"The Sky Is Falling"

Once again it is time for the local TV stations to unleash upon us "The Chicken Little School of Meteorolgy." E.G. If a snowflake is expected to fall, all sorts of visual alerts and audio sounders will be broadcast to prepare us for the onslaught of winter.

By gosh, if there is any chance of the ground turning white . . .

THERE WILL BE AN ALERT!

Gasp! Winter. Snow. "Batten down the hatches, watch for schools and businesses to close, there will be hordes descending on grocery stores to prepare for the long blast of an inch of snow."

Give me a break!

Before TV weather people got their hands on gadgets and technology powerful enough to scare the living daylights out of us, all they had were whiteboards and dry erase markers. The only thing that scared us then was the squeak of the marker tip on the board surface.

Step back and take some valium. Just give us the basic information we need.

Or, maybe we need to get NOAA Weather radios and listed to how professionally and factfully the climatolgical prognosticators the folks at the National Weather Service present the weather.

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Are Labor Unions No Longer Viable?

I've never been a member of a labor union. Never had the need to be a member.

As I sit back and observe the current 'crisis' in the auto industry, I ponder whether or not the labor contracts and the $81.00 per hour average pay rate (so I've heard) is part of the problem.

Is there still a need for unions anymore? I ask because I see where tenured teachers (who have a union) basically have a job for life . . . whether they are good teachers or not.

I haven't heard where there is a need for them (unions) anymore. There was a time when unions served a very good purpose. Has their time passed?

Back to the auto industry . . . . look at some of the foreign automakers like Hyundai; are the autoworkers there members of a union? What about other domestically-produced 'imports?'

Have the high costs of labor contracts forced the price of cars upwards?

So I again ponder the question . . . do we need unions anymore?

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Let the "Big 3" Go Bankrupt?

Living in Michigan, means that our state is heavily invested in the auto industry. All the decisions made by the automakers affect many, many people. This is why everyone here is so concerned about the current economic crisis as it affects the automotive industry.

The decisions made by these companies in the last quarter-century have not been wise ones. They have ignored the appeals of environmentalists and car owners and buyers asking for more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Now it has come back to haunt them.

Should the government bail them out too? Or should we let them reorganize through bankruptcy?

I'm inclined to force them to reorganize, trim the fat, reduce labor costs, manufacture better, safer, more efficient cars and trucks. Yes, we will hurt economically but in the long run it will result in a better scenario. Don't we do the same for our children?

This is not an easy decision, but apparently the only way we will force the production of vehicles using alternative fuels, and the reduction of dependence on foreign oil.

We are already dependent on foreign countries for waaaay tooo much! Where is the money coming from to bail out all these companies?

Enough is enough! Time to get rid of all the arrogant, extravagant, over-paid executives, private airliners, lavish parties, dismissive attitudes, and the old ways of mass production.

"Who killed the electric car?" (That's a movie, by the way - and you really should see it).

Time to reduce the number of car models and lines. Let GM produce just a Chevy, Buick and Pontiac; Ford just make Ford and Lincoln; Chrysler . . . just go away!

Yeah, I know, I'm old and cranky. This is my message. I'm entitled!

What's yours?

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The Rockettes - An Extravaganza To See!

This multi-million dollar, 35 semi-truckloads of entertainment IS a sight to see! I would expect such a stage presentation in New York City, but, on the road? WOW!

It is quite elaborate, with a gigantic stage, great graphics, a flying Santa, and did I mention leggy Girls?

Do check it out. You will enjoy this 90 minute show. It's almost like being in Radio City Music Hall in the center of Manhattan.

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Bailout . . . .Where Do I Apply?

The current economic crisis has instigated all sorts of talk about bailouts.

Well now, I could use one too. My two cars are now eight years old, I need a family room constructed in the basement, my driveway is cracked and I'd like a new iPod.

Where do I go to apply for my share of this glorious handout?

By the way, where is all this money coming from?

Are we going to see "Made In China" printed and minted on all our currency?

Hmmmm.

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State of the Pavement

I just traveled over 3,400 miles in nine states in my trek to Colorado and back. In all that driving the WORST stretch of road surface is on I-96 between South Haven and Holland, Michigan.

There are so many 'fixes' and patches' on that roadway that it was like driving over cobblestone at high speed.

This is not a great first impression we want to make to visitors to West Michigan.

Why can't this section of I-96 be replaced? It's worse than driving on gravel. The noise generated by driving down this stretch makes conversation a bit difficult. It also makes items shift in the vehicle.

Auto manufacturers should consider using this area to test the rideability of their new cars. If you can ride quietly and comfortably on this surface - buy that car!

Hey, MDOT . . . . pay attention!

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Auto Industry BAILOUT - - NO WAY !!!!

Enough of the bailouts!

This is the "Free Enterprise" system. If you make a mistake, as the auto industry has with their petroleum-based vehicles, you fail.

If you fail, look elsewhere. Why should I and other taxpayers pay for their mistake?

If the government bails out anyone, it should be the TAX PAYER, not corporations. Look what AIG has done with the money WE gave them to bail them out of the mess of their making. AIG went and held lavish parties and meetings . . . just last week!

Don't give the money to the moneybags at these corporations, give it to us - the taxpayers. We'll use the money to pay mortgages, buy medications, put food on the table, purchase clothes, send students to school, and toss money back into the economy as we spend money in the marketplace. Doesn't that make more sense?

Oh, by the way . . . if we bring our troops home and stop subsidizing this futile "war" we'll have more money HERE to take care of our own!

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Veterans Day 2008

PROUD to be an AMERICAN

Whether or not your candidate(s) celebrated victory at the polls, the fact that we are able to cast ballots without any turmoil or disorder, is a feather in the cap for democracy.

Not many countries can make changes in their government or rules without disruption.

We can be PROUD that as Americans we can accomplish this action in a democratic fashion.

THANK YOU for voting!

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Secret of staying awake on long drives

Here's a tip to help you stay awake on long drives . . . .

CHEW GUM!

Really, it will keep you awake.

My favorite is either Bubble Yum or Juicyfruit.

Try it . . . . you'll see.

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Highway and Directional Signage

Why is it that some state's highway and directional signage are better than others? I must be spoiled in Michigan as you know what roadway you are traveling because there are route markers frequently posted along the way.

You will know what intersection you are approaching by posted signs appropriately placed a logical distance from the junction. Additionally stop signs are not obscured by trees or shrubs.

In my recent travels I've discovered that this is not the case in other states.

I won't go into details, but to say that I drove for several miles before I was able to confirm that I was on the correct route in Colorado. Perhaps they don't have enough coins in the budget to afford all the signs needed.

Thank You MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) for the great job you do posting highway signs!.

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