financial aid and rants and raves

Although I've never stated here, I am a rabid sports fan. My loyalty is given to the Jets, Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers. Although only the Yanks and Rangers have won a title while I was old enough to understand the proceedings, all have played well while growing up and in to adulthood. All have sucked at some point as well. All that being said, the sad sack of the bunch for some time have been the Knicks. First run in to the ground by Scott Layden, the Knicks sent his Mormon ass packing back to Salt Lake City. I hope he drowns. Anyway, fresh with an opportunity to imporve the club, the Knickerbockers hire the worst possible choice on earth: Isiah Thomas. This fucking idiot has literally ruined every organization he's ever run. Case in point? The CBA. The Continental Basketball Association was a minor league that acted as a league of its own, as well as being a feeder league for the NBA. It was always successful and profitable. Thomas bought in and changed the entire structure. It was bankrupt and disbanded in less than 2 years. Naturally, he was the hired as a coach of the Indiana Pacers. This was one of the best teams in the NBA, but could barely make the playoffs. When IT left, they played for the title. When NY hired him, my heart sank. NYC loves the Knicks, possibly more than any other team; though you may not know it. Couple this with 4 coaches in 5 years, and the Knicks were terribel on all level. Anyway, the team finally hired a decent coach, Larry Brown, but was so undercut by the owner and GM (Thomas), that the team was the second worst in the NBA. Sometimes that is not a bad thing, as you get high draft picks. However, Thomas traded the 2006 first round pick for Eddy Curry. Moreover, he did not lottery protect the pick, so a team that went to the playoffs can pick the second best player available. Meanwhile, the Knicks still suck. When the Bulls hoist yet another trophy within the next 4 years or so, make sure Jerry Reinsdorf thanks Isiah. Note that I'm not even bothering to mention the horrible trades and free-agent signings that have destroyed the team's ability to get better players from now until... say 2011.


Despite the loss of the 2nd pick, the team did hold 2 picks at 20 and 29, so at least some hope was in evidence. As the draft was held in Manhattan, Knick fans were in the hizzy, so to speak. Naturally, they were in near riot mode. As the Knicks were prepared to pick, the home crowd was rooting for Marcus Williams; a point guard from UConn with questionable judgement but the best pure PG available. This was not meant to be. Instead we heard: Renaldo Blankman. Bill Simmons said it best when he stated that sometimes in sports you expect something great to happen, and it does. Then there are moments that you expect something great to happen and someting greater happens. The italics are his; I would not use the terms great or greater. Moreover, I don't consider the pick "greater". I consider it transcedent, even epic. The willful stupdity needed to pick an undersized forward who, according to everyone else in sports would have been available in the second round, is so horrible as to defy understanding. Natually the Garden went berserk to the point I was ready for civil unrest. I imagined Thomas running though the streets of Manhattan with angry Knick fans holding torches and farm implements. This begs a question: would any jury convict them? I'd vote for an acquittal out of principle. I was in my car after buying cigars for a camping trip, and I was screaming at the streering wheel. "Are you fucking kdding me!??!?!?!?!?!" People were staring, but I did not care. My interest in this, aside from the fact that I love Da Knicks, is an academic one. What will people be writing about this team 10 or even 5 years from now? Moreover, has a tipping point been reached where I root against the Knicks just to get rid of Thomas? Oh yeah! Can I enjoy watching this team get smoked so I can count down the days until Thomas leave the Garden in disgrace only to be murdered by an angry mob? Oh yes, I most certainly can.

My prediction of the this team is as follows: the Knicks will be a bit better than last year, but that is damning with faint praise. In the interest of clarity, I'll phrase it this way: they will suck slightly less, and Thomas will get fired. This won't help the Knicks, as the team also traded the first round pick for the '07 draft in the Eddy Curry trade. My prediction for the Thomas era is a little more dire. I full expect this span of (mis)management to be considered one of the biggest blunders in business history. As such, it will be studied, disceted, and otherwise beaten to death. So long as Thomas is given his full share of blame, I appluad this academic pursuit. The Knicks will recover at some point, but not any time soon. Until then? GO BULLS!!!!!

Another week in June, another vacation. Aside from torturing my tax paying friends, there is little better than a 12 day vacation ending with a 4 day camping trip near Lake George. Better yet, I go back to the office for 2 1/2 days and then bug out for an additional 10 days capped off with another camping trip. Groovy? You bet. Still, all this is just prep time for the brewing storm on the distant horizon. Actually. let's drop this topic for now, and instead take a trip down memory lane. I'm here at White Plains Border's doing the wi-fi thing, and I'm geeking out for the Superman 3D early show here in WP. This is a fine time for geek nation, and I'm hoping the movie will get rid of the taste in my mouth left by X3. I just caught the teaser trailer Spiderman 3, and that look like it will kick an unholy amount or ass. I even read an interview with Gary Gygax celebrating 30 years of AD&D. Considering I've been playing since '79, these milestones mke me smile. It's amazing how much impact gaming has had on the culture, and geek properties (comics, role playing, video games, etc.) are huge money makers. They always were, but just like porn makes more money than Hollywood (as does video games), the acceptence from the mainstream simply wasn't there. Part of this change is Gen-X starting to run the show. These were and are our cherished childhood experiences. The difference is most striking in the tome of the geek movies made by Boomers vs. X-er's. We seem to take the characters much more seriously. Case in point? Batman Begins vs.... Batman and Robin. Your honor, the prosecution rests. Moreover, the Internet prevents much of the silliness of previous movies. The most famous case fo this was the aforementioned Batman and Robin. Aintitcoolnews.com had spies trashing the movie from here and Hell and back. Rightfully so, BTW. Anyway, the site blew up, and ruined the opening weekend. Warner Bros. knew the flick was shit and were looking for big opening pop, but the early buzz was so bad, the movie tanked in historic fahion. Ishtar is more fondly remembered. Anyway, the site also posted a review of one of the early Superman Returns scripts, and trashed it for making Jimmy Olsen gay, and trying to cast Beyonce Knowles as Lois Lane. The reaction was so bad the movie was delayed by 1 1/2 years to redo the script. **this post is interupted by the fact I need to go get my seat** I'm back. Anyway, the movie was sort of mixed bag, with the main problems of a little too much nostalgia and the kid. I really don't want a Superboy flick. I did like some of it, and Brandon Routh does a good job as Clark Kent. I dug it. Next up? Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Probably the best movie of the summer if the early buzz is any indication. We'll see.

I could have labeled this post with a comment about reaching in to the past, or "Here I go Again," (now playing on ITunes as I type, ironically.) Anyway, I was ay a NYSFAAA meeting at the Mohonk House, an upscale hotel/resort/spa in New Paltz. This is no run of the mill B&B. This was a weekend retreat for a wealthy NYC family at the turn of the century, and now a playground and preserve for the very wealthy. We're not talking about just and NYC family, either. The Vanderbilts or FDR would have been very cozy in this enormous facility. It was so nice I was actually intimidated, like I didn't belong. The staff was friendly, but I felt like I was being sized up at the same time. Guests of Shawnee may have had the same reaction; I don't know. Anyway, the hotel brought me back to working in the Poconos, and I was quite glad I didn't feel any pull from the hive of activity around me.

That being said, I also went to my own personal maelstrom: the Ren Faire. I thought I was actually ready to give it up, but wanted to stop by and see if there was a place to camp. If not, then I wouldn't work. Yes, that means I was trying to let the Faire decide for me, but I was cool with that. I was putting the choice in God's hands, right? No, not really. Anyway, I left with little resolved, but everyone was happy to see me. Camping space was indeed limited, but the person I needed to speak to was not present. I left with nothing resolved. I held an internal debate; I could either just head home, or grab some Dunkin Doughnuts Munchkins and coffee for the office manager. A doughnut run had two reasons: 1) play the big shot and 2) remind everyone having me around has it's perks. Driving home would have really been letting go, but I was not either ready or willing. Grabbing the Munchkins and two coffees, I drove back to the offices and lo and behold, the camping manager was there, and not only does he have a space for me; it will be a really good one. There was serious confusion when I first worked at Faire, and he wanted to make up for it. That answered a bunch of questions, and they're obviously expecting me to work. I was near elated when I drove away, and this reaction is always dangerous. With every high there comes a serious crash, and I felt it around 45 minutes later. I'm actually ready to call it a mini-panic attack. Confusion washed over me while I was driving home, and I was at a loss to decide what to do next. I called a few program people, but they weren't able to talk. Eventually I drove up here to Yorktown, and gratefully ran into a friend I could talk to. I'm obviously feeling much better, and my reaction is a culmination of a few things I've been doing, so I can't blame Faire.
essentially, I'm resorting to old behaviors by working Faire, and this always comes with a price.

Anyway, working at Faire effectively puts starting a business on hold for the moment. This is not really a bad thing, as I'm accomplishing what I'd set out to do either way: make more $. The Faire should be worth around 2K or so; I'll make more if I get placed at one of the more popular bars. Note I did not say better bars, as I was quite happy working at Gamer's Glen. We were never very busy, and I got to hang out with people and play the games next to the bar. I was also not nearly as stressed, either. This was a big plus. I actually stand to make more money this summer anyway, as I won't be driving to and from Peekskill on Saturday night into Sunday morning. I'll drive to Faire on Saturday morning, camp Saturday night, and then drive home Sunday night. More later...

My life is fucking boring. Sitting here in Starbucks in Yorktown, I'm trapped until the annual 4th of July parade is completed. The festivities here in Yorktown are akin to 2 hours of foreplay followed by premature ejaculation. I hate parades, but that is by no means a new development. That being said, I am stuck here. Until the 15 minute parade is complete, I can't leave the Starbucks parking lot. Even better the coffee shop is now Romper Room. Suddenly I've been hurtled back in time to my old job at SBUX in Larchmont. I hated that job. There are some advantages to my entrapment, though. I'm sitting my fat ass across from the espresso bar, and all the ladies in their summer best (and smallest) must pass right in front of my table. As they say in real estate ads, incredible view! Bitch though I may, I'm actually in a good mood. I'm nearing a 12 day vacation, and through the recommendation of Rolfpotts.com, I finally signed up for courier flights. I doubt I go anywhere until Oct., but I like to get things out of the way. I'm hoping to go to Thailand, but not for the usual reasons. I have some dental issues that need fixing, and the college's dental plan is something along the lines of a total joke. I call to find a participating dentist, and was told they're aren't any. At first I thought I was being punked, but no, it's true.

What does this have to do with Bangkok? Thailand is known for their health care, and people travel to have operations much cheaper than in America. This includes major dental work such as permanent replacements, etc. Such work would cost $50,000 here in America, but only $4000 in Thailand. This is not cut rate care, either. Anyway, the parade is over. More later..

And the best part of that title? It's the truth. What's not said is that we were all in a wedding party and really ready to crash out. Two of my closest friends married yesterday, and the Mass and reception served as a reunion of sorts. I hung out with people I haven't seen in 12 years, and ended up at a diner ('natch...) with two friends, both known back in my Yorktown days, and all of us were born in that year of the dog: 1970. All of this was a late night diner-rat trip down memory lane. We were reminiscing, of course, but I'm happy to report that we also talked about where our lives were going. Gen-X ain't dead yet. As for Rob and Annie, I'll miss them. As a single person, I find that when friends get married, they drop off the map. Some never resurface. This is normal; after all, this is the most important relationship either will have. Singletons (to borrow the term) simply operate in a different orbit, enjoying the benefits of singledom, all while trying to find a mate, or at least get laid. Married couples enjoy all the benefits of having a true life partner: sharing duties, pooling skills, raising children, and splitting costs; all while trying to find time to get laid. On the other hand, I really don't have to answer to anyone, and some married couples fight like crazy over topics such as sex and money. A great marriage may be bliss, but a bad marraige is hell and can be horribly difficult to escape.

My biggest worry (on a macro level) is watching all my friends get hitched and only myself and another male friend, who is even worse with women than I am, remaining. I understand that I am not powerless to alter my situation, but my grand plan seemingly precludes my getting married. Whatever. Anyway, the wedding and reception were wonderful. I got to spend time with people I never get to see, and I kept my wedding streak intact: avoid the dance floor like Chernobyl no matter who asks me to dance. Refusing hot women may seem like an unwanted skill until you enter the strip club with $100 and leave with $90. Anyway, realizing all of this lead me to hanging out last night until WAY too late. I stated that I wanted to make hay while the sun still shined. This was such an opportunity. That sun still shining is not always a function of age or money or impending doom in August. Sometimes it watching two people you love very dearly walk down the isle, and realizing while you're by yourself; it isn't always so bad. Sometimes that means you can chill until the wee hours. I may be really tired today, and 3 hours late for work, but I'm OK. More later....

I'm kind of in shock right now, as I've just received my first real comment. When I first saw that I had a reply I thought it was spam. I was like, "Goddamnit, I know I put the character recognition filter up!" Yes, spammers will actually post false replies on blogs in an attempt to sell you penis growth pills, home loans, and pink sheet stock tips. Needless to say, I hate them all.
So a real comment was a surprise to say the least. I don't know who posted it, but I thank you. Anyway, I've stumbled across a potential business opportunity, and as I know more, I'll chronicle the adventure here on my blog. This could be very interesting.

Um... not quite. Anyway, the class was helpful, but I really didn't get any more info than I already had. It was well organized, and I didn't pay for the class, but I did blow 18 bucks on the materials. There were 3 females, but none were particularly spank worthy. Nonetheless, I'm glad I went. This will conclude any more business preparations for the time being. Fall registration is a little over a month away, and the Faire is coming up in 6 weeks. This is my last chance to make hay while the sun still shines as it were, and I won't have enough time during the mad rush to set up anything. I have made a few key descisions: 1) I'm not spending any more money. I flew to the Palisades after the class, and I wanted to buy the EBay business book, butI haven't read the books I already own. 2) I'll have Heidi design my site. More later....

I'll still be at work. So, I'm here at one of the extension sites soaking up the OT like bread crusts in pan drippings, and I'm still chomping at the bit to attend my business class tomorrow. I just got confirmation that we will have the class, and I'm even willing to dump 18 bucks on materials. (Gotta save those receipts...). Unfortunately, I did not ask if I would also get the business program free as well, but I'll find out tomorrow as well. I certainly hope so. I just wish I knew why I'm so hopeful. Do I really plan on starting a business? My negativity is being fed by finding out that a friend of a friend's father just dropped dead at 60, although I don't know the cause of death. Something in the brain was the offical cause of death. I'll label it an aneurysm and leave it at that. Remind me to have my brain checked out soon. I shouldn't worry, as there's no genetic weakness in this area. Also, no more aspertame. That's Nutrasweet, BTW. Anyway, I am 24 hours and 51 minutes away, and the more I think about it, thew more stoked I become. I can't wait to report tomorrow night.

Right now Team America (FUCK YEAH!!!) is getting it's ass kicked by the Czech Republic in the World Cup. I'm fearing a repeat of '98, where we got our asses handed to us by fucking Iran (!!!) and we didn't score a goal. Please guys, play a little better than this.... Anyway, 2 days until the home-based business class, and I'm chomping at the bit. This should be an interesting experience AND a chance to meet chicks. Bored divorcees anyone? Yes, I'll take one with one child (max), early to mid 30's and small bosom if possible. (less sagging at time marches on...) God, I'm a sexist pig (oink fucking oink). No, seriously; most small business are started by women. You've probably already heard that, but the fact is misleading, as are most overly broad statistical statements. Many of these small business are tiny home-based ventures designed to lose money. Why? Write-offs! This lowers the family tax bill and gives mommy something to do. Westchester is a haven for such businesses, even to the point these women open stores in our town centers. Imagine trying to compete with a business designed to lose money. Even those that make money almost never grow beyond the spare room in the garage, but that's OK. Every time someone starts a small business, the chance is there that it could really blossom. It could also send you into poverty. Can you S Corp or LLC, kiddies? Good, I knew you could. And yes, this class should be filled with lovely ladies looking to get back into the swing of things. It's like joining a cooking class before every other loser male found out it's a great place to meet chicks. I wouldn't got to either just to meet women, as I really am interested in starting a home-based business and I actually can cook, and am always looking to expand my gastonomic knowledge. It is a pretty big bonus. More later.

The Dow ended up today at a shade under 8 points, with the bump coming from bargain hunters in late trading. Rearedless, stocks have been taking a beating this week. Anyway, I did manage to get to the tax office, and I found out I have to mail in the form. No big, besides, I wasn't planning on doing much right now anyway. More later.

As a continuation from my previous post, the Dow is dumping points as profit taking again rules the day. I still have the strangest sensation that the ride is officially over for now and people who got on the ride too late will be left holding the bag. I don't know why I'm starting a business right now and it would help if I knew what business I'm starting. There is something useful about starting a business when things are bad, however, as I should have little debt and zero expectations. (One of the reasons China and India are doing so well is their comparative lack of long-term government expectations. They don't have Baby Boomers looking to bleed their coffers dry, although that will someday change.) As things normalize, I can see where opportunities lie. Alternately, I could just fold up my tent and be done with it. Either way I'm not risking much more than money I would have spent on other things, and time I would have already wasted. Best of all? Two words: write-offs. I hope to catalog my misadventures in business here at rantwithbrian and see if the blog can garner a few more readers. If not, no big, I still get to put my thoughts in cyberspace, casting my electronic bread unto the water as it were. On that note, I'm here at Panera's in Port Chester, near the local NYS Dept of taxation in Rye Brook. They have free wi-fi and refills on coffee, so I could sit here all day and work. Best of all, the many of the sites that eat up so much of my time are blocked for some reason (cough) and I'm forced to do work rather than... aimless surfing. More later.

It's been a while since I've posted, and things have not changed much. Still, it's pretty cool to be able to write something with the possiblity that the whole world could read it; although to date that has not been the case. Anyway, I'm now the owner of my own business; I do not have a plan or even really an idea of what I want to do. Still, dropping $35 motivates me to do more and follow up with my plan: 10 more years and retire. (Again: only if no wife or kids....) I've also taked to my brother, and his idea fits in well with my plan: buy multi-families in Southern Westchester as the bottom falls out of the market. This drop is coming too, and people who have been cashing out their equity are in for a serious shock. People wtihs ARM's are also in serious trouble. It's funny; Greenspan would come out with non-statements and the markets were fine, even if everyone knew what the Fed was going to do. This new guy states the simple truth, and stocks tumble. It's a truism I've read elsewhere: if you are not getting dividends, stocks are no better an investment than baseball cards. Actually, baseball cards may have a better rate of return. The point is: that worm is turning, so to speak. Real estate is no longer the great investment it was even 2 years ago, and as usual, the common investor came in much too late ot really benefit. Bleh... it's late. More tomorrow.