Dear Mayor

Dear Mayor,

We don't live in a militarized zone but perhaps we should start treating high school students that way? Instead of using chemicals and pepper sprays, perhaps a Taser is a more humane and safer means of reasserting control over teenagers. At least it wouldn't have resulted in any kind of evacuation or trips to the hospital for innocent bystanders.

Dear Mayor

(This entry marks the first of what will hopefully be a long-lasting string of current events and/or political questions for the City of Baltimore's local leadership.)

Dear Mayor,

You've touted Baltimore's first positive growth in years recently, which I agree should be celebrated. A strong population base can help ease the tax burden of every individual by helping contribute to a healthy local economy.

To build upon this momentum, I would ask you to consider the following... Baltimore has an abundance of undeveloped houses which are owned by the city. They are in need of updating, repair and pose a nuisance to those who must live next to them as they attract crime, the homeless and worse. We have an abundance of homes needing dwellers. We should show some leadership by incenting people who are interested to buy these homes and offer them aggressive tax credits, grants and other tools to allow people to become a part of this city, to join the community and to join in the American dream.

Just north of us in New York City, there are hundreds of thousands of people who need homes. Why not invite them to Baltimore? They can bring their strong work ethic to Charm City where they can enjoy a much lower cost of living, find meaningful employment and instead of continuing their dependence upon Section 8 vouchers, we can give them (and those living in our city using Section 8 vouchers) an opportunity to own a house of their own.

It's just a thought but an ownership-oriented society may increase personal accountability, reduce crime and improve the quality of life for everyone.

The Power of Friendship

I heard from a friend recently and it was nice just to catch up. Often, I forget just how powerful the bonds can be that form between people. Often, I'm too busy focusing on the task at hand that I forget about the rest of the world around me.

I'm continually amazed at how everything in my life comes into play just when I need it to. Just when I needed a gentle reminder of what was really important in life, I get it.

Bee Aware!

PBS had a recent episode of Nature which covered colony collapse disorder which was a fascinating study of bees, their impact on agriculture and what's in store for us...

New Toy Alert!!

I am going to buy one of these now that pricing and availability has been announced.

The Rush For Judgement

In the current rush of right-wing talk radio and Fox News to cast doubt on former Vice-President Al Gore sharing the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on increasing awareness of global warming... Perhaps these same talking heads should listen to the science; the root cause is in question, of that there is no debate.

Humans may (or may not) be the cause or a contributor to global warming. However, that does not mitigate the fact that a significant shift in the Earth's ecology represents a clearer and more present danger to our way of life. We have a responsibility to manage the environment as the precious natural resource it is to ensure that when we are gone that there is a world worth leaving for those who come after us...

Are you Right-Brained or Left-Brained?

Which way do you see the dancer spinning? Is it clockwise (right) or counter-clockwise (left)? Can you make the dancer switch directions?

Courtesy of the Freakonomics Blog.

PBS' Frontline: Cheney's Law

Watch this video. Consider the implications. Pay attention to what's going on.

Things That Are Downright Impossible To Say When Drunk

1. Thanks, but I don't want to have sex.
2. Nope, no more beer for me.
3. Sorry, but you're not really my type.
4. Good evening, officer. Isn't it lovely out tonight?
5. Oh, I couldn't. No one wants to hear me sing.

Living Within Your Means

Snl_dontbuystuff
Uploaded by shosterman

Sure sure... The American consumer is the only thing that keeps the economy going but come on... Doesn't anybody think about the deficit and the national debt? Where are we now... About $30K for every man, woman and child in this country?