Let It Go Day!

It was a balmy 95 degrees yesterday but only in the mid 80s today. In my area, we've had no rain in days, we really need it since we are a mile high the sun is that much closer than for the land at sea level. At least we rarely suffer from high humidity.

Notes from the Home Front

Nothing much out of the normal going on although some of the cucumber plants have flowers on them.

National News

Immigration

Illegal immigrant families leave Arizona and its tough new law for other parts of US - I'm sure that many of us hope they aren't moving into our states and before they can, our states will enact the same laws as Arizona's SB1070. Read the article!

Police chief: Cartels threaten U.S. law enforcement in Arizona - If you didn't understand why SB1070 is needed in Arizona, perhaps after reading this article, you'll support that state too!

Oil Spew

Judge blocks 6-month moratorium on Gulf deepwater drilling - I just don't see how "big business" could take our government to court for this. Read the article by CNN.

Homeless

I don't understand nor do I agree that we should have so many homeless people in our country. This also goes for giving help to other countries before tending to our own first. As I wrote last week, it was reported on CSPAN2 (US Senate) that closed army/navy/air force bases were to be used to house the homeless but because of some bill enacted by Senate members years ago, this isn't being done. So without further adieu, read how America Finally Has a Plan to End Homelessness.

South Carolina Town Bans Singing

The Town of Sullivan's Island is voting to ban singing and other such annoyances from their streets in order to keep peace. Read about how they will go about this.

Unemployment News

H.R. 4213 seemingly goes on life support at the moment - the beat is dying a slow long drawn out death. Many people have already lost their unemployment insurance benefits without securing a job, what should they do? Read what one blogger writes.

Local News

Democrats say veterans want Norton ad taken down - for those who don't live in Colorado, Jane Norton has been reported for years for her stand against veterans and other groups. She is poison to us and shouldn't be allowed to run for any office. Perhaps she needs to be put out on the front line where these veterans have been while fighting for a free America. Read about her ad.

My Verizon Update

On Monday, I replaced my Verizon Air Card (Pantech UM-175) with cable internet. The speeds are incredible and of course, I no longer need to worry about exceeding the 5 gig limit each month. While on the phone with Verizon, I pulled up my account online, the tech who was supposed to monitor my account and credit any overage didn't do what was expected. I will deduct that overage amount from my bill and deal with it accordingly. Thankfully, someone in Executive Services did mark my account so that my air card service was month to month so that I didn't have to pay a termination fee (prorated).

There will be more on this but for now, I'm dealing with a higher agency regarding the software bug issues that each and every user experiences.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

TAKE A STAND AGAINST BAD POLITICIANS!

Baby Boomers Recognition Day

The temperature today got up into the 90s and I could have sworn this morning that the weather reporter said 98% humidity which is unusual for Colorado. The skies were blue all day.

Notes from the Home Front

High Speed Internet with unlimited access was installed. Oh happy day! In other news, this morning I found that my upstairs neighbor is a cellist. Although that might be wonderful and exciting news to someone else, it wasn't to me. While the neighbor played away, I couldn't hear my tv nor could concentrate on applying for jobs.

National News

The only national news that spiked my interest besides the ongoing oil spew in the Gulf of Mexico was news on illegal immigration.

Nebraska

The town of Fremont, Nebraska joins Arizona in the fight against illegal immigration. The citizens of Fremont are angered by a recent influx of Hispanic workers attracted by jobs at local meatpacking plants. Voters in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont will decide Monday whether to ban hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants. Read the article.

Arizona

Welcome to the Keep AZ Safe Donation Application - yes, that's right, Arizona is taking donations to keep their state safe from illegal immigrants. Find that application here. This is a secure site, your donations, I'm sure are greatly appreciated.

Support Our Border States

This article comes by way of someone I follow on Twitter. War on the Southern Border Part Two can be found by clicking this link. I'm sure that you can read Part One while at the website.

President Obama's Administration

What will these idiots think of next? First, it's Ken Sleaze-A-Czar, Secretary of the Department of Interior with not monitoring deepwater oil wells close enough. Then there is Janet Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security that wanted to sue Arizona but never read the bill (SB1070). After that, MMS for being paid off by oil corporations. This time it's Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. She thinks that undocumented immigrants need to have a fair wage. WHAT? HUH? That's exactly what she said. Who are these people and why do they continue to exist in our government. Watch the video and read the article this travesty.

On the Lighter Side of Immigration

Cartoons: Illegal Immigration Absurdity - this is where I got the biggest laugh because I enjoy political cartoons. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

My Verizon Update

Over the weekend, I received the official papers that I have been waiting for via snail mail. I'll call that agency tomorrow. Since I had high speed internet installed today, I'm no longer using my Verizon Pantech UM-175 air card nor their defective VZAccessManager software. Verizon will get a phone call tomorrow to discontinue my service. More to come, I'm hoping it'll be in the not so distant future.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY SUPPORTING ARIZONA AND NEBRASKA!

National Flip Flop Day

Tropical Smoothie Cafe kicked off the first day of summer by celebrating the 4th annual National Flip Flop Day. To the first 500 on June 18th, 2010 at any Tropical Smoothie Cafe location wearing flip flops and they received a free 24 oz Jetty Punch smoothie.

Who knew?

Notes from the Home Front

Today, I took a break from watching the US Senate and the US House of Representatives. Sometimes watching either one or both can just suck the life right out of you. It was actually so hot today, that sitting inside was actually comforting.

National News

Sarah Palin

I NEVER thought that Sarah Palin's name would show up on my blog and intentionally I usually will avoid anything dealing with her to keep it that way. So why is she showing up tonight? I wanted to show in print what we have known about her all along. The article - Sarah Palin's Oil Regulation Lies comes from the Huffington Post. After reading this excerpt you will be laughing so hard that you'll thirst for more humor. "Sarah Palin has been busted for so many lies in the past year and a half, it's become nearly impossible to keep track of them all. Whenever she opens her mouth, she simply cannot stop herself from engaging in duplicities, exaggerations and half-truths that not-so-coincidentally always distort the political record in her favor. It's a pathology."

Broken Border - Texas
written while watching ABC Nightline

Fort Hancock Texas, a city with a population of approximately 1400 citizens are armed and ready. Citizens gather at Angie's Restaurant to discuss illegal immigration and the building of really high walls. The Sheriff and his deputies (17 of them) have about 100 miles to keep track of. The Sheriff has citizens who help out with illegal immigration into Fort Hancock. Some citizens have video surveillance on their homes, the woman called herself a "first responder". The violence in Juarez Mexico is creeping up over our borders because of the drug cartels there. It's reported that over 5000 people in Juarez have been killed by drug cartels in 2 years. This is Mexico's problem, not ours! The citizens of Fort Hancock are armed and ready to protect what is theirs.

Arizona

If you are a regular follower of my blog, you know my sentiments on Governor Jan Brewer and the SB1070 law and any other law that keeps our borders free of illegal immigrants. If you aren't a regular follower, let me just say this - I Support Arizona!

I don't agree with President Obama on this one - Official: Justice Department plans to sue over Arizona law - if anything he needs to deploy our National Guard to protect EVERY inch of the border between the United States and Mexico. As you read above, some towns are taking matters into their own hands. So here's the link to the article.

Local News

Perky Cups

Approximately, one month ago I had blogged about this company located in Aurora at the corner of Peoria and Iliff. An Aurora Councilwoman was trying to close this company down. So much for creating new jobs. Today, it was reported, that Perky Cups has lost its lease for unpaid rent. My personal opinion is because the city government was trying to put it out of business, and did so by getting the word out to avoid doing business with Perky Cups. Perky Cups, coffee shop with bikini-clad baristas, is evicted can be found here.

Jane Norton on the Attack AGAIN!

Here's another name that should never show up within my blog. On account of Jane Norton's rogue statements, she will appear here tonight just like Sarah Palin (are these two twins or cut out of the same cloth?) In my opinion, they are. So without anymore waste of space - Norton aide says Obama strong-armed the $20 billion BP “slush fund” in move to “autocracy” - found here.

Tech News

Encryption for Your Hard Drive

If you are worried about the information that you keep on your hard drive and keeping it safe, this article from LifeHacker is for you. TrueCrypt is a free and open-source disk encryption software that runs on all platforms, supports hidden volumes, and can even encrypt your entire hard drive. As with all software, read about it completely before installing it. Personally, I have not used TrueCrypt. Find out about it here.

Verizon Wireless tests iPad

Just when you thought your new device was great, learn how AT&T is changing contract terms for the iPad to hurt you where it counts - right in the wallet. This article - Verizon Wireless begins testing iPads on its 3G network, report - not only explains about the testing but has detailed information on AT&T pricing plans for the iPad.

Daily Tweet to Senator Mark Udall

@MarkUdall #AskUdall WE are struggling in YOUR state - HOW are YOU voting on "extenders bill"? Why don't you answer me? #unemployment

As Always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

MAKE USE OF THE POWER OF THE KEYBOARD!

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!

Day 45 - Oil Spill

The temperature was in the 80s today although I never expected it to get that high today.

Notes from the Home Front

I'm still reading "Cross" by James Patterson and am about 1/2 way through it. Tonight, I'm watching CNN live from Louisiana with Anderson Cooper. It's absolutely heartbreaking to see what affect this oil spew is doing to the wildlife.

National News

Oil Spill

From watching CNN tonight, it's reported that BP personnel have all gone home. Lovely, just lovely. Anderson Cooper of CNN reported that he personally called the number for BP in Louisiana where one person is in the office and taking messages. He also called their Houston office where he received voice mail.

Here are the many stories I found today, the two listed seem to be the best for information.

This site seems to be up on all goings on right up to the day. Their latest article is OIL SPILL GULF OF MEXICO - Latest News on the Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill.

Another site, the article is titled BP tries again to cap well as protests against oil giant set to start. President Obama speaks to Larry King (CNN) regarding the oil spill - Obama told CNN's Larry King on Thursday that "BP caused this spill ... [and] they're responsible" for paying cleanup costs. "My job is to make sure they're being held accountable," he said.

RIP Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan, best known for role as "Blanche Devereaux" from the"Golden Girls," has died after suffering a massive stroke, she was 76.

Arizona

Governor Jan Brewer is on a mission and she's going non-stop. She visited the White House today and stated her case there. She's also corresponding with Senator Schumer (D-NY) read that correspondence here.

Unemployment News

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse - along comes an article to prove you wrong. This is really depressing especially since many of us have been out of work for over a year and in addition to that, the baby boomers are the hardest hit when it comes to finding a job.
Read the article, Hope of Finding Work Halved After 6 Months of Unemployment - One in four unemployed Americans has been actively looking for work for a year or more by clicking here.

On the lighter side, I found a website called CareerSpeed. A link will be permanently placed under (Un)employment to the right of this page. From the Career Speed page, they offer We offer tools to help you write resumes, prepare for job interviews, find a career, and more.

This site seems as though they could be a "one stop" site for all your "getting employed" needs.

Local News

4th of July In Denver

The 2010 GUIDE TO FOURTH OF JULY IN DENVER can be found by clicking here.

Aurora Cultural Services

Did you know that you can find Aurora Museums, Art Center, Concerts in the park, Historic Sites, and the Leisure Living Summer Brochure online? Did you know that Aurora has museums? The concerts in the park appeal to all ages. See all these things mentioned by clicking here.

My Verizon Update

There is no news today.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

BOYCOTT BP!

Memorial Day Weekend

The temperature got up to 99 degrees today. Gassed up my vehicle for the first time in over a month for $2.56/gallon for 85 Octane.

Notes from the Home Front

The cucumber plants got their first trip to the balcony today. They are really growing nicely and I think that I noticed that they might be sprouting some flowers soon. The pots of cucumber plants are back in the living room for the night as it is too cold, in my opinion, for them to be out there.

Unemployment News

I'm not quite sure about this article - House approves unemployment benefits bill
Legislation faces uncertain fate in Senate. Hopefully, it's good news for the long term unemployed, like me. Read about it here.

National News

Oil Spill

BP says one thing but the live feed from the pipe says another. Do you really think that the gusher of oil is slowing down or not? I believe it's not.

What is becoming of our country?

My Verizon Update

No email from Adrian stating that the contract on my air card is going to be terminated without payment of early termination fees. They are really trying my patience.

That's all from here, it's late, I'm tired.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!
DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO PUSH YOU AROUND!

Tornados Touch Down in Colorado

Early today the weather was hot and humid. We don't normally get high humidity here in Colorado. This afternoon and part of this evening we had tornado warnings, tornado watches and a tornado touch down up in the northeast area.

Notes from the Home Front

Not much to tell about today. Because of the high winds in my area, I was unable to cut the wood for the trellis on the balcony. I'm hopeful for tomorrow. The green pepper plants will need to be transplanted soon.

National News

Banks

I just can't believe this but - Senate Democrats Pass Bill Allowing Govt to Collect Addresses, ATM Records of Bank Customers. Why would they even want that information? Read it all.

BP - oil spill

An interesting article: What You Haven't Heard About BP!! Perhaps this tell it all.

Unemployment

No news on any bill passing. Many of us are feeling as though something might come through, yet others feel differently. Long term unemployment Tiers need to be passed.

Resume Tips

This article comes from the Resume Bear blog - Tips for Creating Resumes That Provide a Competitive Edge. Read about it here.

My Verizon Update

As you all may have guessed, the rep who called me yesterday didn't call as promised today. Tomorrow, I will call Kevin at the Corporate Office once again. Some one there better start getting it right. To add insult to injury, my Pantech UM175 and the Verizon software didn't want to work this morning. It took me about 20 minutes of doing a little troubleshooting to get online.

I'm a powerful consumer and Verizon will be sorry if my issues are not resolved.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

XCel aka X-Tortion RAPING Us AGAIN!

Gorgeous day today, in the mid 70s. Blue skies and sun shining! Overall just nice!

Fun Fact of the Day

Today is Towel Day! Yes, Towel Day! Read all about it! Interesting!

Notes from the Home Front

Yes folks, I did get to Home Depot today. Instead of spending a ton of money on a pre-made trellis, I purchased some lattice pieces for 35 cents a piece. Since they are 4 foot, I will use 3 of them and then use the others for cross bars to tie my gladiolas to. Final cost: $2.27. Pictures forthcoming.

Soon I'll be transplanting the green pepper plants, they are really growing now. When I lived in NY, I had a friend who grew them, they had nice sweet red peppers all year round. That's my hope too!

National News

Environmental Protection Administration and Gulf Oil Spill

BAH! I say! The EPA is a classic example of why good people don't have jobs. It is also an example of poor organization, and LAZY employees. Don't miss out - this is a MUST READ article: Regulators Conducted Lax Oversight of Oil Industry, Report Uncovers - read it here.

Here's another story from CBS News: Big Oil's "Cozy Relationship" with Inspectors
My thoughts on this are that this is disgusting on all levels. Not only is the oil spill and what is being done ridiculous but the workers at EPA should be fired. There are many hard working people, such as myself and millions of others, who would LOVE to DO THEIR JOB! but we are out of work, and these horrible workers are getting paid. This is another MUST READ article found here.

Obama and Border Control

I believe that this came about due to the Arizona law SB1070 on illegal immigration. It's about time that our government takes the reins and protects our borders. The money that goes to illegal immigrants could pay for keeping our country afloat. At least there would be no debate about where unemployment funds would come from.

Read up on this: Obama To Send 1,200 National Guard To Border here.

Unemployment News

Petition to DC

The 99er’s Petition Delivered to Washington - not all is as it seems. Read all about it.

Obama calls for Stimulus II

Extra! Extra! This is a must read! Obama Administration Has Called For Additional Unemployment Insurance Included In Stimulus II - get an eyeball on it at US Unemployed Blog.

Tech News

Do you use WordPress for your blog? Interesting article on how to protect your blog from being hacked: 8 Free Plugins to Protect Your WordPress Blog from Being Hacked. The article is compliments of "Fried Beef". If you aren't signed up for their FREE emails - go to their page and DO IT NOW!

Local News

XCel - I call them X-Tortion!

XCel Energy aka X-Tortion is at it again. WHO gives them permission to hike up our rates? It's bad enough that they tack on almost 4x your residential usage in fees. This is an outrage. For those of you who use this monopolizing utility - call XCel, call DORA, call the PUC, call the governor, write to your state Senators and House Reps. Express your DISPLEASURE! If you need assistance with phone numbers or email addresses, please leave a comment and I'll post what you need. Don't lay down and allow XCel (X-Tortion) kick you!

Here's the story: Xcel Energy Launches 2-Tier Rate Plan For Summer. Read it here.

DENVER SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS: 2010 GUIDE

We all look for things to do when the weather becomes nice. Here are some ideas.

IKEA

IKEA is coming to Denver! The store is slated to open in the Fall of 2011. The clearing of land has begun. One local news station stated that IKEA will employ 400 employees and will take applications online over this summer.

School Superintendents

Some of these superintendents, imho, are ridiculous. Did you know that some of them are TAKING raises while others in the district are being laid off or services for your children are being cut. SHAME!

I didn't get all the district names but here's a list:
1) Aspen - $15,844 went to Diana Sirko. She accepted this money even though there are cuts to her schools.
2) Mary Chesley refused her raise for this school year.
3) Eagle county superintendent received $15,750 on top of $175,000 salary.
4) Jefferson County's Cindy Stevenson will skip a $40,000 bonus.
5) Tom Boasberg is owed $70,000 from last year but has not made a decision on what he will do about it.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you like my blog, please tell your friends. Thank you for reading along.

My Verizon News - Update

While in Home Depot, a Verizon Executive Services representative called to let me know that she's working on the issue. She'll call me back tomorrow. This is the 10th or 11th person I have talked to now. This issue has gone on for OVER a month. What happened to resolving the problem by the end of the phone call? More on this tomorrow.

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!!!

Unemployment, Oil Spill, Free Checklists

Temperatures were up in the 80s today. Gorgeous blue skies, and the sun was shining throughout the day.

Notes from the Home Front

The weather may have been good but the winds were up to 50 mph. I had the balcony door open about 5 inches while the wind was blowing. It blew so hard that my balcony screen door opened. With that, my plant stand fell over - what a mess that made. All is cleaned up but there was dirt everywhere. Thankfully no damage was done to the cucumber and green pepper plants. Because of the wind, it was my decision to stay home today opposed to going to Home Depot. Because of commitments for tomorrow, I'll get there on Monday.

Unemployment News

From the Oakland Press - Deal to extend unemployment benefits may be reached soon - from the Oakland Press. Congress goes on vacation again on May 27. I hope there is something in place before that. Last time they went on break, unemployment was supposed to be addressed and wasn't until they were back in session. To read the story from the Oakland Press - click here.

Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

It makes me wonder WHY survivors of the oil rig fire would be "allegedly" held in seclusion and coerced into signing legal waivers. Something smells a bit fishy to me and that wasn't meant as a pun. Read the article entitled: Deepwater Horizon survivors allege they were kept in seclusion after rig explosion, coerced into signing legal waivers by clicking here.

Energy News

Do you know what is meant by using 1 kilowatt hour? What does it really mean? Read the article here, and find out how your home usage equates out. Very interesting article.

Checklists

Are you the type of person who makes checklists for yourself? You know, those lists where when something is done, you check it off. There are some free checklists for everything you do, find that site here. Enjoy!

Not too much to tell about tonight.

My Verizon News - Update

For those of you who are techies and those of you who aren't so savvy, you may understand this. Today around 1pm, I used Windows Task Manager to close my VZManager for my air card (broadband) usage. I also closed other programs that I use while online. The ONLY online program that was left open was my email. At approximately 3pm, I saw an email come through. It surprised me because I had ended the process on my VZManager which would cause it to shut down completely.

Well guess what! After calling Verizon tech support, checking all the preferences etc., uninstalling the software, rebooting my computer, then downloading new software and checking to make sure that the usb device was working properly, the tech and I wonder why the usb "modem" is still active. Who would have thought that there was a bug in the software. Seems as though each time I thought I was shutting it down, in reality, I wasn't. Each time I have called Verizon I told them that this new software release wasn't working like the old version. This proves it, and no wonder I've been going over my 5 gig. The quick fix to the problem is to pull the air card (usb modem) out of the usb port to guarantee my internet connection IS disconnected. Who knew?

The tech I spoke with is going to research this problem, write up a ticket on the problem and will credit me should I go over the 5 gig this month.

Of course, being a strong-willed consumer, I have a list of agencies, etc. that will hear my complaints on this.

Anyone else out there have a Verizon air card?

So folks, that's a wrap!

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Unemployment, Tech News, Resume Posting

It's 10pm and 67 degrees, although it feels much warmer than that. Was a gorgeous day today.

Notes from the Home Front

Tomorrow, there will be a trip to my local Home Depot for some lengths of 1 x4 wood to build a trellis for the gladiolas. Today, after putting them outside for a while, the wind blew them over and unfortunately, they look pretty sad.

I received another email stating the one of my applications is in the hands of the hiring manager, that makes two applications for the same place. Something has to give soon!

Employment/Unemployment News

Today, I saw a link to this story - Root Cause of Voters’ Revolt: Congress, Obama, GOP Ignore 11 Million Jobless, it comes to us via the blog at alternet.org. Please click here to read the whole article.

Borrowed with permission from Infoployment - they now have a Resume Distribution Service
One-Stop Resume Posting. This is fabulous news since their site gets a lot of traffic. You can check them out by clicking here. For everyone's convenience, I have added their site to my lists on the right of this page under (Un)Employment.

National News

Gay/Lesbian Rights

The South Bend Tribune Thinks Gay Couples Are Unfit for Print. Please boycott this paper because apparently they don't yet realize that gays and lesbians are people too, and VERY newsworthy. If you choose to read their article, please click here.

House Floor Proceedings

How would you like to work for 4 minutes on a Friday and get paid for a whole day? Sounds GREAT, doesn't it? Well today the House of Representatives did just that. I'm appalled!

Here is how their day went:
9:04 A.M. -
The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on May 24, 2010.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE - Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Souder, the whole number of the House is 431.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

9:03 A.M. -
The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

9:02 A.M. -
Today's prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

9:00 A.M. -
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Local News

Andrew Romanoff

Those of you who live in Colorado know that Andrew Romanoff is running for Michael Bennet's US Senate seat. Today, Andrew gives his view on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Credits for this story go to The Denver Post.

Romanoff wants oil companies to pay more after spills - read the entire article here.

Unemployment - segment by the Denver Channel ABC 7

Read on what Don Mares, Director of Unemployment has to say. Apparently, he doesn't understand that people who have lost their unemployment benefits have not been counted as still unemployed (if they are) and what percentage rate this would add to the "advertised" state rate.

On this page, State Jobless Rate Inches Up To 8 Percent State Rate 1 Percent Lower Than National Average, you will find a link to Unemployment by State, Tips on Job Survival, A story on which jobs are safest and one viewer story: I lost my job. To read the article and get information on the links - click here.

Tech News

Google's GMail

Great article from friedbeef.com - How to Check if Your Gmail Account Has Been Hacked - nice instructional page with screen shots for checking your Gmail account. I strongly suggest you view the article.

My Fight With Verizon Update

Liz promised to call me today, even if she had no news from their data expert. Did I get a call? NO! This is how they treat a loyal customer of over 10 years. Next week, I will be exposing Verizon and my entire fight - this has gone on too long, my first contact on the issue of my air card was back in the latter part of April. For this issue, I will make a separate blog post. Within that blog post, I will expose employees by name as well as the emails and notes from my log.

There will also be a segment on my fight with Verizon on Fricking Fees and Amazing Deals.

That's it for another day!

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Grey's Anatomy - Season Finale

Nice day today, temperatures in the 70s, skies were blue, the sun was bright.

Notes from the Home Front

Plants are all doing well. The green pepper sprouts will need transplanting soon.

Do any of you watch Grey's Anatomy? Tonight is the season finale, the episode is two hours long. Good thing I was able to record it.

Unemployment News

I hadn't seen much chatter today about unemployment but there was an excellent article posted on US Unemployed blog. It's titled: Tier 5 Unemployment Emissaries Are Being Dispatched To Washington, H.R. 4213 May Be Coming To Final Passage, & For Millions, H.R. 4213 Currently Does Not Help Them and can be read by clicking here.

National News

It seems as though the oil is still spewing from the pipe in the Gulf of Mexico. It is my opinion that Ken Salazar, Department of the Interior, is not doing all he can to obtain information from BP.

Local News

Tonight, I attended a town hall meeting with a dear friend of mine. These town hall meetings are organized by State Senator Morgan Carroll, House Reps Su Ryden, and Karen Middleton. The topic for this meeting was "Tips to Save Money". The panelist came from a variety of backgrounds. It was an excellent time and a good learning experience.

Even though this years session is over, the Aurora Town Hall Meetings are held each month.

Consumer Issues

Verizon News

Since the corporate office didn't call me back, I called them. Spoke to yet another person, this makes 7 or 8 now (not including emails from a variety of others). She promises me that she'll call me tomorrow to advise what she has found out. As soon as there is a resolution, I will expose the problem I'm experiencing with Verizon in its entirety. Stay tuned folks - this is a doozy!

Hmm .. back to watching Grey's!

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!

Mexican laws - worse than Arizona

Today was another beautiful day in the neighborhood. A little bit of rain fell but otherwise, sun shining, blue skies and warm.

Notes from the Home Front

Today, I realized that a trellis is needed to hold the gladiolas up, I'm very sure that I can make one cheaper than buying one. When I do, of course, I'll take pictures of it. A trellis might also work well once the cucumber plants start sprawling out of their planters.

Tonight, I found this funny television show on CBS "I Get That A Lot". Celebrity guests act like regular workers in an assortment of stores. I think it's hysterical! Anyone else watch it?

World News

What you may have never known about Mexico's laws, but will now!

The following is an excerpt from the article: "Under the Mexican law, illegal immigration is a felony, punishable by up to two years in prison. Immigrants who are deported and attempt to re-enter can be imprisoned for 10 years. Visa violators can be sentenced to six-year terms. Mexicans who help illegal immigrants are considered criminals."

How about that? Read the whole article explaining how Mexican President Felipe Calderon denounced as "racial discrimination" the Arizona Law - click here.

So tell me - WHO has tougher laws on Illegal Immigration? Of course, I, personally, wouldn't ever think of going to Mexico to live there or even try to. Would YOU? All in all, I STILL applaud Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona and hope that SB1070 wakes up our government in Washington DC to act upon closing/securing OUR borders.

Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

In other world news, what do you think should be done with BP? Why wouldn't the Coast Guard, a US of A entity not hand over the tapes of the oil spill since the day it happened? This is classic for our government and it REALLY bothers me. It is also my opinion from watching the tapes on Katie Couric's CBS report that there is a barely a difference between the oil spewing from the original break in the pipe and now that it is semi-plugged. If you've seen it, you'd know that you don't have to be an expert on the subject.

Unemployment News

Florida

Some people in Florida are happy tonight and actually might know where their next meal is coming from, others were not so fortunate. Continue to read the article entitled: Florida extends unemployment benefits, but not all are eligible, here.

Tier 5, Senator Reid and Passage of HR 4213

Quoted from the article: "The Tax Extenders bill (H.R.4213) that is likely to come before Congress sometime over the next week is the vehicle that will extend unemployment eligibility till the end of 2010. While that’s good news for millions who will benefit from knowing their unemployment won’t be ending till year’s end, it’s of little condolence to the millions who have and will exhaust their benefits."

Please read the whole article by clicking this link.

Representative Levin Predicts Action on Extenders by Week's End

The following is a quote from the article: "If the Republicans want to filibuster a jobs-tax extender bill that contains an extension of unemployment insurance, contains COBRA benefits, that provides reimbursements for the doctors that take care of Medicare patients, I'd like to see that," she said. "I'd like to see that debate on the floor of the Senate and I think that we do ourselves a disservice by not standing up and calling their bluff."

Read the entire article by clicking on this link.

My Weekly Phone Calls

Instead of making my regular phone calls today, I decided to take a different approach. Yesterday, on each Senators or Representatives page on facebook or in reply to a tweet by them, I commented and tweeted about the percentage rate of Colorado unemployment. I suggest we start taking more direct and drastic measures. In addition to commenting on their pages on facebook, I also posted a question for the television stations on their walls. Although, I wonder why The Denver Channel - ABC channel 7 - no longer has a wall to post on. I did find another way to post to them and received a comment from them in reply.

Tomorrow, I start on the newspapers!

In a way, I'm forcing them in public to report on this VERY important issue.

You've heard of Unemployment and Employment - Now we have Infoployment!

Today, in the midst of reading tweets, I came across a blog site named: iBlog |The Infoployment Blog, they are a Job Search and Interview Information Services Company. You might find them interesting, so click here and read. Tell them I sent you!

Local News

Yahoo Buys Denver Based Associated Content

According to the article, Associated Content was listed as being a creation of Luke Beatty in either 2004 or 2005 - the one article lists 2004 and another link from it listed 2005.

Associated Content is an online presence that offers freelancers a chance to telecommute while submitting original text, video, images and audio to their content website. Who knew? You can read about the sale and what Associated Contact is all about here.

Tech News

Online Privacy

Have you ever wondered about what information others can obtain on you? Check out your results by searching at www.spokeo.com. I checked out my personal information there. Some of it is correct while much more of it is incorrect.

What will they think of next?

Consumer News

Verizon Wireless

After I receive a phone call tomorrow from the Corporate Office, I will expose the difficulties I have had with Verizon over a few weeks time.

Apple

While tweeting today, one of my fellow Tweeps was having an issue with their Mac Book and iPhone. This person tweeted about having a problem. I suggested that she call customer service back and ask for a technical supervisor, which she did. Yes, her problem was solved. YAY!

Never allow a customer service representative or anyone from "corporate america" push you around when you are calling them with an issue. Start a log, write down the date and time you called, and person's name. Write down why you called them, what happened on the phone call and if you were satisfied. Keep this log for future reference, you may need it in case the issue reappears. If you continue to get the "run-around", ask for a supervisor, and log it! If you still aren't satisfied, go higher to the Corporate Office as they might have an Executive Services department that WILL solve your problem. One thing that is VERY important to remember is that YOU the customer are contributing to the salary of the person who is a representative of the company you called. Don't let them forget that without you, there would be no job for them!

That wraps up another day of blogging -

As always,

STAND UP AND BE HEARD!