For all those times you see young people acting arrogantly and disrespectfully to older people...well, this blog is for you. This whole thing occurred on Monday, February 19th. I've got to say that I appreciate old timers like him.
Warning: Language and violence will ensue in the first video.
This is an interview by KRON4 with the guy a few days later.
Update: I found this video shortly after posting the blog. HIlarious. The whole thing is viral.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, August 3, 2009
Key Bank in Seattle fires a teller for stopping a robbery
Hey guys, as you have noticed, I've been really busy this past two weeks. If I don't post much on this blog, usually it's because life has been hectic and full. With the mother-in-law visiting, school papers, and other time consuming activities, I've had very little time to devote to one of my favorite pastimes, writing this blog. I came across a story today that sparked some personal relevance and I thought I'd share it with you to see what you think.
Many of you already know that I used to be a teller at Travis Credit Union and a pizza delivery guy for Round Table Pizza. I know all about the "training" that tellers go through to avoid conflict with a person who is robbing you. Essentially, you just give them the money and smile as they steal your member's money hoping that the cameras and police work will be enough to find and convict them later. I also am very familiar with what it is like to be fired for breaching policy because a company wants to distance itself from a potentially messy situation. I say all this to point out that Jim Nicholson, a Key Bank teller, is a man I admire and respect.
"Jim Nicholson knew he should have just handed over the cash.
If you read the rest of the story you will find that Jim is not upset with the bank for firing him, in fact he understands why they did it. I don't agree this is best for for financial institutions though. The truth that most commentators and policy setters do not understand is that humans, like water, follow the path of least resistance. And in the world of crime, financial institutions practice pacifism, hereby, leading to their frequent robberies.
I remember being trained how to spot a potential bank robber in line. I remember how they tend to appear nervous, step in-and-out of the teller line, and the types of clothing that is statistically used to hide their identity. All of this, Mr. Nicholson knew, but as all financial institutions train us to spot a potential threat, they then quickly tell us to do nothing about it. We are supposed to just let it happen.
I personally applaud his actions because unlike the financial institutions we worked for, I do not believe the world is safer when you pass the moral responsibility of preventing crimes to the state alone. We have to realize that in the end, these guys rob banks and credit unions because they know we will do nothing about it. Weapons are unnecessary since all that is required to walk out of a bank with money is a threatening note. Once this is accomplished, the perpetrators success is determined by their ability to keep from getting caught.
I say all this to state: Humans are creatures of habit; habits created by incentives. In other words, everything thing we do in life we do because we believe it is worth it at the time. This includes people who rob banks. If policies are created that make it easy to steal money from a bank, criminals will continue to do it and it will become habitual. In effect, we are playing a small role in training bank robbers by having a no retaliation policies.
If you agree or disagree, I'm interested to know what you think.
Many of you already know that I used to be a teller at Travis Credit Union and a pizza delivery guy for Round Table Pizza. I know all about the "training" that tellers go through to avoid conflict with a person who is robbing you. Essentially, you just give them the money and smile as they steal your member's money hoping that the cameras and police work will be enough to find and convict them later. I also am very familiar with what it is like to be fired for breaching policy because a company wants to distance itself from a potentially messy situation. I say all this to point out that Jim Nicholson, a Key Bank teller, is a man I admire and respect.
"Jim Nicholson knew he should have just handed over the cash. But when the thin man in a beanie cap, dark clothing and sunglasses pushed a black backpack across the bank counter and demanded money, Nicholson says his instincts took over.
After more than two years working as a teller at the Key Bank branch in Lower Queen Anne, Nicholson clearly understood the bank's strict policy of quickly complying with robbers' demands and avoiding confrontation.
Instead, Nicholson threw the bag to the floor, lunged toward the robber and demanded to see a weapon. Surprised, the would-be bank robber backed up and then bolted for the door, with Nicholson on his heels.
Nicholson, 30, chased the man for several blocks before knocking him to the ground with the help of a passer-by. Nicholson then held him until police arrived.
That was Tuesday.
On Thursday, Nicholson was fired." Story by Jennifer Sullivan, Seattle Times
If you read the rest of the story you will find that Jim is not upset with the bank for firing him, in fact he understands why they did it. I don't agree this is best for for financial institutions though. The truth that most commentators and policy setters do not understand is that humans, like water, follow the path of least resistance. And in the world of crime, financial institutions practice pacifism, hereby, leading to their frequent robberies.
I remember being trained how to spot a potential bank robber in line. I remember how they tend to appear nervous, step in-and-out of the teller line, and the types of clothing that is statistically used to hide their identity. All of this, Mr. Nicholson knew, but as all financial institutions train us to spot a potential threat, they then quickly tell us to do nothing about it. We are supposed to just let it happen.
I personally applaud his actions because unlike the financial institutions we worked for, I do not believe the world is safer when you pass the moral responsibility of preventing crimes to the state alone. We have to realize that in the end, these guys rob banks and credit unions because they know we will do nothing about it. Weapons are unnecessary since all that is required to walk out of a bank with money is a threatening note. Once this is accomplished, the perpetrators success is determined by their ability to keep from getting caught.
I say all this to state: Humans are creatures of habit; habits created by incentives. In other words, everything thing we do in life we do because we believe it is worth it at the time. This includes people who rob banks. If policies are created that make it easy to steal money from a bank, criminals will continue to do it and it will become habitual. In effect, we are playing a small role in training bank robbers by having a no retaliation policies.
If you agree or disagree, I'm interested to know what you think.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Left wing on left wing bashing? Did I get sucked into another dimension?
It's amazing to me what happens to a liberal news reporter when they are treated exactly how socialist administration would. In case you are not familiar with what I am referring to, I am talking about how Helen Thomas, a left wing journalist, bashed Obama and Gibbs in a press release back on July 1st. Below is the video of the exchange between CBS' Chip Reid, Helen Thomas of Hearst News, and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
Essentially, the press is upset that Obama's "Town Hall" was not truly an open forum for the public. They make the case that since the questions are screened and the people are invited, it is not transparent and therefore, not a town hall forum.
I've got to give kudos to Helen and Chip for their hard questions, but I wish they had the same fervor for transparency and accountability during the presidential elections, TARP, the Omnibus Bill, and bailouts. Maybe, the honeymoon phase is ending for the press and Obama. One can only hope. Enjoy!
Essentially, the press is upset that Obama's "Town Hall" was not truly an open forum for the public. They make the case that since the questions are screened and the people are invited, it is not transparent and therefore, not a town hall forum.
I've got to give kudos to Helen and Chip for their hard questions, but I wish they had the same fervor for transparency and accountability during the presidential elections, TARP, the Omnibus Bill, and bailouts. Maybe, the honeymoon phase is ending for the press and Obama. One can only hope. Enjoy!
Gibbs: (Talking to Chip Reid) “… But, again, let’s–How about we do this? I promise we will interrupt the AP’s tradition of asking the first question. I will let you (Reid) ask me a question tomorrow as to whether you thought the questions at the town hall meeting that the President conducted in Annandale…“
Chip Reid: “I’m perfectly happy to…”
Helen Thomas: “That’s not his point. The point is the control…
Reid: “Exactly.“
Thomas: “We have never had that in the White House. And we have had some, but not… This White House.”
Gibbs: “Yes, I was going to say, I’ll let you amend her question.”
Thomas: “I’m amazed. I’m amazed at you people who call for openness and transparency and…”
Gibbs: “Helen, you haven’t even heard the questions.”
Reid: “It doesn’t matter. It’s the process.”
Thomas: “You have left open…”
Reid: “Even if there’s a tough question, it’s a question coming from somebody who was invited or was screened, or the question was screened.”
Thomas: “It’s shocking. It’s really shocking.”
Gibbs: “Chip, let’s have this discussion at the conclusion of the town hall meeting. How about that?”
Reid: “Okay.”
Gibbs: “I think…“
Thomas: “No, no, no, we’re having it now…”
Gibbs: “Well, I’d be happy to have it now.”
Thomas: “It’s a pattern.”
Gibbs: “Which question did you object to at the town hall meeting, Helen?”
Thomas: “It’s a pattern. It isn’t the question…”
Gibbs: “What’s a pattern?”
Thomas: “It’s a pattern of controlling the press.”
Gibbs: “How so? Is there any evidence currently going on that I’m controlling the press…poorly, I might add.”
Thomas: “Your formal engagements are pre-packaged.”
Gibbs: “How so?”
Reid: “Well, and controlling the public…”
Thomas: “How so? By calling reporters the night before to tell them they’re going to be called on. That is shocking.”
Gibbs: “We had this discussion ad-nauseam and…”
Thomas: “Of course you would, because you don’t have any answers.”
Gibbs: “Well, because I didn’t know you were going to ask a question, Helen.
Go ahead.”Thomas: “Well, you should have.”
Reporter: Thank you for your support.
Gibbs: “That’s good. Have you e-mailed your question today?”
Thomas: “I don’t have to e-mail it. I can tell you right now what I want to ask.”
Gibbs: “I don’t doubt that at all, Helen. I don’t doubt that at all.”
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cap and Trade passed? More California Taxes? Bubbles, the Chimp?
It's been a busy week so I haven't been able to blog much or put together a vidcast. I've started school and worship practice for the church is on Thursdays now. It seems that I have a lot more to learn about time management. But there is no rest for those interested in politics, economics and religion. It seems the world goes on it's way with or without you. This past week is no different.
Please allow me to summarize the week for you in case you have lived in a card board box in someone's closet without any natural light or outside communication.
Ed McMahon died. So did Farrah Fawcett. So did Michael Jackson. So did Billy Mays. It makes me wonder who is next, but the factors that determine which celebrity you cried over depended on age, sex, race, or insomnia. I personally wept for Bubbles, the Chimp.
On the Federal level, we were told another crisis could ONLY be averted if we pass a bill in Congress that no one read, even though it would fundamentally impact us for generations. You may have heard of it, it was called the Stimulus Bill...ooops, I mean, Cap and Trade. Basically, the bill means that energy businesses will be capped the amount of CO2 gas they can produce in a fiscal year, and only exceed those rates if they buy carbon credits traded on the stock market. It's like saying to a vegetarian, you may only have raunchy veggie farts once a day, and if you ever want to release more methane, you will have to pay for those methane credits. Oh, BTW, sharding still qualifies as releasing methane gas, and you'll actually have to pay double the credit rate because you are wasting perfectly good underwear made in sweat shops, and those sweatshops aren't producing all that carbon just so you can make skid marks.
That's right, I just made a joke about sweat shop skid marks.
In other news, if local politics is your style, I have some special quotes for you that will absolutely make you think politicians in Sacramento live in crazy land. California Democrats are trying to pass more taxes for an already overtaxed state because they can't bear the thought of cutting more entitlement programs. Apparently, they did not get the hint since we unanimously turned down ALL tax increases in the last election. But here is Norren Evans (D), representing the good old town of Santa Rosa.
Transcript:
Well, there is this mantra out there ‘live within our means’, and while that sounds really nice, it sounds really simple, and it sounds really responsible, its meaningless. Our means are completely within our control. And, as has been pointed out by numerous people, we have just recently given away huge corporate subsidies in February, we have given away other tax reductions over many many years we’ve created new tax loopholes, in good times we routinely give away taxes, and then in lean times we never replace those tax deductions or close those loopholes. We continuously borrow, which is an enormous cost that we shift on into future years, and we find ourselves now with a deficit that — an ongoing structural deficit that we simply can’t close. So, ‘live within our means’ doesn’t mean anything. The fact is, we have a state that has a population that have needs, that we have a moral obligation to provide.
Video:
So ladies and gentlemen, today I am announcing my candidacy for Supreme Ruler of California. Apparently, the only faculty you need to possess when running for political office in California is intellectual dishonesty, aka Big Bold and Bad LIES and his cousin INCOMPETENCE. Therefore, with this new found knowledge, I will pwn all those who oppose me with deep truths like 1+1=2 and usher in the new era of surplus with "spending less than you make." In fact, since my wife and I do a balanced budget every month on paper, she is also qualified to come with me to the Capitol as Supreme Ruler #2, should I die of the spreading of Awesome Asian mathematics.
Does Ms. Evans even understand the implications of her statements, or is she living in governmental lala land where statesmen have no spending limits and no consequences? How can anyone state that living within your means, means nothing? Is it any wonder why our budget is so screwed up when people like this are in control? Keep in mind, if a Republican said this, they would be crucified. Perhaps, they should be crucified with the 8 Republicans who voted for Cap & Trade. I don't know about you, but if a Republican votes for Cap & Trade, they are no more republican than a dung beetle is clean.
It's like saying, "I'm a Christian who does not believe in Jesus Christ." What?!
Anyway, it has been a busy week and I don't have enough time to comment on it all. Also, I am still trying to figure out Yellow University and what instructional information and vidcasts I am going to do. I believe the first series will be answering the question, "What is a Classical Liberal? Is that even possible?" I look forward to that and the all yellow glory it will be.
On a side note, for those of you who follow celebrity gossip and are familiar with Perez Hilton, he was punched in the face last week and flipped out. His solution, put it on twitter and youtube. The result wasn't exactly what he was expecting as many people began to spoof his ridiculous ranting. I was particularly fond of the, "God is watching" and "F**K YOU!" in the same paragraph. I might of been offended if I wasn't laughing at him so much. Anyway, a photo surfaced from someone who actually had a still shot of Perez getting punched. I included it below for your personal enjoyment. I'll end with this:
If you make a living being being an A**hole, don't be surprised that people will mistake your face for one and attack it accordingly.
Have a great day everyone!
Please allow me to summarize the week for you in case you have lived in a card board box in someone's closet without any natural light or outside communication.
Ed McMahon died. So did Farrah Fawcett. So did Michael Jackson. So did Billy Mays. It makes me wonder who is next, but the factors that determine which celebrity you cried over depended on age, sex, race, or insomnia. I personally wept for Bubbles, the Chimp.
On the Federal level, we were told another crisis could ONLY be averted if we pass a bill in Congress that no one read, even though it would fundamentally impact us for generations. You may have heard of it, it was called the Stimulus Bill...ooops, I mean, Cap and Trade. Basically, the bill means that energy businesses will be capped the amount of CO2 gas they can produce in a fiscal year, and only exceed those rates if they buy carbon credits traded on the stock market. It's like saying to a vegetarian, you may only have raunchy veggie farts once a day, and if you ever want to release more methane, you will have to pay for those methane credits. Oh, BTW, sharding still qualifies as releasing methane gas, and you'll actually have to pay double the credit rate because you are wasting perfectly good underwear made in sweat shops, and those sweatshops aren't producing all that carbon just so you can make skid marks.
That's right, I just made a joke about sweat shop skid marks.
In other news, if local politics is your style, I have some special quotes for you that will absolutely make you think politicians in Sacramento live in crazy land. California Democrats are trying to pass more taxes for an already overtaxed state because they can't bear the thought of cutting more entitlement programs. Apparently, they did not get the hint since we unanimously turned down ALL tax increases in the last election. But here is Norren Evans (D), representing the good old town of Santa Rosa.
Transcript:
Well, there is this mantra out there ‘live within our means’, and while that sounds really nice, it sounds really simple, and it sounds really responsible, its meaningless. Our means are completely within our control. And, as has been pointed out by numerous people, we have just recently given away huge corporate subsidies in February, we have given away other tax reductions over many many years we’ve created new tax loopholes, in good times we routinely give away taxes, and then in lean times we never replace those tax deductions or close those loopholes. We continuously borrow, which is an enormous cost that we shift on into future years, and we find ourselves now with a deficit that — an ongoing structural deficit that we simply can’t close. So, ‘live within our means’ doesn’t mean anything. The fact is, we have a state that has a population that have needs, that we have a moral obligation to provide.
Video:
So ladies and gentlemen, today I am announcing my candidacy for Supreme Ruler of California. Apparently, the only faculty you need to possess when running for political office in California is intellectual dishonesty, aka Big Bold and Bad LIES and his cousin INCOMPETENCE. Therefore, with this new found knowledge, I will pwn all those who oppose me with deep truths like 1+1=2 and usher in the new era of surplus with "spending less than you make." In fact, since my wife and I do a balanced budget every month on paper, she is also qualified to come with me to the Capitol as Supreme Ruler #2, should I die of the spreading of Awesome Asian mathematics.
Does Ms. Evans even understand the implications of her statements, or is she living in governmental lala land where statesmen have no spending limits and no consequences? How can anyone state that living within your means, means nothing? Is it any wonder why our budget is so screwed up when people like this are in control? Keep in mind, if a Republican said this, they would be crucified. Perhaps, they should be crucified with the 8 Republicans who voted for Cap & Trade. I don't know about you, but if a Republican votes for Cap & Trade, they are no more republican than a dung beetle is clean.
It's like saying, "I'm a Christian who does not believe in Jesus Christ." What?!Anyway, it has been a busy week and I don't have enough time to comment on it all. Also, I am still trying to figure out Yellow University and what instructional information and vidcasts I am going to do. I believe the first series will be answering the question, "What is a Classical Liberal? Is that even possible?" I look forward to that and the all yellow glory it will be.
On a side note, for those of you who follow celebrity gossip and are familiar with Perez Hilton, he was punched in the face last week and flipped out. His solution, put it on twitter and youtube. The result wasn't exactly what he was expecting as many people began to spoof his ridiculous ranting. I was particularly fond of the, "God is watching" and "F**K YOU!" in the same paragraph. I might of been offended if I wasn't laughing at him so much. Anyway, a photo surfaced from someone who actually had a still shot of Perez getting punched. I included it below for your personal enjoyment. I'll end with this:
If you make a living being being an A**hole, don't be surprised that people will mistake your face for one and attack it accordingly.
Have a great day everyone!
Friday, June 19, 2009
100 POSTS AND STILL COUNTING!!!
Thanks guys for checking out my blog regularly. I appreciate you all and especially the comments. I think I'm going to set a goal of 300 posts by the end of the year with 1 vcast per week. Thanks for all of your support and I hope that I can keep bringing interesting and fun content for your cranium.
Enjoy today's edition of Yellow University.
HIV Breakout: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-porn-hiv11-2009jun11,0,2783528.story
Chron's Disease Teen: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/11/teen.self.diagnosis/index.html
Teen Tattoo: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8104519.stm
Enjoy today's edition of Yellow University.
HIV Breakout: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-porn-hiv11-2009jun11,0,2783528.story
Chron's Disease Teen: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/11/teen.self.diagnosis/index.html
Teen Tattoo: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8104519.stm
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Large White Man has made the top 100 for time, Rush Limbaugh
Normally I don't include entire articles, but this one is short and written well. In fact, much better than I could write it. Asians are known for mathematics and getting into Berkley, not engrish. Enjoy.
"For some of us, being a media personality just isn't as easy as it used to be. The theory goes that to build a large audience in this age of iPhones, podcasts and whatever the latest buzzword is, you have to do everything at once — and that means simultaneously host a radio program, host a TV show, write books and tour the country. Even Barack Obama had to hold a press conference, go on 60 Minutes, talk to Jay Leno and post clips on YouTube within the span of one week just to get people to pay attention to his budget.
But not Rush Limbaugh. When Rush wants to talk to America, all he has to do is grab his microphone.
He attracts more listeners with just his voice than the rest of us could ever imagine. He is simply on another level.
No matter how many new technologies pop up, nothing will ever surpass the intimacy of radio. And nobody will ever be better at utilizing it than Rush. His consistency, insight and honesty have earned him a level of trust with his listeners that politicians can only dream of. And that is why the more irrelevant critics try to make him, the more relevant he becomes.
Rush, 58, saved the spoken-word radio format from obscurity and paved the way for thousands of broadcasters, including myself. His career serves as the most successful stimulus package in radio history. All without a government dime.
Knowing firsthand just how hard it is to hold an audience's attention for a few hours makes it that much more amazing to have seen Rush do it for more than 20 years. To say that he has set the standard for success in broadcasting would truly be an understatement.
Beck is a television and radio talk-show host and a No. 1 New York Times best-selling author
Fast Fact: Limbaugh says he likes to start every day with a strong cigar"
Source: Time Magazine
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Evidence Santino the Chimp to be convicted of immenent rock assault
Apparently, some bird squaked on Santino the Chimp for premeditated rock missile attacks across the water border. Link to MSNBC story
Someone invade that chimps territory! He's hostile. The last chimp to go ape nuts tore off someone's face, and this one has a stockpile of weapons. I say we launch our own attack with advanced human technology. I'm thinking a potato gun or homemade flamethrower. That will teach the other lesser evolved creatures we are still on top of the food chain.
DEATH TO LESSER HAIRY BEASTS! WHO'S WITH ME? All you people fired up at the failed Bio-Rad mob?
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