Before I begin, let me flatly state I'm not a physicist, an economist (heaven, forbid) nor a guru on the lecture circuit telling people how to get wealthy. Neither am I a religious zealot, a … [Read more...]
Social Issues and Debatable Topics
Technology Gadgets Outsell Furniture and Apparel
Hot off the press. U.S. consumers, during our economic doldrums, are buying technology gadgets rather than washers, apparel and furniture that last a few years. Apparently the lure of a smartphone or blu-ray DVD player is more appealing than the five-year old toaster that…well, makes toast. One 28 year-old guy was quoted: “Who cares about [...]
Why Good Humor Keeps Us Sane
In our stressed-out, sometimes troubled lives, it’s soothing to chuckle over good humor. When we tire of bad news on the Web or tube, in fact, an uncontrollable belly laugh may even keep us sane. My sister was kind enough to email me a few good humor one-two liners. Here they are (with a few [...]
Tribute to a Choral Director: Jean Dargis of St. Victor’s Church
They say you only meet a few people in your life who change you as a person. Jean Dargis, former Choral Director and Administrator of St. Victor’s Catholic Church in San Jose, CA, was one of them. Jean passed away this week. While I lived in San Jose, my home town, I sang in Jean’s [...]
Internet Privacy in a Sea of Web Cookies
Worried about Internet privacy, web monitoring, flash cookies and who’s watching your website activity? Need better privacy protection in your life? Read on. Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal published the first article in a series called “The Web’s New Gold Mine: Your Secrets,” a comprehensive piece describing how ad networks and Internet tracking companies are [...]
Living in Silicon Valley: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
Something is terribly, terribly wrong in Silicon Valley. Probably the rest of the nation too. But, as they say, everything starts in California then heads east. So whatever’s happening here will soon hit your home town if it hasn’t arrived already. This morning’s paper is filled with new and continuing stories related to the economy: [...]
California is Broke: Clip & Mail Your Coupons to Sacramento
Around two years ago I proposed in a blog post that citizens and non-citizens of the State of California donate their unused gift cards to balance California’s budget. Yes, I know others have claimed they were the first to come up with this cost-saving idea but, I hasten to remind everyone, it was me. Well, [...]
Health Care Benefits for Congress?
To the Congress of the United States regarding your health care benefits: Over the weekend with the Senate’s narrow but passing vote to “debate” health care legislation, it’s become crystal clear that some members of Congress don’t care about the health care crisis. With a few exceptions, the Republican leadership is unwilling to debate the [...]
Hurley Creates Golf Courses and Hope On Lost Islands
During an episode of the TV series “Lost,” one of the best television series, Hurley, the big guy in need of a diet, told Jack: “You know what’s wrong? We’re just not having fun,” the best kick-in-the-ass comment made by any character in the series. Jack, the medical doctor, the guy who always needed to [...]