Today's news reports that the government is considering taking action against a "possible" recession...(WAKE UP BOYS & GIRLS... WE'RE IN ONE NOW!), by creating a tax rebate that would average $500 per tax payer. This rebate would be distributed in the hope that recipients would spend the money thereby improving our economy. Sorry guys, the thought is admirable but will be as effective as removing a gallon of water from the Atlantic in order to prevent future flooding in New Orleans.
How about this... We are spending BILLIONS on a DAILY basis to defend and rebuild Iraq. Putting things into perspective...If the US government borrowed just a few more dollars from China, we could give EVERY PERSON in the US $1,000,000 (equalling approximately $300,000,000. Shifting the rebate to tax payers only would reduce the amount significantly.) and our national debt would barely notice a ripple. On the other hand, this type of real money would not only allow people to pay off their consumer debts, but also to stop the foreclosures on their homes, and still have enough left over to fill their gas tanks a few times.
Let's face it, whether the government gives away $500 per tax payer or $1,000,000 per tax payer, the concept is the same. The difference in results would be staggering and have a real impact on improving spending. Why, it might even encourage some to open a savings account!
Come on Washington... give some of it up for the homeboys.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Call me...
I just read an article regarding "bad voice-mail etiquette". The article focused on people who leave rambling "way too long" messages, or who don't identify themselves and merely say; "Call me..."
The article asked the question; "when did we lose control of voice-mail"? I think the writer was really off the mark.
I for one am very conscious about not leaving long rambling messages, and have always tried to leave quick, informative messages with a clearly stated number to call. I have found however that the real issues with voice-mail have less to do with the caller and more with the receiver.
It has become increasingly rare to have someone actually answer their phone ( particularly in the business world, where just the opposite should be the case). This fact alone is frustrating in that the caller is now put into the recipients time-line. If you are leaving a message for someone like me, you will get a call as soon as I hear the message. Unfortunately most people either take forever and a day to return calls, or they simply don't bother.
So the bigger question isn't one of when did we lose control of voice-mail but rather, when did we become so discourteous as a society that we can't answer a call, return a call, respond to a request, reply to an invitation, say thank you, you're welcome etc.
With all the communication avenues available to us, it has become increasingly difficult to communicate with people. I still hear people say; "I don't check my email very often." That was fine 5 years ago, but today it is like not breathing but once a month. Worse yet, is the stubborn individual who refuses to join the 21st century by saying; " I hate computers, I won't get e-mail." I believe I've seen these folks on a Geico commercial.
Anyhow back to voice-mail... If you have a phone with the capability of accepting voice-mail messages... here is a novel idea; When someone leaves you a message...answer it. Even if it is someone you don't want to speak to, have the decency to answer their call and tell them you don't want to speak with them!
If you are as frustrated with this as I am... Call me. We'll talk.
The article asked the question; "when did we lose control of voice-mail"? I think the writer was really off the mark.
I for one am very conscious about not leaving long rambling messages, and have always tried to leave quick, informative messages with a clearly stated number to call. I have found however that the real issues with voice-mail have less to do with the caller and more with the receiver.
It has become increasingly rare to have someone actually answer their phone ( particularly in the business world, where just the opposite should be the case). This fact alone is frustrating in that the caller is now put into the recipients time-line. If you are leaving a message for someone like me, you will get a call as soon as I hear the message. Unfortunately most people either take forever and a day to return calls, or they simply don't bother.
So the bigger question isn't one of when did we lose control of voice-mail but rather, when did we become so discourteous as a society that we can't answer a call, return a call, respond to a request, reply to an invitation, say thank you, you're welcome etc.
With all the communication avenues available to us, it has become increasingly difficult to communicate with people. I still hear people say; "I don't check my email very often." That was fine 5 years ago, but today it is like not breathing but once a month. Worse yet, is the stubborn individual who refuses to join the 21st century by saying; " I hate computers, I won't get e-mail." I believe I've seen these folks on a Geico commercial.
Anyhow back to voice-mail... If you have a phone with the capability of accepting voice-mail messages... here is a novel idea; When someone leaves you a message...answer it. Even if it is someone you don't want to speak to, have the decency to answer their call and tell them you don't want to speak with them!
If you are as frustrated with this as I am... Call me. We'll talk.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Welcome 2008!
I have never been one to be terribly excited about the changing of the year. New Year's Eve celebrations always seemed like a frivolous reason for people who spend too much time partying, to have another reason to tie one on.
Don't get me wrong, the anticipation of a better year certainly provides a sense of calm mixed with excitement. I also do enjoy the extension of the Christmas holiday. I just have never felt the need to say "good riddance" to a year before. That was until 2007.
In retrospect, it wasn't that bad. But it was a year to survive not to thrive.
It began with my mother recovering from an aneurysm. It rambled feebly along with limited income, saw the closing of our 15 year old business, and ended with my Aunt Rose clinging to life. The good news is that Mom did recover, we survived the worst financial year of our married life, our Son got a new job and moved to a beautiful new apartment, Our youngest daughter finished school and is working in a field she loves. Our oldest daughter still struggles financially, but all in all has a pretty blessed life; ( terrific boyfriend, nice apartment, and a decent (although low paying ) job. My wife loves her job, and my consulting business has finally started to take off. As of this writing, Aunt Rose continues to fight the dark angel.
We spent NYE together. Just the two of us, we had a wonderful evening eating, watching movies and the festivities on Times Square. It was bittersweet to see post-stroke Dick Clark hosting the show. Sad to see this icon aged and weakened by the frailties that ultimately come with growing old. But triumphant in his rising to the challenge and leading the nation into the new year with vigor and anticipation.
New Years is a time of reflection and a time of hope. As much as I think it is overdone, I guess it is cathartic for us all.
And so, in typical Silverbulletsandrust style, I give you this New Year poem...
I know a man
his name is Lang
and he has a neon sign.
Now Mr. Lang is very old
So they call it; Old Lang's Sign.
with thanks to the late, great Alan Sherman
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, & prosperous 2008!
Don't get me wrong, the anticipation of a better year certainly provides a sense of calm mixed with excitement. I also do enjoy the extension of the Christmas holiday. I just have never felt the need to say "good riddance" to a year before. That was until 2007.
In retrospect, it wasn't that bad. But it was a year to survive not to thrive.
It began with my mother recovering from an aneurysm. It rambled feebly along with limited income, saw the closing of our 15 year old business, and ended with my Aunt Rose clinging to life. The good news is that Mom did recover, we survived the worst financial year of our married life, our Son got a new job and moved to a beautiful new apartment, Our youngest daughter finished school and is working in a field she loves. Our oldest daughter still struggles financially, but all in all has a pretty blessed life; ( terrific boyfriend, nice apartment, and a decent (although low paying ) job. My wife loves her job, and my consulting business has finally started to take off. As of this writing, Aunt Rose continues to fight the dark angel.
We spent NYE together. Just the two of us, we had a wonderful evening eating, watching movies and the festivities on Times Square. It was bittersweet to see post-stroke Dick Clark hosting the show. Sad to see this icon aged and weakened by the frailties that ultimately come with growing old. But triumphant in his rising to the challenge and leading the nation into the new year with vigor and anticipation.
New Years is a time of reflection and a time of hope. As much as I think it is overdone, I guess it is cathartic for us all.
And so, in typical Silverbulletsandrust style, I give you this New Year poem...
I know a man
his name is Lang
and he has a neon sign.
Now Mr. Lang is very old
So they call it; Old Lang's Sign.
with thanks to the late, great Alan Sherman
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, & prosperous 2008!
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