Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
GDP REPORT
2nd quarter 2009 - 0.7%
3rd quarter 2009 2.2%
4th quarter 2009 5.6%
1st quarter 2010 2.7%
2nd quarter 2010 1.7%
3rd quarter 2010 2.6%
4th quarter 2010 3.1%
1st quarter 2011 0.4%
2nd quarter 2011 1.3%
3rd quarter 2011
Advance Estimate 2.3%
Second Estimate Nov 22
Third Estimate Dec 22
The GDP advance estimate for the 3rd quarter is fantastic. Hopefully this will signal a sustained upward trend in the economy.
Release dates in 2012 Gross Domestic Product
For 4rd QT 2011
Advance Estimate 1/27/12
Second Estimate 2/29/12
Third Estimate 3/29/12
3rd quarter 2009 2.2%
4th quarter 2009 5.6%
1st quarter 2010 2.7%
2nd quarter 2010 1.7%
3rd quarter 2010 2.6%
4th quarter 2010 3.1%
1st quarter 2011 0.4%
2nd quarter 2011 1.3%
3rd quarter 2011
Advance Estimate 2.3%
Second Estimate Nov 22
Third Estimate Dec 22
The GDP advance estimate for the 3rd quarter is fantastic. Hopefully this will signal a sustained upward trend in the economy.
Release dates in 2012 Gross Domestic Product
For 4rd QT 2011
Advance Estimate 1/27/12
Second Estimate 2/29/12
Third Estimate 3/29/12
As housing goes …. So goes the economy!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The World of Baseball or Politics?
I am a baseball fan. My teams did not make it to the World Series this year. I wasn’t all that interested in watching and learning about the players and teams in the World Series. However, I still watch the games and I am now a fan of both teams.
Reflecting on this past season, I remember my favorite team and their problems.
At the beginning of the season, the fans had high hopes with new players and a new manager. The fans were excited about the season and they expected a winner.
The team seemed to be functioning however they were not playing up to expectations. In fact, the team was losing and the manager made questionable moves.
Surprisingly, the team decided to spend money on new uniforms and equipment. And, they started to give away baseball caps to the first 1,000 fans into the stadium for each game. Unfortunately, the team was still losing.
Just before the All Star break, the fans began to boo the players and manager. Interestingly, some of the players quit the game, retired or got traded. The manager was optimistic that the second half of the season would be better with some new players.
The team became dysfunctional. The newer teammates wanted to hustle and bring energy to how they played the game. The veterans of the team didn’t like how the new comers played the game. They especially did not like how they voiced their opinions on baseball strategy.
The team during this period had to raise the prices of tickets, all merchandise and at the concession stand. Still, the fans wanted the team to win. They called on the manager to play the game the way it is supposed to be played and win with the players on the team.
The manger did not adapt to the new team nor did the team adapt to the manager.
Surprisingly, half way through the second half of the season, the manager started to leave the dugout and go up into the stands to talk with the fans ---- during the game!
The manager told the fans that the team was dysfunctional and they will never win. But, as the manager, the fans need to believe in him because if given the right team with the right chemistry, his team will win.
The manager tried to explain why the fans had to pay more to attend a game. After all new uniforms and equipment cost a lot of money and someone had to pay for it.
Unfortunately, the team continued to lose but they dressed the part! The manager’s press conference after each loss highlighted the short comings of the players. The manager placed the blame on the shoulders of the players. He said that he knows best and certain players need to be traded so that he can properly implement his baseball strategies and become winners again.
The manager wanted again to buy new uniforms and change the image of the team. He also purchased new bats so that they could score more runs. He bought new baseball gloves so they could catch the ball more often. He even had the players chip in to subsidize the cost of the baseball hats so that every fan could have a hat.
The fans voiced their opinion. They wanted the manager to get out of the bleachers and get into the game.
Toward the end of the season, the team had the worst record in baseball. The fans continued to fill the ball park since they loved the game of baseball. The fans in the left and right field stands continued to boo while the fans in the middle remained positive and optimistic.
The manager traded their catcher. He is the best defensive catcher in baseball. Nobody would steal a base when he was behind the plate. The manager also traded his homerun hitter and the best pitcher on the team.
All of the other teams knew that these moves would make the team weaker since the team nucleus was gone. Other teams wanted to play our team. The other team could improve their hitting averages and steal bases at will.
At the end of the season, the manager would appear at the beginning of each game and set the line-up but again disappeared into the stands. The manager lost confidence in the players and the players lost confidence in the manager.
The fans only wanted a winner because they are loyal fans. We voiced our opinions but the manager and players didn’t listen.
Before the new season starts, we will watch two great teams play in the World Series. The Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals are putting on a great show for the game of baseball. The managers are engaged and each game has been fantastic to watch.
I am praying that it is not too late for our organization to succeed. Off-season moves will either make us again a winner or continue the trend of individual egos playing and managing a team sport. Fortunately, the contracts for the manager and players are up for renewal.
If you had a vote today, would you vote to retain the manager and the players or make changes?
Reflecting on this past season, I remember my favorite team and their problems.
At the beginning of the season, the fans had high hopes with new players and a new manager. The fans were excited about the season and they expected a winner.
The team seemed to be functioning however they were not playing up to expectations. In fact, the team was losing and the manager made questionable moves.
Surprisingly, the team decided to spend money on new uniforms and equipment. And, they started to give away baseball caps to the first 1,000 fans into the stadium for each game. Unfortunately, the team was still losing.
Just before the All Star break, the fans began to boo the players and manager. Interestingly, some of the players quit the game, retired or got traded. The manager was optimistic that the second half of the season would be better with some new players.
The team became dysfunctional. The newer teammates wanted to hustle and bring energy to how they played the game. The veterans of the team didn’t like how the new comers played the game. They especially did not like how they voiced their opinions on baseball strategy.
The team during this period had to raise the prices of tickets, all merchandise and at the concession stand. Still, the fans wanted the team to win. They called on the manager to play the game the way it is supposed to be played and win with the players on the team.
The manger did not adapt to the new team nor did the team adapt to the manager.
Surprisingly, half way through the second half of the season, the manager started to leave the dugout and go up into the stands to talk with the fans ---- during the game!
The manager told the fans that the team was dysfunctional and they will never win. But, as the manager, the fans need to believe in him because if given the right team with the right chemistry, his team will win.
The manager tried to explain why the fans had to pay more to attend a game. After all new uniforms and equipment cost a lot of money and someone had to pay for it.
Unfortunately, the team continued to lose but they dressed the part! The manager’s press conference after each loss highlighted the short comings of the players. The manager placed the blame on the shoulders of the players. He said that he knows best and certain players need to be traded so that he can properly implement his baseball strategies and become winners again.
The manager wanted again to buy new uniforms and change the image of the team. He also purchased new bats so that they could score more runs. He bought new baseball gloves so they could catch the ball more often. He even had the players chip in to subsidize the cost of the baseball hats so that every fan could have a hat.
The fans voiced their opinion. They wanted the manager to get out of the bleachers and get into the game.
Toward the end of the season, the team had the worst record in baseball. The fans continued to fill the ball park since they loved the game of baseball. The fans in the left and right field stands continued to boo while the fans in the middle remained positive and optimistic.
The manager traded their catcher. He is the best defensive catcher in baseball. Nobody would steal a base when he was behind the plate. The manager also traded his homerun hitter and the best pitcher on the team.
All of the other teams knew that these moves would make the team weaker since the team nucleus was gone. Other teams wanted to play our team. The other team could improve their hitting averages and steal bases at will.
At the end of the season, the manager would appear at the beginning of each game and set the line-up but again disappeared into the stands. The manager lost confidence in the players and the players lost confidence in the manager.
The fans only wanted a winner because they are loyal fans. We voiced our opinions but the manager and players didn’t listen.
Before the new season starts, we will watch two great teams play in the World Series. The Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals are putting on a great show for the game of baseball. The managers are engaged and each game has been fantastic to watch.
I am praying that it is not too late for our organization to succeed. Off-season moves will either make us again a winner or continue the trend of individual egos playing and managing a team sport. Fortunately, the contracts for the manager and players are up for renewal.
If you had a vote today, would you vote to retain the manager and the players or make changes?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Peak of the Week – Going “Green”
The peak of the week is a look back in time and a peek ahead.
Source: Unknown
In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.
The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."
The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."
He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.
But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
But that young lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power.
We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?
And you are NOW just going green? Really?
Source: Unknown
In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.
The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."
The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."
He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.
But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
But that young lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power.
We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?
And you are NOW just going green? Really?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Forgotten Worker!
The housing crisis is tied first to the job losses and second to the economic recovery. For years, I have been saying “As housing goes………..So goes the Economy”
There are over 17 million sole proprietorship's in the United States.
Add in single owner LLC’s and there is a significant business segment which have been severely impacted by the economic downturn but not reported on.
Sole proprietorship's account for over 70% of all businesses in the US. Sole proprietors do not show up in the unemployment line, they don’t receive company paid health care benefits nor do they receive paid holidays. Every day it is a struggle for the sole proprietor to survive.
Are you?
Employed or a sole proprietor that own a home not underwater
Many sole proprietors could not refinance their home and take advantage of lower interest rates since their income is probably not consistent nor considered acceptable to qualify for a loan.
Unemployed or a sole proprietor that own a home not underwater
The unemployed can receive 99 weeks of unemployment benefits. The sole proprietor --- ZERO. Neither will be able to refinance.
Employed, unemployed or a sole proprietor that own a home underwater
Today, banks will favor the employed while the unemployed and sole proprietors must pursue a short sale or foreclosure solution.
The vicious cycle continues……………As Housing Goes – So Goes the Economy!
Wake Up America!
There are over 17 million sole proprietorship's in the United States.
Add in single owner LLC’s and there is a significant business segment which have been severely impacted by the economic downturn but not reported on.
Sole proprietorship's account for over 70% of all businesses in the US. Sole proprietors do not show up in the unemployment line, they don’t receive company paid health care benefits nor do they receive paid holidays. Every day it is a struggle for the sole proprietor to survive.
Are you?
Employed or a sole proprietor that own a home not underwater
Many sole proprietors could not refinance their home and take advantage of lower interest rates since their income is probably not consistent nor considered acceptable to qualify for a loan.
Unemployed or a sole proprietor that own a home not underwater
The unemployed can receive 99 weeks of unemployment benefits. The sole proprietor --- ZERO. Neither will be able to refinance.
Employed, unemployed or a sole proprietor that own a home underwater
Today, banks will favor the employed while the unemployed and sole proprietors must pursue a short sale or foreclosure solution.
The vicious cycle continues……………As Housing Goes – So Goes the Economy!
Wake Up America!
Monday, October 24, 2011
A Different Perspective on OUR Debt
The US debt approx. $14,000,000,000,000
World population 7,000,000,000
If every human on the face of the planet contributed $2,000 to our debt, we could start over!
However, the world median income is LESS than $2,000 PER YEAR!
Oh!! What should we do?
Let’s start now to: Stop Spending
Pass Term Limits
Balance the Budget
World population 7,000,000,000
If every human on the face of the planet contributed $2,000 to our debt, we could start over!
However, the world median income is LESS than $2,000 PER YEAR!
Oh!! What should we do?
Let’s start now to: Stop Spending
Pass Term Limits
Balance the Budget
Wake Up America!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Property Rights versus Eminent Domain
5th Amendment to the Constitution:
……nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
Definition of Eminent Domain:
“n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, state, county or city government, school district, hospital district or other agencies) to take private real estate for public use, with or without the permission of the owner”
Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005)[1] was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States involving the use of eminent domain: to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development.
The case arose from the condemnation by New London, Connecticut, of privately owned real property so that it could be used as part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan which promised 3,169 new jobs and $1.2 million a year in tax revenues.
The Court held in a 5–4 decision that the general benefits a community enjoyed from economic growth qualified such redevelopment plans as a permissible "public use" under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment.
……nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
Definition of Eminent Domain:
“n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, state, county or city government, school district, hospital district or other agencies) to take private real estate for public use, with or without the permission of the owner”
Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005)[1] was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States involving the use of eminent domain: to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development.
The case arose from the condemnation by New London, Connecticut, of privately owned real property so that it could be used as part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan which promised 3,169 new jobs and $1.2 million a year in tax revenues.
The Court held in a 5–4 decision that the general benefits a community enjoyed from economic growth qualified such redevelopment plans as a permissible "public use" under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment.
WAKE UP AMERICA!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Personal Responsibility
It is incumbent upon us as individuals to pass along our values and sound principles - lead by example. The federal government is seemingly in our face every hour of the day. Our elected officials are not leading by example. They spend what they don’t have, use savings accounts to spend and incur more and more debt. You can’t change a personality so we must elect political officials that reflect our values and principles.
Ronald Reagan:
My saying from the early ‘80’s ----- “Nice but NOT necessary”
SAVE OR SPEND
NO DEBT OR DEBT
Our way of life will not go back to the way it used to be!
Wake Up America!
Ronald Reagan:
“Balancing the budget is a little like protecting your virtue: you just have to learn to say ‘NO’”
My saying from the early ‘80’s ----- “Nice but NOT necessary”
SAVE OR SPEND
NO DEBT OR DEBT
Our way of life will not go back to the way it used to be!
Wake Up America!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Peak of the Week
The family structure has changed. On Wednesday’s I try to illustrate a comparison of where we have been and where we are going. We all strive to pass along our values to the next generation. The role of parents is more important now than ever before. As Ronald Regan said;
Just compare a few sitcoms from yesterday to today.
The Andy Griffith Show Parks & Recreation
Happy Days The Office
I Love Lucy How I Met Your Mother
The Cosby Show Modern Family
All in the Family Community
It is time for families to sit down for dinner- together without the TV being on and without all of the technology gadgets! Talk to each other - I know this works!
Wake Up America!
“All Great Change in America begins at the Dinner Table”
Just compare a few sitcoms from yesterday to today.
The Andy Griffith Show Parks & Recreation
Happy Days The Office
I Love Lucy How I Met Your Mother
The Cosby Show Modern Family
All in the Family Community
It is time for families to sit down for dinner- together without the TV being on and without all of the technology gadgets! Talk to each other - I know this works!
Wake Up America!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Just Being Right versus Political Correctness
The following information is taken directly from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. I have removed the hyperlinks but certainly investigate political correctness on your own.
Political Correctness
Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, certain other religions, beliefs or ideologies, disability, and age-related contexts, and, as purported by the term, doing so to an excessive extent
Accusations of cultural Marxism
Main article: Cultural Marxism
University of Pennsylvania professor Alan Charles Kors and lawyer Harvey A. Silverglate connect political correctness to Marxist philosopher Herbert Marcuse. They claim that liberal ideas of free speech are repressive, arguing that such "Marcusean logic" is the base of speech codes, which are seen by some as censorship, in US universities. Kors and Silvergate later established the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, which campaigns against PC speech codes.[26]
Some conservative critics claim that political correctness is a Marxist undermining of Western values.[27] William S. Lind and Patrick Buchanan have characterized PC as a technique originated by the Frankfurt School, through what Buchanan describes as "Cultural Marxism".[28][29] In The Death of the West, Buchanan says: “Political Correctness is Cultural Marxism, a regime to punish dissent and to stigmatize social heresy as the Inquisition punished religious heresy. Its trademark is intolerance.” [30]
Examples of language commonly referred to as "politically correct" include:[14][page needed]
• "Mentally challenged" in place of "Retarded" and other terms
• "African American" in place of "Black," "Negro" and other terms
• "Native American" (or "First Nations" in Canada) in place of "Indian"
• "Caucasian" in place of "White", and other terms
• "Gender-neutral" terms such as "firefighter" in place of "fireman"
• The use of the word "gender" instead of the word "sex" to distinguish males and females
• Terms relating to disability, such as "visually challenged" or "hearing impaired" in place of "blind" or "deaf"
• "People of color" in place of "ethnic minorities" or "non-whites" in countries populated predominantly by people who are white.[citation needed]
• "Happy Holidays" in place of "Merry Christmas" and other holiday greetings
Political Correctness
Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, certain other religions, beliefs or ideologies, disability, and age-related contexts, and, as purported by the term, doing so to an excessive extent
Accusations of cultural Marxism
Main article: Cultural Marxism
University of Pennsylvania professor Alan Charles Kors and lawyer Harvey A. Silverglate connect political correctness to Marxist philosopher Herbert Marcuse. They claim that liberal ideas of free speech are repressive, arguing that such "Marcusean logic" is the base of speech codes, which are seen by some as censorship, in US universities. Kors and Silvergate later established the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, which campaigns against PC speech codes.[26]
Some conservative critics claim that political correctness is a Marxist undermining of Western values.[27] William S. Lind and Patrick Buchanan have characterized PC as a technique originated by the Frankfurt School, through what Buchanan describes as "Cultural Marxism".[28][29] In The Death of the West, Buchanan says: “Political Correctness is Cultural Marxism, a regime to punish dissent and to stigmatize social heresy as the Inquisition punished religious heresy. Its trademark is intolerance.” [30]
Examples of language commonly referred to as "politically correct" include:[14][page needed]
• "Mentally challenged" in place of "Retarded" and other terms
• "African American" in place of "Black," "Negro" and other terms
• "Native American" (or "First Nations" in Canada) in place of "Indian"
• "Caucasian" in place of "White", and other terms
• "Gender-neutral" terms such as "firefighter" in place of "fireman"
• The use of the word "gender" instead of the word "sex" to distinguish males and females
• Terms relating to disability, such as "visually challenged" or "hearing impaired" in place of "blind" or "deaf"
• "People of color" in place of "ethnic minorities" or "non-whites" in countries populated predominantly by people who are white.[citation needed]
• "Happy Holidays" in place of "Merry Christmas" and other holiday greetings
Monday, October 17, 2011
WAKE UP AMERICA!!
What path will you follow?
There may be some compromises but no middle ground.
What do you embrace? What reinforces your values?
I have prepared the following lists to help you make up your mind.
Just Right Politically Correct
Goodness Darkness
Humble Arrogant
Trust in God Gods/Atheist/Agnostic
Personal Responsibility Government Responsibility
Truth Distorted Truth
Property Rights Eminent Domain
Save Spend
No debt Debt
Act React
Deregulate Regulate
US UN
Individual Salvation Collective Salvation
Manage Your Own Money Let Government Distribute Your Money
Ronald Reagan Quotes:
“If we ever forget that we are ‘One Nation Under God,’ then we will be a nation gone under.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for the human spirit and for the soul of this nation to encourage people to accept more responsibility to care for each other rather than leaving those tasks to paid bureaucrats?”
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”
The 2012 election is a turning point for our country and for us as individuals. I am not 100% sure we can make it to Election Day before a calamity occurs - a significant event that will change us before we have a chance to change ourselves.
There may be some compromises but no middle ground.
What do you embrace? What reinforces your values?
I have prepared the following lists to help you make up your mind.
Just Right Politically Correct
Goodness Darkness
Humble Arrogant
Trust in God Gods/Atheist/Agnostic
Personal Responsibility Government Responsibility
Truth Distorted Truth
Property Rights Eminent Domain
Save Spend
No debt Debt
Act React
Deregulate Regulate
US UN
Individual Salvation Collective Salvation
Manage Your Own Money Let Government Distribute Your Money
Ronald Reagan Quotes:
“If we ever forget that we are ‘One Nation Under God,’ then we will be a nation gone under.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for the human spirit and for the soul of this nation to encourage people to accept more responsibility to care for each other rather than leaving those tasks to paid bureaucrats?”
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”
The 2012 election is a turning point for our country and for us as individuals. I am not 100% sure we can make it to Election Day before a calamity occurs - a significant event that will change us before we have a chance to change ourselves.
“Not to Speak is to Speak”
“Not to Act is to Act”
Friday, October 14, 2011
Townhome
The townhomes we looked at were in a great location! A townhome is a great way to go if you’re ready to escape the apartment-style living but not quite ready to tackle a freestanding house. It was nice that the bedrooms were upstairs, separate from the living space. I’m not one for yard work but I love having that outdoor space. These townhomes were a great solution with a small, low-maintenance outdoor patio.
Pros:
No one above or below you
More than one floor with living space on the first floor
Front porch and/or patio
Parking right at your door or attached garage
Minimal-to- no yard work
Pool & fitness (depending on the community)
Cons:
People on both sides
While I love the house I rent (a very small bungalow), I understand the appeal to purchase a townhome or condo. There are many great amenities that can be available with little to no maintenance on the property. It’s definitely something for me to consider in my next step.
Pros:
No one above or below you
More than one floor with living space on the first floor
Front porch and/or patio
Parking right at your door or attached garage
Minimal-to- no yard work
Pool & fitness (depending on the community)
Cons:
People on both sides
While I love the house I rent (a very small bungalow), I understand the appeal to purchase a townhome or condo. There are many great amenities that can be available with little to no maintenance on the property. It’s definitely something for me to consider in my next step.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Condo or Townhome? That is the Question
Guest Blog Post By: Amy Gibbs
I think the most exciting thing about buying your first home is the actual process of looking at homes. I couldn’t wait to see what my choices would be. I was counting down the days … and finally the day arrived!
The first day of looking was devoted to condos and townhomes. As a former apartment dweller, I associated the condo living with the same lifestyle as an apartment. I’ve recently moved from the apartment to a rental house.
In my mind, a townhome falls somewhere in between the two.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, below is a great chart to compare condo living versus townhome living:
Condo
The first stop was a newer condo in an area with many amenities close by. I wasn’t expecting to like the condo because it seemed like it would be very similar to the apartment I had recently left behind. As I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised! You still share the walls with others, but there were many things that made up for that. There was a lot of open space with great natural light. No dingy dark apartment here! I started going through my mental checklist of pros and cons and here’s what I came up with:
Pros:
Open space
Natural light
Secured building
Parking in the building
No yard work
Pool
Fitness center
Shopping you can walk to
Cons:
People above and below you (unless you’re on the top floor or bottom floor)
People sharing walls
Still didn’t feel like my own space because of the closeness of the neighbors
No “front porch.” Small outdoor space.
I think the most exciting thing about buying your first home is the actual process of looking at homes. I couldn’t wait to see what my choices would be. I was counting down the days … and finally the day arrived!
The first day of looking was devoted to condos and townhomes. As a former apartment dweller, I associated the condo living with the same lifestyle as an apartment. I’ve recently moved from the apartment to a rental house.
In my mind, a townhome falls somewhere in between the two.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, below is a great chart to compare condo living versus townhome living:
Condo
The first stop was a newer condo in an area with many amenities close by. I wasn’t expecting to like the condo because it seemed like it would be very similar to the apartment I had recently left behind. As I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised! You still share the walls with others, but there were many things that made up for that. There was a lot of open space with great natural light. No dingy dark apartment here! I started going through my mental checklist of pros and cons and here’s what I came up with:
Pros:
Open space
Natural light
Secured building
Parking in the building
No yard work
Pool
Fitness center
Shopping you can walk to
Cons:
People above and below you (unless you’re on the top floor or bottom floor)
People sharing walls
Still didn’t feel like my own space because of the closeness of the neighbors
No “front porch.” Small outdoor space.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Peak of the Week – Social Media
Source: Social 2B.com
By: Marina Shapiro
Out with the old, and in with the new.’ The industry of Social Media Marketing is maturing and we are predicting a new dawn for the Social Media revolution.
So, what will it mean to be ‘social’ in 2011?
What aspects of Social Media will be integral to the way businesses develop and grow? How will this impact the technology?
Who will ‘win’ at Social Media this year?
We’ve compiled top 11 predictions for the world of ‘social’ in 2011.
1. “…next year is really going to be about paring down to the essentials based on proven successes and strong metrics.” http://mashable.com/2010/12/21/small-business-predictions/
2. “Outsourcing social media such as blogs, writing e-mails, answering customer service inquiries, writing web copy, social media, ghostwritten blogs, tweets. People don’t always have the availability to write, tweet, research and post their own content.” http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2011-big-ideas-for-small-businesses-0835/
3. “All signs are pointing toward a multicultural Web. By 2015, a billion people in BRIC countries [Brazil, Russia, India and China] will be using PCs. Thus, 2011 will mark the year that businesses either adapt to these changes or get left woefully behind.”
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2011-big-ideas-for-small-businesses-0835/
4. “If you don’t have a mobile version of your site today, you are already behind.” http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/1934793/21-social-media-predictions-trends-2011
5. “B2B companies will catch up to B2C companies in using social media.” http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/1934793/21-social-media-predictions-trends-2011
6. “The Rise of the Marketing Technologist – Marketers for the last few years have been closet techno geeks and it’s time for them to rise up – companies need digitally fluent marketers who can apply technologies to help make marketing more measurable and scientific. Then we can really change the dynamic from marketing as a cost center to marketing as a profit center!” http://socialmediatoday.com/pauldunay/250079/11-b2b-marketing-predictions-2011
7. “Marketing and sales alignment continues to be the #1 issue impeding marketing’s ability to be perceived as a major driver of B2B business value.” http://www.b2bmarketinginsider.com/strategy/b2b-marketing-predictions-for-2011
8. “Consumers’ increasing concerns over noise and privacy will decrease the relatively open access marketers have enjoyed in social channels. The easiest tactics will be the least effective, forcing marketers to bring the same kind of creativity, audience differentiation, and strategy that they bring in other channels. www.forrester.com/rb/Research/2011_now_social_media_marketing_gets_tough/q/id/57771/t/2?cm_mmc=Forrester-_-Blogs-_-Related%20Research-_-5583
9. “Social media measurement will mature rapidly now that there is real money being spent by marketers in the social realm. http://marketingmeasurementtoday.blogspot.com/2011/01/predictions-for-social-media-metrics.html
10. “Commerce happens in communities of interest — not social networks.
First, I’d like to distinguish between a social network and a community of interest, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Social networks or, more aptly, social networking is how we connect with people.” http://adage.com/digitalnext/post?article_id=147897
11. “In 2011, those brands that truly embrace “social content generation” will build themselves a kingdom. The connections between brand, art or skill and visual communications in a socially connected world can create powerfully authentic appeal for brands.” http://www.fastcompany.com/1712634/2011-back-to-the-future
By: Marina Shapiro
Out with the old, and in with the new.’ The industry of Social Media Marketing is maturing and we are predicting a new dawn for the Social Media revolution.
So, what will it mean to be ‘social’ in 2011?
What aspects of Social Media will be integral to the way businesses develop and grow? How will this impact the technology?
Who will ‘win’ at Social Media this year?
We’ve compiled top 11 predictions for the world of ‘social’ in 2011.
1. “…next year is really going to be about paring down to the essentials based on proven successes and strong metrics.” http://mashable.com/2010/12/21/small-business-predictions/
2. “Outsourcing social media such as blogs, writing e-mails, answering customer service inquiries, writing web copy, social media, ghostwritten blogs, tweets. People don’t always have the availability to write, tweet, research and post their own content.” http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2011-big-ideas-for-small-businesses-0835/
3. “All signs are pointing toward a multicultural Web. By 2015, a billion people in BRIC countries [Brazil, Russia, India and China] will be using PCs. Thus, 2011 will mark the year that businesses either adapt to these changes or get left woefully behind.”
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2011-big-ideas-for-small-businesses-0835/
4. “If you don’t have a mobile version of your site today, you are already behind.” http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/1934793/21-social-media-predictions-trends-2011
5. “B2B companies will catch up to B2C companies in using social media.” http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/1934793/21-social-media-predictions-trends-2011
6. “The Rise of the Marketing Technologist – Marketers for the last few years have been closet techno geeks and it’s time for them to rise up – companies need digitally fluent marketers who can apply technologies to help make marketing more measurable and scientific. Then we can really change the dynamic from marketing as a cost center to marketing as a profit center!” http://socialmediatoday.com/pauldunay/250079/11-b2b-marketing-predictions-2011
7. “Marketing and sales alignment continues to be the #1 issue impeding marketing’s ability to be perceived as a major driver of B2B business value.” http://www.b2bmarketinginsider.com/strategy/b2b-marketing-predictions-for-2011
8. “Consumers’ increasing concerns over noise and privacy will decrease the relatively open access marketers have enjoyed in social channels. The easiest tactics will be the least effective, forcing marketers to bring the same kind of creativity, audience differentiation, and strategy that they bring in other channels. www.forrester.com/rb/Research/2011_now_social_media_marketing_gets_tough/q/id/57771/t/2?cm_mmc=Forrester-_-Blogs-_-Related%20Research-_-5583
9. “Social media measurement will mature rapidly now that there is real money being spent by marketers in the social realm. http://marketingmeasurementtoday.blogspot.com/2011/01/predictions-for-social-media-metrics.html
10. “Commerce happens in communities of interest — not social networks.
First, I’d like to distinguish between a social network and a community of interest, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Social networks or, more aptly, social networking is how we connect with people.” http://adage.com/digitalnext/post?article_id=147897
11. “In 2011, those brands that truly embrace “social content generation” will build themselves a kingdom. The connections between brand, art or skill and visual communications in a socially connected world can create powerfully authentic appeal for brands.” http://www.fastcompany.com/1712634/2011-back-to-the-future
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Social Networking
“Social networking is how we connect with people.”
“People are "pulled" into social networks via technology (e.g., I was "friended"), but people join communities of interest by choice.”
“Taking this principle to the real world, we can see that a focused community of interest with 300 people who love fly fishing will be far more engaged and monetizable than a Facebook page with 10,000 vague "likes.”
“In 2011 we will see that quality of engagement delivered in aggregated communities of interest will trump quantity of impressions delivered in one humungous "social network."
“People are "pulled" into social networks via technology (e.g., I was "friended"), but people join communities of interest by choice.”
“Taking this principle to the real world, we can see that a focused community of interest with 300 people who love fly fishing will be far more engaged and monetizable than a Facebook page with 10,000 vague "likes.”
“In 2011 we will see that quality of engagement delivered in aggregated communities of interest will trump quantity of impressions delivered in one humungous "social network."
Monday, October 10, 2011
Pictures are worth a Million Votes
Both of the above graphs are from an article by Henry Blodget, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Business Insider
October 1, 2011.
The following graph is from an article by Exra Klein of the Washington Post
Friday, October 7, 2011
Interesting Perspective - Wal-Mart vs. The Morons
If you have been reading my blog over the past several years, you will know that I am not this creative. I am passing along these thoughts from an anonymous source.
1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than Target sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target + Sears + Costco + K- Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people, is the world's largest private employer, and most speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the history of the world.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only fifteen years.
8. During this same period, 31 big supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the U S A of which 2,906 are Super Centers; this is 1,000 more than it had five years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores. (Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart.
13. Wal-Mart has gross sales that total more than the total revenue of all the countries in the world, except 6.
MAYBE we should hire the guys who run Wal-Mart to fix the economy.
This should be read and understood by all Americans Democrats, Republicans, E V E R Y O N E !!
To the President and all 535 voting members of the Legislature, both parties; it is now official - you are ALL corrupt morons:
a. The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.
b. Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.
c. Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.
d. War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.
e. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.
f. Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.
g. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.
!!!You have FAILED !!!
In every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars.
AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM??
YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN THE AUTO INDUSTRY.... THE BANKING SYSTEM?????
MAYBE WE SHOULD HIRE WALMART TO RUN THE GOVERNMENT???
WALMART SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS.
WHY DON'T YOU GUYS JUST ADMIT IT'S WAY BEYOND YOUR PAY GRADE, AND QUIT?
YOUR GOING AWAY PARTY IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 2012.
1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than Target sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target + Sears + Costco + K- Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people, is the world's largest private employer, and most speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the history of the world.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only fifteen years.
8. During this same period, 31 big supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the U S A of which 2,906 are Super Centers; this is 1,000 more than it had five years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores. (Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart.
13. Wal-Mart has gross sales that total more than the total revenue of all the countries in the world, except 6.
MAYBE we should hire the guys who run Wal-Mart to fix the economy.
This should be read and understood by all Americans Democrats, Republicans, E V E R Y O N E !!
To the President and all 535 voting members of the Legislature, both parties; it is now official - you are ALL corrupt morons:
a. The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.
b. Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.
c. Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.
d. War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.
e. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.
f. Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.
g. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.
!!!You have FAILED !!!
In every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars.
AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM??
YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN THE AUTO INDUSTRY.... THE BANKING SYSTEM?????
MAYBE WE SHOULD HIRE WALMART TO RUN THE GOVERNMENT???
WALMART SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS.
WHY DON'T YOU GUYS JUST ADMIT IT'S WAY BEYOND YOUR PAY GRADE, AND QUIT?
YOUR GOING AWAY PARTY IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 2012.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Homeownership
Ronald Reagan – “Freedom is not something to be secured in any one moment of time. We must struggle to preserve it every day. And freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Since the height of the housing bubble in 2006, the housing industry has been in a crisis. You do not have to know very much about the economy and the housing industry to know that housing prices will not return to pre-bubble prices for years to come.
This depression has dramatically changed our youngest generation. Their freedoms are slowly being eroded away by government regulations and dependence on government is on the increase. It is not too late to make sure our children’s children enjoy the same freedom’s we have today.
Owning a home is a symbol of freedom. It is an important component of the American Dream.
Since the height of the housing bubble in 2006, the housing industry has been in a crisis. You do not have to know very much about the economy and the housing industry to know that housing prices will not return to pre-bubble prices for years to come.
This depression has dramatically changed our youngest generation. Their freedoms are slowly being eroded away by government regulations and dependence on government is on the increase. It is not too late to make sure our children’s children enjoy the same freedom’s we have today.
Owning a home is a symbol of freedom. It is an important component of the American Dream.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Reasons for Suburban or Urban Sprawl
Guest Blog Post by:
Ashton Bowman
Civil and Environmental Engineering Student
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Land Development I – Homework #1
The desire for a higher quality of life is one main causes of suburban sprawl.
Families often prefer a suburban or rural home to urban housing for many reasons including better air quality, lower crime rates, better schools, and more attractive surroundings. Emissions from vehicles, industrial plants, etc. are much lower in the suburbs than in the city. Suburban living provides privacy, room for storage, a big yard.
Also, most families prefer the view from a suburban home (woods, water, and other homes) to the view provided by urban housing (commercial buildings, industrial plants, streets). Additionally, private automobiles are the cultural norm in America, so living in center-city to utilize public transportation is not a priority for many people. Private vehicles allow independence and personal expression (how nice your car is says something about you and your socioeconomic status, etc.).
Economics is another main cause of suburban sprawl, from the perspective of both the home-owner and the developer. The cost of living in the suburbs is less expensive than in the city. Additionally, it is cheaper and easier for developers to develop untouched, rural land than center-city property.
Zoning restrictions and existing infrastructure in the city make it more difficult for developers. And rural/suburban land is readily available, cheap, and allows for more flexibility and a faster process.
Overall, economics and the demand for a higher quality of life are the main contributors to suburban sprawl. As long as the market is in favor of low-density suburban housing and land is cheap and available, suburban sprawl will continue.
Ashton Bowman
Civil and Environmental Engineering Student
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Land Development I – Homework #1
The desire for a higher quality of life is one main causes of suburban sprawl.
Families often prefer a suburban or rural home to urban housing for many reasons including better air quality, lower crime rates, better schools, and more attractive surroundings. Emissions from vehicles, industrial plants, etc. are much lower in the suburbs than in the city. Suburban living provides privacy, room for storage, a big yard.
Also, most families prefer the view from a suburban home (woods, water, and other homes) to the view provided by urban housing (commercial buildings, industrial plants, streets). Additionally, private automobiles are the cultural norm in America, so living in center-city to utilize public transportation is not a priority for many people. Private vehicles allow independence and personal expression (how nice your car is says something about you and your socioeconomic status, etc.).
Economics is another main cause of suburban sprawl, from the perspective of both the home-owner and the developer. The cost of living in the suburbs is less expensive than in the city. Additionally, it is cheaper and easier for developers to develop untouched, rural land than center-city property.
Zoning restrictions and existing infrastructure in the city make it more difficult for developers. And rural/suburban land is readily available, cheap, and allows for more flexibility and a faster process.
Overall, economics and the demand for a higher quality of life are the main contributors to suburban sprawl. As long as the market is in favor of low-density suburban housing and land is cheap and available, suburban sprawl will continue.
Monday, October 3, 2011
What is the Difference between California and West Virginia?
California:
The Governor of California is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A coyote jumps out and attacks the Governor's dog, then bites the Governor. The Governor starts to intervene, but reflects upon the movie "Bambi" and then realizes he should stop because the coyote is only doing what is natural.
He calls animal control Animal Control captures the coyote and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases and $500 for relocating it.
He calls a veterinarian. The vet collects the dead dog and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases.
The Governor goes to hospital and spends $3,500 getting checked for diseases from the coyote and on getting his bite wound bandaged.
The running trail gets shut down for 6 months while Fish & Game conducts a $100,000 survey to make sure the area is now free of dangerous animals.
The Governor spends $50,000 in state funds implementing a "coyote awareness program" for residents of the area.
The State Legislature spends $2 million to study how to better treat rabies and how to permanently eradicate the disease throughout the world.
The Governor's security agent is fired for not stopping the attack. The State spends $150,000 to hire and train a new agent with additional special training re: the nature of coyotes.
PETA protests the coyote's relocation and files a $5 million suit against the State.
West Virginia
The Governor of West Virginia is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A Coyote jumps out and attacks his dog.
1. The Governor shoots the coyote with his State-issued pistol and keeps jogging. The Governor has spent $0.50 on a ..45 hollow point cartridge.
2. The Buzzards eat the dead coyote.
And that, my friends, is why California is broke and West Virginia is not.
The Governor of California is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A coyote jumps out and attacks the Governor's dog, then bites the Governor. The Governor starts to intervene, but reflects upon the movie "Bambi" and then realizes he should stop because the coyote is only doing what is natural.
He calls animal control Animal Control captures the coyote and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases and $500 for relocating it.
He calls a veterinarian. The vet collects the dead dog and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases.
The Governor goes to hospital and spends $3,500 getting checked for diseases from the coyote and on getting his bite wound bandaged.
The running trail gets shut down for 6 months while Fish & Game conducts a $100,000 survey to make sure the area is now free of dangerous animals.
The Governor spends $50,000 in state funds implementing a "coyote awareness program" for residents of the area.
The State Legislature spends $2 million to study how to better treat rabies and how to permanently eradicate the disease throughout the world.
The Governor's security agent is fired for not stopping the attack. The State spends $150,000 to hire and train a new agent with additional special training re: the nature of coyotes.
PETA protests the coyote's relocation and files a $5 million suit against the State.
West Virginia
The Governor of West Virginia is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A Coyote jumps out and attacks his dog.
1. The Governor shoots the coyote with his State-issued pistol and keeps jogging. The Governor has spent $0.50 on a ..45 hollow point cartridge.
2. The Buzzards eat the dead coyote.
And that, my friends, is why California is broke and West Virginia is not.
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