Gray_Rain_Boots

To Tax the Wealthy or Not to Tax? Bush tax cuts need to expire as planned.

2010-09-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

The hot debate in Congress at present is whether the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy will be extended past their planned expiration at the end of 2010. President Obama hopes to extend the cuts only for couples with incomes under $250,000 (and individuals under $200K).

The U.S. economy is in a horrible state at the moment. Republicans are arguing that we need to keep the millionaires happy by extending their tax cuts. A recent Moody's analysis (see http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-13/rich-americans-save-money-from-tax-cuts-instead-of-spending-moody-s-says.html ) claims that the rich will not spend more to help the economy. Moody's analysts say the rich will save their money and that, in turn, will actually hurt the economy. However, from my layman's point of view, I can't see how increasing our deficit to spend more for these tax cuts will help the U.S. economy. I can remember lecture from a few economic classes I took in college that spoke of economic stimulation. We learned that government investments to our infrastructure can strengthen the economy and create jobs. But, that doesn't make me any type of expert. My common sense questions that monies could be better spent instead of providing the super wealthy a break. I can honestly say I have no personal bias against the super wealthy one way or the other. However, the disparity between the super rich and the average American has to count for something in the national debate. Bottom line, in my opinion, end the tax cuts to the super wealthy as originally planned!

(Partisan politics are necessary in our government. However, it makes me wonder why there's been so much dissent with most of Obama's proposed legislation while he's been in office. The country needs to get back to "one nation, indivisible...." to expect any real improvement in our current economic situation).

Addendum:
Since I last posted this blog:
On December 7, 2010 President Obama announced a compromise with the GOP that would extend the Bush tax cuts past their end of the year deadline. Obama explained the negotiation was for the good of the country and would (among other things) prevent a tax hike and extend unemployment benefits for workers in the coming year. Today, December 16th, the U.S. Senate affirmed Obama's newly negotiated tax cut package. The Obama Administration is hoping the House Democrats will be on board and approve the legislation in the coming days. It's a matter of record that the scoffing by the Dems had begun long before the President announced his "compromise" with the GOP in his national press conference last week. I personally believe in compromise and we can see that Obama has been practicing that fine art since his first day in office. While I haven't changed my opinion on the Bush era tax cuts, I can see the other side of the argument more clearly. What are we to do when we're caught between the proverbial "rock and hard place?" - sometimes we must look at the big picture. This President, like the others before him, has an often impossible job to perform. So as it stands, we're now back to partisan political games as usual. God be with you, Mr. President.

see: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/15/tax.deal/

~~~~ my ten cents.

JetBlue Flight Attendant appears to be 'on-board' now

2010-09-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

The once heralded JetBlue flight attendant, Steven Slater appears to be practicing good behavior these days. Let's face it, lots of people (myself included) gave a snicker when we heard the reports of how Mr. Slater walked off his job - or, should I say jumped. The Internet, among other things was buzzing the week of August 9, 2010 when the incident happened. While no passengers were at risk during the flight attendant's rant, there are loads of things that you absolutely cannot do while on an airplane - especially after 9/11. No-no's are exciting airplane passengers and pulling an emergency chute when no emergency existed. Of course, things could have gone horribly wrong but didn't.
Recent news reports have indicated Steven Slater is no longer employed by JetBlue as of earlier this month. I've heard conflicting stories that Slater resigned and another story that he was relieved of his duties by the airline. The now ex-employee of JetBlue is facing criminal charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and trespassing according to a Wall Street Journal article (see link below). The TV and Internet images of Mr. Slater handcuffed and walking with his head held high and cheesy grin in tow is still etched in my brain. Let's not forget the infamous picture of him with a Cheshire like smile holding his JetBlue employee identification card. In the past week, all of the videos I've seen of the flight attendant has shown a man that's not smiling so much anymore. Then again, who would smile after being recently jobless and facing a possible jail sentence? Whether he's playing a part or is taking advice from his lawyer, Mr. Slater seems to be doing things by the book as it were. The recent visit to court by Steven Slater resulted in speculation that an agreement was made for him to undergo a mental evaluation type program in lieu of jail time. It's said Mr. Slater was as quiet as a church mouse in court the other day (Sept. 7th - see link below). Slater, reportedly will have to appear in court again in October. It seems the flight attendant had his proverbial '15 minutes of fame' and is prepared to jump through any hoops necessary to avoid going to jail - as well he should.

~~~~my ten cents

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704358904575477991781437882.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/sep/07/steven-slater-jetblue-court

Wishful thinking

2010-09-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

All I can say is "Really, T.I., seriously?????" According to a recent news report (link below) rapper/actor T.I. was arrested for suspicion of possession an illegal substance earlier this week. His wife was also arrested with him when their car was stopped by officers in West Hollywood according to the article below.

I'm hoping the charges with the term "suspicion" means there's a chance the entertainer was wrongly accused. Stranger things have happened and I don't believe everything I read. Everything will "come out in the wash" as they say. After the rapper's stint in prison in the past year I'd hope we'd see only positive things from T.I. While I'm not a huge fan of his music, I have followed this man's career and was happy to see him recently in the media talking about how his incarceration helped him grow emotionally. I'm still rooting for this young man. I think he "could" be a great role model for his peers if, in fact, he does turn his life around. Because he's recently released from prison, I read that if the charges have any validity T.I. could be going back to prison as a repeat offender. We all have to pay at some point for our bad decisions. Here's hoping the old T.I. is "dead and gone" as he croons in one of his songs. It may be turn out to be only wishful thinking on my part, but I'm into positive thinking these days!

~~ my ten cents.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/290689/ti-could-face-multiple-year-jail-sentence-for-drug-charges/

Flight Attendant on JetBlue loses his cool and exits plane

2010-08-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Unless you haven't watched the news or listened to the radio in the past couple of day, you won't be familiar with this story. From news reports I've seen online and watched on television (see below), it appears the JetBlue flight attendant that lost his cool is becoming a hero of sorts. Online blogs are praising him for doing what some often only fantasize about. Reports indicated a passenger failed to listen to the flight attendant's warnings about standing up and getting luggage from the overhead compartment before the appointed time. It's said the passenger was belligerent and an argument ensued between the two resulting in expletives being used. One report I saw mentioned the overhead compartment hit the flight attendant in the head (not sure of that as it's not mentioned on every report I've seen). In any case, the flight attendant promptly gets on the intercom and calls the passenger an expletive in response and tells the entire cabin of passengers where they can go (and it's not HOME). The angry flight attendant grabs a couple of beers from the commissary cart, pulls the emergency chute and slides down to exit the plane. The flight attendant goes to his car in the employee parking lot and drives home. (Needless to say, Federal officials were hot on his tail shortly after that and arrested him at his home.)

Most of us know we can barely look at someone in the wrong way on airplanes since 9-11. The word "bomb" no matter what context in which it's used could cause a person to be either arrested on the plane or when the flight was over. Hence, the charges pending against this angry flight attendant could potentially land him in prison for 7 years. The airline has publicly stated on broadcasts that the flight attendant did not put any passengers in harm's way. My take is that this guy was extremely stressed and snapped (or was on the verge of quitting and saw this incident as an opportune time to make a grand exit). Does that excuse his unprofessional behavior? No, it certainly does not. Employees in the service industry put up with more than the average person would ever stand. However, the public does expect (whether we consciously think it or not) a higher level of commitment from those individuals who have chosen service as their career. In the end, we are all human and imperfect.

I can only hope (and this is only my personal opinion) that the legal system gives the punishment to fit the "actual crime" that was committed. The flight attendant will most likely lose his job and get fined at the very least. However, we've all seen time after time where people (including celebrities) drive drunk and have the potential to actually kill. These people often get a slap on the wrist. This guy just had a very bad day and lost his cool.

Once again, not excusing the behavior - but please let the punishment fit the crime this time.

My ten cents.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/08/10/new.york.escape.chute.opened/index.html?hpt=C1

http://kdka.com/wireapnational/Flight.attendant.who.2.1852896.html

Shocking Viral Videos

2010-08-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

I saw a video on the Internet (you can probably guess where) today. The video showed a guy being filmed while he was dancing into a road with traffic moving. The guy walked up to the street and began dancing into the middle of the street. All the while, cars were driving on this road in both directions. I can only guess the guy was confident that the cars would swerve and miss him (writing him off as a crazy man dancing in the middle of the street). Unfortunately, the guy miscalculated (unless he had a death wish) and then - an ice cream truck hit him! It doesn't appear from the video the man was hit head on by the truck, but was clipped really well. The guy was hit hard enough to throw him to the side and on the ground. The video shows the shocking impact. The person filming the video immediately lets out an expletive and the camera pans to the ground as the videographer appears to move toward the subject of the video. The video ends with the camera view on the ground so we never see if the guy is conscious or even alive.
Now, to my point. It seems to me, that the availability of the Internet, video cameras, cell phones etc, is bringing out all kinds of would be shock artists. It only takes a few minutes to upload a video and have it broadcast to the world. I use the technology myself and can't knock the availability, however, some would use the technology for purely shock value - stuff you shouldn't try at home as it were.
After viewing the video I described (and I'll not post the link as it can be readily found), I had to ask myself rhetorically if the subject and videographer (if you can call him that) were trying to cause an accident. Maybe the dancing man voluntarily went into traffic because of a dare of some sort? Maybe he thought cars would swerve and crash to avoid hitting him (and how funny it would be....???) ?
I guess we'll have the answer if the guy survives and posts a follow-up video. I can only hope if this happens, he labels the video: "What not to do on a busy street."

Reminds me of a favorite movie quote:
(man) ".....It's just that, uh, very few people surprise me." (lady): "Yeah, well you're lucky, most of 'em shock the hell out of me." (from "Pretty Woman")

...They say don't talk politics or religion at work - wait, what about social media sites???

2010-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Beware, "Big Brother" is watching your every move online. In this case "Big Brother" is a potential employer or current one that wants to know what your activities outside of work entail. Those of us with nothing to hide may have no worries, but the "perspective" is in the eye of the HR person. One has to wonder if their personal views of say religion, politics or music for example, would be cause for pre-judgement by employers. In the current economic situation here in the U.S., I suspect "watching what you say online" is a harsh reality to how most people conduct themselves on the Web. Apart from filtering your speech online, what about the personal photos of your "away-from-work" activities that can land someone in hot water with their employer. Remember the story of the teacher who was fired when pictures of her vacation was posted on Facebook (article below)? Mama always told me life's not fair! Also, the NY Times article below gives some staggering stats of how being socially online is being scrutinized by employers now in increasing numbers. Even with privacy settings available, it seems we have to be concerned to a degree. Personally, I consciously will "do me" and either suffer the consequences or reap the benefits.

http://shelley2503.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/smile-h-g-wells-big-brother-is-becoming-a-reality/

Also see : http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25privacy-t2.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes

http://www.insideedition.com/news.aspx?storyId=3638

Paris Hilton caught with Marijuana

2010-07-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

According to an Associated Press news report, Paris Hilton was taken in for questioning regarding marijuana found in her possession. The incident took place at a Corsica airport via drug sniffing dogs. Apparently, Paris was only held for questioning and was released in 30 minutes! Oh, that swift hand of justice, huh? Seriously, I don't expect she'll have to face charges - the article below notes the amount of the drug was "quite small" according to officials. Just another day in paradise, I guess.

See news report below:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iVJYf39BbL7UAopeiXwDRCb41QPgD9H16FP00

Apple to give bumpers to iPhone 4 users

2010-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Apple hopes to calm the worries about the iPhone 4's reception issues since its release. At a press office on Friday, Apple promised to give "bumpers" to put on the iPhone 4 to get rid of the reception problems. Users have commented on blogs and the news has spread worldwide on the new phone's bad reception and propensity to drop calls. This phone was highly anticipated and is a let down according to news reports I've seen and comments by users throughout the internet. Let's face it, for a phone - reception is key. Many users depend on the phone for business needs and bad reception is not an option you want. If a minor application was an issue - I believe the outcry would have been minor. So, we'll see what happens and hope the bug doesn't spread!

See news reports:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20010787-501465.html?tag=breakingnews

Gray_Rain_Boots: Mel Gibson - Another audio tape released of a viol...

2010-07-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Gray_Rain_Boots: Mel Gibson - Another audio tape released of a viol...: "It appears that a fourth tape of Mel Gibson's rants toward ex-lover Grigorieva has surfaced. CNN reports that Radar Online, an online magazi..."

Mel Gibson - Another audio tape released of a violent rant

2010-07-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

It appears that a fourth tape of Mel Gibson's rants toward ex-lover Grigorieva has surfaced. CNN reports that Radar Online, an online magazine publication, released the forth in a series of tapes. The male voice on the tapes is said to be the actor Mel Gibson. See the story at: http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/07/14/mel.gibson.rant/index.html?iref=allsearch

A handful of televised entertainment shows have recently played one or more of the released audio tapes. While the tape is said to "allegedly" contain Mel Gibson's voice, I've seen several TV programs where celebrities acquainted with Gibson admit the voice similarity is uncanny. Many fans (some now ex-fans) of Gibson's movies over the years, have blogged online that the voice sounds exactly like the actor. More importantly, in my opinion, is the tone of the threats and yelling heard on the tapes. If the voice is, in fact, Mel Gibson's - he needs professional help fast. The death threats, rants, racist remarks and screams are the sign of a disturbed person. Gibson is not commenting on the tapes according to the CNN report.

One has to wonder how so many tapes have become available - does the average person tape phone conversations? - I'd be interested in knowing. Was this a calculated move by Oksana Grigorieva to ruin Gibson? Did she bate the conversations? Did Ms. Grigorieva record the tapes for proof that Mel Gibson might possibly cause her harm? On the other hand, should an out-of-control and violent individual such as the voice heard on the tape be ignored? Should charges be brought against the ranter since threats were made? Will Ms. Grigorieva get a restraining order? My personal question: Why didn't Oksana go to the police if she felt threatened? (money or personal gain is usually the answer to that one)

There are so many questions left unanswered at this point. In no way, do I excuse any man (movie star or otherwise) for abusing a woman, hurling threats and making racist remarks - the most important part of this entire saga. If the voice turns out to be Mel Gibson's it'll be interesting to see how his career is affected. The result will truly be a sign of the times. (we, the public, seem to be getting used to this kind of thing - I'm not)

One thing I believe can be said: the saga will continue and it'll get worse before it's all over.

Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert

2010-07-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

With the recent "uproar" of LeBron James' decision to leave the Cavs for the Heat - strange things are happening. While it's not strange for Cleveland to be upset at LeBron - that's a natural reaction if you have such a talented player. I believe it's "strange" to see such an angry "open letter" to fans by the owner, Dan Gilbert (see link below).

Basketball is a sport, but it's a business as well. Sports athletes get traded, leave for other teams, get cut and lose their careers on a daily basis. Mr. Gilbert writes something in the letter about "having to do right by Cleveland or he's taking the curse down south" ( I'm paraphrasing). That leads me to believe there is more to this story than meets the eye. Is it possible that LeBron promised to stay in Cleveland and changed his mind? The owner mentions "betrayal" in the letter. Or, could it be the owner felt LeBron was "rubbing it in Cleveland's face" with all the media coverage of how he announced his decision? I have to admit I've never seen anything like that spectacle - BUT we're living in constantly changing times. I can understand the discontent by Cleveland if they felt he went back on his word to the team. The reality is that when a team loses a talented star player it will effect their bottom line. Teams are run on capital and not just talent. I thought the letter by Mr. Gilbert was harsh and just looked like "sour grapes." I'm sure I don't know the entire story, so I can only comment on what I know at this point (my disclaimer).

Good luck LeBron.

Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert

Gray_Rain_Boots: Lindsay Lohan sentenced to jail

2010-07-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Gray_Rain_Boots: Lindsay Lohan sentenced to jail: "http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/07/06/lindsay.lohan.court/index.html As reported on CNN (see link above), Lindsay Loh..."

Lindsay Lohan sentenced to jail

2010-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/07/06/lindsay.lohan.court/index.html

As reported on CNN (see link above), Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 90 days in rehab following her jail stay. I believe this may save her life - hopefully. Anyone with experience being around individuals with self-destructive behaviors knows the drill: sometimes you have to let them hit rock-botom before they see the light - so to speak.

While I'm no where near perfect, I can say that I have no personal experience with drug and alcohol abuse. I've seen how drugs/alcohol can destroy lives and sometimes the damage is irreparable. I hope she gets the time and treatment she needs to reflect and heal herself inside and out. Sometimes we can be our worst enemy.

Pulled Pork Recipe for the 4th of July!

2010-07-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend. As a proud American, my family and I are celebrating our nation's independence this holiday weekend. Along with the parades, ceremonies and fireworks -good food makes the celebrations even more enjoyable.

If you're looking for an absolutely delicious recipe for pulled pork barbecue for your summer holiday celebration: Here's one of my own that is always a hit whenever I make it. Please feel free to share any other recipes (summer holiday or otherwise) that you may have that make your holiday cookouts special!

Shelley’s Pulled Pork Barbecue

(Tip: start cooking early morning or put on the night before)

For Sauce:

1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Spicy Barbecue Sauce

½ cup chopped onions

3 Tablespoons Sugar

1 cup Ketchup

2 tsp. Worcester sauce

2 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. salt

~~~~~~~~~~

3 lb. Pork loin roast

1 cup water (do not mix with sauce)

½ cup sliced onions

Mix sauce ingredients together in a large bowl. (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce whenever a recipe calls for barbecue sauce – it’s very tasty) Place the ½ cup sliced onions on the bottom of crock pot. Cut the fat from roast. (I prefer a pop up timer roast) Place pork loin roast in crock pot on top of onions. Add 1 cup of water, then add sauce mixture (stirring to combine with water in pot. Cook roast in Crock pot on High for 2 ½ hours basting roast with sauce in pot periodically. After 2 ½ hours turn temperature down to low setting for 6-8 hours. Roast should now be tender enough to pull and shred. Remove roast from pot and shred pork (two forks work great). Remove any excess fat that hasn’t dissolved. Place shredded pork back into crock pot with sauce. Stir well. Sometimes I need to add more barbecue sauce. Continue to heat on low for desired consistency. Serve immediately on buns or aside a cold salad.*
ENJOY!
* I found this tastes delicious on egg, honey or Kaiser buns with coleslaw as the topping. This crock pot pork is also good as a main entree with potato salad!

Remembering Michael Jackson: One Year Later

2010-06-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

It's common knowledge to most (unless you reside under a rock) that Michael Jackson died a year ago on June 25th, 2009. While I deal in reality most of the time, it still seems surreal that MJ is no longer living. I speak from years of pre-teen admiration and adult wonder about how a human being could touch so many people's hearts. I can listen to Michael's songs from any decade and I'm transformed to that time and place. He was the ultimate entertainer and had a truly gentle disposition by all accounts. Unlike the average entertainer, Michael was loved by people of all ages around the world. I'm sure Michael's legacy will live long into the future. Fans of Michael living now in this age of technology are lucky: Michael's music, film and videos will ensure that his legacy never dies.

Michael Jackson touched my heart and I pray his spirit is in a restful place.

Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena hosts last concert - King & Taylor

2010-06-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mellon Arena, which was originally the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, PA is hosting its last concert on June 26, 2010. The headliners for the last concert are two of the most talented artists/musicians in the business: Carole King and James Taylor. The two musicians have written, composed and performed multiple hits over the years. They have truly stood the test of time.

As a child of the seventies, I can reminisce about how one of their songs can just "take me back" to a nice place in time. I recently saw the PBS special of their live concert at The Troubadour club in Los Angeles. The concert was a tribute to The Troubadour and a reunion of the two artists who performed together years ago at the venue. On a recent driving trip across my state, I listened to the CD of the aforementioned live concert - it made the drive very enjoyable. These are artists that make a live performance better than the recording, in my opinion. I ordered my tickets months ago for the King/Taylor concert at Mellon Arena. Mellon just recently canceled a concert by another performer scheduled for July and announced this concert was to be the last. As most Pittsburghers know, Mellon Arena was the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team. A new venue is being built not far from the Mellon Arena at this time. News reports have said the new Consol Energy Center will be completed soon with the opening later this year. The now old Mellon Arena hosted concerts, circus events, conventions and various sporting events in past years.

I enjoyed attending concerts and events over the years at the Civic Arena (I never got around to calling it the Mellon Arena when the name was changed, however). I believe seeing the circus as a child is my earliest memory at the venue. I saw a local news report the other day indicating the Mellon Corporation ceased funding recently for the arena due to its closing - so, I believe I can officially call it the Civic Arena now!

Nevertheless, I can only believe there are a wealth of wonderful memories that people can share about the Civic Arena. My special memory: attending a concert in the seventies where the arena's dome was opened during a performance of the last song of the night. It was a sight to behold on that warm and clear summer evening. The music and the dome opening still brings great memories and awesome feelings. I can only hope the dome is opened at the King/Taylor concert for old times sake - now that would be great!

Online Writers

2010-06-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Understanding the "ins and outs" of freelance writing online can be very complex. Earlier today, I surfed the web for articles about how to earn income as an online writer. I came across various forums that denounced particular websites and praised others. After more than an hour of researching the topic, I came to the conclusion that - more research would be necessary. In the end, I may have to choose a freelance position based on trial and error.
I've often wondered while browsing informational forums such as about.com, ehow.com and hubpages.com, etc. - what type of people write the articles. From the little I've learned today, informational sites hire article writers that have knowledge on specific subjects. One site I checked out recently requires the candidate to initially write a lengthy article that would be reviewed and approved/disapproved. My understanding is a range of topics are presented and the potential candidates submit their articles for selection by the website.
The complexity I spoke of in the beginning is how the writers are compensated. I've read comments from individuals claiming to be freelance writers for various sites. These freelance writers indicate most are paid by the amount of traffic directed to their site. Other comments I've read suggest it is the amount of "ad clicks" on your page that generate your revenue. There are a few sites that pay once per article, I've read - but this didn't seem to be the norm from what I've researched thus far. The online writers' contract with these entities, I've read. One term I've learned today was "Search Engine Optimization" or "SEO". SEO deals with "improving the volume of quality of traffic to a website" ...see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization.
This SEO business appears to be serious stuff and is mentioned often in the online writing forums.

In a nutshell, it doesn't appear to me at this point in my research that one can earn a lucrative income freelance writing online -"lucrative being relative to the individual". However, most comments I've read seem to feel the residual income is welcome no matter how small. One important plus for novice writers, in my opinion, is the fact that one can use the online writing experience to pen themselves a "freelance writer." For the novice, I believe the online writing experience can eventually lead to other opportunities in the print media and book publishing areas for the committed writer.
Bottom line: research, research and research more before you sign a contract for online writing. Be realistic about the income you'll generate. Most importantly, I believe, find out the specifics on how much you'll be compensated "per view", "per article", "per ad click", etc. Unless you're writing purely for fun, you don't want to spend numerous hours writing multiple hours for pennies.

My five cents....