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Does Your iPod have a Carbon Footprint?
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 17:00:19 in Green
“Many people don't even consider the carbon footprint of their possessions before or after they own it. The Toyota Prius is a prime example. It may be great for reducing carbon emissions during it's lifetime of use by the owner, but there's a few issues that nobody really takes into consideration: The mining of raw materials for it (nickel mainly) is devastating to the environment, the manufacturing process is energy consumptive and messy, the extensive shipping of nickel ore and various parts from around the world to Japan and then back out to market, then those costs happen all over again at the end of it's life when they recycle the batteries and other parts... all of this adds up to a consumer product that for all it's intended good, probably doesn't really do much to offset it's overall harm.”
Homelessness Myth #4: There's Room In The Inn
Commented Dec 15, 2009 at 13:26:08 in Living
“It seems that many municipalities tend to shuffle much (not all, but much) of the responsibility for shelter space off on to non-profit groups and churches, instead of using city funding and city owned properties. The idea below of opening up unused buildings for shelter space is great - almost every city has something. Even in my small town, just down the street there's what used to be an old police station, but it's been unused and unoccupied for nearly two years now. It could easily be turned into an overnight shelter for 20-30 people, or a food bank, or something useful to the community instead of just another building falling into disrepair because of its lack of use.
Instead of seeing homelessness as a problem that everyone in the city should be helping to address, at least with a small percentage of their tax dollars, if not by directly volunteering. We have a very ego-centric society, and our government at the federal, state and municipal levels all reinforce that. The idea that we can afford to spend trillions on unnecessary foreign wars, but we can't feed, clothe and house every single one of our own citizens is disgusting and very telling where our priorities as a nation lie.”
Instead of seeing homelessness as a problem that everyone in the city should be helping to address, at least with a small percentage of their tax dollars, if not by directly volunteering. We have a very ego-centric society, and our government at the federal, state and municipal levels all reinforce that. The idea that we can afford to spend trillions on unnecessary foreign wars, but we can't feed, clothe and house every single one of our own citizens is disgusting and very telling where our priorities as a nation lie.”
Legionnaire's Disease Kills One, 300 Relocated From Epic Hotel In Miami
Commented Dec 14, 2009 at 15:04:00 in Home
“Okay, that is a really, really bad headline. I realize there's a space in there, but if you look at "1, 300" really quickly, you think "Damn, it killed 1,300 people!?"”
mathme replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 18:48:26
“Definitely should have been a semicolon.”
aurora50 replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 15:06:05
“My take also.”
Charla Nash Attack: Sandra Herold Won't Be Charged In Chimp Attack
Commented Dec 07, 2009 at 16:48:12 in New York
“As someone who is an advocate of people being able to keep whatever animals they want, as long as they have appropriate housing and are otherwise qualified, I find this ridiculous. If you're going to keep an animal as a pet, any animal, it is your responsibility to keep it safe, and to keep safe anyone who may come in contact with it. This whole situation was just an accident waiting to happen, of someone who either simply didn't understand chimp behavior, or simply didn't care. Either way, they show a gross lack of responsibility and attentiveness to the needs of the chimp or to general public safety around an animal, even if not predisposed to aggression, is certainly capable of it. I hope the civil courts drain her dry.”
The Forgotten Cost of War: Caring for Veterans
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 13:52:55 in Politics
“Many other serious issues aside, the fact that there are any homeless vets at all is a disgusting sign that we're misplacing our priorities when it comes to funding for "national security". If we're asking these men and women to risk their lives for our country, the least we should do is make sure they have a roof over their head when they have finished their service. Ignoring the problem is not going to make it go away. Delaying what funding has been suggested is only serving to make a bad situation worse. It's time for some people in Congress to grow up and give veterans some respect.”
SteveDenver replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 17:16:59
“If you serve in the Armed Forces, you are twice as likely to become homeless.
If you serve in a war capacity, you are five times more likely to become homeless.
The "Road Home" program in Denver follows the pattern of other programs that battle homelessness by figuring out what benefits people on the street should be receiving, but aren't. Veteran's benefits and Social Security are the two top benefits not being received, because it is required that the recipient has a permanent address to which the checks can be sent. GUESS WHAT? We've figured out a way to get around it.
Mentally and psychologically impacted veterans are all over the streets and the VA Hospital requires for them to wait hours before being seen, hours before receiving medication (or they hear "Come back tomorrow."
If you serve in a war capacity, you are five times more likely to become homeless.
The "Road Home" program in Denver follows the pattern of other programs that battle homelessness by figuring out what benefits people on the street should be receiving, but aren't. Veteran's benefits and Social Security are the two top benefits not being received, because it is required that the recipient has a permanent address to which the checks can be sent. GUESS WHAT? We've figured out a way to get around it.
Mentally and psychologically impacted veterans are all over the streets and the VA Hospital requires for them to wait hours before being seen, hours before receiving medication (or they hear "Come back tomorrow."
USDA Classifies PETA As A Terrorist Threat
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 13:46:45 in Green
“Not to mention, funneling money to groups like ALF, who are even more overtly terrorizing - and have done much to damage property and kill animals.”
Homelessness Myth #3: Unsheltered People Only Count At Night
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 02:07:30 in Living
“My link didn't work right, might have to just cut and paste it: www.fronts
I find it highly unlikely that the figure of 38% is correct. If it was ~10%, maybe I could believe it, but 38% is a pretty drastic drop - and statistically speaking, it is more likely that it was a change in the way they collected their data.
I would definitely like to hear what shelter directors have to say on the issue. They are the people on the front lines. No bureaucrat could argue with the numbers of people they see going through their doors every single day.”
I find it highly unlikely that the figure of 38% is correct. If it was ~10%, maybe I could believe it, but 38% is a pretty drastic drop - and statistically speaking, it is more likely that it was a change in the way they collected their data.
I would definitely like to hear what shelter directors have to say on the issue. They are the people on the front lines. No bureaucrat could argue with the numbers of people they see going through their doors every single day.”
Homelessness Myth #3: Unsheltered People Only Count At Night
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 02:03:38 in Living
“There are many shelters in the area, I'm not sure of an exact number, but the local resource center for the homeless http://www
Since we have fairly nice weather in central Texas, the number of people making use of shelters can vary widely from day to day. This week, we're having freeze warnings, which will open a lot of temporary cold weather shelters, to try and get as many people in out of the weather as possible. Times like this would be a good time to talk to people and do a head count. I think it would give a more realistic picture of just how bad things are. People who might otherwise tough it out on the street on a warm night, may find themselves driven to a shelter when it's simply not tolerable. I can't even imagine how more northern states handle things with bad winter weather.
I did read in one of the reports on the Austin area, that on any given night in the area there is around 4,000 people who are homeless, half of those being right down town. I highly doubt there is enough shelter space for even but a fraction of those people. The report also specifically mentioned that people staying in motels/hotels, with friends/relatives, in a boarding home, or in jail were not counted at all.”
Since we have fairly nice weather in central Texas, the number of people making use of shelters can vary widely from day to day. This week, we're having freeze warnings, which will open a lot of temporary cold weather shelters, to try and get as many people in out of the weather as possible. Times like this would be a good time to talk to people and do a head count. I think it would give a more realistic picture of just how bad things are. People who might otherwise tough it out on the street on a warm night, may find themselves driven to a shelter when it's simply not tolerable. I can't even imagine how more northern states handle things with bad winter weather.
I did read in one of the reports on the Austin area, that on any given night in the area there is around 4,000 people who are homeless, half of those being right down town. I highly doubt there is enough shelter space for even but a fraction of those people. The report also specifically mentioned that people staying in motels/hotels, with friends/relatives, in a boarding home, or in jail were not counted at all.”
hp blogger Christine Schanes replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 02:31:36
“Hi, LA Dawson,
Thank you very much for the link. I am combining my comments to your two comments since the reply button on your second comment is not visible.
I really appreciate all the information you have shared.
Yes, it would be wonderful if shelter directors would write in and tell of their experiences with the numbers of homeless people they are helping.
I invite shelter directors to please comment with their experiences.
By the way, in Los Angeles the newspapers have reported that some shelter directors have contested the 2009 Los Angeles count. However, LAHSA is standing by their count that there are 38% fewer homeless people now in Los Angeles than there were two years ago.
Last week we at Children Helping Poor and Homeless People had our annual CHPHP Thanksgiving In A Box Program which is pre-planned as to donors and recipients.
However, this year, we had many more unexpected homeless people ask for food and to whom we served thanksgiving feasts (canned and packaged foods with a grocery gift card for the main dish) than we have ever had in our 24 years.
Because of the substantial increase in surprise requests, we have already decided that next year, we will have a special section of our program dedicated to homeless people who have not contacted us in advance for thanksgiving feasts.
Sad stuff, really.
Your thoughts are appreciated. Please stay in touch,
Christine”
Thank you very much for the link. I am combining my comments to your two comments since the reply button on your second comment is not visible.
I really appreciate all the information you have shared.
Yes, it would be wonderful if shelter directors would write in and tell of their experiences with the numbers of homeless people they are helping.
I invite shelter directors to please comment with their experiences.
By the way, in Los Angeles the newspapers have reported that some shelter directors have contested the 2009 Los Angeles count. However, LAHSA is standing by their count that there are 38% fewer homeless people now in Los Angeles than there were two years ago.
Last week we at Children Helping Poor and Homeless People had our annual CHPHP Thanksgiving In A Box Program which is pre-planned as to donors and recipients.
However, this year, we had many more unexpected homeless people ask for food and to whom we served thanksgiving feasts (canned and packaged foods with a grocery gift card for the main dish) than we have ever had in our 24 years.
Because of the substantial increase in surprise requests, we have already decided that next year, we will have a special section of our program dedicated to homeless people who have not contacted us in advance for thanksgiving feasts.
Sad stuff, really.
Your thoughts are appreciated. Please stay in touch,
Christine”
LADawson replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 02:07:30
“My link didn't work right, might have to just cut and paste it: www.fronts
I find it highly unlikely that the figure of 38% is correct. If it was ~10%, maybe I could believe it, but 38% is a pretty drastic drop - and statistically speaking, it is more likely that it was a change in the way they collected their data.
I would definitely like to hear what shelter directors have to say on the issue. They are the people on the front lines. No bureaucrat could argue with the numbers of people they see going through their doors every single day.”
I find it highly unlikely that the figure of 38% is correct. If it was ~10%, maybe I could believe it, but 38% is a pretty drastic drop - and statistically speaking, it is more likely that it was a change in the way they collected their data.
I would definitely like to hear what shelter directors have to say on the issue. They are the people on the front lines. No bureaucrat could argue with the numbers of people they see going through their doors every single day.”
Homelessness Myth #3: Unsheltered People Only Count At Night
Commented Dec 01, 2009 at 14:27:07 in Living
“I am in Travis County, Texas. To be honest, I find it very hard to believe that the homeless rate is dropping, especially given the number of job lay offs, record number of bankruptcies and general state of the economy. The number of obviously homeless I've seen around this area has not really changed in many years. I think they're just finding ways to count them differently, so it seems better on paper. That, and sheltering options have improved, so not as many people are out there to be as easily seen. The shelters in this area certainly have no shortage of people needing help, neither do the food banks, and this area is probably one of the better areas, with a relatively low population of homeless compared to larger urban centers.”
hp blogger Christine Schanes replied on Dec 01, 2009 at 18:55:01
“Hi, LADawson,
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for responding to my questions. I'm not familiar with Travis County, Texas, I'll have to locate it on the map.
I agree with you in believing that it is hard to imagine that the number of homeless people has decreased in any percentage from 2 years ago.
All of the shelters I know in California are full and their waiting lists are closed. There still are many individuals and lots of families in need of a place to stay.
I think that either the numbers of homeless people counted this year was inaccurate or the number of homeless people counted in the past was inaccurate.
In any event, I believe strongly that the HUD guidelines which are supposed to set forth a recommended methodology regarding time of the day/night during which homeless people are counted should be changed.
Los Angeles saw a decline of 38% of homeless people from 2007? How likely is that?
Do you have many shelters in your County? Are they full? Do you know if their waiting lists are closed? Do you know the official homeless person count in your area? Has the number of homeless people counted in 2009 decreased/increased from 2007?
Some jurisdictions have shelter listings, do you know who would have that in Travis County?
Maybe I could start a collection of shelter listings and then call shelter directors to find out what they feel about the 2009 homeless people census.
Christine”
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for responding to my questions. I'm not familiar with Travis County, Texas, I'll have to locate it on the map.
I agree with you in believing that it is hard to imagine that the number of homeless people has decreased in any percentage from 2 years ago.
All of the shelters I know in California are full and their waiting lists are closed. There still are many individuals and lots of families in need of a place to stay.
I think that either the numbers of homeless people counted this year was inaccurate or the number of homeless people counted in the past was inaccurate.
In any event, I believe strongly that the HUD guidelines which are supposed to set forth a recommended methodology regarding time of the day/night during which homeless people are counted should be changed.
Los Angeles saw a decline of 38% of homeless people from 2007? How likely is that?
Do you have many shelters in your County? Are they full? Do you know if their waiting lists are closed? Do you know the official homeless person count in your area? Has the number of homeless people counted in 2009 decreased/increased from 2007?
Some jurisdictions have shelter listings, do you know who would have that in Travis County?
Maybe I could start a collection of shelter listings and then call shelter directors to find out what they feel about the 2009 homeless people census.
Christine”
Homelessness Myth #3: Unsheltered People Only Count At Night
Commented Nov 30, 2009 at 12:23:29 in Living
“One of the problems there is with enumerating homeless is that many are hard working people, and have some place to be during the day, just to stay alive, and may be left out. Interviews with many homeless in my area found that it was around 40% who were working homeless (Texas), with a job that just simply didn't earn them enough to be in reliable housing. There are also a good number of people who are only partially homeless: They have shelters, or places they can "crash" some of the time, but other times they have nothing. For most government reports I've seen, those people are largely ignored and not really considered "homeless", because they have options available.”
hp blogger Christine Schanes replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 20:49:36
“Hi, LADawson,
Thanks for your comment.
You are so right. People living in other people's homes and sleeping on their couches or even in their garages are excluded in this counts.
It would be an interesting study to conduct to see if we could locate and count these displaced people who have no homes of their own.
I am going to ask everyone who is commenting the following questions, and I would appreciate your thoughts:
First, it appears from your name that you are from Los Angeles County. Please correct me if I'm wrong on that.
Q: Do you believe that the numbers of homeless people in general is going down? As I've written, LA County has counted 38% fewer homeless people than it counted in 2007. Does your experience indicate that there is a decrease in the number of homeless people in LA County? Could you give an estimate of the percentage of increase or decrease of homeless people that you know or notice?
Please keep in touch,
Christine”
Thanks for your comment.
You are so right. People living in other people's homes and sleeping on their couches or even in their garages are excluded in this counts.
It would be an interesting study to conduct to see if we could locate and count these displaced people who have no homes of their own.
I am going to ask everyone who is commenting the following questions, and I would appreciate your thoughts:
First, it appears from your name that you are from Los Angeles County. Please correct me if I'm wrong on that.
Q: Do you believe that the numbers of homeless people in general is going down? As I've written, LA County has counted 38% fewer homeless people than it counted in 2007. Does your experience indicate that there is a decrease in the number of homeless people in LA County? Could you give an estimate of the percentage of increase or decrease of homeless people that you know or notice?
Please keep in touch,
Christine”
Bats: The New Canary in the Coal Mine?
Commented Nov 26, 2009 at 02:29:24 in Green
“Humans poison their food supply by using pesticides, killing off bats. With a reduction in the bat population, more insects are around, thus encouraging them to use more insecticides to keep the pests under control. It's a downward spiral, and is certainly not limited to bats, there are many animals that eat insects... and animals that eat them.”
Palin Refused To Shake Oliver Stone's Hand
Commented Nov 15, 2009 at 13:09:06 in Politics
“A better headline for this would have been "Palin refused to shake hands with decorated Vietnam War veteran." :)”
MIvoter1231 replied on Nov 15, 2009 at 14:13:00
“I can't stand Oliver Stone's movies (except Platoon), but I do respect his service and I would never be petty enough to refuse to shake hands with him I would if it were someone who actually did something unforgivable to me on a personal level, but not just because I didn't like their views. Only very small, insecure, hateful people do that.”
Basic Truths in Hoh Resignation Letter Were True When He Took His Job
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 15:13:48 in World
“Well, the first thing that came to my mind was that maybe Mr. Hoh thought he could make a difference when he took the job. We're all hopeful when facing a new and interesting challenge. Then, when he finally came to see the full picture of just how ridiculous us occupying Afghanistan is, he decided to cut his losses and walk away. Which is probably the smartest move at this point. I really don't see what we can hope to accomplish in the future that we couldn't have made a significant move toward in 9 years, but we've gotten pretty much nowhere. How many lessons from history are we going to fail to pay attention to before we give up wasting our money, and worst of all, our people?”
RogerHWerner replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 22:10:31
“We let this war fester because Bush/Cheney dropped the ball in favor of a higher profile target. The ultimate destiny of Afghanistan, with a tribal society is with its people not the US military. Afghan society is alien to Americans and sadly our government. We had justification for invasion--
Colorado Minimum Wage Will Drop By 4 Cents With Cost Of Living
Commented Oct 13, 2009 at 14:20:29 in Denver
“Didn't intend to turn this into a debate on Walmart... they're just one of the most obvious minimum wage employers. :)”
Colorado Minimum Wage Will Drop By 4 Cents With Cost Of Living
Commented Oct 13, 2009 at 13:05:10 in Denver
“I was just thinking to myself the other day. Those dang minimum wage workers are obviously making too much money. We should cut that back so McDonald's and Walmart's profits aren't hurt in this bad economy.”
oceanofconsciousness replied on Oct 13, 2009 at 13:14:25
“Fanned.”
Suzanne525 replied on Oct 13, 2009 at 13:08:36
“What really pisses me off about Wal-Mart (OK - it's a long list) is that even though more people are shopping there due to the economy, they are raising prices on necessities. The SOBs could easily lower prices on basics, to help people get by. But NO.
I used to buy pet food there because it was cheaper (Lots of critters to feed), but their prices are now higher that the smaller chain supermarkets.
I'm doing everything I can to boycott them.”
I used to buy pet food there because it was cheaper (Lots of critters to feed), but their prices are now higher that the smaller chain supermarkets.
I'm doing everything I can to boycott them.”
Bill Maher is wrong about the swine flu
Commented Oct 10, 2009 at 10:44:32 in Politics
“If you are taking your medical advice from a comedian talk show host without consulting a doctor, you have bigger problems to worry about than swine flu. I agree with Bill Maher on many topics, but I don't go to him for my medical advice. Just like I don't go to Jay Leno for advice on how to fix my car, nor go to David Letterman for advice on my love life.”
mellowrant replied on Oct 10, 2009 at 12:08:51
“You took the exact words, every one of them, out of my mouth. I guess Bergthold thinks women are just plain stupid.”
elmerfude replied on Oct 10, 2009 at 11:01:49
“Right on. I like Bill also but he was in way over his head last night on this one.”
How Much Money Would A Soda Tax Generate? Find Out
Commented Oct 05, 2009 at 01:37:49 in Green
“I have a better idea: Stop subsidizing corn growers that produce corn for high fructose corn syrup. That's the main reason why we have so many products made with it - it's cheap, largely due to government subsidizing. Treat the source of the problem, instead of only trying to treat the symptoms. That would leave more money in government pockets to begin with, as well as increase already existing tax revenues, because the price of HFCS, and thus HFCS products, would have to go up... and no new taxes!”
deepintheheartoftejas replied on Oct 05, 2009 at 11:21:17
“It's not the only reason. Sugar is 2 to 3 times more expensive than elsewhere in the world because the US maintains tariffs to protect sugar beet farmers. You'll need to drop those and let in cheap sugar from Mexico, South America and the Carribean.”
mamacat replied on Oct 05, 2009 at 01:58:52
“Why not tax both sugar drinks and HFCS, and stop giving tax dollars away to corn conglomerates?”
GM's New TV Commercials -- Do They Grab You?
Commented Oct 02, 2009 at 15:10:10 in Business
“A friend of mine bought an Intrigue back in the late 90s. I thought he was insane at first. Oldsmobile? Really? Turned out though, it actually was a very nice car. Lots of room inside, very comfortable. The V6 in it is torquey and all but bullet proof - never giving him a problem. He's still driving it, holding out hopes for replacing it with a Volt. It's almost a shame they spent so much money convincing earlier Olds customers that they weren't going to get the same cars they remembered, and then failed to draw many new customers. I'm sure they could have come up with a great ad campaign based on the sheer extensive history of the company.”
GM's New TV Commercials -- Do They Grab You?
Commented Sep 24, 2009 at 15:51:18 in Business
“I just don't understand what they're aiming for. Having some older gentleman stand in front of a camera and say "We're better this time. Really. No... really. Stop laughing." is not going to convince anyone to buy their cars. Especially if anyone has been paying attention and takes Mr. Whiteacre at his previous word, in that he really doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to cars. Lets hope someone gave him a crash course.
I too enjoy that they're advertising Cadillacs as something above and beyond... but are they really? I like their styling. I like the CTS, the SRX, and especially the XLR, but I'm still not convinced they're on par for quality with the vehicles they compete with from Lexus, BMW and Mercedes.
I freely admit I'm prejudiced against Buick, I think they should have been canned before Oldsmobile, but really... they'd be the last place I'd go for a GM vehicle. I just don't see the point or where they fit in the overall product structure. Their upper end pricing cuts into Cadillac territory, their lower end pricing cuts into Chevrolet, so unless for some reason you really want a Buick, there are better choices. Not to mention, I still think the last car they made worth buying was the Grand National in 1987, and LaCrosse is a silly name for a car. :)”
I too enjoy that they're advertising Cadillacs as something above and beyond... but are they really? I like their styling. I like the CTS, the SRX, and especially the XLR, but I'm still not convinced they're on par for quality with the vehicles they compete with from Lexus, BMW and Mercedes.
I freely admit I'm prejudiced against Buick, I think they should have been canned before Oldsmobile, but really... they'd be the last place I'd go for a GM vehicle. I just don't see the point or where they fit in the overall product structure. Their upper end pricing cuts into Cadillac territory, their lower end pricing cuts into Chevrolet, so unless for some reason you really want a Buick, there are better choices. Not to mention, I still think the last car they made worth buying was the Grand National in 1987, and LaCrosse is a silly name for a car. :)”
hp blogger Steve Parker replied on Oct 02, 2009 at 00:56:41
“Buick's tagline is going to be: "The new class in world class."
So what does that say about Cadillac? Doesn't that dilute the Caddy brand? Hasn't GM learned their lesson about trying to sell the same-themed cars in different stores?
I say get rid of Buick and GMC ... Cadillac as the luxury brand, Chevy trucks instead of the GMC brand. By the way, if they combined GMC and Chevy truck sales GM would have the best-selling truck in the US --- but they've given that away to Ford for over 50 years!
Oldsmobile died on its own, unfortunately. I still think their final effort, the Aurora, is one of the best-looking cars ever made. And with the V8 engine it was plenty fun to drive! But they couldn't overcome their sales slide and their desperate "This is not your father's Oldsmobile" slogan (now considered one the worst ad campaigns in history) and John Rock, the division's last general manager, almost worked himself to death trying to turn it around.
I attended Olds' 100th birthday celebration in Lansing, and met the great grandson of Ransom Eli Olds ... Ransom Eli Olds III. It was a thrill.
And my father did have an Oldsmobile. We had a brand-new 1961 Super 88 convertible, fire engine red in color, and we drove that car from NYC to southern California in 1961, still using much of the original Rt 66.
So I loved my father's Oldsmobile!
Steve”
So what does that say about Cadillac? Doesn't that dilute the Caddy brand? Hasn't GM learned their lesson about trying to sell the same-themed cars in different stores?
I say get rid of Buick and GMC ... Cadillac as the luxury brand, Chevy trucks instead of the GMC brand. By the way, if they combined GMC and Chevy truck sales GM would have the best-selling truck in the US --- but they've given that away to Ford for over 50 years!
Oldsmobile died on its own, unfortunately. I still think their final effort, the Aurora, is one of the best-looking cars ever made. And with the V8 engine it was plenty fun to drive! But they couldn't overcome their sales slide and their desperate "This is not your father's Oldsmobile" slogan (now considered one the worst ad campaigns in history) and John Rock, the division's last general manager, almost worked himself to death trying to turn it around.
I attended Olds' 100th birthday celebration in Lansing, and met the great grandson of Ransom Eli Olds ... Ransom Eli Olds III. It was a thrill.
And my father did have an Oldsmobile. We had a brand-new 1961 Super 88 convertible, fire engine red in color, and we drove that car from NYC to southern California in 1961, still using much of the original Rt 66.
So I loved my father's Oldsmobile!
Steve”
A Double Whammy for Animal Shelters
Commented Sep 16, 2009 at 12:26:14 in Green
“Thanks for mentioning this. It was the first thing that came to mind as soon as I read the first line of Mr. Markarian's post. Anything you can donate to your local shelter would be helpful. So many of them are working on shoestring budgets.
In all fairness though, lobbying efforts at the top can go a long way to helping laws be changed and funding be allocated at the federal and state level for animal control officers, spay/neute
In all fairness though, lobbying efforts at the top can go a long way to helping laws be changed and funding be allocated at the federal and state level for animal control officers, spay/neute
Post-Partisan Depression
Commented Sep 12, 2009 at 15:14:55 in Politics
“It is not just Republicans being the tools of corporations. I think you will find many of the Blue Dog Democrat's positions to be very amenable to certain corporate influences as well. It all leads me to believe that there may be no real health care reform until a comprehensive campaign finance reform package and a lobbying reform package is passed. Something needs to be done to ameliorate these undue influences - which ultimately, is founded upon representatives looking only to their own re-election, and not to the needs and wants of the people.”
maryyooch replied on Sep 12, 2009 at 15:42:02
“You are right about some of the Democrats being financed with the Health Care Industrial Complex dollars, most particularly the blue dogs.
But it is unlikely to be reformed. It will only get worse because of the hearing coming up in the Supreme Court regarding the election finance laws.”
But it is unlikely to be reformed. It will only get worse because of the hearing coming up in the Supreme Court regarding the election finance laws.”
We Can't Afford Health Care? You lie!
Commented Sep 12, 2009 at 14:53:57 in Politics
“Well, the obvious solution is that the poor, unemployed and uninsured need to join the military. Then they get a paycheck, a job, and health care - all of which that are funded. The already unhealthy.
Post-Partisan Depression
Commented Sep 12, 2009 at 14:30:06 in Politics
“Post-bipartisan? Post would imply 'behind', 'after', 'subsequen
Lobbyists Feel The Recession: Lobbying In Marked Decline
Commented Sep 06, 2009 at 13:37:37 in Business
“Just think, if the lobbying "industry" has to make major cut backs and layoffs like other industries in the country, senators and congressman might actually have to write and read their own legislation! What is the country coming to!?”
The "Insurance Companies Support Health Care Reform" Gambit
Commented Sep 03, 2009 at 17:14:25 in Politics
“You'd think the insurance companies would be clamoring for the millions of potential new customers, with more reasonably priced supplemental insurance (on top of any public plan)... and if private insurance is so much better than any public plan could be, as they like to claim, it can only be a benefit to them, to prove their point, no?”
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