Montauk Point

Last Sunday we went to Montauk Point, the eastern edge of Long Island. I did not think I would ever get out there, but we made it. We spent an hour walking on the beach sharing it with a few fishermen and surfers. Then we climbed the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse http://www.montauklighthouse.com, and then went up the final stairs and looked out. What a breeze we felt!

Middle Class

There is going to be a change in Manhattan. Many middle-class regulated apartments will soon lose their status. 1,000 apartments could be affected in 2008. The rent could sky rocket to $2000 a month attracting a more upscale market, so those that can no longer afford their rent will probably be forced to leave Manhattan  behind. Apparently the developer after making major improvements is allowed to raise the price of the rentals. Well, that is fine for those who can afford the new rents, but what about the people who have lived at Stuvesant Town and Peter Cooper for years. Don’t they have any right to expect on living in what is considered their homes? Does anyone care about the coming exodus.

What bothers me the most is that why can this developer MetLife make these changes now? Why wasn’t it ever done before?

“Complexes’ Seller Pushes Profits, As Critics Fear Higher Rents,” The New York Times, September 23, 2006, Page http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/23/nyregion/23stuyvesant.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Global Warming

It’s pretty amazing when one man, the founder of the Virgin Companies, Sir Richard Branson, is willing to spend $3 billion dollars, which will come from all the profits from his transportation companies to curb global warming.

I really have no idea how he will spend that money, but it is still an admirable act.

Anger – A Bit Late But…

I never understood why we have to appease the Muslims. They burn the pope in effigy, and there is almost no reaction from us. If we did the same to Muhammed, there would be a marked reaction from Muslims.

An early interpretation of what the pope stated is that the Muslims spread their religion by military conquest. Well, it’s true. It’s part of history.

How come the press does not support the pope? The outrage was instigated by Islamic country leaders. How come the press does not think they should resign?

Two-Tier Internet

There are many organizations and individuals who oppose the telecommunication companies plan for Internet profit. Including: Google, the American Library Association, Ebay, Microsoft, the Gun Owners of America, the Christian Coalition of America, actress Alyssa Milano, musician Moby and hundreds of other diverse organizations and individuals.

They are against a discriminatory Internet.

“Net Neutrality,” American Libraries, September 2006, Page 8.

Lost

I don’t know what’s happening to me lately, but I am losing things, and I cannot find them. First it was my personal phonebook. It’s comparable in size to a hard-covered book. I have looked everywhere, but I cannot find it. Then I misplaced two dvds. I  know where I put them, but they are not there. This morning I could not locate my electric shaver. I always put it away in the same place, and now I have lost a copy of Scientific American. I disagreed with an article, so I put it down, but I do not know where. And most importantly two of my mother’s have disappeared, and they were large, framed and in glass.

I think my only solution is not to move anything else in the house. I’ll just stay out of the house, and readd and eat outside.

Business As Usual

I am not looking forward to the commercialization of the Internet. Popular Science recently refered to the Internet as becoming a two-tier system where sites pay for having faster access, and the remainder of sites would have slow access, but how slow is slow. I have Road Runner. I am supposed to have faster access to sites. Will that happen for slower sites. I wonder if being slower will be comparable to dial-up, or really slow.

I wonder if I will have to sign up for a blog service similiar to HBO or Showtime to see my favorite blogs. I wonder if email will no longer be free, and will retailers have to finally pay a sales tax.

I think the Internet should continue to be free. It is a great equalizer where people from different backgrounds can communicate with each other. What will we have in its place?

Hiring In Advertising Agencies

Advertising Agencies working in New York City have agreed to hire more African Americans as managers. According to statistics the current number is quite low about 2.5 of the total population of advertising employees. This is a good move, but New York City (especially in Queens County) has many minorities, and assistance should be broader across the spectrum. It’s not just Black and White any more. The local government should consider all demographic grroups. In Queens there are about 100 non English languages spoken.

At the very least I would like to know how many Chinese, Indian and Hispanics work as managers. If their percentage is also quite low, should not they be hired too? New York City is too diverse to only recognize one group of citizens.

“City Ad Firms Agree To Hire More Black Managers,” The New York Times, Septemer 8, Page http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/08/business/media/08ads.html?hp&ex=1157774400&en=5780e36e0c24cad7&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Illegal Immigration

I do not see how either immigration plan that Congress has thought about is going to help the matter. A fence is stupid because they will either tunnel underneath or seek other entry, perhaps by boat or flying in. Making it a felony means jail sentencing, instead of sending them back home. I also doubt that poor people are going to be able to pay back taxes and fines. I think that forgiving their status won’t help either. I think that would encourage more illegal immigration.

We could give economic aid to Mexico, perhaps that would stem the tide, and possibly give people a reason to go back home.

That has worked with Ireland. Since Ireland’s economy improved many Irish who worked in this country have gone back home.

Quote

Stress is good for you. When you’re under it, you’re still able to hold onto your goals and drive toward them.It strengthens you, helps you focus, tests your mettle, and shows the world and more importantly you what you’re made of.

    Mark Goulston

Take The Hit,” Fast Company.com, Page http://www.fastcompany.com/resources/leadership/goulston/090106.html