Author Archives: Mike

Universal income is not an option. It’s inevitable.

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Mike

An article in this morning’s New York Times, “The Robots Are Coming”  raises the issue of what has been called a “universal income.”  The potential political candidate in the article, Andrew Yang, is proposing that the government should provide each adult … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Money, Philosophy, Politics | Leave a comment

Hanging up my spurs

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Mike

Several years ago I gave my spurs to my eldest daughter, Amy.  They are special to me because of the memories attached to them, so I wouldn’t give them to just anyone.  But because she is particularly sentimental I knew … Continue reading →

Posted in Biographical, Historical, Ramblings | Leave a comment

Is Bitcoin money?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Mike

  Many things have been used as money in the past; ranging from metals – both precious and base – to tally sticks and printed paper.  In primitive societies cowrie shells and giant stone wheels have been used as money.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Money | Leave a comment

Ever heard of the petrodollar?

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Mike

You have undoubtedly heard the term “petrodollar.” But, like most Americans, you probably don’t have a clue as to what it means, or how it has completely and totally affected the lives of every American.  And caused the deaths of … Continue reading →

Posted in Money, Politics, Ramblings | Leave a comment

Bitcoins ain’t tulips.

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Mike

This article entitled “Clint Eastwood’s Advice on Bitcoin Speculation,” is a perfect example of the kind of crap advice being given by financial commentators who are trapped in the old paradigm – only dollars are money. In it he compares the large … Continue reading →

Posted in Money, Politics, Ramblings | Leave a comment

Good fences make good neighbors.

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Mike

I love Mexico.  And Mazatlan is an awesome place to live; but, like anywhere else on the planet, it has it’s downside. Someone stole a new lawn chair from our roof.  I’m not sure exactly when. We’ve only owned it … Continue reading →

Posted in Biographical, Current, Ramblings | Leave a comment

Materialism versus Idealism. So what?

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Mike

To say that the underlying assumption that we live in a materialistic reality is a belief shared by 99.9% of the people in the western world is probably understating it by several orders of magnitude.  Only in the eastern religions will … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Ramblings, Religion, Science | Leave a comment

What flavor are you?

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Mike

A religious friend of mine “liked” the following post, which caused it to pop up in my facebook feed. For six years now I have traveled for my Lord. After a half century of pastoring, or denominational work, I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Ramblings, Religion | Leave a comment

When grocery boys made $18 an hour.

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Mike

The headline reads “Shake Shack Confirms Worst Minimum-Wage-Hike’ Fears – “It’s Going Up Too Fast… We Can’t Catch Our Breath” Yeah Shake Shack.  That’s what happens when America tries to catch up after 50 years of underpaying its unskilled laborers. Before I go any … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Ramblings | Leave a comment

Mental viruses infect billions!

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Mike

What sets the human species, homo sapiens, apart from other animals?  Hint: It’s not our thumbs.  Other primates, including pandas, possums and koala bears have opposing thumbs.  It’s the size of our brains. All but the least intelligent of humans can … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Ramblings, Religion | Leave a comment