US Representative and Staff Expenses and salaries

Ever wonder which representative spends the most, earns the least? Staffers as well? That information can be found here. Apparently not the same ranges as private citizens. No wonder they fight so hard to stay in office.

Debased Currency

If you are wondering how monetary history repeats itself - here is a great video link that explains it.

Pay the Rent

The Landlord with Will Ferrell and Pearl. Good Cop Baby Cop is pretty funny too.

Smart Cars, Smart Phones - What is Next?

Smart Medicine!! Not only is Big Brother watching you on the outside through Video Surveillance Cameras (CCTV), Stop Light Cameras - now it seems Big Brother wants to watch you inside too. If "Big Brother" wants to turn the surveillance outward, The citizenry should demand video surveillance in all public places as well - with PUBLIC access. NO closed door congressional sessions, no backroom deals. Though it may sound like a security risk - what about the freedom to live without being watched. Take a look - in almost every place of business, street corner, even some parks. The watchers need to be watched.

Interesting Events

A sinkhole in Germany swallowed a car. These are popping up all over, like in Texas. Why do sinkholes happen? Apparently they can occur anywhere at anytime.

So much for income increase. This article states earnings quintupled until the numbers were corrected. 

US Federal Reserve: Fed Easing May Mean 20% Dollar Drop: Gross - CNBC

US Federal Reserve: Fed Easing May Mean 20% Dollar Drop: Gross - CNBC

Politics and Thanksgiving

Politics are in the air again. I emailed my congresswoman Judy Biggert (actually the person who responds to her emails) on October 2nd of this year. My wife and I want to actually meet her in person (rather than in a public forum  or have competition for a conversation) to discuss things that are important to my family and of concern to us about the job climate, business opportunities in Illinois, and a few other items. I got a return email  from one of her staffers on October 4th regarding topics. I responded immediately on October 4th with the requested information. To date - no reply. I understand - the election was coming up and all, the schedule is tight, but I would have thought a courtesy "working on it" type email reply should have been sent. A colleague of mine and I discussed this - he said frankly "Since you are one of the little guys and not a contributor/big contributor to campaigns or are not providing money, you can wait". Ad Infinitum? It brings into question my faith in ANY politician - ANY political party actually doing any representation of their constituency and listening to the little guys at all. Otherwise - Business As Usual. I understand that politics runs on money, but I also realize the Congressional job depends on votes. If I get a response (it has been almost a month now) or a posted reply I will provide an update. *********Update 11/12/2010. I had a 1 on 1 personal discussion with Judy Biggert in her office earlier today. She was pleasant and informative. Somewhat different and more helpful than I had expected. It was a very positive experience. Her staff was helpful as well. Maybe all politicians are not the same.

Thanksgiving has very many traditions - the most important F's - Food, Family, Friends and Football.There are also parades and Black Friday. If you ever wondered why the day after Thanksgiving is called black Friday, the reason can be found here. Definitely one of the busiest times of the year.