By now most people are aware of this. What followed not only at that site but countless social media sites is a huge flurry of comments and outrage. I didn't plan on getting into this but as a taxpayer felt compelled to stick my two cents in
I've been reading countless articles today criticizing the media who hold these debates. I say the hell with all of these ungrateful bastards and all the networks who profit from them. Nobody is handcuffing and dragging any of them into these debates. If they don't appreciate them don't do them. It's just that simple!
Who the hell cares? 90% of the time spent by the candidates was complaining about moderators instead of speaking specifically what they would do regarding issues. So what's the point if the voting public gets nothing from them?
What I'd rather is candidates load videos to social media describing specifically what they'd do if elected. Hardly anybody gives a damn about these clown shows. In case these candidates haven't heard, social media is the way to go. Blowing smoke on TV is soooo yesterday.
The days of doing politics in a bubble ended years ago. If candidates want to engage today's voters the way they did years ago (before the internet) don't be surprised why so few of today's voters turn out in support. A huge part of Obama's success was because he used the internet to supplement his campaign.
Screw these elite journalists. People want to communicate directly. The internet now makes this possible. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels left out when these candidates are only speaking with those who are employed by huge corporations who supposedly speak on our behalf. Candidates can spend million$ on exhaustive travel and campaign rallies, but they will never reach near as many as they can simply by communicating via social media.
Frankly I'm disgusted and tired with each and everyone of them who are unwilling to engage with the everyday citizen one on one via this new medium. As far as I'm concerned this dog and pony show on TV is pure bullshit and has gone on long enough. Any candidate who isn't willing to engage directly doesn't deserve consideration. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!
NPR, "Speaker John Boehner gave farewell remarks on the House floor Thursday (10/29/2015), picking up a box of tissues as he prepared to speak, a nod to his tendency to cry in emotional moments.... He spoke for 10 minutes about his life and rise in government, accomplishments in Congress and the role of the body."
Irregardless of whether I disagreed or not with the legislation he supported I will miss his candid remarks. He's had to deal with a party that's moved so far right from the days John first started I can understand the emotional conflicts he must have endured. I'm certain a number of his less staunch Republican members of the House will regret his leaving as well.
Whatever his legacy may be it's certain that John Boehner will go down in history one of the most passionate speakers who wore his heart on his sleeve.
A man who wasn't afraid to express his heartfelt emotions.
He may be the last of his kind in this new world of cold hardcore unfeeling politics which I fear lies ahead.
Some may even say he was a old school politician. The kind of man who was unwilling to allow certain members of the congress to tear this country apart over differing ideologies. As such suffered the consequences for doing so. If anyone thinks John was hard ass wait till you see what lies ahead.
Thus I wish to express my appreciation and respect for John Boehner's past leadership. I for one will miss him.
According to 'The Morning Call', "Sara Hailstone, head of Allentown's economic development efforts and executive director of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, will leave her position Jan. 22.... In 2013, Hailstone became permanent executive director of the board. ANIZDA reimburses the city for 80 percent of her salary. She made $105,512 this year."
A point worth noting was the fact 80% of what she was paid came from ANIZDA. This didn't make her exactly impartial. Another thought to consider is whether the next person who fills her position will cost city taxpayers far more?
Better yet why not eliminate that department altogether? If someone can't afford to pay someone or understand for themselves what is necessary "to navigate and understand applications, permits, variances, Boards and Authorities, financial assistance, location needs, and development processes" they probably shouldn't be in business in the first place. Besides I question these positions where Allentown city government gets to pick and choose which business they deem worthy.
I know this seems harsh, but so are the false hopes and promises this city makes with these kind of programs that cost taxpayers a salary of over $100,000 per year. If the city (taxpayers) truly want to help why not divvy that $100k out in $10,000 increments to help 10 new small businesses get started each year instead?
According to THIS REPORT By Carol Linnitt there might not be oilsands crude available from Alberta to the Gulf Coast in the first place. Now you know why none of the politicians aren't speaking of it during this campaign. Imagine if we spend all those billions for a pipeline to nowhere. It would have been a much better idea to build pipelines or aqueducts to California instead. California has plenty of oil. What they desperately need is water.
As if it weren't bad enough that any photo or video can be completely fabricated in today's digital world there's this...
AlterNet is reporting, "When the news broke that National Geographic was sold to Rupert Murdoch, fans of the magazine gasped. A magazine known for its photo essays paired with reports often based on scientific research being under the control of an outspoken climate change denier worried them... Six corporations own 90 per cent of the media companies in the U.S...."
In today's world of commercial reporting videographers and photo journalists were left go in mass. I wish I had a nickel for every time I see the words "file photo" under a report. Same goes with TV reporting with stock videos looping endlessly aside the news reader. Some of them weeks, months, if not years old.
It's one thing to cut costs, entirely another when older shoots are being used to fit an agenda. According to this article, "The Guardian licensed a photograph from Corbis Images that I shot in 2012 of a barrier island in Louisiana’s Barrataria Bay to illustrate a story about coastal erosion in 2014. The photo shows birds on healthy mangrove trees in a bird rookery. The report, published on October 14, 2014, makes no mention that the photo was taken in 2012, and gives a false impression of what the island looked like at that time. I reshot the same location for a DeSmog report in the spring of 2013. My photos show by 2013, the island’s mangrove trees were dead...."
Nearly half of what major media reports depends on photos and videos uploaded to the internet by various individuals. What should concern us is how corporate controlled media spin these after they get a hold of them. The question comes down to trust. Do we trust what people say first hand after uploading them or the corporate controlled spin meisters once they get a hold of them?
Pundit mouthpieces in almost all cases have read the same stories or watched the same videos we all did. They don't have any more first hand knowledge then what we do. That doesn't stop them from appearing on the boob tube or in print. This is how they make their living. The more outrageous, the more they can earn by being invited back to push whatever agenda media thinks will get them the most readers or viewers. Thus good solid reporting becomes secondary.
"He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past." ~ George Orwell, "1984" ~
Debt Prevention -- Passage - Vote Passed (235-194, 5 Not Voting) The House passed legislation that allows the Treasury Department, once the statutory debt limit is reached, to continue borrowing above that limit in order to pay the principal and interest on both government debt held by the public as it comes due and on obligations held by the Social Security trust fund.
We must keep in mind this parcel will revert back to the Trexler Trust before it can be developed if the city would attempt to do so via the deed agreement. So that's out of the question.
As to the matter of the city leasing it out... Anyone interested in leasing it from the city would have to increase rates even if they didn't intend to make a profit. So what's so hard to understand?
Keep it simple. (1) Either the city increases fees to avoid deficits OR (2) If people won't turn out after the increase let the Trexler Trust have it back. Leave it up to the market. It's not that complicated. Either future golfers have a interest or they do not.
Common sense dictates no one's going to give the city a pile of money for something that's costing the city money w/o some sort of hook.
It may not be politically correct to say this, but it seems to me if they need "English interpreters for election day" I don't see how these voters have much of an idea what they're voting for. None of these candidates delivered a speech in Spanish nor posted this language on their websites. So how can someone who can't understand English have any idea who or what they are voting for?
The Daily Mail (10/19/2015): State Department and Benghazi committee accidentally released the CIA source's name in Hillary Clinton email-- "The State Department inadvertently released the name of a CIA source who is suspected of being the main plotter behind the 1988 Lockerbie, Scotland airline bombing, and the House Select Committee on Benghazi republished the mistake this week.... the State Department's mistake exposed the 'name of a [CIA] human source,' making it 'some of the most protected information in our intelligence community."
Let me get this straight. For the past two years they've been worried about Hillary's eMail servers being a security risk yet they themselves have exposed this nation's secrets more then she.
I've been hanging around YouTube since 2005 before Google bought it and I must say I've only heard of one of these, "Rhett & Link". Not that I hang around in the same circles but I find guys like Kurt Hugo Schneider's work a hellva lot more appealing even though he isn't on this list....
Famous for his one take videos
His videos date back six years ago when he was still attending Yale. He made a completely original musical series appropriately entitled "College Musical" along with his buddies he still hangs out with today.
'College Musical' Starring Sam Tsui
Kurt grew up in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Since Google bought it they messed with the algorithms mostly eliminating the original folks that made YouTube great in the beginning. These days if it ain't about the money.. it ain't about you !
I had a different headline in mind, but decided to keep it office friendly :-)
WFMZ (10/21/2015): Phoebe workers in contract dispute over proposed pay-cut-- "In the last round of negotiations, the workers said management proposed deep pay cuts of nearly $5 an hour for some workers, with the explanation that the move is "in line with industry standards." "They want to cut $10,000 a year out of my salary," said Cindy Lazarus, a 30-year Phoebe nursing home employee."
CNN MONEY (10/15/2015): Retired truck drivers could see their pension checks cut in half-- "The Central States Pension Fund is pursuing a plan that would slash pension checks in half for some former union truck drivers. The fund is on the brink of insolvency and says it needs to cut benefits for 273,000 current and future retirees in order to stay afloat."
NY Daily News (10/22/2015): cook with autism worked for year, never got paid: family-- "Now, Applebee’s is paying Caleb Dyl for the 166 hours of work RHD documented. The Dyls estimated their son — who did not clock in and out of work and only kept hours through his work coach — worked about 350 hours."
Things aren't looking much better for those on Social Security w/o a raise next year especially if they're living in Bethlehem Township. WFMZ (10/20/2015): Bethlehem Township weighs 37 percent tax hike-- "The increase is likely to change as commissioners work through the draft, but township residents can expect some increase."
Uploaded October 6th & Already Has 9,102,352 Views As Of Oct 21 2015
From China TV Show: "Let's Sing Kids" Season 3
I swear about the only thing that can unite the world as one will come about through music
It's what unites us all !
Shakira at the UN's General Assembly September 2015
Shakira, before the Pope at the UN in NYC, dedicates her performance of John Lennon's Imagine to all the children turned refugees due to the Syrian war
Shakira's remarks about the refugee crisis in Syria
(1) Although he would probably do as well as anybody else behind the desk I feel it's in Joe's best interests. He's the kind of guy who's mouth speaks what he's thinking. Not always a good quality for president who's job it is skirt around issues. I wouldn't want Joe to be any other way.
(2) Even though I'm not in favor of Hillary it does keep the Democratic party from being fractured like the Republican party has become recently unfortunately. (The 'Tea Party' needs to form their own party separate from traditional Republicans)
(3) I like Joe. He needs to quit while he's still well thought of. Some people make great vice Presidents but wouldn't make great Presidents. We've seen this in the past. I think Joe reached his level of success and it should stay that way.
(4) I'm pleased that he chose not to run for his sake. I don't think he has the stomach for it. No matter how much pressure was being applied I think he made the right call.
Currently the Eagles are 3-3 in the NFC East. At this point they could be considered a big fish in a little pond. Statistically speaking it doesn't mean very much in the open waters that lie ahead. Nine other teams have a better record. This week the Eagles will face off against the 5-0 Panthers on Sunday (10/25/2015).
Later in the regular season they will only play against two teams that are a serious threat. The Cardinals (currently 4-2) and the Patriots (currently 5-0). This leaves six other teams with better records (currently) they'd face only in the playoffs which are not on their season schedule. If the Eagles hope to win the 'Super Bowl on February 7th 2016 they'd have to better three of those six which haven't lost a single game so far.
Can the Eagles win 10+ games it takes to assure a spot in the playoffs? (They'd have to win at least 7 out of the 10 remaining games)
If they could, how many games into the playoffs before they'd be eliminated? (Not too many if they even get there via 'wildcard')
Pardon me if I'm not optimistic given Sam Bradford's inconsistency. (Even if he remains healthy)
Rather then me posting my opinions, this time I'm curious what others' thoughts are regarding this presentation including the spotlight on the ROXY in Northampton.
Let us hope not. The costs are staggering not only to restore rails but also what they cost taxpayers far beyond any possible fares collected. Unless commuters from the Lehigh Valley like switching three trains, standing outside in the cold for trains running two or three hours apart leaving the Lehigh Valley at best and completing their destination from whatever station they arrive at (or depart from for that matter) few will end up using them to go to NYC.
As for feasibility all one need do is look at how much taxpayers are forced to pay currently for the deficits run up by Lehigh Valley's LANTA, Philly's SEPTA, New York's MTA, New Jersey's Transit Authority or Amtrak.
The counter argument runs along the lines, well we pay for streets and highways too. True but these are funded by a pay-as-you-go system through requirements to developers, vehicle fees, gasoline taxes and tolls which everyone of us use daily. On the other hand when it comes to mass transit here are the facts; 55.66% rely on public transportation in NYC. Less then 7% do at the bottom of the listing for the top 50 cities in the United States. The Lehigh Valley probably wouldn't even make the top 500 list if there were one. Truthfully when was the last time you used mass transit?
This has a been a hot button item with me for years. Frankly I'm tired of posting time after time and again. This is nothing more than idea dreamt up by windbag politicians trying to appease a certain base who stand to make million$ if not billion$ over the long haul from gullible taxpayers.
Please read my previous posts on why I truly believe THIS IS A STUPID IDEA
Imagine a classroom where 30 students are armed with baseballs in each of their desks. Imagine baseballs in the nightstand when it comes to having young kids in the house. Imagine a criminal getting walloped in the head by someone being attacked in the street.
Baseballs are legal everywhere including on planes and other forms of public transportation. No one is going to get busted nor required to have a permit for carrying them or having them in their vehicles. They're sure a hellva lot cheaper and safer to be around that's for sure.
"Browne's formal arraignment was scheduled Monday morning, though the state senator was not present in court.". If he wants a favor the least he can do is get his ass into court!
"Browne was charged twice previously with DUI". Yea I know it may be the law but how many do overs does this guy deserve?
During my lifetime I've come across two people who were forced to take the 'Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition' (ARD) program for far less. Both threatened with their licenses to drive even though it had little to do with motor vehicles. One was cited for riding a bike drunk down a city street. The other staggering drunk in the street while walking.
Shouldn't Brown given his history be treated more severely then they?
Course when it comes to the word "justice" and "fairness" both have separate meanings in entirely too many instances.
First The Bad News According to the Associated Press, "For just the third time in 40 years, millions of Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees can expect no increase in benefits next year."
Further information can be found HERE which goes into greater explanation as to why this has happened. Although I find it hard to understand why, one thing I do understand very clearly is future retirees and some current ones (about 30%) are going to get it put them.
Although the raise in 2015 was only 1.7% it sure beat the hell out of 0% !
Gone But Not Forgotten These changes go back to 2007 under G.W. Bush's final two years in office when Democrats controlled both chambers of the 110th Congress. The same congress that also failed to enact the "Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007". Obviously there's plenty of blame to go around. Perhaps more so with the Democrats who crow about their record on financing social needs. In this case, not so much.
For most seniors who rely on interest rates for payments from their savings the last few years has been terrible. Often times less then 1%. Those who gambled on stocks unless they were investment wizards also took a few hits. At least seniors could always count on SS coming through with a couple of bucks. Apparently not anymore !
Social Security Is Not The Same As The Dept. Of Labor's COLA
Because SS is calculated differently then regular inflation (COLA) retirees have lost an estimated 33% of their purchasing power over the last 15 years. SSA only takes the average cost of living increases over a three month period (July, August, September). Then divides that by the same three months of the year prior.
UPDATED (10/15/2015)
Now it's official. Social Security today announced, "Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 65 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2016."
A Salute To The 44th Annual Tony Awards Broadcast (1990)
100% Pure Broadway
Michael Jeter died in March 2003 at 50 years of age. He played a bookeeper in the musical "Grand Hotel" which played 1,017 performances between November 1989-April 1992. "Grand Hotel" is a perfect example of the kind of traditional Broadway musicals I enjoy the most.
Is this whole world full of nothing but lying cheats!
Lyrics
There's a face that we wear In the cold light of day - It's society's mask, It's society's way, And the truth is That it's all a façade!
There's a face that we hide Till the nighttime appears, And what's hiding inside, Behind all of our fears, Is our true self, Locked inside the façade!
Every day People, in their own sweet way, Like to add a coat of paint, And be what they ain't!
That's how our little - Game is played, Livin' like a masquerade Actin' a bizarre charade - While playing the saint!
But there's one thing I know, And I know it for sure: This disease that we've got Has got no ready cure! And I'm certain Life is terribly hard - When your life's a façade!
Look around you! I have found You cannot tell, by lookin' at the surface, What is lurkin' there beneath it! See that face! Now, I'm prepared to bet you, What you see's not what you get - 'Cause man's a master of deceit !
So, what is the sinister secret? The lie he will tell you is true? - It's that each man you meet In the street Isn't one man but two!
Nearly everyone you see - Like him an' her, An' you, an' me - Pretends to be A pillar of society - A model for propriety - Sobriety An' piety - Who shudders at the thought Of notoriety!
The ladies an' gents 'ere before you - Which none of 'em ever admits - May 'ave saintly looks - But they're sinners an' crooks!
Hypocrites! Hypocrites!
There are preachers who kill! There are killers who preach! There are teachers who lie! There are liars who teach! Take yer pick, dear - "Cause it's all a façade!
If we're not one, but two, Are we evil or good? Do we walk the fine line - That we'd cross if we could? Are we waiting - To break through the façade?
One or two Might look kinda well-to-do - Hah! They're bad as me an' you, Right down they're boots!
I'm inclined to think - Half mankind Thinks the other half is blind! Wouldn't be surprise to find - They're all in cahoots!
At the end of the day, They don't mean what they say, They don't say what they mean, They don't ever come clean - And the answer - Is it's all a façade! Is it's all a façade! Man is not one, but two, He is evil and good, An' he walks the fine line We'd all cross if we could!
It's a nightmare - We can never discard - So we stay on our guard - Though we love the façade - What's behind the façade? Look behind the façade!
I've been overwhelmed and a bit reluctant to keep posting negative blogs on all the crap I'm coming across day in and day out as well as the goings on locally around here. I'm not sure there will be enough honest ethical people left to hold things together forever. Maybe this is just a passing mood but for now that performance pretty much summarizes my feelings at the moment. Hence the spacing between posts over the last few days and the rather pointlessness in bemoaning the fact there's little I or anyone else can do in the face of such an overwhelming dishonesty from so many people who positioned themselves. For every one you knock down there are two others who come along.
