Take Your Dog to Work Day

As the title says, according to daily holidays, it is take your dog to work day. If you are working and have a dog, did you take him along? Think of how much fun that would be.

The temperature rose to 102 degrees in downtown Denver for the first time since 2008. Last year, because of the crazy weather we had there were no over 100 degree days. Thinking back, I was thankful for that.

Notes from the Home Front

I can actually say that I don't know which emotion hit me more today. I could be sad, upset, angered, or having that "I just don't care" moment. Does anyone know the fate of unemployment benefits? Is anyone else feeling as I am?

The cucumber plants are beginning to sprout more yellow/orange flowers!

At the Denver Art Museum, there is a huge exhibit of King Tut's treasures. CBS 4 Denver is holding a contest to win tickets to the show, and then will have a drawing for a 50 inch HDTV. Guess who won 2 tickets? ME! I'm really excited about this and will take a very dear friend with me.

Unemployment News

Does this article come as any surprise? My answer - NO! What's your answer? *Now* Snowe thinks jobless benefits are critical - one day after Senator Snowe voted nay on the "extenders bill", there is a change of heart. Even if Senator Snowe had voted yes, the bill still wouldn't have passed. Read the full article.....

H. R. 4213 is Dead

When Senators kill a bill, they look for other ways to revive it - this is like dying then someone gives you CPR and brings you back to life. H.R. 4213 is dead; it's time for a new strategy or that second stimulus talked up recently - in the meantime, millions of unemployed people will lose their homes, be evicted from apartments, run to the food bank, and be left to wonder, how much worse can this get? Read the article, make up your own mind.

National News

Oil Spill

I just couldn't bring myself to watch anything on the oil spill today. Business owners taking their lives in the Gulf, no full reimbursements on claims, Florida shores with oil, animals dying from the oil, and what are the dispersants doing to the Gulf waters below what we can see.

Recalls

Kellogg's the cereal company has a voluntary recall of 4 cereals. The reason for the recall is that a strange odor is coming from inside the box - suspected that it is in the bag with the cereal in. Read the full article.

Tech News

iPhone 4

Are you one of those people who have to run out, then stand in line for the latest and greatest in technology? Did you purchase the new iPhone 4? Do you have a strong grip when holding your phone? This is the reported problem on why you would drop calls, get odd colors and other such things on your new phone. The remedy - buy an iPhone case. Read more about it.

Local News

Colorado Gets Funding

On the job training will be funded by Colorado for the long-time unemployed is the news of the day. After reading the article, I wrote to my State Senator and asked for clarification, where to find out which businesses will offer on the job training, and where to get signed up. As of this writing, I have not heard anything. In the meantime, here's the article link.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS!

News Everywhere

What a gorgeous day! Sunny, warm, small clouds floating across the sky. It was also quiet here. Although it was a great day to sit out, tan and cool off in the pool, here I sat.

This week while discussing the Oil Spew via Twitter, I asked this question, "do you think that there is a relationship between oil drilling and earthquakes?". The person didn't know but another follower sent me the following information on the Kettleman North Dome Oil Field. Read the article from Wikipedia. It doesn't take much to put two and two together and get four.

Notes from the Home Front

I had won an online contest on Twitter from Grand Central Publishing, formerly known as Time Warner Books - name changed in 2006. The book I won is "Innocent" by Scott Turow. Personally, I had never heard of him before but will definitely give this a read. It is the sequel book to "Presumed Innocent" - guess I'll have to purchase and read that first. Thank you to @gcpeditor for the contest and getting the book out!

The review copy of the "The Lion" by Nelson DeMille hasn't been received yet. One of my tweets was seen mentioning reading Nelson's "The Gate House", and that is how I started following @grandcentralpub and @gcpeditor. Perhaps you should follow them too!

Something you may not know about me - I love freebies! Don't you? I was very surprised at the mailbox yesterday, in addition to the book, I received a nice recycled bag from Green Giant Foods. It was a big surprise as I forgot I even signed up for it.

As a shameless plug, you might want to check out Fees and Deals blog and podcast, see the link on the right hand side of this page. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, tune in via iTunes to listen to our FREE podcast. All comments are welcome and encouraged. We provide great information on all kinds of ridiculous fees that you want to know about and deals for those who love to save money.

National News

Arizona

Drug Cartels

During all that television watching, there is a National Park in Arizona that has been closed for four years due to drug and human trafficking.

The article - It Begins... Obama Gives Major Swath of Arizona Back to Mexico. Here is an excerpt from the article "Unbelievable! The federal government is now telling American citizens to stay out of three southern Arizona counties because of invading violent illegals. The Mexican cartels have essentially taken over US territory with violence and intimidation to ply illegal
activities and the Obamanation Administration tells Americans to not venture into the area for fear of offending the criminals." It's no wonder why Governor Jan Brewer is making her mark on history for her state.

Arizona Rancher Killed

It's my opinion that some, er, most, people are very trusting. Time to stop that people! Be suspicious! Watch your back!

Slain Arizona rancher told family illegal alien needed help - An Arizona rancher who was killed in March transmitted a radio message to family shortly before he was shot to death, according to a newly released report from the Cochise County Sheriff's Department. Read the full article by CNN's Anderson Cooper on his AC360 blog.

New York

I actually can't believe that this hasn't been addressed sooner but N.Y. Moves Closer to No-Fault Divorce. Read all about it!

Here in Colorado, if you want a divorce, and both parties agree, print out the paperwork from the Colorado site, pay $90 (that's what it was in 2003), and your divorce is granted within 90 days.

GLBT

By now most everyone knows about Proposition 8, that law that repealed the law that allowed Gays, and Lesbians marry - also known as "Same Sex Marriages". A "Proposition 8 Judge troubled by lack of evidence from defense" - will this finally give Californians back the legal rights to "Same Sex Marriage". Read all about it!

US Senate Proceedings

So many amendments on HR 4213, also known as the "extenders bill". I was able to catch Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) speak on how our government can save money.

Before I tell you his ideas, I would like to note here that I am not affiliated with any party nor do I privately endorse one party over another. From my prior posts, you should have figured out that I'm for the "person" and not the "party".

If you watched Senator Tom Coburn, no matter what party affiliation you have, you would have admired the job he's doing for his Great State of Oklahoma and on his ideas on how to shave down the federal deficit. He showed a poster with a list of places that need cuts. He explained that there are many many duplicate Federal Programs and while these are duplicates, no one knows exactly how many programs are funded. Duplicate programs with duplicate funding = deficit for the duplicate program. Senator Coburn went on to explain that the average worker in the United States makes approximately $42,000/year, while Federal Workers on average are making $78,000/year not including the differences in healthcare insurance. *Note* - these numbers are from my recollection of his speech. Did you know that there is a law that Senate has passed over and over again regarding empty federal buildings? Yes, there is. By all rights, shouldn't these empty buildings be sold? Yes, that's what I thought too, they should be. No, they just sit - another loss of revenue. Did you ask what happens to Air Force, Army, and Naval bases when one is closed? Yes, I think I hear someone - they are supposed to be to help house the homeless - surprised, huh? Is this done? NO! If memory serves me correctly, there is some law prohibiting that too. There is more the Senator Coburn pointed out, one item that was most interesting was that there is a high percentage of those federal workers making $78,000 and more that don't pay taxes - it's not that they are exempt, they are delinquent! It amounts to approximately $3 BILLION.

Surf on over to Senator Tom Coburn's website, give him an atta-boy! I did!

Local News

Is Colorado going broke? That should be a question to start conversation with anyone! It is my belief that because people who are still unemployed and have run out of unemployment insurance benefits, they have turned to the Social Services Department. The article - Colorado delays Medicaid payments - may just have proved me right. Read why this has happened.

(Un)Employment News

Does your resume need a new look? From the Infoployment blog comes this article - Ditch the Objective on Your Resume - This is 2010 and every hiring manager knows that you are looking for ‘A challenging and rewarding position with a growing company that utilizes your expertise and offers career advancement.’ Finish reading here.

Useful Information

Have you ever gotten dressed for a meeting or a date and had your dress or slacks become victims of "static cling"? Have you used WD-40 to loosen a tight bolt? Did you think that baking soda was only good for baking and killing odors in your refrigerator? Need to fasten something or make new clothes using your own fashion sense, duct tape is your answer!

Here are some links for more uses.

40 fantastic uses for baking soda

List of 2000+ uses for wd-40 - this is a pdf file and needs Adobe Reader to view

The many uses for Duct Tape .. some of these are humorous

Creative Uses for Dryer Sheets

My Senator Mark Udall Tweet of the Day

@MarkUdall #askudall #unemployment WHY didn't extenders bill not pass? How did YOU
vote? You're committing murder 4 unemployed if you said NO.

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER WHICH POLITICIAN DID YOU RIGHT AND WRONG!

I hear thunder

Today temps got up in the high 80s, the blue skies were dotted with fluffy clouds that reminded me of cotton balls. There are severe thunderstorm warnings and watching up in the northeast corner of Colorado, near to Nebraska. As of this writing, the humidity has risen to an unbearable percentage.

Notes from the Home Front

The wildflower seeds that I planted may never come up. The pot that they are planted in was on the patio set table when out of nowhere a gust of wind blew the pot onto one of the chairs. What a mess! After cleaning the mess up, I refreshed the dirt and poured more wildflower seeds into the pot.

The cucumber and green pepper plants are doing well, and growing quickly.

I finished James Patterson's "Cross" and started on "Double Cross". Has anyone else read "Double Cross"? The reason for my question is that for some reason this book doesn't start out as his other "Alex Cross" series books. Just wondering if it's me or if someone else noticed that.

Last night through the rain and lightning, my downstairs neighbors thought it would be nice to have a hootin' and hollerin' time - why didn't they think of inviting the neighbors? Their company carried on this way until well after 11:30pm. Quiet time in our leases says 10pm. It is my belief that they will get a notice from the rental office.

The night before, Friday night (after I had posted my blog), there were two young guys shooting off fireworks near the cars and buildings. The police showed up shortly after that. Fireworks are illegal in the city where I live. Also, because Colorado is so dry, the least little spark can cause major damages to landscaping, buildings and cars.

National News

Oil Spill - Gulf of Mexico

On facebook in comments to a post, one person talked about an incredible professional photographer whose work could be found on his home page. Let me tell you - Jerry Moran is quite the photographer. Look at his first hand pictures of the Gulf of Mexico, these are horrifying. Here's the link.

JFK Airport - New York

This article - Two men with militant ties arrested at JFK airport for attempt to join militant group - caught my eye not only because I'm originally from New York but anything to do with militant groups scares me.

Local News

It's that time again for election commercials. Do these people ever stop slinging mud at each other? What does it matter who raises the most money for campaigning? This just raises a red flag as to where the "campaign money" really comes from. Is it "corporations via lobbyists"? Did real people donate? Who cares about the amount? Let's care about where these funds came from!

Tech News

Twitter

Can You Restore a Deleted Twitter Account? Find the answer here.

My Verizon Update

Within the next few weeks, I will be at liberty to divulge the whole issue and hopefully the major resolution to this. For now, it's ongoing and has gone to a "higher power"! Nope, I'm not religious and if I were, my "guy upstairs" doesn't handle affairs with wireless providers.

I can say, this month, I have, again, gone over my 5 gig limit with my usb air card. This is because Verizon's VZ Access Manager Software wasn't shut down when there was every indication that it had been. Rosa, the technical representative, informed me of that and that she would also make sure that IF I did go over 5 gig, she'd adjust my usage. Let's see if that happens.

Stay cool! Summer is upon us!

As Always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

DON'T GIVE INTO POLITICIANS BULL!

Denver Investigations - horrendous!

Thank you to all my readers for understanding about me suspending my blog of last night.

Notes from the Home Front

Today, we were under High Wind Warnings. Trees were pulled right out of the place where they once stood, roots and all.

Because of the high winds, my trip to Home Depot will have to wait until tomorrow. While I was out to a doctors appointment, my vehicle was all over the road because of the wind.

The cucumbers and green pepper plants are really growing now. More pictures to come!

LOST - series finale

Here's an article on The story behind LOST finale (spoiler). What do you think of the ending? Was it a shock? Did you figure it all out before hand? Read what one writer wrote.

Local News

Denver, Colorado

Pinnacol Assurance

Last year, our no nonsense State Senator Morgan Carroll headed up an audit on Pinnacol Assurance. Because of the way Pinnacol has been listed by the state of Colorado, they are afforded "special treatment" (imho). In addition to Senator Carroll's audit, Channel 7 - ABC - www.thedenverchannel.com did a news investigation on Pinnacol. This year, Ken Ross of Pinnacol took several board members to Pebble Beach for golf, wine tours and who knows what else. Apparently, by viewing the investigation (again by Channel 7), all these perks were paid for by Pinnacol Assurance. Read the article titled: 3 Pinnacol Board Members Go On Luxury Company Trip, CALL7 Undercover Investigation Questions Independence Of Governor-Appointed Board here. With so many people out of work, it's like a slap in the face.

Politics - Jane Norton - Senate candidate

For the locals who read my blog, WHY would anyone vote for Jane Norton? It is my opinion that she couldn't get out of her own way, if necessary. Her views are outlandish, and it's my belief that she will NEVER be able to stand up and defend her "campaign promises".

Read the article: Republicans who heckled Jane Norton at CD 5 assembly slammed as “losers”

Free Family Friendly Activities in Denver

Looking for some free family activities this summer? Look no further - click here to find some places and things to do for your family.

Colorado Wins Grant

This grant is for $17.4 million to be used for federal data tracking. What is federal data tracking, find out by reading the article. What is your feeling on this?

National News

Arizona

Tom Tancredo (of Colorado) LOVES Arizona

With all the hub-bub about Arizona's law SB1070 and how many states and cities are boycotting by not traveling to Arizona - Tom Tancredo loves Arizona and you should too! Read all about it.

New Mexico

Although this article is from 2008, I think it really brings home and re-enforces the ideas on illegal immigrants and human trafficking. This article, New Mexico Attorney General Believes Trafficking Should Be Addressed at State Level, explains it all. Perhaps this was the real start behind Arizona's law SB1070. This is where you'll find the good read.

Employment Tips

Twitter Profiles to Follow

Did you realize that it is helpful to follow certain people/companies on Twitter? For employment, it's important to follow these Top 15 Twitter Profiles for Job Search. Find that list by clicking here.

10 Phases to Delete from your Resume

Another helpful article is 10 phrases you should ban from your resume. Read the article.

TweetyJobs.com

TweetyJobs is another job search site. Good article on their site Good News Bad News.

Unemployment News

There is no good news on unemployment. With only 3 more days for Congress to get something good in place for all of us without jobs and depending on unemployment - something needs to be done. Look here for what they REALLY do all day. Do you see anything to do with HR 4381?

My Verizon Update

On Saturday evening, with the help of one of Verizon's tech support people, we learned there was a bug in the broadband software.

Today, I called the Corporate Office in Manhattan AGAIN! I talked to another person there, going through the whole story again. He promises me that someone will call me back tomorrow. We'll see. I'm thinking that each and every one who has told me that just wants to get me off the phone. I already have all the information by emails and my logs to start some REAL problems for them.

I'm a powerful consumer and will not take much more of Verizon's nonsense.

Until tomorrow

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Another Manic Monday

Well folks, the temperature got up to 75 today but again there is snow in the forecast for the higher elevations. Tonight, down on the "front range" we have heat lightning crossing the skies. It's really rather eerie.

Notes from the Home Front

So far, the replanted cucumbers are doing well. There are 5 new sprouts in the green pepper pot. I sat outside on the balcony today and started reading Nelson DeMille's "The Gate House".

Unemployment News

There is a website for signing a petition that will go to President Obama and Congress on the expiration of unemployment benefits. Please SIGN the petition here, write your own comments and personal note, read the comments of others.

I have signed it and as well, wrote comments and a personal note to both the President and Congress. The following were my comments and personal note:

where are these jobs supposedly created? In Colorado all I see is construction - I'm 53 y/o and unable to use a jackhammer! Where are the jobs? You know, I'll tell you - they are mostly GOVERNMENT jobs in and around Washington DC. Are you willing to write KSA's and give me a job? how about relocating me?

I've been unemployed for OVER a year. Where are MY 99 weeks? Why hasn't anyone corrected the percentage rate of unemployment to include people who have LOST unemployment benefits and are STILL unemployed? Why? I'll tell you ... because you don't want to give anything more except for spending where you don't need to! That's why! Well this will show up as higher welfare payouts, etc. WE WANT JOBS!

And to add insult to injury, if you call the unemployment line, you either get a recording telling you to call back at some other time, OR you get to be on hold for up to over an hour. As if you weren't stressed enough for being out of work.

For more information on unemployment, check out the blogsite of US Unemployed. Link here.

National News

New York Governor considering 10,000 layoffs. Read about this and how he wanted to furlough state workers here.

Colorado has been doing "furlough days" for about a year, perhaps more.

I attribute this "habit" to mismanagement of tax money and funds from the American Reinvestment Act among other funding.

Here in Colorado, Governor Ritter's administration, I believe it was his chief of staff, signed off on jobs last year that weren't "immediate need jobs". There was a check off box to show the immediate need for some jobs, most he didn't even check off. More on the travesties of Colorado, there have been government workers who were on administrative leave with full pay, while these workers wanted to return to their jobs, they were unable. WHY? Because the state hired "duplicate" workers to fill in at the same rate of pay. Resource - The Denver Channel investigations.

In other National News, there was another bank show down in Washington DC, on K Street. Live video was shown on the moveon.org website. To find information on that, click here.

Twitter News

I have "met" some of the most interesting people on Twitter this week and gained nearly double my followers. Mostly there is one thing in common - #unemployment, #recession, #jobs. I'd love to have everyone add some hashtags that you use when twittering. They could be anything - please list the hashtag and what you use it for in the comments section below.

Between applying for jobs, worrying about where my next money will come from, when I'll find a proper job, it's been an exhausting day.

So again, I'll bring this days blog post to an end.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Nice day to do some transplanting!

Not too much to say this evening. It was 68 degrees today, sun shining, blue skies dotted with a few clouds. Each evening the sun shines a bit longer, being a "sunshine gal" this is pure happiness.

Notes from the Home Front

Replanting two wax begonias, and those tender cucumber plants took every bit of energy out of me. While replanting the cucumber plants to thin them out to other pots, wouldn't you know it - I ran out of potting soil and had to get more. At the Dollar Tree, 8 pound bags of potting soil is only $1.00, I purchased four of those and 5 more pots. All the long ones (picture posted previously) were sold out. Pictures will be included in this blog post. In the picture below, yes, those are gladiolas up against the balcony door. On the plant stand are two ivy plants and a spider plant.
Guess what is sprouting! Did someone say "green peppers"? Yes, absolutely correct, just two of them now. As the cucumbers and green peppers grow, pictures will be taken and posted to show progress.

Colorado News

Today, Mega Millions lottery tickets went on sale for the first time today in Colorado. Now we have the state lottery, Powerball and Mega Millions.

Channel 7 had an investigation segment on the high cost of ambulances. A man requested a quote for the ambulance to pick him up and bring him to the hospital, he was quoted $600. The actual bill was for $1398.00 (no typo).

Introducing New Website

What if you could give a family a home, children an education and their parents a job by donating $1.00? Will you please help to give a struggling family a future? www.operationmove2nc.com
Please check out the website, you'll be really glad you did!

Unemployment News

It seems that our Senators and Representatives care more about National RV (recreational vehicle) Month than they do about the millions who are suffering because unemployment benefits are being lost left and right. National RV Month will not provide shelter, food, clothing and other necessities once benefits are lost. Furthermore, we can't afford to go RV'g. Does anyone care?

World News

In Tokyo, a robot named I-Fairy performed a wedding ceremony. The groom was responsible for the robot.

That wraps up another day ..... until tomorrow.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Here comes the weekend!

No snow last night! YAY! The weather is comfortable today and the sun is out. Good day to relax on the balcony with a cup of kawfee (spelled in NY accent) and a good book. Do you read? What are your favorite authors? Mine are James Patterson, Nelson DeMille and Jeffery Deaver.

Notes from the Home Front

I had moved in February to a better neighborhood and to save myself some money. I love the people in the rental office here. They are very intelligent and try very hard to keep the area - annoyance free! Today, a new neighbor had their stereo on blare with the base up really loud. It's horrible when others are not considerate of those living around them. It only took ONE email to resolve the problem. I LOVE IT HERE!

After trying unsuccessfully to reach Ohio State University, this morning I called the Colorado State University regarding the transplant of the little cucumber plants. Who knew that there is an extension office in my county? I spoke to a lady named Lisa who was so VERY helpful. Not only did she address the transplanting of the cucumber plants but also answered questions about my houseplants. In addition, Lisa directed me to some helpful websites for every thing planted. I may have to purchase more long planting pots - Dollar Tree here I come - again! Looks like some of my friends will be getting cucumber plants.

Unemployment News

Today, there was an article in the Janesville, Wisconsin Gazette. It is a call for comments and phone calls to a reporter if you are/have been unemployed for over a year. Find the article by clicking on the link. Make the call, I did, or write to amarielux@gazetteextra.com. I'm sure Anne Marie would very much appreciate if you read the article first before calling or writing.

Thank you to one of my fellow Tweeters for this link - who says unemployment is costing the government too much? Click here for proving them wrong!

The Move Over Law

Did you know that there is one? I didn't. I received an email from a friend describing the law. A link will be provided so that you can check on the law in your state. From reading the article, when there is a police car on the side of the road with another car stopped, you must change lanes away from them OR slow down to 20 mph. Every state except Hawaii, Maryland and Washington DC has this law. In California, the "Move-Over" law became operative on January 1, 2010. Read the article by clicking here.

Sex Offenders in Colorado and other places

It's my personal opinion that HB1364 of Colorado and the revisions of it are unethical for many reasons. The Denver Channel (channel 7 - ABC in Denver), and CBS 4 Denver (channel 4 - CBS in Denver) both had stories and/or videos on this bill. I'm including links to those as well as the bill itself. The wording that was being removed was "no known cure". After speaking with a friend about this law, we discussed a segment on "sex offenders" which aired on the show, Inside Edition. In the Inside Edition show, we learned about McNeil Island which is located just about one hour outside of Seattle, Washington. It is also known as Sex Offender Island, like a modern day Alcatraz. I couldn't find anything on the CBS 4 Denver website on the story but it was on the news this evening.

Does a leopard change his/her spots? Is there a cure for sex offenses? Many are constantly repeating their offenses, do you like that one could be your neighbor, or a person living 2 blocks from you - how about the ones who are on the registry but don't abide by the rules? Does your state go out and find these people? Probably not.

To the Senators and Representatives of Colorado - WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? The bill has gone to the Governor's Desk as of last night. My hope is that he doesn't sign it and gives out a huge VETO.

Here are the links:
Bill HB1364 - see how your Senator or Representative voted and read the bill
Denver Channel 7 - for some reason I can't put a link in but if you go to www.thedenverchannel.com and enter these words "Law Allows Sex Offenders To Pick Their Own Punishment" you'll find the video
Inside Edition article
article published on MSNBC via the Colorado Springs Gazette

While looking at the bill HB1364, and on the "votes" section, see how your Senator or Representative voted. If you disagree with their votes, write or call them. If you need email addresses or phone numbers, please leave a comment and your email address. I'll get them to you.

To the Senators and Representatives of Colorado:

I am truly ashamed of those who voted yes on the bill - some of you I really trusted - perhaps that's going to change!

And to a close the post has come - WEATHER UPDATE: snowing on the western slope and in the higher elevations

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Another Hump Day!

There was snow falling last night fast and furious. Total accumulation was approximately 1-2 inches but as of this writing it has all melted.

Notes from the Home Front

I did call the number obtained from Ohio University of the Master Gardner but they are only in the office on Mondays and Fridays between the hours of 9am-noon and again on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 4pm to 7pm. I'll have to find another way to get information on the cucumber transplant.

There has been no additional news on application statuses for jobs.

Wednesday is phone call day

I have made the appropriate phone calls to Colorado's US Senators and Representatives. Today, it came to my attention that some staff members are uninformed or just don't know what their politician stands for. Is this becoming a problem? My opinion is YES! Other staff members are very informed and pass along good information. Thank goodness for them.

Here are the results of my calls: Please note that the comments written under each politicians name are short comments written so that I understood what I was told. Also, I told each staff member that their comments would be written on my blog (yes, I read the comments back to them for clarity).


5/12/10
11:57am
Michael Bennet - call (202) 224-5852 DC office
- unknown stand on Tier 5 extension
- will pass on my comments
- mentioned US of A first before Greece bailout

12:12pm
Mark Udall - 202-224-5941 DC office
- does not know his stand on Tier 5 extension
- will pass comment on
- mentioned US of A first before Greece bailout


12:13pm
- Diana DeGette - District 1 (202) 225-4431
- have not received email from last weeks phone call
- will pass along comments to Diana
- mentioned US of A first before Greece bailout
- doesn't know stand on Tier 5 and extensions

12:14pm
- Jarod Polis - District 2 (202) 225-2161
- re: Tier 5 bill is on floor - taking time to read bill before voting on it
- will pass on my comments

12:19pm
- John Salazar - District 3 (202) 225-4761
- will send my comments to John
- mentioned US of A before Greece bailout

12:22pm
- Betsy Markey - District 4 (202) 225-4676
(personal comment - this staff member was knowledgeable and interesting)
- not sure of how she is voting on extensions on unemployment - checking with someone else - Tier 5 is not on the floor at this time. She is supporting further unemployment because people are hurting now
- still creating jobs creation
- IMS - International Monetary System is funded by other countries as well as the USA and that is where a bailout for Greece will come from

12:33pm
- Doug Lamborn - District 5 (202) 225-4422
- doesn't know what his stand on Tier 5 is
- voted negatively on other unemployment extension issues
- full support of taxes cuts and relief for small businesses and individuals - has co-sponsored bills on this
- never voted on tax increase

12:39pm
- Mike Coffman - District 6 (202) 225-7882
- has concerns over it - Tier 5 - will look it back over
- job creation - is for it

12:45pm
- Ed Perlmutter - District 7 (202) 225-2645
(personal note - this staff member was partially rude)
- job creation - doesn't know - refer to website
- Tier 5 - no information

Home Depot and Customer Service

The customer service in my local store is EXCEPTIONAL. Everyone that I came in contact with was more than helpful and friendly. It was nice to be approached when looking for a variety of items.

In my search for a nice sized patio set for my balcony, one had been found through Home Depot's email advertisement. That same day, I called and ordered it - this patio set was inexpensive compared to others I had seen in other stores both in person and online and best of all, FREE SHIPPING. I received the patio set in a few days, it's sturdy and comfortable.

Today, I called to pay my bill, can you imagine that they were going to charge me $14.95 to process my payment! Somethings are best done online or by going to the store to save money.

To my surprise, the customer service in the store, on the order line, and when calling to make a payment was given with the utmost respect for the customer.

Do you have a store like Home Depot that you'd recommend to others?

Received from ProgressNow Colorado via email

With the 2010 Colorado legislative session coming to a close, here is a list of winners and losers among your Colorado State Representatives and Senators--who stood up to do right by their constituents and our state's future, versus those who devoted the session to pandering and disingenuous partisan politics. We are proud of the hard work done by our progressive majority this session, from renewable energy and clean air to improving health care. Please enjoy this brief summary of those you have to thank--and those you don't.

Sincerely,

Bobby Clark
Executive Director

WINNERS Gail Schwartz - The Green Machine An undisputed leader on green jobs bills this legislative session, and a key supporter of renewable energy and clean air legislation. Gail Schwartz's bravery in 2010 will benefit all of Colorado for generations to come. Bruce Whitehead - Freshman of the year Sponsor of two of the most important bills in recent memory, the Clean Air Clean Jobs Act and House Bill 1001 (renewable energy standards), Bruce Whitehead has emerged as an inependent power in the Senate--and forceful advocate for his Southwest Colorado district. John Morse - The most courageous man at the Capitol Senator John Morse carried legislation to bring health care jobs to underserved communities. He was a strong advocate for criminal justice interests. And above all, Morse was fearless in calling out the right wing on their disingenuous tactics and misrepresentations throughout the session. Sara Gagliardi - The best friend of health care jobs Three bills sponsored by Rep. Gagliardi this session: HB10-1138 and SB10-058, concerning student loan reimbursement for health workers, and HB10-1415 in support of health worker safety, demonstrate her commitment to protecting patients, health care workers, and the industry as a whole. Dianne Primavera - Cancer fighter extraordinaire Rep. Primavera sponsored HB10-1252, which mandated that mammograms be made available to all women regardless of age. She sponsored legislation to better cover medication for specific cancers, and above all sponsored Senate Bill 10-002, fighting insurance company claim denials. Debbie Benefield - Education specialist Rep. Debbie Benefield has sponsored too many excellent education bills to count over the years. This session, her work on early childhood education and preserving K-12 funding in the present recession were as much as her constituents could ever ask for. And her popular gift card consumer protection bill shouldn't be overlooked, either. Max Tyler - The House's freshman star Rep. Max Tyler has quickly established himself as one of the most thoughtful and articulate members of the Colorado House. His leadership on House Bill 10-1001, the renewable energy standards bill, was key to its success. Al White - The Budget Pragmatist Republican Sen. Al White, a member of the Joint Budget Committee, dramatically pled with fellow Republicans to support the hard choices made to balance this year's budget. White ultimately did not succeed in convincing his colleagues to put principle over partisanship, but he deserves credit for trying.

LOSERS Senate Minority Leadership Under Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry's leadership, what might have been a useful and constructively engaged minority turned into cynical right-wing "no" chorus. The Senate Minority is now composed of ideologues who came over from the House--Dave Schultheis, Bill Cadman, Kevin Lundberg, and Ted Harvey, together with the new generation of crazy, Scott Renfroe and Mike Kopp. Add that to Penry's pandering, trafficking false information and extremism, and endless invective at the majority on the taxpayer dime, and you've got the whole sorry picture. Cory Gardner - The "King of Self-Inflicted Wounds" Cory Gardner seems to be too busy jetting off to Washington D.C. for fundraisers to represent his constituents this year. Gardner missed at least six days of the legislative session in order to campaign for office. Of course, When Gardner does manage to show up, it's not much better for his rural Eastern Plains district, as with his vote to cut the already-underfunded Agriculture Department. Ellen Roberts - Damage Control #FAIL Ellen Roberts is a politician who tries, and fails, to be everything to everyone. Faced with a challenge from her right, Roberts sponsored a terrible bill from the insurance industry that would have stopped attempts by other legislators to improve health care in Colorado. Despite her pandering to the far right, Roberts is still in danger of losing to a Tea Party candidate. Kevin Lundberg - Worst Poster Child Ever Lundberg needs no introduction. One of the Colorado General Assembly's most outspoken climate change deniers and general purpose right wing radicals, Lundberg had a big legislative session this year--trashing the League of Women Voters, defending Xcel Energy (a monopoly) in the name of the "free market," and condemning as "socialism" a budget that was in fact cut by hundreds of millions of dollars. Spencer Swalm - "Mr. Compassion" Known in the legislature as the #1 water carrier for the insurance industry, insurance agent-by-day Spencer Swalm never missed an opportunity to fight against improving access to health care, and even suggested that instead of a tax break for the poor, we should tell them to not "have babies out of wedlock." Dave Balmer - Returns (some) calls Dave Balmer has one of the more interesting backgrounds of any of the right wingers in the legislature, but as an elected official in Colorado's legislature he has proven to be shamelessly corrupt and beholden to the interest he raises money from. This year, Balmer actually interrupted a hearing to call a major donor on his cell phone for advice on a vote. Shawn Mitchell - The "Beavis and Butthead" Prize No list of "losers" from a Colorado legislative session is complete without Shawn Mitchell. Starting with disruptive and unstatesmanlike behavior during the Pinnacol hearings late last year--even making degrading remarks about the underwear of female Senators--to his insistence on dragging petty electioneering onto the floor of the Colorado Senate, Mitchell takes "boorish" to new and truly embarrassing levels.

The one person I don't see on the WINNERS list and should be is Senator Morgan Carroll of District 29. Anyone who knows her, she is an asset to our state and to her constituents.

Cell Phones, Texting and Driving

Channel 9 News (Denver) has their Great Hang Up campaign. Oprah Winfrey has her No Phone Zone Pledge.

While I agree with the pledges and have been irritated by many cell phone users on the road, in my case, I use a cell phone headset and/or bluetooth and have since they were available. The worst thing to me is to have to hold my phone while driving - I just don't do it. As for texting, (I don't like texting, period!) no one should text and drive - how stupid are people to take their eyes off the road and not pay attention to what is going on around them?

BREAKING NEWS

From CNN, Anderson Cooper reports on AC 360 - Arizona Bans "ethnic studies", read the bill here.

Have comments? Please use the comment box below!

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Manic Monday

The start of the new week brings many new items to view.

The skies are blue here, sun is out, trees continue to bloom along with flowers.

Have any of you started a vegetable garden? Do you enjoy planting flowers? I do! Since I live in an apartment with a nice but on the smaller side balcony, I've started using pots, potting soil and seeds from my local Dollar Tree to plant flowers and vegetables in my living room by the balcony door. So far, I have gladiolas, cucumbers and noticed a green pepper plant sprouting up today. I'll post pictures as soon as I take some. The cost to date has been $6.50. Of course, I'll have to repot the cucumber plants to separate them. $6.50 is a small price to pay for brightening up a day with homegrown flowers and vegetables which I will eat and share with friends. For those of you who like "organic", does it get any better than this?

On the unemployment issues, they continue.

Something bad, what is wrong here?

Here in Colorado, there was a bill introduced for spending money on job re-training scholarships. It was Senate Bill (SB10-039) which can be found by clicking here. This bill would have created scholarships for people to fund classes, certificates or degrees at vocational schools, junior colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs or 4 year institutions, in short. There are approximately 90,000 Coloradans out of work since November 2008. I seriously think that number is on the lower side of actual unemployed people now. I don't think that these numbers reflect the amount of unemployed people who no longer are eligible for unemployment benefits. While new jobs have been created, most people would need some kind of re-training or extra training to obtain them. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated in the House Education Committee.

Something good, so positive!

As pointed out to me by a VERY dear friend, one who I consider better than family, there was an article via www.consumerist.com regarding an Irish Pub Starting an Unemployment Aid Office. The full story can be found at this link. Although the story is based on a pub in New York, it sure does give the right message! Use what you have, help others! They don't guarantee that the people they assist will find a job but every little bit DOES help! As a proud New Yorker, I say "only in NY will you find something like this". Yes, there have been "meetup" groups solely started to help with resumes, cover letters and job searches but they come and go as fast as we can turn around.

It should be known that you can take this gal out of NY, but you can't take NY out of this gal"!

My goal is to network with as many people who are unemployed or looking for a career change as possible. Some of you might excel in resume writing, cover letters and other such items. Some might have skills in searching for that "hard to find" position. Wouldn't it be great to "donate a gift card" to these people for their assistance instead of paying "mega-dollars" for some company that produces thousands of resumes a day as a business? I don't know about you, but I like the "personal" touch opposed to "big business" handling my future.

One of my readers commented and gave a new website for job searching. It's www.jobdig.com, they have a good site. It's worth checking out!

This brings to memory something that happened to me about 5 or so months ago. One of my online "friends" who regularly posts 'entry-level' or 'very high end' job openings asked for my resume. After sending it, and receiving this "friends" review, I was solicited in the form of chat to have my resume redone with a cover letter for $125! Appalling!

In National News, this story written by CNN really breaks my heart. As if the devastation of Hurricane Katrina wasn't enough and yet years later areas are still in the same shape as they were days later - we now have other areas/states with flooding, heavy rains, and tornadoes. The article from CNN found here shows the damage. Can anyone comment further on what states and the government are doing to help?

Comments are ALWAYS welcome!