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Jeff Jacobs - page 22

Jeff Jacobs has 240 articles published.

Rob McKenna For Governor…I Vote NO!

Will we ever have a Governor who isn’t so brain washed in politics?  I am unsure at this point.  It’s sad quite honestly and perhaps we should just elect someone who isn’t so tainted in the political process.  Just an average person (maybe a successful Seattle business owner) who is familiar with the city but not all wrapped up in the political game.  Someone who won’t abuse the system for their own wants or gains and isn’t afraid to cut spending and programs to save money.  This person wouldn’t have political “friends” or ties we see with all the typical political candidates.  He or She wouldn’t care about being re-elected and wouldn’t be afraid to put there necks on the line to make a real change.  It seems every election (no matter what position including the President of the United States or the Seattle Governor position) is just another tainted political figure who has been through the system and delivers the same old crap.  They all talk the same, they help their political friends, get campaign contributions in a shady manner – it’s all the same.  I’m not saying all this is true of Rob Mckenna and his Seattle Governor efforts it just looks like all the stars are lining up for more of the same.  I’m not taking sides here (Republican or Democratic) and all the candidates fit this mold of more of the same – I’m just saying we need someone on the outside of the political spectrum to step up to the plate.  That person will get my full attention and vote for Governor. 

I am voting NO when it comes to Rob Mckenna for Governor.  It’s just the same old crap with another political guy.  One of the strategies many politicians (ones that have been through the system) use to get elected is to pick and choose the “right” kind of press.  When they hold public speaking events they only invite the “right kind” of journalist so everything published after is happy and favorable information.  The “wrong” kind of journalist are not invited and are sometimes blocked right at the door or lobby. 

Here is a video (sorry about the quality) of a recent Rob Mckenna for Governor press conference where one journalist in the front row is shown the door by Rob Mckenna. 

 

Seattle Aquarium Officially A Waste Of Money

With over 800,000 visits (3% increase from last year) and a cash positive outlook, the Seattle Aquarium has decided to raise their admission price an additional $2. That means 1 adult admission will set you back $19 dollars. The youth admission price will remain the same at $12.

I find it amazing that a good revenue generating vessel for the city (like the Aquarium) would continue to mess with the numbers to try to make more money. Why mess with a good thing? The Seattle Aquarium is officially a waste of money for Seattle residents and the only people who visit (probably not aware of the costs) are tourists looking for things to do in Seattle. They just happen to be in the area and want to “check it out”. Do you really think its affordable for a family? Dad, Mom, & their two little kids will have to pay $62 dollars. That doesn’t even include the $8 per hour parking rates recently increased. I know that is not exactly the fun Seattle experience I’m looking for. It’s simple supply and demand and only less people with visit now. They would have been better off lowering their rates which would bring in more Seattle residents in the Summer time. People would be excited to visit more because the rates would have been lowered. Even more Seattle residents would have participated making even more money compared to ticket rate increase. Now the Seattle Aquarium just has the clueless tourists who will most likely visit once and never again.

Seattle CEO Salaries On The Rise 2011

It’s true many of the top Seattle CEO salaries are up in 2011.  I find it amazing every time I hear someone complain about how bad their company is doing (as an employee) or why as a company they had to take a pay cut.  Internally I wonder if they really know what is happening and if they really know how companies operate.  Salaries are considered an expense so a 1 million dollar company that pays it CEO $950,000 then shares $40,000 for staff salaries and finally reports a $10,000 profit at the end of the year – doesn’t look or sound to profitable.  In reality the business (the CEO) are doing quite well.  Many hard working Americans are in this position.  If they have the courage to ask for a raise (they usually don’t know how much the top CEO’s are making anyway) they will be told “we simply don’t have the revenue” or “the company isn’t doing good enough for a raise”.   Unfortunately, those statements are true on paper.

This maybe hard to hear for many but the rich always win.  Do you want to not get screwed over in life?  Then make money and lots of it.  The more you make the less you pay in taxes,  the more free items you get, and simply an entirely better quality of life. 

It’s very true we as humans are products of our environments.  We are (or not in some households) raised on a type of religion and work ethic.  You are most likely a Republican or a Democrat because you were raised in that environment or around more of a certain type.  Many lower and middle class employees are programmed from early on to work their tails off making someone else rich 9-5 every single day.  The lower and middle class get pay day loans at 40% interests.  They are the largest consumers when it comes to cigarettes.  The rich politicians only keep cigarettes around because the tobacco lobby puts extra money in their hands and gets them elected.  Our system is setup this way and I’m not saying it is right – I am just saying what it is.

Lets take a look at some of the top Seattle CEO salaries many of which got big raises for poor company financial performance (on paper).

Intermec (Everett Washington).  They make bar code devices and scanners.  They lost money and their stock went down last year.  The CEO got a 69% raise to 3.5 million.

Motricity (Bellevue Washington).  The CEO (Ryan Wuerch) got a 300% raise.

Omeros (Seattle Washington).  The President/CEO (Gregory Demopulos) also got a 300% raise.

Finally Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s compensation for 2010 was 45% higher than in 2009.  He is one of the Seattle’s highest paid CEO at $21.7 million+. 

 

 

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Dwight Holton US Attorney

I was recently reading about US Attorney Dwight Holton US Attorney in the Times about Marijuana.  First, let me say I don’t participate in the wacky tobacky.  It’s not my thing but all the best to the rest of you who do.  Rarely individuals get on my nerves but this Dwight Holton nobody is pushing my buttons.  His Hitler communist remarks in the article are a response to Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Act (1988).  An Act that was voted on by the majority of Oregon people for medical marijuana.  They went through the proper channels, got enough signatures, and won the majority vote to pass this Act.  You maybe against marijuana use and I respect that, however, when the majority of people are for anything and it becomes law – you become the minority and need to respect the decision of the people. 

Dwight Holton, however, came out swinging preaching the Federal Law which constantly hangs over all states heads who have passed a Medical Marijuana Act.   In the article he clearly threatens the people and the dispensaries.  In the letter directed to everyone “Sale of marijuana in Oregon for any purpose, including medical use, is illegal and will be prosecuted.”  Here is a point blank Hitler power trip remark he made also, “Oregon and federal law make it illegal to sell marijuana — period, end of story.” 

Here is a larger paragraph continuing this threatening verbiage:

“The sale of marijuana for any purpose — including as medicine — violates both Federal and Oregon law and will not be tolerated,” it added.  “People and businesses that conduct sales of marijuana face the risk of prosecution, civil enforcement action and seizure of assets . . .”

“Prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in the cultivation and distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, are core priorities of the United States Department of Justice

US Attorney Dwight Holton needs to get off his high horse and work for the people.  If the majority of people vote for something his job is to fix the law so it represents the wishes of the people and that is it.  Maybe this Dwight Holton has a little man complex or just doesn’t know his role (I know I would love to slap him around).  One thing is for sure, his ego is very large, and he needs to be shown the door.  These are the type of scum people that need to go in our Government.

Ricks Strip Club Maybe Jiggling Again

Seattle’s Rick Strip Club will soon be on the auction block by the Justice Department. By doing so it will give it the opportunity to jiggle again. As you know, the Seattle strip club was seized in a racketeering allegation (prostitution) which shut down all the clubs owned by Frank Colacurcio Sr., Frank Jr. (his son); and their associates. After years of investigating and thousands and thousands of dollars (16K of tax money ) spent by a detective buying lap dances at the club they all were indicted and charged. No arrests were made during the lap dances they were buying. This activity lasted for years by the Seattle police department to build their case. Once the four clubs were seized the owners above forfeited 1.3 million dollars and all the clubs to the Justice Department in an attempt to lessen the charges and basically make it go away, however, that didn’t work out so well.  Since prostitution as involved, they charged them with racketeering, money laundering, mail fraud, conspiracy etc. Basically, anything they could charge them with when someone accepts payment via a credit card at the strip club. It’s a common method of payment at any strip club and continues to be a major form of payment at the local Deja Vu’s in the area. The Government also wants 25 million from the strip club partners.

The government was “finally confident they would convict these guys” now they said. After months and months in court, however, nothing really happened or was resolved except the millions of dollars in the “investigation” and attorney fees that were wasted. All the associates/partners settled for probation and walked out the door. Frank Jr gave up his interest in the strip club and pleaded for a one year term (he’ll serve a few months). Frank Sr. died before trial before a conviction could be completed (he was 93 years old). Due to his age, some have argue how much participation he really provided to the business. Due to the nanny behaviorship of Washington State, many of the associates have already moved to California and started over again.

Paridon Williams – 50 Ways To Help Another

It’s about 1:30am in Seattle as I share a beer with a friend at the newly updated Belltown Pub. As the last call announcement is broadcasted over the speakers, a very tall house-less man walks in. His beard is a little gray and needs a good shaving. Dressed in black with a shoulder bag over his shoulder that appears to have costs a few dollars. It appears to be another awkward moment where we are going to be hustled for a buck or two. Walking the Seattle streets I am sure you’ve experienced it. Some are more honest than others and just need a beer and/or others have a more elaborate story to get some change. Normally, you just continue walking and don’t engage ignoring the behavior to save yourself the time, story, and money.

Paridon Williams was a little different then most, however. He had a passion about this book. It was a book he created and continues to create which involves helping others out. After his pitch to us, I passed on the offer. I just didn’t get it. Mr. Williams continue to chat it up with my friend (who may have had a few drinks) and eventually I was talked into a 50/50 investment into the book from my friend. He pulled out a copy of the book from his shoulder bag and it was put together quite well. He said he goes to the library and gets it binded at Kinkos. The pages are not numbered, but I am estimating it has approx. 75 pages or so (front and back also). I am guessing it must cost about the same for what he is selling it for ($12.95).

Since I basically gave the book to my friend at the Pub, I figured I would flip through a few pages and check it out (before morning) since I won’t be seeing this book again. The book, however, was impressive – really impressive. The value is in its inspiration from a guy who is struggling and continues to push forward and help others. It is his “masterpiece” and a piece of work that overlooks his own needs and problems for the sake of others. The book is filed with letters he has received from people just like me. Most several days and weeks later. People who turned their backs to him initially but after reading and being inspired have changed their point of view. Some people have also submitted stories, poems, and letters to Peridon Williams inside the book. His book, 50 ways to help another, encourages submissions and that keeps the book updated with new versions. He also has advertising in the book from local Seattle businesses.

In short, it’s a good read from a good guy filled with a whole lot of love from a whole lot of people.

Taste of West Seattle Is Tonight

Tonight, May 19th, is the Taste Of West Seattle.  If you haven’t got out today and enjoyed the sun then this a great opportunity for you and your family.  The Taste Of West Seattle runs from 6-9pm and you can get tickets online or when you get there.  The event continues to grow every year and this is going to be another big one.  It features dozens of food vendors and plenty of entertainment.  All proce

Seattle Real Estate Market – Down Again

The Seattle real estate market is down again in April and many are starting to think it may never rebound. I believe the general public is feeling better about real estate (compared to a year ago or more) but at the end of the day it’s comes down to money. Many don’t feel secure in their jobs and even more don’t have enough money to invest in a home. When you’re nickled and dimed everyday with the taxes, fines, tolls, penalties, and other dreamed up concoctions it makes it very difficult for the average family. When you were a child, you most likely were taught that home ownership is the American dream. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. A place where you can call your own instead of paying rent every month (that goes no where).

The real estate market sure has changed overtime. Of course the wages were less back then but you could get a home in the 5K – 20K range. Over the course of 30 years the property would grow in appreciation and eventually you could make a profit, retire on it, or just live comfortably. Unfortuately, the banks have put a stop to that. The average family purchasing a home will not even come close to see the home appreciation as it once was. A home that cost $250K will cost you over $400K over the life of loan. If you add in the additional 3K+ per year property taxes over the 30 years, that would mean you would have paid over 490K. Do you really think your $250K home will appreciate over $490K? The value of home ownership and the Seattle real estate marketing is retirement. You must be in it for the longterm.

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Has America Changed It's Standards

Has America Changed?

This is an interesting read. Written by Ken Huber – he does make some interesting points about American and what

Seattle Micro Housing

Seattle Micro-Housing

The Seattle Council is considering allowing micro-housing in the city. If you’re not in the loop of what micro-housing is

Seattle Housing Authority & Yesler Terrace Makeover

Last Tuesday, the Seattle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved the project of redevelopment and the makeover of the Yesler Terrace.  Why the city even owns property, land, real estate and have a Seattle Housing Authortiy Board of Commissioners is another topic but it appears to be another Board that makes decisions for the Seattle residents and is quick to blow money on projects without proper discussions.  The construction is expected to cost 300 million (so they say) and will take 10 to 20 years.

The last step is getting the City of Seattle Council Members to approve it and since money is no object in Seattle Washington I would expect it to easily pass with little to no discussions or debates by the Seattle Council Members.  They probably won’t even have a public meeting.

City of Puyallup Road Construction

It’s amazing the amount of money we waste on road constuction.  Our system is setup so different cities get a certain amount for road construction.  Anything above and beyond the cost the city has the cover or sometimes they can get it from other federal programs etc.  From my research, most road construction isn’t really needed.  Cities use it because they have to.  It’s a use it or lose it system.  The City of Puyallup has several projects going on that are a complete waste of money and now we are starting to hear they can’t cover the extra costs.  Recently, they have been working on Highway 512.  I personally drive Highway 512 between Puyallup and Lakewood all the time and this is a good example of just blowing the money because they need to.  There is absolutly nothing wrong with the Highway.  The other City of Puyallup road construction project we are hearing about is on 39th avenue.  There is no dought this area is congested (it always has been and will continue to be) but this project wasn’t really necessary.  First this road construction project in Puyallup has been going on since 2002.  So far the project has cost the City of Puyallup 15+ million.  The City of Puyallup even had to use a shady practice called “eminent domain” to legally steal the property of many hard working families.  One of them sued the City and won (by jury) a 5.4 million dollar settlement.  His legal fees were over 1 million dollars.  

This is not just about Puyallup it’s about the country and the way our transportation taxes are being wasted.  Instead of just using it (because we’ll lose it) mentality there needs to be a way so this money can be pushed into the areas of the city that really need it.

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