Recent Comments:
How to Sell a Green Home: Lose the Environmental Speech {AOL Real Estate}
Apr 23rd 2013 9:25AM All good ideas, after you identify the home as a HERS rated, or LEEDS rated or BPI audited home. The days of what exactly does it mean to be green are upon us for sure. The "High Performance" comment isn't a whole lot clearer. But even amongst the least aware, LEEDS has meaning to many, and HERS Rated is fast becoming recognized as the industry "gauge" of how "High Performance" or "Efficient" a home, condo or even an apartment is or is not. The organizations and individuals that provide these "gauge's" of "greeness", "performance" or "efficiency" spend oodles of money educated the public, the industry, and individuals as well as realtors as to how and what makes a residence (or commercial building) efficient, green or a performer. Those who are able to determine and certify or rate a home have invested themselves in years of education, experience and so on. Be aware, that while "home inspectors" might also be LEEDS, HERS rater, and/or BPI certified, being a Home Inspector does not mean that they are. Before buying a new or preexisting home, insist on it being energy audited and or LEEDS or HERS rated. It means a safer, healthier, happier and more cost efficient home and higher resale value down the road as people become more aware of these ratings and certifications and what they mean.
How about a bailout for Madoff's victims? {BloggingStocks}
Dec 17th 2008 5:52PM Bravo to the first commenter. Now I'd like to add my comments: I am a car nut, and American Car industry supporter. I am generally against gov't intervention or for that matter regulation or interference. In other words, the only involvement our gov't should have on industry is to assure that we are globally competitive. To that end, we should not be placing orders with Airbus for the next generation of aerial tankers that will be used in our military operations. Nor should we be bailing out our nations automotive industry. What we should do is be creating a competitive environment for them to compete globally in. Where we failed to do that was in other nations where gov't has subsidized these industries, we have not. In other nations where these industries function without much in the way of regulation, we have regulated our industry leaders to near extinction.
How about a bail out for the general aviation industry? Adams Aircraft, is but one technologically leading US aircraft manufacturer innovator that we have recently lost due to the extensive regulation of US industry here, and the credit crunch. This company was one of the first creators of the VLJ (Very Light Jet) industry. It has more than 100 million in back orders for production, but could not move forward due to the credit crunch. The assetts of this fine American Technological innovator are now Russain owned and production will soon begin overseas of this now Russian company. It is one of three new aviation firms to fall to this sort of problem.
Our US Auto industry has long had the technology and know how to leap frog all other national auto companies and again dominate the global automotive industry...they chose instead to find ways, short term ways to turn significant profits, pay absorb anent union wages to labor and ridiculous white collar wages and bonuses to management. The result is clear and we are now paying the cost of that...we have no choice to assist the auto companies, but we should not bail them out. We should take a seat on the board, and advocate for the companies to resume product differentiation, innovation and quality controls that put us into the future, with in demand products.
Our financial industry innovated some of the most amazing financial instruments in the world. So much we realize that they are clearly tools of destruction: Junk Bonds, Zero down mortgages, wrap mortgages and more. These "instruments" are nothing more than agreed upon concepts, that enabled us to feel like a whole lot of money is available to us for personal or other consumption. Net result is, there is nothing to consume but the greed itself because these instruments are negative tools, as they do not create more money, they just reallocated it based on roi.
Bernie Madoff is the pinnacle of this in 2008 as was Micheal Milikin in the late 70's and early 80's.
Reality is, we should only bail out these industries long enough to leave them to their own devices,and stay out of their way.
There is more....but too much to write and I've been working since 4am so I'm beat...later
Post Breakup Do's and Don'ts {Personal Articles}
Jul 13th 2008 9:25PM Well,I thank you all for your comments, and I enjoyed reading them all. I think its great what you have discovered the works for you, and I applaud you all.
What gets me is that these books and authors and self proclaimed "experts" all seem to say the same things. For instance, don't remain friends with the ex.
Many of course suggest counseling which works for some, but not for others.
For those of you that read these articles, or see a counselor or follow any of these advisory articles, I ask, have you ever looked at the people that write these books, presentations, articles and the like? Have you ever questioned those that do the counseling or run the support groups? I have, and its very interesting to see how many of them have been the aggressor in a bad relationship, or the been accused of abuse or diviance in one aspect or another. Its even more interesting to see how many of them have a variety of "issues" or "addictions" not unlike those that you turn to them for assistance with.
What makes these folks so knowledgeable or expert on the subject that you should listen to them?
Personally, I have and to a point it's been helpful, but on a larger or longer term basis, not so much. I wonder of others (your) experience in this respect? Or your thoughts on my comments?
I think counselors, particularly "womens issues" specialist, are a sad state of affairs.
Relationships are what they are, two people trying to live on a consensual basis that enables them to move forward in a positive, supportive, mutually agreeable manner. That is bound to get out of sync from time to time, and when it does, you find out what skills you have to bring it back into sync, or your relationship fails, and the pain is maximized or it at least begins.
When you begin to genderize it, you might as well victimize it too. Its like saying that only women get raped or only women are abused. There are far, far to many cases of females abusing men, both mentally or physically.
Reality is, we all need to have a reduced stress life, with more time to devote to one another, and the will to do it.
Just some of my thoughts, apologies in advance if I've upset anyones applecart.
Response welcomed, comments encouraged. Be well! Live well! Imagine!
Post Breakup Do's and Don'ts {Personal Articles}
Jul 13th 2008 9:24PM Well,I thank you all for your comments, and I enjoyed reading them all. I think its great what you have discovered the works for you, and I applaud you all.
What gets me is that these books and authors and self proclaimed "experts" all seem to say the same things. For instance, don't remain friends with the ex.
Many of course suggest counseling which works for some, but not for others.
For those of you that read these articles, or see a counselor or follow any of these advisory articles, I ask, have you ever looked at the people that write these books, presentations, articles and the like? Have you ever questioned those that do the counseling or run the support groups? I have, and its very interesting to see how many of them have been the aggressor in a bad relationship, or the been accused of abuse or diviance in one aspect or another. Its even more interesting to see how many of them have a variety of "issues" or "addictions" not unlike those that you turn to them for assistance with.
What makes these folks so knowledgeable or expert on the subject that you should listen to them?
Personally, I have and to a point it's been helpful, but on a larger or longer term basis, not so much. I wonder of others (your) experience in this respect? Or your thoughts on my comments?
I think counselors, particularly "womens issues" specialist, are a sad state of affairs.
Relationships are what they are, two people trying to live on a consensual basis that enables them to move forward in a positive, supportive, mutually agreeable manner. That is bound to get out of sync from time to time, and when it does, you find out what skills you have to bring it back into sync, or your relationship fails, and the pain is maximized or it at least begins.
When you begin to genderize it, you might as well victimize it too. Its like saying that only women get raped or only women are abused. There are far, far to many cases of females abusing men, both mentally or physically.
Reality is, we all need to have a reduced stress life, with more time to devote to one another, and the will to do it.
Just some of my thoughts, apologies in advance if I've upset anyones applecart.
Response welcomed, comments encouraged. Be well! Live well! Imagine!
Should airlines charge you by your weight? {Gadling}
Jun 6th 2008 9:01AM Well if this isn't an interesting commentary on American life and America's attitude. First, I'm not sure how many know this or not, but was a time when America was the world leader in aviation, all aspects.
Back in the day, when "airlines" were new, everyone, and I mean everyone paid by the pound. One scale, one per pound fee, and you held onto your bags as you walked across the scale to enter the plane.
Now that we've become "experts" at eating, and BMI calculations (By the way....BMI is less and less considered an accurate measure of anything, let alone physical fitness or health indication) not to mention civil rights or political correctness the concept of "going back to basics" and charging by the pound for airline fare, seems unacceptable.
As one respondent points out, airlines are running a business, and no one goes into business to loose money, which is what they are all doing.
Its unfortunately true that they are foolishly cutting nickel and dime perks out to save a buck and making the public dislike them at the same time. Aviation is a wonderful, but difficult business.
It would be an excellent conversion to charge people by the pound, it would eliminate all these "extra" fee(s) as well as all the excess fees(s) in favor of one fee.
People could step through one semi closed booth that would scan for "prohibited" security items, weight and body type (please don't start writing about profiling, the need to address body type was already demonstrated by several writers above). Each person would go through this process accomplishing all of these functions at one time, in one booth and the "booth" would print out a boarding pass with an implanted security chip that allowed you to go through "none stop" successive airports without further security checking and enable boarding directly to your flights. As long as that individual did not leave a secured area they would not have to again be subject to another scan, weigh in or other security, fare or gate check.
The function of this would reduce time delays at the airport, and the number of people needed to accomplish all of these functions. In other words, reduce bottle necks and costs...exactly what the National Air Transportation System needs.
As to frequent fliers, business fliers, vacation fliers and children, seniors, and so on....airlines could set fare "rates" based on such things, would also eliminate "embarrassment" at the booth, not that anyone would know what weight or body type you generated inside the booth anyway. But who would know if you are a leisure traveler paying one fare rate or a "frequent flier, body builder, airline club" fare verses a "first time in the air, college student, with excess book baggage, university subsidized" fare?
On the one hand airfare rates are already too complex, but creating a system that was computerized and such an entry system has benefits for all, and at the same time enables the airlines to make a profit and simplify but offer multiple fares, something it has abused, but needs nonetheless.
So what do you think, I'd be real interested to know.
Thanks for reading and considering.
By the way, lets also come up with some sure fire ways to return America to the top of the heap. Right now in both the aviation sector and the energy sector there are wonderful new technologies that are coming about, in aviation for the first time in more than 3 decades (The VLJ) and in energy for the first time in as many decades solar, wind and other technologies. These new developments are fasting moving overseas, because (A) They are easier to deploy in the environment of lesser regulation. (B) When foreign, government money comes a calling to purchase these aircraft, and energy devices, they insist on being taught in their own country how to "assemble and maintain" them, hence gaining the knowledge to build and or compete with the very country and company that created them. Least we also are all too aware that their economies are far more supportive as well. We need to recreate the atmosphere in our nation that embraces the creation and deployment of new technology and supports both the entrepreneur and cutting edge technology developing companies.
Okay, now you've read all this preachy stuff, get out from in front of the computer and do something about all or any of this. At the least, go walk for 15 minutes and get your heart rate up, or at the most, become an advocate for your nation and write a letter to a Senator or Congressman.
Most importantly, have a great day, and make it so, by making someone else's day great too.
Thanks again for reading.
Matt
Manimony: Alimony for dudes {WalletPop}
Jun 4th 2008 3:32PM Manimony? Give me a break, it's right up there with Girlcation or Mancation for that matter, and lets not leave out Man Cave...geeez. I thought we were supposed to be heading toward a more civil society. NOT!
As for the divorce thing, alimoney or whatever....For five years I subsidized her apartment. I put 25% down on our home and paid the lions share of the related bills. I put up with more than 20 years of suicide attempts, and nearly as much frigid behavior. I paid for extensive travel and vacations. I enabled her to attend college, and get a masters degree.
With the earning of a masters degree, she went from being a glorified clerical worker at a large insurance company, to being a "trainer" and nearly doubled her pay in four years.
In the last six years, I fell on some pretty harsh times, and lost a business.....what do you think she did?
She "adopted" a co-working subordinate that she referred to as "more screwed up than I am" and when he got laid off, she moved out without notice on me and has been living with him for the last three years.
I'm over it, (I know you won't buy that), but I'd sure like to see some negative come to her life. Although what a step down she has taken in life...but so what.
Its time for equality in relationships, and employment and in society.
America was built on the back of entrepreneurs, mostly male, mostly white. Yet we have created a society that truly does discourage entrepreneurs, skews opportunity to the female and like it or not, discriminates against Caucasians indirectly, particularly male. And the worst purveyor of that is, the legal and legislative system in our country.
'Tubby Tax' on the way for obese travelers? {That's Fit}
Nov 15th 2007 11:10PM I've never really been able to figure out how we got away from passengers "weighing in" with all this being "PC" and so on.
Reality was, in the old days, Airlines had everyone step on a scale prior to entering the plane....because even today, pilots must due "Weight & Balance" prior to take off.
In fact, this was part of the reason for the Air-Tran crash a few years ago, and there have been others since. While there is a substantial margin built in, reality is, most of the margin was engineered based on the "average" body being approx. 175lbs. Unfortunately, todays average body is substantially more than that, so that margin is compromised if pilots aren't really careful.
I think it is perfectly reasonable to charge passengers by the pound, and not just for their airfare. I think it should be applied to their luguage as well.
If employers can charge for health plans based on habbits, age and the like, why can't airlines charge based on the cost per pound?
If oil companies can charge based on a per gallon cost, why can't airlines charge on a per pound basis?
Don't rent a car companies charge based on size?
Actually, it might be fairest if airlines charged based on both individual weight and number of passengers per mile.
Doesn't your landscaper charge based on the size of your yard?
Really, isn't it time we get this elephant (no pun intended) out of the room. Large people are large, are their any that don't know they are large? Is there anyone who doesn't see their girth when they appear? Are they not made to feel uncomfortable scrunched in a seat between to more typically sized people? Perhaps if a weigh in system was adopted, the airlines could reasonably put in a few rows of seats that were larger to accomodate these folks. After all if they are paying their weight, it would become both affordable and reasonable to accomodate them.
It would keep us safer, more comfortable and offer an incentive to reduce their girth and increase their health.
The SUV love affair isn't over yet {BloggingStocks}
Jan 8th 2007 10:37AM Wow! Did anyone read the article? While many valid or at least good points are made in the comments above, a very few references are made to the article subject matter. The effect of fuel costs on the sales of SUV’s is the subject matter. Typically of human nature, right away people become accusatory and nasty. There is no call for that in the article, (or anywhere else for that matter).
First, kudos’s to the person who noted that Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitzy, Mercedes Benz and yes Hyundai are all now making cars in the United States. And for those who are to ignorant to accept it, Ford and GM make a significant number of automobiles in foreign lands nowadays. In fact, if it were not for robust sales and manufacturing operations overseas, GM would be on the ropes, and Ford would be down for the count. Its time everyone, and I mean everyone, got off this American Cars for America kick…reality check folks. There is no longer any such thing as an entirely American or for that matter, Japanese, French, English or other car/truck. If there is, don’t buy it, it’s a counterfeit.
That said, there are the issues of safety as well as economy that were brought up. Reality is, small cars are indeed less safe than larger vehicles. Test after test demonstrate this. There are safer small cars/trucks, and more dangerous big car/trucks. It’s all relative within the class though. There are no small suv’s that are safer in all types of crash testing than the big car/suv category. However, this is also a matter of treating the symptom not the illness, as the whole other matter of ongoing driver training needs serious review in our nation. But my purpose is not to add topics, but rather focus what is already been said.
GM introduced and even might be said to have pioneered the Electric Car with the EV-1, but once again timing is everything, and GM’s patriotic American market wasn’t ready to accept the car. If you follow the industry, you’ll see that this week, GM, Nissan, Ford, and others are bringing the Electric car back, and soon. Ask for it, and it will come! Demand it, and it will come sooner.
As for the hybrid market seemingly dominated by Toyota Motor Cars, even Toyota concedes, this is an imperfect technology. It’s an excellent start, but until it is more durable and more cost efficient, it is not going to become a broad based technology. Both the hybrid Highlander, as well as the hybrid Lexus 400h are very excellent vehicles. They however have very little to offer in the way of fuel conservation or cost efficiencies in terms of ownership. In fact, there may well be a higher cost factor to them when maintenance, battery replacement and retained/depreciation value are factored in.
In the mean time, another issue, one I myself am faced with is the ability of hybrids to tow. Plain and simple, they can’t! With tow capability limited to 400lb, that barely gets a load of sailboat fuel anywhere, let alone the trailer it rides on.
There is recognition of these matters and strides being relized in overcoming these obstacles. DCX (Damilar-Chrysler) is bring forward new hybrid technologies, that are not gas/electric, but rather Diesel/Electric. There is significant improvements being made in cleaning up Diesel technology to as to create more powerful yet environmentally friendly hybrid technologies.
This year for the first time ever, BMW is making a hybrid/Hydrogen fuel cell powered car available. It is being done so on the largest of the BMW line, the 7 Series.
The apparent reality is, right now, of the cars reasonable obtainable by middle America, there are two options to fuel conservation; (1) Drive small, single purpose [transportation] vehicles, (2) Ride public transportation. This directly conflicts with (A) what most American’s need in a vehicle (safety, room for four plus…and/or the all American load of “stuff”). At the other end of the spectrum, public transportation, it is in relatively poor condition, and very limited in terms of availability.
So….we need as a country and as citizens, to urge more focus on affordable, fuel efficient solutions that are able to move larger sized vehicles that are capable of being used for work. At the same time, we need to do the same thing, urge and focus on further development and upgraded public transport. Again, both need to be kept affordable. Our very lifestyle here in the US, needs to change. It’s to expensive, creating to much stress, creating to much demand for transport to get to where you are going, and also get to where you can relieve stress.
Big SUV’s are not so much an egotistical expression of wealth, as they are a means to escape, in safety, in comfort, with others and stuff. Hence their continued popularity and usefulness in American Society.
Civility on the road, and in the debate of these topics will lead to far more progress and conservation then will attacks and name calling. America needs to resume its place in the world as a technological leader and creator of opportunity. We are doing this in many fields, now we need to do it in human behavior as well.
Responses are encouraged, discussion applauded.
Be well! Live well! Imagine and Create!
Thank you for your consideration and time.
Healthy eating leads to a healthy sex life {Slashfood}
Oct 1st 2006 3:07PM It's amazing isn't it? This war of the genders like the warring between people never lessens, it's just gets worse. You would think that by now, with all that we know about health and mental well being (a major part of health) we'd have learned from WWI, WWII all the way to Vietnam, and the Iraq that war, in the end, has no winners, and only losers come to the show. Don't get up on your soap boxes, it's a fact. Still I do believe in supporting our troops and all those that support or right to freedom and our way of life, not that I completely support our way of life mind you.
At the same time, men speculate about women, and women speculate about men. Let's face it, it's true, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Still, more women want a man of taller means, a full head of hair, and fit body of slim to moderate proportion than not. Likewise, more guys want a gal of average height, slender/fit build, with "all the curves in the right places". That is a factual reality. If you don't believe it, look at the population and you'll see its (a) true, and (b) simple to understand.
I've been very fortunate; I'd had only longer term relationship with for the most part, intelligent and lovely women, though most of them seem to be a bit emotionally and mentally unstable. (I’m beginning to see a pattern here).
There seems to be a growing school of thought among women that makes me believe it's not only time that we all learn to eat much healthier, but also that we all learn much more about a healthy and FIT lifestyle.
Part of the healthy and fit lifestyle is mental health and attitude.
Part of that healthy mental fitness should be learning the truth about sexuality. Women seem to have come to the conclusion sex is something they "do for men" and many have learned to use it as a weapon or treat. They seem to have negated the fact (yes, fact) that a healthy sex life is part of a healthy life and more to the point, a healthy relationship.
Sex reduces stress for both partners.
Sex not used does in fact result in a, “don't use it, you loose it” situation. Sex takes place involving organs, most of which are muscle, and of course the brain. Like any muscle, if you don’t use it, it will atrophy and eventually not be recoverable.
Sex is a means of expression and closeness. If you don’t by now know there is a difference between getting laid and making love, well, then I feel sorry for you. But a good relationship can enjoy both, and should.
Sex can be the mortar of a relationship on the build.
While research shows its men that think more about sex, research also shows its women who initiate more divorce proceedings. And before anyone “goes there” women have nearly as many extramarital or extrarelationship affairs as men these days.
Then there is the “what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine” syndrome that has become pervasive among today’s women.
While men are expected to be financially stable and supportive, they are also expected to provide the days luxuries, including dining out. However women, who have the means, are expected to squander it on themselves not on the relationship as a man is expected too.
Okay, so what does all this have to do with food? Simple, food like sex is a necessity in life. Food like sex is better with a companion and someone of deep involvement emotionally with each other. Food like sex should and will smell good, taste good and be good when properly prepared and enjoyed. You don’t feed something you know they don’t like to someone you want to enjoy a meal with you. You don’t do something they won’t enjoy to someone you want to enjoy sex with.
What does all of this have to do with my opening comments about war being like the battle of the genders? Also simple, read any personal page and you will see so many common phrases: Not into drama, No one night stands, No this, no that….it’s like war: No Palestinians, No Jews, No Muslims, No French, No Iraq’s, No Sunni, No Kurds. When will human kind realize, we are all different, and we all have a right to the basic peaceful existence, just as we are all men and women in need of a great meal, a supportive loving partner, and a great glass of drink.
More DHEA and less IED’s
More love and less war
More great meals, and less starvation.
More communication and less annihilation.
Thanks for reading, find someone you love and give yourself to them.
Cheers!
To Upgrade or to Break-up {Gadling}
Sep 10th 2006 5:28PM I love this stuff...(first) I have to agree with most but not all of the comments regarding his inappropriate manner of presenting the situation to her. (Second) That he did not likely have the time to "think" it through (three) there was a much better way of handling the result (four) Speaking for myself, an airline reservations employee, male...there is no way in heck I am going on an international flight of at least 5/6 hours and NOT being with my travel companion, particularly if she also happens to be my wife/girlfriend.
Now, as an Airline Reservations Employee I can tell you that if he is a true frequent flyer, he knows he can buy miles to gain her upgrade, and depending on his level of frequent flyer status, he can actually use "future miles" to gain the second upgrade or simply forgo the upgrade until he has the chance to discuss it with her, and see if it would still be available. There were/are a whole lot of options, it didn't need to come to this debate.
On another note, I would agree with the one or two folks who said the real issue here is a lack of ability, or desire to communicate, which doesn't bode well for the overall trip or relationship.
As for Dr. Phil, the pill, Oprahs boy....yikes! Get rid of em!
Last but not least I could not help but notice that the majority of those wanting to crucify the guy were of the female gender. Yet I can tell you first hand, again as an Airline employee...it's typically the women that create these issues, not the men despite common thought.
Sorry bout that...time society started dealing in realities
