Headline from Huffpost 9/6/12:
Abbie Jacobson, 8-Year-Old Maine Girl, Returns Lost $4,000 -- And Gets Justin Bieber As Reward
(Personally, I'd have preferred cash, like a 10% reward!)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
LABOR DAY RUMINATIONS
As the country takes a brief break on Labor Day, let's talk a bit about labor---and also management and government.
I read in the "New York Times" an op-ed piece by Hedrick Smith, now in his senior years, but always a well-respected journalist-commentator-talking head. Smith talked about the revolutionary, at the time, decision by Henry Ford in 1914 to raise wages to the astronomical figure of $5.00 a day at a time when a laborer was lucky to make three bucks daily. Henry Ford was never noted primarily as an altruist or for spending money unnecessarily; he was tight-fisted and eminently successful in his prime.
So why did Ford do this? Because he recognized that happy workers were successful and productive workers. If they had job security and a decent wage, they would, in addition to producing more, also spend more, which in turn would stimulate the economy, create business, and therefore increase prosperity for business, a felicitous cycle.
In the course of his article Smith dropped an interesting and neglected statistic; from 1973 until 2011 productivity increased over 80% while wages increased a shade over 4%, according to economic data analyzed by the Economic Policy Institute.
Smith also mentions the social contract practiced in Germany between government, business and labor where agreements are reached for the common good by each side being willing to compromise for the betterment of all.
It would be well for politicians, government employees, workers, capitalists and the financial world to heed these facts. Wages have certainly not kept pace in this modern world, and, as a result the poorer working class has grown and the middle class is stagnant. Given, businesses have modernized, streamlined, pared off the fat and are lean mean profit machines, which is good competitively. If, however, we continue to grow the poor and weaken the middle class, won't something have to give? At some point, won't resentment turn even nastier and create a kind of economic civil war? The "Occupy Wall Street" was a tangible sign of such rebellion.
Can't political parties at odds, businesses and unions at odds, financiers and regulators at odds---can't these disparate but interdependent factions learn to converse with each other FOR THE COMMON GOOD? We don't have to become a socialist state to achieve such harmony. This country has been world-famous for its creativity, innovation and economic success. Can't we take that ingenuity and apply it to the betterment of all segments of American society?
We need successful and prosperous capitalists. We need a growing and dynamic work force. We need a political system not in deadlock but able to converse and solve problems. Our time is running out to achieve such harmony. We need better educational standards; we need a symbiotic relationship between management and labor; we need a government that mutually faces up to the problems of deficit and entitlements in a problem-solving positive mode.
Just a few Labor Day thoughts. Have a good one.
I read in the "New York Times" an op-ed piece by Hedrick Smith, now in his senior years, but always a well-respected journalist-commentator-talking head. Smith talked about the revolutionary, at the time, decision by Henry Ford in 1914 to raise wages to the astronomical figure of $5.00 a day at a time when a laborer was lucky to make three bucks daily. Henry Ford was never noted primarily as an altruist or for spending money unnecessarily; he was tight-fisted and eminently successful in his prime.
So why did Ford do this? Because he recognized that happy workers were successful and productive workers. If they had job security and a decent wage, they would, in addition to producing more, also spend more, which in turn would stimulate the economy, create business, and therefore increase prosperity for business, a felicitous cycle.
In the course of his article Smith dropped an interesting and neglected statistic; from 1973 until 2011 productivity increased over 80% while wages increased a shade over 4%, according to economic data analyzed by the Economic Policy Institute.
Smith also mentions the social contract practiced in Germany between government, business and labor where agreements are reached for the common good by each side being willing to compromise for the betterment of all.
It would be well for politicians, government employees, workers, capitalists and the financial world to heed these facts. Wages have certainly not kept pace in this modern world, and, as a result the poorer working class has grown and the middle class is stagnant. Given, businesses have modernized, streamlined, pared off the fat and are lean mean profit machines, which is good competitively. If, however, we continue to grow the poor and weaken the middle class, won't something have to give? At some point, won't resentment turn even nastier and create a kind of economic civil war? The "Occupy Wall Street" was a tangible sign of such rebellion.
Can't political parties at odds, businesses and unions at odds, financiers and regulators at odds---can't these disparate but interdependent factions learn to converse with each other FOR THE COMMON GOOD? We don't have to become a socialist state to achieve such harmony. This country has been world-famous for its creativity, innovation and economic success. Can't we take that ingenuity and apply it to the betterment of all segments of American society?
We need successful and prosperous capitalists. We need a growing and dynamic work force. We need a political system not in deadlock but able to converse and solve problems. Our time is running out to achieve such harmony. We need better educational standards; we need a symbiotic relationship between management and labor; we need a government that mutually faces up to the problems of deficit and entitlements in a problem-solving positive mode.
Just a few Labor Day thoughts. Have a good one.
Friday, August 31, 2012
E.O.M. MEANDERINGS
We returned to our home on Sanibel Island, Florda yesterday after having spent five days with our youngest daughter and family in Indialantic FL (near Melbourne) on the east coast. We wanted to miss the potential hurricane, especially the possible power outages, in view of my wife's rehabilitating from surgery. It turned out they had more rain there than in Sanibel, and the only power outages were few and brief in Sanibel. Florida dodged the bullet, but I feel sorry for those poor Cajun folk in the flooded parishes of Louisiana.
The Republicans got lucky as well in Tampa for their convention. As predicted, the hot air from Tampa was worse on Florida than the tropical storm. Next week the hot air flow will be from Charlotte, and I don't really expect any real substantive statements from there. I hope I'm wrong...
Right now I'm enjoying the blasts in tennis from Flushing Meadows as the U.S. Open moves along. All the big guns are trained and ready: Federer, Djokovic and Murray look tough as ever, but some young surprises are making names for themselves, like Bob Johnson, Jack Sock and the eighteen-year-old lady Brit, Laura Robson, who has knocked off two former champions (Kim Clijsters and Li Na). The old guard passes and the new arises, as happens in every sport. I'm sorry to see Andy Roddick retire, but he is doing the right thing as he has lost the appetite and the edge to his game, so it's time to hang it up. When competing becomes joyless and a chore, it's time to go.
I am enjoying the showing of my beloved Cincinnati Reds, now eight games ahead in their division and, for the moment, with the best record in baseball. Can they keep it up? September separates the men from the boys.
Can't wait to see Alabams vs. Michigan: wow, what an opener! College football is upon us. Hooray! And the pros aren't far behind. Then my wife can get mad at me on Sunday afternoons!
The Republicans got lucky as well in Tampa for their convention. As predicted, the hot air from Tampa was worse on Florida than the tropical storm. Next week the hot air flow will be from Charlotte, and I don't really expect any real substantive statements from there. I hope I'm wrong...
Right now I'm enjoying the blasts in tennis from Flushing Meadows as the U.S. Open moves along. All the big guns are trained and ready: Federer, Djokovic and Murray look tough as ever, but some young surprises are making names for themselves, like Bob Johnson, Jack Sock and the eighteen-year-old lady Brit, Laura Robson, who has knocked off two former champions (Kim Clijsters and Li Na). The old guard passes and the new arises, as happens in every sport. I'm sorry to see Andy Roddick retire, but he is doing the right thing as he has lost the appetite and the edge to his game, so it's time to hang it up. When competing becomes joyless and a chore, it's time to go.
I am enjoying the showing of my beloved Cincinnati Reds, now eight games ahead in their division and, for the moment, with the best record in baseball. Can they keep it up? September separates the men from the boys.
Can't wait to see Alabams vs. Michigan: wow, what an opener! College football is upon us. Hooray! And the pros aren't far behind. Then my wife can get mad at me on Sunday afternoons!
Monday, August 27, 2012
POLITICAL MUSINGS IN THE STORMY SEASON
POLITICAL MUSINGS IN THE STORMY SEASON
My wife and I were convinced by our housewatcher/handymen/friends that we should leave our home on Sanibel Island and go across state to our daughter and her family in Indialantic, Florida, near Melbourne, where there would be less tropical storm effects. We were most concerned about possible long-term power losses and my wife's recovery period from surgery. We came over here on Saturday. We have heavy winds and rains here but less than on the west coast of Florida. I called our housewatcher this morning and found that all was well: lots of storms, water surges and wind causing power outages---but only temporary ones, thank God. I think we can go home in a couple of days.
The Republicans got lucky and only had to delay their convention one day. I think I can do without the persiflage and bullshit which will emanate from Tampa. Then, next week, in Charlotte NC the Democrats will have their shot , and I'm sure the sound effects and nonsense won't be much better.
I read an article in the local paper here by a guest columnist advocating a third party in American politics----a serious third party, not some wild-eyed revolutionary sect. I know we don't want to become like France, for example, with five or six parties, but maybe the columnist is right that the time is ripe for another serious party. Certainly, there must be a home for moderates who reject the extreme polarization of the far left and far right. We certainly need somehing to break up our gridlock and activate some positive political action in congress.
We also need to revisit the whole matter of out-of-control, amok and disgusting campaign spending and reform of same. The Supreme Court did us no favor by opening the doors, or Pandora's box more accurately, of Super Pacs. that are obscene and unneeded. And, while we're at it, my old favorite---the amount of time wasted in two years of running for President and limiting the time to 3-6 months. Then, for good measure, increase the terms of representatives to four from two years so that we can get more than one year of service out of them. Now it is one to work and one to run for reelection.
It's time for a change, in more ways than one!
My wife and I were convinced by our housewatcher/handymen/friends that we should leave our home on Sanibel Island and go across state to our daughter and her family in Indialantic, Florida, near Melbourne, where there would be less tropical storm effects. We were most concerned about possible long-term power losses and my wife's recovery period from surgery. We came over here on Saturday. We have heavy winds and rains here but less than on the west coast of Florida. I called our housewatcher this morning and found that all was well: lots of storms, water surges and wind causing power outages---but only temporary ones, thank God. I think we can go home in a couple of days.
The Republicans got lucky and only had to delay their convention one day. I think I can do without the persiflage and bullshit which will emanate from Tampa. Then, next week, in Charlotte NC the Democrats will have their shot , and I'm sure the sound effects and nonsense won't be much better.
I read an article in the local paper here by a guest columnist advocating a third party in American politics----a serious third party, not some wild-eyed revolutionary sect. I know we don't want to become like France, for example, with five or six parties, but maybe the columnist is right that the time is ripe for another serious party. Certainly, there must be a home for moderates who reject the extreme polarization of the far left and far right. We certainly need somehing to break up our gridlock and activate some positive political action in congress.
We also need to revisit the whole matter of out-of-control, amok and disgusting campaign spending and reform of same. The Supreme Court did us no favor by opening the doors, or Pandora's box more accurately, of Super Pacs. that are obscene and unneeded. And, while we're at it, my old favorite---the amount of time wasted in two years of running for President and limiting the time to 3-6 months. Then, for good measure, increase the terms of representatives to four from two years so that we can get more than one year of service out of them. Now it is one to work and one to run for reelection.
It's time for a change, in more ways than one!
Friday, August 24, 2012
SWEATING IT OUT
It’s that fun time again in Florida with hurricane season in effect, and now Isaac is brewing in the Caribbean with the possibility of becoming a hurricane hitting Florida. It’s too early to tell, and the variables are many, including not becoming a hurricane but merely a tropical storm and maybe heading out in the gulf. We just have to watch our weather channels the next few days.
The Republicans have to be sweating, as the Convention Center in Tampa is right on the water and four feet above sea level. Mitt would look pretty silly delivering his acceptance feet in a wet suit with snorkel.
I’ve personally not been exposed to much in hurricanes. On Friday, August 13, 2004 Hurricane Charlie did significant damage to Sanibel and neighboring Captiva; in fact, our condo on the beach in Sanibel, was severely damaged and had to be stripped down to concrete walls and rebuilt because the a/c condensers were knocked off the roof, leaving gaping holes, resulting in water and mold invading the whole building. I got a new condo out of it---at a price, because insurance never covers full replacement value. My wife and I were in England when that occurred and saw on my nephew's PC monitor a local TV helicopter hovering over our condo building and seeing the damage. About the only thing I could do from there was utter a choice four-letter word.
We were back home the same year when Ivan rolled in, and we evacuated across the state to our youngest daughter’s house near Melbourne, Florida---only to have Ivan follow us across the state and hit Melbourne!
By that time it was heavy winds and a ton of rain---no 150 mph winds.
We’ve had a few tropical storms since then with lots of rain and high winds---but no real hurricane. It is simply a fact of life you deal wih living in Florida, just as people in the Midwest and plains states live with the threat of tornados.
I’ll still take the sunshine and good weather here year round and live with that risk! In the meantime, I have gassed up both cars and made sure we have water and batteries.
The Republicans have to be sweating, as the Convention Center in Tampa is right on the water and four feet above sea level. Mitt would look pretty silly delivering his acceptance feet in a wet suit with snorkel.
I’ve personally not been exposed to much in hurricanes. On Friday, August 13, 2004 Hurricane Charlie did significant damage to Sanibel and neighboring Captiva; in fact, our condo on the beach in Sanibel, was severely damaged and had to be stripped down to concrete walls and rebuilt because the a/c condensers were knocked off the roof, leaving gaping holes, resulting in water and mold invading the whole building. I got a new condo out of it---at a price, because insurance never covers full replacement value. My wife and I were in England when that occurred and saw on my nephew's PC monitor a local TV helicopter hovering over our condo building and seeing the damage. About the only thing I could do from there was utter a choice four-letter word.
We were back home the same year when Ivan rolled in, and we evacuated across the state to our youngest daughter’s house near Melbourne, Florida---only to have Ivan follow us across the state and hit Melbourne!
By that time it was heavy winds and a ton of rain---no 150 mph winds.
We’ve had a few tropical storms since then with lots of rain and high winds---but no real hurricane. It is simply a fact of life you deal wih living in Florida, just as people in the Midwest and plains states live with the threat of tornados.
I’ll still take the sunshine and good weather here year round and live with that risk! In the meantime, I have gassed up both cars and made sure we have water and batteries.
Monday, August 13, 2012
CHERCHEZ LA FEMME
One of the paramount accomplishments of the London Olympics just completed was the incredible showing of the American (add Brits, Russians, Chinese and others!) women. Al Michaels commented yesterday that the American women, in terms of gold medals, ranked third in total won. They actually won more gold than the American men. Welcome to the female nation!
As the old Virginia Slims cigarette ads, early feminist supporters, used to say, "You've come a long way, baby!"
It all goes back to 1972 and the enactment of Title IX which enabled colleges to spend money on women's sports and not discriminate against female sports. The floodgates were opened and, forty years later, look what has happened.
I got "liberated" early in my salad days. My wife and I as newlyweds were living in New York---Brooklyn Heights, to be exact---and both of us worked. My wife was a journalist, with experience from her time in England, who had landed a job on the Long Island Star Journal where she ended up as Society Editor, a title she wisely and foresightedly changed to Woman's Page Editor and worked out of Long Island City, about a half hour subway ride from our brownstone apartment. I was an underwear and sportswear "Schlepper" covering the territory of Manhattan Island up the Hudson River to Albany. I worked most of Manhattan by foot, pulling two wheeled enormous sample bags. I was working for one of the jobber/distributors of my family's underwear business gaining valuable sales experience. The jobber, in addition to underwear made by the family business, was also allowed to buy hosiery and sportswear under our label, paying us a royalty for use of the brand name.
The point is, I made $80,00 a week draw, and my dear wife made $85.00. That liberated me early
The point also is, I never felt threatened or disturbed by my wife making more than I and was proud of her success.
So, go, ladies: You've added a lot of stars to your crowns with your magnificent showing in the Olympics. It should be an inspiration to all men!
As the old Virginia Slims cigarette ads, early feminist supporters, used to say, "You've come a long way, baby!"
It all goes back to 1972 and the enactment of Title IX which enabled colleges to spend money on women's sports and not discriminate against female sports. The floodgates were opened and, forty years later, look what has happened.
I got "liberated" early in my salad days. My wife and I as newlyweds were living in New York---Brooklyn Heights, to be exact---and both of us worked. My wife was a journalist, with experience from her time in England, who had landed a job on the Long Island Star Journal where she ended up as Society Editor, a title she wisely and foresightedly changed to Woman's Page Editor and worked out of Long Island City, about a half hour subway ride from our brownstone apartment. I was an underwear and sportswear "Schlepper" covering the territory of Manhattan Island up the Hudson River to Albany. I worked most of Manhattan by foot, pulling two wheeled enormous sample bags. I was working for one of the jobber/distributors of my family's underwear business gaining valuable sales experience. The jobber, in addition to underwear made by the family business, was also allowed to buy hosiery and sportswear under our label, paying us a royalty for use of the brand name.
The point is, I made $80,00 a week draw, and my dear wife made $85.00. That liberated me early
The point also is, I never felt threatened or disturbed by my wife making more than I and was proud of her success.
So, go, ladies: You've added a lot of stars to your crowns with your magnificent showing in the Olympics. It should be an inspiration to all men!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
LIKE FREDDY KRUGER…
Here I am, returning, ever so slowly, to the world of blogging. Our family life has been dominated by my wife’s shunt surgery and the still ongoing period of restoration of her health and vitality. She is undergoing therapy to build up her strength with a professional home service therapist coming in three times a week. One of my great and caring daughters has been here and helped so much. .After a week in the hospital, she spent almost three weeks in a lovely and caring rehab facility near our island home. She returned home a week ago, and her progress is slow but steady.
Like a good part of the world, I have watched the Olympics and am delighted with America’s showing, especially the women. What a time of pride for women! I look forward to the closing ceremony and, judging by the musical talent involved, expect it to be better than the opening ceremony, about which I commented in my last blog. My sister-in-law in England sent me an editorial extolling that ceremony and the sensitivity shown in not emphasizing the “empire”aspects and the colonial period, plus emphasizing the new Britain. That’s all well and good, but I would think even the most politically correct-minded could appreciate great moments in British history, emphasizing heroism or key events in British history. Doesn’t some national pride have a part in modern Britain? I guess I’m just an insensitive political philistine…
While I was “away”, so to speak, I think the political climate got even stormier and just plain nasty. I think both parties and both candidates are guilty of dwelling in the gutter. Let’s clean up the acts, guys, and try to return to the three “Ps”: principles, philosophies and programs. I’ve reached the point I don’t want to see more mud slinging and name calling. The whole show turns me off!
The Tea Party, gun enthusiasts with no control, crooked banks, etc., the world is still too much with us. I, in my daydreams, was simply hoping it would just go away or at least quiet down. No way. We still need to learn to converse with each other. We still need to add a large dollop of morality to our business dealing and our political discourse.
Enough sermonizing. I’ve missed all of you.
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