tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76576362024-03-05T07:54:26.946-08:00A TALE OF TWO K STREETSI talk about my life and work in the DC metropolitan area.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-49487408139797643402022-06-28T13:39:00.001-07:002022-06-28T13:39:58.646-07:00What happened?Can you find what you lost? I am just scribbling my thoughts across the screen. Who thought I'd be back again. I feel very jaded about economics now. Was it ever a pure science? No, it never was. I was just oblivious to how the world really works. Hopefully I will find my voice again. Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-7342587770792191392013-12-01T15:12:00.000-08:002013-12-01T15:12:35.529-08:00I'm Back and unapologeticI'm back. I don't know what direction I will go in but I am sure I will include something about consumer behavior at Costco, Black Friday, and how much I hate dogs.
Oh, I got rejected from the George Mason PhD Economics program. Really? Oh well.
In reality, I think they kind of suck and I just applied so I could get in state tuition. Let's be honest. I think I can do better.
Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-48647888220038926402011-11-13T16:01:00.001-08:002011-11-13T16:10:58.605-08:00Occupy DC Rant and stuffIs Occupy DC done protesting? Can they move over to the next public square? <br /><br />I have a couple things I could protest.<br /><br />Occupy DC ruined the grass in McPherson Square. Seriously. The National Park Service actually spent money on the park and now we got this useless grass-hating hipsters sitting on it. The National Park Service basically ignored this park for years and it was a disaster. They finally clean it up and now it is covered in tents. Uuugh. I respect their right to protest at the expense of ruining a public park.<br /><br />I also despise traffic in downtown DC. It just doesn't move. The traffic flows better when they have traffic cops stationed at major intersections but they don't do it every day. Apparently, DC has enough money to buy a couple tricked out SUVs for their concil people but can't use it toward traffic control. Seriously, DC is such a third world country sometimes. <br /><br />I can't deal with Metrorail anymore. It just really sucks. I hate DC today.<br /><br />I think I am going through an economic malaise.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-55326894481601082332011-08-23T17:30:00.000-07:002011-08-23T17:46:36.167-07:00DC Earthquake, an Economist's PerspectiveDateline Washington DC,8/23/11, 2:30 ish
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<br />As I contemplated the computer screen and my afternoon coffee I felt a shockwave went through the building. I felt like I just surfed a wave except I was in a very dreary office building. I thought OMG I am going to die at work because I was too lazy to go the Au Bon Pain for my coffee.
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<br />So we all exited the building and along with the rest of humanity go to McPherson Square, where all the ducks and pigeons are. The mass of humanity trampled the newly sodded grass giving new meaning due the concept of Tragedy of the Commons. The mass of humanity including me tried to call loved ones but we overwhelmed the phone system.
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<br />Our emergency contact people were nowhere to be found. We still think that some of them are sheltering in place in the building. This is an example of asymmetric information. We had some managers there and they were a little freaked out as well.
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<br />I finally just said, oh damn it all to hell, I am going home and spent the next two hours of my life stuck in traffic. I did get home. This is an example how I maximize utility, I value life units over vacay units. I think that most of DC are irrational and was afraid of people losing their shit. I figure I should get out first when I got the chance. That isn't an economic theory, just something I learned from Aliens. Thanks James Cameron!
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<br />Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-27418289855356144512011-07-19T18:00:00.000-07:002011-07-19T18:17:42.595-07:00How to succeed in the Senior Executive ServiceI am very cranky due to the extreme heat in DC at the moment. I damn near expired on the sidewalk near the metro station. Morale at work is just terrible at the moment. One of the bosses said that we have to make do with less. It is really amazing what I can do with EXCEL and some duct tape.<br /><br />We have have a new SES member. Here is a recipe for success for a Senior Executive Service:<br /><br />Reorg your dept (This indicates 'Change')<br />Alienate all your staff (This indicates 'Management')<br />Add more products they are responsible for('Efficiency')<br />Don't hire anyone to replace the mass exodus<br />Stir for 12 months then accept promotion to higher SES<br />Congratulations you are on your way to Deputy baby!Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-62206030794487660142011-02-05T15:36:00.000-08:002011-02-05T15:48:03.512-08:00LBJ award for Government Mismanagement Goes toI got great news at work! Cue sarcasm.<br /><br />They are trimming our training budget again. This is stressing out many of my coworkers. Over the last couple of years thanks in part to the Iraq War, Aghanistan War, Cash for Clunkers, and other delightful programs, our budget is quite strained. Certain organizations get the short end of the stick during multiple wars. <br /><br />I haven't had any significant training in about 4 years. So if you subtract nothing from nothing, you get nothing. I kind of giggled when I thought about it. And I don't have a COLA.<br /><br />I am looking at selling my Breyer Horse collection for extra bucks. I might be able to pay for my own class if I see the entire herd.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-51529392653025349352010-12-13T16:59:00.000-08:002010-12-13T17:24:37.020-08:00Who's going to check me boo?I am so pissed off I can hardly type right now. My coworker asked for my help again and then said "Oh you burned out after that."<br /><br />What a Bitch! I told that Bitch off. <br /><br />I really wanted to make her cry but I held off. If I was really honest, I would have told her that her math skills suck. Yes, an economic sucker punch. <br /><br />I am kind of sad because this is one of my little econ grasshoppers who I helped navigate the darwinan world at work. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that the grasshopper bit me in the ass. Grasshopper has evolved to locust. Locust destroys surrounding mammals and creates scorched earth.<br /><br />Well karmas a bitch and I am ready for vengeance. Ooh this makes me feel so tingly.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-13217024364662308182010-11-21T17:33:00.000-08:002010-11-21T18:14:16.744-08:00Recap 2010 and wish listIt was the best of times and it was the worst of times. Consumers continued to buy stupid stuff and support the Chinese economy, Apple, and Farmville. Angry German Central Bankers continued to be very angry at Italy, Greece, and pretty much anyone who got in their way. <br /><br />We found out that many Mediterranean countries were hotbeds of statistical corruption and made the Chinese government look like proverbial saints. My advice, check your numbers.<br /><br />On to Ireland, thanks guys! You are the new Iceland! <br /><br />On a happier note, the Larry Summers Reign of Terror is coming to an end. <br /><br />Thanks Santa, you really do read your letters!Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-63868787715111295402010-09-23T19:20:00.000-07:002010-09-23T19:26:21.601-07:00Nominal or real?Economists like to discuss whether things are in current dollars or real dollars. It just makes our head spin that prices can affect valuation of everything. I think this explains why most of us are slightly neurotic. Anywhoo, I am currently examining what i want to do career wise. Do I hang in for the stability, seniority or forge ahead at a different agency? I put a high price on my work happiness...most of the assholes at work have retired. Perhaps I should stay. If I go I might be happier but I might be stressed out too.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-90958770845500353242010-09-23T19:09:00.000-07:002010-09-23T19:19:59.160-07:00Ding Dong The Witch is Dead!Larry Summers is leaving! Our national nightmare is over! I think there is hope for our country that someone else on the economic team will be able to have an opinion! <br /><br />Don't let the door kick you in the ass!Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-63160640654317648752010-08-23T17:49:00.000-07:002010-08-23T18:04:20.336-07:00Shut Up and DealI had to work with the Albatross today. I basically got a smackdown talk and was told that I was lucky to get any work out of him at all. It makes my skin crawl. <br /><br />I am so fucking angry about it. I just have two more weeks and this person is out of my life. I just imagine wrapping my fingers around his neck and squeezing the life out of him. Then I would stab him with my fountain pen or sharpie. I also thought about setting his office on fire using purrell. Don't worry, I just read Mr. Peanut and wanting to kill the Albatross just makes me feel a little bit better. <br /><br /> "And I had done an hellish thing,<br /> And it would work 'em woe:<br /> For all averred, I had killed the bird<br /> That made the breeze to blow.<br /> Ah wretch! said they, the bird to slay<br /> That made the breeze to blow!"<br /><br /> <br />Thanks Coleridge! <br /><br />OK now I feel better!Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-44978287758787512012010-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:002010-08-19T17:46:54.048-07:00Random Hollywood shoutoutI have crush on Eli Roth! So joli laide! Goodbye Adrien Brody...I got a new Hollywood crush!Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-21452094422278842762010-08-17T17:31:00.000-07:002010-08-17T17:42:09.103-07:00Hell is Other EconomistsI am currently doing two jobs at work, my actual job and my co-worker's job. He has just mentally checked out because his retirement is two weeks away. Our acting branch chief actually asked one of us to volunteer to host his retirement party. I did not step up.<br /><br />I really don't have time for party planning. I just wish we could just jetison him out of the building in a torpedo tube. Quick, cheap, and efficient.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-59098822747465618302010-08-16T16:52:00.000-07:002010-08-16T17:15:12.867-07:00Privatization HangoverNothing puts me in a right, Republican rage, than McDonnell's ABC privatization plans! Governor McDonnell is pushing for the ABC stores to be privatized so that the state of virginia can make beaucoup bucks for one fiscal year and fix the transportation crisis. Don't let him do it Virginia citizens! I am all about free markets, but privatizing the ABC stores is a bad idea during difficult economic times.<br /><br />The ABC stores are cash cows. In 2009, they generated about 111 million in profits which were allocated to education and the Virginia General Fund. If the government Privatizes ABC stores, they estimate that they will get a ONE TIME 500 million dollar revenue bump from selling but it is unclear how much revenue will be generated over time. So basically, Government McDonnell looks great in 2011 and is out of office before the revenue hangover hits.<br /><br />I haven't seen the state publish an analysis of this issue which makes it fishy as hell. Why would you mess around with something that actually works?! And in the most difficult economic climate since the 2001 recession?<br /><br />Question authority! It needs to be decided by the citizens as a referendum, not this governor.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-10837443847541704162010-06-10T18:15:00.000-07:002010-06-10T18:48:17.096-07:00Fred Malek, Hater of Statistics and the chosen peopleThere has been alot of controversy lately over Fred Malek, VA state government honcho and chair of commissions to troubleshoot VA state issues. This man served in the Nixon administration and did a census of Jewish folk and Jewish sounding surnames in the BLS Nixon ordered it because of an unfavorable employment data release and the President thought it was a 'Jewish Conspiracy.'<br /><br />This man is now in a position of power in the state government and it frightens me. How can we trust a man that put together a memo like that? Please find someone else Governor McDonnell. So we will probably hear some Mea Culpas, but I think find that disengenous. He actively involved himself in targeting people because his boss said to do it. Hmmm, I wonder where I heard that before?Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-29461018839339924122010-04-23T19:30:00.000-07:002010-04-23T19:39:16.098-07:00Who cares, its just hockey!I am currently underwhelmed with DC hockey. I just get annoyed with the extra people on Metro. I am still alive. I am not on the 10 most Economist wanted list or anything like that. No, the Obama Administration is much more subtle than that! I am just kidding about that! Free speech and all. It is free as long as you aren't on company time. They kind of remprimanded us via e-mail. Hey, if the white house blogs why can't we?<br /><br />I am very annoyed with the IMF at the moment. Helooo, did anyone notice that Greek government is not the most ethical when it comes to statistics. Perhaps, IMF you should have done some due diligence. <br /><br />The Greek Government blames the statistical agency but that is ridiculous. Don't they check the numbers?<br /><br /> This may not be a major issue for the US but I do feel kind of bad for the EU. I feel a little bit bad for them, well as much empathy for socialists as I can muster.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-3027225801540862282010-01-11T17:17:00.000-08:002010-01-11T17:30:29.733-08:00State of the UnionWell, I unofficially quit graduate school. It is a terrible yet freeing feeling. I can devote my time to crafting and making humanity a better place. Oh hell no. I think I am just going to read more than what I usually do. I'll figure out what else later on.<br /><br />I am trying not to kill my co-worker, who I call the "Albatross." It would be a damn shame since he is so close to retirement. I am going to drink champagne and eat fancy cheese on his last day. I am doing both his job and my job right now. I have met crazier people than he, but he is honestly the most lazy and incompetant person I have ever met. <br /><br />I love writing about consumers who panic and cause shortages. I dunno, maybe I am an evil economist. Oh no, wait that title goes to Larry Summers.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-88306150527004428252009-11-17T18:20:00.000-08:002009-11-17T18:43:19.305-08:00My take on the US Chamber of Commerce kerfluffleShame on the US Chamber of Commerce! <br /><br />The Washington Post wrote an article about the US Chamber of Commerce's <br />recent actions regarding a possible economic analysis of the Health Bill. See <br />http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/15/AR2009111503159.html<br /><br />Apparently the US Chamber of Commerce wanted to get a really important Economist to study the health bill and write that health insurance reform is bad for the economy. Oh yeah, and get other important Economists to sign a letter that they agree.<br /><br />Well, this makes me sick to my stomach. Anybody who signs onto this project is really whoring themselves to the highest bidder. The US Chamber of Commerce really shot themselves in the foot. Can anyone trust their analysis? Hell no. Don't trust any organization that manipulates or predetermines the outcome of a study. <br /><br />I am a Republican, but I want an honest analysis of the health bill. Who can we trust to give a non-partisan analysis.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-44565702530395377122009-11-17T18:14:00.001-08:002009-11-17T18:20:32.129-08:00Passive Aggressive Behavior on Public TransportI sat next to a somewhat normal looking person on the metro today. She immediately jacked up the volume on her ipod. It was a very annoying song from Beyonce. I took out my blackberry and googled "I hate people who play IPODS too loud on the Train." Then I typed "Why I hate DC." I'll be damned if the lady didn't turn down the volume. She was eavedropping on my blackberry! This made my day.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-77504518580060301002009-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:002009-10-25T08:37:05.195-07:00Sarcasm applied to nasty individualsI am turning into a misanthrope. I seem to expect the worst from humanity and am never dissapointed. I am dealing with this by being sarcastic.<br /><br />I was going for a walk and someone asked the spouse for directions. They immediately continue on their journey without acknowleding the help they received. I responded by saying very loudly "You are welcome!" I think I need to quell this urge to be Ms. Manners. I don't expect Yuppies to deal with my outburst via gunshots but you never know in Virginia.<br /><br />Did I mention that my neighboors lack manners. Or perhaps they hate me? I said Good morning to one and they ignored me. This happened twice. Also their sniveling beasts barked at me quite feriouciously. Yuck, reader I hate them and their little dogs. <br /><br />My neighboors across the street have lived their for 9 years and have never said hello to me once. They park their fleet of Mercedes in visitor parking and I never report them! Gosh, they have the audacity to put political signs in their front yard too. When they peep out their window to see who is on the sidewalk, I acknowledge them with a jaunty wave. They don't wave back. <br /><br />So much for the concrete pineapples of hospitality that each neighboor places near their doorstep.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-25398095246494047532009-09-02T15:30:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:35:17.113-07:00Yuppie smackdown in HoovilleDog + dropped leash + moving car = dead dog<br /><br />Crisis was averted. The dog lunged at me and narrowly missed getting hit by its owners car. Yeah, she didn't apologize for her dog's misbehavior. Nice.<br /><br />I don't think I am getting invited to their Christmas party.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-66881756822389063892009-09-01T16:38:00.000-07:002009-09-01T16:53:48.541-07:00Drop out advice for Type A PersonalitiesI am at a crossroads. I am currently toying with the idea of dropping out of school. It just seems to be too much to work and go to school. <br /><br />Here is my pro and con list:<br /><br />Pro<br />1. no HW<br />2. I get my life back<br />3. time to origami<br /><br />Con<br />1. HW<br />2. no 4 hour classes<br />3. Career SCUD missile<br /><br />I just don't feel the love for this program. I feel like I am slogging through and not enjoying it. And I seem obsessed with the HW issue.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-8170830473049422102009-08-26T17:01:00.000-07:002009-08-26T17:06:08.755-07:00Dealing with "Sam"I am currently dealing with one of the most difficult coworkers ever. He can't seem to breathe without asking me if the formula for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and miscellanous atmospheric gases are appropriate.<br /><br />Is Sam dense or difficult? I am not sure. I just know that he is an asshole. Don't expect me to contribute to his retirement gift/party. Oh hell no, I am going to use the money to buy a small bottle of Moet and Chadon. I am going to sip it in my office bedamned the government regulations about alcohol in the office.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-57084100424103782622009-08-18T18:46:00.000-07:002009-08-18T18:54:31.445-07:00Payback IS a BitchI am currently working on a project with a coworker who I will call "Sam." I hate Sam. About 3 years ago, I needed Sam's help with a different project. He was really mean and obnoxious to me and didn't answer my question. Fast forward three years later and "Sam" needs my help now. <br /><br />I am not helping Sam. Revenge is sweet.<br /><br />Note to self, always be kind to junior staffers.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7657636.post-33035376104305728962009-07-14T16:42:00.000-07:002009-07-14T16:44:30.351-07:00Dark Side of the MoonI need a vodka shot and some Tylenol. Not necessarily in that order.Anonymous Economisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277777646028822784noreply@blogger.com0