New Company Blog

I recently started a consulting company specializing in consulting on software projects with clients. I am more focuses on the big ideas but also can help plan out the implementation. Heck, if necessary, I'm still a pretty good coder :) The blog is at bettersoftwaresolutions.blogspot.com. I will put more computer-related things over there and leave this blog to personal thoughts.

Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Home

OK, I did it. I read the transcript of the Philadelphia speech and interestingly enough recalled fondly how President Clinton used to make those speeches. I, the one that thought we as democrats needed to know nothing else about Senator Clinton than she would have President Clinton back in the White House! I just donated money to the Senator Obama campaign. I really wanted to see Senator Clinton win, but after 8 years of the current administration; it is time for hope rather than a policy wonk. Unfortunately, while Senator Clinton is married to the man from hope, her speeches do not provide the hope we need after 8 years in the wilderness. As a benefit, I am glad that no matter which candidate wins, President Clinton will still be in the White House in one way or the other. There is no one better to help restore the image of the United States and I hope everyone rallies behind the candidate. Perhaps, the Senator should look for a place to be in 8 years and help handle the heavy-lifting of policy that an Obama presidency would surely create.
Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Home

Off to Italy!!!

Well, we're off to Italy. Beth and I decided to plan a trip to Italy and Paris this spring. Imagine it: Paris in the Springtime--I can't wait. We are calling this a scouting trip so we can see how it will go for the kids next summer in Italy :) Rome, Florence, Venice, and Paris--what a time! Rick Steves' Europe: Rome: Planning Your Time

Inside DCSNet, the FBI's Nationwide Eavesdropping Network

This article (Inside DCSNet, the FBI's Nationwide Eavesdropping Network) reminds me of a simple implementation of the Russian SORM system. Typically, if one looks up SORM, you find information about the KGB/FSB's ability to monitor email traffic. Russia had made it a requirement that any phone switch connected to the public telephone network had to support the ability to retrieve audio (through a silent monitoring facility). The operator at the central station would request a particular subscriber line be monitored, the remote command would go to the switch, and the audio would be sent back via X.25. As this was several years ago, it stands to reason this would be a newer incarnation of this. Most carrier grade switches have the ability to silent monitor (In the Harris 20/20, this was just a destination in a Collect & Route to monitor the particular circuit with NO notification to the parties). The ability to pull the audio through a VoIP trunk back to a central office (SIP phone, etc) would be almost trivial nowadays. This is an understandable need of law enforcement as it does need to perform legal taps. As long as the warrants are legally obtained, this is fine. When a National Security Letter is used on a non-national security case because the case is at a dead-end, that is the rub.

Just in case anyone is wondering, SORM is not, nor was it ever meant to be, secret. The ability of the Harris 20/20 to do silent monitoring is in the documentation. Anyone that believes their conversations cannot be monitored is quite naive so "caller beware". I actually think this is a good thing as it gets rid of stupid criminals. People that use unsecured lines to conduct illegal activities belong in jail simply for being stupid--besides their crime. My belief is that the people that truly have something to hide are using simply-acquired technologies to secure their communications. Yes, systems like SORM and the the FBI' system (as well as the NSA's Echelon) will catch terrorists, but not the ones we really need to worry about. Now, I invite you to go back to your evening :)

Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth. by Mark Twain

Mark Twain said we should ...love like you've never been hurt..... I have thought about this and it is such a truism. It would be so easy to retreat and stay out of relationships because we have been hurt before. Relationships are a minefield. We run the risk of total humiliation and pain, but also of complete euphoria. Past loves are just that. Who among us would trade the feeling of getting to know someone new just because we may get hurt? There surely are many ways to get hurt in this dangerous game, but the rewards can be so great...just keep on plugging along.

FindLaw's Writ - Dorf: What are the "Inherent" Powers of the President? How the Bush Administration Has Mistaken Default Rules for Exclusive Rights

I am not one to lightly consider amending the US Constitution. I was reading a story where some Senators are urging a special prosecutor to investigate if the Attorney General perjured himself during his congressional testimony. Considering the outcome of the Libby trial, what would be the the downside for an administration official to lie to Congress. If Alberto Gonzales is convicted of perjury, the President would clearly pardon him. One could argue that even his law license was safe as if his state bar (I assume Texas) tried to disbar him, the fact that it would be for lying to Congress and that was pardoned, it is as if the offense didn't happen. To disbar him would be a form of double jeopardy that allowed a state bar to supersede the President's power to pardon a citizen.

Historically, a good check to the power of the pardon has been public perception. But with the current administration reserving its legacy as one of the most inept, this offers little deterrent.

In the end, Congress can impeach the Attorney General to remove him from office. As the president does not have the power to pardon someone that has been impeached, this only removes them from office.

Delightfully Different Dunedin

In case you were wondering, this
is where I ended up. I actually went to High School in Dunedin although I never lived in this house as my Mom bought it after I moved out. it is a nice place.

I was joking with David that in a week I have only heard 3 sirens from emergency vehicles. In Alexandria, it was at least 3 per day (on a light day). The pace of life is slower here. I look around and ask myself where all the people are!

Oh the places you'll go. That is what the Dr. Seuss book says. I had planned to go to Utah, but plans change. You see, I have this house in Florida (it was my Mom's). I have been paying for the mortgage so I decided why not go south! It is a nice place. I always did love the beach and the Florida lifestyle. The only problem is the work! No, not the professional work, but the house. My brother has been living here and there is so much stuff here. The place has kind of run down so I am starting on the job of repairing things. The place needs a new AC, new appliances, new flooring, some paint and I'm sure the roof will be up soon :) Well, it does give one something to do.

Losing Sucks!!!

This weekend I played in a regional pool tournament in Alexandria. The tourney was Saturday and Sunday and I played in 5 matches. I won most of my matches (4-1, 5-2, 5-0), but I lost the last one. The think is I needed to win 5 games, and I won the first three. The other guy needed 4 games and after I missed an easy shot on the 8 ball, he won his first of 4 straight. The winner of that match goes to Las Vegas to play in the national finals. Losing really sucks. I have so many second place trophys and awards. I sometimes wonder if there is something holding me back :)

Bob Seger and an Update

The rumor is that Bob Seger was on stage at the Verizon Center on Thursday night. I say rumor because I was sitting far enough away that I could never actually see him in focus :) I didn't realize we were so far up, but it was actually good. it was like hanging out with the cool kids at the back of the classroom. That being said, I say with all due respect, that I have never seen so many aging hippies in all my days. Seger really gives his all for his shows and it was fun, fun, fun!

I went with my friend Donna from school and coincidentally, Amy from school was also there. We met up at Clyde's before the show (and during the opening act). I even got to meet Mary Louise-Parker (inside joke).

Plans continue for Utah. I am on three month countdown for getting out of here and heading back to the land that I love. I am torn between living downtown and having a house in Sandy where I can spread out (and play the stereo as loud as I want). The views of the Wasatch mountains from Sandy cannot be beat!

Stay in touch!

Tom

Going Home!!!

Well everyone, I'm going home!. After discussing it with my employer, I have decided to move back to Salt Lake City in the April/May timeframe. Quality of life is a big reason and I just miss what I call home. In many ways, I have felt like I was exiled here in Washington and it is time. As luck would have it, I am still going to work for the GSA--just from Salt Lake City (with monthly trips back for a few days each). I'll post more on my blog (link at bottom) so stay tuned.

Of course, now that I have lived in a bigger city, I could never go back to the suburbs again like Sandy. I think I am going to find a nice loft in downtown Salt Lake. As long as I have public transportation and good places to walk, everything will be grand.

Tom

Please give as much as you can to the ACLU.

Warrantless mail search may be allowed - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com I felt like crying inside for the mockery that our Constitution is being made. Something has to be done! We have to find a way to protect the Constitution. You want to scream about being a patriot, then stand proudly as your rights and every other Americans are shredded. Does this man have no shame? Does he have no sense of decency? I hate to say it but the current administration is becoming tyrannical. I thought we gained our freedom from King George, but it appears not. I hope someone can save us from ourselves.

More French Stuff!

Well, tonight my favorite orthodontist and I are going to a party at the French Embassy. I would like to say it was on the invitation of the French ambassador, but Leila bought tickets for us both. They have lots of French things (one would think). I will have to see if my impressions of Paris will get me invited back :) I'm bringing my ST Dupont lighter (from France) so that has to count for something :) I'll write a follow-up tomorrow about the party.

School is over :) School is over :(

Well, it is done. I finished my last class at the University of Phoenix. Presuming I did as well as I think I did in my last class, my GPA for the last two years is 3.98 (I got a A- in one class). Of course, I am excited to have my life back again. No more writing papers, reading textbooks, or coordinating team efforts. My week has been centered around Thursday nights since January 2005. While I am elated, it is not without its share of melancholy. I have been with some members of my class since I started. I have been on teams and communicated more with my school mates than with my friends. As it turns out, my school mates became my friends. Too often in life we meet a group of people that things just seem to gel. Call it mutual respect, like mindedness, or anything else for that matter. No matter what it is called, I hope we manage to stay in touch. We have all been part of a group that when you split up, the contact becomes less frequent. Then maybe a Christmas card, then you wake up one morning and wonder what happened to them. As many have before me, I am determined to not let that happen. I hope we can get together for dinner once in a while. I know I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at school due, in large part, to the people in class. This has been a great experience. After 23 years, I finally have a bachelors degree. That has not really set in yet. Will my life be different? I don't know, but it is surely better for having known Amy Trout Hughes, Wayne Shrader, Marcos Alvarez and Donna Dawes. I wish you all the best of luck and for God's sake, put on your helmet.

School

Well, It has been a good while since I posted here. To all my adoring fans (all two of you), I say, the smoke is clearing. School is almost over. December 7th is my last class and then I have a few CLEP tests to take in January. Then, a break before serious law school preparation starts. I plan on writing much more and regularly) once school is over. I even have a new feature in the works where I argue a point with a blogger I met that frequently takes an opposite social and political view than I. Look for that feature starting in 2007.

Scoop!

You heard it here first folks. Way back on October 15, 2005, I predicted that Bill Frist would not run for President. I theory was because of the HCA ethics scandal. As the Senator just announced he is not running, I can only speculate on the causes (but I am guessing for family reasons--the universal excuse). Yet another GET by the blogosphere.

Talk like a Pirate Day

It's talk like a pirate day. Apparently, my pirate name is Iron Tom Rackem. Argh!!!

Coming Clean on France

I was the worst offender. I made the jokes about the French giving up. Yes, yes I did. But, now; thanks to a visit to this marvelous place, I am cured. You see, if you don;t like the French, the I have a simple plan -- go to France. I can hear you saying it, but they are rude. That is simply an outdated idea. It is very much the other way around. It is we Americans that are the rude ones. We walk into a store and immediately we start talking business.

"How much is this?"

"Do you speak English?".

The French are so much more polite and civilized than we. You walk into a store, say hello! Or Good Morning/afternoon/evening. Take a moment to be civil. Take a moment to remember that we are both human beings and some basic courtesy goes very far indeed.

I had the greatest week in Paris. The French people were wonderful. They were more than helpful. Between my limited (and Spanish-accented French) and their English ; we made it through. The metro clerk was even asking me how to say 55 cents. A far cry from the idea that they refuse to speak English. So, the next time someone takes the fashionable path and starts to bash the French, ask them if they have been there? If they have, ask them if they took some time to maintain their membership in the human race? And if they have not been there (or you for that matter), make a reservation and go see what the world is talking about. It is one of the greatest places on the planet.

An American in Paris

Beyond the Business class flight to London, the Eurostar train ride to Paris and navigating a new Metro system in French, the long road to Rue Cler was done. My son, David, and I were checked into the hotel on Rue Cler -- a little 3 block open-air market where many Parisians (and perhaps a few too many tourists in June) call home. As it was around 8:00 PM (20:00) that lovely evening, David and I set out to find the lightning rod of our motivation, Tour de Eiffel. We have all seen the pictures, in the nighttime light, in the day time sun -- unfortunately, on the Las Vegas Strip. The Eiffel Tower is in many ways synonymous with France itself. Gustav Eiffel's monument to man's dominance over the elements was set forth on the world in the last 19th century. No matter how many ways you see it, you have never seen it. Until you are there, with your own eyes in its presence, you have not seen anything. As it was night, the lights were on the tower. Great yellowish lights illuminating the focus of the city of light. I have seen many beautiful things in my life. I have seen the sight of the city from the top of the World Trade Center. I have seen the sight from a 10,000 tall mountain overlooking snow covered peaks. I have seen the first moments of my son's life in the delivery room. None of those could have compared me for what I saw that night. Maybe it was the sheer size of the tower or perhaps, it was the way the light hit it just so. In retrospect, I think it was the overwhelming fact that I, this poor kid from Brooklyn, was standing at the foot of a legend. I was so overwhelmed with emotion; I could not spare the tears. It was in many ways surreal. Was this real, a dream? Maybe it was one more of those simulations we Americans are so fond of doing, as if it could ever come close the seeing the real thing. No matter what the source of the emotion, I was clearly gazing at the most beautiful thing in the world. So tall, even somewhat scary, yet, so light and elegant. Is there any other way to describe traveling to a foreign city. I was ill prepared for the feelings. The fact that I was able to share this with my son made it all the more special. He is 12 years old and he has already seen some amazing things. I know the concept that we want more for our children than we have had. So, in many ways, it was fitting that we saw this together. You see, as I got the chance to see this magnificent homage to the industrial age with my son in hand, means this is always something we share. The world is filled with beauty -- manmade and natural. All you have to do is step back, and look at it. It may take a plane, train or simply a walk across the Potomac, but beauty is there for those that seek it. Viva la France!

The Time Value of Money

Here is a paper I wrote for a finance class I thought was a clever way to explain the Time Value of Money.

As most loan sharks know, the interest is what generates the profit. While not condoning illegal behavior, the more seemly side of finance does illustrate a valid point: when people need money, someone has to be willing to lend it to them. But, this is not without its risks. Loan sharks typically charge a high interest rate – “the vig” – compared to other institutions. This is because they assume more risk of non-payment. Additionally, their collection policies are somewhat different than the corner bank. While perhaps an extreme example, this arrangement presents the same challenges as any other use of money. The shark must consider not only the potential of being repaid the principal of the loan – “the juice” – but the opportunity cost of the loaning the money to the customer. Opportunity cost is defined as "the advantage forgone as the result of the acceptance of an alternative” (About 2006). In this case, the loan shark could otherwise invest his money in gambling, racketeering, carting or some other activity. The future value of those enterprises with the same money must be weighed against the interest paid on the juice. If the loan shark loans $10,000 for 7 days in return for a total payment of $12,000, then the $2000 interest payment must be higher than the potential opportunities the $10,000 could have been used for in the interim 7 days. Depending upon the depth of the shark’s organization, $10,000 may indeed be able to generate more than $2000 in a 7 day period. This would be an example of the opportunity cost being more than the realized profit from the enterprise.

To bring this discussion into the realm of the legal, the same applies for countless examples in personal and corporate finance. In both of these areas, money must not only be considered as a current commodity, but for the investment vehicle it provides. Specifically, any potential investment must not only be considered in terms of the return but the potential of that money to perform in other ways. For example, while dipping into Retained Earnings to finance a new plant might be a way for a company to minimize debt, the potential advantages of liquidity must be outweighed by the incurrence of the debt. Many times, a corporation with cash-on-hand will still assume long-term debt since the retained earnings may be able to return more as an investment than the interest on the debt. While it would seem to be in the company’s best interest to carry as little debt as possible, it may actually cost money to not borrow money if borrowing cash means better earnings on other investments.


Another area that corporations (and loan sharks) must carefully analyze is the effects of recurring payments on money over time. For example, the protection money that the local deli pays to the Stunad crew is an example of an annuity as the money is paid in a fixed amount over time. The annuity would typically end with the untimely demise of the Stunad captain or the deli owner – whichever comes first. In paying this annuity, the deli owner must consider the opportunity cost of paying the money versus investing in his own business. However, as with all opportunities, the owner must also consider the ramifications of forgoing the investment in his personal welfare (specifically the aforementioned untimely demise). In the Stunad crew’s case, they must consider the cost of administering the annuity with items such as collection fees, opportunity costs of enforcement versus other enterprises and the value their other enterprises would reap in a long-term investment. Typically, this protection annuity is deemed to be in perpetuity as the organization would continue to collect even if the owner changed hands. Just as with the Stunad organization, large corporations must consider the long-term effects of annuity vehicles such as pension plans. Pensions must be funded from funds inherent within the pension or from net income. In a public company, this presents a charge against earnings each year that only continues as workers get older and continue to retire. The annuity in this case can present an undue burden upon the operations of the company and prevent future investment or expansion.


While it would seem that typical Mother’s and Father’s Italian Associations and large publicly-help corporation may be very different; within their business dealings they must consider some of the same issues. The ability to generate cash is but one factor in the successful operation of their business. They must also consider the cost of their investments and the cost of taking -- or leaving -- an opportunity. With proper attention to the time value of money, the whole family prospers.


References
About.Com (2006). Opportunity Cost – Every collar we spend is actually 6.7 lost forever. Retrieved April 6, 2006 from http://credit.about.com/cs/consumerwisdom/a/081100.htm.