for another miserable season.
Although no official word has been released, things do not look good in New England. The early reports are that QB Tom Brady is done for the season. If that is true, it is going to be tough for the Patriots to make the playoffs. Maybe, the Super Bowl loser curse is real.
The Indianapolis Colts didn’t look too good either. Peyton Manning was definitely rusty. The Bears, for their part, played a very good game. Even Kyle Orton looked pretty good. Chicago may be a team to look out for. One thing is for sure they still have a stifling defense.
As far as college football, ECU looks like they are the real deal. They’ve upset Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Two ranked teams that were expected to compete for their conference titles. ECU is now the 14th ranked team in the nation.
Can someone please tell me what has happened to Florida State, Miami, and Michigan? Three legendary football programs and none of them are ranked.
And, I must mention Serena Williams. She looks dominant once again and she has regained the number 1 ranking in women’s tennis. If she, and her sister can stay healthy, we may see a whole lot more “Sister Slams”. I’m sure the networks are hoping that happens.
That is it for now – happy Monday.
The Wizard has spoken.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Wiz’s NFL Week 1 Picks
The Wiz’s NFL Week 1 Picks
Category: Sports
Thursday Night Football
Washington at NY Giants – NY Giants
Sunday Football
Detroit at Atlanta – Detroit
Seattle at Buffalo – Seattle
Jacksonville at Tennessee – Jacksonville
NY Jets at Miami – NY Jets
Kansas City at New England – New England
Tampa Bay at New Orleans – New Orleans
St. Louis at Philadelphia – Philadelphia
Houston at Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh
Cincinnati at Baltimore – Baltimore
Carolina at San Diego – San Diego
Arizona at San Francisco – Arizona
Dallas at Cleveland – Dallas
Sunday Night Football
Chicago at Indianapolis – Indianapolis
Monday Night Football
Minnesota at Green Bay – Minnesota
Denver at Oakland – Denver
The Wizard has spoken
Category: Sports
Thursday Night Football
Washington at NY Giants – NY Giants
Sunday Football
Detroit at Atlanta – Detroit
Seattle at Buffalo – Seattle
Jacksonville at Tennessee – Jacksonville
NY Jets at Miami – NY Jets
Kansas City at New England – New England
Tampa Bay at New Orleans – New Orleans
St. Louis at Philadelphia – Philadelphia
Houston at Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh
Cincinnati at Baltimore – Baltimore
Carolina at San Diego – San Diego
Arizona at San Francisco – Arizona
Dallas at Cleveland – Dallas
Sunday Night Football
Chicago at Indianapolis – Indianapolis
Monday Night Football
Minnesota at Green Bay – Minnesota
Denver at Oakland – Denver
The Wizard has spoken
Monday, September 1, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with those in New Orleans
It’s hard to believe that it has been three years since Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. It is even more unbelievable that yet again they may be in the midst of another devastating storm.
Although the news sounds grim at this moment, I pray that Gustav dies down before hitting the coast. The people of New Orleans and the Gulf region have been through more than enough and many are still trying to rebuild their lives after Katrina.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families, and people in that region.
God bless them.
The Wizard has spoken.
Although the news sounds grim at this moment, I pray that Gustav dies down before hitting the coast. The people of New Orleans and the Gulf region have been through more than enough and many are still trying to rebuild their lives after Katrina.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families, and people in that region.
God bless them.
The Wizard has spoken.
The Wizard’s NFL Predictions
At a time like this predictions really mean little. But, with the season right around the corner, I will post my predictions for the upcoming season.
I will also post my Week 1 picks on Thursday morning.
Division Winners
NFC East – Dallas Cowboys
NFC North – Minnesota Vikings
NFC South – New Orleans
NFC West – Seattle Seahawks
AFC East – New England Patriots
AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West – San Diego Chargers
Wildcards
NFC – New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles
AFC – Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Conference Championships
NFC – New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys
AFC – San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl
San Diego Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl Champions
Dallas Cowboys
The Wizard has spoken
I will also post my Week 1 picks on Thursday morning.
Division Winners
NFC East – Dallas Cowboys
NFC North – Minnesota Vikings
NFC South – New Orleans
NFC West – Seattle Seahawks
AFC East – New England Patriots
AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West – San Diego Chargers
Wildcards
NFC – New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles
AFC – Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Conference Championships
NFC – New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys
AFC – San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl
San Diego Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl Champions
Dallas Cowboys
The Wizard has spoken
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