Pandora's Box Is Wide Open

This country is in trouble.  I don’t think I need to enumerate all the ways in which we are in trouble. One only needs to turn on the news or read a paper… Does anyone do that anymore?  Or perhaps, that alone is part of the problem.

I woke up this morning and as usual, checked my email, then glanced through the headlines and checked the “newsfeed” on Facebook.  That’s when it hit me….

We are supposed to be the most advanced, wealthiest, and best educated nation on earth. But we aren’t.

We have become a nation of gibberish speaking, fun seeking, ill informed, under educated “social networkers”.  And that seems to be ALL we want to be.

We no longer look to credible news sources, field experts and intellectuals for our news reports and commentary, we look instead to the “newsfeed” on Facebook.  Therein lies the crux of so many of our societal ills.

One article in today’s Cleveland Plain Dealer discusses the current gang related homicide epidemic on Cleveland streets. Local law enforcement suggests that the proliferation of social media has changed the way gangs communicate. Allowing for quick assembly of “posse’s, flash distribution of photos and addresses of court witnesses, and intimidation of those victims and witnesses.

Two days ago, a video emerged on network television of a group of young women at a major league baseball game at which, a game winning play had just taken place. This group of approximately 10 sorority girls were caught on video so caught up in texting and tweeting, that not one of them even noticed the excitement taking place in the stadium they had paid to enter!

How often have you sat in a restaurant and watched people around you who are so busy texting that they are not event speaking to their dining companions? Or perhaps, you were one of those persons?  Have you ever been rear-ended or side swiped by another driver because they were texting, tweeting, reading email rather than concentrating on their driving?

As much as I love my iPhone, I have to say that I have come to the conclusion that much of what is wrong with America today is the proliferation of smart devices and social media.

The combination of the two has served to do the following;

1)    Removed “intimacy” between friends by becoming a constant “companion” or attraction that diverts attention away from real human interaction.

2)    Confused the general population as what “news” really is, to the point that the social commentary and posts of any individual; educated or uneducated, is now called a “newsfeed” on social media sites.   Setting aside the myriad of cat photos and cartoons, is anything posted on social media really a “news” item? or for the most part aren’t  these posts opinion?  Not expert opinion, but knee jerk, uneducated, uninformed opinion. 

3)    Sound bytes, video clips and doctored images, without benefit of full story revelation have become the norm by which public opinion is being formed. 

4)    Rapid dissemination of false doctrine, inaccurate facts, twisted statistics, all launched by individuals with specific agendas has taken place of well founded and researched information. And while well founded and researched information is being formulated  by a few reliable news sources, the immediacy of social networking has already caused a firestorm of misinformation to lead groups of people into believing and repeating nonsense and the truth is buried under a pile of trash.

5)    “Smart Devices” have created an entire new realm of possibilities for identity theft, fraud, intimidation, and blackmail.

6)    Not only have smart devices introduced pornography and graphic video violence to a new generation at a much younger age, but has made it possible and even fashionable for many of these same young people to join the parade through “sexting” and video shorts posted to sites specifically designed to promote such activity.

Technology cannot be and should not be stopped or reversed.  We must however learn how to harness the positive aspects of our discoveries and inventions and control the adverse effects of those same inventions, otherwise each new “improvement” opens the lid wider on Pandora’s Box.

What will you do, personally to make a positive change in how smart devices and social media interact with your life? 

"O Death, Where Is Thy Sting"

My absolute earliest memories as a child were both from the same day when I was two years old; December 18, 1957...

Sitting on the floor of the living room at my grandparents home on the west side of Cleveland. I remember looking up at my grandpa ( Antonio ). He smiled and asked me if I was hungry. He slowly went to the kitchen and came back with a banana. He then took his seat back on the turquois recliner. 

My next memory is of my mother suddenly picking me up and taking me out of the room.  I don't remember anything else about that day, except for what I have been told.

It seems that mom plucked me off my blanket as she realized that grandpa was having a heart attack. As they waited for the ambulance she kept me in a side bedroom so as not to witness what she knew was happening.

My only knowledge of the kind of man my grandpa was comes from my mothers memory and her vivid and loving description of this incredible man who came to the U.S. from Italy as a young boy of 14. Lived with a family in the south and at some point hopped a freight train and made it to Cleveland.  He served in the U.S. Army in WWI where he was wounded in the shoulder and had to walk a great distance to get medical attention.  He came back home after the war and sent back to Italy for a young lady to be his bride. The family tradition of the oldest daughter being married first, prompted the parents of that young lady to send the older sister instead of his intended, so he married her!  They had four children and he owned his own shoe maker shop at the corner of W.57 and Lorain. When WWII broke out, he worked in a war plant.   I know that when my parents were married and purchased their home "way out" in North Royalton, he was one of the few that saw their vision and thought they had done the right thing.  I know that there was a young shoot of a cherry tree in the middle of their barren back yard, that my dad almost pulled out thinking it was a weed, but grandpa knew better, and so as I grew up without my grandpa, I always was reminded of him by the presence of that tree. Each year when the cherries came in, I would pause to remember the man who I really never got to know.   I could continue with more stories I learned second hand, but the one I know the best is this....

In 2008 after a terrible few years of no employment and really feeling down, I was being considered for my present position as the director of The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland.  I decided to take a ride down to the neighborhood of the mission just to take a look around. I knew that it was in the general vicinity of my grandparents home. (Grandma passed when I was 18) I hadn't been to that neighborhood in many years.

I drove around through the west side streets recognizing names of streets and occasionally recognizing a building or two, but in general didn't know exactly where I was at any given moment.

Suddenly, the driver of the car behind me began honking and waving at me with one finger ( perhaps he was an amputee?)... Then I glanced down at my speedometer and realized I was holding up traffic as I gawked at the scenery around me  ( so much for the amputee theory). I quickly turned left into a small parking lot in order to get out of the way  because something was telling me I needed to look closer at the area.  As I maneuvered my car around in that parking lot, I came to the sudden realization that I was now parked on the site of what had been my grandparents home at W.73 and Madison Ave.

A wave of emotion came over me as I began to recognize the remnants of the neighborhood my mom had lived in. I saw my grandpa in that chair and I heard him tell me; "come to the city"...
(To really understand the full significance of those words, you might want to read the story of Nehemiah from the Old Testament.)

Today is 56 years that he has been gone and I know that my mom is still pained deeply by his death. I wish that I could have had the chance to really know my grandpa, but when I really think about it he has in fact always  been with me. He was there in the way my mother raised me, the values he instilled in her-she instilled in me. His compassion, his faith, his devotion to family, love of country all somehow became a part of me... "But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written; "O death where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"  I Corinthians 15:54-55

It's all how you think about it.....

So... here's a thought;
Allow fuel prices to escalate to unnafordable levels, manipulate the health care system to a point where no one can afford to pay for health care without first paying exhorbidant insurance premiums, pay congress unending salaries while they allow banks to destroy the housing industry, raise taxes to a point where people must decide between clothing/housing/food and paying their Federal, State, Regional, County and Local taxes...  what is the answer?      Gun Control.. and do it quick before people say "We have had enough."  Maybe these politicians aren't as dumb as we think they are.

Who Is He Really Representing?

A Connecticut lawyer wants to sue the state over the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting.

Irving Pinsky says the state failed to provide a safe setting.

He's pursuing 100 million dollars in damages on behalf of an unidentified 6 year old girl who survived the massacre.

So.... who is Pinsky really representing? 

Does anyone really believe that the State of Connecticut is responsible for the actions of Adam Lanza?  I am certain that even Pinsky does not believe this. His claim is nothing more than a further victimization of those families that lost their loved ones and those poor souls who were lost on that day.

Even if Pinsky prevails and the surviving victim and the families of the 26 fatalities split the potential award, Pinsky himself would stand to receive the standard 1/3 attorney compensation.

Is Pinsky attempting to provide a balm for the families? Is he taking a stance that would help to curb the possibility of future violence? Or is he merely taking a stab at the possibility of receiving $33,000,000 personally? 

Some form of gun control may or may not be a partial answer to this epidemic of mass murder.  Civil suit reform on the other hand would at least protect society from the passive/agressive psychotics like Pinsky who prey on the misfortune of the victims by pretending to represent them. 

I offer this.. curbing nefarious lawsuits, irresponsible media, and greedy partisan politicians may not curb gun violence, but it sure would make this a better country.

Meanwhile, Pinsky is as sick as Adam Lanza and should be disbarred.

Royalton Road School. North Royalton, Ohio

School Days in the NR

Today I am enjoying a thread on Facebook with several dear old friends who I went to school with back in the dark ages. We grew up together in a little town in Ohio; North Royalton. Through this wonderful media called social networking we have been able to reunite after many years...

Todays topic... Royalton Road School.  It was one of the original structures in North Royalton, and even by 1960 standards it was old with a capital O.

Imagine if today parents sent their kids to a school with some of these features;

Construction of sandstone block, soft enough to drill through with a pencil. ( as I did in attempt to get the attention of Kathi....

A center gymnasium/stage with footlights so hot, that if the wooden covers remained in place and someone accidentally turned on the footlights, the covers would catch on fire.

Every room of the building had steam heating pipes running through them covered by... you guessed it; asbestos... not only asbestos though, asbestos that was crumbling and peeling off every pipe.

Cafeteria tables made of old bowling alley lanes from a remodeled bowling alley. ( The Red Eye, for you Royaltonites)

The shower rooms looked like something out of a German concentration camp. The concrete floors had no covering or treatment, so they were in constant "crumble" mode. The ceilings were only 6 feet high, so the bare light bulbs hanging from the exposed heating pipes were always in danger of bursting if splashed or worse yet, touched by a wet body. ( luckily we were elementary kids and none of us were  6 feet tall!) But the best feature was the holes in the wall separating the boys from the girls shower room... teachers had to stand guard to prevent the much sought after opportunity to look through the holes!

Probably the best overall feature of the building was the southeast stairwell that had been declared "unfit" by the city building engineers, so no more than one person at a time could use the stairwell. Eventually, all the stairwells were declared unsound so all classes were held on the first floor only.

Ya know what though... some of the best memories were born in that place, and the dearest people in this world traversed those hallways... and.... we survived!

A Letter To Congress

Dear Congress;

It is Christmas Eve.  You and the other "representatives of the
people" have returned home from Washington to enjoy this blessed
holiday with your families. As you do so, the fiscal future of this
entire country hangs in the balance. With it go the hopes and dreams
of real people, people who do NOT have a lifetime salary and health
care, real people that do NOT make salaries in excess of $100,000,
real people who struggle every day to pay their living expenses and
increasing taxes, real people who struggle to pay mortgages and real
estate taxes on homes that have depreciated in value by more than 20%,
real people who despite working hard all their lives and doing the
right thing, have no chance of ever retiring.  These are the people
who you are failing to represent as you bicker and argue issues that
are based purely on lobbyist driven party lines.

Your failure to properly manage the finances of this country and then
delay appropriate measures to avoid a catastrophe are borderline
treasonous. At best these failures are cause for a complete recall of
all representatives.

Continual blame on the present Presidential leadership or on past
administrations is ludicrous as most of you have been in office long
enough to have played a part in this mess.

It is time to actually represent the people that sent you to
Washington, not the businesses who care only about their own bottom
line and/or your own bank accounts and investments.

The mood of this country is desperate. Crime and sociopathic attacks
are rising due to the economic attack waged on the poor and the middle
class.

Each of you pledged to make a difference as you campaigned, but have
failed to do anything more than your predecessors.

Real tax reform would eliminate the IRS and replace it with a national
consumption tax. This would be the fairest  form of taxation as those
who can afford to spend would pay "tax" based on their ability to
spend, as those with less money would pay based on their ability to
spend. It would both reduce government spending  and increase
revenues. You all know this, but refuse to implement it as it would
reduce the level of control the current system gives you over the
population.

Real political reform would eliminate your permanent salaries and
health care and pay you a capped salary in line with the national
average salary WHILE  you are in office.

Health care reform would eliminate employer paid health plans and send
everyone to insurance shop as we do now with automobile insurance.
This would force insurance companies to reduce premiums and in turn
would drive DOWN the cost of healthcare.

These solutions would take work. They would anger the insurance
companies, and would make most congressional representatives leave
their currently cushy posts.

Prove me wrong. Return to Washington on December 26 and drop the party
lines and start working toward solutions that will actually preserve
this union and protect the interests of REAL people.

Sincerely,

James F Szakacs
19015 Bennett Road
North Royalton, Ohio 44133
Jfs5487@gmail.com
440-263-8125



Jim Szakacs -Sent from my iPad

Christmas Grace

During a recent after service discussion, our Pastor asked the question; "How will this Advent/Christmas season be different for you this year? Her question was relative to her Advent message series. But as I thought about the question I considered how the current economic crisis will affect most people this year.

For years we have heard the complaint that Christmas has become "too commercial", that most have lost focus of the true meaning and reason for the celebration. We all know that this is true and it truly saddens many. Could it be that the current economic situation may actually be good for our society? Could it be that people will be forced to leave behind the commercial aspect of Christmas and re-discover the spiritual side? Could this be the plan of Him whose birth we celebrate?

I don't believe that God is "punishing" us for any wrong doing. I do believe however that we all need to be humbled from time to time. These are definitely "humbling times" for many.

This Christmas, let's remember the simplicity of the birth of Jesus. Let's rejoice in the fact that we don't have as much money to spend this year so that we may instead focus on the "celebration of life" that was born in a stable.

The attached video was created for use at my church on Christmas Eve. For those of you who are in the area, I hope you will come by either at 5pm or 7:30pm to enjoy the video and the entire service. For those who are far away, please enjoy my electronic Christmas card; "Christmas Grace".
Merry Christmas to all!

Electronic Excuses

I am such a lousy friend.

Two days ago, my best friend celebrated his birthday. And I forgot.

Tom is several years younger than me and I have known him since he was about 8 years old. Despite the age difference we have so much in common that we have been friends for many years.

We share a of love of technology. He always has the latest in smartphones, projection systems, computers etc. There was a time when we would compete for who had the latest and greatest. I finally gave up. He is too quick for me.

So how did I forget his birthday? I blame technology. There was a time when I would take out my trusty Franklin Planner and write down important dates and events. Then several times a day I would turn to the appropriate day page to make notes and would view the reminders. Today, thanks to Tom, I carry a Blackberry. He got one so I had to get one. I keep my calendar on it. Of course as the day moves forward it advances the appointments. So if I have an "all day event" it disapears as the day wears on. Consequently, if I don't take action first thing in the morning, there is a pretty good chance that I will forget about the early reminder.

So you see, it is actually Tom's fault that I forgot his birthday.

Happy belated birthday Tom.

I am such a lousy friend.

Christmas Eating Tips

As we prepare for the greatest holiday of the year, I thought I would share some wisdom pertaining to that favorite holiday past-time...eating

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. if something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple , Pumpkin , Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over.

Merry Christmas...See you at the gym!

Veterans Day 2008

Something to think about...

In 1990, the U.S. government seized the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada after convicting the owners of tax evasion. The government as required by law, then attempted to operate the ranch. They failed and the ranch was closed with substantial losses.

As most of you know, that same government recently passed legislation to provide a $700 billion bailout of Wall Street. This means that we are now trusting the economy of our country to the same geniuses that could not make money running a whore house and selling booze.

My Wife For President

So, where have I been since February? That is what I intended to write about today. But, a more urgent issue has arisen and I must focus your attention on something that will have a profound impact on your personal and professional daily lives...

My wife is running for President of the United States as an independent. Or at least she should.

She was reading the paper this morning, specifically articles pertaining to the potential 700 billion dollar bail out of Wall Street. She looked up and said... "You know, if they merely gave 1 million dollars to each TAX PAYER, it would be much less expensive, it would solve the foreclosure crisis, stimulate the economy, AND help the banks."

Think about it. She is right on. President Bush sent us each $600. It was a nice gift, but it didn't quite do what it was supposed to do. Obama wants to give us each a $1000 tax credit. Again, nice gift, but not enough.

A million however... Pays off the house - no more worry of foreclosure.
Pays off the credit card debt - infuses a mountain of cash into the banks
Pays back the student loans - freeing up money to loan to new students
Purchases new cars - stimulating the auto industry
Purchases a new or second home - stimulating the real estate industry
Provides extra charitable opportunities - Helps people who still need help
Stimulates investments - rebuilding the market
Creates jobs due to a surge in purchasing of "stuff"


Now THERE is an economic stimulus package that really means something. Sure in 24 months most people will be back in debt and just as broke as they are now, but what of the tens of thousands of jobs that were created by the sudden surge in auto and home sales? What about all the ancillary purchases of furniture, boats, RV's, appliances, musical instruments, dining out, dining in, travel, entertainment?

Both Obama and McCain keep talking about change. They keep talking about doing things differently and really wanting to help the average American. My wife is the only person so far to come up with a plan that would really be different and that would really have an impact.

So when you get to the polls in November write her in. There's a million bucks in it for you.

I'm back!

As I was leaving church the other day, my cousins daughter Jessie informed me that she was "disappointed in me" as she checks my blog everyday, and I haven't posted since February. Well, if Jessie is checking my blog and even if she is the only one... I MUST RETURN! So Jessie and anyone else who might be reading, I am back. I will do my best to post something regularly.

I was taught to stay away from religion and politics...Yeah Right. My first new post will be political. I guarantee that the only people I am about to offend, are those who currently hold a political office....

This message was sent to me by email. Evidently it was written by a Mr. Terry Foose. I thought it made alot of sense. So with thanks and credit to Terry, here you go...


If you are a staunch Republican or Democrat that considers your party line as gospel, you might as well stop reading right now. However, if you are an American that thinks for yourself and you are concerned with the direction our country is going you might want to read on.
Our Presidential election is less than eight weeks away. Far be it for me to try to tell anyone how to vote. Both candidates claim they will make changes in Washington . It will be up to you to determine which candidate is indeed sincere and not just trying to win a campaign with words.
However, it is doubtful that either of the candidates will have the power to turn this country around no matter how honorable their intentions are. Why, you ask? Because the elected members of Congress (House & Senate) are not doing the work of the people. Many are self serving, and as a consequence selling us out to corporations from both at home and abroad. Lobbyists from special interest groups are wining and dining our elected representatives and party heads. They are showering them with gifts for their votes and influence! ABC’s recent coverage of the national conventions of both the Democrat and Republican parties in their segments “following the money” really highlighted how flagrant the practice is.
Democrat and Republican dinosaurs in the House and Senate are directing the outcome of bills. These career politicians control the powerful committee chairs where actions on bills are determined. Even if a newly elected representative has integrity and the best intentions to do the work of the people they soon learn who has the power and who makes the decisions. If they don’t cower to the leadership of their party they find themselves without support and fall by the wayside.
As a result we have an infrastructure that is failing across America . We have an unprecedented national debt. An education system that needs to be turned around. Medical coverage that many can’t afford. A nation dependent on foreign oil. Jobs going overseas resulting in climbing unemployment. Prescription drugs that are not affordable to many. Millions of illegal immigrants. And, rising costs for food, goods, and services.
Many citizens are fed up with what is happening to our country. For the most part the actions of our 100 Senators and 435 Congressman are unconscionable. But, what can an individual do to correct the situation? You can’t take on the government. You can’t take on the political parties.
What can an individual do? This question has been pondered long and hard. We need to “flush” the deadwood out of Congress and replace them with people wanting to do the work of the people. That’s what our founding fathers expected them to do.
There is a way we can “flush” Congress. You don’t have to join anything. You don’t have to do anything illegal. You don’t have to contribute any money. You don’t even have to tell anyone what you are doing. But, you must be a registered voter.
This is how it works. When you go to the polls vote for anyone you want in your state that is running for Congress EXCEPT THE INCUMBENT. The Democrats will vote for their candidate. Republicans will vote their candidate. It does not matter which party the incumbent is from. By concerned citizens voting for a non-incumbent along with the votes from that candidate’s party there will be enough votes to “flush” the incumbent out of office. Sure it will get rid of the good ole boys from your state. But let’s face facts, the good ole boys haven’t been getting the job done!
A lot of them can be flushed in the upcoming election. And, even more in following elections. It won’t take long before elected representatives will start realizing that they better start doing the work of the people or they’re history! Once we get our representatives’ attention and they start working for the people we can stop flushing.
If you think this is a lot of hog wash then do nothing. If you are a concerned citizen that really wants to see change in our country copy and paste this message and forward it to as many people as possible. The rest can be accomplish in the voting booth.
Lets start Flushing ….

This Time of Year, Our Thoughts Turn To Fish

I was at a meeting at our church last night when the subject of our annual Lenten Fish Bakes came up. Our church webmaster was asked to place a promotional item on our website regarding the fishbakes which begin this Friday. Our church secretary provided him a copy of the flyer that our Chef had prepared. On the flyer it listed "Schrod" as one of the choices for this week. The discussion that followed centered on the correct spelling of the entree'. Is it schrod or scrod? Our chef provided an answer that forced us to the web for some research. What we found surprised us all...

Evidently, there is no such fish as a scrod/schrod. In reality, the entree' is referenced as Schrod when it is Halibut, and it is Scrod when it is Cod. There remains some debate as to whether or not this is factual, but I tend to side with Chef Mike, especially considering that there were several sources on the web that back him up. So there it is...

Now, for the best part. In our research, we stumbled on a scrod/schrod based joke...

A man exits a plane in Boston, and jumps immediately into a cab. He asks the cabbie..."Where can a guy get scrod around here?" The cabbie hesitates then says; "That's weird, I've never heard anyone use the pluperfect participle before."

Who says church meetings can't be both informative and fun?

Perspective...Again

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.

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.

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!

Christmas Grace

Should oceans break and mountains fall, and clouds go to the ground.
I'd hurry to the little stall, where Christ is sleeping sound.
Should waters rise above the trees, and flying eagles fall.
I'd find some place to lift my eyes, and be in awe.

Should rivers dry and glaciers thaw, and stars come tumbling down.
I'd hurry to the stable straw, see glory all around.
Should my own heart have need of love, when fear is in its place.
I'd seek you Christ, and kneel inside your gentle Christmas grace.

from "Prophets & Angels
An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols"
Herbert F. Brokering
Aaron David Miller
Augsburg Fortress - Publisher

"Billions & Billions"

It's time for some perspective...

A. 1 billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. 1 billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. 1 billion hours ago our ancestors were enjoying the Stone Age.
D. 1 billion days ago nobody walked on the earth on two feet.
E. 1 billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number, what does it mean?

A. If you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you
would receive $516,528.00
B. If you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home would be eligible for $1,329,787.00 in reconstruction and/or remodeling.

C. If you are a family of four, your family would receive $2,066,012.00Now, we know that even if the $250,000.00 Billion is granted, none of the above scenarios will play out, so where would all that money end up?

While I have you thinking…

Following are some of the reasons you cannot live on what you earn…
Accounts Receivable TaxBuilding Permit TaxCDL License TaxCigarette TaxCorporate Income TaxDog License TaxFederal Income TaxFederal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)Fishing License TaxFood License TaxFuel Perm it TaxGasoline TaxHunting License TaxInheritance TaxInventory TaxIRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),Liquor Tax,Luxury Tax,Marriage License Tax,Medicare Tax,Property Tax,Real Estate Tax,Service charge taxes,Social Security Tax,Road Usage Tax (Truckers),Sales Taxes, Recreational Vehicle Tax,School Tax,State Income Tax,State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),Telephone Federal Excise Tax,Telephone Federal Universal Service Fe e Tax,Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,Telephone State and Local Tax,Telephone Usage Charge Tax,Utility Tax,Vehicle License Registration Tax,Vehicle Sales Tax,Watercraft Registration Tax,Well Permit Tax,Workers Compensation Tax.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few….

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. The U.S. had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and most mom's stayed home to raise the children.