17 Years Without a Mother...

I'm not sure how I am supposed to feel now... I grew up most of my life without you.
The truth is I barely remember your face without a picture in front of me.
I think of what you've missed; graduation, college, weddings, birthdays, grandkids,
and an old man who is still miserable without you.
Sometimes I wish you were still here... I only say sometimes because I know that little kid who
used to hide behind your skirt couldn't make it in the real world.
The problem is on days like today, I still think he is hiding inside me...
Imagine that, almost 30 and he's still there. Perpetually trapped at 12.
Everything I've done, everything I've seen, all this time and he never goes away.

Economic Crisis... Look to the Stars (Part 2)

Okay, I decided to do the second part of this a little differently... what can i say? The game changes the more desperate our situation gets. Forbes magazine published their list of the 100 wealthiest celebrities back in June. Maybe a good way to start paying off this atrocious national debt would be to ask each and every one of these famous people to give up their entire earnings for one year. I know that sounds outlandish, but think about it... I am sure all of these people have some savings that they could fall back on. And although each one of these people probably has a small army of assistants and bodyguards that depend on them for income, I'm sure they could dig in their deep pockets and help bail us out. Even those on this list who are not American citizens probably make most of their money here.

Total income for these celebs (from number 1 Oprah to number 100 Barack Obama)= $4,110,000,000.00

All I am saying is this: If every one of these people put in their yearly incomes just once it could put a nice little dent in the national deficit. It may not be a lot in the long-run, but I am sure there are many other celebrities that could help out. Besides, wouldn't that make them more money in the long run? If we get this debt paid down we can go see more of their movies, read more of their books, and listen to more of their music.

Just a thought... you decide.

3 Newer Albums You Should be Listening to...

1. Okay Lindon- "Everything in Moderation"
I have been a fan of Dustin Smith since the days of his old band Goodwen, back in 2004. This new album not only stretches his voice, but shows off his amazing arrangement ability. Not to mention the incredibly talented musicians he surrounds himself with. I have no category for this album... and I'm sure Dustin would appreciate that. It's just good music. Pick it up. Favorite Track: Stronger Bones




2. Alexander the Great- "Faces Change"
This album is exciting! Every song seems to be building towards something huge... it makes me remember why I love going to shows and collecting cds. (yes, i guess that is old-fashioned now). I have not seen these guys live yet, but I hope to soon. I imagine their shows being very high-energy, and I imagine leaving that show very tired. I can't wait. They are yet another great band on the Crossroads of America record label out of Indiana. Favorite Track: Don't You Forget It




3. Husband & Wife- "Dark Dark Woods"
Speaking of Crossroads of America Records, the band who makes it all happen (the label being their baby) put out a new album earlier this year. Fantastic album and great live performers to boot. Their songs go from hauntingly stripped down to technically built-up. Overall this is a very laid back and relaxing album; but has it's catchy, upbeat moments.
Favorite Track: I Got Fat


Pick these albums up...

Maybe at the State Level?

So out of this massive stimulus package, the great state of Ohio is receiving $7.9 Billion. Instead of wasting this money on projects that may or may not get completed, maybe we could put it to good use. I would like to see the hardworking people of Ohio (no matter how much they work or make) receive this money directly.

It is the same formula as before:

There are an estimated 11,353,140 citizens living in Ohio.

- 2,838,285 people under 18

-1,419,143 people completely relying on the government/not working at all

-58,000 in a state prison

= 7,037,712 people left!

Now divide the $7.9 Billion by that number, and you get $1,122.52 each person. If we could each get $1,100 of that, the state government could use the remaining $158,510,387 for programs and job development!

Furthermore, if this money was not distributed in cash... say a kind of voucher good at any store in the state; this money would go directly into saving some of our failing stores. Think about that much money going directly into the economy. The state could even set parameters that say if these vouchers are not used within 6 months than the state will claim them.

Economic Crisis... Look to the Stars.

So a lot of people are starting to worry about this gigantic stimulus package. Not just about when it will start working, but how are we going to pay for it. The short answer is future tax increases. This means that later in life you or the next generation will have to deal with this. It's almost like the government is handing us a giant credit card and saying "don't worry you can pay this off later... with interest." But what if we could pay it off now?

Here is a great way how... It's time to use our one remaining resource. Many notable (& wealthy) celebrities supported the ideas of hope and change during the campaign of our new leader. Now they can put their money (or rather the money we pay them) where their mouths are! While we are at it, let's start at the top!

J.K. Rowling- although she is a Brit, she has made a large portion of her money from Americans kids... and unfortunately some adults. She tops the list at a massive $300 Million a year! Maybe she could take less than half of that (a meager $140 Million) and donate to our cause...?

Oprah- although J.K. Rowling does make more than her, she is at the top of the American list with a wopping $275 Million a year. I'm sure she could donate some to the cause of her favorite politician... let's say $125 Million?

50 Cent- he has come a long way and would improve his image even more by bailing out the economy. He rakes in about $150 Million each year, maybe he could donate $45 Million to the cause? Think of all the publicity, think of all the little white suburban kids who will love you even more!

Jerry Bruckheimer- the famous producer of big-budget movies and tv crime dramas pulls down about $145 Million a year. I'm sure he could donate $40 Million and maybe he could get the movie rights?

Steven Spielberg- even though the latest Indiana Jones movie was pretty awful, the man still makes about $130 Million each year. Think of the blockbuster that he and Bruckheimer could make if they teamed up... "Economic Meltdown" the movie. We'll take $30 Million from him.

Tyler Perry- this guy makes about $125 Million a year from movies and television. That's enough to make me dress up like an old lady and try to act as well. I think even Madea could part with $25 Million to help us all out.

Tiger Woods- come on! You hit a little ball in a hole with a stick and still make over $115 Million a year! He could probably part with $15 Million of that to help us all out.

The Police- okay we all know that Sting has got to be making more than the other two guys... what were their names? Combined they post at about $115 Million each year, and they would be happy to part with $15 Million of that I'm sure. Come on just write a new hit and you'll make it back. Can you?

Jerry Seinfeld- the funny man pulls in the laughs and about $85 Million a year. There is some great material waiting for you in this mess we are in, but you need to pay first. Let's say $10 Million?

Jay-Z- from street hustler to bona-fide, this guy has made it... and made it big! He comes in the list at about $82 Million a year. Plus, he gets to spend his evenings with Beyonce... so he could probably kick in about $10 Million.

Beyonce Knowles- speaking of her, she is right behind her new husband with a cool $80 Million a year. I know that someone that pretty has to do a lot of upkeep, but I am sure she could spare $10 Million.

Will Smith- the fresh prince of America takes his spot on the list at $80 Million a year. If he kicked in $10 Million to help out he would barely have to lift a finger to get it back. Just don't put out another rap album...

Johnny Depp- creepy Johnny seems to excel at roles where other actors would not know what to do. And he gets paid well for his skill, about $72 Million a year. If he donated $8 Million to the cause, it would be helpful. Come on, just dress up like a pirate again and you'll make that up.

Simon Cowell- i'm not really sure if this Brit even lives in the U.S., but he has enough money to live wherever he wants. Mr. Mean comes in at about $72 Million a year. He has been breaking hearts and annoying the public for quite awhile now, if he donates $8 Million we can just call it an asshole tax.

Howard Stern- speaking of assholes, this one makes about $70 Million a year. Maybe he could soften up his image and donate $8 Million to the cause.. or do it anonymously, I don't care.

David Beckham- this Brit brings in about $50 Million each year, and gets to sleep with the weird but hot spice girl... well I only assume they sleep together. Since he works here, maybe he could "kick"-in $5 Million and if he wants to help bailout Great Britain as well all the better.

$489 Million so far!

Cameron Diaz- the always gleaming actress makes around $50 Million a year, that is a hell of a smile! Maybe she could donate $5 Million of it to a really good cause... saving our asses!

George Lucas- with the latest Star Wars & Indiana Jones movies pretty much sucking... the man still rakes in about $50 Million a year. It might improve your fan base to give up $5 Million of it, but nothing will improve crappy CGI.

James Patterson- the hardworking author finds time to produce two books a year for his fans when others can't even produce one! No wonder he pulls down about $50 Million a year... we would like $5 Million, please.

David Letterman- despite working to get his people back to work faster than most during the tv strikes and his production company owning the rights to several other shows... this nighttime star still finds himself with the hours to do the Late Show and rake in about $45 Million a year. Not bad Dave, can we have $4 Million?

Michael Jordan- washed up basketball player... more like wise investment superstar. The guy hasn't played in years but brings in more money now than most of the NBA, a nice $45 Million each year! And we would love the king of air even more if he donated $4 Million of it.

Phil Mickelson- the world's second ranked golfer makes about $45 Million a year... I guess it is good to be almost king? Now fork over $4 Million.

Stephen King- speaking of Kings... this one-time school teacher turned prolific horror writer shocks the world into letting him make about $45 Million each year as well! The only thing that would be scarier than his books would be us paying off this stimulus package! $4 Million please.

Judge Judy Sheindlin- this tough talking lady brings in about $45 Million each year herself. It makes sense too, I mean would you want to negotiate with her? May we please have $4 Million, ma'am?

Leonardo DiCaprio- this guy has grown into a fairly good actor and is paid well for his dramas... about $45 Million a year. If he gave us $4 Million of that I might even "feel like I'm flying..."


$528 Million so far!


To be continued...

Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money...

How about w take the last idea and make it even simpler...

At this point there is a little less than $400 Billion bailout money left out of the original $700 Billion. That is what is left after our government has given a lot of it to banks and large corporations. They have also committed a lot of it towards rescue plans for businesses down the road. Since in theory those are our tax dollars at "work", why not give the American people some of it.

227,719,424 U.S. Citizens 18+ (estimated)
-
2,188,226 U.S. Citizens 18+ in jail (estimated)
-
14,703,600 U.S. Citizens 18+ making more than $150,000 per year (estimated)
-
12,500,000 U.S. Citizens completely relying on the government/not paying taxes (estimated)
=
198,327,598
X
$2,000 each
=
$396,655,196,000

I'm sure most of us out there could use $2,000. It could even be set-up as a slogan: $1,000 to spend, $1,000 to save. That much money directly stimulating the economy and the banks might be the "shot in the arm" we need.

Money, Money, Money, Money.........Money!

Just an idea...

Today I thought about how much good $700 Billion could do for us regular folk (those of us making under $50,000 a year). On a hunch I looked up the latest Census Bureau numbers and found out that their are an estimated 227,719,424 U.S. Citizens, 18 or older. Now, take the $700 Billion that is most likely going to bailout large corporations & wealthy CEOs... if we divided that money equally to all of these U.S. Citizens 18 and older, we could each get $3,000 and still be saving the federal government over $16.8 Billion!!! I am not good with math, but I checked this several times with a calculator. I know that to those large corporations and their wealthy CEOs that $3,000 is nothing... probably a nice business meal. But to those of us not making a hell-of-a-lot it would be a fantastic bonus, or even a badly needed infusion of cash.

To take this further, if we all spent half of what we got ($1,500 each) that would mean $341,579,136,000.00 going directly into the hurting economy. I know that might not be a big deal to the proponents of 'Trickle-Down' economics, but it would be a start.

So how about we get most of it, the government can split the rest between all the companies vying for their attention (ahem, GM) as long as none of the companies send any more jobs overseas. Maybe this isn't the best idea, but I think we might want to try it.

Another Day in History!

Alexander Campbell (born in Dungloe, County Donegal, Ireland, died 21 June 1877 in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, Pennsylvania) was a businessman who, along with three other alleged Molly Maguires members, was hanged for the murders of two mine operatives.
Campbell proclaimed his innocence to the end, and in doing so, slapped a muddy handprint on the wall of his prison cell, declaring that the mark would remain forever as a sign of his innocence. Legend has it that despite many attempts to remove it, including building a new wall, the mark still remains today.

Other Notes of Interest:
1798 - Irish Rebellion of 1798: The British Army defeats Irish rebels at Battle of Vinegar Hill
1898 - Guam becomes a U.S. territory.
1919 - Royal Canadian Mounted Police fire a volley into a crowd of unemployed war veterans, killing two, during the Winnipeg General Strike.
1940 - World War II: France surrenders to Germany.
1942 - World War II: A Japanese submarine surfaces near the Columbia River in Oregon, firing 17 shells at nearby Fort Stevens in one of only a handful of attacks by the Japanese against the U.S. mainland.
1948 - Columbia Records introduces the long-playing record album in a public demonstration at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
1964 - Three civil rights workers, Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Mickey Schwerner, are murdered in Neshoba County, Mississippi, United States, by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
1982 - John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
2002 - The World Health Organization declares Europe polio free.

Notable Births:
1002 - Pope Leo IX
1812 - Moses Hess, Jewish socialist and nationalist
1850 - Daniel Carter Beard, founder of the Boy Scouts of America
1892 - Reinhold Niebuhr, Protestant theologian
1905 - Jean-Paul Sartre, French philosopher and writer
1910 - Aleksandr Tvardovsky, Soviet poet
1925 - Maureen Stapleton, American actress
1947 - Michael Gross, American actor (dad from Family Ties)
1973 - Juliette Lewis, American actress
1982 - Prince William of Wales, British prince

Notable Deaths:
1377 - King Edward III of England (I fart in your general direction!)
1527 - Niccolò Machiavelli, Italian historian and political author
1591 - Aloysius Gonzaga, Italian saint
1796 - Richard Gridley, American Revolutionary soldier
1893 - Leland Stanford, American business tycoon and founder of Stanford University
1934 - Thorne Smith, American author (Turnabout, Dream's End, The Night Life of the Gods)
1979 - Angus Maclise, American mystic, shaman, musician, and composer
1987 - Madman Muntz, American entrepreneur, businessman, electrical engineer, TV commercial actor
1997 - Fidel Velázquez Sánchez, Mexican labour leader
2001 - John Lee Hooker, American musician (Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom)
2007 - Bob Evans, American restaurateur

This Day in History!

On May 20, 1527, Roman Catholic authorities executed Michael Sattler. King Ferdinand declared drowning (called the third baptism) "the best antidote to Anabaptism". It has been said that a "16th century man who did not drink to excess, curse, or abuse his workmen or family could be suspected of being an Anabaptist and thus persecuted." Thousands died in Europe in the sixteenth century. The Tudor regime, even those that were Protestant (Edward VI and Elizabeth I) persecuted Anabaptists as they were deemed too radical and therefore a danger to religious stability. The persecution of Anabaptists was condoned by ancient laws of Theodosius and Justinian that were passed against the Donatists which decreed the death penalty for any who practiced rebaptism.

This day that year, Sattler was arrested by Roman Catholic authorities, along with his wife and several other Anabaptists. He was tried and sentenced to be executed as a heretic. As part of his execution, his tongue was cut out, and red hot tongs were used to tear two pieces of flesh from his body. He was then taken outside the city by wagon, and the tongs were used on him five more times. After that, he was burned at the stake. The other men in the group were executed by sword, and the women, including Margaretha (his wife), were executed by drowning.

Honorable Mention for this day...
325- The 1st Council of Nicaea was held.
1609- Shakespeare's Sonnets are first published in London, by the publisher Thomas Thorpe. (I did not know that he is that old! I used to live with the guy.)
1861- The state of Kentucky proclaims its neutrality in The American Civil War, which lasted until September 3 when Confederate forces entered the state.
1873- Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.
1902- Cuba gains independence from the United States.
1916- The Saturday Evening Post publishes its first cover with a Norman Rockwell painting.
1972- Busta Rhymes was born.
1983- First publications of the discovery of the HIV virus that causes AIDS in the journal Science by Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo individually.
1989- Gilda Radner died.

In Honor of Our Trip & Hopeful New Home

In a few weeks my wife, our good friend, and me will be making our way out to the beautiful state of Colorado. We have been there a few times in the past and it is by far one of the best places I have ever been. We have had a plan for several years to move out West somewhere and in the last few years we have decided on Colorado. This trip will be for scouting out the areas we already like, so that we can start making plans for our move in a little less than 2 years.

Therefore, I would like to share a list of laws in Colorado that do not make a lot of sense... or are just funny.

1. In Durango: It is illegal to go in public dressed in clothes "unbecoming" on one's sex.
2. In Denver: It is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next door neighbor.
3. In Colorado Springs: It is permissible to wear a holstered six-gun within city limits, except on Sunday, Election Day, or holidays. (I will totally take advantage of this one!)
4. In Sterling: Cats may not run loose without having been fit with a taillight.
5. In Pueblo: It is against the law to raise or permit a dandelion to grow within the city limits.
6. In Logan County: It is illegal for a man to kiss a woman while she is asleep.
7. In Crippe Creek: It is illegal to bring your horse or pack mule above the ground floor of any building.
8. In Denver: It is illegal for Barber's to give massages to nude customers unless it is for instructional purposes.
9. Also in Denver: It is illegal to mistreat rats.

State Law says:
1. Car dealers may not show cars on a Sunday.
2. No alcohol beverage can be stored in hotel minibars in anything larger than miniature containers.
3. It is legal to remove the furniture tags that say, "Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law."
4. It is illegal for a woman wearing a red dress to be out on the streets after 7 PM.
5. It is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence.
6. It is illegal for liquor stores to sell food or grocery stores to sell any alcohol except beer that is at most 3.2% alcohol.

I just thought you would like to know...