Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Email regarding identity theft
Jay said his credit card company sent him a card he didn't request or authorize....how about those stinkin "convenience" checks that have your name,address and your complete credit card number on the face of the checks. They mail them several checks at a time sometimes they include them in my statement! What idiots! I have come home from vacation and found several envelopes with these things and nothing to stop someone from hauling them out of the mailbox and spending away.
Fort Worth Considers How To Spend Millions
cbs11tv.com - Fort Worth Considers How To Spend Millions: "It's a problem many cities would like to have, how to spend gas drilling revenue.
Drilling in the Barnett Shale under city parks and airports is netting $14 million for Fort Worth.
More than 600 gas wells have gotten permits for Fort Worth. The city has seven of its own, up and running, bringing in $400,000 a month. "
***Not one mention of lessoning the tax burden on the people. Not one.
Drilling in the Barnett Shale under city parks and airports is netting $14 million for Fort Worth.
More than 600 gas wells have gotten permits for Fort Worth. The city has seven of its own, up and running, bringing in $400,000 a month. "
***Not one mention of lessoning the tax burden on the people. Not one.
Mckinney North students boycott dance
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "McKINNEY – Students had extra room on the dance floor Saturday at the annual Winter Ball hosted by McKinney North High School.
Fewer than 250 students, a fraction of the usual crowd, showed up at Southfork Ranch, leaving the student council $8,000 in the hole.
Some students said they boycotted the event because of the way McKinney ISD officials handled the recent cheerleading squad scandal, which drew national attention to the school. "
Fewer than 250 students, a fraction of the usual crowd, showed up at Southfork Ranch, leaving the student council $8,000 in the hole.
Some students said they boycotted the event because of the way McKinney ISD officials handled the recent cheerleading squad scandal, which drew national attention to the school. "
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Another shocking tale about stolen cars
"I was listening to the Ernie & J program today around 2:30 to 3 pm about individuals vehicles being stolen and having to pay the city pound to get your own car back that some thief has stolen. That happen to us with the Dallas pound, except we got our truck back for a healthy fee of about $200 that had to paid in cash or with a credit card. Thank you for pushing the bill that helps to protect the innocent since the police dept can't and really don't care nor try to catch the crooks. They just chalk it up to a problem that happens every few seconds daily. This can happen to anyone. The innocent keep on getting taken."
Regarding the Ft. Worth towing situation
Guys,
Lets send a message to Fort Worth just go to http://www.fortworthgov.org/ the top right of the page is a contact us link then send to general comments takes a second but lets make our voice heard that's what this is there for right? Great Job Guys.
Lets send a message to Fort Worth just go to http://www.fortworthgov.org/ the top right of the page is a contact us link then send to general comments takes a second but lets make our voice heard that's what this is there for right? Great Job Guys.
German Boy's Sex Change Result of Political Correctness, Group Says -- 01/29/2007
German Boy's Sex Change Result of Political Correctness, Group Says -- 01/29/2007: "It's a medical first - a 14-year-old German boy became the youngest patient in history to begin treatment to prepare him for a sex change, but a conservative group says the boy's parents and doctors have been unfairly influenced by the homosexual lobby. "
Castro Party Planned
Associated Press - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "The city of Miami is planning an official celebration at the Orange Bowl whenever Cuban president Fidel Castro dies.
Discussions by a committee appointed earlier this month by the city commission to plan the event have even covered issues such as a theme to be printed on T-shirts, what musicians would perform, the cost and how long the celebration would last.
Such a gathering has long been part of the city's plan for Castro's death, but firming up the specifics has been more urgent since Castro became ill last summer and turned over power to his brother, Raul."
***Good Riddens!
Discussions by a committee appointed earlier this month by the city commission to plan the event have even covered issues such as a theme to be printed on T-shirts, what musicians would perform, the cost and how long the celebration would last.
Such a gathering has long been part of the city's plan for Castro's death, but firming up the specifics has been more urgent since Castro became ill last summer and turned over power to his brother, Raul."
***Good Riddens!
Castro Party Planned
Associated Press - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "The city of Miami is planning an official celebration at the Orange Bowl whenever Cuban president Fidel Castro dies.
Discussions by a committee appointed earlier this month by the city commission to plan the event have even covered issues such as a theme to be printed on T-shirts, what musicians would perform, the cost and how long the celebration would last.
Such a gathering has long been part of the city's plan for Castro's death, but firming up the specifics has been more urgent since Castro became ill last summer and turned over power to his brother, Raul."
***Good Riddens!
Discussions by a committee appointed earlier this month by the city commission to plan the event have even covered issues such as a theme to be printed on T-shirts, what musicians would perform, the cost and how long the celebration would last.
Such a gathering has long been part of the city's plan for Castro's death, but firming up the specifics has been more urgent since Castro became ill last summer and turned over power to his brother, Raul."
***Good Riddens!
Email regarding banning the N word
I teach college English, contemporary American lit, specifically. If the Brazoria mayor got his wish, what would happen to me after teaching _Huck Finn_ or other Mark Twain texts? Additionally, would I have to cut out 50% of the readings in my contemporary American lit anthology, because of "offensive" word use? I guess I'd be left with, ummm, not much.
DISD principles refuse to quit over scandal
Latest News WFAA.com: "Two Dallas school principals, asked to resign in connection with an investigation into district credit card spending, did not do so by the deadline, likely setting into motion the district's plan to begin termination proceedings. "
Restaurant Customers Fight To Smoke - News
Restaurant Customers Fight To Smoke - News: "Smokers in Irving are fighting for one of the few places in which they can still smoke.
Beginning Jan. 1, Irving required smoking permits for older restaurants that were once grandfathered out of the city’s smoking law. Pappy’s Catfish owner Frank Senkyrik was ticketed recently."
Beginning Jan. 1, Irving required smoking permits for older restaurants that were once grandfathered out of the city’s smoking law. Pappy’s Catfish owner Frank Senkyrik was ticketed recently."
Elderly Woman Drives Car Into Apartment Building - News
Elderly Woman Drives Car Into Apartment Building - News: "An elderly woman suffered minor injuries on Monday when her car slammed into a Fort Worth apartment building."
Man steals purse from school
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "Grand Prairie investigators want the public’s help in catching a man who walked into an elementary school and stole a teacher’s purse, then used the stolen credit cards at nearby stores. "
***I thought our schools were on virtual lockdown all the time.
***I thought our schools were on virtual lockdown all the time.
Monday, January 29, 2007
An email autos with named stickers
it has occurred to me that there are far too many autos with stickers on the back window that share information about their children. Have you seen them.?? Little icons with the childs name, the sport they play,(some even list the childs player number) the school they attend. Now a predator would have all this info and more....the lic. plate number, type of auto driven.....
Say there are two children. Susie #21 plays soccer. Bobby #30 plays baseball. How easy for a predator to approach and child and say "I think you play soccer well, and how about Bobby! Good at baseball, isn't he?"
The child would think this person might be a personal friend.
Just a thought to share with you. Thanks
Say there are two children. Susie #21 plays soccer. Bobby #30 plays baseball. How easy for a predator to approach and child and say "I think you play soccer well, and how about Bobby! Good at baseball, isn't he?"
The child would think this person might be a personal friend.
Just a thought to share with you. Thanks
Schools get around no pass no play
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Northeast Tarrant News: "The no-pass, no-play law, once hailed as the stiffest academic standard in America, is now diluted by exemptions that let students with poor grades off the hook. "
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Experts, Lawmakers Struggle With High School Dropouts In Texas - News
Experts, Lawmakers Struggle With High School Dropouts In Texas - News: "One out of three Texas students never graduate, and more students drop out than finish high school in the state's largest cities."
Two Principals Asked To Resign In Dallas Credit Card Scandal - News
Two Principals Asked To Resign In Dallas Credit Card Scandal - News: "The Dallas school district has asked two high school principals to resign and wants to reassign an elementary school principal as part of its investigation into the possible misuse of district credit cards."
Granny Who Ran Drugs To Support Bingo Habit Jailed
cbs11tv.com - Granny Who Ran Drugs To Support Bingo Habit Jailed: "A 62-year-old grandmother who prosecutors said ran drugs to support her bingo habit has been sentenced to three years in prison and a $150,000 fine."
New York Teacher Under Fire For Anatomy Assignment
cbs11tv.com - New York Teacher Under Fire For Anatomy Assignment: "New York Teacher Under Fire For Anatomy Assignment
(CBS) YONKERS, N.Y. A 7th grade health teacher at the PEARLS Hawthorne School in Yonkers is facing termination after apparently asking his class to participate in a questionable anatomy assignment.
Jeffrey Kirby was removed by school officials Wednesday for starting off his anatomy lesson by asking the children to come to the chalkboard and draw male genitalia. Students then complained to the parents, who then complained to the school. "
(CBS) YONKERS, N.Y. A 7th grade health teacher at the PEARLS Hawthorne School in Yonkers is facing termination after apparently asking his class to participate in a questionable anatomy assignment.
Jeffrey Kirby was removed by school officials Wednesday for starting off his anatomy lesson by asking the children to come to the chalkboard and draw male genitalia. Students then complained to the parents, who then complained to the school. "
Dewhurst Proposes Mandatory Steroid Testing
cbs11tv.com - Dewhurst Proposes Mandatory Steroid Testing: "Texas is a hotbed of high school football, where the Friday night lights burn brighter and many of the athletes are among the biggest, fastest and strongest in the country."
Friday, January 26, 2007
Another towing story via email
In 1997, my truck was stolen out of the Home Depot parking lot in Desoto, Texas. Five days latter, I was contacted by the Dallas Police Dept. telling me I could come pick the truck up at the impound yard. When I got to the impound yard, they showed me my stripped and totaled Chevy and said that I needed to arrange for a tow truck to haul it out of there, and that I owed them 267.00. Well I was only 20 years old at the time, and only had liability insurance and could not afford to pay for it to be released. Long story short, Dallas County sold my truck, and there was nothing I could do about it. Love your show, listen all day in Paris, Texas.
An email from Greg RE impounded cars
Oh man, You have hit on a HUGE problem . . .
My neighbor lost her car to city impound after it was stolen because she couldn't pay, when she got the money together, the daily fee had continued to accumulate and she STILL couldn't afford to get it out!
City impound is no better than the towing companies! They prowl around low income apartment complexes and tow for RIDICULOUS things. It's one thing to tow for legitimate violations: parked in handicapped, no tags, etc... But, wheels touching the white line because the car that USED to be parked in the next space was too close?, no parking sticker in your new car, when the office was closed the weekend you bought it. Towing a car you borrowed in an emergency that lacked the parking sticker, I could go on and on....
My neighbor lost her car to city impound after it was stolen because she couldn't pay, when she got the money together, the daily fee had continued to accumulate and she STILL couldn't afford to get it out!
City impound is no better than the towing companies! They prowl around low income apartment complexes and tow for RIDICULOUS things. It's one thing to tow for legitimate violations: parked in handicapped, no tags, etc... But, wheels touching the white line because the car that USED to be parked in the next space was too close?, no parking sticker in your new car, when the office was closed the weekend you bought it. Towing a car you borrowed in an emergency that lacked the parking sticker, I could go on and on....
The Washington Times, America's Newspaper
Associated Press - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "So much for God and country, at least during some in-flight showings of the Oscar-nominated movie 'The Queen.' That's because all mentions of God are bleeped out of a version of the film given to some commercial airlines.
Even in these politically correct times, censoring references to God in the film wasn't a statement of some kind. Rather, it was the mistake of an overzealous and inexperienced employee for a California company that edits movies selected for onboard entertainment."
Even in these politically correct times, censoring references to God in the film wasn't a statement of some kind. Rather, it was the mistake of an overzealous and inexperienced employee for a California company that edits movies selected for onboard entertainment."
'I tried to make it work'
Star-Telegram 01/26/2007 'I tried to make it work': "Well, kind of. In a 30-minute interview with New York radio station WFAN on Thursday, Parcells spoke publicly for the first time since his Monday retirement . Parcells has been at the team's headquarters all week at the request of owner Jerry Jones to help with the coaching transition."
Big TV Screens Raise Eyebrows At Dallas City Hall - News
Big TV Screens Raise Eyebrows At Dallas City Hall - News: "Four giant TV screens at Dallas City Hall are raising eyebrows.
The 65-inch plasma TVs are located at the end of the big city hall atrium, on four floors."
The 65-inch plasma TVs are located at the end of the big city hall atrium, on four floors."
DISD Credit Card Abuse
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "A Dallas school district secretary admitted felony theft Thursday, acknowledging in a plea bargain that she rang up $100,000 in personal charges on her DISD MasterCard over a three-year stretch. "
Baggy Pants Trip Up Robbery Suspect
cbs11tv.com - Baggy Pants Trip Up Robbery Suspect: "Police said they caught a 16-year-old robbery suspect who had eluded authorities on several previous occasions when his baggy pants fell down, causing him to stumble as officers chased him."
Proposed Immigration Bill Denies Kids' Citizenship
cbs11tv.com - Proposed Immigration Bill Denies Kids' Citizenship: "Now, there is a move in Austin to prohibit the children of illegal immigrants from becoming United States citizens. It's called House Bill 28, and it was drafted by State Respresentative Leo Berman (R) of Tyler. He believes that citizenship should not be automatic for the children of illegal immigrants, and he's hoping this argument will end up in a federal court."
Medical Employees Fired For Violating Privacy Laws
cbs11tv.com - Medical Employees Fired For Violating Privacy Laws: "CBS11 News has learned Baylor Medical Center in Dallas has fired several employees, claiming they violated federal privacy laws. And it goes back to a trip to the emergency room that made national headlines and became a media circus.
It was last September when Dallas Cowboy's star receiver Terrell Owens was rushed to Baylor Medical Center for an allergic reaction involving pain pills and nutrition supplements."
It was last September when Dallas Cowboy's star receiver Terrell Owens was rushed to Baylor Medical Center for an allergic reaction involving pain pills and nutrition supplements."
cbs11tv.com - Community Protests New Adult Store Near School
cbs11tv.com - Community Protests New Adult Store Near School: "Angry parents, business owners, and community leaders were speaking with one voice tonight. All are opposed to an adult bookstore that's opening just blocks from a school. "
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Teen suffers head injury in fight
Star-Telegram 01/24/2007 Teen suffers head injury in fight: "The 16-year-old was knocked out during a fight between L.D. Bell and Trinity high school students nearly two weeks ago, whisked inside before police arrived in response to a disturbance call and then not given medical attention for three hours."
Dogs on Restaurant Patios
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "Go dine out with Sparky and celebrate: Dallas will soon allow dogs to join their owners on restaurants’ outdoor patios. "
Cleburne coach accused of having sex with student
Star-Telegram.com 01/24/2007 Cleburne coach accused of having sex with student: "A family member of a Cleburne High School student told investigators that she was in a sexual relationship with a teacher, which resulted in his arrest Tuesday, a police spokeswoman said."
Mother of runaway expresses pride in son's escapades
Star-Telegram.com 01/24/2007 Mother of runaway expresses pride in son's escapades: "The mother of a 9-year-old boy who boarded flights from Seattle to Texas and is suspected of leading police on a high-speed chase said in a television interview that she was stunned but proud of her son's actions."
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Student calls in bomb threat
Latest News WFAA.com: "A Denton High School basketball game was delayed and a student put in jail after police said the teen called in a bomb threat after he was suspended from the game because of a fight. "
Councilman: Millions On Stadium Renovation A Waste
cbs11tv.com - Councilman: Millions On Stadium Renovation A Waste: "Councilman Mitchell Rasansky says it's wasted money. Rasansky says the money would be better spent on Fair Park itself. But for some budding south Dallas businesses, the two venues are inseparable."
***Where have I heard this before?
***Where have I heard this before?
A very kind email from Gayle
"Heard your show today and was appalled at how quickly this poor woman's dog was impounded just because some busybody said a child was bitten, when the child himself said he wasn't. (Hope I got all this right as I wasn't able to hear the whole show.)
Anyway, are any additional funds needed to help with the boarding fee for her dog? A gentleman had offered some financial assistance but I don't know how much. If more funds are necessary, please advise as to who the check should be made payable to and where to send. "
Anyway, are any additional funds needed to help with the boarding fee for her dog? A gentleman had offered some financial assistance but I don't know how much. If more funds are necessary, please advise as to who the check should be made payable to and where to send. "
An email from Stephanie regarding College Tuition
My son and daughter were encouraged to go to college from the time the were in elementary. They also knew that they would have to pay for it from that time. We told them if they went to college here that they could live at home and it would be a lot less expensive.
Our daughter wanted to be a missionary so she chose a very a Bible college in Pensacola, Florida (Pensacola Christian College). Her tuition, room, board and misc. expenses came to $6000 a year. She worked 12 hours a week during the school year and then all summer and she graduated with a high quality education and debt free!
Our son wanted to go into theatre. He went community college for 2 years and then decided he wanted to go to UCLA. He moved to Santa Monica and worked a year to establish residency (to avoid the high out of state charges). They he went to Santa Monica Community College for a year and transfered into UCLA for 2 years. He graduated from UCLA and he only has $10,000 in debt, which I think is pretty good considering that it costs approx. $20,000 a year! The stories he tells of students of kids blowing mom and dad's money partying.
As he said, "Because I am paying for it I can't afford to flunk - because I will just have to pay for it again."
Our daughter wanted to be a missionary so she chose a very a Bible college in Pensacola, Florida (Pensacola Christian College). Her tuition, room, board and misc. expenses came to $6000 a year. She worked 12 hours a week during the school year and then all summer and she graduated with a high quality education and debt free!
Our son wanted to go into theatre. He went community college for 2 years and then decided he wanted to go to UCLA. He moved to Santa Monica and worked a year to establish residency (to avoid the high out of state charges). They he went to Santa Monica Community College for a year and transfered into UCLA for 2 years. He graduated from UCLA and he only has $10,000 in debt, which I think is pretty good considering that it costs approx. $20,000 a year! The stories he tells of students of kids blowing mom and dad's money partying.
As he said, "Because I am paying for it I can't afford to flunk - because I will just have to pay for it again."
An email from Paul about delayed flights
On the AA flights held at Austin recently there is one very important fact.When an aircraft is on the ground, it is controlled by the ground controller at that airport. The aircraft CANNOT move while on the ground unless the aircraft is given directions by the ground controller.The responsibility for the passengers held on the ground for such a long period of time rests directly with the management of Austin Bergstrom Airport. The lack of action by Austin Bergstrom Airport is even more glaring with the reports of available gates. If anything, the planes could have pulled up to a gate, deplaned the passengers and then, if necessary, moved the aircraft to a hold area on the tarmac.While it is certainly in the best interests of American Airlines to do some sort of compensation for their customers; the focus should be more on the lack of action by the management of Austin Bergstrom Airport.
An email from Joel regarding Hillary
Last night I was watching the ABC nightly world news and they had an interview with her lowness Hillary Clinton. In my opinion her running isn’t world news. Will they have an interview with all of the other democrats running, or any republicans? Although I probably won’t vote for any candidates running I’m a registered democrat. Shouldn’t they have fair representation? The newscaster asked twice point blank is O’Bama quailified to run. I see bias in the news and this election will help me decide which I should watch if any.
An email from Dan regarding Social Security
Jay, I listened to her and she complained that her check wasn't big enough. The reality is that she proved to not be able to care for herself. But as a typical democrat she thinks its the governments fault because she didn't save or make provision. She represents the mentality that is consuming and destroying america. The its not my fault and I am entitled crowd. $1172.00 a month S.S. isn't bad in Texas. How come she doesn't have 500-750 a month additional retirement savings or pension a month to off set? Is it because its all about us and we think in the end the government will do what we failed to do. And when it doesn't work out that way its the governements fault. She's just a taker a free loader.
Verified Response Questioned
Latest News WFAA.com: "A Dallas store owner has expressed qualms with verified response after he encountered a burglar literally still hanging out in his store while responding to his business' burglary alarm. "
Free Tuition
Latest News WFAA.com: "The University of Texas-Arlington and the University of Texas at Dallas announced Tuesday they would guarantee free tuition for in-state undergraduate students with family incomes below $25,000."
Company's Anti-War E-Mail To Soldier Causes Stir
cbs11tv.com - Company's Anti-War E-Mail To Soldier Causes Stir: "An e-mail exchange interpreted by backers of the military as an affront to U.S. troops in Iraq has brought a deluge of criticism to a local company after circulating across the Internet."
President's Health Plan Met With Uncertainty
cbs11tv.com - President's Health Plan Met With Uncertainty: "DALLAS President Bush promised that help is on the way to 46 million Americans without health insurance. But his proposal comes with questions and unknown costs."
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Cheating Teachers
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "A new set of rules, approved by the State Board for Educator Certification this month, will devote more resources to investigating teachers suspected of doctoring student answers. The rules would also make it easier for school districts to know whether someone applying for a job is suspected of cheating in another district. "
Farmers Branch Revises Rental Law Proposal
cbs11tv.com - Farmers Branch Revises Rental Law Proposal: "City Council members in Farmer's Branch agreed Monday night to revise a controversial ordinance requiring apartment landlords to check the immigration status of their tenants."
Monday, January 22, 2007
New Dog Beer
Associated Press - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- After a long day hunting, there's nothing like wrapping your paw around a cold bottle of beer. So Terrie Berenden, a pet shop owner in the southern Dutch town of Zelhem, created a beer for her Weimaraners made from beef extract and malt."
Woman Induces Labor So Husband Can See NFL Game
cbs11tv.com - Woman Induces Labor So Husband Can See NFL Game: "Colleen chose to have the birth of their second child induced a few days early so Mark Pavelka could attend Sunday's NFC
Championship showdown between the Bears and the New Orleans Saints. "
Championship showdown between the Bears and the New Orleans Saints. "
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Missing boy met with police twice
Latest News WFAA.com: "ST. LOUIS - Ten months after Shawn Hornbeck's disappearance, he spoke with police to report his bike had been stolen but gave no clue that he was a missing child, a newspaper reported Saturday."
Missing boy met with police twice
Latest News WFAA.com: "ST. LOUIS - Ten months after Shawn Hornbeck's disappearance, he spoke with police to report his bike had been stolen but gave no clue that he was a missing child, a newspaper reported Saturday."
***Stranger and stranger by the minute. - Jay
***Stranger and stranger by the minute. - Jay
City might alter smoke ban
Star-Telegram 01/21/2007 City might alter smoke ban: "The City Council plans to discuss possible changes to the ordinance at its 2:30 p.m. work session Tuesday, including whether smoking should be limited at private clubs, assisted-living centers and parks."
***Why stop at private clubs Arlington. Since this is such a great evil why don't you ban it all together including houses and cars. After all, someones got to protect us from us. - Jay
***Why stop at private clubs Arlington. Since this is such a great evil why don't you ban it all together including houses and cars. After all, someones got to protect us from us. - Jay
Teen is arrested at Chuck E. Cheese's
Star-Telegram 01/20/2007 Teen is arrested at Chuck E. Cheese's: "Police say they arrested an 18-year-old Lewisville man who charged at an officer after trying to pick up women at the entertainment venue."
*The old pick up women at Chuck E Cheese ploy.
*The old pick up women at Chuck E Cheese ploy.
Residents Say New Neighborhood Causing Floods - News
Residents Say New Neighborhood Causing Floods - News: "Residents of the Chapel Valley neighborhood off of Northwest Highway said their lots and homes flood nearly every time it rains because of a new development behind them."
*I'm glad to see other media outlets pick up on this story. That seems to be the only thing that's going to make a differnce. - Jay
*I'm glad to see other media outlets pick up on this story. That seems to be the only thing that's going to make a differnce. - Jay
NFL Final Four
O.K. Ernie and I predicted the winners for todays games as follows:
Ernie - Patriots and Saints
Jay - Patriots and Chicago
I just wanted to get this in writing before the games start.
Jay
Ernie - Patriots and Saints
Jay - Patriots and Chicago
I just wanted to get this in writing before the games start.
Jay
Rated "R" Movies
My wife and I went to see Rocky Balboa last night and I was surprised by a sign inside the theater which reads, "No children under the age of 6 will be allowed into R rated movies after 6:00PM." I thought the R rating was for 17 year olds. I wonder what changes at 6:00PM to make these movies turn evil. It must be the moonlight. - Jay
An email about using a rating system for books
"I would love it if they rated books. I love reading thrillers and
mysteries, but I'm afraid of picking up authors that I'm unfamiliar
with. The last two new books I've read have included graphic rape
scenes, and since I have a very vivid imagination, I can't read those. I
can't ever get those images out of my head, once they are in there. So,
I only read new books that someone I know has read, and can validate as
safe for me."
mysteries, but I'm afraid of picking up authors that I'm unfamiliar
with. The last two new books I've read have included graphic rape
scenes, and since I have a very vivid imagination, I can't read those. I
can't ever get those images out of my head, once they are in there. So,
I only read new books that someone I know has read, and can validate as
safe for me."
An email I received about libraries
"Jay, you are delusional on this issue. I think that it should be entirely reasonable to expect some places to still be 'kid friendly.' I should be able to walk out of the room while my child is watching broadcast TV and not have to worry about what comes on next at 7pm. We are quickly losing that! The library should be the same. I, for one was very surprised by this story. There are thousands of children who do have access to a library without their parents having to take them there, including one of mine who walks by one everyday on her way from school. Most parents would encourage them to stop by and take advantage of the resources, (Which, I personally would be happy if they stuck to books) and not have to tell them to wait until I can be there with them!
Jay is also nuts to believe that a book would be more harmful to a child, particularly a young one, then a movie! Most young kids will have little or no desire to check out a r-rated book, but will be quite curious about an r-rated movie. We have laws and city ordinances to govern how people act in public and what they can show, why should a public library be different?
It is not difficult to in act procedures to keep children from checking out r-rated movies (which do not have to be watched to find out if they are r-rated by the way.) And who would be against that?
Jay... I thought that this was a common sense show!?"
*You can expect whatever you want. Whether you're entitled to it or whether it is right to expect it is another thing. If you don't trust your kids at the library don't just drop them off there. This is pretty simple stuff in my opinion. - Jay
Jay is also nuts to believe that a book would be more harmful to a child, particularly a young one, then a movie! Most young kids will have little or no desire to check out a r-rated book, but will be quite curious about an r-rated movie. We have laws and city ordinances to govern how people act in public and what they can show, why should a public library be different?
It is not difficult to in act procedures to keep children from checking out r-rated movies (which do not have to be watched to find out if they are r-rated by the way.) And who would be against that?
Jay... I thought that this was a common sense show!?"
*You can expect whatever you want. Whether you're entitled to it or whether it is right to expect it is another thing. If you don't trust your kids at the library don't just drop them off there. This is pretty simple stuff in my opinion. - Jay
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Farmers Branch Reworking Immigration Ordinance
cbs11tv.com - Farmers Branch Reworking Immigration Ordinance: "FARMERS BRANCH A controversial Farmers Branch city ordinance is getting a makeover. The city has reworked part of the new law that cracks down on illegal immigrants living and working in the city."
Ministers Petition SMU To Stop Bush Library Bid
cbs11tv.com - Ministers Petition SMU To Stop Bush Library Bid: "DALLAS Saying some Bush administration policies conflict with church teachings, Methodist ministers from across the nation launched an online petition drive Thursday urging Southern Methodist University to abandon plans to build his presidential library."
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Travel: Muslim group threatens boycott of Northwest Airlines
The Seattle Times: Travel: Muslim group threatens boycott of Northwest Airlines: "But Northwest officials defended their actions Tuesday, repeating that the 40 or so pilgrims were unable to board because they weren't at the gate in time."
9 Year Old Bypasses Security
Latest News WFAA.com: "A 9-year-old boy was so determined to return to his former home in Dallas that he ran away, talked his way onto a Southwest Airlines flight from Seattle and changed planes in Phoenix before being caught during a layover in San Antonio. "
The New "N-Word"
Associated Press - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "A gay and lesbian advocacy group demanded an apology Wednesday from 'Grey's Anatomy' co-star Isaiah Washington for comments made following the Golden Globe Awards."
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Unbelievable
DALLAS LULAC COUNCIL 4496
Jesse Diaz, President 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
PRESS RELEASE
To: DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and all DISD School Board Trustees
From: Jesse Diaz 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Phone: Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
Date: January 17, 2007
Subject: Dallas LULAC Council 4496 Calls upon DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and all of the DISD School Board Trustees to exercise ZERO TOLERANCE and prosecute to the full extent of the law, all DISD employees who are found guilty of any misuse of DISD District credit cards.
Dallas LULAC Council 4496 calls upon DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and all of the DISD School Board Trustees to exercise ZERO TOLERANCE and prosecute to the full extent of the law, all DISD employees who are found guilty of any misuse of DISD Credit Cards. DISD stakeholders deserve zero tolerance for any and all individuals who are found guilty of misusing DISD credit cards. The word ‘egregious’ is not in the Texas Penal Code when it comes to credit card abuse.
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 32. Fraud Subchapter A. General Provisons. Subchapter C. Credit. 32.31. Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse. (a) For purposes of this section: (b) A person commits an offense if: (1) with intent to obtain a benefit fraudulently, he presents or uses a credit card or debit card with knowledge that: (3) he receives a benefit that he knows has been obtained in violation of this section; (11) being authorized by an issuer to furnish goods or services on presentation of a credit card or debit card, he, with intent to defraud the issuer or a cardholder, fails to furnish goods or services that he represents in writing to the issuer that he has furnished. (d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1104, § 2, 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1054, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
32.32. False Statement To Obtain Property Or Credit. (b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes a materially false or misleading written statement to obtain property or credit for himself or another. (c) An offense under this section is: (1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is less than $50; (2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $50 or more but less than $500; (3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $500 or more but less than $1,500; (4) a state jail felony if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000; (5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000; (6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or (7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $200,000 or more.
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, § 14.50, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1245, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Crime is crime and those who violate the trust of DISD taxpayers deserve to be criminally charged as provided by the Texas Penal Code.
The phrase “That’s like the Fox taking care of the Hen House” comes into mind when I read the Dallas Morning News article ’10 may be charged in DISD credit card case’ By Kent Fisher on January 9, 2007. The article states investigators have thus far compiled and submitted a list of 20 DISD employees out of more than 600 DISD employees who are alleged to have committed credit card abuse of DISD credit cards to a committee of top DISD officials so these DISD employees may determine how DISD will handle those individuals who may have committed DISD credit card abuse. Every single DISD employee who committed credit card abuse of DISD credit cards should be charged with a felony and/or at least a misdemeanor along with whatever disciplinary action the DISD deems warranted. Whether the violation was purchase of thousands of dollars of personal items or purchase of personal meals at the expense of DISD stakeholders, if one does the crime those in question should do the time.
We commend DISD stakeholder Allen Gwinn for uncovering the flagrant violation of the public’s trust relating to the criminal use of DISD credit cards. Discovery of credit card abuse within the DISD should have been brought to DISD taxpayer’s attention by those who either were in management or supervisory positions within the DISD or those who were elected to represent the best interest of very DISD stakeholder.
Jesse Diaz, President 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
PRESS RELEASE
To: DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and all DISD School Board Trustees
From: Jesse Diaz 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Phone: Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
Date: January 17, 2007
Subject: Dallas LULAC Council 4496 Calls upon DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and all of the DISD School Board Trustees to exercise ZERO TOLERANCE and prosecute to the full extent of the law, all DISD employees who are found guilty of any misuse of DISD District credit cards.
Dallas LULAC Council 4496 calls upon DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and all of the DISD School Board Trustees to exercise ZERO TOLERANCE and prosecute to the full extent of the law, all DISD employees who are found guilty of any misuse of DISD Credit Cards. DISD stakeholders deserve zero tolerance for any and all individuals who are found guilty of misusing DISD credit cards. The word ‘egregious’ is not in the Texas Penal Code when it comes to credit card abuse.
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 32. Fraud Subchapter A. General Provisons. Subchapter C. Credit. 32.31. Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse. (a) For purposes of this section: (b) A person commits an offense if: (1) with intent to obtain a benefit fraudulently, he presents or uses a credit card or debit card with knowledge that: (3) he receives a benefit that he knows has been obtained in violation of this section; (11) being authorized by an issuer to furnish goods or services on presentation of a credit card or debit card, he, with intent to defraud the issuer or a cardholder, fails to furnish goods or services that he represents in writing to the issuer that he has furnished. (d) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1104, § 2, 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1054, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
32.32. False Statement To Obtain Property Or Credit. (b) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes a materially false or misleading written statement to obtain property or credit for himself or another. (c) An offense under this section is: (1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is less than $50; (2) a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $50 or more but less than $500; (3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $500 or more but less than $1,500; (4) a state jail felony if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000; (5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000; (6) a felony of the second degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or (7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the property or the amount of credit is $200,000 or more.
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, § 14.50, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1245, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Crime is crime and those who violate the trust of DISD taxpayers deserve to be criminally charged as provided by the Texas Penal Code.
The phrase “That’s like the Fox taking care of the Hen House” comes into mind when I read the Dallas Morning News article ’10 may be charged in DISD credit card case’ By Kent Fisher on January 9, 2007. The article states investigators have thus far compiled and submitted a list of 20 DISD employees out of more than 600 DISD employees who are alleged to have committed credit card abuse of DISD credit cards to a committee of top DISD officials so these DISD employees may determine how DISD will handle those individuals who may have committed DISD credit card abuse. Every single DISD employee who committed credit card abuse of DISD credit cards should be charged with a felony and/or at least a misdemeanor along with whatever disciplinary action the DISD deems warranted. Whether the violation was purchase of thousands of dollars of personal items or purchase of personal meals at the expense of DISD stakeholders, if one does the crime those in question should do the time.
We commend DISD stakeholder Allen Gwinn for uncovering the flagrant violation of the public’s trust relating to the criminal use of DISD credit cards. Discovery of credit card abuse within the DISD should have been brought to DISD taxpayer’s attention by those who either were in management or supervisory positions within the DISD or those who were elected to represent the best interest of very DISD stakeholder.
40 Michigan Muslims Claim Racial Profiling by Northwest Airlines - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
FOXNews.com - 40 Michigan Muslims Claim Racial Profiling by Northwest Airlines - Local News News Articles National News US News: "A group of 40 Michigan Muslims said Tuesday they were unfairly profiled earlier this month when they were not allowed to board a Northwest Airlines flight in Germany on their way home from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia."
Justice Department Charges 148 Illegal Aliens With Identity Theft -- 01/16/2007
Justice Department Charges 148 Illegal Aliens With Identity Theft -- 01/16/2007: "The Justice Department announced Tuesday that federal identity theft charges have been brought against 148 illegal immigrants accused of stealing the identities of American citizens to get jobs."
Democrats' New 'Fairness' Push May Silence Conservative Radio Hosts, Critics Say -- 01/17/2007
Democrats' New 'Fairness' Push May Silence Conservative Radio Hosts, Critics Say -- 01/17/2007: "Democrats in Congress are pushing for legislation that they say would bring more balance to the media, but critics say would muzzle conservative voices."
New Bill Proposes Parents Choose Kid’s Sex Ed
cbs11tv.com - New Bill Proposes Parents Choose Kid’s Sex Ed: "The way your children are, or are not, taught sexual education in Texas schools could soon change. A proposed law would leave the choice to the parents."
Dallas bishop takes issue with FB ordinance
Dallas bishop takes issue with FB ordinance
He says anti-illegal migrant law is counter to Christian values
12:00 AM CST on Monday, January 15, 2007
By SERGIO CHAPA Al DÃa
If Joseph and Mary were looking for a place to stay in Farmers Branch, they probably would be turned away, Dallas' Catholic bishop said Sunday.
During a bilingual service for the 2007 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Charles Grahmann told hundreds at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe that immigrants have the right to seek better opportunities.
Ordinance addressed
The bishop said nations also have the right to control their borders, but added that the Bible and church teach that immigration policy should be tempered with "justice and mercy."
The controversial ordinance in Farmers Branch prohibiting the renting of apartments to illegal immigrants was on the minds of Bishop Grahmann and members of the mostly Hispanic congregation in downtown Dallas.
"I often wonder if Joseph and Mary and Jesus would try to find a place in Farmers Branch," his sermon said. "They would probably be told they would have to find another place."
Giving several examples from scripture, Bishop Grahmann said the Bible, the church and Pope Benedict XVI teach tolerance as well as welcoming and giving hospitality to strangers or "aliens."
"Many people have adopted a siege mentality, but as a community of faith, we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable among us," he said.
In an interview with Al DÃa, the bishop said his grandparents were German immigrants who came to Texas seeking a better life for their children.
He said thousands of immigrants and refugees from dozens of nations have settled in and around Dallas, prompting the construction of 18 Catholic churches in the past 10 years.
"The diocese has 72 churches," he said.
"Of those, 50 have a Hispanic majority."
'Welcoming' is key
Elizabeth Villafranca, owner of Cuquita's Restaurant in Farmers Branch, gave the first reading at Mass.
She said in an interview that Catholics and Christians need to fight racism and xenophobia.
"It's not enough to show up to Mass and service; it's about living the Gospel," she said.
"It's about welcoming the stranger."
Hispanic activist Carlos Quintanilla said the ethnic diversity in the cathedral's parish reflects a reality that officials in Farmers Branch don't want to recognize.
"Immigrants are not one color," he said. "They are from Vietnam, Pakistan, Lithuania, Poland ... all colors.
"But unfortunately, the ones who have been singled out are Mexicans and Hispanics."
Benjamin Perez came to the cathedral from Garland to celebrate the special Mass with his wife and their two sons.
The Mexican immigrant family was chosen to give the bread and wine offering to the bishop.
Mr. Perez said the experience was an honor for his family and a continuation of the refuge that they and other immigrants regularly receive in church.
"It is important for all immigrants because in church, we feel supported," he said.
E-mail schapa@aldiatx.com
He says anti-illegal migrant law is counter to Christian values
12:00 AM CST on Monday, January 15, 2007
By SERGIO CHAPA Al DÃa
If Joseph and Mary were looking for a place to stay in Farmers Branch, they probably would be turned away, Dallas' Catholic bishop said Sunday.
During a bilingual service for the 2007 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Charles Grahmann told hundreds at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe that immigrants have the right to seek better opportunities.
Ordinance addressed
The bishop said nations also have the right to control their borders, but added that the Bible and church teach that immigration policy should be tempered with "justice and mercy."
The controversial ordinance in Farmers Branch prohibiting the renting of apartments to illegal immigrants was on the minds of Bishop Grahmann and members of the mostly Hispanic congregation in downtown Dallas.
"I often wonder if Joseph and Mary and Jesus would try to find a place in Farmers Branch," his sermon said. "They would probably be told they would have to find another place."
Giving several examples from scripture, Bishop Grahmann said the Bible, the church and Pope Benedict XVI teach tolerance as well as welcoming and giving hospitality to strangers or "aliens."
"Many people have adopted a siege mentality, but as a community of faith, we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable among us," he said.
In an interview with Al DÃa, the bishop said his grandparents were German immigrants who came to Texas seeking a better life for their children.
He said thousands of immigrants and refugees from dozens of nations have settled in and around Dallas, prompting the construction of 18 Catholic churches in the past 10 years.
"The diocese has 72 churches," he said.
"Of those, 50 have a Hispanic majority."
'Welcoming' is key
Elizabeth Villafranca, owner of Cuquita's Restaurant in Farmers Branch, gave the first reading at Mass.
She said in an interview that Catholics and Christians need to fight racism and xenophobia.
"It's not enough to show up to Mass and service; it's about living the Gospel," she said.
"It's about welcoming the stranger."
Hispanic activist Carlos Quintanilla said the ethnic diversity in the cathedral's parish reflects a reality that officials in Farmers Branch don't want to recognize.
"Immigrants are not one color," he said. "They are from Vietnam, Pakistan, Lithuania, Poland ... all colors.
"But unfortunately, the ones who have been singled out are Mexicans and Hispanics."
Benjamin Perez came to the cathedral from Garland to celebrate the special Mass with his wife and their two sons.
The Mexican immigrant family was chosen to give the bread and wine offering to the bishop.
Mr. Perez said the experience was an honor for his family and a continuation of the refuge that they and other immigrants regularly receive in church.
"It is important for all immigrants because in church, we feel supported," he said.
E-mail schapa@aldiatx.com
Illegal immigration hurts America's poor
Froma Harrop: Illegal immigration hurts America's poor
They compete more for jobs and get paid less for them
08:21 AM CST on Saturday, January 6, 2007
There's a popular game in America that goes, I'll cut your wages, but you don't cut mine. And the outsourcing of your factory job to China is a good thing because it makes my paycheck go further at Wal-Mart. We hear this theme a lot in the debate over illegal immigration.
Consider the recent raids on Swift meat-processing plants. Federal agents arrested 1,187 illegal immigrants at facilities in six states. Mere hours later, economists warned that depriving the industry of illegal labor could raise hamburger prices.
Illegal immigration is usually presented as a win-win situation: Undocumented foreigners earn far more than they could back home. Consumers get a bargain.
Nowhere to be seen are America's working poor, who get stomped on 13 different ways. They have to compete with illegal immigrants for jobs and housing. Low-skilled natives and legal immigrants also end up subsidizing the undocumented because they tend to live in the same communities, which must provide hospitals, police, schools and garbage pickup.
Who doesn't suffer from illegal immigration? For starters, the people who write about it. I speak of the journalism profession, which has the habit of covering the issue with sympathetic stories about illegal immigrants who work hard and go to church.
But were a busload of illegals from Australia to turn up and offer reportage at 10 percent below the going rate, the writers would call the authorities so fast your head would spin. And the publisher's argument that thanks to the cheap Australians, he's able to trim a few cents off the newsstand price would make no impression.
As it turns out, the meat-processing companies that employ so many illegal immigrants have been enjoying a nearly 50 percent discount on what was the going rate. In 1980, the average meat-processing job paid $19 an hour. The companies then moved their plants to rural areas, far from the Midwest cities and their unions. The average wage now? About $9 an hour.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce likes to wail about the "labor shortage." It says there aren't enough chambermaids, dishwashers, etc. to work for its members at lousy wages. Odd, but when there's a shortage of labor – or anything else – doesn't the price of it go up? The price of unskilled labor in the United States hasn't gone up. It's gone down. Because of immigration, American-born high school dropouts experienced a 5 percent loss in wages during the '80s and '90s, according to a study by Harvard economist George Borjas.
For some reason, the job of keeping prices low has fallen entirely on the shoulders of the most vulnerable Americans. If we banged down CEO compensation and sliced lawyers' pay by a third, the same thing would happen. Everyone's prices would drop. The corporation could sell its products for less, and the cost of legal services would fall.
Suggest a U.S. labor policy that depresses professional pay as a means of keeping prices in check, and you get laughed out of the room. But say that sitting on the wages of unskilled factory workers stems inflationary pressure – a frequently made argument – and the PhDs quietly nod in agreement.
And that's how the game is played. High pay for me. Low pay for you. The folks at the economic bottom are obviously not making the rules.
Froma Harrop writes for The Providence Journal, a Belo newspaper. Her e-mail address is fharrop@projo.com.
They compete more for jobs and get paid less for them
08:21 AM CST on Saturday, January 6, 2007
There's a popular game in America that goes, I'll cut your wages, but you don't cut mine. And the outsourcing of your factory job to China is a good thing because it makes my paycheck go further at Wal-Mart. We hear this theme a lot in the debate over illegal immigration.
Consider the recent raids on Swift meat-processing plants. Federal agents arrested 1,187 illegal immigrants at facilities in six states. Mere hours later, economists warned that depriving the industry of illegal labor could raise hamburger prices.
Illegal immigration is usually presented as a win-win situation: Undocumented foreigners earn far more than they could back home. Consumers get a bargain.
Nowhere to be seen are America's working poor, who get stomped on 13 different ways. They have to compete with illegal immigrants for jobs and housing. Low-skilled natives and legal immigrants also end up subsidizing the undocumented because they tend to live in the same communities, which must provide hospitals, police, schools and garbage pickup.
Who doesn't suffer from illegal immigration? For starters, the people who write about it. I speak of the journalism profession, which has the habit of covering the issue with sympathetic stories about illegal immigrants who work hard and go to church.
But were a busload of illegals from Australia to turn up and offer reportage at 10 percent below the going rate, the writers would call the authorities so fast your head would spin. And the publisher's argument that thanks to the cheap Australians, he's able to trim a few cents off the newsstand price would make no impression.
As it turns out, the meat-processing companies that employ so many illegal immigrants have been enjoying a nearly 50 percent discount on what was the going rate. In 1980, the average meat-processing job paid $19 an hour. The companies then moved their plants to rural areas, far from the Midwest cities and their unions. The average wage now? About $9 an hour.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce likes to wail about the "labor shortage." It says there aren't enough chambermaids, dishwashers, etc. to work for its members at lousy wages. Odd, but when there's a shortage of labor – or anything else – doesn't the price of it go up? The price of unskilled labor in the United States hasn't gone up. It's gone down. Because of immigration, American-born high school dropouts experienced a 5 percent loss in wages during the '80s and '90s, according to a study by Harvard economist George Borjas.
For some reason, the job of keeping prices low has fallen entirely on the shoulders of the most vulnerable Americans. If we banged down CEO compensation and sliced lawyers' pay by a third, the same thing would happen. Everyone's prices would drop. The corporation could sell its products for less, and the cost of legal services would fall.
Suggest a U.S. labor policy that depresses professional pay as a means of keeping prices in check, and you get laughed out of the room. But say that sitting on the wages of unskilled factory workers stems inflationary pressure – a frequently made argument – and the PhDs quietly nod in agreement.
And that's how the game is played. High pay for me. Low pay for you. The folks at the economic bottom are obviously not making the rules.
Froma Harrop writes for The Providence Journal, a Belo newspaper. Her e-mail address is fharrop@projo.com.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Critics See 'Slippery Slope' in Reintroduced Federal 'Hate Crimes' Law -- 01/16/2007
Critics See 'Slippery Slope' in Reintroduced Federal 'Hate Crimes' Law -- 01/16/2007: "As the new Democratic majority continues its 100-hour legislative blitz in the U.S. House, one Democrat has quietly reintroduced controversial legislation that would give the federal government more authority over so-called 'hate crimes.'"
Boy Posts Photos Online
Latest News WFAA.com: "While his alleged kidnapper was away at work, teenager Shawn Hornbeck apparently had access to a computer, and may have put photos of himself online and posted a chilling message on a site created by his own desperate parents: 'How long are you planning to look for your son?' "
A Burger Battle
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "A burger battle is brewing between a Texas state legislator and the owners of Louis' Lunch, a restaurant established in 1895, where it has been claimed that the hamburger was invented. "
Powerball Winner: Thieves Cleaned Me Out
cbs11tv.com - Powerball Winner: Thieves Cleaned Me Out: "A man beset by problems since winning a record lottery jackpot says he can't pay a settlement to a casino worker because thieves cleaned out his bank accounts."
Monday, January 15, 2007
Press Release From Jessie Diaz
DALLAS LULAC COUNCIL 4496
Jesse Diaz, President 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
PRESS RELEASE
To: All Media Outlets
From: Jesse Diaz 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Phone: Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
Date: January 15, 2007
Subject: Stating America is corrupting Mexican immigrants
In response to my recent comment regarding Mexican immigrants I offer the following clarity on this issue:
Illegal immigrants are no different than any other illegal immigrants, eventually a majority of them assimilate into an American culture that has many more positives than negatives but the negatives represent many challenges to the average Hispanic family: High Divorce Rates, Violent Rap Music, Illegal Drug Use, High School Dropout Rate, Teen Pregnancy, and those unsightly Baggy Pants. In essence, a majority of Mexican Immigrants pick up these bad habits over a period of time.
On the subject of deporting illegal immigrants who are caught using fake identification to work in the USA:
Personally, I believe immigrants entering our country illegally who have a track record of remaining free of crime who work and provide for themselves and their families could qualify to apply for some sort of earned citizenship process once a comprehensive immigration law is passed later this year.
However, as an American Citizen, I respect and understand our present immigration law. As it stands today, an immigrant caught entering our country illegally is most likely to be deported. I agree deporting illegal immigrants who have a criminal history or who have followed a path of crime once they are in our country but I do not agree deporting someone who has established a record of remaining free of crime and who has worked to feed and provide for themselves and their family. I do not believe breaking up families who have shown a propensity to adhere to that kind of life is in the best interest of everyone involved.
It is my hope our country will soon pass immigration law which will show compassion to those immigrants who have led a life free of crime while they have worked in our country to better provide for themselves and their families.
Jesse Diaz, President 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
PRESS RELEASE
To: All Media Outlets
From: Jesse Diaz 8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, Texas 75217
Phone: Office: (214) 381-7777 Cellular: (214) 228-6778
Date: January 15, 2007
Subject: Stating America is corrupting Mexican immigrants
In response to my recent comment regarding Mexican immigrants I offer the following clarity on this issue:
Illegal immigrants are no different than any other illegal immigrants, eventually a majority of them assimilate into an American culture that has many more positives than negatives but the negatives represent many challenges to the average Hispanic family: High Divorce Rates, Violent Rap Music, Illegal Drug Use, High School Dropout Rate, Teen Pregnancy, and those unsightly Baggy Pants. In essence, a majority of Mexican Immigrants pick up these bad habits over a period of time.
On the subject of deporting illegal immigrants who are caught using fake identification to work in the USA:
Personally, I believe immigrants entering our country illegally who have a track record of remaining free of crime who work and provide for themselves and their families could qualify to apply for some sort of earned citizenship process once a comprehensive immigration law is passed later this year.
However, as an American Citizen, I respect and understand our present immigration law. As it stands today, an immigrant caught entering our country illegally is most likely to be deported. I agree deporting illegal immigrants who have a criminal history or who have followed a path of crime once they are in our country but I do not agree deporting someone who has established a record of remaining free of crime and who has worked to feed and provide for themselves and their family. I do not believe breaking up families who have shown a propensity to adhere to that kind of life is in the best interest of everyone involved.
It is my hope our country will soon pass immigration law which will show compassion to those immigrants who have led a life free of crime while they have worked in our country to better provide for themselves and their families.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Gov. Perry Says He Supports In-State Tuition For Illegal Immigrants - Politics
Gov. Perry Says He Supports In-State Tuition For Illegal Immigrants - Politics: "Gov. Rick Perry said a state law allowing illegal immigrant students to pay in-state college tuition serves a good purpose, and he will fight efforts to repeal the measure."
***I just don't understand. My wife has to pay out of state tuition but if someone comes into the country illegally they don't have to.
***I just don't understand. My wife has to pay out of state tuition but if someone comes into the country illegally they don't have to.
Another Pitt Bull Killing
Latest News WFAA.com: "A 10-year-old girl has died after being attacked by her neighbor's dog while trying to help the animal after it had gotten its collar caught on a chain link fence. "
An email from a loyal listener
: "I just want to thank you guys (as do my co-workers) for sending me to work in such a good mood everyday. I enjoy nothing more than listening to the two of you bickering. I get such a kick out of the two of you teasing each other ( mostly Jay teasing Ernie) that I laugh all the way to work. I have a medical condition that leaves me in pain all the time but when I listen to the two of you it lets me forget my pain for a few minutes each day. I thank you for the reprieve everyday and look forward to hearing to more from the two of you! "
Cotton Bowl in Fight for Survival
Latest News WFAA.com: "North Texas' baddest football battle is over two stadiums, not in them: an aging Dallas landmark vs. Arlington's sparkling, billion-dollar sports palace now under construction. "
***This fight is already over, the City of Dallas just can't admit it.
***This fight is already over, the City of Dallas just can't admit it.
Friday, January 12, 2007
BOXER'S LOW BLOW - New York Post Online Edition: Seven
BOXER'S LOW BLOW - New York Post Online Edition: Seven: "January 12, 2007 -- Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, an appalling scold from California, wasted no time yesterday in dragging the debate over Iraq about as low as it can go - attacking Secre tary of State Condoleezza Rice for being a childless woman. "
USATODAY.com - On Deadline | Archives | Pesos-for-pizza chain gets angry response
USATODAY.com - On Deadline Archives Pesos-for-pizza chain gets angry response: "Pizza Patron 'has been hit with death threats and hate mail' after allowing customers to pay with Mexican pesos, the Associated Press now reports. 'The company said it has received hundreds of e-mails, some supportive, most critical.'"
My Way News - Teacher Arrested Under Peeping-Tom Law
My Way News - Teacher Arrested Under Peeping-Tom Law: "A high school teacher was charged under Texas' peeping-tom law with videotaping girls' wrestling matches for his sexual enjoyment.
Police said David Ware, 28, often zoomed in for close-up shots of the girls' crotches."
Police said David Ware, 28, often zoomed in for close-up shots of the girls' crotches."
Staff sgt. relieved of duty after Playboy spread - Air Force News, Special Reports, Frontline Photos, This Week's Air Force Times - Air Force Times
Staff sgt. relieved of duty after Playboy spread - Air Force News, Special Reports, Frontline Photos, This Week's Air Force Times - Air Force Times: "Steamy nude photos of an Air Force military training instructor have landed her in hot water, and might just send her trainees running for the newsstands."
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Jessie Diaz Nonsense
Video WFAA.com: "After a federal study revealed that a look at 100 illegal immigrants previously arrested and released for breaking state or local law had on an average been arrested six times, the president of the local chapter of the League of United Latin Amercian Citizens (LULAC) made a controversial remark that has been the talk of the town."
Elderly Woman Disputes Arrest, Pending Jail Time
cbs11tv.com - Elderly Woman Disputes Arrest, Pending Jail Time: "A 76-year-old Cedar Hill woman spent four and a half days in jail, but was not prosecuted for a crime. She says she's a victim of identity theft, but authorities say Betty Smith could be arrested all over again.
Smith calls her jail time the most horrific experience of her life. She says the terror she felt at the time of her arrest and while in jail was unbelievable. She continues, “I could never tell you or explain to you in a thousand years what that did to me.”"
Smith calls her jail time the most horrific experience of her life. She says the terror she felt at the time of her arrest and while in jail was unbelievable. She continues, “I could never tell you or explain to you in a thousand years what that did to me.”"
cbs11tv.com - Toll Roads, Gas Tax Might Provide Funds For Roads
cbs11tv.com - Toll Roads, Gas Tax Might Provide Funds For Roads: "DALLAS With more toll roads planned for North Texas, some state lawmakers are saying 'enough.'
One bill aims to put money back in the hands of the Department of Transportation so the agency can build more free highways. "
One bill aims to put money back in the hands of the Department of Transportation so the agency can build more free highways. "
North Texas Father Fights For His Parental Rights
cbs11tv.com - North Texas Father Fights For His Parental Rights: "(CBS 11 News) DALLAS Shawn McDonald says he only found out about his baby two days before the child was born. He says he was powerless to stop the mother from giving the baby up for adoption. "
Sunday, January 07, 2007
cbs11tv.com - Cowboys Fall Short In Playoffs
cbs11tv.com - Cowboys Fall Short In Playoffs: "Tony Romo saved the season for the Dallas Cowboys and his gaffe ended it."
***I didn't want to see it end this way.
***I didn't want to see it end this way.
Border Camera Test Run Shows Little Effect - News
Newspaper: Border Camera Test Run Shows Little Effect - News: "A month-long test run this fall of a Web site allowing ordinary citizens to monitor the border via live video resulted in the apprehension of 10 undocumented immigrants, one drug bust and one interrupted smuggling route.
State officials said that making apprehensions wasn't the goal of the $200,000 border camera tests."
State officials said that making apprehensions wasn't the goal of the $200,000 border camera tests."
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Dallas-based food chain to accept Mexican pesos
"Dallas-based food chain to accept Mexican pesos
10:11 AM CST on Saturday, January 6, 2007
By KAREN ROBINSON-JACOBS / The Dallas Morning News
Starting Monday, patrons of the Dallas-based Pizza Patrón chain, which caters heavily to Latinos, will be able to purchase American pizzas with Mexican pesos.
Restaurant experts and economists said they knew of no other food chain with locations so far from the Mexican border offering such a service.
'We're trying to reach out to our core customer,' Antonio Swad, president of Pizza Patrón Inc., said Friday.
'We know they come back [from Mexico] and have pesos left over. We want to be a convenient place for them to spend their pesos.'
While U.S. restaurant chains have stepped up their marketing to Latino consumers and incorporated Latin flavors in the menu, it's unusual to see that outreach extend to the cash register.
'I think it's a very interesting idea,' said Ron Paul, president of Technomic Inc., a Chicago-based restaurant market research firm. 'They are catering to that audience.'
But Mr. Paul said he did not see other chains rushing to emulate the program, in part because of bookkeeping headaches.
Usefulness
Others mentioned that the growing use of credit cards and the desire to hang on to the pesos for a return trip to Mexico would dilute the usefulness of the program.
'If you're not in a border town, I don't see the functional benefit,' said Juan Faura, president and chief executive of Cultura, a Dallas-based marketing and advertising firm.
He and others saw the program more as a marketing effort than a badly needed service.
'I would see it as a move by the chain to communicate unequivocally to the Hispanic market that they are for them,'"
10:11 AM CST on Saturday, January 6, 2007
By KAREN ROBINSON-JACOBS / The Dallas Morning News
Starting Monday, patrons of the Dallas-based Pizza Patrón chain, which caters heavily to Latinos, will be able to purchase American pizzas with Mexican pesos.
Restaurant experts and economists said they knew of no other food chain with locations so far from the Mexican border offering such a service.
'We're trying to reach out to our core customer,' Antonio Swad, president of Pizza Patrón Inc., said Friday.
'We know they come back [from Mexico] and have pesos left over. We want to be a convenient place for them to spend their pesos.'
While U.S. restaurant chains have stepped up their marketing to Latino consumers and incorporated Latin flavors in the menu, it's unusual to see that outreach extend to the cash register.
'I think it's a very interesting idea,' said Ron Paul, president of Technomic Inc., a Chicago-based restaurant market research firm. 'They are catering to that audience.'
But Mr. Paul said he did not see other chains rushing to emulate the program, in part because of bookkeeping headaches.
Usefulness
Others mentioned that the growing use of credit cards and the desire to hang on to the pesos for a return trip to Mexico would dilute the usefulness of the program.
'If you're not in a border town, I don't see the functional benefit,' said Juan Faura, president and chief executive of Cultura, a Dallas-based marketing and advertising firm.
He and others saw the program more as a marketing effort than a badly needed service.
'I would see it as a move by the chain to communicate unequivocally to the Hispanic market that they are for them,'"
Fort Worth Man: Cigarette Would Have Ended Standoff - News
Fort Worth Man: Cigarette Would Have Ended Standoff - News: "A man who was involved in a six-hour standoff with police said he ran from police because he wanted to make a few phone calls before going to jail.
Harley Graves, in an interview from jail, said he would have surrendered to police much sooner if they had given him just one thing.
'For four hours, I was inside that house and they can't give me a cigarette,' Graves said. 'That's all I was wanting was a cigarette.' "
***This is a real winner!
Harley Graves, in an interview from jail, said he would have surrendered to police much sooner if they had given him just one thing.
'For four hours, I was inside that house and they can't give me a cigarette,' Graves said. 'That's all I was wanting was a cigarette.' "
***This is a real winner!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Parents Stunt the Growth of their Child
Associated Press - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "In a case fraught with ethical questions, the parents of a severely mentally and physically disabled child have stunted her growth to keep their little 'pillow angel' a manageable and more portable size."
Cruise Line Pays $1M To Estate Of Man Who Vanished
cbs11tv.com - Cruise Line Pays $1M To Estate Of Man Who Vanished: "(AP) NEW HAVEN, Conn. Royal Caribbean Cruises has agreed to pay more than $1 million to the estate of a Connecticut man who vanished from his honeymoon cruise in 2005 according settlement papers to be filed Thursday."
Parents sue TMS over boy's injury at event for kids
Star-Telegram 01/04/2007 Parents sue TMS over boy's injury at event for kids: "But on Tuesday, the Flower Mound family filed one of the first personal injury lawsuits of the year in Tarrant County against Texas Motor Speedway and its affiliates."
Smokers running to Mexico
Latest News WFAA.com: "A New Year's Day tax hike means Texans are paying $1 more for pack of cigarettes.
That has some smokers searching for savings across the border. "
That has some smokers searching for savings across the border. "
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Report Stresses Teacher Accountability
Dallas Morning News News for Dallas, Texas Latest News: "AUSTIN – Texas needs to expand incentive pay in schools, beef up teacher evaluations and make it easier for school districts to get rid of bad teachers, according to a report released Wednesday by the Governor's Business Council. "
Price: Less Prison Time For Smaller Crimes Saves $
cbs11tv.com - Price: Less Prison Time For Smaller Crimes Saves $: "CBS 11 has learned certain criminals could soon be out on the streets instead of behind bars. One county commissioner will meet with newly elected judges to encourage them to hand out probation instead of jail time."
***I think the logic on this one might be flawed. The goal of the criminal justice system is not to save money, instead it's supposed to punish and deter crime. I don't think that probation accomplishes that goal.
***I think the logic on this one might be flawed. The goal of the criminal justice system is not to save money, instead it's supposed to punish and deter crime. I don't think that probation accomplishes that goal.
Cheerleaders Run Amok in Texas - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com
Scandal: Cheerleaders Run Amok in Texas - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com: "The pictures posted on MySpace.com looked like the latest installment of 'Girls Gone Wild.' In them, cheerleaders from McKinney North High School in Texas exhibited all variety of bawdy behavior. One shot showed a bikini-clad girl sharing a bottle of booze with a friend. Another featured a cheerleader and several other girls in risqué poses offering glimpses of their panties. But the most infamous photo of all was taken in a Condoms To Go store. Five smiling cheerleaders dressed in uniform posed with large candles shaped like penises. At least one of them appeared to be simulating fellatio. 'It would be an overstatement to describe any of the photographs as pornographic, but it would be an understatement to describe them as harmless high jinks,' wrote Harold Jones, a lawyer hired by the school district to investigate the incident. 'Quite frankly, I personally found it 'creepy'.'"
US ready for gays in military?
US ready for gays in military? Headlines News Gay.com UK: "The Army general who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when the Pentagon adopted its 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on gays says he no longer opposes allowing them to serve openly."
Evangelist Sued for not healing cancer
Taipei Times - archives: "Darlene Bishop, a tele-evangelist with a nationwide following, does not do things by half. When she and her husband Lawrence erected a statue of Jesus on the grounds of their mega church in Monroe, Ohio, they made it 19m high.
No less gargantuan are her claims about the power of prayer to overcome illness. Through a series of sermons, books and TV show Sisters -- broadcast on religious satellite channels throughout the US and abroad -- she preaches that God has the power to heal even the most deadly diseases, including cancer."
No less gargantuan are her claims about the power of prayer to overcome illness. Through a series of sermons, books and TV show Sisters -- broadcast on religious satellite channels throughout the US and abroad -- she preaches that God has the power to heal even the most deadly diseases, including cancer."
Study: 2 Of 5 Bosses Don't Keep Word
cbs11tv.com - Study: 2 Of 5 Bosses Don't Keep Word: "For most people, it's back to work Tuesday after a holiday weekend with family and friends. And for many, a new study shows, it will be under a bad boss. Nearly two of five bosses don't keep their word and more than a fourth bad mouth those they supervise to co-workers, the Florida State University study shows. "
In annual predictions, Robertson predicts terrorist attack on U.S. soil in '07 - USATODAY.com
In annual predictions, Robertson predicts terrorist attack on U.S. soil in '07 - USATODAY.com: "In what has become an annual tradition of prognostications, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson said Tuesday God has told him that a terrorist attack on the United States would result in 'mass killing' late in 2007."
Monday, January 01, 2007
An email I received regarding gift cards
"Anyway, Jay, I thought I'd share my gift card haul for Christmas in case you want to do a little tidbit. I received 1 Wendys ($25), 1 Linens 'n 'Things ($25), 1 Office Depot ($20, and believe it or not I really like that one; someone knows me well), and 2 Target ($15 and $50). I hate Target.
Someone gave my dad, a major DIYer, a Home Depot card. While I'm sure he accepted with grace, he could spit nails. People are pretty polarized between Home Depot and Lowe's, and he's a Lowe's guy. I may buy it from him because I know he'll never go there, but I don't like Home Depot much, either."
Someone gave my dad, a major DIYer, a Home Depot card. While I'm sure he accepted with grace, he could spit nails. People are pretty polarized between Home Depot and Lowe's, and he's a Lowe's guy. I may buy it from him because I know he'll never go there, but I don't like Home Depot much, either."
Proposed State Law Targets Cell Phone Drivers
cbs11tv.com - Proposed State Law Targets Cell Phone Drivers: "Drive down any street, and you'll likely see a driver talking on a cell phone. Many of us are guilty of it ourselves. 'I myself have been talking on the phone and not paying attention, and have almost had an accident,' said local driver Bob Holt."
Study: Louisiana Slipping Into Gulf Of Mexico
cbs11tv.com - Study: Louisiana Slipping Into Gulf Of Mexico: "A new report by scientists studying Louisiana's sinking coast says the land here is not just sinking, it's sliding ever so slowly into the Gulf of Mexico. "
Man With Mannequin Fetish Could Get Life For Theft
cbs11tv.com - Man With Mannequin Fetish Could Get Life For Theft: "A man who has a history of smashing windows to indulge his fetish for female mannequins could draw a long prison term for his latest arrest. Ronald A. Dotson, 39, of Detroit faces up to life in prison if convicted of a charge of attempted breaking and entering at a cleaning-supply company in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale. "
University Names 'Banned Words' From 2006
cbs11tv.com - University Names 'Banned Words' From 2006: "If the media's habit of combining celebrity names didn't cause word watchers enough heartburn in 2006, the past year had plenty of other words and phrases that language purists wish had 'gone missing.'"
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