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  1. Poll Confirms Americans will Vote Based on Personal Finance

    June 18, 2012 by editor

    A new poll taken by Bankrate.com has confirmed what I’m sure most of us were suspecting: that when Americans step up to vote in the Presidential election this November, the majority will be selecting their pick based on the candidate they believe will be able to help their personal finances out the most. I’m not too sure about this tactic, because when the U.S. economy first turned south back in 2008, we had a Republican as our President. Then a Democrat took office and rode out the next three years of financial hardship. So, while I don’t necessarily agree that voting Democrat or Republican has much to do with the U.S. economy, I do understand why Americans are putting special attention on the financial aspect this year. David Mielach of the Business Daily News reported:

    “It’s still the economy, stupid. A new poll confirms what many have known for a long time: Americans’ personal financial situation will play a major role in how they vote in November.

    Overall, 12 percent of respondents in a new Bankrate.com survey said that their financial situation was the single most important factor when voting. An additional 47 percent of people said their financial situation was one of several important factors they plan on taking into consideration when voting this November. That means that just fewer than six in 10 people would use their financial situation as a determining factor when voting. 

    Although many Americans will be voting with their bank accounts in mind, the research found that the balance of power is not shifting much one way or the other. In fact, the same number of people, 21 percent, said Mitt Romney would be as favorable for their economic situation as President Barack Obama would be if he was re-elected. Half of respondents said both candidates would have little effect either way, while 8 percent said they didn’t know who would be best.”    

    Click here to read the professional finance analysts’ comments about the poll results. 

    With that said, how will you be voting this year and what are the biggest factors that will determine your decision? I’d love to see thoughts and comments on this blog so feel free to leave them below!

    Category Politics | Tags: | No Comments

  2. US Postal Service Losing $25 Million Per Day

    May 9, 2012 by editor

    Just as I’m thinking that the U.S. is doing a great job overall of learning how to save money, make wise spending choices, and as I’m getting the feeling that the light at the end of the recession tunnel is coming into focus, I read about this major financial flub. Apparently the U.S. Postal service is losing up to $25 million dollars a day, according to William La Jeunesse at Foxs News. I knew in the back of my mind that certainly snail mail is being phased out, as emails, scanning, faxing, and even texting becomes increasingly more the norm. But I had no idea that the money going down the drain was such an outrageous number. La Jeunesse reports,

    “The U.S. Postal Service is often the butt of jokes, but there’s nothing funny about the agency’s bottom line.

    The USPS is losing up to $25 million dollars a day. Until now, taxpayers have not been on the hook for its mounting losses, but that could be about to change. A bill recently approved by the Senate would appropriate $34 billion in federal money.

    “If the post office was a business, it would be in bankruptcy,” said Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla. “It’s insolvent.”

    Ironically, however, Congress shares much of the blame. For years, the Postal Service begged Washington for the freedom to cut its own budget by closing post offices and cutting employees. But Congress, under pressure from rural constituents and labor unions, prevented the cuts, and the service continued to bleed red ink.

    In December, the USPS said it wanted to close more than half of its mail processing centers, eliminate 28,000 jobs, end overnight delivery of first-class mail, close 3,700 local post offices and end Saturday delivery.”

    To see why so much money is leaking out of the system, and what the suggested remedy is, click here.

    The article ends by saying that unless there is a compromise between the House and the Senate, the USPS could announce post office closings as early as next week. Holy moly. Even though that would be an awful lot of layoffs, it would also supposedly be saving a lot of “wasted” taxpayer money. What are your thoughts?

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  3. Nike Apologizes for Offensive “Black and Tan” Nickname for St. Patrick’s Day Sneakers

    March 13, 2012 by editor

    The official name of Nike’s newly released St. Patty’s Day-themed sneaks is the Nike SB Dunk Low. But because of its brown leather mudguard, black suede heel, and a mid-foot that features a brown-to-black fade, it has been dubbed the “Black and Tan.” (It could also have a little something to do with the fact that the shoe can be customized so that its insole features the image of a black and tan pint.) American beer drinkers recognize a Black & Tan as a drink made up of half stout, half pale ale. But it has a much more menacing and offensive meaning for Irish people. Nike is now biting its tongue at its most recent marketing choice. Fox News reports,

    Photo Courtesy of Fox News

    “Sneaker giant Nike is backtracking after a St. Patrick’s Day-themed shoe dubbed the “Black and Tan” by retailers drew criticism for paying unwitting homage to the British paramilitary forces of Northern Ireland.

    The black leather sneaker with brown trim earned an unofficial name apparently meant as a nod to the drink made by mixing stout and lager in a pint glass, according to the Belfast Telegraph. But the drink itself takes its name from the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Force, which became notorious in the 1920s for its attacks on Irish civilians during the War of Independence.”

    To read the rest of the Fox News article, go here.

    So here’s my question: is it really cool with the Irish that Americans every day, year-round, not just in March, go into bars and order a “Black and Tan” pint but it’s not okay for Nike to refer to its tan and black colored sneakers as Black and Tans? Hmmm. Either way, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everybody!

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  4. Where’d You Go, Steve?

    February 16, 2012 by editor

    I’m sure I was far from the only one disappointed when I tuned in to watch last night’s episode of the Colbert Report, and was greeted with a rerun. What’s up with that? My boy Steve NEVER does reruns. I did some investigating this morning, and apparently, nobody really knows for sure. Comedy Central is keeping quiet about why they canceled last night AND tonight’s live airings of Stephen Colbert’s nightly show, something that’s happened, like, twice in the show’s 7 year history. Fox News reported,

    “A source close to the Stephen Colbert show tells FoxNews.com that new episodes of the politically minded faux talk show should begin airing soon following a mysterious suspension of programming.

    Comedy Central would only say that “due to unforeseen circumstances, the show will air repeat episodes on Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 16.”

    Steve Albani, a spokesperson for Comedy Central told Fox411, “Unfortunately, we’re not providing any details beyond the only official statement.”

    The cancellation seems to be unanticipated. Ticketholders for Wednesday night’s show were told shortly before the show was expected to tape that it would not be happening.

    In its seven year run, “The Colbert Report” has never suspended taping except to get a playful jab in at Senator John McCain when he suspended his presidential campaign in 2008.

    The network’s “The Daily Show,” from which Colbert was spun off has only canceled production twice due to the death of a staff member and when host Jon Stewart became a father.

    This suspension comes amidst one of the busiest times for a daily program that achieves its highest ratings during election seasons. Colbert has been especially active this political cycle even starting his own super PAC, “American for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, which had raised more than $1 million by the end of last month.”

    To read the rest of Jo Piazza’s Fox News article, go here.

    Colbert for me, as I’m sure for millions out there, is a hearty dose of reality with a refreshing comedic outlook on everything. Life is what it is, right? Politicians are who they are, politics is what it is. I already look at life as a big game, and I appreciate how Colbert does the same thing with news and politics. I wouldn’t want to view it any other way. Come back soon Steve!

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  5. Good Riddance, Prop 8!

    February 8, 2012 by editor

    So, there is a ton of controversy surrounding yesterday’s California overturning of Prop 8. Many conservatives are pissed, the gays are obviously overjoyed, and some of the anti-Prop 8-ers are happy but wary, thinking that there will probably be an appeal by those who oppose the ruling. All I’ve got to say is, good riddance Prop 8! It’s about time someone overturned that silly referendum. I’m all for peace, love and harmony baby. And even though I don’t swing that way, some of my good friends do, and I have no problem whatsoever with them living out their fairy-tale married life with a same-sex partner. What’s the difference? We’re all human. I am pretty darn proud of my state today. :) The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday,

    “A federal appeals court Tuesday overturned California’s Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage, in a narrow ruling that opponents hailed as historic and supporters immediately vowed to appeal.

    The limited, California-only approach adopted by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals means the U.S. Supreme Court might choose to steer clear of the dispute.

    Meanwhile, the court left in place a stay preventing same-sex marriages from resuming in California.

    The 2-1 decision found that the voters, in approving Proposition 8 in 2008, unfairly took away a right from a minority group.

    “The people may not employ the initiative power to single out a disfavored group for unequal treatment and strip them, without a legitimate justification, of a right as important as the right to marry,” the panel majority said.”

    Get the rest of the LA Times article here. 

    Three cheers for equal rights, equal love, and Cupid. I’m not sure if the mascot of lovers had anything to do with the ruling, but I’ll bet he’s pretty psyched that it landed just in time for his big day.

    -Kait

    *The opinions of this post are the opinions of the author, and not necessarily that of RoadFish.

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  6. Tax Inequality? Hey, I have a solution…

    January 24, 2012 by editor

    Obama said he is going to talk tonight about some new tax change that will make rich people pay more.

    Let me tell you a really simple way to handle taxes.  Just because you are poor, don’t want to work hard, and aren’t willing to learn new things, doesn’t mean you need more of my money.  I think it is fair we all pay taxes.  I’m even okay that people that make more money have to pay more.  I’m not okay with anything that penalizes people who make more money.

    There is no limit to how much money each of us can make and spend each year.  In fact, if everyone was productive as hell, we would all make a million dollars a year and spend a million dollars a year as well.  If someone decides to make a lot of money and save it all, that is cool too.  Eventually, money only has value if you spend it.

    So a real simple way to handle this is a federal sales tax.  Whatever it has to be, whether it is 1% or 50%.  Set it and forget it.  This will save each American business proabably 5% of the work they currently do in keeping track of financial transactions and filing taxes.  It is a huge pain in the butt and usually takes me a month full of weekends each year plus all the work my staff did all year to organzie the records.  If I didn’t have to do all that work I’d be happy paying more in taxes than I already do.  It is a complex ridculous system that could easily be replaced by simply charging a federal sales tax on all consumer pruchases and Feds you can send me a check for the few billion dollars I just saved  you.

    Category Politics | Tags: | 1 Comment

  7. Roadfish.com Edgy & Sexy Men’s Magazine Condemns Open Marriage

    January 20, 2012 by editor

    The staff here at RoadFish.com have gotten into a little debate.  Newt Gingrich, who I don’t suggest voting for anyway, had information release by one of his ex-wifes who said that he wanted to have an open marriage.  An open marriage basically means you are supposedly married to one person while you are banging someone else and everyone thinks it is cool.  It is bad for no other reason than simply the fact that it violates the definition of marriage.  Marriage is an agreement between two people that have promised mutual cooperation in all ways and that they won’t have sex with anybody else.  Ocala.com has more information about the Newt Gingrich details.

    “In an up-and-down kind of campaign day, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich picked up an endorsement Thursday from former rival Rick Perry but also faced new accusations from one of his former wives that he had asked her permission to have an “open marriage” after she learned he was having an affair.

    The former House speaker also prepared to release his 2010 income tax returns, certain to bring fresh scrutiny to his campaign.

    Two days before the pivotal South Carolina primary, Gingrich’s political and private life were clashing just as new polls showed him rising as he looks to overtake GOP front-runner Mitt Romney in the third state to weigh in on the presidential race. Gingrich has seen his crowds grow in recent days after a strong performance in a debate Monday.”

    And remember, I’m voting for Ron Paul.  He believes in preserving the Constitution, thinks government should stay small, and not spending a lot of money….that is your money we are talking about.

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  8. Freedom of Internetz?

    January 17, 2012 by editor

    On Wednesday, Wikipedia, Reddit, and BoingBoing will protest the Protect IP Act (PIPA) and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) by “going dark”.  They will replace their homepages with a blackout graphic that contains information about the protest.

    The Wikimedia Foundation stated, “On January 18, 2012, in an unprecedented decision, the Wikipedia community has chosen to blackout the English version of Wikipedia for 24 hours, in protest against proposed legislation in the United States — the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, and PROTECTIP (PIPA) in the U.S. Senate. If passed, this legislation will harm the free and open Internet and bring about new tools for censorship of international websites inside the United States. Wikipedia administrators confirmed this decision Monday afternoon (PST) in a public statement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOP)”  Read the rest of the release at the wikimediafoundation.org, http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Press_releases/English_Wikipedia_to_go_dark

    PIPA and SOPA were created to protect movie studios and record labels from online piracy, but the acts contain legislation that would allow censorship of the internet.  Now, I get that the movie studios and record labels want the public to pay for the content they release, but creating acts that infringe upon freedom of speech is something I do not get.  The internet is like the wild west, in my opinion, and that is what makes it great.  Let’s help to keep it that way.  Contact your Congressman or sign a petition.  Rock on, my fellow RoadFish!

     

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  9. 5 Reasons Ron Paul Should Be President

    December 30, 2011 by editor

    I’ve always been a fan of Ron Paul, a Republican with Libertarian ideas.  He has a great message and, I feel, is grossly overlooked.  Currently, Ron is campaigning to secure himself as the Republican party candidate for the 2012 presidential election.  I think he could do us all some good and I’ll tell you why.

    1. He Doesn’t Waste Money
    Ron Paul is for small government, low taxes, no war, saving money, and open competition in currencies.

    2. Believes in Small Government
    He would only step in when necessary.  Keeping government small means states and local areas do a lot of their own governing.  He is a strict constitutionalist as well.

    3. Goes For What He Believes In
    Ron Paul is not a pussy.  He is not afraid to disagree.  He is not supported by big business or the military.
    He is supported by millions of individuals and not afraid to speak the truth even when what he has to say may be unpopular.

    4. He Doesn’t Like Killing People Meaning He Is Anti-War
    Killing is bad, folks.  Just like the 6th Commandment, “You shall not murder.”  War and killing is a cop out for bad planning and communication.  A lazy way to solve a problem is to kick someone’s ass.  Before you go to war, get on a plane, get face to face with that country’s leader and fix it.  A President who will put troops out where he won’t go himself to fight and die is a pussy.

    5. He believes in the U.S. Constitution
    The U.S. Constitution is over 200 years old.  It has created the best country in the world.  The Constitution has a system of checks and balances.  If it works don’t mess with it.  Follow it.

    Category Politics | Tags: | 1 Comment

  10. War in Iraq caused government shut down. Duh.

    December 15, 2011 by editor

    Ok, so today in the news are two big stories.

    One of them is that we are finally leaving Iraq, and that the war is over.

    The other story is the government might shut down on Friday due to lack of money.

    Does anyone else see any connection between the two stories? LOL

    Before I dive in this I need to make my standard pro-American military statement. I have absolute shitloads of friends who operate in every sector of the military, and their health and well being are very, very important to me. In fact I do volunteer work on some seriously wounded warriors.

    Now, on the other hand. I aint into killing. Give me some dictatorship killing millions of innocent civilians like pops up around the globe from time to time, and toss me a rifle and I’m all in. The invasion better be so fricking popular though, that they are celebrating in the streets, waving American flags, and the girls running out and kissing us if we win though. If it aint totally over the top popular for us to go in, then we should stay the F out.

    Obabama stated the other day that the whole gulf war thing cost a little over a trillion dollars. Brown University’s Cost of War project, puts the cost at 3 to 4 trillion, and 236,000 dead. Whoops. With the national debt just over 15 trillion, that 3 or 4 trillion could have come in handy.

    That would be like me with $400k in debt, going to Vegas and shooting  off $80k worth of ammo this weekend in the dessert.

    What if we had taken that 3 trillion dollars, and instead had invested it in U.S. companies looking for alternative fuel sources, wind, solar, waves, tide, and on and on, instead of kicking in doors and pissing off another generation of potential enemies?

    So Obama is announcing that the government may be shutting down this weekend. The reasons, though complex, come down to the fact that different groups in government are fighting over whose going to get which parts of the money pot, and who won’t have money to go to Vegas this weekend. With spending habits like that, when they get their credit report checked, I won’t be surprised if even Capital One won’t accept them.

     

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