I imagine most of my readers have heard of the struggle of the United States Postal Service. I imagine that most have heard reports that USPS services are going to be reduced and possibly even eliminated altogether. I just wanted to take a minute and tell you that this is not something that should be taken lightly. I don't have statistics (though I'm sure you can find them easy enough online), but believe me when I say that we NEED the USPS.
I know that in these times of online billpay and paypal the envelope and stamp is nearing obsolescense, but what about birthday cards, wedding invitations, seasons greetings? Believe me, FedEx and UPS would love to deliver your letters, but that's not cheap now and would only become more expensive without USPS competition. And let's not forget FlatRate boxes for our Ebay and Amazon sellers.
Finally, consider the unemployment situation in this country. Does anyone reading this think we need more people jobless?
I could end this post with a call to action: stop paying your bills online, but I know that's unrealistic. Instead I will just ask you all to at least follow this situation.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Yellowcard - Believe
There is so much to say today and yet I can't seem to say any of it as eloquently as I think is necessary. For this I apologize. Still, I write.
10 years ago I was a freshman in college. Barely. I hadn't been away from home for much more than a few weeks. I hadn't even adjusted to my new class schedule or getting up in time for my 9am class. Most days I slept through my alarm and found myself rushing out of bed, slipping on my rollerblades (class was a good 25 minute walk and I take pride in how quick I could run up 4 flights of stairs in my skates) and speeding to class still in my pajamas - never turning on the TV. For some reason, on September 11, 2001 my alarm actually did it's job. But instead of the Sportscenter that morning you all know what was on the television.
And while most of the world watched for hours stunned and unable to look away I spent those hours on my dorm room phone (I didn't yet own a cell phone) trying to reach my mother. My mother who worked just a few blocks from the Twin Towers. To this day few things infuriate me more than the automated words "all circuits are busy, please try again". After racking up quite an expensive phone bill (dorm room calls were like $0.10 per minute) I learned that my mother had been picked up by an amazing cab driver and had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and though shaken, she was OK. The day after 9/11 I got my first cell phone. And it wasn't long after that my mother quit her job in the city. And to this day she won't take the subway.
Anyway, that's my story. But today I think of those who didn't make it home. I think of the bravery of the "Heroes of 9/11" and the kindness of strangers towards one another. I think of those who've lost their lives in the ongoing fight to keep this country and the world a safer place. I think of those families who've endured the loss of loved ones throughout it all.
I can't believe it's been 10 years. It feels like a lifetime ago. I can't believe it's been 10 years. It still hasn't ended.
10 years ago I was a freshman in college. Barely. I hadn't been away from home for much more than a few weeks. I hadn't even adjusted to my new class schedule or getting up in time for my 9am class. Most days I slept through my alarm and found myself rushing out of bed, slipping on my rollerblades (class was a good 25 minute walk and I take pride in how quick I could run up 4 flights of stairs in my skates) and speeding to class still in my pajamas - never turning on the TV. For some reason, on September 11, 2001 my alarm actually did it's job. But instead of the Sportscenter that morning you all know what was on the television.
And while most of the world watched for hours stunned and unable to look away I spent those hours on my dorm room phone (I didn't yet own a cell phone) trying to reach my mother. My mother who worked just a few blocks from the Twin Towers. To this day few things infuriate me more than the automated words "all circuits are busy, please try again". After racking up quite an expensive phone bill (dorm room calls were like $0.10 per minute) I learned that my mother had been picked up by an amazing cab driver and had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and though shaken, she was OK. The day after 9/11 I got my first cell phone. And it wasn't long after that my mother quit her job in the city. And to this day she won't take the subway.
Anyway, that's my story. But today I think of those who didn't make it home. I think of the bravery of the "Heroes of 9/11" and the kindness of strangers towards one another. I think of those who've lost their lives in the ongoing fight to keep this country and the world a safer place. I think of those families who've endured the loss of loved ones throughout it all.
I can't believe it's been 10 years. It feels like a lifetime ago. I can't believe it's been 10 years. It still hasn't ended.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Church and State
Please note that I have no biases against any religion. I will openly admit that I don't agree with organized religion, but my belief in G-d really depends on the day.
I wanted to make sure that is documented before I get into this post.
I currently live in the South... Borderline "Bible Belt" territory. Recently there has been news about prayers in school - specifically about public schools using the PA systems for pre-game prayers at football games. I wanted to take a minute to make something very clear. The separation of Church and State is one of the fundamental ideals of our constitution and society. Unless every child in said school is of the same religious background (or pays to go to a private school knowing full well that the school has prayers) this is not even a debate. There should be NO school prayers. No child should be forcefully alienated by principles, teachers, coaches, parents or other students for any reason - particularly religion. On the news today I saw a lady explain how forcing the school to stop public prayers was limiting the right of religious freedom. On the contrary the prayers are forcing religion on others. No one is saying students and parents can't pray before games. They are simply saying that it should not be a school function or forced upon anyone else.
On a similar note do you know how you can tell when you've entered the "Bible Belt"? When the ludicrous number of churches is only rivaled by the ridiculous number of "adult" stores. Really I know this might come off as funny or condescending, but it's completely true. And just kind of sad!
I wanted to make sure that is documented before I get into this post.
I currently live in the South... Borderline "Bible Belt" territory. Recently there has been news about prayers in school - specifically about public schools using the PA systems for pre-game prayers at football games. I wanted to take a minute to make something very clear. The separation of Church and State is one of the fundamental ideals of our constitution and society. Unless every child in said school is of the same religious background (or pays to go to a private school knowing full well that the school has prayers) this is not even a debate. There should be NO school prayers. No child should be forcefully alienated by principles, teachers, coaches, parents or other students for any reason - particularly religion. On the news today I saw a lady explain how forcing the school to stop public prayers was limiting the right of religious freedom. On the contrary the prayers are forcing religion on others. No one is saying students and parents can't pray before games. They are simply saying that it should not be a school function or forced upon anyone else.
On a similar note do you know how you can tell when you've entered the "Bible Belt"? When the ludicrous number of churches is only rivaled by the ridiculous number of "adult" stores. Really I know this might come off as funny or condescending, but it's completely true. And just kind of sad!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Quick Note
Obviously the Financial "Crisis" has been the major topic on the news and around the world. I don't have the time or patience to go into this too much right now, but here's just a quick note.
-If you want to help the economy then stop buying stuff online. Go into the stores. Sure it might cost a little more and maybe it's slightly less convenient, but it also keeps people employed. Keep this in mind: as we become more technologically advanced humans become less valuable. I don't believe robots will take over the world, but they'll put us all out of business.. and when that happens I don't want to speculate what will happen to society.
-If you want to help the economy then stop buying stuff online. Go into the stores. Sure it might cost a little more and maybe it's slightly less convenient, but it also keeps people employed. Keep this in mind: as we become more technologically advanced humans become less valuable. I don't believe robots will take over the world, but they'll put us all out of business.. and when that happens I don't want to speculate what will happen to society.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Spoon fed.
I found this to be pretty powerful!
http://blog.sustainablog.org/the-plastic-spoon-and-oil-addiction-in-america/
Thanks Mike C. for sharing.
http://blog.sustainablog.org/the-plastic-spoon-and-oil-addiction-in-america/
Thanks Mike C. for sharing.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Abort, Abort
This fits in with my current theme of griping on our government...
http://richarddawkins.net/articles/642186-states-enact-record-number-of-abortion-restrictions-in-first-half-of-2011
Beyond making abortion illegal, how many more restrictions can you put on it? Seriously, I'm asking.. it's either legal or it's not. For F's sake... I don't care what political party you support and I don't care about your thoughts on abortion. Really, I don't. Bottom line is that this country has many, many more important issues to worry about.
And on a related note... When the church stops molesting little boys I'll take their pro-life stance just a little more seriously...
Thanks Emmylee for sharing.
http://richarddawkins.net/articles/642186-states-enact-record-number-of-abortion-restrictions-in-first-half-of-2011
Beyond making abortion illegal, how many more restrictions can you put on it? Seriously, I'm asking.. it's either legal or it's not. For F's sake... I don't care what political party you support and I don't care about your thoughts on abortion. Really, I don't. Bottom line is that this country has many, many more important issues to worry about.
And on a related note... When the church stops molesting little boys I'll take their pro-life stance just a little more seriously...
Thanks Emmylee for sharing.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Netflix Wins!
By now everyone knows that Netflix is upping their price. It's been on the news and all over Facebook. Outrage seems everywhere. I have 3 points to make on this issue:
1 - Netflix has been talking for some time now about getting everyone onto their streaming service. They do not like supporting the DVD service. It is not cost effective for them (from buying rights to the newest movies to the shipping costs, etc. the larger the service grows the more of a losing proposition it becomes). To everyone that thinks they are somehow "sticking it" to Netflix by canceling the DVD portion of their service, I'm sorry to say you are playing right into their hands... (I still think it makes sense to cancel the DVD portion, but that's personal opinion).
2 - Does Netflix plan to do anything about it's lack of quality streaming options? I can't tell you how many times I try to find movies/tv shows on streaming that are only available via DVD.
3 - Throughout history it has been illegal to undercut a business to drive them out and then exorbitantly raise your rates. Isn't this basically what Netflix has done with Blockbuster? I'm not claiming them a monopoly and I understand why the government would let them get away with this, but shouldn't someone at least ask the question? Especially as the governments go out of their way to look out for companies such as Netflix with their anti-piracy laws? Again, I just wonder if the government is focusing on protecting the right people...
1 - Netflix has been talking for some time now about getting everyone onto their streaming service. They do not like supporting the DVD service. It is not cost effective for them (from buying rights to the newest movies to the shipping costs, etc. the larger the service grows the more of a losing proposition it becomes). To everyone that thinks they are somehow "sticking it" to Netflix by canceling the DVD portion of their service, I'm sorry to say you are playing right into their hands... (I still think it makes sense to cancel the DVD portion, but that's personal opinion).
2 - Does Netflix plan to do anything about it's lack of quality streaming options? I can't tell you how many times I try to find movies/tv shows on streaming that are only available via DVD.
3 - Throughout history it has been illegal to undercut a business to drive them out and then exorbitantly raise your rates. Isn't this basically what Netflix has done with Blockbuster? I'm not claiming them a monopoly and I understand why the government would let them get away with this, but shouldn't someone at least ask the question? Especially as the governments go out of their way to look out for companies such as Netflix with their anti-piracy laws? Again, I just wonder if the government is focusing on protecting the right people...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Checks and Balances... Or Mostly Just Checks
Ok.. Here's another political rant. I know I said I hate politics and I do, but I hate the feeling that I'm being screwed more. And every day I see the government screwing the average person.
I think every 235 years it's time for us to look at our government and our laws and our regulations and our taxes and our representation and see what's still relevant; what makes sense. Seriously, the government was written "for the people by the people" but has clearly become "run by the rich for the rich" or more specifically "run for the wealthy, powered with money from the poor". And let me clarify immediately, "rich" does not necessarily refer to private individuals (though in some cases it does - CEO's getting $500 million a year qualify), but more it refers to companies and industries and lobbyists who care not about the average person, but their special interest.
Below I'm going to gripe about some issues I have, but these are just a few... Chime in with what irritates you or how I'm an idiot, or whatever you've got to say..
- I've already taken a shot at the RIAA in this blog (http://thegiftandthegoods.blogspot.com/2009/12/riaa-its-not-about-music-anymore.html) but every day we hear a new way in which the government is trying to protect the arts or internet businesses. I am of course against Piracy and as a business person myself, I fully support people making money for their talents. I do however believe the "market" or economy should be allowed to self-regulate. In all truth, for a long time music has been in a bubble - similar to the housing market. Record labels demand $15 for a CD where they know likely only 2 or 3 songs will become "popular" and charge ticket prices at concerts upwards of $200 a seat. If the market is resorting to piracy perhaps the industry is the one doing something wrong? Sure, piracy threatens the future of the digital arts. I don't argue for a second that if musicians can't get paid it may limit the number of future musicians, but no one stopped the creation of posters which hurt painters. And in truth, if musicians stop making music eventually people will yearn for new music and the industy will be reborn. Perhaps its time the government stopped helping to hold up this bubble and let it pop?
- Why do tax dollars go to pay for stadiums and arenas run by private franchises? I love sports - pretty much more than anything else- but I can't afford to go to the games. Why do my tax dollars fund those stadiums? I know the government and teams will tell me the stadium brings in lots of revenue to the state, but not if the NFL/NBA has a lock-out! How can my tax dollars go to building stadiums and then still teams are allowed to sell seat licenses - which mean absolutely nothing (in fact you can't even customize your seat [ie sell ad space] even though you have the license)?
- I've griped on here many times about speed limits (http://thegiftandthegoods.blogspot.com/2009/12/need-for-speed.html), but this is my biggest issue. Speeding is not a crime. It is something the average person does every time they get in their car. Speed limits were originally created to protect people, but now they are simply a form of taxation (without representation) and it needs to stop. At the very least the governments need to realize and acknowledge that most speed limits were decided before cars had anti-lock breaks and clearly aren't realistic anymore. And to further prove my point: the fact that you can be giving a ticket via a camera and a picture mailed to your home proves the lack of severity of the issue.
- Why don't we let common sense rule the day? Why does shit need to be written down to be official? Piracy is wrong. We can go ahead and create laws that say so. But why do we allow the RIAA or other parties take advantage? Why do we allow them to charge $20,000 in damages per song (as in the above post)? Why do we allow them to go after people who do stupid things on YouTube, but happen to have the song in the background?
- Why do we let people sue McDonald's because the coffee is too hot? Causing all future coffee to be just luke warm?
- Why do we think laying off teachers is a good idea? Have we learned nothing about the value of education? Have we forgotten that children are our future?
I'm not just a complainer though... I'm also a problem solver and I've got some suggestions...
- We have tons of unemployment, but we're looking for ways to stimulate the economy, hmmm... How about creating jobs? More specifically, how about hiring some of the overabundant supply of lawyers to review all the above things (and the thousands of others) and actually fix the system? How about hiring civil engineers to review all of the speed limits and adjust them for today's automobile technology? How about just keeping our (good) teachers employed?
I know, I know, someone is going to ask where we are going to get the money for all of that. I've got ideas for that too.. 1 - see my last post. Let's use campaign contribution money. 2 - Take it from our overpaid and underperforming Congressmen/women and Senators and Members of the House who are so busy bickering and trying to screw each other to actually consider their citizens. 3 - Take it out of the travel and leisure and lunch budget of the aforementioned groups. Afterall, do they really need catered lunches every day? and meetings in Hawaii (I'm looking at you former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele)?
I think every 235 years it's time for us to look at our government and our laws and our regulations and our taxes and our representation and see what's still relevant; what makes sense. Seriously, the government was written "for the people by the people" but has clearly become "run by the rich for the rich" or more specifically "run for the wealthy, powered with money from the poor". And let me clarify immediately, "rich" does not necessarily refer to private individuals (though in some cases it does - CEO's getting $500 million a year qualify), but more it refers to companies and industries and lobbyists who care not about the average person, but their special interest.
Below I'm going to gripe about some issues I have, but these are just a few... Chime in with what irritates you or how I'm an idiot, or whatever you've got to say..
- I've already taken a shot at the RIAA in this blog (http://thegiftandthegoods.blogspot.com/2009/12/riaa-its-not-about-music-anymore.html) but every day we hear a new way in which the government is trying to protect the arts or internet businesses. I am of course against Piracy and as a business person myself, I fully support people making money for their talents. I do however believe the "market" or economy should be allowed to self-regulate. In all truth, for a long time music has been in a bubble - similar to the housing market. Record labels demand $15 for a CD where they know likely only 2 or 3 songs will become "popular" and charge ticket prices at concerts upwards of $200 a seat. If the market is resorting to piracy perhaps the industry is the one doing something wrong? Sure, piracy threatens the future of the digital arts. I don't argue for a second that if musicians can't get paid it may limit the number of future musicians, but no one stopped the creation of posters which hurt painters. And in truth, if musicians stop making music eventually people will yearn for new music and the industy will be reborn. Perhaps its time the government stopped helping to hold up this bubble and let it pop?
- Why do tax dollars go to pay for stadiums and arenas run by private franchises? I love sports - pretty much more than anything else- but I can't afford to go to the games. Why do my tax dollars fund those stadiums? I know the government and teams will tell me the stadium brings in lots of revenue to the state, but not if the NFL/NBA has a lock-out! How can my tax dollars go to building stadiums and then still teams are allowed to sell seat licenses - which mean absolutely nothing (in fact you can't even customize your seat [ie sell ad space] even though you have the license)?
- I've griped on here many times about speed limits (http://thegiftandthegoods.blogspot.com/2009/12/need-for-speed.html), but this is my biggest issue. Speeding is not a crime. It is something the average person does every time they get in their car. Speed limits were originally created to protect people, but now they are simply a form of taxation (without representation) and it needs to stop. At the very least the governments need to realize and acknowledge that most speed limits were decided before cars had anti-lock breaks and clearly aren't realistic anymore. And to further prove my point: the fact that you can be giving a ticket via a camera and a picture mailed to your home proves the lack of severity of the issue.
- Why don't we let common sense rule the day? Why does shit need to be written down to be official? Piracy is wrong. We can go ahead and create laws that say so. But why do we allow the RIAA or other parties take advantage? Why do we allow them to charge $20,000 in damages per song (as in the above post)? Why do we allow them to go after people who do stupid things on YouTube, but happen to have the song in the background?
- Why do we let people sue McDonald's because the coffee is too hot? Causing all future coffee to be just luke warm?
- Why do we think laying off teachers is a good idea? Have we learned nothing about the value of education? Have we forgotten that children are our future?
I'm not just a complainer though... I'm also a problem solver and I've got some suggestions...
- We have tons of unemployment, but we're looking for ways to stimulate the economy, hmmm... How about creating jobs? More specifically, how about hiring some of the overabundant supply of lawyers to review all the above things (and the thousands of others) and actually fix the system? How about hiring civil engineers to review all of the speed limits and adjust them for today's automobile technology? How about just keeping our (good) teachers employed?
I know, I know, someone is going to ask where we are going to get the money for all of that. I've got ideas for that too.. 1 - see my last post. Let's use campaign contribution money. 2 - Take it from our overpaid and underperforming Congressmen/women and Senators and Members of the House who are so busy bickering and trying to screw each other to actually consider their citizens. 3 - Take it out of the travel and leisure and lunch budget of the aforementioned groups. Afterall, do they really need catered lunches every day? and meetings in Hawaii (I'm looking at you former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele)?
Government Vs. Politics
I apologize up front because I know my readers don't necessarily come here to get all political, but this is where my head is at currently and the next few blog posts will reflect that. In truth, these are the only things that seem blog worthy lately (I'm always open to topic suggestions). It also probably has a little to do with the fact that my current cubicle is also the mail room and I have been perusing USA Today every morning...
That all said, I'm going to just mention this quickly..
According to said USA Today Obama has already raised $86 million for his re-election campaing - putting him above his pace of 2008 (where he ultimalte raised nearly $750 million).
So, to recap, during one of the worst economic times ever Obama is raking in record high campaign contributions.
1 - What is he doing so well that people want to shower him with money? For all the "Change" he spoke of, nothing's really changed... For all the promise he had when elected, the economy has only continued to slide (and no I don't necessarily blame him for any of that).
2 - What the hell is wrong with the system when one person can raise, what is projected to be, over $750 million, but he can't find any money to support his own government programs or reduce our national debt?
3 - Obama, I'll throw this out there. You want my vote? Don't campaign! Put that $750 million into reducing the debt or into financing any one of your positive initiatives. Show me you're actually about governing rather than politicking and I will give you my vote. And I will praise you loudly all the while. After all, I'm not interested in a politicians running my country. I'm looking for a President.
That all said, I'm going to just mention this quickly..
According to said USA Today Obama has already raised $86 million for his re-election campaing - putting him above his pace of 2008 (where he ultimalte raised nearly $750 million).
So, to recap, during one of the worst economic times ever Obama is raking in record high campaign contributions.
1 - What is he doing so well that people want to shower him with money? For all the "Change" he spoke of, nothing's really changed... For all the promise he had when elected, the economy has only continued to slide (and no I don't necessarily blame him for any of that).
2 - What the hell is wrong with the system when one person can raise, what is projected to be, over $750 million, but he can't find any money to support his own government programs or reduce our national debt?
3 - Obama, I'll throw this out there. You want my vote? Don't campaign! Put that $750 million into reducing the debt or into financing any one of your positive initiatives. Show me you're actually about governing rather than politicking and I will give you my vote. And I will praise you loudly all the while. After all, I'm not interested in a politicians running my country. I'm looking for a President.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Party Poopers
I hate talking politics. Mostly because I'm not as educated in this particular field as I probably should be (the naunces bore me), but also because political parties and leanings make no damn sense. Why does being a Republican mean that you have to be for limiting government AND anti-abortion? Why does being a Democrat mean you have to be for taxing the rich AND national healthcare? These 2 set parties with their set ideals artificially create political robots and do-nothing governments. And it just annoys me to no end. Even Obama and his "Change" campaign hasn't really changed anything.
Anyway, now that I've told you why I hate talking politics (which in summary is because I hate politics!), let me go ahead and talk politics...
How the hell do governments just shut down? Governments who continue to collect taxes while they take what amounts to a vacation - somehow I doubt that come April taxes will be prorated for these "days off". And how do governments justify closing public zoos, parks and libraries during a major National Holiday? A time when the zoo probably brings in it's highest yearly revenue? How is this nonsense allowed to happen? Because the 2 parties and their petty differences can't unite on a budget? Here's an idea. Focus on the important stuff (and maybe the revenue generating stuff - like the zoo on a holiday weekend) and stop being just a punchline...
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/05/137620057/go-to-work-minnesotans-vent-as-state-government-shutdown-continues
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/opinion/05brooks.html?_r=4
Anyway, now that I've told you why I hate talking politics (which in summary is because I hate politics!), let me go ahead and talk politics...
How the hell do governments just shut down? Governments who continue to collect taxes while they take what amounts to a vacation - somehow I doubt that come April taxes will be prorated for these "days off". And how do governments justify closing public zoos, parks and libraries during a major National Holiday? A time when the zoo probably brings in it's highest yearly revenue? How is this nonsense allowed to happen? Because the 2 parties and their petty differences can't unite on a budget? Here's an idea. Focus on the important stuff (and maybe the revenue generating stuff - like the zoo on a holiday weekend) and stop being just a punchline...
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/05/137620057/go-to-work-minnesotans-vent-as-state-government-shutdown-continues
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/opinion/05brooks.html?_r=4
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