Mr Mahatma--who is a Mr in real life--lives in the valleys of Southern California with his wife, a herd of Dears, and an impressive collection of books. Pnorny!
He is reachable at:
littlemrmahatma@yahoo.com

All writings are copyrighted 2003-2008 and trademarked: Little Mr. Mahatma

tBlog Mirror

Some fun links:
Little Miss Attila - polar opposite and origin of LMM.

Critical Sites:
Dr. Forbush Thinks
Slashdot
Games Slashdot
UserFriendly
James Randi
Snopes
Home of the Underdogs
The Sun Online

For those generous in spirit, heart, and wallet:

Chevron Latest Oil Co. With Colossal Earns - AP

Chevron Corp.'s first-quarter profit soared 49 percent to $4 billion, joining the 
procession of U.S. oil companies to report colossal earnings as lawmakers 
consider ways to pacify motorists agitated about rising gas prices. 

In the 1970's we had a gas crisis. No fuel and high costs. Now we simply have high costs and gauging by Big Oils profits it's obviously not necessary.

Don't expect the Bush Adminstration to do anything for us because he is not and never was on our side. This is his buddies he's feeding. They're feeding off us and it will only get worse as Bush seeks more ways to make things easier for his buddies, like relaxing environmental restrictions.

It's simple math. If we're paying $3.00 a gallon for gas and Big Oil is taking in, say, $1.00 in profit when normally it would take in $.25 in profit, then our gas prices are artificially too high. It should be then $2.25. Look at the profits Big Oil has made and figure out how much we should have been paying.

But it's not about fairness to us. It's about profits for them. It's Big Business and it's Capitalism. That's fair.

But it's also collusion and manipulation. That's not fair.

Meanwhile, back inreality, Exxon just posted over an $8 billion dollar gain, the fifth highest gain *EVER* for a public company.

So how are they the good guys? Because they give their shareholders value, that's how. And you and me could be shareholders but we're likely not. Why? Because instead of spending our money on oil stocks we're spending it on gas.

It gets better. Bush says he's going to investigate!!! There we go. Now we'll see some action. We'll see those Oil Executives get their come-uppance and their what-fors because Georgy is on the case.

Right and if you believe that any of the Oil Execs will get more than a finger wagging I have some land in downtown Baghdad I won't to show you. Good price too.

If there's was truly an oil shortage there'd be lines at the stations and the high price would at least look justified. But there is no shortage, just greed. The Oil Execs say it's a refinery problem but it's been, what?, three-four years since prices have started going up. Are they telling me that they can't fix or build a refinery in that time, that these profits aren't being used to fix or build new capabilities? Let's add gross mismanagement to their greed.

The Oil Execs should save their advertising dollars. The millions they spend there are simply waste and aren't fooling us. They can take those millions too and continue to laugh on their way to the bank.

So, you're probably saying, why doesn't my wife, the engineer, fix it. She could though it's not her specialty and frankly she doesn't have the time. So I called the plumber.

One hour later out he came. Friendly guy, they always are. He went into the bathroom and verified the leak.

"You have a leak!" he said.

Fireworks and crowd cheers - he was one-for-one.

"Probably just the washer. This should be easy and cheap," he said.

But first things first, sign the form which said by his very presence I owe him $49. Second things second, turn off the water which we did. Hmmm, still leaked. Turned off the main and opened all the faucets. Still leaked but it slowed until...nothing.

He took off the handles and removed the cylinders. He shook his head.

"This is serious," he intoned with a grave look. "Your washers are completely shot and the cylinders aren't looking too good. They'll need to be replaced."

"OK," I said seeing a simple washer replacement mutate into something more expensive.

"And, frankly your water pressure is too high. Your regulator needs to be replaced or you'll keep getting leaks. After I change out the cylinders, if you still have a leak you may also need a new system. And that will be expensive because we'll need a couple of plumbers and have to rip a hole in the wall."

"Then," I said softly, looking at him with shotgun eyes, "replacing the cylinders better fix the leak."

He coughed "Right!" and got to work. 1/2 hour later - new cyclinders and no leak. Still it was over $250. He packed up.

He turned back to me.

"If you decide to replace the regulator we can apply 1/2 of the cost from today but you have only 90 days to decide," he pitched.

Any one know a good plumber in the West San Fernando Valley?

Yes, it's all our fault. Because of our evil addiction, the oil companies were *FORCED* to jack up prices to increase their profits. We forced our government to consider "alternative measures" to securing oil (*cough* invasion). And now this:

Bush Eases Environmental Rules on Gasoline
AP

WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON - President Bush on Tuesday ordered a 
temporary suspension of environmental rules for gasoline, making it easier for 
refiners to meet demand and possibly dampen prices at the pump. He also 
halted for the summer the purchase of crude oil for the government's 
emergency reserve. Bush also announced steps to ease environmental 
standards governing fuel grades. 

You see, Bush doesn't know about the pain of filling up at the pump. He doesn't "get" that many of us have curtailed our usage because of prices so how could demand go up? No one in America said "Whoopee, gas prices are cracking through the roof. Let's fill up the gas guzzler and go for a long drive." No, if anything, our usage is dropping.

This is exploitation and manipulation. Bush has done his buds proud.

Bush doesn't get it because he doesn't use gas because he has his own gas alternative. It's called hot air.

But, really, if any of those were true their profits would still be the same even as prices rose. But, no, they've made unbelievable profits.

The Government won't investigate with any real punch because all the Oil Executives are F.O.B.s (Friends of Bush).

So Bush wins this way.

But if consumers raise a real ruccus, take to the streets and protest, Bush could then say that our presence in Iraq is justified to keep a source of oil available to us. That is, we invaded Iraq to secure oil and isn't Bush so great for seeing this crisis so far in advance?

Bush wins that way too.

Mind you that the only ones truly winning are Bush and his cronies but I'm talking serious spin here. No Administration does spin like Bushy boys. So expect this one coming soon, unless we invade Iran as well.

Consider that you have Bin Laden still free somewhere in Pakistan or Afghanistan and urging fighters to go to Sudan. Although Sudan is not part of the Middle East, his call is still for Islamists to fight against the West and where is the West most present and vulnerable? The MIddle East.

Consider that Iran is developing nuclear technology and though they may be a few years away from the bomb, this is the type of threat that Bush went waltzing into Iraq over. Worse, Iran is not only masterminding the fights in Iraq but is now building up troops along the Iraq border.

Consider that Turkey may also be buildingup troops along the Iraq border.

Consider that Hamas is now in control of the Palestinians and they (and Iran, heck, most of the Arab countries) have vowed to destroy Israel.

And the U.S. is stuck in Afghanistan and stuck in Iraq with no plans to withdraw from either place any time soon. Sitting ducks. Cannon fodder. Target practice. That's what our troops have become because for the radical Islamists who want us and Israel gone, this is a golden opportunity to exploit us. Repeat: golden opportunity.

For all the technology and prowess, our Military has one glaring weakness. While it is arguably unmatched in its offensive capabilities, it is severely lacking in its defensive posture. We learned nothing from Vietnam, about how to defend from small group, guerilla tactics. But, honestly, there may not be anyway to defend against such tactics which is why we need to get the hell out of Iraq ASAP.

But our biggest mistake (other than "electing" Bush) was not removing bin Laden from the equation early on. Bush should have focused and stayed focused on getting bin Laden. Instead of showing Al Qaeda what retaliation means, Bush offered lip service and changed directions. Instead of removing bin Laden, we now have multiple faces to Al Qaeda.

Opportunities. Bush ignored the obvious (removing Bin Laden) and went for his own agenda (invading Iraq). In doing so, he destroyed the U.S. opportunity to build a worldwide coalition against terrorism. Now our troops sit essentially alone in Iraq with targets on their chests becuase what Bush has done is delivered the greatest military force in the world into the hands of the enemy.

And they are not going to miss this opportunity.

Despite the good news, I'm still getting over the shock of the whole process of seeking employment. Too many companies have personnel that can't write a decent job description, or don't know how to interview. I saw too many descriptions that had horrible grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, or were terribly vague in what they wanted. Worse, if you pointed out the problems they'd get offended. One company I interviewed with on the phone had the most professional job descriptions I'd seen and I let them know that. Though I didn't get the job, I was pleased to have passed on the compliment.

Interviewing is a tough skill. Too many interviews I went to sounded like the interviewer had thumbed through a help book and copied the questions. "Why do you want to work for us?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" I had fun though throwing the same questions back: "What do YOU like about working for this company?" "What don't you like?"

What too many interviewers fail to realize is what they are interviewing for and that is not just competency but does the candidate fit the company environment. Do they get along with people. Most people who lose their jobs all get some training in dealing with interviews and specifically the same questions that get asked by novice interviewers. The best interviews I had focused little on my competencies because they could see that in my resume. Instead, they sought out whether I was personable.

Too many companies have problems which are solvable but don't give the employees the means to achieve the solutions. Too often an interviewer would say something like "we want to automate this process but can't because of all this other work." I'd suggest tools and a methodology to reduce the other work but the interviewer would inevitably say "we'd like to but can't because the company won't give us the budget." So, in essence, I was being asked to get involved in to a futile, frustrating position of fighting fires while the Executives gave themselves fat bonuses. No thanks.

OK, you may say "Mahatma, if you're so damn great why didn't you get a job sooner? Why did it take you nearly a year?" Part of it was that I was grossly overqualified for many positions and my previous salary was grossly too high for others. Too many companies wanted my experience but didn't want to pay for it. Others, well, I don't know.

But it worked out and life is good.

Chinese Media Ignore White House Gaffes

By JOE McDONALD, Associated Press Writer

BEIJING - Chinese news reports made no mention Friday of the protester who
interrupted President Hu Jintao's visit with President Bush or a White House 
announcer flubbing China's official name. But ordinary Chinese commenting on 
Web sites accused President Bush of insulting Hu.

"You can see from Bush's lack of respect for foreign leaders just how lacking
he is in class," said a posting on a bulletin board run by the People's Daily, the 
main Communist Party newspaper.

The gaffes were unlikely to sour Chinese leaders on the visit, which looked 
successful, said Shi Yinhong, director of the Center for American Studies at 
Beijing's Renmin University.

"The Chinese government and the Chinese public will think this kind of event is 
unfortunate, and think the U.S. government should take some responsibility for 
security arrangements and letting the protester in," Shi said.

But, to be fair, the Chinese did quite a bit of censoring of the coverage. So let's say both sides need a lot of work when it comes to respecting their fellow humans.

Again, and I hate to write this, expect China to be the big bad opposite the white-wearing US of A. Our government relies far too much on military businesses. That is, we need wars for good business economy. Russia's out of the picture. India's our ally this week. The Mid-East is too freaked up. China's just waiting there, a threat every which way. Question is, where do I invest to take advantage of that?

I just don't remember. I plead old age and incredible stupidity for not just writing down a few statements. Rest assured that when I read the paper and see what new stupidity our President or Governor has perpetrated, then I'll write with more focus.

Such a good title too.

Summary: the apartment-warming went well. The weather constantly threatened but only truly poured when we were coming home fending off lack of sleep and, in some cases, a mild hangover. But it was a great trip. We took shortcuts and longcuts, backroads void of cars but loaded with freshly vigorated scenery. LinguistGuy and myself took a nice drive through Marin and Sonoma counties just enjoying the scenery and small towns.

But I must tell of a culinary find. Coming up the 25 through the Diablo Range we ended up in Hollister in a mild state of famish. We looked for a restaurant, something not a chain, and found an absolute gem.

De Maggio's Cafe at 1709 Airline Hwy #A, Hollister CA 95023 - (831) 636-6968 - looks like your typical greasy spoon stuck in a strip mall. That's what we thought but once in - wow! - and the food and service were excellent.

I had a clam chowder that was, well, perfect and with a spring mix salad plus fresh bread I was set. LinguistGuy had an eggplant and mushroom sandwich that he claims was terrific and I believe him. I don't care for eggplant so I didn't steal a taste. MalibuBoppie had a burger I think - it disappeared too quickly.

Sadly we didn't stay for dessert but I suspect that they'd be wonderful as well.

Look, when have I ever given a restaurant recommendation with an address and phone in this blog. Never! But this place is that good.

Newsmaker:  Are laser weapons ready for duty?
By Jonathan Skillings
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Published: April 11, 2006

The next generation of weapons in the U.S. arsenal could be straight out of 
science fiction: laser beams and heat rays. And they could be ready for action 
before you know it.

By the end of this year, the Air Force plans to conduct a first, fully loaded test 
flight of its Airborne Laser, a jumbo jet packed with gear designed to shoot 
down enemy missiles half a world away, at the speed of light. The ABL also 
packs a megawatt-class punch--it's not exactly your garden-variety laser 
pointer. 

Oh, and the supporting cast of characters are also geniuses and quirky: you'd have the hyper Nerd Girl who attracts and is attracted to our young protagonist. You have the Uber-Genius who many years ago worked on a project and realized that his work could end up harming people so he resigned himself to living in the steam tunnels, accessible through the closet in the room of our heros. Plus, you have the asian genius and the Ultra-Dork who constantly kisses up to the Professor.

Without giving more away, the above is a poor description of the film Real Genius, a film that my kids have discovered and watched enough to constantly spew out all the quotes.

Megawatt lasers to shoot down satellites, missiles, and maybe the occassional human. Just need a mounted optical tracking system...

Listen to Laszlo.

Second excuse is that it's Passover this week which means the wife is on a housecleaning rampage to find and remove chometz and if I ever find him, he's dead meat for upsetting the quiet calm that is the household trademark (that is, when the kids are asleep). Passover is, of course, the ritual remembrance of the Jews escaping Egyptian bondage with some Divine help. Ironically, the bondage is painstakingly reenacted via hours long seders. As a kid I thought that seders lasted way too long. As an adult I know they last way too long. You'd think that a celebration of gaining Freedom would not mean losing Freedom by forever continuing a ritual. But, hey, I never was one for religion.

The third excuse is Red Alert 2 - Yuri's Revenge. This somewhat old Command and Conquer has been discovered by the kids. They love the gameplay. I love the over-the-top acting. In fact, we're finding that we enjoy the game more thanRise of Nations. The kids have built Psychic Dominators out of their Legos and "Yuri" tends to make an appearnace around bedtime...

"This is Yuri. You will listen to Yuri. It is time to sleep. Trust Yuri. Slleep..."

But then Tanya tends to ruin things...

"Yeah baby! Ready for action!"

And the kids are bouncing off the walls again. Where's Boris when you need him...

Lawyer: Bush Didn't Direct Libby to Leak

By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON -
President Bush declassified sensitive intelligence in 2003 and authorized its
public disclosure to rebut Iraq war critics, but he did not specifically direct that 
Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, be 
the one to disseminate the information, an attorney knowledgeable about the 
case said Saturday.

Bush merely instructed Cheney to "get it out" and left the details to him, said the 
lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the 
case for the White House. The vice president chose Libby and communicated 
the president's wishes to his then-top aide, the lawyer said.

The question is will Bush follow-up on his own words and remove Cheney? Or are his words continuing to be mere empty vessels mirroring his lack of Ethics? If history proves right, Bush will continue to do whatever he and cronies feel like doing, much to the dismay of most Americans and much of the World.

If there were even one atom of integrity in the Bush Administration they would resign en masse after making a public apology for failing in their sworn duties to the American people. But since the Bush Administration has little or no faith in Science, they would likely dismiss the notion of atoms.

Our country is dangerously in need of politicians with: