Recently the Illinois State Legislature passed a new bill to increase the state personal income tax rate another 66%. The state is going broke, and the politicians need ways to fund all of their activities.
The other day I was talking to my Dad (he's 86), who lives in New Hampshire, about this and how it is going to affect the spending habits of all of the citizens of the state. It was amazing how his insight of Illinois is, and is probably no different than anyone else who does not live in this state.
I asked him if there was an Income Tax in New Hampshire......answer....NO
I asked him if there was a State Sales Tax in New Hampshire and again his answer was NO. So I asked him how the state of New Hampshire funded all of their programs and public services. His answer was that they have other taxes, like Meal Tax, Vehicle Taxes, Hotel and Lodging Taxes, a State Liquor store for hard alchohol, and some others. He followed by stating the in Illinois "we, the citizens" have to fund all of the GRAFT.
I thought about this and sat back for a minute. Is that the view that everyone who does not live in Illinois holds? Well let's think of what would give people outside of the state that opinion.
In the last 25 years most of our Governors have spent time in jail, or about to, aka Dan Walker, George Ryan, Rod Blagoyovich, and others to name a few. In a lot of out cities and towns Mayors have been found guilty of crimes and have also been charged or convicted or have also gone to jail. In my town alone, there have been a few firings of late for official misconduct in the management of the fire department, the police department, etc.
In the county where I live, the former board president Tod (toddler) Strozier was under investigation for hiring cousins, relatives, some of who were fired for misconducts or misappropriations of funds. The recently elected Cook County Assessor (Joe Berrios) is under questioning from the Inspector General's office for hiring two of his relatives into his office.
Last night on the news the Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas was under investigation by the Better Government Association for having a $97,000.00 per year personal driver, who was filmed running errands to the cleaners and fast food places for the Treasurer, on work time, and also having on her staff, a cleaning lady who cleans her home twice a week for $1400.00 per month from her personal funds, but also has a salary of about $57,000.00 from the County, to clean her offices, even though the county has cleaning custodians who also clean the very same offices.
The corruption and political entitlements in this state are rediculous and a slap in the face to all of the citizens who live here. I cannot speak for other states bacause I don't live there. But in this state there must be a class in the public schools on how to be corrupt, or how to use the system. We have one of the lousiest school performance records around, and it's not getting any better.
Unfortunately, the average, hard working family, will now have to forego some of their small luxuries and give that money to the state to support all of the corruption. A lot of this new source of funds will go to pay the State Pension Fund, so after these politicians retire, they can still continue to collect off of the backs of the residents, who will be paying for this forever. Is it just a mere coincidence that here in this state they are Democrats running the show? I am not condeming all Democrats outside of this state, just the ones here, because I think they just use the name 'Democrat" for their political club affiliation, because they surely do not ascribe to the "Democratic Principles of the Democratic Party". They have been in control of this states government for the last 25 years.
Will it ever stop! Moving back east, like New Hampshire, Maine, or Vermont, looks appealing all of the time......I wonder if there is room for me?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
John Roll, who is he?
A lot of you who read this might wonder, "Who is John Roll anyway?" More than likely a few weeks ago a lot of you might have never heard of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords either. But all it takes is one unnecessary act from a lunatic to bring their names to the forefront, and now you will know them forever.
I am not going to take the time to discuss this tragedy in any detail, nor will I discuss the Congresswoman (Democrat), other than to say she is recovering as well as one can expect. As per her doctors statements, she has better than average odds that she will survive.
But what about John Roll, we don't hear much about him? Well, he was also a victim that tragic day, leaving this world after succuming to the gun shots that rang out near the quiet store front of a Safeway supermarket.
John was a Chief Federal Judge appointed in 1991 by then president George Bush after being nominated by Senator John McCain. "John Roll developed an interest in law by beginning his law career as a Bailiff in the Pima County Superior Court. After receiving his law degree Roll became an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tucson. Roll became the Deputy County Attorney for Pima County, prosecuting many criminal cases. Then Roll joined the US Attorney's Office as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. While with the US Attorney's Office, Roll led the organized drug crimes task force, specializing in large drug cases. Roll was also the lead civil attorney for the Arizona US Attorney's Office. Roll was appointed as a State Appeals Court Judge in the Division Two Arizona Court of Appeals. He was named the Presiding Judge for the Division Two Court of Appeals, before becoming vice chief judge in 1991. Later in 1991, Roll was a Criminal Superior Court Judge in the Pima County before his nomination to the Federal Bench in 1991. To give back to the community, Roll also served as a clinical instructor for the University of Arizona College of Law". The preceeding was excerpted from Judgepedia.
A lot of media verbage would suggest that the perpetrator of this heinous crime was influenced by the Tea Party folks, the conservative radio, Sarah Palin, and talk shows among others. Why can't we just accept that this guy was a "NUT", and leave it at that, and stop trying to put the blame elsewhere. Evidence would suggest that the "NUT" mainly targeted the Congresswoman. Well someone ought to tell the rest of the folks who were either killed or wounded that they were only collateral damage. Did you know that:
"In 2009, Judge Roll faced death threats after presiding over a $32 million civil-rights lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by illegal immigrants against an Arizona rancher. After Judge Roll ruled that the case would be certified, threats came from talk-radio shows which fueled controversy and spurred audiences into making threats against the judge.
After one radio talk show, Judge Roll's name logged more than 200 phone calls as some callers threatened the judge and his family. This resulted in the judge and his wife being placed under a full-time protective detail for one month. A US Attorney's investigation identified four men as the makers of the threats, but no charges were filed.
In a July 9, 2009 interview with the Arizona Republic, Judge Roll described the time under high security as "unnerving and invasive... By its nature it has to be," Roll said. Roll also said, "It (the security) was handled very professionally by the Marshals Service." Judge John Roll was a Republican.
In conclusion two public figures were gunned down, with others, that dreadful day. One of them was killed Judge John Roll (Republican) and one of them is likely to survive, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (Democrat). Both were and are good people, serving the public in what they believe in. So to the public, I suggest that we stop trying to place the blame elsewhere for this tragedy, and simply blame it on the "NUT".
The good thing that might come from this is that in Arizona, there is no Insanity Defense. You can be found "guilty, but insane". If that is the case, you go to a facility, while insane. If you are cured, you go to prison to serve out the rest of your sentence. Arizone also has a death penalty, and it still applies, here in this case. It is going to be interesting as we follow the story and see what happens. Some might think.......Where is Jack Ruby when you need him? If you think that way, your putting yourself in the same category as the "NUT". Believe in our American Justice System, it will take care of the "NUT" the American way.
I am not going to take the time to discuss this tragedy in any detail, nor will I discuss the Congresswoman (Democrat), other than to say she is recovering as well as one can expect. As per her doctors statements, she has better than average odds that she will survive.
But what about John Roll, we don't hear much about him? Well, he was also a victim that tragic day, leaving this world after succuming to the gun shots that rang out near the quiet store front of a Safeway supermarket.
John was a Chief Federal Judge appointed in 1991 by then president George Bush after being nominated by Senator John McCain. "John Roll developed an interest in law by beginning his law career as a Bailiff in the Pima County Superior Court. After receiving his law degree Roll became an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tucson. Roll became the Deputy County Attorney for Pima County, prosecuting many criminal cases. Then Roll joined the US Attorney's Office as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. While with the US Attorney's Office, Roll led the organized drug crimes task force, specializing in large drug cases. Roll was also the lead civil attorney for the Arizona US Attorney's Office. Roll was appointed as a State Appeals Court Judge in the Division Two Arizona Court of Appeals. He was named the Presiding Judge for the Division Two Court of Appeals, before becoming vice chief judge in 1991. Later in 1991, Roll was a Criminal Superior Court Judge in the Pima County before his nomination to the Federal Bench in 1991. To give back to the community, Roll also served as a clinical instructor for the University of Arizona College of Law". The preceeding was excerpted from Judgepedia.
A lot of media verbage would suggest that the perpetrator of this heinous crime was influenced by the Tea Party folks, the conservative radio, Sarah Palin, and talk shows among others. Why can't we just accept that this guy was a "NUT", and leave it at that, and stop trying to put the blame elsewhere. Evidence would suggest that the "NUT" mainly targeted the Congresswoman. Well someone ought to tell the rest of the folks who were either killed or wounded that they were only collateral damage. Did you know that:
"In 2009, Judge Roll faced death threats after presiding over a $32 million civil-rights lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by illegal immigrants against an Arizona rancher. After Judge Roll ruled that the case would be certified, threats came from talk-radio shows which fueled controversy and spurred audiences into making threats against the judge.
After one radio talk show, Judge Roll's name logged more than 200 phone calls as some callers threatened the judge and his family. This resulted in the judge and his wife being placed under a full-time protective detail for one month. A US Attorney's investigation identified four men as the makers of the threats, but no charges were filed.
In a July 9, 2009 interview with the Arizona Republic, Judge Roll described the time under high security as "unnerving and invasive... By its nature it has to be," Roll said. Roll also said, "It (the security) was handled very professionally by the Marshals Service." Judge John Roll was a Republican.
In conclusion two public figures were gunned down, with others, that dreadful day. One of them was killed Judge John Roll (Republican) and one of them is likely to survive, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (Democrat). Both were and are good people, serving the public in what they believe in. So to the public, I suggest that we stop trying to place the blame elsewhere for this tragedy, and simply blame it on the "NUT".
The good thing that might come from this is that in Arizona, there is no Insanity Defense. You can be found "guilty, but insane". If that is the case, you go to a facility, while insane. If you are cured, you go to prison to serve out the rest of your sentence. Arizone also has a death penalty, and it still applies, here in this case. It is going to be interesting as we follow the story and see what happens. Some might think.......Where is Jack Ruby when you need him? If you think that way, your putting yourself in the same category as the "NUT". Believe in our American Justice System, it will take care of the "NUT" the American way.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Lynn Bus Tour
The other day I was sitting and thinking about some of the cool things Lynn and the surrounding area had to offer and was wondering why someone with a new vision has not capatilized on the local history with a bus tour of the area and the events that occured surrounding it.
Some of the tour stops might be Lynn Woods and Dungeon Rock, the Wolf Pits, the Stone Tower, The Saugus Iron Works, High Rock Tower, Longfellows Wayside Inn, and there are many more for sure. There is much history, if only someone would tell it.
Would this kind of enterprise help increase the local economy? I'm sure if enough interest was generated, it surely would. Just imagine, getting into a bus, being driven to the entrance of the woods, greeted by a guide, and toured around. Just imagine driving up to high rock tower and being able to go inside, rent a pair of binoculars (if you forgot yours) and climb the stairs of Lynn's Eiffel Tower, while enjoying the picturesque view of the harbor and surrounding area. I'm sure there are many local residents who have not toured the tower or been inside. I don't believe it has been open to the public for years, but I could be wrong. Would you pay a fee to enter it? I certainly would. Could a concession stand be erected to help support it. I'd be one of their customers. Would it boost the economically depressed area. As Sara Palin would say "You betcha".
Why not open the Lynn Woods entrance to allow a tram take visitors to Dungeon Rock and the Stone tower, for a fee of course. There are some of us who are getting up in age now who would like to go there, but cannot endure the walk from the entrance. I don't think of this as a commercialization of the site anymore than the Saugus Ironworks (which is run by the National Parks Service)is today. Support it by charging a fee.
These and other things I suggest would create jobs. The activities could be run by private organizations via a concession bid, which would bring much needed revenue to the city.
Of course these tours might be seasonal. Uniformed Park Rangers (also private employee) could provide a visibility while being unarmed of course, with a direct link to the local police via radio etc. I'm just throwing ideas out there, but I am sure grant and startup funding is available for this type of venture.
One thing that I am sure of though, and this is certainly going to come up, are the folks who say, "there are rules preventing what you suggest". Well then change the rules. We do that all the time in government to suit our changing times and needs.
Can't you just imagine people who WANT to visit Lynn, and not because they are from there.......... Just read the comments and reminiscing that goes on on Face Book with the "FORMER LYNNERS" and the Lynn Museum pages. There is a lot of interest there but you need to make it happen. Hmmmmmmm.....Lynn the city on peoples list of "Places to Visit!"
Keep an eye out for my soon to be published book, "Dungeon Rock, The Real Story" coming out this summer.
Some of the tour stops might be Lynn Woods and Dungeon Rock, the Wolf Pits, the Stone Tower, The Saugus Iron Works, High Rock Tower, Longfellows Wayside Inn, and there are many more for sure. There is much history, if only someone would tell it.
Would this kind of enterprise help increase the local economy? I'm sure if enough interest was generated, it surely would. Just imagine, getting into a bus, being driven to the entrance of the woods, greeted by a guide, and toured around. Just imagine driving up to high rock tower and being able to go inside, rent a pair of binoculars (if you forgot yours) and climb the stairs of Lynn's Eiffel Tower, while enjoying the picturesque view of the harbor and surrounding area. I'm sure there are many local residents who have not toured the tower or been inside. I don't believe it has been open to the public for years, but I could be wrong. Would you pay a fee to enter it? I certainly would. Could a concession stand be erected to help support it. I'd be one of their customers. Would it boost the economically depressed area. As Sara Palin would say "You betcha".
Why not open the Lynn Woods entrance to allow a tram take visitors to Dungeon Rock and the Stone tower, for a fee of course. There are some of us who are getting up in age now who would like to go there, but cannot endure the walk from the entrance. I don't think of this as a commercialization of the site anymore than the Saugus Ironworks (which is run by the National Parks Service)is today. Support it by charging a fee.
These and other things I suggest would create jobs. The activities could be run by private organizations via a concession bid, which would bring much needed revenue to the city.
Of course these tours might be seasonal. Uniformed Park Rangers (also private employee) could provide a visibility while being unarmed of course, with a direct link to the local police via radio etc. I'm just throwing ideas out there, but I am sure grant and startup funding is available for this type of venture.
One thing that I am sure of though, and this is certainly going to come up, are the folks who say, "there are rules preventing what you suggest". Well then change the rules. We do that all the time in government to suit our changing times and needs.
Can't you just imagine people who WANT to visit Lynn, and not because they are from there.......... Just read the comments and reminiscing that goes on on Face Book with the "FORMER LYNNERS" and the Lynn Museum pages. There is a lot of interest there but you need to make it happen. Hmmmmmmm.....Lynn the city on peoples list of "Places to Visit!"
Keep an eye out for my soon to be published book, "Dungeon Rock, The Real Story" coming out this summer.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Fudging the Numbers
Recently I had heard comments, by some who hold a generally conservative view, that people on unemployment don't want to work, in some cases are lazy, etc. It was also stated that there are plenty of jobs out there, because they see them "on line" on job boards etc. all the time. It kind of bothered me so I did a little investigating. Here is what I found out.
I visited the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and observed, listened, and interviewed some. One of the folks I talked to was the Veterans Representative, who tries to assist veterans obtain gainful employment. He establishes relationships with hiring employers, and the veterans he represents. He informed me that although there are employers who are hiring veterans, there are a lot of jobs that are directed to the more recent military veteran, more so than the aged veteran from the baby boomer era. This is partly because of the high technical nature of the position, and the recent veteran brings some of his technical training, of a similar nature, to the table. Whereas the older veteran does not have the qualifications.
In Illinois alone there are more than 350,000 unemployed workers. I am unable at this time to get a demographic breakdown by age race and sex. But I am willing to bet there would be a high percentage of "Baby Boomers". The census puts this category as persons born between 1947 and 1964. AND....I might add that they will be retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day in 2011 and beyond. This will certainly put a huge strain on the Social Security system.
During my information gathering I spoke to one woman who I'll simply call Carol. It seems that Carol is a Physical Therapy Assistant. Her company provided rehabilitation services to patients. However, because the State of Illinois is slow to make the medicaid and other reimbursements, there had to be a reduction in staff made, and she was let go. She also stated that she had never collected unemployment before in her life and she hoped to find employment soon. She was optimistic.
Another person, whom I'll call Regina, was 72 years old. She worked for a governmental contractor for the past 20 years, when all of a sudden, and without warning, twelve people were let go, because the Federal Government was making cutbacks, and they were no longer needed. She definitely fits the Baby Boomer category, but was very optimistic, and excited, because she saw "on line" that there were plenty of jobs out there.
The third person was Bill, he was 60 years old and a former professor at one of the colleges, but he did not have tenure. He was let go due to declining enrollment. He did not have a PHD, and wasn't too optimistic that he would be able to find employemnt in his field.
In talking with the representative in the IDES resource center, I was informed that there were funds available for retraining of workers to a new field, but there were not many participants. She thought that this might be because those people figured they would keep searching to do what they had always done, however, there are some who do partake in the program, but after being on unemployment for quite a while, when their expectations aren't being realized, and their hosehold financial obligations start to get under water, they come back and see her.
This mornings news stated that new unemplolyment claims were down a record amount for the month of December in Illinois. I predict this number will greatly increase in January. Why? Because those folks whose claims ran out in December, but are qualified for an extension under HR4853, which simply extends the benefit elegibility dates, are being made to file new claims. Therefore the new claim numbers will increase.
The IRONICY of this is that in Illinois in order to qualify for the second year (the up to 99 weeks they talk about) you had to work, and you had to have had an income during the first year. The amount of wages you had to earn has to be an amount equal or greater than three times your current weekly benefit amount.
Let me make this clearer. If you were receiving $333.00 per week in unemployment compensation, somewhere during the year you had to earn a minimum of $999.00 during that year. However, they never tell you this in any form of correspondance or other media.
Well, if you're out of work and cannot get a job, how in the world would you meet that requirement. I think the Illinois Law was instrumented so that most people would not requalify. I do not know if other states have similar rules though.
So for the new year, the outlook looks bleak. I'm sure there will be jobs out there for some, but the baby boomer might have it tough. The sad part is that this might have them applying for Social Security at 62, when they would have waited for 66 or their full qualifying year. Will this put a strain on the system.......I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
What I did not find was anyone who DID NOT want a job, who just wanted to sit around and simply do nothing, while getting their checks. But also there were folks who were discouraged. Unemployment compensation does not pay the bills. In some cases it only puts food in your mouth, while they continue to mount.
I visited the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and observed, listened, and interviewed some. One of the folks I talked to was the Veterans Representative, who tries to assist veterans obtain gainful employment. He establishes relationships with hiring employers, and the veterans he represents. He informed me that although there are employers who are hiring veterans, there are a lot of jobs that are directed to the more recent military veteran, more so than the aged veteran from the baby boomer era. This is partly because of the high technical nature of the position, and the recent veteran brings some of his technical training, of a similar nature, to the table. Whereas the older veteran does not have the qualifications.
In Illinois alone there are more than 350,000 unemployed workers. I am unable at this time to get a demographic breakdown by age race and sex. But I am willing to bet there would be a high percentage of "Baby Boomers". The census puts this category as persons born between 1947 and 1964. AND....I might add that they will be retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day in 2011 and beyond. This will certainly put a huge strain on the Social Security system.
During my information gathering I spoke to one woman who I'll simply call Carol. It seems that Carol is a Physical Therapy Assistant. Her company provided rehabilitation services to patients. However, because the State of Illinois is slow to make the medicaid and other reimbursements, there had to be a reduction in staff made, and she was let go. She also stated that she had never collected unemployment before in her life and she hoped to find employment soon. She was optimistic.
Another person, whom I'll call Regina, was 72 years old. She worked for a governmental contractor for the past 20 years, when all of a sudden, and without warning, twelve people were let go, because the Federal Government was making cutbacks, and they were no longer needed. She definitely fits the Baby Boomer category, but was very optimistic, and excited, because she saw "on line" that there were plenty of jobs out there.
The third person was Bill, he was 60 years old and a former professor at one of the colleges, but he did not have tenure. He was let go due to declining enrollment. He did not have a PHD, and wasn't too optimistic that he would be able to find employemnt in his field.
In talking with the representative in the IDES resource center, I was informed that there were funds available for retraining of workers to a new field, but there were not many participants. She thought that this might be because those people figured they would keep searching to do what they had always done, however, there are some who do partake in the program, but after being on unemployment for quite a while, when their expectations aren't being realized, and their hosehold financial obligations start to get under water, they come back and see her.
This mornings news stated that new unemplolyment claims were down a record amount for the month of December in Illinois. I predict this number will greatly increase in January. Why? Because those folks whose claims ran out in December, but are qualified for an extension under HR4853, which simply extends the benefit elegibility dates, are being made to file new claims. Therefore the new claim numbers will increase.
The IRONICY of this is that in Illinois in order to qualify for the second year (the up to 99 weeks they talk about) you had to work, and you had to have had an income during the first year. The amount of wages you had to earn has to be an amount equal or greater than three times your current weekly benefit amount.
Let me make this clearer. If you were receiving $333.00 per week in unemployment compensation, somewhere during the year you had to earn a minimum of $999.00 during that year. However, they never tell you this in any form of correspondance or other media.
Well, if you're out of work and cannot get a job, how in the world would you meet that requirement. I think the Illinois Law was instrumented so that most people would not requalify. I do not know if other states have similar rules though.
So for the new year, the outlook looks bleak. I'm sure there will be jobs out there for some, but the baby boomer might have it tough. The sad part is that this might have them applying for Social Security at 62, when they would have waited for 66 or their full qualifying year. Will this put a strain on the system.......I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
What I did not find was anyone who DID NOT want a job, who just wanted to sit around and simply do nothing, while getting their checks. But also there were folks who were discouraged. Unemployment compensation does not pay the bills. In some cases it only puts food in your mouth, while they continue to mount.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas Week
Well this is the beginning of the Christmas week. The "count down" 'till the big day. The kids are out of school, while all the Santa's are checking their lists for one final time and making their last preparations before the big day.
The teachers are getting a well deserved break, and the mom's are wondering how to deal with their children being off of school for the next two weeks or so. The media is all a buzz with the last minute blitz to try to entice customers to make just one more purchase. Commercialization, commercialization, commercialization.
Have we not forgotten the real meaning of Christmas? "'Tis the season to be Jolly!" No, its the season to be thankful, to be forgiving, to be kind, and to be compassionate. It's the season of "giving" not "receiving". It can also be the season where a lot of folks will be sad, somber, and meloncoly. The holidays sometimes bring back memories that have been repressed during the year. Such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a pet, or the thoughts of better and happier times.
Have you ever noticed the feeling YOU get when you see the glee on someones face after they open the gift you gave them. So if we were to be able to measure this emotion would it be greater for the "giver" or greater for the "receiver". Most people I surveyed said they get more enjoyment out of giving then receiving. So this season is you opportunity to really feel good. Give all that you can afford to give.
It's also the season of forgiveness. The past is done and you cannot move forward until you start to forgive and begin the healing process. Sometimes this is hard to do. But it is much better to forgive than to harbor all those ill feelings day after day, year after year. Remember the old saying "Forgive and Forget".
There have been many nuances on this concept, such as "Pay it Forward" etc. but all of this action and emotion benefits the giver, far more than the receiver. So take this opportunity to really feel good this season. Give till it hurts, and forgive and forget. It's only going to make you feel better.
The teachers are getting a well deserved break, and the mom's are wondering how to deal with their children being off of school for the next two weeks or so. The media is all a buzz with the last minute blitz to try to entice customers to make just one more purchase. Commercialization, commercialization, commercialization.
Have we not forgotten the real meaning of Christmas? "'Tis the season to be Jolly!" No, its the season to be thankful, to be forgiving, to be kind, and to be compassionate. It's the season of "giving" not "receiving". It can also be the season where a lot of folks will be sad, somber, and meloncoly. The holidays sometimes bring back memories that have been repressed during the year. Such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a pet, or the thoughts of better and happier times.
Have you ever noticed the feeling YOU get when you see the glee on someones face after they open the gift you gave them. So if we were to be able to measure this emotion would it be greater for the "giver" or greater for the "receiver". Most people I surveyed said they get more enjoyment out of giving then receiving. So this season is you opportunity to really feel good. Give all that you can afford to give.
It's also the season of forgiveness. The past is done and you cannot move forward until you start to forgive and begin the healing process. Sometimes this is hard to do. But it is much better to forgive than to harbor all those ill feelings day after day, year after year. Remember the old saying "Forgive and Forget".
There have been many nuances on this concept, such as "Pay it Forward" etc. but all of this action and emotion benefits the giver, far more than the receiver. So take this opportunity to really feel good this season. Give till it hurts, and forgive and forget. It's only going to make you feel better.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Government Bans Drop Side Cribs!
Hmmmmmm! It was interesting to read this morning in the Chicago Sun Times the headline news article "After Dozens of Deaths, Drop Sided Cribs Outlawed". The fact that they are now outlawed is a new twist to an old problem. This issue has been around and known to manufacturers for at least three years now.
About a year ago I was a Regional Maintenance Technician for a company named Bright Horizons Family Solutions. I had held the position for about three years. During that time I had repaired many drop sided cribs in the infant class rooms. They all had the same problem. The plastic retainer at the bottom of the crib side, would break, and this would create the condition that has been attributed to the some 33 infant deaths in the US. I would order the new parts from the manufaturer, replace them and they were good to go, until the next time they broke. The reason they break is a poor design in the mechanism to raise and lower the side.
One day while I was at a Walmart store, I noticed that they had posted a recall notice for their drop side cribs because of this problem. I asked the manager if I could have a copy of the notice, and explained why. I then faxed it to my boss and also to the corporate safety director, followed with an email. I also contacted the company supplier and asked about a recall of the cribs. All of this fell on deaf ears. No one followed up, no one issued any warnings or notices to any of the day care centers in other regions, NOTHING!
These cribs are in use today in Bright Horizons locations and centers throughout the US and probably in their European locations too. The interesting part is that the Government has banned the manufacture, sale and resale of these cribs. The sad part of this directive is that they (the Consumer Product Safety Commission) are giving all of the day care centers ONE YEAR to replace them.
Let me make perfectly clear I understand the directive. Kids are in danger, deaths could occur, and the cribs are actively in use today, BUT the day care centers have one year to remedy the problem. How many children will be injured during that one year period?
There is however, a simple fix to the problem that any qualified maintenance person can do, or anyone else that is handy. This fix should be fully acceptable to all governmental agencies etc. All it takes is a drill, four screws and a saw. You see, the other side of the crib is stationary and DOES NOT rise up and down, because the side is affixed to the head board and foot board permanently with long screws. The problem with a fix of this type is from the teachers point of view. "They cannot reach in to pick up the infant because the side is to high." ENTER THE SAW simply cut off the legs by about four inches, and reinstall the wheels on the legs. PROBLEM SOLVED.
I doubt that any of the day care centers will follow this advice, but if you have one of these cribs at home, feel free to fix the problem once and for all!
About a year ago I was a Regional Maintenance Technician for a company named Bright Horizons Family Solutions. I had held the position for about three years. During that time I had repaired many drop sided cribs in the infant class rooms. They all had the same problem. The plastic retainer at the bottom of the crib side, would break, and this would create the condition that has been attributed to the some 33 infant deaths in the US. I would order the new parts from the manufaturer, replace them and they were good to go, until the next time they broke. The reason they break is a poor design in the mechanism to raise and lower the side.
One day while I was at a Walmart store, I noticed that they had posted a recall notice for their drop side cribs because of this problem. I asked the manager if I could have a copy of the notice, and explained why. I then faxed it to my boss and also to the corporate safety director, followed with an email. I also contacted the company supplier and asked about a recall of the cribs. All of this fell on deaf ears. No one followed up, no one issued any warnings or notices to any of the day care centers in other regions, NOTHING!
These cribs are in use today in Bright Horizons locations and centers throughout the US and probably in their European locations too. The interesting part is that the Government has banned the manufacture, sale and resale of these cribs. The sad part of this directive is that they (the Consumer Product Safety Commission) are giving all of the day care centers ONE YEAR to replace them.
Let me make perfectly clear I understand the directive. Kids are in danger, deaths could occur, and the cribs are actively in use today, BUT the day care centers have one year to remedy the problem. How many children will be injured during that one year period?
There is however, a simple fix to the problem that any qualified maintenance person can do, or anyone else that is handy. This fix should be fully acceptable to all governmental agencies etc. All it takes is a drill, four screws and a saw. You see, the other side of the crib is stationary and DOES NOT rise up and down, because the side is affixed to the head board and foot board permanently with long screws. The problem with a fix of this type is from the teachers point of view. "They cannot reach in to pick up the infant because the side is to high." ENTER THE SAW simply cut off the legs by about four inches, and reinstall the wheels on the legs. PROBLEM SOLVED.
I doubt that any of the day care centers will follow this advice, but if you have one of these cribs at home, feel free to fix the problem once and for all!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Rahm Emanuel
First of all let me state upfront that I am not an Obama fan by no means,nor did I have much admiration for any of the members of his cabinet, but as of yeaterday I do have a newly found respect for one of them, and that is Rahm Emanuel, who is running for Mayor for the City of Chicago.
Why, what changed your mind, you might ask. Well for one thing I had the opportunity to watch live on NBC Channel 5.2 the hearings that were being conducted by the Chicago Board of Elections. This man sat there for twelve hours, and was grilled by some morons who have no business in asking anyone, a question.
One of the things I found very interesting is that the Chicago City Clerk's office, headed by the City Clerk, a Mr. DeValle, who is also running for mayor, received a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) asking to confirm that Rahm had purchased a city sticker for his car, during the years he was in Washington, working on the Obama campaign, and then as the Presidents Chief of Staff. The official responce from the clerks office was that "they have no records of Mr. Emanuel purchasing a vehicle sticker. Chicago politics at its finest.
What is at stake here is that Rahm's opponents are challenging his residence in the City of Chicago for the period required under the law which simply states that a mayoral candidate must live in the city for one year prior to the election. Simply put, the opposition is trying to ensure that he is declaired ineligible to run for the position and have him kicked off the ballot.
However, Rahm is like a lot of other Chicagoans, and does not always peel off the previous years sticker. So in order to prove the clerks office was in error, he supplied them with the sticker number, and then the City Clerks office found records that supported Rahm's claim, and this new found information, verified that Rahm did infact purchase a city sticker for all of the years he was out of town working. I might also add that until he was officially the Presidents Chief of Staff his wife and family remained in their home in Chicago. It was not until later that he summond them to join him in Washington.
On the advice of some real estate friends Rahm was advised NOT to leave his home vacant while he was away in Washingon. So Rahm rented the home out while he was away on duty to the President. Now I might add that I have many friends and relatives who have taken assignments for their companies for long periods of time. In fact one of them is in Egypt right now for a two year stint. But they DO NOT sell their homes, and their legal residence is still the home they own and left TEMPORARILY while on assignment. They may have a relative move into it for the period, or they may put their personal possessions in storage and rent it out, as did Rahm, while they are gone. HOWEVER, IT IS STILL THEIR PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND STILL THEIR HOME!
Now lets get to the "morons". There was one idiot who called herself "Queen Sister" She objected to just about anything that was said by her opposition or Rahms supporters and questioned weather in fact Rahms wife Amy was the person who removed the sticker from the windshield. There were others who challenged any statement that was made in which supporting evidence proving Rahms residency intentions and facts. And there was one guy in the back who liked to challenge and try to use legal terms and quotes which only showed to the audience and participants his lack of expertise in the subject area. I had the pleasure of watching this for a good three hours. It was very entertaining. But through out it all Rahm was calm and collected.
On the table in front of Rahm he had a 4x6 photo of his wife and children. He used this very similar to how some Hindis use prayer beads. When it seemed that Rahm was starting to get pressured, he would simply pick up the photo, hold it front of him looking directly at it, as the question was stated. It seemed to give him an inner peace allowing him to endure more of this rediculous circus that he was forced to participate in. I'm sure that any of the other candidates who might be challenged for their own candidacy will not have to endure the same idiotic questions as Rahm did.
There was a point that you could see that Rahm might have been agitated, but to release this agitation he simply put his hands flat on the table in front of him, and wiggled and tapped his fingers excitedly. But throughout the entire ordeal Rahm answered the questions put to him with honesty, calmness, and accuracy as best he could. It just demonstrates that he can maintain his cool, and the reputation that preceeds him might not be totally accurate. In any event, once elected, and I am sure this will take place, his press conferences will be interesting, humerous, but also calm and collected. And when dealing with the local communities, there will be the good people of Chicago, as well as those idiots who were there yesterday. He'll handle anything that come his way with knowledge, experience, compassion and zeal.
By far, after I observed what I did yesterday, he is the best man for the job. Although I do not live in the City of Chicago, if I did he would have my vote. He is the cream that comes to the surface over all of the other candidates. GOOD LUCK RAHM!
Take Care
Why, what changed your mind, you might ask. Well for one thing I had the opportunity to watch live on NBC Channel 5.2 the hearings that were being conducted by the Chicago Board of Elections. This man sat there for twelve hours, and was grilled by some morons who have no business in asking anyone, a question.
One of the things I found very interesting is that the Chicago City Clerk's office, headed by the City Clerk, a Mr. DeValle, who is also running for mayor, received a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) asking to confirm that Rahm had purchased a city sticker for his car, during the years he was in Washington, working on the Obama campaign, and then as the Presidents Chief of Staff. The official responce from the clerks office was that "they have no records of Mr. Emanuel purchasing a vehicle sticker. Chicago politics at its finest.
What is at stake here is that Rahm's opponents are challenging his residence in the City of Chicago for the period required under the law which simply states that a mayoral candidate must live in the city for one year prior to the election. Simply put, the opposition is trying to ensure that he is declaired ineligible to run for the position and have him kicked off the ballot.
However, Rahm is like a lot of other Chicagoans, and does not always peel off the previous years sticker. So in order to prove the clerks office was in error, he supplied them with the sticker number, and then the City Clerks office found records that supported Rahm's claim, and this new found information, verified that Rahm did infact purchase a city sticker for all of the years he was out of town working. I might also add that until he was officially the Presidents Chief of Staff his wife and family remained in their home in Chicago. It was not until later that he summond them to join him in Washington.
On the advice of some real estate friends Rahm was advised NOT to leave his home vacant while he was away in Washingon. So Rahm rented the home out while he was away on duty to the President. Now I might add that I have many friends and relatives who have taken assignments for their companies for long periods of time. In fact one of them is in Egypt right now for a two year stint. But they DO NOT sell their homes, and their legal residence is still the home they own and left TEMPORARILY while on assignment. They may have a relative move into it for the period, or they may put their personal possessions in storage and rent it out, as did Rahm, while they are gone. HOWEVER, IT IS STILL THEIR PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND STILL THEIR HOME!
Now lets get to the "morons". There was one idiot who called herself "Queen Sister" She objected to just about anything that was said by her opposition or Rahms supporters and questioned weather in fact Rahms wife Amy was the person who removed the sticker from the windshield. There were others who challenged any statement that was made in which supporting evidence proving Rahms residency intentions and facts. And there was one guy in the back who liked to challenge and try to use legal terms and quotes which only showed to the audience and participants his lack of expertise in the subject area. I had the pleasure of watching this for a good three hours. It was very entertaining. But through out it all Rahm was calm and collected.
On the table in front of Rahm he had a 4x6 photo of his wife and children. He used this very similar to how some Hindis use prayer beads. When it seemed that Rahm was starting to get pressured, he would simply pick up the photo, hold it front of him looking directly at it, as the question was stated. It seemed to give him an inner peace allowing him to endure more of this rediculous circus that he was forced to participate in. I'm sure that any of the other candidates who might be challenged for their own candidacy will not have to endure the same idiotic questions as Rahm did.
There was a point that you could see that Rahm might have been agitated, but to release this agitation he simply put his hands flat on the table in front of him, and wiggled and tapped his fingers excitedly. But throughout the entire ordeal Rahm answered the questions put to him with honesty, calmness, and accuracy as best he could. It just demonstrates that he can maintain his cool, and the reputation that preceeds him might not be totally accurate. In any event, once elected, and I am sure this will take place, his press conferences will be interesting, humerous, but also calm and collected. And when dealing with the local communities, there will be the good people of Chicago, as well as those idiots who were there yesterday. He'll handle anything that come his way with knowledge, experience, compassion and zeal.
By far, after I observed what I did yesterday, he is the best man for the job. Although I do not live in the City of Chicago, if I did he would have my vote. He is the cream that comes to the surface over all of the other candidates. GOOD LUCK RAHM!
Take Care
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