Internet Communication

I was thinking of ways people use the internet to communicate. There are so many forms, personally choose Facebook and Gmail to keep in contact with the important people in my life.

Facebook is a great tool to let your friends and family know what is going on in your life. However, it can also become a cumbersome chore of constant updating to current events in your life. For instance, posting what you ate for breakfast in the morning, later in the day posting what you had for lunch, and following up with posting what you had for dinner. Another frustrating thing with Facebook, when you have to wade through pages of game updates from the various Facebook based games to find relevant information on your friends.

Gmail is a simple web-based email program. It is very efficient and easy to use. The major advantage is the ability to access your email account from any computer or phone that can connect to the internet. The major disadvantage comes with the spam mail that eventually finds its way into your account. I have had my Gmail account for over a year, in that time I have forwarded all my other email accounts for convenience.

The Aging Representation

Our representatives have out aged our population. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report of the 111th Congress, published on February 4, 2010, the average age of the House of Representatives is 57.2 years. The same report states the average age of the Senate is 63.1 years. The average age of the American populace, based on an estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, is 36.9 years. When you look at these two figures, there is nearly a thirty years difference. Comparing these figures, there is between one and two generation gap between law makers and the general populace. With the speed that technology, learning, and people advance, how can this disparity be a true representation of the America we live in?

It is really interesting that we as Americans rely on our elders to guide our country. When our government was set up, was it planned for the older generation to run the politics of our nation? What are your thoughts on this?

Farmers Markets

Here it is a Thursday night, and I had to visit the farmers market down at Victoria Square. The history of farmers markets are pretty simple. Farmers from the surrounding country side would bring their wares to town to use them for bartering for other goods. Something I do love about Reno, there is pretty much a farmers market on any given day, and there is nothing like the fresh fruits and vegatables you can pick up at the markets.

However, I couldn't help but notice the various people on "the prowl." I couldn't help to chuckle a bit watching the people walking around with beers in their hands. Would you see something similar happening in the produce department at your neighborhood grocery store? I just never thought of a farmers market as a place to find my future mate.

With modern conviences in transportation, the farmers today are able to get their fresh products much greater distances. Many of the vendors at our various markets come from California. The produce is picked fresh on Tuesday and Wednesday and arrive here in Reno for sell on Thursdays. You get vine ripened fruits and vegatables for a fair price. I would suggest to anyone, if you get a chance, go down to one of the many farmers markets here in town and take a look. You might just be happy with what you get.

Decline of Social Clubs

I was thinking about social clubs today, for instance Lion's Club and Shriners. I was wondering why there has been such a decline in the need for these clubs. Only thing I could decide on was the change in how our households in the U.S. are today compared to what they were 30-40 years ago.

Many of these clubs started in the early 1900's and saw their peak in membership in the 1950's and 60's. It is my opinion that these clubs came into existence during this time as a way of "escape" for the men of the house. Most of the early to mid 1900's our society was based on single income households. For the most part, that single income was brought in by the man of the house. He would go out and work a "9-5" job Monday-Friday (there were exceptions of course). This would lead to several hours to be with his family. He needed "escape" and he found it with his fellow, like-minded friends. This took the form of the various social clubs.

In today's society, we have moved to more and more two family incomes in the household. Over 40% of American households have two incomes. This leads to very business families running in various directions. There is less "family" time spent in the household, so there is less need for "escape."

Now, this was just my thought process and not based on facts, but I would love to hear other peoples opinions on this.

Celebrity Scandals

Why do we, as Americans, hold such interest in the lives of the "famous"? Take, for instance, Tiger Woods or Lindsay Lohan recent "scandals." What is it about their celebrity standing that makes us tear them down and drag them through the dirt?

Perhaps it is the fact that we are jealous of their celebrity status. We all wish we could be them, so when they make mistakes in their personal life, we see it as an opportunity to ridicule them. Is this right or is it wrong? Do they deserve our constant assault on their personal lives? If it they were invading our lives as we invade theirs, how would we feel?

In my opinion, it isn't our place to decide what is right or wrong. People from all walks of life make mistakes, it is how we learn. We cannot expect someone to be perfect just because they are a household name. If you or I went out and cheated on our spouse, it would not be made a big deal. But Tiger Woods does it and it gets splayed all across the media. You or I get a DUI, it isn't the top news story. You get a divorce from your significant other, and who besides your family knows? It is just wrong for us to have to be so involved in the lives of those who we recognize as celebrities. They are people too.

Same Sex Marriage

Gay marriage is the next sensitive issue I wish to comment on. It is the topic of discussion across the United States. Gay marriage pops up in almost every political debate. What is it hurting? Who is it hurting?

On the religious side of the argument, marriage is the union between man and woman. Cut and dry, plain and simple. Taking this into consideration, if there is supposed to be separation between church and state, why is it a political debate? It should have absolutely no bearing on elections in any way or should never come up on the House floor. Others will argue the impact of cost with health care concerns. How is it any different than a man/woman married couple?

To me, I see no reason that a man and man or a woman and woman can't be joined in a legal union recognized by the various states across the Union. It is not our place to tell others what they can and can't do with their lives. If two people are in love with each other and want to make a legal commitment to each other, be in same sex or opposite sex, they should be able to do so in the eyes of the courts and the States.

Health Care as Americans Want It?

Recently we had a "Universal" health care law passed. How many people have seen its effects? Is it really what Americas needed? There are plenty pros and cons, what do you think?

Why is the health care plan important?

1. It makes health care available for the over 45 million Americans that do not have some form of care.
2. Health care for businesses and individuals have become increasingly more expensive and unaffordable.
3. Reduce the ridiculous mountain of paperwork needed for claims on benefits.
4. A national database that health care professionals can access to speed up care and diagnosis.
5. Health care professionals can focus more on care and less on chasing insurance monies.
6. Encourage people to seek preventative medicine.
7. Does away with the old "pre-existing" problems.

What are some of the reasons people do not want the universal care?

1. Is it possible for the federal government to run it efficiently?
2. With the current state of economics, where will the money come from to fund the program?
3. Will government standards cause decrease in doctor flexibility when it comes to care?
4. What incentives will there be for furthering research?
5. What will the transition period be like?
6. Will additional taxes be leveled on what is considered "unhealthy"? (Smoking, Fast Food, etc.)
7. How will patient confidentiality be protected?

Both of these lists of pro's and con's can go on and on. I know there are many countries across the planet that has a socialized medicine system. Our northern neighbor Canada is one for example. I have talked to a few people have came to the States from Canada, and all of them prefer our health care system to that in Canada. I, personally, am very curious how our new health care law will play out.

Immigration

This is a very touchy subject for many people. You could call be a bit of a radical, but I am going to express my opinion on this subject. I feel if you are in the States illegally, you are taking jobs from legal citizen. I also know the freedoms we have in the U.S. should be available to everyone that wants to come here, but there are a set of rules that would allow people to come here legally. I also disagree with the opponents of the Arizona immigration law. I personally have no problems with profiling. Stereotypes, though wrong, have a basis of truth.

Currently, the unemployment rate in the United States is 9.5%. In the state of Nevada, the unemployment rate is at a record setting 14%. How many jobs do illegal immigrants hold that could be held by legal U.S. citizens and immigrants? What percent of the our unemployment rate include people that are not legally allowed to work in the U.S.? Can we even put realistic numbers to these questions?

I know there is a process of immigration a person has to go through to become a legal immigrant. It may be involved, but those who are not going through the process are no different than the criminal breaking into a house or trespassing on private property. IT IS A LAW! If you break the law, you have to expect to face the punishment. Arizona is attempting to enforce a law that is set out by the United States government. Is it 100% fair, no. But is it fair for people to break the law to begin with? After all, it is what has forced the hand of Arizona law makers.

Now, please don't misinterpret my opinion. I am have several friends from countries other than the U.S. who have immigrated here legally. I know people from Bulgaria, Poland, Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador who have come to the U.S. legally. I consider many of them friends, so I am not against people coming to the U.S., I just ask that they come here through legal avenues.

The Oily Gulf

What is there to say that everyone hasn't already said? Wow, will it ever be fixed? What will the lasting effects be? How are we as a nation going to recover? The questions go on and on and on. I only wish I had the answers.

I know the ecological impact is astounding. We are already hearing about the shrimp beds and how they are being destroyed. The tar balls pelting the coasts of various states in the US and various countries throughout the Gulf. British Petroleum will be spending years and years attempting to clean up the disaster. As we move into hurricane season, I can only imagine how much further the devastation will will spread.

The economical impact is phenomenal. We are already hearing reports from fisherman who are being run out of work. Gas prices have crept up a little, but how long till we get the big hit? Will British Petroleum help the work force out in the coastal states? I feel it is only right and their responsibilty to help those who are finding themselves out of work.

I know just last week, President Obama opened up 1.8 million acres of Alaskan wilderness for oil leases to help offset the oil loss in the Gulf. What will be next for America? We need to put our foot down against "Big Oil Companies."