For all of you whom are working and searching for a new job, good luck. Just remember to make yourselves as valuable to your current employer as possible.
The job market, as you are discovering, is flooded with at least 100 applicants for every position being filled. The point being, hang on to the sure thing. And reach for the moon in search endeavors.
The City of Flint’s political scene has somewhat returned to normal with Michael Brown, a competent man, at the helm. The “Don” Williamson refuses to die a whimpering death, much to the amazement of the taxpaying public. Twenty-two Michigan cities require residents to pay income taxes. Flint is one of the few requiring the non residents, who work inside city limits, to pay a half percent incoming tax. The strange part is while you pay the half percent, you absolutely have no say in the City’s economic decisions. Talk about taxation without representation.
Sports sponsorships are taking a major hit. Companies having received Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) Funds are cutting back on sponsoring major events, most notably PGA Tournaments. Among these entities were the Royal Bank of Scotland, Wachovia and other government fund recipients. Someone must have realized a portion of the biggest financial deals have been brokered on golf courses throughout the world.
I would like to take a moment to thank this blog’s senior editor for guest writing for a couple of days. After all, he has the talent which makes this somewhat readable. He previously was an editor-in-chief for two college newspapers, as well as a reporter with two daily publications.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend. Don’t worry about a thing. Everything will be okay – recovery is just around the corner, yada, yada, yada!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Heal the Sick
Currently, 46 million Americans are without health care. Countless others maintain the bare necessity health coverage. In other words, one week of intensive care will place those individuals and their families in debt for the rest of their lives.
A general surgeon earns approximately $6,000 for a one-hour procedure, such as a tonsillectomy or gall bladder removal. One can only image how much a heart or vascular surgeon makes for a three to eight-hour procedure. Health care professionals must consider all additional expenses, from a disposable glove to the CEO’s cut on each and every visit to a care facility.
You have all read about the retired auto employees starting to lose the benefits they worked a minimum of 30 years to receive. Stop and look at hospital employees, where everyone, from department heads to registered nurses to housekeepers, have no guaranteed health benefits upon retirement. There is no pension additives available to defray the costs of the decent insurance they enjoyed while working in their respective medical fields.
This is not just an isolated instance. It happens to be the norm at hospitals and care facilities throughout the United States. In some way, this trend affecting all Americans must be reversed. Please also consider the optical and dental industries in the equation, for they continue to prosper right along with the medical institutions.
How many times have you been in an office, where you are lined up like sheep in what I refer to as the mill mass production process of medical or optical care? Eight rooms available – have a seat, the doctor will be in to spend his allotted five minutes with you to discuss your problem(s). You leave their offices with your head spinning and blood pressure on the rise!
Treat the symptoms with a pill or a cream, and be on your merry way. Oh, don’t forget they will want to see you again in two to three weeks for a follow-up mill trip.
A general surgeon earns approximately $6,000 for a one-hour procedure, such as a tonsillectomy or gall bladder removal. One can only image how much a heart or vascular surgeon makes for a three to eight-hour procedure. Health care professionals must consider all additional expenses, from a disposable glove to the CEO’s cut on each and every visit to a care facility.
You have all read about the retired auto employees starting to lose the benefits they worked a minimum of 30 years to receive. Stop and look at hospital employees, where everyone, from department heads to registered nurses to housekeepers, have no guaranteed health benefits upon retirement. There is no pension additives available to defray the costs of the decent insurance they enjoyed while working in their respective medical fields.
This is not just an isolated instance. It happens to be the norm at hospitals and care facilities throughout the United States. In some way, this trend affecting all Americans must be reversed. Please also consider the optical and dental industries in the equation, for they continue to prosper right along with the medical institutions.
How many times have you been in an office, where you are lined up like sheep in what I refer to as the mill mass production process of medical or optical care? Eight rooms available – have a seat, the doctor will be in to spend his allotted five minutes with you to discuss your problem(s). You leave their offices with your head spinning and blood pressure on the rise!
Treat the symptoms with a pill or a cream, and be on your merry way. Oh, don’t forget they will want to see you again in two to three weeks for a follow-up mill trip.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Down in “Jungleland”
Guest blog by Christopher “Skippy” Miller, Senior Editor
Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 hit greatly details life in “South” Florida. Notice the word “South” in quotes? That’s because we reside in a completely different country. It’s as if this area, consisting of three counties, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade, succeeded from the remaining Florida territory.
Let’s take a quick look at the dynamics of South Florida. As of 2007, the three counties had a combine population of more than 5.5 million people. The number constantly fluctuates, as we live in an extremely transient area.
In addition, South Florida boasts a highly diverse community with the population coming from a large portion of Latin America, especially South America, Central America and the Caribbean islands. To name a few places, residents hail from Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, and other countries across the world.
Another large factor includes the residents who were former snowbirds from the Northeast cities, such as Boston, New Jersey and New York. Many of them come from a variety of age-ranges, mostly retirees, and tend to be Jewish-American, Italian-American, Irish-American, Puerto Rican-American, and so forth.
To put it simply, there are a lot of freaking people living in a thin strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades in the west.
For the past nearly three years, the City of Sunrise remains our temporary home. It’s only temporary because we rent an apartment. The price of housing has skyrocketed over the years. Here, the “American Dream” is owning a two-bedroom condominium or townhouse (otherwise known as glorified apartments) for no less than $250,000.
My wife and I laugh every time we drive past the four empty high-rise complexes, located by the BankAtlantic Center (home of the Florida Panthers). The word “empty” sticks out only because each suite starts at no less than $750,000. What a waste of money constructing these vacant residential towers!
Can you imagine the type of housing a single family can afford elsewhere for the same amount of money?
Luckily, property values are decreasing, but only thanks to continuing increase of foreclosed homes. However, as a middle class family, we still are unable to afford a “house,” featuring our own “yard” with “space” between the neighbors.
Fortunately, we are not considering South Florida as a permanent home. Besides, Broward County is frequently featured as a location for the hit show “Cops.”
Thanks to our faith, immense family values and through our church Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale, India Summer Jean Miller will never possess the “I won’t ever see you again, so why should I care?” attitude so many South Floridians consider as “normal” behavior toward all mankind.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"A Taste of Homesickness"
Guest blog by Christopher "Skippy" Miller, Senior Editor
It’s February and 73 degrees outside. My wife, nearly two-year-old daughter and I just got back from a walk, of course in our shorts. Unfortunately, it’s not quite warm enough to run the air conditioner. Hence, the windows are wide open, allowing fresh air to fill our apartment.
Yet, this former Michigander still, in a sick, twisted way, misses the cold, snowy weather.
Don’t get me wrong, you can keep the unbearable driving conditions associated with winter. However, I am highly fond of and thrive well in the “cold.” It’s quite similar to my immunity to eating a favorite food enhancer, hot sauce.
This coming July marks four years since Heather and I decided to move to Florida. At the time, it was an opportunity for us to try a new place, featuring an essential element – jobs.
She quickly was offered a teaching contract in Broward County. I shortly found employment as a Public Relations Director for a nonprofit agency which provides services for the elderly. We have since maintained the same positions.
All things changed on April 29, 2007. Our daughter, India Summer Jean, was born. The yearning to be closer to family grew even more than before. We had hoped India was able to see and experience her grandparents more often. But, it’s difficult being 1,500 miles away.
Sure, we visit Michigan, and they come to Florida. But, living closer would equal an abundance of free babysitting opportunities. There is only one major issue for us moving closer – a lack of jobs. During the past year, I continued to apply for open positions to destinations elsewhere in Florida, Michigan and even North Carolina. I have had a handful of interviews, but no takers.
One big issue in Florida, particularly South Florida, is my inability to speak a second language. Most employers seek bilingual candidates. Unless Cyborg is considered a second language, I’m up a creek.
The problem in Michigan is too many other, more than qualified people are applying for the same posting. One job yielded over 120 applicants. I was one of them.
Heather is another story. Teaching jobs are even harder to come by. It took a close friend, after college, five years to land his first teaching gig. Even if Heather was hired, there is no guarantee she would keep the job in a year or two. School districts constantly are creatively managing budgets, including ousting experienced instructors.
In our case, we must stay put, or just follow the wisdom of the great Red Green, “Keep your stick on the ice.” We continue to pay our bills, raise our daughter and make the most of the situation. Do we regret moving here? Nope, but homesickness does occur more often.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Negative Feedback
Many readers of this blog have expressed their feelings by e-mail, instead of using the comment feature. I have chosen not to copy and paste them as comments. My only hope is, in the future, your responses would be posted in the comment forum.
It does not matter if they are negative or positive. I will publish those just the way they are sent, without editing.
It seems the e-mails all have been negative. To paraphrase a majority of them, people have said this blog is too depressing to read. That is fine, if you feel that way, although, I have taken strides to cover a variety of topics. I will continue to express my opinions regarding current events. If they are heavy handed, well, so be it.
Often, current events are not happy go lucky topics to discuss. The political scene can be depressing, but should be brought to light, as the decisions these clowns are making will affect the future our great, great grandchildren.
On a much more light-hearted note, Sunday’s Flint Journal reported former Flint mayor “The Don” Williamson has asked for his $500,000 salary to be paid in full. So much for our dollar-a-year mayor. He undoubtedly will go down in Flint history as one of the wackiest mayors ever to hold office.
May the good Lord have mercy on us if he were to ever be elected Governor of Michigan.
It does not matter if they are negative or positive. I will publish those just the way they are sent, without editing.
It seems the e-mails all have been negative. To paraphrase a majority of them, people have said this blog is too depressing to read. That is fine, if you feel that way, although, I have taken strides to cover a variety of topics. I will continue to express my opinions regarding current events. If they are heavy handed, well, so be it.
Often, current events are not happy go lucky topics to discuss. The political scene can be depressing, but should be brought to light, as the decisions these clowns are making will affect the future our great, great grandchildren.
On a much more light-hearted note, Sunday’s Flint Journal reported former Flint mayor “The Don” Williamson has asked for his $500,000 salary to be paid in full. So much for our dollar-a-year mayor. He undoubtedly will go down in Flint history as one of the wackiest mayors ever to hold office.
May the good Lord have mercy on us if he were to ever be elected Governor of Michigan.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday's Rambling
R. Allen Stanford, Bernie Madoff and the list will continue to grow as long as greed rules the land.
Stanford, charged with an $8 billion fraud scheme, has gone as far as attempting to charter a jet the last few days to leave his mess behind. U.S. Marshals seized control of his company’s offices Tuesday, including all documents pertaining to Stanford’s particular scam.
These individuals are to blame. Even more to blame are the investors who were just as greedy, jumping at the chance to make twice the money on their investments as with conventional measures.
.
Stanford Financial cooked the books throughout the 1990’s to show non existing profit margins on investments. This includes, as late as November, citing the ability to produce a 5.35 percent rate on a $100,000 CD, when the national average was just over 3 percent.
In 1996 and 1997, Stanford boasted an identical return of more than 15 percent on investments. Anyone who has an investment portfolio with any sense knows this identical year-to-year return is an impossible scenario.
As long as we can unearth the greed of people, “Mad Dog” Madoff’s $50 billion Ponzi scam and people like R. Allen Stanford will continue to exploit the situations created by greed on both sides of the fence.
Common sense, as well as the ability to remain for the long haul at a slow and steady growth, will pay off in the end – the old tortoise and hare tale.
Stanford, charged with an $8 billion fraud scheme, has gone as far as attempting to charter a jet the last few days to leave his mess behind. U.S. Marshals seized control of his company’s offices Tuesday, including all documents pertaining to Stanford’s particular scam.
These individuals are to blame. Even more to blame are the investors who were just as greedy, jumping at the chance to make twice the money on their investments as with conventional measures.
.
Stanford Financial cooked the books throughout the 1990’s to show non existing profit margins on investments. This includes, as late as November, citing the ability to produce a 5.35 percent rate on a $100,000 CD, when the national average was just over 3 percent.
In 1996 and 1997, Stanford boasted an identical return of more than 15 percent on investments. Anyone who has an investment portfolio with any sense knows this identical year-to-year return is an impossible scenario.
As long as we can unearth the greed of people, “Mad Dog” Madoff’s $50 billion Ponzi scam and people like R. Allen Stanford will continue to exploit the situations created by greed on both sides of the fence.
Common sense, as well as the ability to remain for the long haul at a slow and steady growth, will pay off in the end – the old tortoise and hare tale.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Time
The only thing different from childhood to being an adult is the passage of time.
As a child, events take forever to arrive and last an extended period of time. During adulthood, anticipated events still take an inordinate amount of time , and then seem to pass in a flash. The older we baby boomers are the faster time seems to slip away. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, etc.
Now, a three-week vacation, which has been planned for nearly a year, takes forever to arrive. Then, before you are able to blink, it has passed, and you are back to the daily grind waiting for the next momentous opportunity planned in your own little world.
Can anyone remember sitting in a classroom, watching the clock and wondering how long it would take for 55 minutes to pass? Even more frustrating was taking a test, in the same room, and then realizing your 55 minutes quickly have expired.
A 30-hour visit with my family Monday and Tuesday reminded me just how fast time, especially with loved ones, flies. Here for a brief fleeting moment, then gone, but not forgotten.
The point being made is obvious – please make the most of each precious second you have in your lives. For the quickest way to squander time is doing nothing, such as watching hours of mindless television. It’s the best way I know to lose track of time.
Go – Do – Be
As a child, events take forever to arrive and last an extended period of time. During adulthood, anticipated events still take an inordinate amount of time , and then seem to pass in a flash. The older we baby boomers are the faster time seems to slip away. Days turn into weeks, weeks into years, etc.
Now, a three-week vacation, which has been planned for nearly a year, takes forever to arrive. Then, before you are able to blink, it has passed, and you are back to the daily grind waiting for the next momentous opportunity planned in your own little world.
Can anyone remember sitting in a classroom, watching the clock and wondering how long it would take for 55 minutes to pass? Even more frustrating was taking a test, in the same room, and then realizing your 55 minutes quickly have expired.
A 30-hour visit with my family Monday and Tuesday reminded me just how fast time, especially with loved ones, flies. Here for a brief fleeting moment, then gone, but not forgotten.
The point being made is obvious – please make the most of each precious second you have in your lives. For the quickest way to squander time is doing nothing, such as watching hours of mindless television. It’s the best way I know to lose track of time.
Go – Do – Be
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What Honeymoon?
The sweet, harmonious marriage of ideals ended in less than two weeks. President Obama has tried everything from cocktail parties to talking tough, or at least trying. It truly is amazing to see the right wing conservative Republican unify – a concept they failed to grasp during the last eight years under “King” George II. I suppose all it took was some good Democratic cattle prodding to spur them into unification.
What in the name of Reagan (the Republican equivalent of God) are the politicians trying to accomplish, except running the American people, especially the middle class, into oblivion?
We are not in a recession or a depression. We are heading into the land of suppression under the weight of bureaucracy.
Now that these fools on the hill have come to some sort of agreement, the trillions of play money required to fix our economic problems is anyone's guess.
The financially sound will not stimulate the economy, only hoard the riches they have acquired, leaving the economically challenged society to fend for themselves. These nouveau rich will not get off a dime unless they profit from it. This attitude exemplifies the greed which is rampant in the United States.
When will it end? In five, ten years? Will it take a repeat of World War II to jolt the economy back to its feet? Or will it take the rich getting hurt very badly for a little trickle down effect to have any hope of help?
Again, please address your lawmakers, jam their phone lines, and overload the servers they use with your concerns! Maybe they will get the idea they work for us and not the 100 plus voices helping them get re-elected every term.
Term limits for all lawmakers should be a law, especially Senators. Plenty of veteran lawmakers have overstayed their welcome. Let a new breed of corruptible souls in every six or 12 years.
What in the name of Reagan (the Republican equivalent of God) are the politicians trying to accomplish, except running the American people, especially the middle class, into oblivion?
We are not in a recession or a depression. We are heading into the land of suppression under the weight of bureaucracy.
Now that these fools on the hill have come to some sort of agreement, the trillions of play money required to fix our economic problems is anyone's guess.
The financially sound will not stimulate the economy, only hoard the riches they have acquired, leaving the economically challenged society to fend for themselves. These nouveau rich will not get off a dime unless they profit from it. This attitude exemplifies the greed which is rampant in the United States.
When will it end? In five, ten years? Will it take a repeat of World War II to jolt the economy back to its feet? Or will it take the rich getting hurt very badly for a little trickle down effect to have any hope of help?
Again, please address your lawmakers, jam their phone lines, and overload the servers they use with your concerns! Maybe they will get the idea they work for us and not the 100 plus voices helping them get re-elected every term.
Term limits for all lawmakers should be a law, especially Senators. Plenty of veteran lawmakers have overstayed their welcome. Let a new breed of corruptible souls in every six or 12 years.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Tune Of Life
After the last 100 years, and maybe for eternity, one thing holds true – the gift of music. With this gift, you have the unique opportunity to introduce a child to the wonderful world of music.
I never have met an instrument I did not try to play, most with modest success. This comes from someone with one of the tinnest ears ever to grace our planet. I have no clue what life would
have become if not for the gift of music which my parents allowed me to experience.
The doors opened for a child are endless, whether it be a saxophone, trumpet, or just a beautiful voice. Wouldn't you reather hear your child practicing and participating in a world of music, instead of some of the alternatives provided by society's youth? There is nothing wrong with computers, iPods, and the gaming world we reside in today. All that is suggested is give them other opportunities to enrich their minds and souls.
Some of the youthful readers with young students tend to complain about the cost of instrument rentals, music lessons, etc. Compare the price of a new laptop, gaming system, and a Blackberry. Music may be the cheap alternative. A fourth or fifth grader has access to a computer, if not your home system, at least a majority of schools may offer the service.
As far as an expensive gaming system, most children have friends who possess the latest – Wii, Xbox, or even a vintage Nintendo system.
The Blackberry and related cell phone equipment is cannon fodder for an entire other blog.
“Music has charms to sooth the savage beast.” Giving it a try will lower your blood pressure to a manageable calm and allow you or your child to discover talents you never imagined existed.
I never have met an instrument I did not try to play, most with modest success. This comes from someone with one of the tinnest ears ever to grace our planet. I have no clue what life would
have become if not for the gift of music which my parents allowed me to experience.
The doors opened for a child are endless, whether it be a saxophone, trumpet, or just a beautiful voice. Wouldn't you reather hear your child practicing and participating in a world of music, instead of some of the alternatives provided by society's youth? There is nothing wrong with computers, iPods, and the gaming world we reside in today. All that is suggested is give them other opportunities to enrich their minds and souls.
Some of the youthful readers with young students tend to complain about the cost of instrument rentals, music lessons, etc. Compare the price of a new laptop, gaming system, and a Blackberry. Music may be the cheap alternative. A fourth or fifth grader has access to a computer, if not your home system, at least a majority of schools may offer the service.
As far as an expensive gaming system, most children have friends who possess the latest – Wii, Xbox, or even a vintage Nintendo system.
The Blackberry and related cell phone equipment is cannon fodder for an entire other blog.
“Music has charms to sooth the savage beast.” Giving it a try will lower your blood pressure to a manageable calm and allow you or your child to discover talents you never imagined existed.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday's Rambling
The late Steve Goodman said it all in one of his songs:
You better get it while you can. You better get it while you can. If you wait too long, it'll all be gone and you'll be sorry then. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, and it's the same for a woman or a man. From the cradle to the crypt is a mighty short trip, so - you better get it while you can."
These lyrics may be interpreted in two ways. The first being the way very greedy corporate and political figures have taken what they can while the taking is good – only with thoughts for themselves and no one else in their narrow, greedy hearts.
Or, you can view it as making the most of every opportunity available – to positively interact with people and situations encountered in everyday life. The latter is the path which will garner the greatest rewards in life.
The adage of reaping what you sow always seems to hold true, at least it has to this writer.
Goodman was the man responsible for the hit “City of New Orleans.” For years, he battled leukemia until his untimely death at the early age of 36. I urge you to explore his music – common songs by a very uncommon man and one of the finest guitar pickers you will ever hear.
The news from the Flint Mayor Don Williamson’s office has been mighty strange over the last two weeks, culminating in his retirement announcement on Monday. Mike Brown, recently appointed City Administrator, will assume the reigns as mayor until a special election is held in August.
This whimpering political death to one of Flint’s more fiery characters is not the end most people expected, especially after Williamson recently repeated, “I plan to be the mayor for another eight years.”
The Don may be sick, as he also has removed his picture from Patsy Lou’s newspaper ads. Williamson announced Thursday that he would rest for eight months and continue his run for governor.
This blog will be on hiatus to celebrate President’s Day on Monday. In addition, my Senior Editor and family are coming for a 24-hour visit. Talk to you again on Tuesday, and don’t forget to support your Presidents!
You better get it while you can. You better get it while you can. If you wait too long, it'll all be gone and you'll be sorry then. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, and it's the same for a woman or a man. From the cradle to the crypt is a mighty short trip, so - you better get it while you can."
These lyrics may be interpreted in two ways. The first being the way very greedy corporate and political figures have taken what they can while the taking is good – only with thoughts for themselves and no one else in their narrow, greedy hearts.
Or, you can view it as making the most of every opportunity available – to positively interact with people and situations encountered in everyday life. The latter is the path which will garner the greatest rewards in life.
The adage of reaping what you sow always seems to hold true, at least it has to this writer.
Goodman was the man responsible for the hit “City of New Orleans.” For years, he battled leukemia until his untimely death at the early age of 36. I urge you to explore his music – common songs by a very uncommon man and one of the finest guitar pickers you will ever hear.
The news from the Flint Mayor Don Williamson’s office has been mighty strange over the last two weeks, culminating in his retirement announcement on Monday. Mike Brown, recently appointed City Administrator, will assume the reigns as mayor until a special election is held in August.
This whimpering political death to one of Flint’s more fiery characters is not the end most people expected, especially after Williamson recently repeated, “I plan to be the mayor for another eight years.”
The Don may be sick, as he also has removed his picture from Patsy Lou’s newspaper ads. Williamson announced Thursday that he would rest for eight months and continue his run for governor.
This blog will be on hiatus to celebrate President’s Day on Monday. In addition, my Senior Editor and family are coming for a 24-hour visit. Talk to you again on Tuesday, and don’t forget to support your Presidents!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Desolate Wasteland
The desolate parking lot remains empty in front of Factory #36 at Buick Motor Division. But for all who worked in that motor plant, the memories remain alive and vibrant.
Plant #36 is all that is left of the once mighty Flint Buick factory complex. The rest, including the blood, sweat and tears of thousands who worked throughout the Buick complex, has been removed and bulldozed into history.
Personally, I know two men from my childhood, both supervisors, who were carried out dead from heart attacks during the middle of the shift. Men and women sacrificed and left a lot of themselves in those factories – all in the name of providing a living for their families.
Chevrolet in the hole, as it was known, is a desolate wasteland. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)will never allowe anyone to build on these factory sites without complete clean-up of everything toxic that lies underneath the concrete slabs.
My grandfather spent more than 35 years working for Chevrolet, learning his welder/repairman skilled trade. Funny thing is he said although the union provided him with a good living and a comfortable pension, he always thought a man should be able to work one-on-one with the employer without a middle man.
He was raised in an orphanage in New York City, where the survival of the strongest ruled in the early 20th Century.Society amongst men was bully based. Working out one’s problems was a task unto itself. This philosophy carried over to farm life and then to the factory floor. He always said things were rough; however, there was never a day when he was asked to do more than he was capable of handling. Before the sit down strike, many Flint workers felt a union was unnecessary. Of course, I am relaying this information secondhand, as my grandfather relayed it to me.
My father worked both sides of the fence and pretty much felt the same way as an hourly rate employee and as a supervisor, he always felt more at ease working one-on-one with management, as well as with the laborers under his oversight.
We should never look back in anger or despair at the demise of Flint’s factories – only with admiration for the countless thousands employed. Let our spirit always look forward to what we can do in Flint, not what someone or a company can do for us.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Factory Demo Derby
Alvar K. Ternstedt, a native of Sweeden, is best known as the inventor of the first practical car window regulator. In 1911, Ternstedt applied for a patent on his invention. It was finally granted in 1916.
Now, instead of a plant site in Flint, Mich., named after Ternstedt, as well as the Fisher Body, sits a storage facility for parts gondola. The Fisher plant was named after the seven Fisher brothers, four of whom were on the company’s Board. They were all sons of Lawrence Fisher, a carriage maker in the late 19th and 20th Centuries.
This once bustling factory, where several of our neighbors and friends worked, slowly left the General Motors family as GM dissolved Fisher Body in 1984.
Albert Champion would be amazed if he only could see what became of his beloved firing kilns used to fire the ceramic spark plugs and tiles his company once produced. Originally, he sold it to Dallas Dort, and then gained back control when Dort’s health failed. Eventually, Daddy GM bought Champion out and the rest is history. The Harriet Street plant was raised in 1975, until the Dort Highway and Flint East operations ceased after Delphi failed.
This, along with numerous others in Flint, are but wispy memories and future archaeological dig sites for scientists 2,000 years from now. “Wow, will you look at the size of this bolt I found.” “You should see this ceramic piece I discovered, must have a primitive eating utensil.”
All of this is just a rambling piece of trash, unless we remember that General Motors is in business and does not owe Flint one single job or any more plants. One should reflect on the countless thousands who thrived and raise their families through the oversight of GM. And please don’t criticize the slogan of “Generous Motors,” for I have heard the term throughout my life. It’s as true now as it was when I was a young lad.”
Tomorrow: Chevy in the hole (Delphi West) and Buick City.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Press “1” for English
Are you sick of automated phone systems treating you as a non-entity? A majority of large, well-known companies are notorious for leading their customers through these systems. AT&T probably is the worst. Immediately, you are directed to answer a machine questioning whether your call is regarding phone services, Internet, mobile services or television.
After you have said “yes” a half dozen times, and the computer generated voice tells you he (or it, as the case may be) will connect you to a live person. That is if one is available, and you are not subjected to being placed on “Ignore” while drowning in elevator Bach music.
Upon talking to a live person, you are lucky to be able to understand someone who barely has grasped the basic rudiments of English – a second or third choice of dialects. This person will then direct you to someone who may or may not help, but will be able to provide you another 800, 877, 866 or 888 number to repeat the entire talking to a machine routine.
You also get the systems which require you to punch in several combinations of numbers in order to contact a real live person. By the time you have dealt with all the nonsense, you are ready to bite the head off anyone breathing on the other end of the phone. Such as, “The heck with you, give me your supervisor, I need to vent.” For a hoot, call your local Lowe’s and listen to the 20 options you are given just to address someone about your warped 2x4 kayak paddle.
AT&T probably is the grandfather of these automated systems we have learned to accept as normal speaking to anyone about any potential business issues. They now own 11 of the original Bell Companies with 150 million customers. Was it not the intent to break up good old Ma Bell in 1984? Similar to pay phones and the 10-cent phone call, telephone operators have become a thing of the past. This is why I believe they are unable to find enough people, who speak fluent English, to answer the calls.
It will not be long before 911 is automated. Wouldn’t that be fun, especially when you are dying of a high blood pressure-related heart attack?
After you have said “yes” a half dozen times, and the computer generated voice tells you he (or it, as the case may be) will connect you to a live person. That is if one is available, and you are not subjected to being placed on “Ignore” while drowning in elevator Bach music.
Upon talking to a live person, you are lucky to be able to understand someone who barely has grasped the basic rudiments of English – a second or third choice of dialects. This person will then direct you to someone who may or may not help, but will be able to provide you another 800, 877, 866 or 888 number to repeat the entire talking to a machine routine.
You also get the systems which require you to punch in several combinations of numbers in order to contact a real live person. By the time you have dealt with all the nonsense, you are ready to bite the head off anyone breathing on the other end of the phone. Such as, “The heck with you, give me your supervisor, I need to vent.” For a hoot, call your local Lowe’s and listen to the 20 options you are given just to address someone about your warped 2x4 kayak paddle.
AT&T probably is the grandfather of these automated systems we have learned to accept as normal speaking to anyone about any potential business issues. They now own 11 of the original Bell Companies with 150 million customers. Was it not the intent to break up good old Ma Bell in 1984? Similar to pay phones and the 10-cent phone call, telephone operators have become a thing of the past. This is why I believe they are unable to find enough people, who speak fluent English, to answer the calls.
It will not be long before 911 is automated. Wouldn’t that be fun, especially when you are dying of a high blood pressure-related heart attack?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Mere Suggestions
Countless times, I have witnessed school buses, police cars and of course, other drivers traveling 10-15 mph over the posted speed limits. In the case of school buses, what sort of example are they exhibiting for those students who just received their licenses in the last year?
As for police vehicles, it was proven to me, by a judge in a Grand Blanc court, officers are subject to the same laws as everyone else (got out of that ticket because two witnesses testified the officer had broken speed limit laws). The exception is if the car’s lights are flashing and/or a combination of both siren and lights.
Law enforcers constantly are speeding, passing on the right, abusing their status to get through red lights, and countless other offenses a normal person would be fined for, as well as lose points on driving records – double standards in place at all times.
As for the rudeness and manner of the general public, behavior behind the wheel is reprehensible. From Florida to Michigan and Maine to California, you witness daily the witless tactics of motorists. I thoroughly am convinced cell phone use, eating, drinking, smoking of anything, etc. should be outlawed while a person is behind the wheel and heading down our streets.
How many times have you witnessed a driver reading, texting, putting on make-up or all these things at the same time? That’s quite a balancing act.
My grandfather said it best as advice he passed on, “It only takes a second of lost concentration for an accident to occur.” This came from a man who never traveled over 55 mph, no matter where he was heading or the condition of the roads. I might add the man never received a citation or was involved in an accident in 55 years of driving.
In regard to highway cruising, Michigan expressway drivers may be some of the worst. It seems 76 mph feels like you are dragging an anchor.
My intelligent daughter-in-law said it best, “Traffic signs, lights and speed limits are mere suggestions for most drivers.”
As for police vehicles, it was proven to me, by a judge in a Grand Blanc court, officers are subject to the same laws as everyone else (got out of that ticket because two witnesses testified the officer had broken speed limit laws). The exception is if the car’s lights are flashing and/or a combination of both siren and lights.
Law enforcers constantly are speeding, passing on the right, abusing their status to get through red lights, and countless other offenses a normal person would be fined for, as well as lose points on driving records – double standards in place at all times.
As for the rudeness and manner of the general public, behavior behind the wheel is reprehensible. From Florida to Michigan and Maine to California, you witness daily the witless tactics of motorists. I thoroughly am convinced cell phone use, eating, drinking, smoking of anything, etc. should be outlawed while a person is behind the wheel and heading down our streets.
How many times have you witnessed a driver reading, texting, putting on make-up or all these things at the same time? That’s quite a balancing act.
My grandfather said it best as advice he passed on, “It only takes a second of lost concentration for an accident to occur.” This came from a man who never traveled over 55 mph, no matter where he was heading or the condition of the roads. I might add the man never received a citation or was involved in an accident in 55 years of driving.
In regard to highway cruising, Michigan expressway drivers may be some of the worst. It seems 76 mph feels like you are dragging an anchor.
My intelligent daughter-in-law said it best, “Traffic signs, lights and speed limits are mere suggestions for most drivers.”
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday's Rambling
There are tree murderers out there destroying the beauty of trees in our community. Yes, the limb butchers are cutting the tops and sides out of our neighborhood foliage – all under the direction of mighty Consumers Energy. As you drive through Flushing and outside the city, take notice of the familiar blue dots designated for pruning and the dreaded blue “X” for complete removal.
Now, I am not a tree-hugging type of person. However, the manner in which these subcontracted “pruners” work has no rhyme or reason. They just spend eight hours a day, lopping and chipping our trees. You are able to drive through areas where there are whole trees resting on the wires overhead, as witnessed in the Genesee County Park on McKinley Road.
Amazingly, we encountered the same company in Asheville, N.C. in October. These workers, along with their eight trucks, were staying at the Best Western seven days a week courtesy of the utility company Progress Energy, which is headquartered in Raleigh. Similar to Michigan, they were performing the same hatchet job on Asheville’s trees.
Read what Consumers' policy states at the following site:
http://www.consumersenergy.com/welcome.htm?/eninfo/index.asp?ssid=114
The other news this week, something which should come as no surprise, is General Motors and Chrysler offering their highest seniority personnel a new round of buyouts. GM has prepared a cash buyout and a $25,000 voucher toward the purchase of a new vehicle.
Of course, this is done so it can fly back and again take advantage of the federal money buffet. In addition, GM is able to hire new employees at half the pay and benefits. This again makes one believe Ford may have made the wise decision in spite of massive fourth quarter losses. At least they are not dancing to the federal piper.
Featured in a blog next week – the General Motors ruins with photos: a true archaeological dig for the future.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Responsibility
Nadya Suleman, 33, an unwed mother of six children ages 2 through 7, gave birth to octuplets last week. All eight children were implanted embryos from the process of in vitro fertilization. The grandmother currently is watching the six children in the home, and she has informed the new mother she will be gone once she gets home.
Fundamentally as a Christian, I am against abortion; as such this is a touchy subject matter in regard to what should have happened with the woman’s leftover embryos. This mother has done nothing short of completely insuring she will depend on government intervention for the duration of the children’s lives. She will rely on every benefit unknown to the American public for the simple sustenance of the children.
Where was the responsibility of not only her, but the physicians and nurses who agreed to implant that many babies in an obviously disturbed woman? Child Protective Services should have taken control of the situation from the beginning, starting with this woman’s fascination of bearing children as a young teenager.
Where was the common sense the grandmother is now willing to exhibit? What does anyone know concerning this woman’s father? Suleman is not a run of the mill baby machine. She earned a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development from Cal State Fullerton and is working toward a master’s degree in counseling. Would you want her counseling your daughter on the aspects of child birth?
In this case, the doctor(s) should be held partially responsible for allowing this woman to conceive another eight children. In closing, at least now she can field any major sports team with the requisite number of players needed.
Fundamentally as a Christian, I am against abortion; as such this is a touchy subject matter in regard to what should have happened with the woman’s leftover embryos. This mother has done nothing short of completely insuring she will depend on government intervention for the duration of the children’s lives. She will rely on every benefit unknown to the American public for the simple sustenance of the children.
Where was the responsibility of not only her, but the physicians and nurses who agreed to implant that many babies in an obviously disturbed woman? Child Protective Services should have taken control of the situation from the beginning, starting with this woman’s fascination of bearing children as a young teenager.
Where was the common sense the grandmother is now willing to exhibit? What does anyone know concerning this woman’s father? Suleman is not a run of the mill baby machine. She earned a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development from Cal State Fullerton and is working toward a master’s degree in counseling. Would you want her counseling your daughter on the aspects of child birth?
In this case, the doctor(s) should be held partially responsible for allowing this woman to conceive another eight children. In closing, at least now she can field any major sports team with the requisite number of players needed.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Open Enrollment
For several years, Flushing Community Schools has been exploring the possibility of introducing an open enrollment policy. As a taxpayer, parent and grandparent, I totally am opposed to any such notion. The district has sighted its need to bolster enrollment figures to offset dwindling funds due to the diminishing number of students.
The current enrollment policy reads: “Non-resident students who have been expelled at any time from any school district will not be considered for admission as tuition students. Non-residents who have been suspended at any time during the past two years may be refused admission as a tuition student.”
You only have to read the current guidelines to realize the only students Flushing would be gaining are those with severe problems Flint and other districts are willing to depart with. All this in search of the almighty dollar, the continuation of extremely high administrative salaries and the perks associated with them.
Is it really worth a few dollars – accepting problem students and all they embody into our district?
What would be so bad about reverting to a Class B school? Would our superintendent have to relinquish being the highest paid administrator in Genesee County? For more than 40 years, as a smaller Class A school, Flushing has struggled to be competitive in sports and other extracurricular activities. For example, 1967 was the last year we competed in basketball at the state level.
While 40 years ago, teachers were grossly underpaid. Now, they have the support of two of the strongest unions and lobbying organizations in the country – the NEA (National Education Association) and MEA (Michigan Education Association).
These organizations should be against a move which would jeopardize the quality of teaching a majority of these decent people provide.
In the last 20 years, Flushing Community Schools has gained much diversity. It is a delicate balancing act to keep harmony in the district without introducing a group of malcontents to upset the apple cart.
The current enrollment policy reads: “Non-resident students who have been expelled at any time from any school district will not be considered for admission as tuition students. Non-residents who have been suspended at any time during the past two years may be refused admission as a tuition student.”
You only have to read the current guidelines to realize the only students Flushing would be gaining are those with severe problems Flint and other districts are willing to depart with. All this in search of the almighty dollar, the continuation of extremely high administrative salaries and the perks associated with them.
Is it really worth a few dollars – accepting problem students and all they embody into our district?
What would be so bad about reverting to a Class B school? Would our superintendent have to relinquish being the highest paid administrator in Genesee County? For more than 40 years, as a smaller Class A school, Flushing has struggled to be competitive in sports and other extracurricular activities. For example, 1967 was the last year we competed in basketball at the state level.
While 40 years ago, teachers were grossly underpaid. Now, they have the support of two of the strongest unions and lobbying organizations in the country – the NEA (National Education Association) and MEA (Michigan Education Association).
These organizations should be against a move which would jeopardize the quality of teaching a majority of these decent people provide.
In the last 20 years, Flushing Community Schools has gained much diversity. It is a delicate balancing act to keep harmony in the district without introducing a group of malcontents to upset the apple cart.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Nuts to NAFTA
We currently are in a world of hurt, for we have offended Canada by announcing the United States will not be importing as much steel as in previous years – up to 40 percent from outside our country.
However, American citizens are still flocking to the borders to purchase cheap pharmaceutical drugs. The fact of the matter is a lot of countries are starting to get mad at the “Buy American” plan, being the counterproposal is claiming we are in violation of the North American Free Trade Agreement Act (NAFTA). Whoopee – it's about time we got our heads out of the sand!
NAFTA is the worst document ever to be dumped on the American worker. It was a good idea for the major corporations which spent millions getting the treaty enacted, but bad for the auto and steel mill workers who continue to lose work every week.
The key conspirators, with lobbyists in their pockets, not to mention fistfuls of dollars and pesos, were Brian Mulroney of Canada, Carlos Salinas de Gortari of Mexico and Bill Clinton of the United States. The year was 1993, which worked out great for Clinton, who undoubtedly used the windfall to help finance his re-election campaign and continues to profit even today from contributors to his nonprofit fund.
Chinese workers are losing their $120 a week jobs because America is not buying as much of the junk they produce. They are being forced back to the farms to work the land.
Capitalism is a hard mistress, and only the strong should embrace it! Democracy in the business world is not for the meek or weak willed.
Time for a trip to the medicine cabinet.
However, American citizens are still flocking to the borders to purchase cheap pharmaceutical drugs. The fact of the matter is a lot of countries are starting to get mad at the “Buy American” plan, being the counterproposal is claiming we are in violation of the North American Free Trade Agreement Act (NAFTA). Whoopee – it's about time we got our heads out of the sand!
NAFTA is the worst document ever to be dumped on the American worker. It was a good idea for the major corporations which spent millions getting the treaty enacted, but bad for the auto and steel mill workers who continue to lose work every week.
The key conspirators, with lobbyists in their pockets, not to mention fistfuls of dollars and pesos, were Brian Mulroney of Canada, Carlos Salinas de Gortari of Mexico and Bill Clinton of the United States. The year was 1993, which worked out great for Clinton, who undoubtedly used the windfall to help finance his re-election campaign and continues to profit even today from contributors to his nonprofit fund.
Chinese workers are losing their $120 a week jobs because America is not buying as much of the junk they produce. They are being forced back to the farms to work the land.
Capitalism is a hard mistress, and only the strong should embrace it! Democracy in the business world is not for the meek or weak willed.
Time for a trip to the medicine cabinet.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Undercover?
Last Wednesday, the City of Flint’s new interim deputy police chief, Sgt. Tim Johnson, took control of the new task force recently installed by Mayor Don Williamson. The announcement was made during a story aired on ABC12 News. It was very strange to see two of Flint’s officers, dressed in full uniforms, standing behind the Don and Sgt. Johnson with their faces pixelated because they are undercover police.
These brilliant law enforcers had to know they were going to be on television given they were surrounded by Channel 12 News cameras and lights. You just wonder how bright they could possibly be, or were they just vying for an excellent photo opportunity with his honor and the new chief. “Hi mom!”
I would not trust this new task force to solve shoplifting crimes, let alone anything major. They will be working between 8 p.m.-4:30 a.m. to ferret out the crime problems currently facing Flint. Maybe they should be working undercover, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., throughout our high schools and city streets.
“I’m going to continue to work very hard to suppress the crime that’s actually in this city, to move it out,” Sgt. Johnson said during the interview. “That’s what we’ve been doing. That’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
Move the crime to where Sgt. Johnson? Grand Blanc? Flushing? Clio?
General Motors again stuck it to Flint – pulling the plug on the new Volt engine plant. UAW Local 599, once the organization which held the fate of all Buick workers, has been jolted by the Volt decision. Mayor Williamson and Local 599 President Bill Jordan continue to show its members confidence the engine will still be manufactured in Flint.
GM is equal to a spoiled child. You provide the child with all the cake, ice cream and gifts he or she wants, and they still let you down. Mark this writer’s words – that engine will not be produced in Flint, or even in the United States. Williamson will soon be history, and Jordan, along with his union brothers, will be waiting for their checks in an unemployment line.
Flint needs to realize manufacturing jobs are gone. Get over it, and let’s move in a positive direction. A college community with an emphasis on medical education seems to be a reasonable solution to revitalize downtown, once again making Flint a vibrant, thriving community.
These brilliant law enforcers had to know they were going to be on television given they were surrounded by Channel 12 News cameras and lights. You just wonder how bright they could possibly be, or were they just vying for an excellent photo opportunity with his honor and the new chief. “Hi mom!”
I would not trust this new task force to solve shoplifting crimes, let alone anything major. They will be working between 8 p.m.-4:30 a.m. to ferret out the crime problems currently facing Flint. Maybe they should be working undercover, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., throughout our high schools and city streets.
“I’m going to continue to work very hard to suppress the crime that’s actually in this city, to move it out,” Sgt. Johnson said during the interview. “That’s what we’ve been doing. That’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
Move the crime to where Sgt. Johnson? Grand Blanc? Flushing? Clio?
General Motors again stuck it to Flint – pulling the plug on the new Volt engine plant. UAW Local 599, once the organization which held the fate of all Buick workers, has been jolted by the Volt decision. Mayor Williamson and Local 599 President Bill Jordan continue to show its members confidence the engine will still be manufactured in Flint.
GM is equal to a spoiled child. You provide the child with all the cake, ice cream and gifts he or she wants, and they still let you down. Mark this writer’s words – that engine will not be produced in Flint, or even in the United States. Williamson will soon be history, and Jordan, along with his union brothers, will be waiting for their checks in an unemployment line.
Flint needs to realize manufacturing jobs are gone. Get over it, and let’s move in a positive direction. A college community with an emphasis on medical education seems to be a reasonable solution to revitalize downtown, once again making Flint a vibrant, thriving community.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Premio Dardos Award
This blog has been awarded The Premio Dardos Award. It recognizes blogs that are deemed worthy of acknowledgment.
With it comes a bit of responsibility to pass the award along.
In keeping with the rules of the award:
The rules are:
1) To accept and show the distinct image of the Premio Dardos Award.
2) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
3) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award.
Congratulations! The complete list of award winners are listed on my Michigan Quilts! blog.
Caron Mosey
Caron's personal blog: http://blog.caronmosey.com/
Brookside Creations: http://brooksidecreations.blogspot.com/
Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/cmosey/
Michigan Quilt Resources: http://miquiltresources.blogspot.com/
With it comes a bit of responsibility to pass the award along.
In keeping with the rules of the award:
The rules are:
1) To accept and show the distinct image of the Premio Dardos Award.
2) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
3) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award.
Congratulations! The complete list of award winners are listed on my Michigan Quilts! blog.
Caron Mosey
Caron's personal blog: http://blog.caronmosey.com/
Brookside Creations: http://brooksidecreations.blogspot.com/
Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/cmosey/
Michigan Quilt Resources: http://miquiltresources.blogspot.com/
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