Swine flu.  There was talk that we should close the border because of this flu.  Why can’t the border be closed to stop illegals entering the country or to stop drugs or arms.  I wonder if our political people are talking with a fork tongue?

Bully Pulpit.  It is interesting reading to see the steps being taken in schools to minimize bullying amongst students.  Various penalties are imposed including dismissal.  When the bullying occurs from the White House what are the penalties being imposed?

Certainly our press corps has been very quiet regarding the bully bully activity going on in this Administration.  It sets the stage for other Presidents to do the same or more.  If it is decided by some President that the press should write things as determined by Washington, I wonder if the press will be more vocal then?  Well I am certainly out of focus….this is being done already.  Interesting don’t you think?

From all indications it appears that this Administration and Congress want all people teetered to the whims of the government.  This appears to be the same attitude of State governments and local governments. 

There is an attitude that people must live in fear simply because a few lunatics want to take over the way we live.  If you object to this, look in the mirror because you may be the reason it is happening!

To make the point.  I live in a small town.  A lady wanted to build herself a restaurant but the City Planners made her add retail shops (I suspect it for the best use of land, etc).

A similar action was taken with an individual who wanted to build an apartment complex.  They had to add retail shops.  In this second case none of the shops are occupied and haven’t been since the complex was built about one year ago.

Who is responsible for keeping these shops occupied and is this lady or the apartment builder being re-reimbursed for something they do not want?  I do not think so and if they are why isn’t it public policy to tell the citizens what is being done and why.  

General Motors.  I cannot believe I heard this.  Since the Union has basically taken over General Motors there is the consideration that many of the GM cars will be built overseas.  Excuse me….what happened to “built in the USA” fan fare.  Management looks for the cheapest way to produce and stay competitive.

Political Dismay.  California politicians are besides themselves seeing  that the various measures being proposed appear to be losing.

Well being honest in the beginning may have been the better course of action.  So why politicians think (based on what has happened in California over the last 10-15 years) that we should believe them today is beyond me.  When our friends in Sacramento see money that is an open invitation to spend.  As far as they are concern, everyday is a rainy day.  

What we should do is replace all of them and start fresh.  Let’s take the steps the Federal government took with General Motors CEO.  The Federal government got rid of him.  If it is good to take this action in the private sector why not the public sector.

Keep replacing until we think we have the right one’s in office.  We will get it right one of these days.  Today politics appears to be a criminal activity at all levels.

Grade Schools.  I see that PE is changing drastically in grade school.  It appears that competitive sports is being down played, being replaced with activities that has no winners or losers.

 That appears to be the template for our schools overall.  There are never any winners or losers.  I heard it said (Peter Drucker) that he thought the school system in the United States will unravel which it appears now to be doing.  Just read the papers to see the hoops that one has to do to fire incompetent teachers.    

ID Risk Level.  You may surprise yourself.  I received this from a young lady in Illinois.  Find out your test score and see if you have to take some action to protect yourself. 

• I regularly receive pre-approved credit card offers in the mail. (add 1 point)

• I shred all credit card offers I receive in the mail. (deduct 2 points)
• I always shred my credit card statements and other documents with personal identifying information before putting them in the trash. (deduct 2 points)
• I carry my Social Security card in my wallet or purse. (add 4 points)
• I carry my insurance ID card or other ID card containing my Social Security number in my wallet or purse, or in my car. (add 2 points).
• I use my ATM card at non-bank ATMs such as those at convenience stores, airports, or shopping mall kiosks. (add 1 point)
• I shop online and don’t verify that the sites are secure. (add 2 points)
• I use obvious PIN numbers, like birthdates or phone numbers, on my ATM cards. (add 1 point)
• My employer does not keep employee files locked at all times. (add 2 points)
• My Social Security number or Drivers License number is printed on my checks. (add 2 points)
• My Drivers License number is the same as my Social Security number. (add 2 points)
• When people ask for my Social Security number, I provide it. (add 2 points)
• My credit card company sends me convenience checks in the mail. (add 2 points)
• I shred credit card company convenience checks or keep them locked up. (deduct 1 point)
• The last time I ordered a copy of my free credit reports from all three credit reporting bureaus was 2 years ago or longer. (add 2 points)
• I am skeptical of telemarketing phone calls or emails and do not provide personal information or click on links in marketing emails. (deduct 1 point)
• I do not use anti-virus software on my computer. (add 2 points)
• I do not use firewall software (like Zone Alarm or Norton Internet Security) on my computer, even though I use the Internet. (add 2 points)
• I store personal financial information or passwords on my computer. (add 1 point)
• I reconcile my bank statement every month. (deduct 1 point)
• I carefully review my credit card statement every month and investigate any charges I don’t recognize. (deduct 1 point)
• Do I exercise my legal right to receive my free credit report at https://www.annualcreditreport.com
• I store personal information on my computer. (add 1 point)

How Did You Score?

• More than 26 points – Off the Charts! You may already be a victim of identity theft and not even know it.
• 20-26 points — Very High Risk – You’re either unaware of the way identity thieves work or you think it won’t happen to you. You’re identity theft waiting to happen.
• 14-19 points — High Risk – You’re aware of some of the risks of identity theft and have taken a few basic precautions but are wide open to less obvious methods of identity theft. You’ve got some work to do.
• 8-13 points – Medium Risk – You’ve covered the basics pretty well but could tighten up in a few of the less obvious areas. You’re getting there!
• Less than 8 points – Low Risk – You’re well aware of the risks of the various types of identity theft and you take them seriously by taking steps to protect yourself in a wide variety of vulnerable areas. Good work!

If your score is Very High Risk, hire and pay a legal representative, security personnel, CPA, and whomever that will monitor and protect you and your family 24 hours, 7 days a week from being a victim of ID theft or simply contact John Duffner at johnduffner@hotmail.com and ask what is available to give you some means of protection at a reasonable price.

 Kids Names:  Another item that interested me are baby names.  Here is a listing of the top ten boy/girl names based on 2008 statistics:

1. Emma

2. Isabella

3. Emily

4. Madison

5. Ava

6. Olivia

7. Sophia

8. Abigail

9. Elizabeth

10. Chloe

The Top 10 names for baby boys:

1. Jacob

2. Michael

3. Ethan

4. Joshua

5. Daniel

6. Alexander

7. Anthony

8. William

9. Christopher

10. Matthew

 I lost a friend.  He was a shoe maker, very outspoken, but very good hearted.  He and I at times would exchange stories of our experiences with heart surgery since we both were operated on within months of each other.  Or we regaled each other with stories of what we did in the service (he was Army; I the Marines) and what our kids were doing.  When Jess lost his wife a few years ago it took the spring from him but he remained occupied, always opening the shop, and I would stop by to complain about nothing.  He will be missed. 

 Your comments are welcomed.