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Headline News - page 49

Technology Destroyed The USPS

The United States Postal Service posted a loss of 3.1 billion dollars for the months of April – June 2011.  Total losses for the year are now at 5.7 billion dollars.  Postmaster General, Patrick Donahoe, keeps saying that aggressive actions are being taken to reduce their costs due to less customer demand but obviously his “aggressive actions” are not enough.  I do know, however, that every year the postal rates continue to increase more and more.  Did you really think that you could continue raising your stamp rates and expect the public and technology to just stand by the sidelines doing nothing?   

The reality is technology destroyed the United States Post Office and it maybe to late to save it.  Banks have setup free payment options that make it extremely easy for everyone to get their bills paid ontime. Many digital PO Boxes are now available where your physical mail is delivered to them and with just a click of a mouse you can shread, read online, and/or forward your mail back if wanted.  The monthly cost is very small for the service. The Internet has setup their own payment options (like Paypal) which allow people to send money to an email address instead of the post office.

Our mailing and payment technology only continues to get better while the USPS continues to operate with an older mindset.  In short, like any business you must grow and adapt to public wants and newer creative technology.  Newer and better services are created because the current one in place lacks features or has become outdated (and increasingly expensive).  That is how our capitalistic World works folks.  They have failed due to their lack of technology upgrades (and services they could have provided to the public).  Since they had a monopoly pretty much in the postal niche they could have really capitalized on it – but they didn’t.

I’m sure their solution to this problem will be to raise postal stamps again.  They will also try to limit the days mail is delivered which will cause more damage for them.  What they should be doing is investing and building out better technology.  They need to create services like the ones above that let businesses (local or international) open PO Boxes in any state for a monthly fee.  It should allow customers/companies access to their mail online without having to go to the mail box.  Do they realize how much money they would make with a service like that?  Less gas, employees, trucks, and billing (it’s automated!).  How about a monthly service that pushes all your physical mail to your email address?  Millions of people (maybe hundreds of millions) would order that service for $12 bucks a month.  It would save people time, gas, miles, money, envelopes, etc plus it would be more secure.  Hell think if you made that service a global service where international companies could order one (capturing global currency revenue).  That is some serious hands free and automated revenue.  Many parents have a hard time packing up the kids just to go the post office or store and the monthly fee is easily worth it for them.

There is still opportunities available to make it work for the USPS.  However, technology will destroy them if major innovated changes are not made quickly.  Out the old and in with the new!

 

FDA Agency Will Kill People In 2012

I understand the title of this article is hardcore but the reality is that a recent decision by the FDA Agency will kill people in 2012. It could be you, a loved one, or maybe a close friend.

Starting in 2012, Primatene Mist will be taken off the shelves by the FDA Agency due to “CFCs depleting the ozone”. If you don’t know what Primatene Mist is it’s the ONLY over the counter immediate relief for asthma. There is nothing that compares to Primatene Mist and with thousands of positive reviews online, it works perfectly. It costs about $15 dollars at Walmart (over the counter) and is very popular because it works – fast (unlike a tablet that takes time to dissolve). I’ve personally been on Primatene Mist my whole life like the thousands and thousands of people who use it everyday to “just get by” or for emergencies because with asthma a simple sneeze can trigger an asthmatic attacked. I have been rescued by Primatene Mist on several occasions and would even say that it may have saved my life on several occasions (plus many trips to the ER). The same is true for thousands of other customers who have asthma worse than I do. I have challenged myself on several occasions to just find one negative review (or customer/medical problems) with Primatene Mist online. Out of the thousands and thousands of customer who use it everyday there is nothing negative. In fact, you find why more medical issues with aspirin. Primatene Mist has been a safe and effective treatment for asthma symptoms for over 40 years now. After reading all the reviews and feedback regarding the FDA’s decision to ban Primatene Mist, their customers are extremely angry and death is discussed quite often (due to prescription costs, waiting times at doctors offices, and the low quality of medication not working for them). They are seriously concerned they will die due to the FDA Agency.

Is this FDA decision meant to push people to spend money on doctor visits, ER visits, insurance, and over priced asthma prescriptions forever? Does the FDA really care about CFC’s depleting the ozone? If that was the case, why not pull hairspray, fire extinguishers, paint booths, air conditioning, and perfumes.  It’s a reckless decision by the FDA Agency (leaving no other solution available) and unfortunately many more asthmatics will die in 2012 as compared to the previous years.

I’m starting to question the honesty of the FDA Agency (working in raise revenue and/or with other drug companies) after this outlaw decision scheduled to kill people in 2012.  It makes you question their expertise and “nanny” behaviors.   When do we as citizens draw the line and say that is enough?  This isn’t a life threatening decision but more of power play to keep control and ownership of the public.  We don’t want the FDA in our personal lives or making decisions to control our lives right?  When do we say no that is a personal heath choice and not a legal or World health decision?  The FDA Agencies job is national defense and science. Those are the only issues that should require FDA involvement.  If not, the FDA will be banning sugar next because it’s unhealthy (actually soda has been taken out of school already mostly).  If not several years from now it will only get worse.  You know cancer is less common in women who have had children and it’s more common in women who have had abortions.  Breast cancer is one of the most expensive diseases we have, however, should it be monitored and forced on you to make the world a more “healthy” place.  There is a line that shouldn’t be crossed in personal choice and healthy (or not) lifestyles and we need to make sure that line is not crossed with the FDA.

Primatene Mist
Primatene Mist

Seafair Seattle Last Day Today

One of Seattle’s biggest events each year is Seafair. Sunday (today) is the last day and with the weather being so good this weekend you can be sure it will be filled with familys and party animals having fun. If you hurry you can still make the Seattle Seafair this year. Take note the party will continue all day and the hydroplane racing is action packed with hardcore fans. The United States Navy’s Blue Angels take over the city at 1:35pm and their will be several road closures starting at about 12:30pm.

The Albert Lee Cup will be decided today (last day of the Seafair event) at there will be $25,000 up for grabs for the winner. Tickets to the final Seattle Seafair event are $30 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.

Enjoy the sun at the Seafair.

Referendum 1 pitts Mayor Against City Council

There is something very odd going on with the tunnel process. There must be a steadfast rule of who can sign contracts. In other words if it’s the Mayors job and he refuses to sign the agreement, then common sense would make one believe that there was something wrong with the agreement that the Mayor wanted cleare up. Instead of getting with the Mayor to work it out legally, City Council president Richard Conlin signed it. Then a petition to recall him was thrown out by a judge who said there was not sufficient evidence that he broke the law. Us peons need to be educated on how a City Council member can sign an environment impact statement and colluding with City Attorney Pete Homes to bring a lawsuit to block a tunnel referendum, and delaying placing initiative 101 on the ballot is legal. It appears Conlin exceeded his authority under the city charter by signing the draft of the environmental impact statement. The public now gets to vote on a referendum which really means nothing. The anti-tunnel statement urges Seattleites to “stand up to the politicians” who in 2009 cut risky and expensive back room deals to pursue the tunnel project. The pro-tunnel statement says the debate is over and will only be prolonged by the Mayors, “delay and obstruction”. He has stood up for the wishes of the people, and knows there will be cost overruns and the city property owners will have to pay them. City Council member Tim Burgess say a no vote will just make the city council pass another ordinance to go forward with the tunnel construction. If that were challenged it would take a year to reach the ballot and “BY THEN CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNNEL WILL BE WELL UNDERWAY”. That should not happen. It is all being done for big business and the labor community that writes big checks for their campaigns. Its all done against the will of the people paying for it. Referendum 1 should stop the whole project until they come up with the answers to these questions. Do the majority of the people want a tunnel? How is it going to be paid for? Who pays for the cost overruns? What tolls will they charge. They already know it will not help traffic. People will avoid the thing even if there were no tolls. Can you imagine anything more stupid than a tunnel thru an earthquake zone right by a decaying sea wall? If we challenge anything the city does, Pete Holmes takes it upon himself to file a lawsuit and gets a judge he probably plays golf with to rubber stamp it. Mayor McGinn is looked on as a trouble maker for the council members but he is trying to follow the wishes of the people who elected him. As the anti tunnel people keep chipping away more shady stuff comes to the surface. For a judge to say there is not sufficient evidence he broke the law. geez, what more evidence did he need. Either Conlin can sign agreements when the Mayor refuses to sign them. It’s a simple yes he can, or no he cant. But he did, and they say our vote on the referendum will mean nothing. Why are we voting?

Anti-tunnel Initiative 101 blocked from fall ballot

I seems to me that if ordinary citizens oppose something and do all the hard work of collecting enough signatures to put 101 on a ballot for a vote, it should be on the ballot. City attorney Pete Homes said it was not legal because it seemed to take away the states ability to build a state highway. Judge Joan DuBuque agreed with him. In other words democracy can be wiped out by two people. City attorney Pete Homes wants the tunnel built and has locked horns with Mayor Mile McGinn over this. An attorney for DOT joined the suit and said the city cannot block a state project. We the people have said time and time again WE DO NOT WANT A TUNNEL. Supposedly the state is broke as well as the Federal Government so why are they cramming this expensive thing down out throats. Before it was settled about people challenging it they signed agreements in haste so they could say once they are signed they cant be stopped by an initiative. People tried to get an initiative to at least question the tunnel for an Agust vote,but again Pete Homes challenged it and got it watered down to where they are calling it the Seinfield initiative because it is about nothing and will do nothing. The August 16th Referendum asks voters to approve or reject how the City Council plans to give notice to the state to proceed with the tunnel. That’s like saying “yes we have no bananas”. What really concerns me is the mind set the Department of Transportation has. They do not want the taxpayers to have any say at all. DOT says it is their goal to follow the will of the Governor and Legislature, which approved funding for the tunnel. Well, to me that is really cockeyed thinking. The Governor and Legislature are working FOR the people. They should have no right to fund something that the taxpayers made clear they did not want. As for them approving funding makes it sound like they have magic funds. No the funding is money they have taken away from working people after they squandered a lot on overhead. One overhead expense should not be happening, and that is the $600,000 the “Top Dog” at DOT makes. If a city has no say over a state project then we should not have to pay for it at all. Elizabeth Campbell who sponsored 101 is appealing it to the State Supreme Court but the plans just go on and on instead of waiting until everything is settled before signing agreements and contracts. It still says that Seattle property owners who benefit has to pay overruns. Well Governor Chris Gregoire promised she would not let that happen. Well she wont be Governor when they build the tunnel .

The Future Of The NASA Space Program

As you know, the USA has stopped all flights into space.  Our space shuttles are officially retired and collecting dust.  The future of the NASA Space Program is unknown really.  The space program cost us $200 billion+ over the years (started in 1971) and since we won’t be using it anytime soon we may want to consider closing it all completely.  It’s sad we won’t be exploring the universe anymore but we are so in debt – this cut is a must. We are looking for ways to save money now and what is the point of holding on to all this equipment, technology, shuttles, launch pads etc if we are not going to use it ever again?  Space exploration should now be officially private.  There is no need for the government to be involved (except for security and the our satellites already in space).  Teams have already proven that better and cheaper shuttles are available and nearly ready to be used commercially.  Let the corporations pay for it. 

On a side note, our government is spending 4.1 billion dollars per day.  50 days from right now, the government will have spent more than the entire NASA Space Program.

Georgetown Garden Tour – Specials

The Georgetown Garden Tour this year was exciting and another success.  Hundreds of people came out and enjoyed the walk, plants, and activities.  Even though the garden tour is officially over some specials are still available including lots of hen and chicks plants.  Arrangements can be made to ship out of state or local pickup is available.  Read and learn more about hen and chicks here.

Hen and chicks plants still available

The Bite Of Seattle Starts Today

Powered by Comcast, The Bite Of Seattle runs today (15th) to Sunday (17th). Each year approximately 450,000 people show up for the weekend event. The Bite of Seattle has free admission which is great for the family. Some food vendors have very small portions you can pay just a little to try out, however, the majority of it is full cost. Inside The Bite of Seattle there are about 60 or so restaurants. They also have live entertainment like music, cooking lessons/demos, and wine tasting. If you’re concerned about the alcohol, they do have a family friendly area. This is probably the largest food festival each year in Seattle. What is also great is that you’ll see many of the local food talents cooking. Chefs just getting starting in the culinary business.

If the weather holds up it could be a great time to experience The Bite Of Seattle 2011 at the Seattle Center this weekend only.

The Bite Of Seattle opens at 11AM everyday starting today (Friday).

Seattle Nightlife Hours Maybe Extended Past 2AM

Having been in both Pioneer Square and the heart of Belltown at 2AM, I have experienced the Seattle nightlife scene first hand. The alcohol flows almost to the point of club closure and then the security steps in and yells “Everyone get the hell out!”. Just like cattle the patrons are pushed out the door. In some clubs in Seattle, that is saying it nicely. As the Seattle nightlife drowns their sorrows (and the just acquired $8 drink or two) they stumble to the streets by the hundreds. The sidewalks are filled with the sober, drunks, wannabe gang bangers, and pan handlers dodging the next vomit location. Just outside of some clubs you can’t even walk on the sidewalk because of the crowds. Getting a taxi is almost impossible and lines are formed on every corner with the nightlife folk waiting to pay for their delicious $5 dollar hot dog (they really are good). A lot of the crowd just hangs around smoking and/or hoping to meet a new “friend” to go home with. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to go after hours so many just jump in their cars and drive home drunk.

I have personally talked about extended Seattle nightlife hours for a good year or more now. It’s an obvious fix that needs to happen. We simply can’t have hundreds of people forced out of the Seattle clubs with nowhere to go but home (driving drunk). The city probably does pretty well since the average DUI will cost you about $10,000. I must say the police presence is pretty good due to several incidents this year.

With the support of the Seattle Police Department and Mayor Mike McGinn, the proposal of extending the Seattle nightlife club hours is in the works. Right now Seattle clubs must close between the hours of 2AM and 6AM (that is not exactly true – I know one nightclub in Belltown that is open until 5AM). This proposal may allow bars to remain open longer or 24hrs. My understanding is that the proposal is also supported by Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes and some of the Seattle City Council Members already. The State Liquor Control Board will most likely take their time with a decision and use their power of authority to hang it over the heads of many business owners. New rules will be created by the Liquor Board only to complicate the matter even more. It should be a no brainer decision, however.

Let me make it simple. The proposal should be that the alcohol stops at 2AM (as it does now) but the clubs may remain open for as long as they like. They may continue to play the music, serve non alcoholic drinks, and food. This will allow the patrons to stay in the club (spending money and generating more tax revenue) and give them a natural way to sober up. It also stops the flood of people getting pushed onto the streets all at once. There you have it, write it up, problem solved.  You’re welcome.

NO MORE TV Times Magazine By The Seattle Times

Yet sooner or later everything changes, nothing ever stays the same. Once in a great while a change is a good one but the change the Seattle Times Newspaper made is really ticking a lot of people (mostly seniors) off. For almost a month during June it was on TV and in the paper that the TV section would be changing. It would be so easy to find our favorite programs or something similar. I admit I did not pay a lot of attention to what they said but they said to watch for the big change that would occur in July. The change was they DO NOT HAVE A TV SECTION ANYMORE. I searched and searched and finally got ticked off and a mailed. They were very courteous and answered my a mail explaining that very few people used the TV section and they would help me get a reduced price to subscribe to TV weekly. I tried to Google TV weekly to find the price but they want to send you a free copy so you can decide to subscribe. The Seattle Times raised its subscription rates too. I know there are fancy phones, fancy remotes, all kinds of gadgets that if one knew how they could find out what time a program was coming on. But for me, that’s a different story. My routine was to spread out the TV section. for example I would see on the page what time Dancing with the Stars would be on. Sometimes 8, sometimes 2 hours, sometimes 1 or 3 hours. I could compare what shows would be on the same time and decide. I don’t even know what shows are on and have no way to compare anything. Go ahead and say that’s the price a person pays for getting old and set in their ways BUT everyone I know that are royally ticked are just cancelling their subscription to the paper. I am still dickering with them, because they offered to send me a free subscription for awhile to see if I like TV weekly. If you call the number they give it is automatic answering saying they realize you are upset etc etc, but you cant talk to a human, so they did not put that recording on just for me.

After thinking it over I think they wanted people to stop taking the paper, and that was sure one way to do it. They want you to subscribe on line. They don’t want to print a paper at all. Why would you need to subscribe to it even on line? You can get the news on TV, you can get the news on the internet. You can print out your free coupons on line. It just boggles my mind. I looked forward to putting on my old bath robe, shuffling to the porch to get the paper. Then I either take it back to bed with me or on my deck with my cup of coffee. What will I use in the bottom of my bird cage? What will I use to start my fire with on a cold winter morning?

“The Seattle Times”, pretty well put themselves in the position they put the PI in and it went belly up. The changing of the times this time was not an improvement at all.

Their (Seattle Times) official response to me personally about the removal of Seattle TV Times Magazine is below:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and let us know about your concerns for this recent change in the TV listings publication.

There were two primary reasons for this change.

 With the increasing use by consumers of cable directories, relatively very few people continue to use a printed guide, so in essence we have been spending resources to provide to all readers a product that is not utilized by the majority of our subscribers. It makes more sense, given limited resources, for us to focus resources on content that is much more widely read by our audiences.

 Secondly, our TV Times magazine was limited, but due to the relatively small audience for this product, we were unable to provide enhanced content in this product for those who value it.  Our partner, TV Weekly is an experienced organization with a track record of providing an excellent product for over 25 years. While this will be a paid subscription, it will be available at a significant discount to our Seattle Times subscribers. In addition, our plan is to work with TV Weekly and provide value added coupons that will save you more than the weekly subscription cost.

 As with all change, the new format and style of TV weekly is different than what you are accustomed to, however given a try it might become friendlier and easier to navigate.  If you will decide to reconsider your subscription, I can offer you a courtesy subscription to TV weekly, should you like to try it for the next 26 weeks at no cost to you.  It would give you additional time to explore and use the TV weekly, to see if it’s something you might like to subscribe to in the future.

 Please let me know if you’d like to take me up on this offer, so I can process your request;  or get back to me to process a STOP.

 Sincerely,

Customer Service Specialist
The Seattle Times

 

 
LLL

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