OK Peeps. Here we go. I would like to discuss two myths about Sarah Palin. #1: Palin cost McCain the 2008 election. Once named McCain's running mate, their fundraising and support improved dramatically. #2: Resigning as governor was rash. Once she returned from the 2008 campaign, everything changed. The political coalition which she was involved with had collapsed, her critics were calling for one investigation after another into her affairs causing financial woes, and every time that she would travel out of state, she would be accused of not caring about Alaska.
I have always been a registered Democrat. I am completely open to voting for the best candidate. I did vote for Ronald Reagan. Some say that Palin is unelectable but the fact is that she is more popular now than ever before. She does have many naysayers but she needs to get focused, bring her A game, and and put a strong sense of passion into several issues instead of just attacking the incumbent.
This is in reference to an article written by Matthew Continetti for the Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/14/AR2010101404794.html?sid=ST2010101404854
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
"Helping Boost the Economy???"
Earlier today I read a very puzzling, scary, and I might even call it somewhat of an amusing article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The story was written by Stephen Ohlemacher. It tells of how 72,000 dead people were sent stimulus payments. These were issued by the Social Security Administration as part of the Recovery Act to help boost the economy and bring our country out of the recession. These payments totalled $18 million.
Another $4.3 million in payments were sent to 17,000 prison inmates. These $250 vouchers totalled $13 billion which went out to 52 million people who either receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income. S.S. spokesman Mark Lassiter reported that the majority of those inaccurate payments were recovered. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma stated that the SSA lost $22.3 million in American tax dollars.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a very puzzling story that caught my eye. I can sort of understand that the SSA probably doesn't receive immediate updates on deaths around the country. Even if they would send out notices that would have to be returned, it is likely that many people throughout the country would die before those checks got into their hands. In regards to the inmates, they were not in prison at the time they were approved for the bonus payments. Once again for future years, some kind of process to help eliminate such a large number of inaccurate payments needs to be put into place by the SSA.
Another $4.3 million in payments were sent to 17,000 prison inmates. These $250 vouchers totalled $13 billion which went out to 52 million people who either receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income. S.S. spokesman Mark Lassiter reported that the majority of those inaccurate payments were recovered. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma stated that the SSA lost $22.3 million in American tax dollars.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a very puzzling story that caught my eye. I can sort of understand that the SSA probably doesn't receive immediate updates on deaths around the country. Even if they would send out notices that would have to be returned, it is likely that many people throughout the country would die before those checks got into their hands. In regards to the inmates, they were not in prison at the time they were approved for the bonus payments. Once again for future years, some kind of process to help eliminate such a large number of inaccurate payments needs to be put into place by the SSA.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"Cohabitation"
Living together with a mate prior to marriage used to be called "living in sin." Bon Jovi even penned a song and titled it as such. During the hippie era back in the 70's, it became more commonplace amongst that demographic. During that time frame, it was said that 1/3 of Americans lived together prior to marriage. Sociologists originally felt that living together first caused a much higher divorce rate. They have since changed their logic. Yet some religions simply will not condone it.
This article in Newsweek written by Johannah Cornblatt suggests that unemployment plus a rise in poverty leads couples to live under the same set of shingles. An analysis from the Census Bureau showed 59% of cohabitants in 2008 were employed compared to just 49% in 2010. It is said that money, not romance encourages couples to live together. This trend coupled with the fact that mates get to know each other better prior to marriage has our country's divorce rate at its lowest point in 40 years.
This article caught my attention because I personally moved in with my girlfriend at the beginning of this semester simply to reduce my expenses during my collegiate life. Over the years, I have seen divorce totally ruin some of my co-workers lives. I for one, want to know how every aspect of the relationship feels prior to committing to a marriage. Some things can only be found out regarding your mate while living together. It is so important to find these things out. If something is found out later regarding your mate that is unacceptable, it is either divorce or living the rest of your life unhappy.
This article in Newsweek written by Johannah Cornblatt suggests that unemployment plus a rise in poverty leads couples to live under the same set of shingles. An analysis from the Census Bureau showed 59% of cohabitants in 2008 were employed compared to just 49% in 2010. It is said that money, not romance encourages couples to live together. This trend coupled with the fact that mates get to know each other better prior to marriage has our country's divorce rate at its lowest point in 40 years.
This article caught my attention because I personally moved in with my girlfriend at the beginning of this semester simply to reduce my expenses during my collegiate life. Over the years, I have seen divorce totally ruin some of my co-workers lives. I for one, want to know how every aspect of the relationship feels prior to committing to a marriage. Some things can only be found out regarding your mate while living together. It is so important to find these things out. If something is found out later regarding your mate that is unacceptable, it is either divorce or living the rest of your life unhappy.
"Please Let Our Family Mourn In Peace"
Hello Peeps! It is "Hump Day" and this ole boy needs to write several blogs. I was in KC this past weekend therefore I thought I would do some reading from the Kansas City Star. I am going to tackle a big fish today. This story came from an article written by Laura Bauer.
It is in regards to Snyder vs Phelps. The Supreme Court on this very day is taking a look at a situation that got ugly. It all began when a 20 year old Marine died in the line of duty in Iraq back in the year 2006. He was laid to rest in the Westminister, MD cemetary.
On the day of the funeral,, seven picketers from a Topeka, KS church stood 1000 feet from the graveyard and demeaned, harassed, and destroyed the ceremony. This all came about because the young marine was gay. The protestors come from a church that believe God killed them as punishment for being gay. They were claiming free speech. They initially lost a lawsuit to the tune of 11 million. During the appeal process, it was overturned stating that the group is protected under the First Amendment.
So where do you feel the line should be drawn? They do have the right to free speech but do they have the right to hold up signs, scream and yell, and harass a family that is grieving? I feel that the Supreme Court should come down hard on the protestors as well as the church that they were representing. There is a time and a place for everything but not on that particular day at that particular time in that particular location.
It is in regards to Snyder vs Phelps. The Supreme Court on this very day is taking a look at a situation that got ugly. It all began when a 20 year old Marine died in the line of duty in Iraq back in the year 2006. He was laid to rest in the Westminister, MD cemetary.
On the day of the funeral,, seven picketers from a Topeka, KS church stood 1000 feet from the graveyard and demeaned, harassed, and destroyed the ceremony. This all came about because the young marine was gay. The protestors come from a church that believe God killed them as punishment for being gay. They were claiming free speech. They initially lost a lawsuit to the tune of 11 million. During the appeal process, it was overturned stating that the group is protected under the First Amendment.
So where do you feel the line should be drawn? They do have the right to free speech but do they have the right to hold up signs, scream and yell, and harass a family that is grieving? I feel that the Supreme Court should come down hard on the protestors as well as the church that they were representing. There is a time and a place for everything but not on that particular day at that particular time in that particular location.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
"Meet the Fastest Growing Company Ever" from Forbes.com
A graduate from Northwestern, Andrew Mason formed a company called Groupon. This is the fastest growing company in web history. The name is a combination of the two words group and coupon. This company buys advertising space from Google and Facebook. They sign contracts with businesses looking to advertise and split the proceeds from the purchases 50/50. These ads are brief usually running just one day. Things such as event tickets or specials with a major price reduction to get consumers to act immediately. The business is located inside an eight story building in Chicago. Mason has 250 salespeople and 70 writers. Most of these writers are comedians who come up with wild and crazy ideas that work. In one and a half years, the firm is now worth 1.35 billion. To me it is amazing how successful young people are these days especially in the technology area. This young man was a music major and here he has built an empire in the world of advertising. This reminds me a lot of record label companies or motion picture companies that basically make their money from sales of someone else's product. Hiring comedians as writers is also genius. I would like to meet this guy.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Being payed when not working!?!
Hello y'all! Hope this day finds you and your loved ones well. What shall I share with you today? How do you feel about this? Stop working, receive money. Sounds pretty cool huh? There is just one catch. You must be of retirement age. Yes I am talking about social security. It is celebrating it's 75th Anniversary.
For years and years, the 401k people who came to visit myself and my co-workers have been saying that we need to invest for our retirement because Social Security will run out. I recently read an article written by Katrina vanden Heuvel for thenation.com. This article states that there will easily be enough money for several decades to come. It is estimated that there will be a $4.3 trillion surplus by the year 2023. President Obama, as we speak, is currently working on something all Democrats have supported throughout history, tax the rich. This would keep the numbers on a much more positive note.
The original S.S. plan had several major flaws. It did not allow African Americans or immigrant workers a piece of the pie. Such a proposal these days would be crushed immediately. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports, "Without S.S. benefits, over 45 percent of elderly Americans would have incomes below the poverty line."
My personal views do show concern. I am 46 years of age. If the rich are taxed, it will surely secure social security for several more decades. I do believe in 401k and IRA programs. If S.S. is still around throughout my elder years, these additional retirement accounts will leave that much more funding at my fingertips. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves, our elders, and our children. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have an awesome day!!!
For years and years, the 401k people who came to visit myself and my co-workers have been saying that we need to invest for our retirement because Social Security will run out. I recently read an article written by Katrina vanden Heuvel for thenation.com. This article states that there will easily be enough money for several decades to come. It is estimated that there will be a $4.3 trillion surplus by the year 2023. President Obama, as we speak, is currently working on something all Democrats have supported throughout history, tax the rich. This would keep the numbers on a much more positive note.
The original S.S. plan had several major flaws. It did not allow African Americans or immigrant workers a piece of the pie. Such a proposal these days would be crushed immediately. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports, "Without S.S. benefits, over 45 percent of elderly Americans would have incomes below the poverty line."
My personal views do show concern. I am 46 years of age. If the rich are taxed, it will surely secure social security for several more decades. I do believe in 401k and IRA programs. If S.S. is still around throughout my elder years, these additional retirement accounts will leave that much more funding at my fingertips. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves, our elders, and our children. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have an awesome day!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wanna see a movie Labor Day weekend?
With Labor Day approaching, I wanted to write about something relaxing to do. There is an event coming up on this particular holiday weekend at my home away from home, Colorado. Denverpost.com did a nice little write up entitled, "Telluride Film Festival is about love of cinema, not money." The article talks about how Telluride is not as commercial as Sundance or Cannes.
This festival is all about the experience. There are nine theatres. Some of them outdoors with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Very cool! Independent films usually have very low budgets and rely on venues such as this to promote their films.
Directors and actors of these films that are playing attend these festivals. They will give speeches before and/or after their film describing their experience making the film. I really like the idea behind these festivals. It helps create a buzz for obscure films. Gives guys like Ebert and Roeper a different venue. I am sure it helps regenerate these reviewers. Anyone may attend the Telluride Film Festival. There are still tickets available.
This festival is all about the experience. There are nine theatres. Some of them outdoors with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Very cool! Independent films usually have very low budgets and rely on venues such as this to promote their films.
Directors and actors of these films that are playing attend these festivals. They will give speeches before and/or after their film describing their experience making the film. I really like the idea behind these festivals. It helps create a buzz for obscure films. Gives guys like Ebert and Roeper a different venue. I am sure it helps regenerate these reviewers. Anyone may attend the Telluride Film Festival. There are still tickets available.
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