How Has the Recession Impacted the Oil Industry?
Posted on 04. Jan, 2010 by Jaron Miller in Business, Economics, Oil Industry
Oklahoma Oil Well
The Oil Industry takes the Heat
A call for change in the oil industry has been resounded loudly across the nation and the halls of Congress: “We need to create renewable energy to replace oil”, “we need more wind & solar energy”, “we must become independent of foreign oil”.
Did you know that less than half of every barrel of crude oil is turned into gasoline? The rest is used to make over 6000 other products that we use everyday. The following is a small list of some of the most common uses for petroleum products: Small list of petroleum products. How many can you think of?
Impact of Oil Industry on our Society
When we look at the impact of how the recession has affected the oil industry, we have to look at all the industries that the oil industry affects. When you read in your local news papers or listen on the radio that consumers have bought fewer disposable items this year, or just fewer products as gifts this year, like: basketballs, footballs, fishing rods and lipstick – those sales are affecting the oil industry and the millions of people who are employed by the selling of products that are made from petroleum based products. If CD Player sales are down – so is oil production – so is labor to make CD Players, and perhaps somebody was layed off this year because CD Player production was down.
As in any recession, not any one facet can be seem independently from another. How, one might ask, can the loss of sales in the winter sport industry possibly have negative consequences for the oil industry? Think about it: Skis are made from oil based raw material. Fewer skis are purchased, because not as many people can afford their winter vacation. Not only are those at the manufacturing plant affected, but so are, once again, the sales clerk in the sport article industry; and really anybody to do with winter sports: the hotel concierge, the snow plow driver, the laundry service providing clean linen for hotel guests. Fewer customers all around equate to reduced purchasing power all the way around, coupled with unemployment mixes into an almost disastrous cocktail to deepen the recession.
When one product changes the fabric of society
Oil has been around for a long time and will continue to play an integral part of our future. No matter how much there needs to be change, change will not happen overnight. There is no quick fix to reduce our dependence on oil; it is too ingrained in our every day lives. Perhaps within 50 years we will see new products and technology that will help us replace all of the other consumables that we use that are made out of petroleum. The recession has changed the way we purchase products and the amount of products that we consume, but they are all tied together. One area touches another.
Until that day arrives, one company, Miller Oil Field Equipment and Repair, is striving to do their part in helping the oil field industry. They believe if they can help domestic oil rigs and oil drilling equipment run as smoothly and efficiently as possible they will produce more domestic oil and support American jobs and build the U.S. economy.
Old time Christmas Traditions – The Advent Wreath
Posted on 08. Dec, 2009 by KG in Seasonal
Where do Christmas Traditions Come From?
Original Style Advent Wreath
CIDANEWS.com –You may have seen it around, maybe you grew up with one in your home each Christmas, or maybe this is entirely new to you: the Advent wreath. But where did its tradition come from, the wreath made from evergreens and decorated with candles? “The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church.” [Wikipedia]
Before we move on to its story, let’s look at its components: A wreath, a ring, a symbol of the everlasting God. Evergreens, a hope for the future, hope against hope, not just in Christian tradition. Candles, a symbol of Light, and more specifically the “Light of the World”. Advent, a Latin word literally translated “the coming” or the time of “arrival”, a time of preparation for the coming of the Saviour. Catholic church tradition adds it own symbolism to the color of the candles, and some will add a fifth candle.
But lets look at the story of how this wreath first came to be. A somewhat whimsical story, not overladen with symbols at all, as one might think. A practical story of life and love, and maybe some laughter along the way.
Today’s wreaths no longer have the little candles. More often than not real evergreen and real candles have been replaced by their more artificial counterparts. Be that as it may – whether you need more hope, or more light in your life, the promise of eternal faithfulness, or just simply want to share the joy of making a wreath with your children – the advent wreath is a Christmas tradition worth preserving and enjoying.
What traditions do you enjoy each year? Have you and your family created your own traditions and do you know why you do some of the things you do at Christmas time?
Over the next couple of weeks CIDANews.com will be looking into why we have Christmas trees, where did the candy cane come from, the oldest stories of Santa Claus and even the story of “Night before Christmas”.
We would also like to share some of your holiday traditions. If you have a family Christmas tradition that you do every year – perhaps you cut the legs off the Christmas goose and cook them alongside the rest of the bird in the oven, or maybe you open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. What ever it is – share with us what makes Christmas special for you and we will try to post it during the next couple of weeks.
Write to us at articles@cidanews.com – entitle your article “Christmas Tradition at Our House” and tell us your story. Thank you!
Christmas Trees in Oklahoma City
Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Local, Seasonal
Living Tree & Cut Your-Own Oklahoma Tree Farms
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Are you the type of person who gets their Christmas Tree the day after Thanksgiving every year or do you wait until the last minute and hope that the price of live Christmas trees goes on sale the week before Christmas?
Preparing for the Christmas Season
If you are into artificial trees then this article won’t interest you in the least. Walmart, Target and many other department stores all have their Christmas section on display. Artificial Christmas trees, packages, ribbons, boxes and bags, Christmas ornaments of every shape and size are already on the shelves. Some of them also have a live tree section in their nursery. However, they all look like a Who-ville Christmas.
However, if you are looking for a live Christmas tree in the Oklahoma City area, then you are in for a treat.
Christmas Tree Farms
It is estimated that over 30 million live Christmas trees are bought each year, with an additional 8-9% buying artificial trees. Of course there are the many who already have artificial trees and are just piecing them together this year.
The following is a list of some of the Christmas tree farms around Oklahoma City.
Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree and Blackberry Farm
7121 Midwest Lane, Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 340-5488
Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Owned by John Knight, this Edmond tree farm gives you the opportunity to walk the farm, find a tree, and even cut it yourself. You can choose and harvest Virginia Pine, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Austrian Pine, Loblolly Pine, Leyland Cypress and Colorado Blue Spruce.
Also available are fresh pre-cut Noble, Fraser, Douglas and Grand Fir.
In addition to cutting a Christmas tree, they have a large assortment of live trees that you can take home and plant. With all the growing concerns about the environment this year, live tree sales may be on the rise. They have balled and burlapped, live White Pine, Scotch Pine, Austrian Pine, Loblolly Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Fat Albert Blue Spruce, Blue Atlas and Deodara Cedar.
Preparing Your Christmas Tree - Oklahoma Style
Coffee Creek Christmas Tree Farm
Charles and Kathy Bullock, Growers
13899 E. Coffee Creek Road (NE 220th)
Arcadia, OK. 73007
(405) 396-2282
Cell: (405 201-3555, (405) 923-0824
Call for directions or to arrange special cutting time.
Open Day After Thanksgiving to December 24th
Hours: Open Daily until Dark
Choose & Harvest: Beautiful Virginia Pine, Austrian Pines and Leyland Cypress.
Unusual and One-of-a-Kind Gift Shop
Free Cider, Hot Chocolate, Homemade cookies and Candy canes for all!
“Coffee Creek Christmas Tree Farm” will help your family create memories that will last a life time and become a special part of your holiday tradition!
WHITE’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Luke and Suzy Canon
11714 Maguire Rd, Noble, OK 73068
(405) 447-3839
Alt. phones (405) 596-3756 and (405) 364-6751 and (405) 596-3758
Virginia Pine, Wreaths & Greenery
East on Highway 9 in Norman to S.E. 120th, South 4 miles to McGuire Road, West on McGuire 1/4 mile to 117th, South side of road.
SANTA’S FOREST CHOOSE AND CUT CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Kelly & Tamara Chaney
(580) 765-9441
Open 10 a.m. day after Thanksgiving and close December 21st (or when sold out). Hours 5 to 7 p.m. Monday -Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.
Virginia Pine. Choose and Cut Farm. Complimentary cup of cider, hot cocoa or coffee. Decorated wreaths, fresh greenery, and holiday woodcrafts.
3-1/2 miles West of Ponca City on new Hwy. 60, 11 miles east of I-35, Hwy. 60 exit.
These are only a few of the live tree farms in Oklahoma that you can choose and cut your own tree. Some of them also offer living trees so that when you are finished with Christmas you can plant the tree and do something good for the environment.
Additional Resources and more information on a tree farm in your area look-up:
Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association
Pick your Own Christmas Tree – Oklahoma
Buying a Live Christmas Tree in Oklahoma City
Will “Black Friday Shopping Deals” Bring Death Again?
Posted on 26. Nov, 2009 by M.L. Zupan in Feature, Hot Topics, Seasonal
Long Island Wal-Mart on Black Friday in Nov. 2008 - Ends in Tragedy
Remembering Damour
“Jdimytai Damour, was crushed-to-death under a crazed mob of 2,000 frantic, selfish and greedy shoppers” – Black Friday Stampede – Who is to Blame? – CIDANews.com 2008
Last year, Black Friday did not represent the beginning of the Christmas shopping season with joy of holiday shopping and the anticipation of Christmas with loved ones and family. It ended tragically with the death of a young man who was trampled to death because of a mad rush of holiday shoppers who had to have that first big special of the day.
We at CIDANews.com would like to remind everyone to shop responsibly and show due caution in the face of holiday bargains. No life is worth 40, 50 or even 60% off.
Jdimytai Damour, a 34-year-old temporary maintenance worker, died in Black Friday stampede.
The family of Mr. Damour will forever have an empty seat at the Christmas table and an empty place in their hearts for the young man who is now missing from their lives.
He needs to be remembered, not as some faceless worker – but as a young man with family and loved ones just like you.
Keep Jdimytai Damour in mind when you go out this season and keep his family in your prayers. Try not to get caught up in the frenzy of the moment and exercise caring and caution – even if it means missing that last special deal. And above all – be safe this Christmas season.
Related Articles:
Black Friday Madness: Remembering Jdimytai Damour
Sister of worker Jdimytai Damour who died in Wal-Mart Black Friday stampede blasts ‘new rules’ — Daily News
Giving Thanks – The Forgotten Gift!
Posted on 26. Nov, 2009 by M.L. Zupan in Local, Seasonal
And yet, when it comes to giving we have forgotten one of the greatest gifts in the world does not come from a box or a store – it is the gift of “giving thanks”.
Thanksgiving
The act of giving “thanks” leading to the tradition of Thanksgiving has been a culmination of many things over the history of our nation.
In early years, those who traversed the great ocean and helped found the first colonies had a day of prayer & thanks for the safety of their travels and for the bountiful harvests that helped them survive. It was as a people – not a nation – that they gave thanks.
Thanksgiving as a Nation
Over the many years that followed, there were many thanksgiving celebrations. Colonists would join together – usually at the time of harvest – and celebrate the harvest by giving thanks to God, and to those around them who have worked hard over the course of the year, they gave special thanks for the safety of those who were in peril and arrived home safely. There were many reasons for giving thanks.
But the first “Thanksgiving Day” as a people and a Nation – the United States of America – a united people, came when Congress petitioned our first President – George Washington to declare a day of prayer and thanksgiving. It was not a law, it was not an official holiday, it was a Proclamation – a request.
So in 1798, on a Thursday, the 26th day of November – President George Washington called the Nation to celebrate a special day of Thanks.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
GO. WASHINGTON.
For many years, a day of proclamation was put forth by our leaders to set aside a singular “day of thanks” for our many blessings as a people and a nation.
Then in 1863, another President is remembered for making a proclamation and calling the nation as one people to give thanks. That President was Abraham Lincoln.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
Thanksgiving as a Commercial Venture
Traditionally, thanksgiving as a nation was on a yearly basis. Congress would call for a day of thanks and the President would proclaim – usually the last Thursday of November as a national day of giving thanks.
However, that tradition was broken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 when November had five Thursdays in that year and he declared the fourth Thursday to be the day of Thanksgiving.
It is widely believed that Franklin D. Roosevelt had different motives for changing the day of thanksgiving – those motives were spurred by commercialization and enterprise rather than a heartfelt day of thanks and celebration. So for the next three years, he declared the second to last Thursday in November as thanksgiving – giving business an addition week to get ready for and sell goods before Christmas. His goal was to use the extended time to boost sales in hopes of helping the economy.
In 1941, both houses of U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution to establish a fixed day every year for Thanksgiving and making it an official National holiday. President Roosevelt signed the bill into federal law on December 26, 1941 and made it official – making the fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving Day.
Sincere Thanks
Let us not forget that Thanksgiving Day is not about turkey, stuffing and getting stuffed, football, or even a day to get ready for black Friday. It is a day to give thanks for our nation, the freedoms we enjoy, the freedom to worship, the freedom to speak our minds, the freedom to travel.
It is especially a time to give thanks to God for his merciful blessings, His bounty and His protection. It is a time to give thanks for our wives, husband & children – their love, their support, their encouragement. Give thanks if you are employed and working this year because there are many who are not. Remember to give thanks for the men and women who are fighting so that we can continue to enjoy the blessings and freedom that we have as a people and a nation.
And while you are out driving – don’t forget to take a moment to thank the gas station attendants who are spending their time serving you when they would prefer to be home with their family and friends. On your next day to work, thank your boss for giving you the day off if you enjoyed the day off – because giving thanks is a gift you can give.
And lastly, when you are giving thanks – remember that a compliment or thanks is not perceived as sincere unless it is specific.
Treasure the gifts that you have and the ones that you have to give. Because it is the gifts from the heart that are treasured the most.
National Brother’s Day – March 13th
Posted on 13. Mar, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Local, Offbeat, U.S.
National Brother's Day
Since 2005, National Brother’s Day has been gaining recognition across the United States. Starting out in Las Vegas, Nevada by three young boys who wanted to have a special day for each other, it has spread like a prairie wildfire across Oklahoma and as far north as Wisconsin.
What is National Brother’s Day?
According to one source it is:
…is a day for brothers to spend extra time together and thank God for Brothers. It is a great time to do something extra and let your brother know you care. Go to a movie together, call your brother – something above and beyond – like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day except Brother-to-Brother or Sister-to-Brother.
National Brother’s Day was founded in 2005 by three young brothers, ages 2, 5 & 7, who wanted to do something special for each other. The first Brother’s Day was spent historically at “Build – a – Bear” in Las Vegas, NV.
Do you go to Build-a-Bear every year? No, they told us: “Last year we made a field trip to the “Valley of Fire” and before that we took a special trip to the “Bellagio” garden and to watch the water show”.
Well it sounds like they have some pretty exciting adventures.
So if you have a brother – give him a call, let him know you are thinking of him. Perhaps it is a good day to play that round of golf you have been putting off – do something unexpected, go beyond the normal and let your brother know you care.
Happy National Brother’s Day
AIG – How Much More Can $30 Billion Buy?
Posted on 03. Mar, 2009 by Simon Banks in Business, Finance
U.S. to Take Over AIG in $85 Billion Bailout; Central Banks Inject Cash as Credit Dries Up
Emergency Loan Effectively Gives Government Control of Insurer; Historic Move Would Cap 10 Days That Reshaped U.S. Finance
September 16, 2008 — Wall Street Journal: by Matthew Karnitshnig, Deborah Solomon, Liam Pleven and Jon E. Hilsenrath; U.S. to Take Over AIG in $85 Billion Bailout
“U.S. government will effectively get a 79.9% equity stake in the insurer… –WSJ.com”. For $85 billion dollars, the U.S. government controlled 79.9% of AIG. The loan was secured by AIG’s assets and “taxpayers could reap a big profit through the government’s equity stake”.
The article, like many other articles about AIG and the process of what the government was going to get from its infusion of capital, etc… talks in circles – and by the time anyone is finished reading it, is totally confused as to what really happened.
Correct me if I am wrong as I break down the following chronology:
- Sept. 16, 2008: U.S. government takes over 79.9% of AIG with an $85 billion dollar investment.
This investment is suppose to be secured by AIG’s assets - Immediately AIG begins selling some of its assets
Now – my question is: what do we have to secure the loans with? - Oct. 8th, 2008: Less than thirty days – AIG get an additional $37 billion — U.S. government did not receive additional percentage of the company
- Nov. 9, 2008: Just thirty day later this investment gets $152 billion dollars more and AIG management gets a $500,000 vacation, compliments of the United States Tax Payer. Still no more stake in equity and now there are less assets to attach loan to.
- March 2, 2009: AIG seeking an additional $30 billion – “for addressing AIG’s financial challenges…“
Private sector investors won’t touch this. If banks would have made those kinds of loans they would end up going under for bad credit lending. Oh, I’m sorry – that is what happened to the banks. AIG would have been better off going to the chopping block in the beginning and other companies would have bought them up in pieces.
Why don’t they want to do that? Because they think the U.S. government owes them a living and should pay more for their assets than they are worth.
The same thing is happening with the banks right now and bad stocks. Everyone seems to want to sell to the U.S. Government at a higher price than what they are currently worth. That is bad business. And then these failing companies say: “Well, we just won’t sell”. Great! If you feel you don’t have to sell – in reality, the U.S. Taxpayer does NOT have to buy.
If Warren Buffett bought companies the way the U.S. Government is buying into companies with bailout money – Warren Buffett would be penniless and probably living in the streets. But Warren Buffett knows when to buy and when to not buy – he knows when to sell and get out as well. He also knows that if he owns a controling share in a company and that company is not making money, there are immediate managerial changes. You don’t keep dead weight and you don’t keep “but that is the way we always did it” people.
How many more billions have to be thrown down the drain before someone admits that trying to save AIG was a mistake? Or is it once again the issue of government pride that says: “Well, we have invested this much into it – we might as well keep going – we can’t admit we were wrong”. Besides, that is less than George Bush spent every month on the U.S. war in Iraq. So what is another month of (dead) loans to AIG.
It is time for Americans to lift up their voices and take action. If any private citizen went to the U.S. Government with the types of business plans that AIG, The Big Three, and the failing banks have right now – we would be turned down flat. If you went to a bank for a business loan with as much debt as the banks have while asking for bailout money, you would be laughed out of the bank.
The U.S. Government has currently spent over $9 Trillion dollars in bailout money without much effect. That much additional buying power in the economy without helping it seems ludicrous to say the least. So what really is the problem? If the U.S. government gave each working person in the United States $50,000 – it would have saved the government almost $2 trillion dollars so far. That money wouldn’t have helped save some mortgages? That amount of money wouldn’t have helped save some businesses? That money wouldn’t have increased buying power in the economy and thus saved a lot of production, manufacturing, etc… How many automobiles could have been bought with $50,000?
What is the final solution? That question may still yet be decided. It certainly doesn’t seen to be sinking more money into worthless investments. Perhaps we need to consult with someone like Warren Buffett.
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USS AIG Struck By Iceberg
Posted on 01. Mar, 2009 by Simon Banks in Business, Finance
U.S. NEWS — Headlines: Sept. 16, 2008 the United States largest flagship insurance carrier, the “U.S.S. AIG” was struck by an iceberg in the north Atlantic at 12:14 a.m. Details are still unclear as to the extent of the damage; however, CIDA News is getting reports of a radio S.O.S. transmission that was sent out just after the iceberg was struck.
U.S.S. AIG after it struck an iceberg Sept. 16, 2008
Radio Operator: S.O.S. S.O.S. – U.S.S. AIG needs immediate assistance. Have struck iceberg and are going down by the nose. Repeat – we have struck iceberg and are sinking. All ships in the vicinity please respond.
U.S.S. Private Sector — Please repeat – it sounded like you said you need assistance and are going under! (Captain to engine room – slow these engines down – we can’t afford to get on scene first)
U.S.S. Venture Capital — Your signal is unclear – what did you say? Your radio signal is weak. (later reports would show that there was nothing wrong with the radio signal)
Radio Operator — repeat – have struck iceberg and we are sinking. Water has come up over second level airtight compartment and pumps are failing. Any assistance would help…
U.S.S. Private Sector — We are 200 miles out and will get there as soon as possible.
U.S.S. Government — We are en route to your location and will be there momentarily – what do you need?
U.S.S. AIG Radio Operator: Our short term pumps are failing and our assets have been stretched to the limit. If you have $85 Billion on board we believe that we can patch up the breach and get into dry dock for an overhaul.
Our news sources tell us that even though there were other ships in the area only one came to the rescue:
The final decision to help AIG came Tuesday as the federal government concluded it would be “catastrophic” to allow the insurer to fail, according to a person familiar with the matter. Over the weekend, federal officials had tried to get the private sector to pony up some funds. But when that effort failed, Fed Chairman Bernanke, New York Fed President Timothy Geithner and Treasury Secretary Paulson concluded that federal assistance was needed to avert an AIG bankruptcy, which they feared could have disastrous repercussions.
Slow to make repairs U.S.S. AIG still sinking
Less than two months after the U.S.S. Government answered several distress signals from insurance giant flagship U.S.S. AIG – AIG still has yet to make drydock and effect repairs from the iceberg damage.
The first on Oct. 8th, 2008 when the U.S.S. Government with the help of the U.S.S. Taxpayer brought additional $37 billion dollars worth of assistance to help the sinking U.S.S. AIG stay afloat long enough to get into shore since it was still too far out for tugs to be called in for assistance. Although 79% of the damage was slowed down – U.S.S. AIG was still taking on water and so, on Nov. 9, 2008 a third distress signal was sent out. Coincidentally, the U.S.S. Government was once again on the scene:
Just a few more buckets - I think we have it under control!
Third Distress Signal Radio Operator: S.O.S. – S.O.S. We are still taking on water. Fourth compartment has been breached. Need immediate assistance or we will flounder. “We cannot continue to hemorrhage cash in the two areas of securities lending and credit default swaps,” Chief Executive Edward Liddy said on a conference call. “We need to stop that, and we need to stop it now. — Reuters.com: AIG gets $150 billion government bailout”
U.S.S. Government — We will assist you with $150 billion dollars worth of life jackets but you must make repairs as soon as possible.
U.S.S. AIG — understood! We will stuff the $150 billion dollars worth of life jackets in the breach as see if we can float to the nearest port.
As the U.S.S. AIG slowly steamed along to make shore – the Captain and chief officers were flown ahead in the ship’s private helicopter to alert the repair dock in the port of Colorado. The Captain and chief officers were forced to wait for repairs in a run-down hotel with no amenities and food that was barely edible. Our last report – they were still there.
Meanwhile, U.S.S. AIG began listing badly in “The bailout that won’t quit”, and sent out another distress signal.
Radio Operator: …This may be my final message (or not). May not make port. Need additional $30 billion in funds to get us until next month. Generators are failing. Crew are on deck with their pension funds and retirement accounts secured around their necks just in case. Passengers are being calmed with stringed quartet on the promenade deck and lido deck.
Need more help… “NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Troubled insurer American International Group is looking for more help from the federal government as it struggles to sell off assets and keep its core businesses afloat.”
And then all was silent!
What will happen to the largest insurance flagship that ever sailed he high seas, we do not know. But we must ask one question – when do you let a ship sink and get all the passengers off?
###
Immigration – When Working Becomes a Crime!
Posted on 13. Jan, 2009 by Editor in Economics, Feature, U.S.
A Nation of Immigrants
Immigration in 1630 - No Work, Poor Working Conditions, Hope of a Better Life
In the early spring of 1630, a small band of one hundred and eighty immigrants set sail from Plymouth, England under the leadership of Rev. John Wareham of Exeter and Rev. John Meverick. They landed and founded what was known as Dorchester, Massachussetts – which is now a part of Boston; and also founded Windsor, Connecticut five years later in 1635.
The history of immigration to this land is well recorded. People came here to escape religious persecution, to find work, to live without the threat of government stealing their livelihood away. They wanted life - without persecution; liberty - opportunity to work and provide for ones family; and the pursuit of happiness – the freedom to worship and raise a family in peace.
Liberty Enlighting the World - Call Out to the Oppressed
As late as 1883 America was still a shining hope for those who were seeking a better life from the oppressions that they were under – and the United States recognized those oppressions and called out to the world – come to America, where you can live and be free!
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
– excerpt from Emma Lazarus poem – The New Colossus
It was the voice of “Liberty Enlighting the World” – later to be known as the “Statue of Liberty” that called out as a symbol of hope to those who were oppressed and down-trodden.
Unfortunately that is no longer the case. Now she stands there with her words of freedom and promise of hope – a place where all men are created equal and all are welcome who desire a better life then the one they have – now she is like the little gatekeeper puppet in the movie “Robots”, who sits at the gates that are suppose to always be open, and slams the door in the faces of those who try to enter.
When Working Becomes a Crime of Convenience
The United States has turned what has made this great nation into a crime.
Immigration is not about keeping these men and women out of this country because they are stealing American Jobs. It has become about keeping them oppressed in their own countries so that American corporations can exploit their labor force without having to comply with U.S. Labor Laws. U.S. Corporations want to keep trade relations with China, Mexico, etc… in order to pay them very little and work them extremely hard. The United States created NAFTA because we love their business but we don’t want their people.
Jerome R. Corsi writes in his new book, The Lake Great USA, his theory on how the United States, Mexico, and Canada will merge together as one North American Union:
In his new book, “The Late Great USA: The Coming Merger With Mexico and Canada,” Corsi weaves a sprawling theory in which multinational companies, the Bush administration, the Council on Foreign Relations, Democratic-leaning college professors and the governments of Mexico and Canada, among others, are all working — not necessarily together, but in harmony — to create a “North American Union.” This NAU, Corsi says, will be similar to the European Union, breaking down national boundaries, establishing a single North American currency and potentially even leading to a rewriting of the Bill of Rights.
What about U.S. Job being taken away from Immigrants?
What about them? How many Americans are fighting for orange picking jobs? How many Americans are willing to work hard at a landscaping job – landscaping doesn’t pay that much to the average American who has to keep up with the Jones.
What about the illegal workers who are putting a burden on the health, medical, state and local taxes industry? If they were legal – made U.S. Citizens, then they would pay taxes, pay for valid drivers licenses, pay medical care and become model citizens. They would also get paid legitimate wages and employers who do exploit non-legal immigrants would be forced to pay fair and equal wage.
In an article posted by The Onion – Illegal Immigrants Returning To Mexico For American Jobs; a young man returned to Mexico so that he could work for “Maytag” as a spot-welder for $22.00 per/DAY! Other companies that have set up manufacturing plants in Mexico include: Hoover, GM (is building a new plant in Mexico – perhaps with new bailout money), Whirlpool, U.S. Manufacturing Corporation, plastic manufacturers, tool & die companies, to name just a few.
Manufacturers can expect to pay a wage of approximately US$2.50 an hour for unskilled work, although wages can vary in different regions and cities. Compare that to some Asian countries, where business operators pay less than US$1 an hour in wages, Mexico represents smaller cost savings.
The New York Times reported in an article on Jan. 12, 2009; Push on Immigration is Said to Shift Focus – that immigration crimes have increased by over 70,000 last year. The crime of hope, of a better life, of a hard, honest days work, of wanting just a little more for your family – increased by over 70,000 people.
Perhaps the United States should look at the individual that wants to come to America a little differently when deciding whether or not to allow them to stay – and perhaps the United States should make it easier to become Citizens? These are questions that will undoubtedly be discussed during this next presidency.
Next: we will look at the definition of a “Crime” and see if these thousands of people should be labeled “criminals” – or just “desperate”. We will take a closer look at conditions in Mexico (as our closest neighbor) to give our readers a better understanding of what these people are going through.
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Windows 7 – Microsoft Announces New Operating System at CES Las Vegas
Posted on 10. Jan, 2009 by Editor in Business, Feature, Hot Topics
Microsoft Announces New Operating System at CES 2009
CES 2009 - Microsoft 7 Operating System Unvailed
Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer delivered the pre-event keynote address for 2009 International CES, laying out Microsoft’s vision for personal computing, connected entertainment and consumer electronics. He was joined by Entertainment & Devices Division President Robbie Bach. The keynote featured some of the most anticipated Microsoft consumer products and services, including Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8, Windows Live and Xbox LIVE.
– Microsoft at International Consumer Electronics 2009 Virtual Pressroom
– Visit Microsoft.com Press Room
What is going to happen to “PC & Mac”?
PC vs. Mac - Who will come out on top?
The computer world has come a long way since “Windows”, Microsoft’s original GUI (graphical user interface) to MS-DOS back in 1985, thus overtaking Mac OS in sales and market place. By 2004 it was estimated that Microsoft Windows had approximately 90% of the client operating system market.
Windows 98 (codename: Memphis) saw the birth of the early internet years and became the power-driver of Microsoft’s operating systems even though its early release had over 10,000 bugs – people still flocked to buy it. Stabilization came with “Windows 98 – service pack 2″ and driver updates, along with software programs finally caught up with the operating system.
Then came Windows ME – a rushed product to get something out before the new millennium – it could have stayed in the box.
A New millennium – a new operating system – Windows 2000. Or was it really? Not a lot going on there – a few changes, more stable when it came to business apps; however, not the easiest OS to install new drivers or upgrade networks.
Finally, the operating system update that everyone had been waiting for – “Windows XP” (codename: Whistler). With its many known bugs and instability issues, Microsoft released Windows XP into the market place. They needed a new operating system and technology was out pacing previous versions. The initial release was not the greatest debut in the world. There were many bugs – but it looked good, and that seemed to make a difference to the average user. It was pleasing to the eye, easy to navigate and once “service pack 1″ came out and finally “service pack II” adding new devises or updating software seemed effortless. It truly was a good operating system. (Pst… as a matter of fact I still use “Windows XP Pro”).
It seems that Microsoft’s best work skips a generation and “Vista”, (codename: Longhorn) is that generation that could be skipped. The only really good thing that came out of “Vista” is the “Apple”, Mac vs. PC ads – those are funny!
But like Windows ME and Windows 2000, the general consumer and business version of the operating systems that came between Win 98, and Win XP – I believe that Windows 7, may be the next stable, functional and improved Microsoft OS. If that is the case – what will happen to “PC vs. Mac”? Will Apple have to come up with a whole new set of ads? Will PC & Mac have to retire? Will Mac turn into the whining, sniveling, crashing, can’t get an update, losing market share rival that “PC” had been? Will “PC” retire to a Tahitian Island somewhere sipping margaritas in an Internet Café?
