As usual, Ralph Nadar clearly understands and identifies the root of all problems in our society today: the massive ever-growing corporation and the extent and domination of its tentacles in everyday life. Until this deadly beast is contained, controlled, and reduced in size, scope, and influence, the quality of life for everyone will continue to noticeably diminish.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/30/1518/
http://www.tamethecorporation.org/
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
MLB Reaches the First Quarter Pole
Traditionally, Memorial Day marks the completion of the first one-quarter of the baseball season, although nowadays most teams are past the 30 % mark having played 48-50 games.
So far there have been quite a few surprises as there is a greater parity now than perhaps ever before. There are no really bad teams and overall most teams are .070 either side of .500 with the exception of the Redsox so far.
In the AL, four teams are already positioning themselves for a postseason appearance. In the East, the Redsox have played superbly and opened a double-digit lead over all their division rivals, including the surprisingly disappointing Yankees. The Yankees pitching has been crushed by injuries and underacheivement, and their bats and defense has also underperformed. To be 13 1/2 games back at this point is shocking and unimaginable for New York. Toronto has been hit hard by injuries as well, while Baltimore is showing improvement and young Tampa Bay is taking strides forward.
Over in AL Central, a big dogfight is underway between the Tigers and Indians. Both teams have excellent lineups and pitching staffs and the close race between these two should continue for the remainder of the season. The Whitesox are a step back in every way, while the Twins have endured some tough injuries that has pushed them back out of the race a little more than what was projected. The Royals are vastly improved, but still quite a ways behind the other four clubs and that will continue this season.
Out in the AL West, after a slow start, the Angels have put it together and opened a comfortable lead over the Mariners and A's. Seattle is playing better than projected while the A's have been decimated by injuries and just hope to stay near .500 until they get healthy. Surprisingly, Texas is the worst team in the league and looks to be a cellar dweller for the entire season with their woeful pitching.
In the National League, there looks as if there will be good close races throughout the season in all three divisions. In the East, the Mets look to be the best team in the league so far with a good mix of strong hitting, good pitching, and nice defense. The Braves are a very good team and will stay in the race as will the Phillies, who are rebounding after a slow start. Florida is competitive but will not be a factor, and rebuilding Washington is already out of it.
In the Central, young Milwaukee got off to a good start and, despite some recent struggles, have a comfortable lead over the other five teams in the division. All five other teams have shortcomings and will struggle for the most part. Chicago has problems with pitching and offense, Pittsburgh is young with pitching issues, Houston has a lot of holes everywhere, St Louis is having a hangover from their title last season, and Cincinnati is not very talented for the most part.
Out in NL West, it looks much like the AL Central with four, maybe five teams, fighting it out throughout the season. The Dodgers have the best team on paper, but they have problems with their offense and their pitching is not as good as advertised. The Padres probably have the league's best pitching, but they have issues with their offense as well. Arizona is young and unproven and prone to inconsistency, while the Giants have gotten alot out of their pitching thus far which has helped make up for their offensive inadequacy. The Rockies have been inconsistent on offense and in their bullpen, but have shown signs of turning that around in the last week which may mean having them stay in the race as well for a longer period than originally believed.
My picks remain as Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Anaheim in the AL; and New York, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and San Diego in the NL.
So far there have been quite a few surprises as there is a greater parity now than perhaps ever before. There are no really bad teams and overall most teams are .070 either side of .500 with the exception of the Redsox so far.
In the AL, four teams are already positioning themselves for a postseason appearance. In the East, the Redsox have played superbly and opened a double-digit lead over all their division rivals, including the surprisingly disappointing Yankees. The Yankees pitching has been crushed by injuries and underacheivement, and their bats and defense has also underperformed. To be 13 1/2 games back at this point is shocking and unimaginable for New York. Toronto has been hit hard by injuries as well, while Baltimore is showing improvement and young Tampa Bay is taking strides forward.
Over in AL Central, a big dogfight is underway between the Tigers and Indians. Both teams have excellent lineups and pitching staffs and the close race between these two should continue for the remainder of the season. The Whitesox are a step back in every way, while the Twins have endured some tough injuries that has pushed them back out of the race a little more than what was projected. The Royals are vastly improved, but still quite a ways behind the other four clubs and that will continue this season.
Out in the AL West, after a slow start, the Angels have put it together and opened a comfortable lead over the Mariners and A's. Seattle is playing better than projected while the A's have been decimated by injuries and just hope to stay near .500 until they get healthy. Surprisingly, Texas is the worst team in the league and looks to be a cellar dweller for the entire season with their woeful pitching.
In the National League, there looks as if there will be good close races throughout the season in all three divisions. In the East, the Mets look to be the best team in the league so far with a good mix of strong hitting, good pitching, and nice defense. The Braves are a very good team and will stay in the race as will the Phillies, who are rebounding after a slow start. Florida is competitive but will not be a factor, and rebuilding Washington is already out of it.
In the Central, young Milwaukee got off to a good start and, despite some recent struggles, have a comfortable lead over the other five teams in the division. All five other teams have shortcomings and will struggle for the most part. Chicago has problems with pitching and offense, Pittsburgh is young with pitching issues, Houston has a lot of holes everywhere, St Louis is having a hangover from their title last season, and Cincinnati is not very talented for the most part.
Out in NL West, it looks much like the AL Central with four, maybe five teams, fighting it out throughout the season. The Dodgers have the best team on paper, but they have problems with their offense and their pitching is not as good as advertised. The Padres probably have the league's best pitching, but they have issues with their offense as well. Arizona is young and unproven and prone to inconsistency, while the Giants have gotten alot out of their pitching thus far which has helped make up for their offensive inadequacy. The Rockies have been inconsistent on offense and in their bullpen, but have shown signs of turning that around in the last week which may mean having them stay in the race as well for a longer period than originally believed.
My picks remain as Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Anaheim in the AL; and New York, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and San Diego in the NL.
2007 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Outlook
The Stanley Cup Finals began tonight, Monday, 28 May, between the Ottawa Senators and the Anaheim Ducks. I feel the series is fairly even and there very well may at least a couple of games that go into overtime. Ottawa has an edge on defense, while Anaheim has the edge offensively, in goal, and overall team speed and talent. Ottawa has the better special teams and powerplay. Like Calgary in '04 and Edmonton in '06, the recent trend of Canadian teams making it to the Finals and coming just a little short will continue so my forecast for the 2007 Stanley Cup finals is.....
......ANAHEIM 4 games to 3 games over OTTAWA
......ANAHEIM 4 games to 3 games over OTTAWA
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Reflections on Change as the First Half Century of My Life Starts its Final Year
In this next week or so I am going to publish some reflections and ideas on what has happened during my so brief life and what awaits and looms down the road. This will be the beginnings of the foundation for another blog which I will embark on in the comings months which will be an autobiography of my life. The internet gives us the opportunity to record personal histories of ourselves for all of time in cyberspace. As long as technology survives, these writings will survive, and I also plan to print them so they can be preserved for future generations to read. I do not pretend to be of any importance or to have any amazing revelations to make or note, but personal oral histories are the basic foundation of sharing and understanding lives and would not it be so great to have had these available for those living ordinarily in the past. I think I will name my new blog "THE_BIG_J_autobiography" or something to that effect. But before I begin to work on that, I will make a few posts here with some of my observations and insights about what I have seen, witnessed, and experienced in my life on a more macrolevel.
On another note, I had hoped to get my property out of CO this weekend or next, but I believe it is more rational and logical to do it farther into June, perhaps on Sunday the 17th or 24th. Incredibly, U-haul charges an extra $55 to rent vehicles on Fridays and Saturdays and also within 10 days of a planned date so it behooves one to look a little farther out timewise even though there is a strong likelihood gasoline prices will go up another 20 to 25 cents. I do, however, plan to get the 10-15 items that HBL has been so generously been storing for me in his garage these past six months and perhaps as soon as Monday, 28 May, and certainly before this week ends accomplish that.
On another note, I had hoped to get my property out of CO this weekend or next, but I believe it is more rational and logical to do it farther into June, perhaps on Sunday the 17th or 24th. Incredibly, U-haul charges an extra $55 to rent vehicles on Fridays and Saturdays and also within 10 days of a planned date so it behooves one to look a little farther out timewise even though there is a strong likelihood gasoline prices will go up another 20 to 25 cents. I do, however, plan to get the 10-15 items that HBL has been so generously been storing for me in his garage these past six months and perhaps as soon as Monday, 28 May, and certainly before this week ends accomplish that.
Poignant Thoughts and Words for Memorial Day 2007
The true Memorial Day is this coming Wednesday, 30 May, but government treachery moved it (this year on 28 May) to be part of a three day weekend for government and upper income workers which has resulted in a steady loss in the importance and significance of this day for many, if not most, Americans. Most younger Americans under age 40 have no relevant or meaningful understanding or appreciation for this day, as well as many high level corporate and government officials who merely view it as a day to go make thoughtles purchases of consumer goods and market and hype it as such.
The words in the link below are very stirring and give cause for one to pause to think and reflect on the sacrifices by so many in the past, today, and in the near future that allows so many to live so well in a prosperous nation and not dwell on how and why we are where we are as individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities, regions, and a nation.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1444/
The words in the link below are very stirring and give cause for one to pause to think and reflect on the sacrifices by so many in the past, today, and in the near future that allows so many to live so well in a prosperous nation and not dwell on how and why we are where we are as individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities, regions, and a nation.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1444/
Sunday 27 May News Articles and Observations
Here are some news articles from Sunday 27 May 2007 and my brief observations on them.
A. Further Information about the Consequences of Globalization on Democracy
The bottom line is that international corporate capitalism is imperiling and endangering democracy, not only in the US, but in other nations as well. This rapidly growing menace and threat must be addressed, brought under control, and moved towards elimination and extinction.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1439/
-----
B. US Housing Market Continues to Tank
This development is only intensifying across the nation and will contribute to the looming recession along with several other factors. The housing market slump and collapse is only going to get worse, although here in the Central Rockies and High Plains the impact will be somewhat less.
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2584331.ece
-----
C. Democrats Capitulate and Concede to Bush Agenda
They were elected to stand up to Bush and force a change in policy, in particular Iraq, and they have waffled and failed. The voters will remember this, and anti-incumbent Democrats will take advantage of this in caucuses and primaries in Spring '08.
http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/we_gave_them_our_hearts_they_g.html
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorials/137
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1440/
-----
D. The Legacy of Rachel Carson
Carson was one of the planet's most influential people in history. Can anyone imagine what our world would be like if environmentalism never took off in the consciousness of so many people ?
We have come so far, yet we have so, so far to go, and most of us will not be around to see if we can ever reclaim the ideal again.
http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1180146338297390.xml&coll=7
-----
E. Detailed Information on Impact and Future of Energy Industry in and on Wyoming
Today, Sunday, 27 May, the local Cheyenne paper ran a special 18 page section on the energy industry in Wyoming. Unless one lives in the state, one cannot fully grasp the size, scope, and impact this economic sector has across the board here. Basically, it is all this state has in terms of economic development and the economic impact has been and will continue to be enormous. It is why this state ranks number six in per capita income nationally and why state and local governments are swimming in money from tax revenues, allowing for sizeable investments in infrastructure and social services. With a population of just over 500,000, there is plenty to go around.
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/05/27/featured_story/01top_05-27-07.txt
http://www.buyorsellcheyenne.com/news/projects/energy_project/introduction.html
-----
A. Further Information about the Consequences of Globalization on Democracy
The bottom line is that international corporate capitalism is imperiling and endangering democracy, not only in the US, but in other nations as well. This rapidly growing menace and threat must be addressed, brought under control, and moved towards elimination and extinction.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1439/
-----
B. US Housing Market Continues to Tank
This development is only intensifying across the nation and will contribute to the looming recession along with several other factors. The housing market slump and collapse is only going to get worse, although here in the Central Rockies and High Plains the impact will be somewhat less.
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2584331.ece
-----
C. Democrats Capitulate and Concede to Bush Agenda
They were elected to stand up to Bush and force a change in policy, in particular Iraq, and they have waffled and failed. The voters will remember this, and anti-incumbent Democrats will take advantage of this in caucuses and primaries in Spring '08.
http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/we_gave_them_our_hearts_they_g.html
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorials/137
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/25/1440/
-----
D. The Legacy of Rachel Carson
Carson was one of the planet's most influential people in history. Can anyone imagine what our world would be like if environmentalism never took off in the consciousness of so many people ?
We have come so far, yet we have so, so far to go, and most of us will not be around to see if we can ever reclaim the ideal again.
http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1180146338297390.xml&coll=7
-----
E. Detailed Information on Impact and Future of Energy Industry in and on Wyoming
Today, Sunday, 27 May, the local Cheyenne paper ran a special 18 page section on the energy industry in Wyoming. Unless one lives in the state, one cannot fully grasp the size, scope, and impact this economic sector has across the board here. Basically, it is all this state has in terms of economic development and the economic impact has been and will continue to be enormous. It is why this state ranks number six in per capita income nationally and why state and local governments are swimming in money from tax revenues, allowing for sizeable investments in infrastructure and social services. With a population of just over 500,000, there is plenty to go around.
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/05/27/featured_story/01top_05-27-07.txt
http://www.buyorsellcheyenne.com/news/projects/energy_project/introduction.html
-----
Friday, May 25, 2007
A Recent Record Low Temperature
Yes, it can still drop below freezing where I live. Officially it got down to 30 degrees on Thursday 24 May here but out where I live the low was 25 degrees. Cheyenne can see mornings with a freezing temperature deep into June with the latest record date for a 32 degree temperature being 18 June, set back in 1945. We had a freezing morning more recently in 1998 on 5 June. The earliest recorded morning freeze for the end of summer occured on 5 September back in 1929 with a more recent relevant record set on 11 September in 1989; thus the growing season here can be less than 90 days in many years.
It has only officially hit 100 degrees here twice: 23 June 1954 and 11 July 1939. I would not be surprised if we have a day or two this summer that joins that list and the first 101 or 102 degree day is recorded. A hot summer is in order after our recent rigorous winter.
CLIMATE REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHEYENNE WY
139 AM MDT FRI MAY 25 2007
...THE CHEYENNE CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR MAY 24 2007...
CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1971 TO 2000
CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1871 TO 2007
TEMPERATURE
YESTERDAY
VALUE TIME RECORD YEAR NORMAL +/- LY
MAXIMUM 62 244 PM 83 1967 67 -5 79
MINIMUM 30R 459 AM 31 2002 41 -11 51 1950
It has only officially hit 100 degrees here twice: 23 June 1954 and 11 July 1939. I would not be surprised if we have a day or two this summer that joins that list and the first 101 or 102 degree day is recorded. A hot summer is in order after our recent rigorous winter.
CLIMATE REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHEYENNE WY
139 AM MDT FRI MAY 25 2007
...THE CHEYENNE CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR MAY 24 2007...
CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1971 TO 2000
CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1871 TO 2007
TEMPERATURE
YESTERDAY
VALUE TIME RECORD YEAR NORMAL +/- LY
MAXIMUM 62 244 PM 83 1967 67 -5 79
MINIMUM 30R 459 AM 31 2002 41 -11 51 1950
Friday 25 May News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles and my brief observations about them.
A. Honest Hard Facts about Costs of Globalization
The declining standard of living being experienced by most Americans with all the related familial and societal sacrifices and costs is due to an extent to the widespread economic globalization programs being established by the corporacy and the government. It is essential to be in complete opposition to all recent and pending trade agreements as they are complete sellouts and treasonous to the American citizenry.
http://reclaimdemocracy.org/global_corporatization/globalization_myths_exposed.html
-----
B. New Provocative Insightful Book Authored by Al Gore
I plan to read this new release in the coming weeks and I am sure it will contain alot of public policy ideas and direction he will embark upon when he is elected President next year. ( He is going to run and he will win, hopefully with a huge mandate and a near two-thirds majority in both bodies of Congress)
http://www.amazon.com/Assault-Reason-Al-Gore/dp/1594201226
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/05/al_gores_new_book_assault_on_r.html
http://www.alternet.org/story/52179/
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1622015,00.html
-----
C. GOP Divided on War & Immigration; Democrats also Divided
The '08 election is shaping to very interesting as there is a strong potential for competitive primaries because of very strong divisive issues in both parties. It is largely assumed that the Democrats elected in '06 to Congress were sent there to stop the Bush junta's foreign policy directive largely and the domestic agenda as well. The Democrats have failed and are now being seen as wimping out and selling out. The smoke from a less distant fire is growing larger by the day.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/05/25/carter/
-----
D. Ron Paul: The Best GOP Candidate for President
Read more about this man, his policy views, philosophy, and his '08 Presidential campaign. I am becoming increasingly more in favor of his candidacy on the GOP side: right now, the only GOP candidate I favor more is John McCain, but he has shown a propensity to put his foot in his mouth on occasion, and his views on some of the vital issues of the day do not seem to be messages that a lot of voters are buying. Yes, I am wavering in my support of McCain.
And I strongly admire what Paul said in putting that woeful pathetic sap Rudy Guiliani in his place with his views on Middle East history and policy at the recent GOP debate.
www.ronpaul2008.com
www.house.gov/paul/
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4835055.html
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24342743.htm
-----
E. The Joke is on Us: The New Federal Minimum Wage Bill
Its completely laughable about the new federal minimun wage bill passed by Congress this week. Taking two and half years to fully impliment the increases is utterly ridiculous. The increase should be fully in place within 15 months.
By the way, there needs to be tiered minimum wages with the figure tied to the cost of living, primarily housing and rental prices, in counties, cities, metropolitan areas, and states. The minimum wage should not be the same in Los Angeles as it is in North Platte, NE, or Joplin, MO or Charlotte, NC or Minneapolis, MN.
I also favor a lower minimum wage for teenagers under age 18 ( a 15 % lower rate) and a discount for adults ages 18 to 23 ( 5 % ). Also the minimum wage for college graduates (Bachelors Degrees) should be 30 % above what it is for non-college graduates with a 10 % increase level for those with Associates Degrees since our economy is not creating enough jobs for those who have made these investments in time and money. I also favor no minimum wage for illegal immigrants to further discourage them from entering the nation.
http://www.kentucky.com/216/story/79451.html
-----
F. A Book with an Ominous Terrible Warning
http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/626
-----
G. Another Book to Read
http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/614
-----
H. John Edwards sets the Leadership Example Again with Expanded Veterans Policies
I enthusiastically and strongly support John Edwards' proposals to provide further assistance and policy programs for American veterans.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070525/ap_on_el_pr/on_the2008_trail;_ylt=ArhtKsLPjc6nmd6YrnVKHYPMWM0F
-----
I. Recent Book on Energy, Energy Policy, and the Future
http://www.meberhart.com/feedingthefire.html
-----
And on a much more lighter note:
J. That is One Big Wild Pig !
A year's worth of meat for the breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables for this Alabama family with a son thats a real good shot.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_MONSTER_PIG?SITE=CODER&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-05-25-19-51-06
-----
A. Honest Hard Facts about Costs of Globalization
The declining standard of living being experienced by most Americans with all the related familial and societal sacrifices and costs is due to an extent to the widespread economic globalization programs being established by the corporacy and the government. It is essential to be in complete opposition to all recent and pending trade agreements as they are complete sellouts and treasonous to the American citizenry.
http://reclaimdemocracy.org/global_corporatization/globalization_myths_exposed.html
-----
B. New Provocative Insightful Book Authored by Al Gore
I plan to read this new release in the coming weeks and I am sure it will contain alot of public policy ideas and direction he will embark upon when he is elected President next year. ( He is going to run and he will win, hopefully with a huge mandate and a near two-thirds majority in both bodies of Congress)
http://www.amazon.com/Assault-Reason-Al-Gore/dp/1594201226
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/05/al_gores_new_book_assault_on_r.html
http://www.alternet.org/story/52179/
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1622015,00.html
-----
C. GOP Divided on War & Immigration; Democrats also Divided
The '08 election is shaping to very interesting as there is a strong potential for competitive primaries because of very strong divisive issues in both parties. It is largely assumed that the Democrats elected in '06 to Congress were sent there to stop the Bush junta's foreign policy directive largely and the domestic agenda as well. The Democrats have failed and are now being seen as wimping out and selling out. The smoke from a less distant fire is growing larger by the day.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/05/25/carter/
-----
D. Ron Paul: The Best GOP Candidate for President
Read more about this man, his policy views, philosophy, and his '08 Presidential campaign. I am becoming increasingly more in favor of his candidacy on the GOP side: right now, the only GOP candidate I favor more is John McCain, but he has shown a propensity to put his foot in his mouth on occasion, and his views on some of the vital issues of the day do not seem to be messages that a lot of voters are buying. Yes, I am wavering in my support of McCain.
And I strongly admire what Paul said in putting that woeful pathetic sap Rudy Guiliani in his place with his views on Middle East history and policy at the recent GOP debate.
www.ronpaul2008.com
www.house.gov/paul/
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4835055.html
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24342743.htm
-----
E. The Joke is on Us: The New Federal Minimum Wage Bill
Its completely laughable about the new federal minimun wage bill passed by Congress this week. Taking two and half years to fully impliment the increases is utterly ridiculous. The increase should be fully in place within 15 months.
By the way, there needs to be tiered minimum wages with the figure tied to the cost of living, primarily housing and rental prices, in counties, cities, metropolitan areas, and states. The minimum wage should not be the same in Los Angeles as it is in North Platte, NE, or Joplin, MO or Charlotte, NC or Minneapolis, MN.
I also favor a lower minimum wage for teenagers under age 18 ( a 15 % lower rate) and a discount for adults ages 18 to 23 ( 5 % ). Also the minimum wage for college graduates (Bachelors Degrees) should be 30 % above what it is for non-college graduates with a 10 % increase level for those with Associates Degrees since our economy is not creating enough jobs for those who have made these investments in time and money. I also favor no minimum wage for illegal immigrants to further discourage them from entering the nation.
http://www.kentucky.com/216/story/79451.html
-----
F. A Book with an Ominous Terrible Warning
http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/626
-----
G. Another Book to Read
http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/614
-----
H. John Edwards sets the Leadership Example Again with Expanded Veterans Policies
I enthusiastically and strongly support John Edwards' proposals to provide further assistance and policy programs for American veterans.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070525/ap_on_el_pr/on_the2008_trail;_ylt=ArhtKsLPjc6nmd6YrnVKHYPMWM0F
-----
I. Recent Book on Energy, Energy Policy, and the Future
http://www.meberhart.com/feedingthefire.html
-----
And on a much more lighter note:
J. That is One Big Wild Pig !
A year's worth of meat for the breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables for this Alabama family with a son thats a real good shot.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_MONSTER_PIG?SITE=CODER&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-05-25-19-51-06
-----
More on That Sorry Bush Immigration Bill
Like three out of every four Americans, I am enraged about this disgusting copout legislation Bush and the sorry Congressional leadership is trying to push down our throats. I sure hope the ongoing besiegement of elected officials continues and we are able to scuttle and sink this bill before it further sees the light of day.
Basically, what 75 % of Americans want is no amnesty whatsoever in any way, shape, or form; no cruise path to citizenship; and voluntary then mandatory departure of these lawbreaking foreigners back to their home nation. Further, no automatic citizenship for children who are born of illegal parents; full asset seizures and forfeitures of businesses who have hired and employed illegals, much like what law enforcement has the power to do with drug dealers; tax incentives for citizen identification of illegals; and incentives for local and state law enforcement agents and officers to apprehend, incarcerate, and detain any and all illegals including children being put in protective guardian custody. Ideally, there would also be an indefinite moratorium on legal immigration as well with an annual limit of less than 10,000 people only with a lottery probably having to be employed to ensure fairness and to eliminate bribery and corruption by emigre hopefuls and public officials and bureaucrats.
The 1986 legislation was an complete disaster after the citizenry was blantantly lied to and bamboozled by Congress and Reagan. We absolutely do not want any repeat even on a small scale of that debacle in recent history. The future opportunities for American citizens, both poor and disadvantaged, and those in the middle class with families, are very much at stake.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0525/p01s04-uspo.html
Basically, what 75 % of Americans want is no amnesty whatsoever in any way, shape, or form; no cruise path to citizenship; and voluntary then mandatory departure of these lawbreaking foreigners back to their home nation. Further, no automatic citizenship for children who are born of illegal parents; full asset seizures and forfeitures of businesses who have hired and employed illegals, much like what law enforcement has the power to do with drug dealers; tax incentives for citizen identification of illegals; and incentives for local and state law enforcement agents and officers to apprehend, incarcerate, and detain any and all illegals including children being put in protective guardian custody. Ideally, there would also be an indefinite moratorium on legal immigration as well with an annual limit of less than 10,000 people only with a lottery probably having to be employed to ensure fairness and to eliminate bribery and corruption by emigre hopefuls and public officials and bureaucrats.
The 1986 legislation was an complete disaster after the citizenry was blantantly lied to and bamboozled by Congress and Reagan. We absolutely do not want any repeat even on a small scale of that debacle in recent history. The future opportunities for American citizens, both poor and disadvantaged, and those in the middle class with families, are very much at stake.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0525/p01s04-uspo.html
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Colorado Rockies Very Disappointing Thus Far
Forty-three games into the 2007 season, the Colorado Rockies have been a big disappointment thus far. With just 17 wins and a losing record (10-13) at home, the outlook for this season is getting more grim by the day. Colorado is already buried in last place in the NL West and is fortunate to be but 7 games back of division leading Los Angeles.
I am taking a look at the performances of the players on the club and while some are very good, others are downright woeful and changes on the roster are probably in the offing in the coming 2-3 weeks.
Batting: Helton, Holliday, and Taveras have done fine so far, but the performances of the other regular starters has been very underwhelming. Helton (5,26,..356,.466OBP), Holliday (8,32,.349,.610SP), and Taveras (0,6,.295,10SB) have respectable numbers, but face it, after all, they are playing at 5200' at Coors Field ! Carroll is deep below the Mendoza line, Tulowitzski is at only .255, Atkins is stinking it up at just .240 and three homers, Torrealba is marginal at .242 with no homers, and Hawpe is underachieving at .278 with just 4 homers. The bench is awful. Finley, Ianetta, and Mabry are all well below .200 and Baker and Quintinilla are hovering around .250. The team BA is .255, good only for ninth in the NL and far, far below historical horms and expectations. If the offense was even close to what it has been historically, the club's W-L record would be reversed and the Rockies would be in 1st place. Colorado has scored but 172 runs so far, a pathetic average of just 4 per game
Pitching: The four primary starters have modestly underachieved. Cook (4.40), Francis, (4.60), Fogg (4.91), and Hirsh (3.99) have a collective 8-14 W-L record but other than some occasional rough spots, have looked generally okay in spite of a significant lack of run support. Buchholz has held down the fifth starter spot while Lopez is on the DL and has done a less than okay job for the most part, but he is a rookie. The bullpen has had its moments but overall its been poor. On the positive side, Fuentes (2.33) has 11 saves despite a tendency to serve up the gopher ball a little too much; Affeldt and Corpus have pretty much been established as setup men with reasonable numbers; but Hawkins and the other longmen in the pen have largely stunk it up with no help anywhere in sight in the future. The team ERA is at 4.88 which is at the bottom of the NL as opponents have scored 224 runs in 43 games, an average of over 5 per game.
Defense: The lone bright spot on the club is the defense with only 18 errors thus far. Carroll and Tulowizski have made 5 of them each and no pitching errors have occurred thus far. The outfield has only 4 errors so far.
Managing: Hurdle had to believe his bench would be more productive coming out of Tucson and their poor performance has tied his hands and limited his options. The ongoing problems in the back of the bullpen have also caused him to have to constantly re-access who to use in what situations which leads to further problems of stability in the workload. But he has to be utterly stumped by the lack of offense with him having been here when such a long stretch of poor performance would be totally unimaginable. Overall, Hurdle has done a good job with what he has had to work with, but he is ultimately held responsible by fans and the press for the bottom line results.
Outlook: With an interleague slate against the improved AL East and other games against their NL West division rivals, I hold little optimism that things are going to turn around soon. I expect the team to reach the All Star break with only 40 or slightly more total wins and more than a dozen games out in the NL West. The only reason to think I would be wrong is if the bats wake up in a big way, the bench starts to really produce, and the bullpen behind Fuentes solidfies and starts doing the job more consistently and fully.
I am taking a look at the performances of the players on the club and while some are very good, others are downright woeful and changes on the roster are probably in the offing in the coming 2-3 weeks.
Batting: Helton, Holliday, and Taveras have done fine so far, but the performances of the other regular starters has been very underwhelming. Helton (5,26,..356,.466OBP), Holliday (8,32,.349,.610SP), and Taveras (0,6,.295,10SB) have respectable numbers, but face it, after all, they are playing at 5200' at Coors Field ! Carroll is deep below the Mendoza line, Tulowitzski is at only .255, Atkins is stinking it up at just .240 and three homers, Torrealba is marginal at .242 with no homers, and Hawpe is underachieving at .278 with just 4 homers. The bench is awful. Finley, Ianetta, and Mabry are all well below .200 and Baker and Quintinilla are hovering around .250. The team BA is .255, good only for ninth in the NL and far, far below historical horms and expectations. If the offense was even close to what it has been historically, the club's W-L record would be reversed and the Rockies would be in 1st place. Colorado has scored but 172 runs so far, a pathetic average of just 4 per game
Pitching: The four primary starters have modestly underachieved. Cook (4.40), Francis, (4.60), Fogg (4.91), and Hirsh (3.99) have a collective 8-14 W-L record but other than some occasional rough spots, have looked generally okay in spite of a significant lack of run support. Buchholz has held down the fifth starter spot while Lopez is on the DL and has done a less than okay job for the most part, but he is a rookie. The bullpen has had its moments but overall its been poor. On the positive side, Fuentes (2.33) has 11 saves despite a tendency to serve up the gopher ball a little too much; Affeldt and Corpus have pretty much been established as setup men with reasonable numbers; but Hawkins and the other longmen in the pen have largely stunk it up with no help anywhere in sight in the future. The team ERA is at 4.88 which is at the bottom of the NL as opponents have scored 224 runs in 43 games, an average of over 5 per game.
Defense: The lone bright spot on the club is the defense with only 18 errors thus far. Carroll and Tulowizski have made 5 of them each and no pitching errors have occurred thus far. The outfield has only 4 errors so far.
Managing: Hurdle had to believe his bench would be more productive coming out of Tucson and their poor performance has tied his hands and limited his options. The ongoing problems in the back of the bullpen have also caused him to have to constantly re-access who to use in what situations which leads to further problems of stability in the workload. But he has to be utterly stumped by the lack of offense with him having been here when such a long stretch of poor performance would be totally unimaginable. Overall, Hurdle has done a good job with what he has had to work with, but he is ultimately held responsible by fans and the press for the bottom line results.
Outlook: With an interleague slate against the improved AL East and other games against their NL West division rivals, I hold little optimism that things are going to turn around soon. I expect the team to reach the All Star break with only 40 or slightly more total wins and more than a dozen games out in the NL West. The only reason to think I would be wrong is if the bats wake up in a big way, the bench starts to really produce, and the bullpen behind Fuentes solidfies and starts doing the job more consistently and fully.
Comparing Gasoline Fuel Prices Across the West and High Plains
I just checked to see what the local gasoline fuel prices are here in Cheyenne and the price has hit $3.21 per gallon pretty much across the board. I expect another 10 to 12 cents increase this week as Memorial Day arrives which will make the price $10 for 3 gallons !!! I am now starting to think it may get to around $3.60 or more by Independence Day and then start the annual summer downward drift to where it is now by the end of September. Unless of course, the Bush Junta starts an act of war with Iran and then who knows how high it will go -- $5, $6, $7 per gallon which will utterly mangle the economy and lead to social unrest and increased crime.
I decided to see what prices are like in other areas in the region and see how they compare. There is a wide price disparity of better than 30 % from the lowest in Yuma to the highest in Los Angeles. Here is what my research shows and I would not be surprised if the prices have already gone up since the information was published.
Yuma: $2.86 to $2.96
Tucson: $2.93 to $3.03
Phoenix: $2.97 to $3.10
Rapid City: $3.04 to $3.35
Rock Springs: $3.06 to $3.16
Midland: $3.06 to $3.30
Las Vegas: $3.07 to $3.25
Great Falls: $3.08 to $3.29
Sheridan: $3.09 to $3.19
Boise: $3.09 to $3.29
Billings: $3.10 to $3.29
Helena: $3.11 to $3.29
El Paso: $3.11 to $3.31
Salt Lake: $3.12 to $3.29
Lubbock: $3.14 to $3.39
Denver: $3.14 to $3.61
Jackson: $3.15 to $3.30
Scottsbluff: $3.15 to $3.36
Colorado Spgs: $3.15 to $3.47
Fort Collins: $3.16 to $3.35
Missoula: $3.16 to $3.37
Carson City: $3.17 to $3.45
Miles City: $3.18 to $3.29
Grand Junction: $3.18 to $3.35
Arvada: $3.19 to $3.29
Amarillo: $3.19 to $3.39
Riverside: $3.19 to $3.69
Elko: $3.19 to $3.79
Sacramento: $3.19 to $4.00
Los Angeles: $3.19 to $4.10
Albuquerque: $3.20 to $3.49
Boulder: $3.21 to $3.39
Fresno: $3.21 to $3.49
Spokane: $3.22 to $3.40
Bakersfield: $3.23 to $3.43
Reno: $3.23 to $3.46
San Jose: $3.23 to $3.81
Kalispell: $3.24 to $3.34
Craig: $3.24 to $3.38
San Diego: $3.24 to $3.87
Pueblo $3.25 to $3.39
Farmington: $3.25 to $3.39
Oakland: $3.25 to $3.75
Castle Rock: $3.27 to $3.39
Portland: $3.27 to $3.49
Seattle: $3.27 to 3.59
Dickinson: $3.29 to $3.39
Red Bluff: $3.29 to $3.49
Tacoma: $3.29 to $3.55
Winnemucca: $3.30 to $3.48
Bellingham: $3.37 to $3.59
Alamosa: $3.39 to $3.49
Corvallis: $3.39 to $3.49
Medford: $3.39 to $3.49
San Francisco: $3.40 to $4.00
Durango: $3.49 to $3.65
Eureka: $3.49 to $3.69
Flagstaff: $3.49 to $3.69
I would think these general market ranges and comparative disparities between markets will continue well through the summer and probably beyond.
I decided to see what prices are like in other areas in the region and see how they compare. There is a wide price disparity of better than 30 % from the lowest in Yuma to the highest in Los Angeles. Here is what my research shows and I would not be surprised if the prices have already gone up since the information was published.
Yuma: $2.86 to $2.96
Tucson: $2.93 to $3.03
Phoenix: $2.97 to $3.10
Rapid City: $3.04 to $3.35
Rock Springs: $3.06 to $3.16
Midland: $3.06 to $3.30
Las Vegas: $3.07 to $3.25
Great Falls: $3.08 to $3.29
Sheridan: $3.09 to $3.19
Boise: $3.09 to $3.29
Billings: $3.10 to $3.29
Helena: $3.11 to $3.29
El Paso: $3.11 to $3.31
Salt Lake: $3.12 to $3.29
Lubbock: $3.14 to $3.39
Denver: $3.14 to $3.61
Jackson: $3.15 to $3.30
Scottsbluff: $3.15 to $3.36
Colorado Spgs: $3.15 to $3.47
Fort Collins: $3.16 to $3.35
Missoula: $3.16 to $3.37
Carson City: $3.17 to $3.45
Miles City: $3.18 to $3.29
Grand Junction: $3.18 to $3.35
Arvada: $3.19 to $3.29
Amarillo: $3.19 to $3.39
Riverside: $3.19 to $3.69
Elko: $3.19 to $3.79
Sacramento: $3.19 to $4.00
Los Angeles: $3.19 to $4.10
Albuquerque: $3.20 to $3.49
Boulder: $3.21 to $3.39
Fresno: $3.21 to $3.49
Spokane: $3.22 to $3.40
Bakersfield: $3.23 to $3.43
Reno: $3.23 to $3.46
San Jose: $3.23 to $3.81
Kalispell: $3.24 to $3.34
Craig: $3.24 to $3.38
San Diego: $3.24 to $3.87
Pueblo $3.25 to $3.39
Farmington: $3.25 to $3.39
Oakland: $3.25 to $3.75
Castle Rock: $3.27 to $3.39
Portland: $3.27 to $3.49
Seattle: $3.27 to 3.59
Dickinson: $3.29 to $3.39
Red Bluff: $3.29 to $3.49
Tacoma: $3.29 to $3.55
Winnemucca: $3.30 to $3.48
Bellingham: $3.37 to $3.59
Alamosa: $3.39 to $3.49
Corvallis: $3.39 to $3.49
Medford: $3.39 to $3.49
San Francisco: $3.40 to $4.00
Durango: $3.49 to $3.65
Eureka: $3.49 to $3.69
Flagstaff: $3.49 to $3.69
I would think these general market ranges and comparative disparities between markets will continue well through the summer and probably beyond.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Projected Time Line In Place for Actions
I can now envision some dates in the near future when I can take actions and continue to move and complete my move towards having an independent life in my own residence with my own belongings fully at my reach.
I plan to empty that storage unit out in Aurora next Saturday May 26 or Sunday May 27 after having gone nearly 31 months of having it full of my possessions. The only thing that could conceivably delay this action would be the lack of availability of a large U-Haul truck which could happen since next weekend is the Memorial Day Holiday and its also the last weekend of the month. Waiting until Saturday June 2 would not be an inconvenience if that were to be the case.
I already have an apartment arranged for in North Cheyenne that I will be able to move into within the next month as well. It is an upstairs one bedroom in a small four-plex. It is very simple and will more than meet my needs. I project I will be able to stay there for at least six months to a year as there will be no long term lease to consider. I would like a ground level unit and the only additional feature I would look to add would be a bathtub instead of a shower for me to soak these perennially aching bones and muscles in a couple of times a week. Its amazing what soaking in a tub of hot water can do for the continuous soreness I am plagued with. Besides that, I do not desire really anything else -- a dishwasher is something I do not need as washing dishes by hand in very warm water is therapeutic for my hands. I could care less about a fireplace, a private balcony, and air conditioning is just something not too common in residences here. Additional storage is always nice but is something that can be worked around.
I know the finances will be tight and I will have to be extremely thrifty particularly when it comes to food but I can live on less than $25-30 per week for a food budget and being in town will cut my gasoline budget by more than 80 %. I have three small debts to family and a friend I need to take care of in the coming months but I think I will have a little money to go to the $1 movies every so often and go out and have a coke and a burger at McDonalds while I read the Sunday paper.
I really need little in my life as my 49th birthday looms in 12 days. I think about all I need to pick up for myself in the coming months is a blender, a juicer, some new tennis shoes, and a chair to sit on at the kitchen table. I can get all these items for about $100 or less at Wal-mart.
I would also like to get my desktop computer repaired so I can use it to download music as it would have over 100GB of harddrive space which would be perfect for that use. But its not pressing and I do not have to get to this until farther down the road.
I know I have to focus funds on keeping my truck running good and saving money so I can purchase outright an early to mid 90s model of a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan sedan that is very fuel efficient and in very good condition in spite of having over 100K miles. Truck maintenance is always ongoing with oil changes, alignments, tire rotations, cooling systems checks, and other proactive maintenance tasks.
After having been homeless and largely not on my own for nearly 3 years, I am greatly anticipating these events occuring in the next month and the subsequent activities in the months following.
I plan to empty that storage unit out in Aurora next Saturday May 26 or Sunday May 27 after having gone nearly 31 months of having it full of my possessions. The only thing that could conceivably delay this action would be the lack of availability of a large U-Haul truck which could happen since next weekend is the Memorial Day Holiday and its also the last weekend of the month. Waiting until Saturday June 2 would not be an inconvenience if that were to be the case.
I already have an apartment arranged for in North Cheyenne that I will be able to move into within the next month as well. It is an upstairs one bedroom in a small four-plex. It is very simple and will more than meet my needs. I project I will be able to stay there for at least six months to a year as there will be no long term lease to consider. I would like a ground level unit and the only additional feature I would look to add would be a bathtub instead of a shower for me to soak these perennially aching bones and muscles in a couple of times a week. Its amazing what soaking in a tub of hot water can do for the continuous soreness I am plagued with. Besides that, I do not desire really anything else -- a dishwasher is something I do not need as washing dishes by hand in very warm water is therapeutic for my hands. I could care less about a fireplace, a private balcony, and air conditioning is just something not too common in residences here. Additional storage is always nice but is something that can be worked around.
I know the finances will be tight and I will have to be extremely thrifty particularly when it comes to food but I can live on less than $25-30 per week for a food budget and being in town will cut my gasoline budget by more than 80 %. I have three small debts to family and a friend I need to take care of in the coming months but I think I will have a little money to go to the $1 movies every so often and go out and have a coke and a burger at McDonalds while I read the Sunday paper.
I really need little in my life as my 49th birthday looms in 12 days. I think about all I need to pick up for myself in the coming months is a blender, a juicer, some new tennis shoes, and a chair to sit on at the kitchen table. I can get all these items for about $100 or less at Wal-mart.
I would also like to get my desktop computer repaired so I can use it to download music as it would have over 100GB of harddrive space which would be perfect for that use. But its not pressing and I do not have to get to this until farther down the road.
I know I have to focus funds on keeping my truck running good and saving money so I can purchase outright an early to mid 90s model of a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan sedan that is very fuel efficient and in very good condition in spite of having over 100K miles. Truck maintenance is always ongoing with oil changes, alignments, tire rotations, cooling systems checks, and other proactive maintenance tasks.
After having been homeless and largely not on my own for nearly 3 years, I am greatly anticipating these events occuring in the next month and the subsequent activities in the months following.
Saturday 19 May News Articles and Observations
I have been experiencing regular internet service outages where I am staying, so I am having to go into town and make avail of wireless hot spots such as at restaurants and coffee shops. Here are some news articles for today that captured my attention and some brief reactions to them by me.
A. Bush Junta Establishes Protocol and Procedure For Grabbing Absolute Power
This alarming information about this Executive Branch Directive was completely ignored by all media. I am deeply concerned about the language in this directive and the large amount of ambiguity and vagueness in its contents and how that may result in it being initiated for reasons that most would could consider and believe to be inadequate or largely minor.
http://progressive.org/mag_wx051807
-----
B. Capitulation and Cowardice by Democratic Legislators in Congress
It is foolish and out-of- touch actions by Democrats in Congress that anger, infuriate, and alienate citizens including me. Out of control trade agreements that blatantly and obviously tilt the field to foriegn countries at the expense of American wages, jobs, taxes for local government, and contribute to mass social problems on the family, neighborhood, community, and societal levels are destroying the middle class and communities in this nation. A third party campaign that is aware of this and carefully and strongly gets this message out could go a long way in '08.
http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20070604&s=editors
-----
C. The Right Wing Republican Destruction and De-Construction of Americas
Hopefully this 27 year trend is starting to draw near a close but what awaits beyond '08 is still to be determined and will include elements that will be distasteful and force compromise in some ways.
http://existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-radical-gop-divided-and-conquered.html
-----
D. GOP Split over Heinous Immigration Bill Now in Congress
My opinions strongly opposing this legislation have already been made known, and its somewhat comforting to see a few Republicans that can see the light, wake up, and smell the coffee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/18/AR2007051801970.html?hpid=topnews
http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/19/news/wyoming/e7c108d8f031f51e872572e000013ff8.txt
-----
E. A Growing Uneasiness and Reaction to Monopolistic Corporate Dominance of Media
This is yet another place where corporate greed, arrogance, and immorality has caused great and, in some cases, irreversible harm to the American citizenry.
http://www.thestar.com/article/215266
------
F. Unfairness in Recent Postal Rate Hikes
I want to see these unfair hikes which stifle democracy, exchange of ideas, free thought, and journalistic competition and enterprise immediately re-evaluated with fairness put into place and removal of blatant bias and favoritism towards big corporate media.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/19/1320/
-----
G. Atlantic Treasure Find Announced
Good for these explorers for hitting the jackpot. I know these efforts are very time consuming, risky, dangerous, and require enormous investments in specialized equipment and training.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0519Treasure-Split0519.html
-----
H. Snake River Headwaters Protection Bill
Having had the privilege and delight to see some of this country some years back, I am very happy to see this legislation moving forward in Congress. It is long overdue, and I hope to see more of this kind of conservation legislation introduced and signed into law in the coming years particularly in regard to river basins in the West that are under siege from growing urban corridors that are not pushing conservation and water thrift enough.
http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/05/16/news/top_story/55e4c6552b616cc1872572dc00827e08.txt
-----
I. As of Saturday, May 19: Only 611 days left of the Incompetent Corrupt Junta !
Unless they impliment the Executive Directive that I pointed out in my initial item in this post...
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17240097.htm
-----
J. Recommended Site to Bookmark
http://www.freepress.org/index2.php
-----
A. Bush Junta Establishes Protocol and Procedure For Grabbing Absolute Power
This alarming information about this Executive Branch Directive was completely ignored by all media. I am deeply concerned about the language in this directive and the large amount of ambiguity and vagueness in its contents and how that may result in it being initiated for reasons that most would could consider and believe to be inadequate or largely minor.
http://progressive.org/mag_wx051807
-----
B. Capitulation and Cowardice by Democratic Legislators in Congress
It is foolish and out-of- touch actions by Democrats in Congress that anger, infuriate, and alienate citizens including me. Out of control trade agreements that blatantly and obviously tilt the field to foriegn countries at the expense of American wages, jobs, taxes for local government, and contribute to mass social problems on the family, neighborhood, community, and societal levels are destroying the middle class and communities in this nation. A third party campaign that is aware of this and carefully and strongly gets this message out could go a long way in '08.
http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20070604&s=editors
-----
C. The Right Wing Republican Destruction and De-Construction of Americas
Hopefully this 27 year trend is starting to draw near a close but what awaits beyond '08 is still to be determined and will include elements that will be distasteful and force compromise in some ways.
http://existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-radical-gop-divided-and-conquered.html
-----
D. GOP Split over Heinous Immigration Bill Now in Congress
My opinions strongly opposing this legislation have already been made known, and its somewhat comforting to see a few Republicans that can see the light, wake up, and smell the coffee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/18/AR2007051801970.html?hpid=topnews
http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/19/news/wyoming/e7c108d8f031f51e872572e000013ff8.txt
-----
E. A Growing Uneasiness and Reaction to Monopolistic Corporate Dominance of Media
This is yet another place where corporate greed, arrogance, and immorality has caused great and, in some cases, irreversible harm to the American citizenry.
http://www.thestar.com/article/215266
------
F. Unfairness in Recent Postal Rate Hikes
I want to see these unfair hikes which stifle democracy, exchange of ideas, free thought, and journalistic competition and enterprise immediately re-evaluated with fairness put into place and removal of blatant bias and favoritism towards big corporate media.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/19/1320/
-----
G. Atlantic Treasure Find Announced
Good for these explorers for hitting the jackpot. I know these efforts are very time consuming, risky, dangerous, and require enormous investments in specialized equipment and training.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0519Treasure-Split0519.html
-----
H. Snake River Headwaters Protection Bill
Having had the privilege and delight to see some of this country some years back, I am very happy to see this legislation moving forward in Congress. It is long overdue, and I hope to see more of this kind of conservation legislation introduced and signed into law in the coming years particularly in regard to river basins in the West that are under siege from growing urban corridors that are not pushing conservation and water thrift enough.
http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/05/16/news/top_story/55e4c6552b616cc1872572dc00827e08.txt
-----
I. As of Saturday, May 19: Only 611 days left of the Incompetent Corrupt Junta !
Unless they impliment the Executive Directive that I pointed out in my initial item in this post...
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17240097.htm
-----
J. Recommended Site to Bookmark
http://www.freepress.org/index2.php
-----
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Unspoken Legacy of Jerry Falwell
Falwell had a profound influence and role in shaping public policy and government activity and focus for the last 30 years ago. He basically changed the Republican Party, at least on the surface for many, as the party that would protect and increase morals; while perpertually defining the Democrats as the party responsible for the decline in morality and the growth of social problems and societal dysfunction.
But the legacy of Falwell's influence and presence that is never talked about is the significant shift that occurred in government from a focus on economic issues and the well-being of the middle class and helping the poor and misfortunate to a profound focus on moral and character issues. This shift which really started with the inauguration of Reagan in 1981 has had a deep and powerful effect and cost on the nation as a whole, in states and communities, and in families and individually.
Income inequality has skyrocketed and wages and salaries have lagged enormously behind the increases in prices and costs of consumer goods, particularly housing, energy, health care, food and household goods, and automobiles, among others. Where a working class man could support his family on his income alone has all but disappeared in the last 25 years and compelled families to become dual income with both spouses working fulltime to make ends meet. This economic inevitability has come with an unimaginable and untold cost on families and children in so many different ways as well as for communities and society at large. There has been a noticeable and discernable decline and decay in the standard of living and the quality of life in many ways in the last 25 years and most Americans recognize this today.
And for a single person like me, the decline in wages and pay has resulted in a severe loss of standard of living and forced one to have to make difficult and painful sacrifices and really miss out on some of the great opportunities that life is supposed to offer. Instead, market capitalism and corporacy has run amok and destroyed much of what America was about in the recent past and resulted in a serious decline in most elements considered to be a part of the quality of life. A single person can no longer make it on their own in America today unless they are making $40-50,000 per year and I have never made even half that ever in a year in my life.
Ironically, Falwell's pressure and influence on government and forcing them to largely abandon economic issues resulted in the growth of the problems related to the moral issues he pontificated on and hounded government about.
One can conclude that because of Falwell and others, moral decay and the related problems caused were increased in numbers and stature and in the mindsets of many people; had he stayed out of the public limelight, the nation would have been so much better off as the basic family and community foundations and structures would have been better served and fostered by government and the growth in societal and moral problems would have not increased as greatly as they have these last 25 years. Corporations would not have been allowed to be so greedy, arrogant, irresponsible, powerful, tax evading, and monopolistic; and the wealthy would have constrained more greatly through tax and other public policy.
Lets hope 2009 begins the reversal and correction for all the mistakes and shortcomings that have occurred since 1981. If not, things are going to get so much more worse in almost unimaginable ways that one would say smacks of science fiction...
But the legacy of Falwell's influence and presence that is never talked about is the significant shift that occurred in government from a focus on economic issues and the well-being of the middle class and helping the poor and misfortunate to a profound focus on moral and character issues. This shift which really started with the inauguration of Reagan in 1981 has had a deep and powerful effect and cost on the nation as a whole, in states and communities, and in families and individually.
Income inequality has skyrocketed and wages and salaries have lagged enormously behind the increases in prices and costs of consumer goods, particularly housing, energy, health care, food and household goods, and automobiles, among others. Where a working class man could support his family on his income alone has all but disappeared in the last 25 years and compelled families to become dual income with both spouses working fulltime to make ends meet. This economic inevitability has come with an unimaginable and untold cost on families and children in so many different ways as well as for communities and society at large. There has been a noticeable and discernable decline and decay in the standard of living and the quality of life in many ways in the last 25 years and most Americans recognize this today.
And for a single person like me, the decline in wages and pay has resulted in a severe loss of standard of living and forced one to have to make difficult and painful sacrifices and really miss out on some of the great opportunities that life is supposed to offer. Instead, market capitalism and corporacy has run amok and destroyed much of what America was about in the recent past and resulted in a serious decline in most elements considered to be a part of the quality of life. A single person can no longer make it on their own in America today unless they are making $40-50,000 per year and I have never made even half that ever in a year in my life.
Ironically, Falwell's pressure and influence on government and forcing them to largely abandon economic issues resulted in the growth of the problems related to the moral issues he pontificated on and hounded government about.
One can conclude that because of Falwell and others, moral decay and the related problems caused were increased in numbers and stature and in the mindsets of many people; had he stayed out of the public limelight, the nation would have been so much better off as the basic family and community foundations and structures would have been better served and fostered by government and the growth in societal and moral problems would have not increased as greatly as they have these last 25 years. Corporations would not have been allowed to be so greedy, arrogant, irresponsible, powerful, tax evading, and monopolistic; and the wealthy would have constrained more greatly through tax and other public policy.
Lets hope 2009 begins the reversal and correction for all the mistakes and shortcomings that have occurred since 1981. If not, things are going to get so much more worse in almost unimaginable ways that one would say smacks of science fiction...
New Immigration Bill is Terrible and Treasonous !!!
The Immigration Bill passed in the Senate is an utterly woeful sorry piece of legislation. It basically gives the nation away to criminals and further destroys economic vitality and security of working class Americans and their families.
In addition, the illegals get rewarded for lawbreaking, the nation gains people that will be a financial drain in so many ways on taxpayers, and more growth and more sprawl gets authorized and subsidized. I am in complete agreement with Representative Tancredo and his approach to deal with this enormous plague upon our land and home. Gather 'em up and get 'em all out for heavens sake.
There are already over 310 million people in this nation and the environments and ecosystems were not meant to be infested with this many people. The cost to us will be tragic and inevitably fatal before the end of this century. I sure hope the US House shoots down this pathetic piece of "legislation" for all Americans' sakes.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_go_co/immigration_congress;_ylt=AhfaI59uBbb30_iWR4hwIz6s0NUE
In addition, the illegals get rewarded for lawbreaking, the nation gains people that will be a financial drain in so many ways on taxpayers, and more growth and more sprawl gets authorized and subsidized. I am in complete agreement with Representative Tancredo and his approach to deal with this enormous plague upon our land and home. Gather 'em up and get 'em all out for heavens sake.
There are already over 310 million people in this nation and the environments and ecosystems were not meant to be infested with this many people. The cost to us will be tragic and inevitably fatal before the end of this century. I sure hope the US House shoots down this pathetic piece of "legislation" for all Americans' sakes.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_go_co/immigration_congress;_ylt=AhfaI59uBbb30_iWR4hwIz6s0NUE
MLB Channel Set to Launch in 2009
The new basic cable and satellite channel, the MLB Network, promises to be a great addition for viewing and will be the most successful channel launch ever. I just wonder how they will fill all the thousands and thousands of hours with worthwhile programming. The existing sports broadcast channels are nowhere at all near being able to do that as it stands now.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/316238_baseballtv18.html
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/316238_baseballtv18.html
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Thursday 17 May News Articles and Observations
Thursday 17 May had some news articles that caught my attention, and below are some brief observations on my part about them.
A. News about the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act
I hope to see this legislation enacted in due haste, but I am convinced the Bush Gang will veto it. I look for it to be enacted in Summer 'o9, like numerous other positive pieces of legislation that are just awaiting for the turnover to occur at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The NREPA is very important to helping maintain wildlife and areas for them to live and prosper.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/106/story/84549.html
-----
B. New Colleges, Universities Eyed for Idaho, Wyoming, other Mountain Zone States
There can never be too many institutions of higher learning, and particularly ones in the private sector that are well-funded and well-endowed. As the population grows in the time zone, I would expect to see new schools established and in areas that have lacked these kinds of opportunities for their local citizenry.
http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A220273
-----
C. News on 21st Century Energy Development
I welcome this news and hope to hear more stories like this in the coming months and years.
There is enough wind energy capable of being generated in the High Plains to meet the energy needs completely for all the needs out there in the Mountain Time Zone and most of the western half of the Central Time Zone. Wind and solar are the wave of the future, and there better be no mention or thought about nuclear or additional coal and natural gas power plants ever again.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_5913113
-----
D. More about Warren Commission Coverup and Missing Truth on JFK Assassination
The obvious facts completely run contrary to what the official version Americans were told and only fools, those with their heads buried in the sand, or with an agenda still believe the Warren Report.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/16/AR2007051601967.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-----
E. Hegel - Bloomfield in 2008 ?
The chances of this eventuating may be better than one might think -- I believe it would be a fantastic development for the 'o8 Campaign for the Presidency. The frontrunners in the GOP and Democratic Parties may end up being poorer choices if this third party team is created.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-third16may16,0,1834212.story?coll=la-home-center
-----
F. Everyone will be Voting for the President in the Winter and Snow
Will there be any state left that does not have their primary before the end of Winter ? It is easy to imagine primaries and caucuses for the 2012 election occurring in Autumn 2011...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-primary16may16,1,2259341.story
-----
G. Another Failure By Bush Administration Officials
With all of us getting gouged, robbed, and raped by the Oil Corporations on a daily basis -- don't we all just love gasoline being price over $3.00 per gallon and still rising every week -- its completely horrible, unexplainable, and irresponsible that the Feds have allowed this racketeering and organized crime to go on. Why does oil procured in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, or North Dakota have to be priced the same as oil from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Venezuela, Indonesia, or Nigeria ? There is absolutely no reason gasoline being used by consumers in California that originated in California has to be priced over $4.00 per gallon. Why does domestic American oil HAVE to be priced the same as non-domestic oil ? Why do prices have to be matched ? This reckless price gouging must be stopped !
http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=386
-----
H. Growth and Water in Conflict in North and Central Arizona
Where do people expect to get the water needed in this area ? A millenium ago, another group of people were forced out because of a lack of water --- history will repeat itself unless a huge expensive infrastructural investment is made and maintained, particularly in light of the news the Southwest will become tremendously more drier and ridden with drought with no end in sight with the new Global Climate in place.
http://www.hcn.org/servlets/hcn.Article?article_id=17001
-----
A. News about the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act
I hope to see this legislation enacted in due haste, but I am convinced the Bush Gang will veto it. I look for it to be enacted in Summer 'o9, like numerous other positive pieces of legislation that are just awaiting for the turnover to occur at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The NREPA is very important to helping maintain wildlife and areas for them to live and prosper.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/106/story/84549.html
-----
B. New Colleges, Universities Eyed for Idaho, Wyoming, other Mountain Zone States
There can never be too many institutions of higher learning, and particularly ones in the private sector that are well-funded and well-endowed. As the population grows in the time zone, I would expect to see new schools established and in areas that have lacked these kinds of opportunities for their local citizenry.
http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A220273
-----
C. News on 21st Century Energy Development
I welcome this news and hope to hear more stories like this in the coming months and years.
There is enough wind energy capable of being generated in the High Plains to meet the energy needs completely for all the needs out there in the Mountain Time Zone and most of the western half of the Central Time Zone. Wind and solar are the wave of the future, and there better be no mention or thought about nuclear or additional coal and natural gas power plants ever again.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_5913113
-----
D. More about Warren Commission Coverup and Missing Truth on JFK Assassination
The obvious facts completely run contrary to what the official version Americans were told and only fools, those with their heads buried in the sand, or with an agenda still believe the Warren Report.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/16/AR2007051601967.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-----
E. Hegel - Bloomfield in 2008 ?
The chances of this eventuating may be better than one might think -- I believe it would be a fantastic development for the 'o8 Campaign for the Presidency. The frontrunners in the GOP and Democratic Parties may end up being poorer choices if this third party team is created.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-third16may16,0,1834212.story?coll=la-home-center
-----
F. Everyone will be Voting for the President in the Winter and Snow
Will there be any state left that does not have their primary before the end of Winter ? It is easy to imagine primaries and caucuses for the 2012 election occurring in Autumn 2011...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-primary16may16,1,2259341.story
-----
G. Another Failure By Bush Administration Officials
With all of us getting gouged, robbed, and raped by the Oil Corporations on a daily basis -- don't we all just love gasoline being price over $3.00 per gallon and still rising every week -- its completely horrible, unexplainable, and irresponsible that the Feds have allowed this racketeering and organized crime to go on. Why does oil procured in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, or North Dakota have to be priced the same as oil from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Venezuela, Indonesia, or Nigeria ? There is absolutely no reason gasoline being used by consumers in California that originated in California has to be priced over $4.00 per gallon. Why does domestic American oil HAVE to be priced the same as non-domestic oil ? Why do prices have to be matched ? This reckless price gouging must be stopped !
http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=386
-----
H. Growth and Water in Conflict in North and Central Arizona
Where do people expect to get the water needed in this area ? A millenium ago, another group of people were forced out because of a lack of water --- history will repeat itself unless a huge expensive infrastructural investment is made and maintained, particularly in light of the news the Southwest will become tremendously more drier and ridden with drought with no end in sight with the new Global Climate in place.
http://www.hcn.org/servlets/hcn.Article?article_id=17001
-----
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday 14 May News Items and Observations
Monday 14 May had a few news articles which I noted and had opinions about.
A. Widespread Vast Corporate Exploitation of the Poor and Disadvantaged
These types of businesses need to be destroyed and their founders, executives, and management imprisoned for a long time. All interest of any kind needs to be capped at 15 % annually with no fees or other horse manure attached or added on no matter what kind of credit is being given.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_21/b4035001.htm
-----
B. Its Been Proven! Fox News Viewers are Extraordinarily Stupid and Dull
As if there was any doubt, it has been established that viewers vary in intelligence, sensibility, and consciousness which is reflected in their choice of "news" media they watch.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=37368
-----
C. The Horse Manure Myth and Legacy of Ronald Reagan
This site adds much to dispelling all the hype and hyperbole of the man who is at least somewhat responsible for starting the US on the road to where its at today. He should have chosen Laxalt of Nevada instead of Bush Senior back in '80 for the Veep -- It is almost unimaginable how much better things would have been instead for all of us !
http://ronbeas2.blogspot.com/2007/05/reagan-myth-tough-gunslinger-edition.html
-----
D. Site I Recommend to Bookmark
http://www.net.org/
-----
E. Pacific Northwest Online Newspaper
I came across this recently and it appears to be a good information source for the Northwest, much like http://www.headwatersnews.org and http://www.newwest.net are outstanding sources for Mountain Time Zone.
http://www.crosscut.com/
-----
A. Widespread Vast Corporate Exploitation of the Poor and Disadvantaged
These types of businesses need to be destroyed and their founders, executives, and management imprisoned for a long time. All interest of any kind needs to be capped at 15 % annually with no fees or other horse manure attached or added on no matter what kind of credit is being given.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_21/b4035001.htm
-----
B. Its Been Proven! Fox News Viewers are Extraordinarily Stupid and Dull
As if there was any doubt, it has been established that viewers vary in intelligence, sensibility, and consciousness which is reflected in their choice of "news" media they watch.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=37368
-----
C. The Horse Manure Myth and Legacy of Ronald Reagan
This site adds much to dispelling all the hype and hyperbole of the man who is at least somewhat responsible for starting the US on the road to where its at today. He should have chosen Laxalt of Nevada instead of Bush Senior back in '80 for the Veep -- It is almost unimaginable how much better things would have been instead for all of us !
http://ronbeas2.blogspot.com/2007/05/reagan-myth-tough-gunslinger-edition.html
-----
D. Site I Recommend to Bookmark
http://www.net.org/
-----
E. Pacific Northwest Online Newspaper
I came across this recently and it appears to be a good information source for the Northwest, much like http://www.headwatersnews.org and http://www.newwest.net are outstanding sources for Mountain Time Zone.
http://www.crosscut.com/
-----
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mothers Day
Here is a big wish of a Happy Mothers Day to all three of my sisters; my two sister-in-laws; all the women I have been acquainted with, known, and been friends to over so many years; all the women who have, are, and will be Moms someday; and most especially to my own Mom, whom did a great job inspite of enormous adversities, obstacles, and challenges to mold six children of her own into fine adults and sacrificed much on her part to do so much for so many. It truly is the hardest yet most rewarding and important job for anybody.
You are all owed a large number of "Thank Yous" for all you have done. You all did good.
You are all owed a large number of "Thank Yous" for all you have done. You all did good.
Sunday 13 May News Articles and Observations
Here are some news articles and my observations about them.
A. Restoring Economic Balance and Justice in the Workplace and Society
Another article about the impact the Employee Free Choice Act will have on so many of us Americans and a little background and history on what the corporacy and their government hacks and muscle have done to our society in the last 25 + years.... Lets hope this becomes a reality in the next two years after the '08 election.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/382217,CST-EDT-REF12.article
-----
B. More Rumblings about the Nearing and Imminent Iran War
I believe it is a just a matter of when and not if, for the Bush Junta to make this decision and have certain military forces act.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2007/May/middleeast_May166.xml§ion=middleeast
-----
C. Article on RFK and his Opinions on His Brother JFK's Assassination
What we were told by the Warren Commission about the JFK Assasssination were plainly bald-faced lies, but when and if the absolute truth will ever be known is probably uncertain at best, and will always be a matter of seroius controversy.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/383811,CST-CONT-kennedy13.article
-----
D. Is It Possible: A Military Coup in America ? ! ?
I would be stunned and surprised if military leaders would take steps to oust the Bush gang, but it just seems impossible that could ever occur, or is it ....?
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/13/generals-revolt/
-----
E. A Blog I Recommend to Look In On
I came across this blog and I will bookmark it and check it to read and review its content.
http://existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com/
-----
F. Often The Benefits of Ideas Go Largely Unaccepted for a Long Time
Yes, the counterculture movement 30-45 years ago had its negatives and bad points, but many solid pluses and good points which are increasingly becoming accepted and recognized so many years after their origination.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/05/02/notes050207.DTL
-----
G. Another Blog Recommendation
http://www.progressivedailybeacon.com/more.php?id=1540
-----
A. Restoring Economic Balance and Justice in the Workplace and Society
Another article about the impact the Employee Free Choice Act will have on so many of us Americans and a little background and history on what the corporacy and their government hacks and muscle have done to our society in the last 25 + years.... Lets hope this becomes a reality in the next two years after the '08 election.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/382217,CST-EDT-REF12.article
-----
B. More Rumblings about the Nearing and Imminent Iran War
I believe it is a just a matter of when and not if, for the Bush Junta to make this decision and have certain military forces act.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2007/May/middleeast_May166.xml§ion=middleeast
-----
C. Article on RFK and his Opinions on His Brother JFK's Assassination
What we were told by the Warren Commission about the JFK Assasssination were plainly bald-faced lies, but when and if the absolute truth will ever be known is probably uncertain at best, and will always be a matter of seroius controversy.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/383811,CST-CONT-kennedy13.article
-----
D. Is It Possible: A Military Coup in America ? ! ?
I would be stunned and surprised if military leaders would take steps to oust the Bush gang, but it just seems impossible that could ever occur, or is it ....?
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/13/generals-revolt/
-----
E. A Blog I Recommend to Look In On
I came across this blog and I will bookmark it and check it to read and review its content.
http://existentialistcowboy.blogspot.com/
-----
F. Often The Benefits of Ideas Go Largely Unaccepted for a Long Time
Yes, the counterculture movement 30-45 years ago had its negatives and bad points, but many solid pluses and good points which are increasingly becoming accepted and recognized so many years after their origination.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/05/02/notes050207.DTL
-----
G. Another Blog Recommendation
http://www.progressivedailybeacon.com/more.php?id=1540
-----
Friday, May 11, 2007
The White Knight Rides Again !
After going 5 days without the truck, I was able to get it repaired and running today (Friday 11 May 07). The White Knight would not start at the end of the work day last Monday and I had to leave it on the fourth and top floor of a parking tower near where I work in Cheyenne for four nights which was a little unsettling and worrisome while I waited to get paid.
The problem was in the wiring as I suspected as some ground wire had failed over time with the temperature extremes the vehicle has been exposed to over its near 30 year life and the solenoid and ICM/voltage regulator mounts were not as firmly mounted to the wall of the engine compartment as required. I had put in a new set of spark plugs on Wednesday morning (first time I have ever done that at 7:30 in the morning), gapping them at the recommended level of .44 ( I included this so I can refer to it again in the future), but that also failed to solve the problems like my earlier parts installations.
For around $200 I got the problem solved which only wiped out 43 % of my paycheck instead of the feared greater amounted that I believed loomed. At least the expense was offset by not having to use 80 % of a tank of fuel that would have been consumed during the work week commute which is about $40 with our gasoline at $2.90 per gallon here in Cheyenne with increases on the near term horizon. Thank goodness for Chad being able to take me into town and bring me back out as part of his daily trip back and forth to high school. I bought him and his brother some ice cream treats at Dairy Queen as a small token of my gratitude.
I sure hope that this will be the last unanticipated repair expense that occurs for several months; but I do need in the coming few months to get an alignment done, replace the temperature gauge sender unit, an oil and lube, and purchase a wheel as the one I got as my spare is flawed and causes the Ford to shake when at freeway level speeds. I also need to get some inside door handles, install my rear view mirror so I don't have to strain my constantly painful neck, and tighten up the passenger side view mirror so the wind does not keep knocking it loose. And it is about time for a truck wash which I usually get done about three times per year. Ah, the travails of vehicle ownership when the truck is going on 30 years old...
The problem was in the wiring as I suspected as some ground wire had failed over time with the temperature extremes the vehicle has been exposed to over its near 30 year life and the solenoid and ICM/voltage regulator mounts were not as firmly mounted to the wall of the engine compartment as required. I had put in a new set of spark plugs on Wednesday morning (first time I have ever done that at 7:30 in the morning), gapping them at the recommended level of .44 ( I included this so I can refer to it again in the future), but that also failed to solve the problems like my earlier parts installations.
For around $200 I got the problem solved which only wiped out 43 % of my paycheck instead of the feared greater amounted that I believed loomed. At least the expense was offset by not having to use 80 % of a tank of fuel that would have been consumed during the work week commute which is about $40 with our gasoline at $2.90 per gallon here in Cheyenne with increases on the near term horizon. Thank goodness for Chad being able to take me into town and bring me back out as part of his daily trip back and forth to high school. I bought him and his brother some ice cream treats at Dairy Queen as a small token of my gratitude.
I sure hope that this will be the last unanticipated repair expense that occurs for several months; but I do need in the coming few months to get an alignment done, replace the temperature gauge sender unit, an oil and lube, and purchase a wheel as the one I got as my spare is flawed and causes the Ford to shake when at freeway level speeds. I also need to get some inside door handles, install my rear view mirror so I don't have to strain my constantly painful neck, and tighten up the passenger side view mirror so the wind does not keep knocking it loose. And it is about time for a truck wash which I usually get done about three times per year. Ah, the travails of vehicle ownership when the truck is going on 30 years old...
Friday 11 May News Articles and Observations
These are some recent news articles that caught my attention and my reactions to them.
A. The Promise of the Employee Free Choice Act
This legislation being considered in Congress is one of the most outstanding pieces of legislation to be taken under consideration in many years. I hope it survives and is improved on before it is sent to the new President in two years as the greedy Bush junta is totally out of touch with the vast majority of the citizenry and would veto it if the bill was submitted to the president. I enthusiastically support this bill and believe the bill would be of tremendous benefit to many American citizens.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/05/10/labor_law_reform_not_just_for_unions.php
-----
B. Near Term Effects of Global Warming on US Temperatures
This study by NASA strongly forecasts a rise in average daily high temperatures across the eastern US within 70 years. One can safely conclude the same would be true across the western US as well with a good likelihood that the numbers will even be higher due to elevation, terrain, vegetation, rapid changes in topography over relatively short distances, and the ever expanding heat island effect.
What this means is that places like Phoenix will have average highs in the mid 70s in January and the mid 110s in July and August; Albuquerque will average in the upper 50s in January and over 100 degrees for daily highs in July; Denver will average in the mid 50s in January and near 100 in July and early August; Las Vegas will be around 70 degrees in January and in the low 110s in July and early August as average daily highs; and Cheyenne will be near 50 degrees in January and in the mid 90s in July and early August.
Of course high temperatures can often be as much as 25 degrees above the normals and averages any day so one can see the profound ramifications of such phenomena -- low 80s in Albuquerque, upper 90s in Phoenix, around 80 in Denver, 95 in Las Vegas, and 75 in Cheyenne on Christmas Day some year; and low 120s in Albuquerque, over 135 in Phoenix, 120 in Denver, 130 in Las Vegas, and low 110s in Cheyenne on Independence Day some year !!!
One can safely assume we will see some years spike to these levels on an isolated basis within the next 10 to 15 years and increasing in occurrence beyond that until it becomes the norm about the time todays youngsters are geezers.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-hot-future,1,1797473.story?coll=chi-news-hed
C. The Genius and Wisdom of Mike Marshall and MLB's Ignorance of It
It is truly a shame baseball and pitchers everywhere are ignoring the sage advice and scientific research done by this former standout major leaguer.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Apk10uwj8nzz0lVh14FxK3w5nYcB?slug=jp-marshall051007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
-----
D. The Haplessness of the Pittsburgh Pirates Ownership
The Pirates and their fans (including me and my brother HBL) have endured 14 consecutive losing seasons and there is little if any optimism that this embarrassing streak will end anytime soon. If the streak reaches 17 years, the record will be broken which is held by the Philadelphia Phillies of the 30s and 40s. If only Mark Cuban or someone else of the level of his ownership expertise could become the Pirates' owner...
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1108&Itemid=42
-----
A. The Promise of the Employee Free Choice Act
This legislation being considered in Congress is one of the most outstanding pieces of legislation to be taken under consideration in many years. I hope it survives and is improved on before it is sent to the new President in two years as the greedy Bush junta is totally out of touch with the vast majority of the citizenry and would veto it if the bill was submitted to the president. I enthusiastically support this bill and believe the bill would be of tremendous benefit to many American citizens.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/05/10/labor_law_reform_not_just_for_unions.php
-----
B. Near Term Effects of Global Warming on US Temperatures
This study by NASA strongly forecasts a rise in average daily high temperatures across the eastern US within 70 years. One can safely conclude the same would be true across the western US as well with a good likelihood that the numbers will even be higher due to elevation, terrain, vegetation, rapid changes in topography over relatively short distances, and the ever expanding heat island effect.
What this means is that places like Phoenix will have average highs in the mid 70s in January and the mid 110s in July and August; Albuquerque will average in the upper 50s in January and over 100 degrees for daily highs in July; Denver will average in the mid 50s in January and near 100 in July and early August; Las Vegas will be around 70 degrees in January and in the low 110s in July and early August as average daily highs; and Cheyenne will be near 50 degrees in January and in the mid 90s in July and early August.
Of course high temperatures can often be as much as 25 degrees above the normals and averages any day so one can see the profound ramifications of such phenomena -- low 80s in Albuquerque, upper 90s in Phoenix, around 80 in Denver, 95 in Las Vegas, and 75 in Cheyenne on Christmas Day some year; and low 120s in Albuquerque, over 135 in Phoenix, 120 in Denver, 130 in Las Vegas, and low 110s in Cheyenne on Independence Day some year !!!
One can safely assume we will see some years spike to these levels on an isolated basis within the next 10 to 15 years and increasing in occurrence beyond that until it becomes the norm about the time todays youngsters are geezers.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-hot-future,1,1797473.story?coll=chi-news-hed
C. The Genius and Wisdom of Mike Marshall and MLB's Ignorance of It
It is truly a shame baseball and pitchers everywhere are ignoring the sage advice and scientific research done by this former standout major leaguer.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Apk10uwj8nzz0lVh14FxK3w5nYcB?slug=jp-marshall051007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
-----
D. The Haplessness of the Pittsburgh Pirates Ownership
The Pirates and their fans (including me and my brother HBL) have endured 14 consecutive losing seasons and there is little if any optimism that this embarrassing streak will end anytime soon. If the streak reaches 17 years, the record will be broken which is held by the Philadelphia Phillies of the 30s and 40s. If only Mark Cuban or someone else of the level of his ownership expertise could become the Pirates' owner...
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1108&Itemid=42
-----
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Baseball at the Completion of 20 % of the Season
Most clubs have played 32 games which marks completion of about one-fifth of the regular season. There are some nice surprises so far.
In the American League East, Boston has opened a 7 game lead over Baltimore and New York. The Yankees have been surprising and pleasantly mediocre to this point as their pitching has been woeful, including the acclaimed reliever Rivera, "The Monkey". Baltimore and Tampa Bay have played a bit better than expected thus far. Toronto has been awful and is already 10 1/2 games back.
In the Central, Cleveland and Detroit are in a dogfight for the division lead with Minnesota and Chicago within striking distance still. Kansas City is already buried at 11 games out.
In the West, Anaheim, Oakland, and Seattle are neck and neck and neck with Texas just 4 1/2 back.
Over in the National League, things are much the same. Like the Redsox, Milwaukee has opened a 7 game lead in the NL Central over Chicago and the defending champion St Louis Cardinals find themselves 9 games out. Houston, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati are with the pack well behind the pace setting Brewers who have the best record at 24-10.
In the NL East, Atlanta and New York are staying right with each other while preseason favorite Philadelphia continues to lag at 7 games out and in fourth place, one behind Florida. The hapless Nationals are 9-25 and have fallen 13 games out already.
And out in the West, Los Angeles has a slim lead on Arizona, San Diego, and surprising San Francisco with punchless Colorado bringing up the rear but just 5 games back.
Top surprises so far include: the Red Sox having such a big division lead; Baltimore hovering near .500; Tampa Bay being more competitive than expected; Seattle staying in the race; Atlanta setting the pace in NL East; Milwaukee being in such a commanding position in the Central; Pittsburgh being more competitive than expected; and Arizona and San Francisco staying in the NL West race.
Biggest Disappointments include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Cardinals. and Rockies.
I like what I am seeing from Boston, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, and the Mets; I cautiously am projecting them to be postseason bound at this time with both Western Division races to stay close and competitive into September. I am concerned about Colorado, Minnesota, Toronto, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia and delighted with the Yankees, St Louis, and both Chicago clubs having their struggles thus far.
My next outlook will come after Memorial Day, the traditional first pole or quarter mark of the season.
In the American League East, Boston has opened a 7 game lead over Baltimore and New York. The Yankees have been surprising and pleasantly mediocre to this point as their pitching has been woeful, including the acclaimed reliever Rivera, "The Monkey". Baltimore and Tampa Bay have played a bit better than expected thus far. Toronto has been awful and is already 10 1/2 games back.
In the Central, Cleveland and Detroit are in a dogfight for the division lead with Minnesota and Chicago within striking distance still. Kansas City is already buried at 11 games out.
In the West, Anaheim, Oakland, and Seattle are neck and neck and neck with Texas just 4 1/2 back.
Over in the National League, things are much the same. Like the Redsox, Milwaukee has opened a 7 game lead in the NL Central over Chicago and the defending champion St Louis Cardinals find themselves 9 games out. Houston, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati are with the pack well behind the pace setting Brewers who have the best record at 24-10.
In the NL East, Atlanta and New York are staying right with each other while preseason favorite Philadelphia continues to lag at 7 games out and in fourth place, one behind Florida. The hapless Nationals are 9-25 and have fallen 13 games out already.
And out in the West, Los Angeles has a slim lead on Arizona, San Diego, and surprising San Francisco with punchless Colorado bringing up the rear but just 5 games back.
Top surprises so far include: the Red Sox having such a big division lead; Baltimore hovering near .500; Tampa Bay being more competitive than expected; Seattle staying in the race; Atlanta setting the pace in NL East; Milwaukee being in such a commanding position in the Central; Pittsburgh being more competitive than expected; and Arizona and San Francisco staying in the NL West race.
Biggest Disappointments include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Cardinals. and Rockies.
I like what I am seeing from Boston, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, and the Mets; I cautiously am projecting them to be postseason bound at this time with both Western Division races to stay close and competitive into September. I am concerned about Colorado, Minnesota, Toronto, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia and delighted with the Yankees, St Louis, and both Chicago clubs having their struggles thus far.
My next outlook will come after Memorial Day, the traditional first pole or quarter mark of the season.
Thursday 10 May News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles that caught my attention and some brief observations by me about them.
A. US Army Pinon Canyon In SE Colorado Expansion Opposition
The US Army is planning on claiming much of SE Colorado for expansion of the existing Pinon Canyon Military Training Reservation in the coming years and local opposition is organizing and increasing to this increasing threat to their homes and communities. This website has been established to provide information to all those interested about this. However, I think the US Army will get what it wants and will take it no matter what opposition, formal, legal, or whatever, arises.
http://www.pinoncanyon.com/
-----
B. "Free Trade": Pertinent Information for Better Understanding
This opinion column explains very clearly the costs and ramifications of "free trade" and why this terrible development is going to doom us as a people and society and force our children to pay a horrible, unimaginable, steep price when they reach adulthood.
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/how_free_is_free_trade_for_the_west/C37/L37/
-----
C. Alternative Fort Collins News and Information Source
I came across this site which should prove invaluable in the future as an alternative news and reference source for the Northern Front Range corridor.
http://www.rmchronicle.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
-----
A. US Army Pinon Canyon In SE Colorado Expansion Opposition
The US Army is planning on claiming much of SE Colorado for expansion of the existing Pinon Canyon Military Training Reservation in the coming years and local opposition is organizing and increasing to this increasing threat to their homes and communities. This website has been established to provide information to all those interested about this. However, I think the US Army will get what it wants and will take it no matter what opposition, formal, legal, or whatever, arises.
http://www.pinoncanyon.com/
-----
B. "Free Trade": Pertinent Information for Better Understanding
This opinion column explains very clearly the costs and ramifications of "free trade" and why this terrible development is going to doom us as a people and society and force our children to pay a horrible, unimaginable, steep price when they reach adulthood.
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/how_free_is_free_trade_for_the_west/C37/L37/
-----
C. Alternative Fort Collins News and Information Source
I came across this site which should prove invaluable in the future as an alternative news and reference source for the Northern Front Range corridor.
http://www.rmchronicle.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
-----
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
NHL Stanley Cup Conference Finals Outlook
The Conference Finals are now up in the 2007 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and the two series look as if they will be great.
EAST: #1 Buffalo v # 4 Ottawa -- These two bitter Northeast Division rivals will take up where they left off in the regular season. This promises to be an intense, physical, emotional series and neither club has an obvious weakness. Buffalo may have an edge offensively and they are getting healthier and deeper as each week elapses. Ottawa probably has the edge defensively and in goal. The Sabres' home ice advantage will be the final difference...
.............SABRES 4-3
WEST: #1 Detroit v # 2 Anaheim -- The best squads arguably in the West have made it to the conference finals, but Anaheim appears to have an edge everywhere over the veteran Red Wings. The Ducks firepower and goaltending will carry them to their second franchise appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals...
.............DUCKS 4-2
I correctly forecast three of these four conference finalists, only missing out with San Jose as the Sharks played extraordinarily poor in their series against Detroit. We have less than a month until we see the champions skating around the rink with the Stanley Cup high in the air.
EAST: #1 Buffalo v # 4 Ottawa -- These two bitter Northeast Division rivals will take up where they left off in the regular season. This promises to be an intense, physical, emotional series and neither club has an obvious weakness. Buffalo may have an edge offensively and they are getting healthier and deeper as each week elapses. Ottawa probably has the edge defensively and in goal. The Sabres' home ice advantage will be the final difference...
.............SABRES 4-3
WEST: #1 Detroit v # 2 Anaheim -- The best squads arguably in the West have made it to the conference finals, but Anaheim appears to have an edge everywhere over the veteran Red Wings. The Ducks firepower and goaltending will carry them to their second franchise appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals...
.............DUCKS 4-2
I correctly forecast three of these four conference finalists, only missing out with San Jose as the Sharks played extraordinarily poor in their series against Detroit. We have less than a month until we see the champions skating around the rink with the Stanley Cup high in the air.
Not So Good News From Minnesota
Governor Tim Pawlenty, who has a dismal and woeful record of performance and results in Minnesota, will veto a progressive health measure and it would seem unlikely the legislature has the votes to overturn it. This is a very disappointing turn of events for working class Minnesotans and their children. Pawlenty has bungled plenty of times before so his ongoing ineptitude and insensitivity is not surprising when it comes to improving the quality of life and standard of living for the neediest and most fragile of the citizenry.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/05/07/hhs/?rsssource=1
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/05/07/hhs/?rsssource=1
Great News from Maryland
This is huge progress for working people in Maryland, but I cannot see much more than maybe 6-8 states across the nation doing this anytime soon and none in the Rocky Mountain West and High Plains.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/us/09wage.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/us/09wage.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Monday, May 7, 2007
Spiderman 3: A Great Movie I Highly Recommend
I was taken to see the new Spiderman 3 film last Friday night and I thoroughly enjoyed the film. There was continued development of the primary characters and introduction of additional well written characters, particularly the Sandman villain. The writers did a superb job of placing meaningful human drama into the film and the acting cast did a sensational job performing these dramatic roles, along with the light comedy also included. The action scenes were lightning fast and very original. With the film generating hundreds of millions of dollars globally at the box office, it is evident that the film is well liked by many others.
I hope that a fourth film in the series is eventually done as some storylines still can be further developed. The writing and casting is what has made these Spiderman films so successful and enjoyable. Jonah Jameson is a riot !
I hope that a fourth film in the series is eventually done as some storylines still can be further developed. The writing and casting is what has made these Spiderman films so successful and enjoyable. Jonah Jameson is a riot !
Monday May 7 News Articles and Observations
Today's news articles that caught my attention and a brief reaction to them.
A. How George Kennan Would Have Assessed the Bush Administration
George Kennan was one of the most important thinkers and designers of American foreign policy after World War II and he played a significant role in shaping all of our lives. What he would say about the bungling collection of power-drunk boobs and mental midgets functioning in the White House is what one might expect.
http://www.walter-c-uhler.com/Reviews/watercarriers.html
-----
B. Bush Administration Ineptitude and Incompetency also Spans the Economic Side of the Ledger
This report on the hapless futility of this administration to do anything positive for the working citizen class of this nation is hardly surprising, but to be as inept as the 1930s Hoover crowd is downright amazing ! And we still have over 600 days left of these boobs and rodents running the nation !
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/5/7/14503/28176
-----
C. John Edwards is the Lone Voice on the Growing Widespread Issue of American Poverty
The issue of poverty is completely ignored by all other candidates and the mainstream media.
Corporations have done nothing in recent years either to address and assist in solving this growing problem. The spirit of John and Robert Kennedy lives only, it seems, in John Edwards. I can understand Republicans being ignorant and oblivious to poverty: after all, they are only interested in people and institutions swollen with money; but the silence from the other Democrats, particularly Clinton, Obama, and Biden, is utterly disgusting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/06/AR2007050601322.html?nav=rss_politics
-----
A. How George Kennan Would Have Assessed the Bush Administration
George Kennan was one of the most important thinkers and designers of American foreign policy after World War II and he played a significant role in shaping all of our lives. What he would say about the bungling collection of power-drunk boobs and mental midgets functioning in the White House is what one might expect.
http://www.walter-c-uhler.com/Reviews/watercarriers.html
-----
B. Bush Administration Ineptitude and Incompetency also Spans the Economic Side of the Ledger
This report on the hapless futility of this administration to do anything positive for the working citizen class of this nation is hardly surprising, but to be as inept as the 1930s Hoover crowd is downright amazing ! And we still have over 600 days left of these boobs and rodents running the nation !
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/5/7/14503/28176
-----
C. John Edwards is the Lone Voice on the Growing Widespread Issue of American Poverty
The issue of poverty is completely ignored by all other candidates and the mainstream media.
Corporations have done nothing in recent years either to address and assist in solving this growing problem. The spirit of John and Robert Kennedy lives only, it seems, in John Edwards. I can understand Republicans being ignorant and oblivious to poverty: after all, they are only interested in people and institutions swollen with money; but the silence from the other Democrats, particularly Clinton, Obama, and Biden, is utterly disgusting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/06/AR2007050601322.html?nav=rss_politics
-----
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Corporate Capitalism and Its Costs to Nature Explained
This is an excellent article which explains the huge and vast cost on mankind and nature that the recent and current model American Corporate Market Capitalism has had and continues to.
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/267
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/267
A Good Plan to Help Reduce Poverty
Poverty is growing quickly across America and government at all levels is doing little to address this very serious social problem which has tremendous ramifications across the entire social spectrum. The article below proposes a number of policy recommendations to address this issue and I agree strongly with all of the proposals made.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/04/poverty_report.html
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/04/poverty_report.html
The Economy's Huge Ticking Time Bomb
When one reads articles like these, it is easier to understand why a recession is on the near horizon and the impact it will have on American Citizens in the middle class and the poor will be rather profound.
The Bush Administration's money and tax policy that has been and continues to be in a place will take a bloody toll on many, many ordinary people.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17627.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/06/1006/
The Bush Administration's money and tax policy that has been and continues to be in a place will take a bloody toll on many, many ordinary people.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17627.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/06/1006/
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Thursday 3 May News Articles and Observations
Some recent news articles and some observations about them.
A. Oklahoma to Drop the Hammer on Invaders
If only the Feds would do this and the other 49 states follow in line as well to this grievous threat to working class Americans, taxpayers, and society at large.
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/state/news532.txt
-----
B. Change Blowing in the Wind
American citizens are getting more and more fed up with the corporacy and their government sponsors and muscle. 2009 cannot come soon enough so that many issues vital to the working class are addressed and the corporacy is mandated and compelled to be under control and restrained in its greed, corruption, anti-competitiveness, and societal destructiveness.
http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/capitol_hill_faces_people_part.html
------
C. HOA's: A Huge Threat to Freedom and Liberty, and Personal Responsibility
This defacto form of government has grown vastly in the last two to three decades and basically all this entity does is sacrifice freedom, responsibility, individuality, creativity, and carefree and relaxed lifestyles all in the name of profit: the idea is the property you buy does not belong exclusively to you but to your neighbors as well; it is not about making an individual home of your own but maximizing real estate investment returns for your neighbors.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/51001/
-----
A. Oklahoma to Drop the Hammer on Invaders
If only the Feds would do this and the other 49 states follow in line as well to this grievous threat to working class Americans, taxpayers, and society at large.
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/state/news532.txt
-----
B. Change Blowing in the Wind
American citizens are getting more and more fed up with the corporacy and their government sponsors and muscle. 2009 cannot come soon enough so that many issues vital to the working class are addressed and the corporacy is mandated and compelled to be under control and restrained in its greed, corruption, anti-competitiveness, and societal destructiveness.
http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/capitol_hill_faces_people_part.html
------
C. HOA's: A Huge Threat to Freedom and Liberty, and Personal Responsibility
This defacto form of government has grown vastly in the last two to three decades and basically all this entity does is sacrifice freedom, responsibility, individuality, creativity, and carefree and relaxed lifestyles all in the name of profit: the idea is the property you buy does not belong exclusively to you but to your neighbors as well; it is not about making an individual home of your own but maximizing real estate investment returns for your neighbors.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/51001/
-----
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Recent News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles and my observations briefly about them.
A. Internet Spreads Code-Breaking Information
Nothing can stop people from doing things like this. The entertainment industry is fighting a losing battle in spite of laws and legal threats. Where there is a demand, a supply will be created no matter what limitations and controls are in place.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/technology/03code.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1178161215-lF+NFNYwWHj5LjTImoxZPA
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070502_is_linking_protected.htm
-----
B. Recent Photographs and Information about the Planet Jupiter and its Moons
It is fascinating to read and see this material on this celestial body and its satellites.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=452130&in_page_id=1965
-----
C. A Humerous Look at Wasteful Types of Employment
All these jobs are a big waste of time, money, and effort; and yet many people earn a comfortable living doing these types of work.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/bing/0704/gallery.bing_50jobs.fortune/
-----
D. More on the Rising Price of Gasoline
It sounds like the price increases of gasoline are nowhere near being done. Most projections show another 15 cents to 25 cents per gallon increase before the peak is hit in June or July.
I would assume that means prices in the Mountain Time Zone will range from right around $3.oo to $3.75 per gallon of regular gasoline at the peak with the highest prices in the metropolitan southwest and the lowest prices in Montana and Wyoming. Of course, unforeseen events and circumstances could push prices even higher, perhaps even significantly.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyid=2007-05-02T162356Z_01_N02342606_RTRUKOC_0_US-USA-GASOLINE-AAA.xml&src=rss&rpc=22
-----
E. Destruction of a Native People by Meth
This sad tragic story is being seen in many Indian tribes across the West.
http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/wyoming/7668db9bb0d1508e872572cc0020fd1a.txt
-----
F. Excellent News about Upcoming Highway Improvements in Southern Albany County, Wyoming
I have driven this long stretch of road hundreds of times in all kinds of weather and this planned improvement is long overdue particularly given the enormous amount of semi-truck trafffic seen on US 287. The planned improvements will enormously improve safety for travelers along this road. The frustrating thing is that the Colorado stretch of the highway ( approximately 35 to 40 miles from the WY border to the northern reachs of Fort Collins) will not see any improvements made in the next 30 years or more as the Centennial State is seriously way behind on upgrading and improving surface infrastructure all along the Front Range as well throughout Colorado including the Eastern Plains, the Mountains, Southwest Colorado, the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley, and Northwest Colorado. At some point in the future I will post a lengthy article about my observations about the shortcomings of surface infrastructure in Colorado and my recommendations on where and how improvements and upgrades should and must be made and as soon as possible in many if not most cases.
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=106572
-----
G. The Three Legs of the Republican Party are about to Collapse
It is beginning to look like the 'o8 elections are going to parallel the elections of 1964 and 1932
when the Democrats scored huge victories across the board. Worst case scenario for the GOP which is becoming increasingly likely: A Demo wins the Presidency, the Senate has at least 60 Democratic Senators ( a gain of at least nine seats), and the House sees a gain of 35-50 Democratic seats. If you are a GOP supporter, it is time to start growing afraid.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/907/
-----
H. The Laughable Hype over the Stock Market
Many in the media, government, and business are going ga-ga over the recent records being set by the Dow Jones Index. This index is as far as being irrelevant as can be imagined for almost every American. In no way do these kinds of indices reflect the American economy in an honest and realistic positive way. The US economy is shaky at best and a recession looms on the horizon, but Corporate America is completely out of touch and reality with the American workforce and the Dow Jones Index is perhaps the greatest indicator of that, so one can conclude that the better the Dow looks, the worse things are for the American worker !
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/909/
-----
I. Axis of Evil Grows by Only Three
It is a given the Bush Administration considers Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela as members of the "Axis of Evil" along with North Korea and Iran. Unfortunately, they are overlooking at least two nations that should be included as well: Saudi Arabia and Communist China. There will come a day, perhaps sooner than we imagine, when it will become apparent that we should have taken the threat of these two powerful nations more seriously.
http://www.atlargely.com/2007/05/us_names_terror.html
-----
J. Wikipedia: Good Knowledge and Information Source or Not ?
I use Wikipedia frequently and cite it as a primary reference or link when needing to expand on or further explain a topic. No source is always perfect, but I believe one can safely assume most of what is on Wikipedia is accurate, true, and unbiased. There will always be some extremely isolated exceptions like everything in life.
http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_5786064
-----
K. The Final Vote Comes in About 18 Months
As expected, George Bush vetoed the war spending limitation bill from Congress, and it is very doubtful enough votes will be found to override the veto. Thus, both side's positions on this issue of the Iraq War are now clearly staked out and the issue has gone as far it will legislatively for the near future. The American people now have the ball in their court and will decide the issue, among a number of others, probably quite clearly, in the Fall '08 General Election.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/02/IRAQ.TMP
-----
L. Cincinnati Reds headed for Cactus League and Arizona ?
With progress on a new multi-million spring training facility and stadium bogged down and dying, optimism is growing in Arizona that the Reds may join their cross-state rival Indians at a new facility being built in the far southwest Valley at Goodyear with an opening date of 2009. We will just have to wait and see if this becomes a reality, or if the Indians fly solo at Goodyear, or perhaps if they will be joined by some other team, such as Milwaukee, Houston, or even Baltimore besides the Reds.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS/705010333
-----
M. Gary Hart Addresses Mr. Shallow, Rudy Giuliani
The Guiliani Campaign is all style and no substance as any enlightened and thoughtful individual already easily knows, and Hart's open letter to Guiliani only further confirms the totally hollow foundations Guiliani and his campaign are all about.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/an-open-letter-to-mayor-g_b_47140.html
-----
A. Internet Spreads Code-Breaking Information
Nothing can stop people from doing things like this. The entertainment industry is fighting a losing battle in spite of laws and legal threats. Where there is a demand, a supply will be created no matter what limitations and controls are in place.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/technology/03code.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1178161215-lF+NFNYwWHj5LjTImoxZPA
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070502_is_linking_protected.htm
-----
B. Recent Photographs and Information about the Planet Jupiter and its Moons
It is fascinating to read and see this material on this celestial body and its satellites.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=452130&in_page_id=1965
-----
C. A Humerous Look at Wasteful Types of Employment
All these jobs are a big waste of time, money, and effort; and yet many people earn a comfortable living doing these types of work.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/bing/0704/gallery.bing_50jobs.fortune/
-----
D. More on the Rising Price of Gasoline
It sounds like the price increases of gasoline are nowhere near being done. Most projections show another 15 cents to 25 cents per gallon increase before the peak is hit in June or July.
I would assume that means prices in the Mountain Time Zone will range from right around $3.oo to $3.75 per gallon of regular gasoline at the peak with the highest prices in the metropolitan southwest and the lowest prices in Montana and Wyoming. Of course, unforeseen events and circumstances could push prices even higher, perhaps even significantly.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyid=2007-05-02T162356Z_01_N02342606_RTRUKOC_0_US-USA-GASOLINE-AAA.xml&src=rss&rpc=22
-----
E. Destruction of a Native People by Meth
This sad tragic story is being seen in many Indian tribes across the West.
http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/wyoming/7668db9bb0d1508e872572cc0020fd1a.txt
-----
F. Excellent News about Upcoming Highway Improvements in Southern Albany County, Wyoming
I have driven this long stretch of road hundreds of times in all kinds of weather and this planned improvement is long overdue particularly given the enormous amount of semi-truck trafffic seen on US 287. The planned improvements will enormously improve safety for travelers along this road. The frustrating thing is that the Colorado stretch of the highway ( approximately 35 to 40 miles from the WY border to the northern reachs of Fort Collins) will not see any improvements made in the next 30 years or more as the Centennial State is seriously way behind on upgrading and improving surface infrastructure all along the Front Range as well throughout Colorado including the Eastern Plains, the Mountains, Southwest Colorado, the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley, and Northwest Colorado. At some point in the future I will post a lengthy article about my observations about the shortcomings of surface infrastructure in Colorado and my recommendations on where and how improvements and upgrades should and must be made and as soon as possible in many if not most cases.
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=106572
-----
G. The Three Legs of the Republican Party are about to Collapse
It is beginning to look like the 'o8 elections are going to parallel the elections of 1964 and 1932
when the Democrats scored huge victories across the board. Worst case scenario for the GOP which is becoming increasingly likely: A Demo wins the Presidency, the Senate has at least 60 Democratic Senators ( a gain of at least nine seats), and the House sees a gain of 35-50 Democratic seats. If you are a GOP supporter, it is time to start growing afraid.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/907/
-----
H. The Laughable Hype over the Stock Market
Many in the media, government, and business are going ga-ga over the recent records being set by the Dow Jones Index. This index is as far as being irrelevant as can be imagined for almost every American. In no way do these kinds of indices reflect the American economy in an honest and realistic positive way. The US economy is shaky at best and a recession looms on the horizon, but Corporate America is completely out of touch and reality with the American workforce and the Dow Jones Index is perhaps the greatest indicator of that, so one can conclude that the better the Dow looks, the worse things are for the American worker !
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/909/
-----
I. Axis of Evil Grows by Only Three
It is a given the Bush Administration considers Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela as members of the "Axis of Evil" along with North Korea and Iran. Unfortunately, they are overlooking at least two nations that should be included as well: Saudi Arabia and Communist China. There will come a day, perhaps sooner than we imagine, when it will become apparent that we should have taken the threat of these two powerful nations more seriously.
http://www.atlargely.com/2007/05/us_names_terror.html
-----
J. Wikipedia: Good Knowledge and Information Source or Not ?
I use Wikipedia frequently and cite it as a primary reference or link when needing to expand on or further explain a topic. No source is always perfect, but I believe one can safely assume most of what is on Wikipedia is accurate, true, and unbiased. There will always be some extremely isolated exceptions like everything in life.
http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_5786064
-----
K. The Final Vote Comes in About 18 Months
As expected, George Bush vetoed the war spending limitation bill from Congress, and it is very doubtful enough votes will be found to override the veto. Thus, both side's positions on this issue of the Iraq War are now clearly staked out and the issue has gone as far it will legislatively for the near future. The American people now have the ball in their court and will decide the issue, among a number of others, probably quite clearly, in the Fall '08 General Election.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/02/IRAQ.TMP
-----
L. Cincinnati Reds headed for Cactus League and Arizona ?
With progress on a new multi-million spring training facility and stadium bogged down and dying, optimism is growing in Arizona that the Reds may join their cross-state rival Indians at a new facility being built in the far southwest Valley at Goodyear with an opening date of 2009. We will just have to wait and see if this becomes a reality, or if the Indians fly solo at Goodyear, or perhaps if they will be joined by some other team, such as Milwaukee, Houston, or even Baltimore besides the Reds.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS/705010333
-----
M. Gary Hart Addresses Mr. Shallow, Rudy Giuliani
The Guiliani Campaign is all style and no substance as any enlightened and thoughtful individual already easily knows, and Hart's open letter to Guiliani only further confirms the totally hollow foundations Guiliani and his campaign are all about.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/an-open-letter-to-mayor-g_b_47140.html
-----
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
