Sunday, December 12, 2010

"Morning Papers" - Its Origins

The Rooster
"Okeydoke"

"Good Night Moon"

On December 12, 2010 at 2358 (military time) the Moon of Earth is visible of 44% at a distance of 404,327 kilometers or the equivalent of 251,237.15 miles.

So, let's end this on a high note. The Supreme Court robbed the vote from the people of the USA in 2000.

The Plutocracy is dangerous to the American landscape. 

Al Gore won the popular vote by more than 500,000. But it was the contentious recount in Florida – halted by the Supreme Court – that gave it to Bush. What that meant still is being argued.  (click title to entry - thank you)


By Brad Knickerbocker, Staff Writer December 12, 2010

Some battles in American history and politics never end, at least in terms of passionate public argument. The Civil War. The Vietnam War. Abortion. The Red Sox and the Yankees. Bush v. Gore....

...Depending on one’s point of view the 5-4 Supreme Court vote cutting off the Florida recount was either as it should have been (given how messed up the balloting and recount procedure had become there) or a political travesty as bad as the 1857 Dred Scott decision denying constitutional protections to slaves of African descent....

...“What made the decision in Bush v. Gore so startling was that it was the work of Justices who were considered, to greater or lesser extents, judicial conservatives,” writes Toobin, a lawyer and legal analyst for CNN. “[But] the Court stopped the recount even before it was completed, and before the Florida courts had a chance to iron out any problems – a classic example of judicial activism, not judicial restraint, by the majority.”

For political junkies who appreciate the ironic and the fanciful, New York magazine has “Memories of the Gore Administration.” Written by “five (sometime) novelists” – Kurt Anderson, Kevin Baker, Glenn Beck, Jane Smiley, and Walter Kirn – it’s an imaginary look at the last ten years as if the 2000 election had gone the other way....


Ten years ago this month, (click here) a Supreme Court ruling ushered in George W. Bush as our 43rd president. We asked five (sometime) novelists to imagine the past decade as if the election had gone the other way. America: This is your parallel life....

The next highest unemployment rate in recent history was inherited by Former President William Jefferson Clinton.

He had very little to work with, the manufacturing sector of the USA was mostly destroyed by Wall Street and its abandonment of the American work force.  So, he focused on the strongest part of the economy, 'A Service Economy.'

It worked.  (click title to entry - thank you)

He moved the unemployment rate from February 1992 at 8.2 percent to a rate of 3.2 % in December of 2000.

The current rate as of November 2010 is 9.3 percent.  An AVERAGE for the USA is about 4 to 5 percent.  Of course everyone wants to see it better than that, but, at this point in time achieving 'the average' would be nice.  That means we have to move it by approximately 4.8%.  It sounds like a lot, but, Clinton did it.  We can, too.

Personage.  Service Economy.  The appreciation of WORK. 

The empowerment of our youth and the Middle Class.  I don't know of a more noble pursuit, do you?

The return of gentry.  I don't want to hear complaints about tips either.  Inching an economy back to prosperity is a thankless job and no one knows that better than our President. 

Speaking of energy efficiency in building design and effective use of space...

... did you know the Conservatives in the country are calling environmentalists WATERMELONS? 

According to the Righties in the country environmentalists are communists in disguise.  They are green on the outside and red on the inside.

Now, if one is familiar with old watermelon references, it is easy to say it is more than propaganda, but, down right racism.

But, there isn't any sense in going there really.  It isn't productive.  What also isn't productive is calling environmentalists communists.

Because.;

Because the sincerely communist enthusiasts are the Red Party GOP Republicans.  Don't know about the Tea Party, but, it is my guess they are just as red on the inside as the GOP.

It was the Republicans that sold out the USA to China.  It is due to the Chinese influence in the USA that our wages are so low, our benefits are so poor and our pay scales low.  The Republicans couldn't break down the unions by themselves, so they had to out sourced American jobs in order to LEVERAGE pressure in the American work force to bring down wages so they can increase their bottom line AT ANY COST.

So, when Republicans and their right wing media decide to call environmentalists 'Watermelons' perhaps they sincerely should take a long look in the mirror.

Small Climate Deals Forged Outside Int'l Talks  (click title to entry - thank you)

Climate change action forges ahead, regardless of treaty talks. World Bank: We can't wait

Now, do I think there should be a turbulent over throw of the current economic PICTURE in regard to quality of life?

Thursday October 18, 2007 Cheboygan, MI
Photographer states:

Tornado over Black Lake, Michigan, during the October 18, 2007 tornado outbreak. This tornado was rated EF1 with winds up to 94 mph. Damage consisted of a barn destroyed just north of M-68. The sporadic damage path up through Black Lake was 1/8 mile wide and around 10 miles long. Some tree damage was seen around Black Lake. The photo taken by Nathan Krinsky from the back deck of his home on Black Lake in northern Michigan, 15 miles southeast of Cheboygan. The sun was setting at 5:25 pm EDT when this photo was taken, and if you look closely, you can see a rainbow, thanks to the spray kicked up by the tornado.

Of course not. 

I think it this way.  There is a lake in the USA.  A real lake.  It contains a significant amount of an aquatic invasive species of plant.  Now that plant does not supply the best nutrition for the fish in the lake.  A real lake with real fish.  But, it does provide a place where fish feel secure from sunlight and boat traffic and fishing hooks, so it is a place where they sleep and socialize and breed.  Basically, the WEEDS are important to the fish, but, the landowners surrounding the lake want to rid the lake of this invasive species of plant so the fish will grow bigger and more abundantly.

Good idea.

But, how exactly does a community go about changing the plant populations without destroying the fish?

Over time.  The current plant populations will have to be supported until the new native species of native species TAKE OVER the area and overrun the invasive plants.  During that time the native fish will start to thrive better.

Now, I don't believe the USA economy is like a lake or fish, but, the concept of 'incremental' and 'meaningful' change can occur rather painlessly. 

See, recessions since Reagan were reversed by government spending.  George Walker Bush buoyed his economy through chronic job bills.  So it isn't really fair to say the spending currently being used to reverse the trend of The Great Recession is wrong.  It isn't.  It saved this country and put it back on the right track.  But, it isn't enough.  It isn't going to be enough unless the American landscape includes 'personage' and the appreciation for that personage in the equation again. 

We know for a fact and it was mentioned on this blog that since the Small Business Loans have returned in September of 2010, the number of jobs generated by those businesses are growing.  We know that for a fact.  That didn't occur because Investment Banks decided to return to lending, it was due to sincere legislation that created opportunity for lending to Small Businesses.  And these are 'faux' small businesses that front for corporations such as Bechtel.  These are sincerely small businesses that 'real people' build and hire other real people to work.

How we define our values and our lifestyles are important.  How we appreciate the quality of life and the ability to reduce stress and embrace community is important.  These are all 'value' judgements. 

There is absolutely no reason why a favorite BIG BOX STORE could not provide PROPER 'personage' to assist customers.  EXCEPT.  It cuts into their bottom line. 

Is their bottom line truly important to us or are we allowing 'cheap life styles' override what is best for ourselves and the USA's economy.

I don't trust them and I want an infrastructure that lasts.  Not one that simply feeds the wealthy and diminishes the quality of life for Americans.

This is a Main Street in the USA. Not a Hollywood set, but, a Main Street.

Now, it is possible that every Main Street can contain the same exact stores or type of stores found in the Shopping Mall.  I think there is a basic understanding about that.

But, think for a minute.  About the WASTED SPACE in a mall.

Lots and lots of wasted space. 

It would be like putting a dome over the Main Street and calling it progress or an improvement. 

Now, think about the ENERGY it would take to keep that dome warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

What is more energy efficient, Main Street or a Shopping Mall?

I just love those trees, don't you?

I believe most Americans have been in a shopping mall. Do you find many specialists there?

Yeah, specialists.  Sales clerks that actually assit in helping with finding clothes you have in mind.  Can size a person up and know exactly which rack of clothes to shop.  Or the seamstress that can ALTER the clothes for THE BEST fit.

Are any of those specialists in a shopping mall?  Not in any mall near me.

How about a shoe shine?

Or that facial everyone needs from time to time?

No?

Hms.

Do you find them on Main Street? 

Should you find them on Main Street?

You know, like The Newsstand.  Boy, did I used to enjoy that.  Looking at all the magazines and finding the perfect one to read.  It was an adventure as well as a chance to find reading material that I would enjoy.

What happened to the personage in THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE?

Oregon and New Jersey (click title to entry - thank you) are the only two states in the United States that require attendants to pump gas at gas stations. There are many arguments for it, but many are not very well substantiated. It is claimed that it should not matter because gas prices are lower in these two states. Insurance costs for gas stations go down slightly if a "qualified attendant" is pumping the gas, but they must also pay for the cost of hiring an extra worker. Combined with varying taxes on gasoline between states, its true affect on gas price is anyone's guess....
Oh, yeah.  Self-service.  God forbid a FULL SERVICE GAS STATION should ever exist in the USA again.

If you’re used to pulling up to the pump and filling up your own tank, (click here) you may not even remember what a full service gas station is. On the other hand if you live in certain parts of the US, like Oregon or New Jersey, you may have never pumped your own gas, since these states mandate that each gas station is a full service gas station. For those not in the know, and as a reminder for those who fondly remember, a full service gas station is a gas station where an attendant pumps your gas....

Pump the gas, check the oil, wash the windows and tell anyone asking where the bathroom was.  The driver and passengers actually have time to use the bathroom, too. 

Oh, yeah, about that nonsensical stuff.  The picture.  I need to make one more point about malls.

What is better for the USA Main Street or Shopping Malls?

The history cited here begins wtih 'shopping centers' which is more or less a Main Street.  It isn't UNDER GLASS or any of those nonsensical things.

History of the Shopping Mall (click title to entry - thank you)

1956
Open
Southdale Center
Edina, Minnesota
The first fully enclosed shopping center was designed by Victor Gruen and developed by the Dayton department store, which was one of the two anchors.
1966
Open
The Galleria
Houston
One of the largest malls in the US features a vaulted glass ceiling, inspired by Italian arcades.


Oh, did I say Malls are nonsensical?  I guess I did and I mean it.

Think about it.  Keep this picture in mind for the next entry.

Then there are the lies about the health care legislation. When does it stop?

Another Hannity rant is about Health Care Exemptions for all the cronies of the DNC. 

Really?

The exemptions I know of are the ones written into the bill are for reliigous consciousness. (click title to entry - thank you)

All the other LIES about crony issues have been completely dispelled except in HANNITY'S WORLD.  Yet, the guy continues to say the same garbage over and over and over again.

Media falsely claim Obama and staff are "exempt" from health care reform (click here)

March 25, 2010 11:06 am ET — 13 Comments
Media have falsely claimed President Obama, members of his administration, and certain congressional staff are "exempt" from the recently enacted health care bill.  In fact, the bill subjects the White House, members of Congress, and their staffs to the same reforms and requirements as the rest of the American people....

There is an issue with a program called "e-Perscibe" that is addressed by Secretary Sebelius and that is discussed in this PDF. 

against Medicare eligible physicians who fail to qualify for an exemption and fail to
e-prescribe ten permissible prescriptions by the end of 2012 or by the end of 2013....

The new health care law has many, many reforms and until the laws are completely 'online' by 2014, there are going to be stumbling blocks.  Exemptions are simply an the issue.  It is allowing physicians and others to incorporate the provisions into their practices so PATIENTS and their QUALITY OF LIFE are at the heart of the law.

The health care legislation is going to open avenues for new doctors, physican assitants, nurses and other health care professionals to be educated and help take care of the nation.  There is absolutely NO REASON to stop this legislation.

Sean Hannity is a liar. I never thought I would actually say it with such conviction, but, he sincerely is.

On Friday, he stated, "Obama now believes the tax cuts for the wealthy are important to the country's economy."

He was referring to a statement made by the President that went like this.  "The Tax Cut Package will bring about economic growth."

Hannity decided that since the Tax Cuts for the Wealthy were part of that package President Obama was making an apology for 'missing the opportunity' to grow the USA economy the way the Republican Ideologes see it, through 'trickled down and supply side' economics.

The President could have said the same words WITHOUT the tax cuts for the wealthy as that is simply adding to the national debt and even harmful to the American economy, possibly the global economy.  But, Hannity was once again, taking the President's words OUT OF CONTEXT.

When he was caught doing this, he stated, 'the truth is what it is and the tax cuts are part of the package.' 

Manipulation, lies, innuendoes and blantant misuse of the 'spirit' of the words of a United States President.  This is what Mr. Hannity has to do in order to keep his show prospering in an attempt to carry out propaganda against the people of the USA.

Where is the FCC?  How do these liars get away with this?  By calling it Infortainment?  At the expense of the dignity of our President and the truth that is vital to the American people.  President Obama clearly stated, the tax cuts for the wealthy is not on his agenda for economic growth but necessary to appease the Republicans to protect the nation from their exploitve hostage taking. 

What of that didn't Hannity understand?


...columnist Karl Rove, was to gloat: (click here) the president was "repudiating the heart and soul of Obamanomics as the price of giving himself a chance at a second term," and "implicitly admitted that his economic strategy has flopped."...

Another one.  Former Assitant to a President of the United States of America has no dignity, no self respect, no respect for the people of this country and participated in even more propaganda to decieve the people of this country.

This is a "Bell Boy." In the year 2010, he would be called a 'Bell Person' I suppose.

Income, Expenditures, Poverty, & Wealth (click here)

He is usually supervised by a 'Bell Captain.'  That means when the 'age group that currently can afford to travel, DOES,' there are people there to assist them with their luggage.

It is a simple job and one that might be best served by teenagers or people seeking supplemental income.

I don't believe the laws surrounding the disabled goes far enough.

But, alas, the RETIRED and HANDICAPPED don't know the luxury of actually being able to have a BARRIER free economy that allows them to travel.  See, handicapped folks that might be able to drive a vehicle would have to rely on others to assist them in fueling their autos and helping them to with the luggage.  So,  to some extent (and I consider the retired persons of the USA an equivalent to handicapped in their needs) the economic captains of our 'tourism' economy are grossly negligent to providing a full range of services to ALL potential customers.

They are also increasing the 'incompetency' in our youth by not allowing such opportunities for employment or the ability to 'work an extra job' in order to find that 'down payment' for a house or other QUALITY OF LIFE issues.

Instead of Americans appreciating 'personage' they OPT for 'Self Serve.'  Self serve airline tickets, self serve money machines (ATMs), self service online SECOND mortgages, 'at the touch of a button' ANYTHING.  Absolutely anything. 

Personage to the average person these days is an annoyance.  People rather isolate their liviing experience and be brainwashed in front of their televisions by the likes of Murdoch than ever before. 

The computer has become not an enhancement to society, but, a barrier to QUALITY OF LIFE and effective community. 

There isn't anything wrong with 'live streaming.'  Teleconferences are far better than flying polluting aircraft chronically over the country.  But, to reduce the potential of having OPPORTUNITY for a quality of life for Americans is ludicrous and stupid. 

That Bell Hop will purchase goods, but, not without the job to do it. 

The current economy of the USA is government supported and has been for a long, long time.  Bush and Cheney ran up debts in order to FLOAT their economy.  They destroyed quality of life in the USA and it time to come terms with it.

There is a better way to 'view' the unemployment picture. FTE.

full time equivalent (FTE)

Ratio of total number of paid hours during a period (part time, full time, contracted)  by the number of working hours in that period Mondays through Fridays.

 

How to Calculate FTE Hours (click title to entry - thank you)

Measuring the number of hours worked in terms of full-time equivalents--or FTEs--is a way to compare and benchmark the total hours worked by a workforce. The metric provides a standard way of measuring a company's workforce across industries. For instance, a company could have 500 people on staff, but only 400 FTEs if some of the workers are part-time employees. Comparing just the number of employees, rather than looking at FTEs, may give the wrong impression and lead to poor decision-making....


A lot happened in the last quarter of 2008.  Companies were bailout of the American Paradigm so they could use any excuse to 'do as they please.'  Some of what is occurring with the unemployed in the USA is manipulation 'in favor' of maximized profits at the cost of a strong consumer base and wider tax base.  Basically, the CEO 'Bonus' is the worst invention Wall Street ever invented.  It allows for exploitation of any aspect of a business, including downsizing and outsourcing, that is completely detrimental to the company as well as the country and the overall economy. 

In today's work force, there is less stability for 'a job' and less, far less 'benefits' that insure a quality of life through retirement and beyond.  I don't care what kind of 'retirement' venue Wall Street advocates in REPLACEMENT of SSI and Medicare, there is no stability, no guarantees and absolutely no trustworthiness that can find ground for any change in the 'structure' of the 'entitlements' for the USA's population.

When understanting the sincere depth of unemployment in the USA, one has to look at the entire picture and the demoralization of 'personage' in the work force.

Personage is a collage of society. It's values. It's determination to make every life count.

Merrium-Webster (click title to entry - thank you) has a definition that simply states, "a human individual."

This is not an abstract concept.  It is a foundation understanding to any society. 

Government is suppose to serve and protect, while the private sector is ALLOWED to provide quality of life.

That was QUALITY OF LIFE.  It is why aspects of criminal law prosecute fraud, embezelment, corruption, etc.

Many, many moons ago, I sat in a friend's house sipping on a cup of tea after he just returned from work.  They had three children and were working very hard to improve the house so they could sell it.  The year was about 1995 or so.  Two of the children were perfectly normal, but, the third had problems.  Needed care beyond simple babysitting, so I was there to help that evening. 

The house was full of all kinds of educational signs for the two Pre-K children.  There were signs like "DOOR," "CHAIR," "TABLE," and "TOY BOX."  You get the picture.  The couple loved their children beyond any imagination.  They were moving because they were convinced the nearby 'High Tension Electric" wires caused the congenital problems with their youngest child.  This.  After the husband's parents, whom lived two miles away, both died within years of each other from cancer.

But, I sat there giving a report on the children before going home.  His wife would be at work until morning and then he would be leaving for his 'day job.'  We began to talk about the economy and he stated, "You know, one day this country will be sorry it ever stopped valuing its' personage."

"Personage, I replied."

"Yes.  You see, the automation of the American lifestyle is completely depersonalizing the 'life experience' of many people and while advancement is always an aspect of growth of any country, the depersonalization of society to allow 'persons' to become unimportant to its government, its businesses will result in economic losses and potentially collapse."

We talked for a while and I excused myself to leave for home.  I stated if they found themselves in a bind again they should feel free to call. 

Today.  Some 15 years later, I now reflect on that conversation and realize what a brilliant man told me at a time in his life when 'loss' surrounded him.

It's Sunday Night

Missing Persons Walking In LA LIVE

Missing Persons - US festival, 1983 - Words [live...?]

"Words" by Missing Persons ("Rejeneration Tour" - click title to entry, thank you)

Do you hear me
Do you care
Do you hear me
Do you care

My lips are moving and the sound's coming out
The words are audible but I have my doubts
That you realize what has been said
You look at me as if you're in a daze
It's like the feeling at the end of the page
When you realize you don't know what you just read

What are words for when no one listens anymore
What are words for when no one listens
What are words for when no one listens it's no use talkin at all

I might as well go up and talk to a wall
'cause all the words are having no effect at all
It's a funny thing am I all alone

Something has to happen to change the direction
What little filters through is giving you the wrong impression
It's a sorry state I say to myself

What are words for when no one listens anymore
What are words for when no one listens
What are words for when no one listens it's no use talkin at all

Do you hear me
Do you care
Do you hear me
Do you care

Let me get by
Over your dead body
Hope to see you soon
When will I know
Doors three feet wide with no locks open
Walking always backwards in the faces of strangers
Time could be my friend
But it's less than nowhere now
Less than nowhere now
Less than nowhere now
Now
Ow ow ow

Pursue it further and another thing you'll find
Not only are they deaf and dumb they could be going blind and no one notices
I think I'll dye my hair blue

Media overload bombarding you with action
It's getting near impossible to cause distraction
Someone answer me before I pull out the plug

What are words for when no one listens anymore
What are words for when no one listens
What are words for when no one listens it's no use talkin at all

What are words for when no one listens anymore
What are words for when no one listens
What are words for when no one listens it's no use talkin at all

Do you hear me
Do you care
Do you hear me
Do you care
Tell me what are words for
Do you hear me
Tell me what are words for
Do you care
Tell me what are words for
Do you hear me
So tell me what are words
 for
Do you care
So tell me what are words for Do you hear me
Tell me what are words for
So tell me what are words for
Do you care
So tell me what are words for
Do you hear me
Tell me what are words for
So tell me what are words for
Do you care
So tell me what are words for

The film loop below about the stadium was from Murdoch's media circus.

Not "Sports Illustrated" or "ESPN" as it should have been but Murdoch.

Murdoch pays top dollar for sensationalism.  No one else can compete.  I always thought JOURNALISM was about 'fairness.'  Where did I ever get that idea?

Oh, about the LEAKS in the roof before the deflation of the dome?  That is an easy one.

What happens to 'matter' (material) when it gets very, very cold?

The matter shrinks. 

So, therefore, when the dome was getting colder on both the inside and the outside the SEAMS in the dome began to open due to shrinkage of the material it was made off.  The LEAKS were a Pre-Cursor to the deflation.

No one was injured, but, I don't see how anyone could be.  It happened with some warning even if one was in the stadium.  Heart attack, maybe.

Fox Sports - Metrodome Roof Collapses.m4v

Metrodome Roof Collapses.m4v

I hate to say I told you so, but, I told you so.  I should stop hating to say "I told you so" because I say it so much.  Okay, I think I'll make it my favorite words.

There was major 'collapse' before the tear in the fabric.  The air 'in the dome' was INSUFFICIENT in VOLUME to maintain the INTEGRITY of the dome.

To note, the CENTER of the dome was deflating BEFORE the area of snow collection ever tore open.  Hence, the collection of snow was NOT at the point of deflation.

End of discussion.

So. The Metrodome. Oh, wait. "The Mall of America Field" did not 'anticipate' the effects of the Climate Crisis on its plutocratic goals.

I love it that on a good day it is known as the "Mall of America Field," but, on a bad it is called the Metrodome.

"...For those (click here) who are interested, the roof is kept inflated by fans at the top of the structure. When it snows, Metrodome operators heat the building to more than 80 degrees to melt away any accumulation. In extreme situations, workers are stationed on the roof to remove snow with fire hoses and hot water. (I’m not making this up.)..."

A lot of things happen when air from the Arctic Circle migrates down to the lower latitudes with hemispheric vortices are at work.  Let's put it THIS WAY, COLD AIR SINKS.  All the macho men from the world of PRO-BALL, including the Texans from the Mall of America didn't see this coming?  Huh?  Really?

There are a few LAWS OF PHYSICS at work here.  Oh, physics.  I guess that means science, huh?  No rain dance?  No holy men?  Scientists?  Oh, my.

See, when 'really cold' air comes down from the Arctic Circle where Polar Bears are also losing their habitats that means the air in the affected region is 'colder,' 'more dense' and HEAVIER.  More dense air OCCUPIES less space. 

Anyone getting the picture?

When the 'shift' from SUFFICIENT AIR MASS under the dome becomes INSUFFICIENT there is 'minor' movement that causes DAMAGE.  I'll be darn.  The DAMAGE then completely THROWS the 'air mass balance' off and DOWN IT GOES.

To make this EASY.  "Think tipping point."  I do all the time.

No need to thank me.  I loved every second.


(annouced 40 minutes ago)...The NFL announced last night that the Giants-Vikings game was moved from today to tomorrow night  (click title to entry - thank you) because Minnesota had at least 15 inches of snow and wind gusting over 30 mph and the New York team was waiting it out in Kansas City....