Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dean's Circle is up for sale
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Digital TV conversion delayed
Monday's Senate vote is a big victory for the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress, who have been pushing for a delay amid growing concerns that too many Americans won't be ready for the currently scheduled Feb. 17 changeover."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/26/senate-unanimously-votes-push-digital-tv-transition/
We've only been bombarded with notifications about the DTV conversion for many, many months. We've had opportunities to get free converter boxes from the government (at a cost of 1.34 BILLION). Now, we have a delay of four months. On the surface, perhaps this looks like the caring thing to do for the people, but what about the television stations? They've had to pay to convert to digital systems AND they've been carrying the costs of broadcasting digital and analog signals. I can imagine that an extra 4 months of analog is quite an impact on their bottom line. But, let's all celebrate 'cause this is supposed to make us feel good.
There are other companies waiting to use the vacated analog spectrum. They've invested in new services and technologies that are now also put on hold. What is the impact of this?
Here's an idea - people buying new TV sets would stimulate the economy.
Thanx Mat
Thank you man! I love you! Another snow day for me and my wife! (I love snow and the cold weather).
I suggest that all global warming nuts to come to New York Tomorrow and stand out side in their speedo's...only. Then exlain global warming to me! ;)
Monday, January 26, 2009
An Article From Our Local Paper
Postcards from Guam
Local swimmer enjoys experience
By Tim Ritter • tritter@news-press.com • January 22, 2009
! Nearly a year ago, in February 2007, Harry Stephenson learned that he could have a chance to compete in Guam with the U.S. National Junior Swim Team.
He knew instantly that he wanted to go.
There was just one problem: Stephenson had no idea where Guam was.
"I thought it was in South America," the Gulf Coast Swim Team member said with a smile. "I Googled it and found out it was on the other side ..."
Life has been full of discoveries lately for the Lely High junior, who returned from the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships on the South Pacific island a little more than a week ago.
Among Stephenson's other discoveries:
- The world is full of other great open water swimmers.
"There was a lot of competition," he said of his friends and rivals at the meet, where Team USA topped Japan and Australia in the overall competition.
"Everyone was really fast."
- Guam is a long way from the United States.
Stephenson, who had never left the United States and counts Minnesota as his previous most distant destination, timed his trip back from Guam, which took him through airports in Hawaii, Los Angeles and Houston.
"It took 341Ú2 hours to get here," he said with a sigh. "I'm finally starting to get back to normal sleeping hours."
- As good as it feels competing for personal glory and accomplishment, it feels even better doing so for your country.
Stephenson and his teammates found the national spirit contagious so many miles from home.
"There was a lot of energy and a lot of team spirit," he said. "Everyone wanted to be there.
"We talked about it a lot - being out there for something bigger than yourself. You're representing the United States."
Don Henshaw, coach of the Gulf Coast Swim Team, which trains local swimmers and counts Stephenson among its 130 active members, said Stephenson's journey may have already inspired his teammates here to step up their efforts.
"I've got a pool full of guys that want to make it," Henshaw said, cocking a thumb over his shoulder and pointing to a pool in the Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatic Center where several swimmers were splashing through their practice laps.
"Harry opened the door for them and showed them it could be done."
The experience has made a profound impact on Stephenson, who said he understands the wealth of opportunities that swimming can bring him.
And he's definitely developed a taste for travel.
"I hope I can make it next year," he said. "I'm going to concentrate on making these teams and going to all these places."
With no Googling required.
Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships
Team Results
Team Finish
1. USA 388
2. Australia 372
3. Japan 304
4. Canada 202
5. New Zealand 125
6. Guam 34
7. China 20
8. NMA* 12
9. Macau 1
9. Mexico 1
* North Mariana Islands
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Executive Orders - what's your take?
Create task force to close Guantanamo Bay within one year.
Develop strategy to deal with detainees in the future.
Reverse ban on funding for non-government organizations outside the US that provide abortion services.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I'm loking in the US Constitution. . .
I'm lo0king in the US Constitution. . . for the article that grants the federal goverment the responsibility to "help families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified".
In fact, I would say that goverment intervention has negatively impacted each of these areas over the last 50 years:
jobs at a decent wage - the progressive income tax and the entitlement programs is what keeps low wages low. Companies can't pay "whatever they want" for labor. There is a labor market just like anything else. Companies can pay "low wages" because the lack of taxation and the entitlements means that these workers don't have to demand higher pay. If they don't demand higher pay, the market won't just volunteer it, because that would drive up the cost of their goods. So, we subsidize low end labor and low end goods in the form of progressive taxes to the higher end labor.
care they can afford - the feds already have a hand in this because they regulate the health insurance industry. We are forced to buy coverage for all kind of things most of us don't want (substance abuse, accupuncture, sex reassignment surgery, etc.). Why can't we buy our own policy according to the coverage we need? Why must we get all or nothing, and be at the mercy of our employer? Because the feds mandate this. Worse is that the same people who are constantly lamenting big pharmaceutcals, hospitals and HMO's are eager to replace them with an even bigger "corporation" in the form of the federal government. Not to mention all of the costs added to the mix by people who sneak in to this country and use services they have no right to.
retirement that is dignified - it used to be that we took care of our parents and grandparents. It was our duty - and pleasure - to do so. Now, we are all forced to pay into this ponzi scheme called social security (except, of course, for our congress who are on their own plan). Doesn't it feel great to be on the hook to take care of strangers? I'd rather take care of my own parents and in-laws. How can there ever be dignity in the socialized retirement system that will absolutely collapse on its own weight in the next few decades.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
So Good to see Desi!!!
We took her out for a Tai dinner, then went back to our house and watched "Mamma Mia". Talked alot of good talk and in the morning took her out for breakfast.
Our visit was short but sweet. We only live 4 1/2 hours away from each other...but this visit made me realize that family is special and I need to make more trips to Peak's Island, Maine to see her more often!
One thing she did mention...Paul, keep posting your video's and POTW~!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
It is 'cold'!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I talked to Dave today.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Most memorable time at the Circle?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Australia offers 'best job in world' on paradise island
So...everybody still employed?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
'Everybody Loves a Holy War' illustration...
with all the Israel and Gaza 'stuff' going on and
drawn while listening to Mark Heard's song
'Everybody Loves a Holy War'
©2009 illustrationISM
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy '09 to all
My New Years resolution is the same as always... To not post any New Years resolutions..Seems I always break it though, not sure...Just tooo deep to contemplate on Jan 1..
Happy New Year from Pat & Rod in VERY SUNNY Ft. Myers Fl..