Twice As Good

What you must always remember when working in a corporate environment where you are or considered the minority is that most are not concerned or sincerely care about you or the details. They are only concerned and focused on results and how accurate and quickly you can produce them.

 

Always put forth your best in all that you set out to do. Give no one a reason to believe or assume you did not sincerely try, because they will assume and conclude that you won’t or can not succeed. No matter how imbalance, unfair, disadvantaged or unequal it is, always put forth your best.

 

If there is an implicit bias towards you, it will become difficult for them to continue applying it towards you. Do not sell out or sell yourself short. Their perceptions of you are driven by how successful you do what you do. Their assumptions are motivated by your behavior in your failures. Have the courage to try again and never give up on yourself.

 

They do not and will not care about your history, experiences or adversities. They do not care about what you’ve accomplished in the past or challenges or hardships you’ve endured. The approach usually isn’t fair or balanced when it comes to consideration of anyone else other than what is in their own interest. Their concerns are genuinely centered around themselves and what you can accomplish for them today. Remember, the environment you are in.

 

Of course there are those who will listen, those who may consider, some who are tolerate, but none are willing to accept your excuse for why you can not or did not. Your disadvantage is what you didn’t accomplish, not what hindered you from the accomplishment.

 

You must be twice as good to be considered acceptable. Smarter than them to be average. You must be more willing and capable than those who do not have to try and believe that they are entitled. Give no one anything to say other than the truth when it comes to you and/or what you may do.

 

Be who you are, know who you are, love who you are. Never give up. Do not sell-out for any reason. Be true to yourself, but consider how many in corporate environments consider and perceive you. You may want to give them a piece of your mind, but give them the piece that makes them think. Some people simply may never comprehend.

 

To be a minority in a corporate environment isn’t necessarily just about race or gender or even class economics, but about how well you can do what you do if given the chance. Some people are not given a chance for no other reason than the persons perceptions.

 

Often you are the representative of not only a race, gender or religious practice, community or socioeconomic class when you enter the boardroom, suite, office, building or situation. Many will make claims of fairness while practicing unconscious discrimination. Never allow that to stop you from where you are destined to go in life.

 

Power concedes nothing without struggle and fight. Those who may be privilege will not always believe they are. They are plagued with the same thing that you and many others are; we always want to have more.

 

To be twice as good doesn’t mean you think you’re better than another. It just means that you realize what you’re up against and determined to overcome it. Be up for the challenge. Never give up. Keep moving forward.

Give Back

In 2010, Stephen launched the Give Back Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity created to help people give back.

The Give Back Foundation was established to allow any person to join GiveBack and set up their personal foundation account. The funds that accumulate in that account are part of the Give Back Foundation. Each member has the ability to direct the funds from their account to any charity in good standing with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Together, all of the members’ accounts are gathered under one Give Back Foundation account awaiting the direction of each member. The members can give their money away whenever they choose, either as a single donation or as part of a group of people coming together to support a cause. 100% of the money that is directed to a charity is sent to the charity. The Give Back Foundation doesn’t charge you or the charity anything for the transaction.

Any money that a member adds directly into their GiveBack account is immediately tax deductible to the full extent allowed. Any additional money that may be added, either by our corporate sponsors or other individuals, is not deductible by the member. At year end the Give Back Foundation will issue every member a consolidated giving statement that may be used as an IRS tax receipt.

GiveBack allows you to put all your charitable giving in one place. And you can give any amount to any charity at any time. You can even earn money as you shop thanks to our retail partners.

So whether you’re looking to set up a Foundation that will last a lifetime, helping your chosen charity in the short term, or just accumulating money from your day-to-day shopping, your foundation offers the flexibility to GiveBack as and when you wish.

No matter the charity or the cause – as long as they’re registered with the IRS – your foundation can give to any charity you want. From education, healthcare, animal, environment, disaster relief or social issues – and everything in between – you’ll find all kinds of worthy organizations that need your help.

GiveBack allows you to give money to the causes you care about – and we make it easy to donate. Give any amount to any charity at any time.

And you can start your free personal foundation today in THREE easy steps:

1. Create your foundation
a. Sign-up and get searching for charities or causes you’d like to support.

2. Fill your foundation
a. Add money to your foundation in three simple ways:
i. Make a donation directly from your credit card.
ii. Shop with our 400+ online mall partners and earn up to 15% of each purchase.
iii. Engage with our sponsors and earn more for your foundation.

3. Increase your Impact.
a. There’s power in numbers. Spread the word by promoting charities and sharing stories.
i. If you want, you can highlight your favorite charities on Facebook.
ii. Small donations add up: now you and your friends can donate together.

Soon you’ll be able to create campaigns on behalf of your favorite charity, so you can manage local fundraisers through GiveBack.

There are a few issues that are near and dear to me, but I can only suggest the one that I feel is connected with them all is my campaign for consideration of others. Beyond all that I have written and advocated over the years what is usually at the root of it is the thought, idea and suggestion of consideration for others. Regardless of our differences, if we have consideration for one another we can accomplish so many things.

I will be creating my foundation around this idea and will work on developing a website and all. I’m not financially wealthy at all, but I do have enough consideration to give to you. Expect to hear more from me regarding this and I sincerely appreciate GiveBack for this concept.

Take a moment to visit www.GiveBack.org and see what you can do.

Republicans Set to Dine with BP Lobbyist & Joe Barton

I couldn’t make this one up if I tried. You have to admit that this is not political smart regardless of your political ideology. BUT the Colorado Republican Congressional Candidate Cory Gardner is holding a fundraiser with BP Lobbyist and Rep. Joe Barton. (Mr. I’m Sorry)

Yes, I know, but this is not me saying this. Check it out for yourself.

• http://blog.politicalpartytime.org/2010/06/22/republicans-cozy-up-with-bp-lobbyist-thursday/
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/23/cory-gardner-colorado-gop_n_622386.html

On Thursday, Dan Meyer, a lobbyist for BP — the besieged oil company responsible for the biggest environmental disaster in U.S. history — will co-host a luncheon at Hotel George in Washington D.C. for the benefit of Colorado GOP congressional candidate Cory Gardner.

An official with the Dubernstein Group, Meyer serves on a BP account that has brought in $100,000 in lobbying fees during the first quarter of 2010.

He’s not the only Republican official hosting the $1,000-a-plate affair, but also Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN.) and Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN.) are participating as well.

Now I’ve listen to a guy who was telling me how he liked Marsha Blackburn and how she’s this and that. When I said I actually knew here he was surprised. I knew her when she was a Commissioner for the TN Film Commission back in the late 90′s. I really did not think too much of her then and even less of her now. BUT I guess she’s palling around with BP Lobbyist and Big Oil apologist and GOP wannabes now. That’s the GOP for you. They’ll tell you one thing and how outraged they are and pound their fist, kick and scream, then cozy up to the corporations behind closed doors. I wonder how surprised he’ll be when he learns of this. I’ll have to tell him since they won’t mention this on FOX News.

Conservatives can say what you want about me, each time you do it just proves my point. This is why I’ve given up on many of those who follow these guys and gals. You can’t tell them anything and when you do they get mad and resort to name calling and other immature demonstrations.

So say whatcha want about me, it still doesn’t change the fact that after the oil spill, made possible by deregulations, after Joe Barton apologizes to BP for what is there mistake, it is still alright for a Republican seeking to ‘get it’ to dine with BP Lobbyist and its apologists in the Grand Oil Party. You’ll find a way to place the blame on someone else anyway.

Sorry for Apologizing

From Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) suggesting taxpayers flip the bill instead of BP, then recanting, to this I really think there is nothing more I need to say. I will let the Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) speak for himself and reveal his own intentions & motivations.

Who’s the party of the people and who’s the party of big business? That’s the question to ask. But you don’t have to accept reality, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t real because some may not accept it. Believe what you want to believe.

BP Oil Spill: You Pay for It

“It is generally not the practice of this country to change the laws after the game,” said Tom Donohue, the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Everybody is going to contribute to this clean up. We are all going to have to do it. We are going to have to get the money from the government and from the companies and we will figure out a way to do that.” – Tom Donohue

First thing Tom you obviously don’t know history, because if the first line of your statement was true, then there would have never been the need for Dred Scott to petition the U.S. Supreme Court, Emancipation Proclamation, Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, KS, Civil Rights Act, Voters Rights Act, American’s with Disabilities Act and so many other legislation, court decisions that are now law. This country is all about changing the rules during the play.

Second, are you serious? You are actually suggesting that the government, meaning you (the taxpayers) pay for the BP Oil disaster.

Don’t your organization typically side with Republicans when the government in this regard? I thought you were against what you’re now suggesting the government & taxpayers do. So, why the change of heart?  It almost sounds like your trying to protect someone or something.

What surprised me was to hear the House Minority Leader, Republican, John Boehner actually co-sign what Tom Donohue is suggesting of requiring taxpayers to pay for the BP Oil disaster.

John Boehner said at his weekly press conference this morning…

“I think the people responsible in the oil spill–BP and the federal government–should take full responsibility for what’s happening there.“

Um… unless he’s referring to the de-regulators, for which most are found in his own party, why does the federal government have to pay for the BP Oil Disaster?

I’m just waiting to see what everyone will have to say about that.

There’s so much I can and have said about Republicans, but if anyone have noticed I’ve stopped. Primarily, because I can get through to a mule faster than trying to help you see the contradictions and understand the history and consequences of your actions. But you’re not totally alone, because some Democrats are just as bad as you, so it goes both ways.

If Rep. John Boehner was simply making a general statement, in his reference about the role of the government had to play in this disaster, then it still doesn’t make sense politically because the finger points back to members within his own party for the most part. Does the name Dick Cheney or George W. Bush come to mind when you think about De-regulations, Big Oil and Government?

So how politically wise is it to be co-signing on such an absurd declaration by the president of the US Chamber of Commerce?

Don’t Drunk Dial FreedomWorks

Unfortunately there may be those who will somehow find a way to dodge responsibility or affiliation and place blame onto someone else or even myself, but all I have to say is… WOW!

I’m here because of Natoma

I’ve tried to stay somewhat neutral on this whole healthcare reform debate. I’ve raised issues with those who has opposed it despite the realities of those who are dying both from a health standpoint and from a financial standpoint because of health insurance coverage.

I’ve listened to those who ignorantly used fear and hate to  make their point, while omitting the consequences of their proposals if they even produced one. We have heard the arguements from the extreme right for why we don’t need it, because they obvious have insurance so to Hell with anyone else. All the while misunderstanding the meaning of ‘Option’. It would be different if it was called “Public Manditory”. I’ve listened to the more sensible moderate Republicans try to discuss their proposal and see it get shouted down or ignored by the extreme right-wing of their party.

I’ve listened to Democrats who preferred a watered down version of reform, because they were more concerned with politics than policy. I personally contacted my own Congressman, a White Male Democrat, to urge him to not consider the nonsense of the Lilly White Conservative Mobs, but to look at the spectrum of individuals who he represents who may not be like myself and have health insurance but like my neighbor who ultimately died because she and her husband couldn’t afford health insurance. My neighbors don’t look like me, nor did they vote like me, but I was the one they felt comfortable enough to speak to about their situation.

So I personally don’t care about those who are so committed to their own narrow confines of comprehension and consideration of others in regards to healthcare reform.

I had a gentleman who lives in another country (outside of the U.S.) who emailed me a few months back who made a statement that I wish I had a response for, but didn’t. He said…

“I just don’t understand why some people in your country (U.S.) are so content with voting against their interests. I don’t have any connections to either of your countries two political parties, but the U.S. Republican Party is trying to get away with murder.”

Now I didn’t know what to really say, because he never talked to me about American Politics because he didn’t live here. It was other issues, so when he said this I could only take what he said seriously and as a true unbiased opinion.

Today I can’t even take many of those who disagree seriously with healthcare reform seriously because they typically only provide me with name calling, hate speech and Republican Talking Points. The common sense of the GOP, the moderate voice within the Republican party has been silence for the more loud and outrageous voice of the so-called ‘patriots’.  This is unfortunate, because now there are no opportunities for true dialogue.

So as President Obama was speaking in Ohio a few days ago, this story hit home for why there’s a need for healthcare reform. I can’t say if my neighbor had healthcare insurance that was more affordable if they would still be living to see reform pass, but I’m sure it could have helped.

So as those who have nothing constructive to say will seek to criticize, discredit, mock or do what you do best against what is written. I want you to know that I like the majority of the country and the world has moved on. We’re leaving you behind. Good luck and Goodbye.

Related Article(s):
NY Times – 02/11/10 “Republicans & Medicare“

Who’s The Mac?

Hello, my name is Tim. I’m a former PC User who switched to Mac in 2003. Although my job involves me working in Microsoft Windows I often try to customize it as much as I can to that of a Mac. I’ve purposely moved myself away from using Microsoft and Windows with the exception of Microsoft Access for a variety of reasons. So when I got a glimpse of Microsoft Vista and now Windows 7 I immediately saw Microsoft’s efforts to make the PC Mac-like.

I’ve talked to few of my I.T. friends about what they thought of Windows 7 and heard some good things about it. I specifically wanted to know what my I.T. friends who were also Mac users like myself thought about it. Most of their responses were polite towards Microsoft’s efforts.

I still run into the usual apprehensive PC user who is unfamiliar with Mac and can only reference the out-dated negative criticism of Mac being incompatible. When I tell them that was true more than ten years ago, but not today they tend to resort to the cost factor. In fact Macs are more expensive than PCs, but they’re better than PCs. They last longer and have dramatically less issues than PCs. The cultural phrase borrowed from the Black community and attributed to the Mac community of “Once you go Mac you’ll never go back” is mostly true. Although in my case I would have just went back home since I’m Black and a Mac user. J

All silliness aside. When I read that a Microsoft Manager (Simon Aldous) admits that Windows 7 was inspired by Mac I had to say, “HA, I Knew It” with a big smile on my face.

In an interview with PCR, Mr. Aldous went on record acknowledging that Windows 7 was inspired by Mac OS X. Mr. Aldous said, “One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it’s very graphical and easy to use. What we’ve tried to do with Windows 7 – whether it’s traditional format or in a touch format – is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics. We’ve significantly improved the graphical user interface, but it’s built on that very stable core Vista technology, which is far more stable than the current Mac platform, for instance.”

To no surprise Microsoft quickly responded to Mr. Aldous in writing and action. They said that “An inaccurate quote has been floating around the Internet today about the design origins of Windows 7 and whether its look and feel was “borrowed” from Mac OS X. Unfortunately this came from a Microsoft employee who was not involved in any aspect of designing Windows 7.”

Later it was learned that Mr. Aldous was fired. I wonder why.

Dude, you’ve committed a Tech Sin. It’s like Microsoft is John McCain and Apple is Barack Obama. I’m just kidding with you, don’t freeze up on me Republicans. Seriously, it is interesting how much Windows 7 resembles an earlier version of Mac OS X.

No matter what you try to do Microsoft, you’re not and will never be a Mac. I write this as a Mac User who also works on a PC, but not by choice. Although I try to be fair, I admit my bias.

References & Inspirations

The Wall Street Journal – 10/07/09 “A Windows to Help You Forget”

PCR – 11/11/09 “Microsoft’s New Vision”

The Huffington Post – 11/12/09 “Microsoft Manager Admits Windows 7 Inspired By Mac”

PCR – 11/12/09 “Microsoft Denies Windows 7 was Inspired by Apple”

Microsoft: The Windows Blog – 11/11/09 “How We Really Designed the Look and Feel of Windows 7”

NFL Team: St. Louis Republicans?

I just wanted to make a quick point about this whole thing with Rush Limbaugh bid to purchase an NFL team. Now I’m sure there are some Republicans may be anticipating me taking the opportunity to beat up on him, but you would once again be wrong. I think that if Rush Limbaugh wants to purchase a NFL team and he has the means to do it and follows the guidelines set by the NFL he should be allowed to make an offer.

Now I disagree with the fact that Rush Limbaugh thinks he is not a racist. He can think that, but he contradicts himself without even realize it. What amazes me about the unconscious racist is not their lack of understanding about racism itself, but the oblivion to their own actions.

There are so many instances that I can quote Rush Limbaugh speaking negatively about race, often towards Blacks and Latinos. But because someone is a racist doesn’t mean they can not or should not have the opportunity to own a NFL or any other professional sports team. The test is whether you, the non-racist will support a racist. He has the right to own whatever he can purchase, just as Bob Johnson; a Billionaire who is Black owns an NBA team and Jay-Z; a businessman, entertainer and who is also Black owns a portion of an NBA team.

The problem is not Rush Limbaugh this time, but whether you will support Rush Limbaugh if he is successful in purchasing the St. Louis Rams.

In addition it allows everyone to see what the NFL Players Association is morally made of too. Will players of all races be willing to play on a team where the owner is racially and politically controversial? Will they have the moral fortitude to stand on their own principles and refuse to play for a team where the owner has repeatedly offended many people who are not White and Republican?

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was right, because “It’s All About The Benjamin’s” on this and so many issues. Rush Limbaugh makes money doing what he does everyday and people pay him to offend people. If that means being a racist or stoking White racial fear, then that’s what he’s going to do. It’s all a testament of your moral values. He has a right to do what he does and we have a right not to buy what he is offering or is associated with.

So if St. Louis and the NFL is willing to deal with him we need not to be upset with Rush, but the NFL. They control the ball on this play. Rush is wanting to get the ball, but if he does we can tackle him not by verbal protest, but by not supporting what he’s involved in. It essentially comes down to the money.

Regardless what position you play when it comes to the strange, but well acquainted team of racism, sports and Rush you have to admit that the position I’m proposing is fair and ultimately the one that calls the shots in the end.

Not So Seriously Speaking

• The discrimination will be indisputable when a prominent Democrat or Liberal buys a failing sports team and Republicans cry out against it, because you know many will. I wonder who will be the voice of reason then?
• So my Republican friends don’t be upset, because I agree that the transaction is not about race. Sharpton & Jackson bring up race because of Rush’s history of racist remarks that even you can not deny he’s made. But Rush should be allowed to buy the team if he can meet the NFL standards. Sharpton & Jackson should concentrate on getting people not to support a racist. Racism isn’t racist, because anyone can be a racist.
• I say Obama purchases a team and watch the reaction. How about the Clinton Clippers (reference to the NBA L.A. Clippers), how about the Keith Olbermann Mets or the Obama Blackhawks (reference to the NHL Chicago Blackhawks).
• Seriously, if Rush does get to purchase the team and renames it to the St. Louis Republicans, perhaps he can have one or two Blacks and Latinos on their team to make it more representative.
• Ahw come on now, you know that’s funny. OK, let me be fair. If some Democrat buys a team he/she can make sure everyone is represented, but who would be the quarterback? (Some will get that joke and many won’t.)
• Who knows, being around so many Black people may open Rush’s mind and heart up.

UPDATE: NFL/Rams Owner; Dave Checketts are not going to consider Rush Limbaugh’s offer. I’m a bit surprised, because I thought everyone including the NFL and Rush Limbaugh was colorblind. I guess green isn’t the only color they see, perhaps the colorful remarks repeatedly made by Rush was too vivid for them to consider. Oh Well Rush, keep doing what you’re doing. There’s always the NHL or even better the NBA. For once I was actually giving you the benefit of the mountain of doubts. It would have been an excellent test to see how true people like myself who disagrees with you would stand behind their rhetoric and not continue to support anything you’re apart of. It worked in Birmingham, why not St. Louis.

References & Inspirations

Los Angeles Times – 10/06/09 “Rush Limbaugh says he’s trying to purchase Rams”

ESPN – 10/12/09 “Al Sharpton Urges NFL to Reject Rush Limbaugh’s St. Louis Rams Bid”

Opposing Views – 10/09/09 “Black NFL Players Protest Rush Limbaugh’s Effort to Buy Rams“

What’s So American About Competition?

As someone who has recently worked for two Health Insurance companies, although in the I.T. department, but none-the-less a health insurance company. One was small a worker’s compensation insurance company and treated their employees and clients well, until they were purchased by a large health insurance company. The other is the 2nd largest health insurance company in the country was simply HELL to work for, but I guess I asked too many questions.

After I started to think about health insurance reform I figured that I ask President Obama and my fellow Democrats three simple questions.

1. What’s so American about competition?

2. Why should we prevent health insurance CEO’s from living the American Dream?

3. I now see why the Republicans in congress, FOX News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and the unaware virtually all White non-racially motivated people at the events are protesting. Is Joe Wilson right?

Let’s Join the N.R.A.

Now I know this title probably shocked and surprised a few people who know me, but I ask you to just follow me on this one before casting judgment too quickly. You may decide to join the N.R.A. (National Rifle Association) too when I’m done.

I want to begin by saying that I actually do not oppose the N.R.A., nor do I oppose the 2^nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is not a slight towards any individual, organization or interest group. I’m honestly directing my own words of “Consider Others” and applying it to a question that has been posed on several occasions by gun advocates.

I recently listened to an interesting and bias conversation a few weeks ago on a local AM talk radio program about the people both for and against a new gun bill in my state. Understand that this is a program that is primarily marketed to the Black Christian community. I rarely listen to the station at the time this program comes on and only listen to a single 30 minute broadcast on occasion. So I’m not a regular listener.

What sparked my attention were the comments of one gentleman who began to rail against gun owners and stereotyping them as being, (I jotted this down, because I didn’t want to forget what he said.) “A bunch of White Redneck Racist Republicans looking to shoot a Black any chance they get”.

Now the discussion was about a gun proposal and race and politics got introduced to the conversation. So before I start talking back to the radio (like anyone can hear me) I wanted to hear how the host would respond to this guy, but he didn’t say anything. So the caller continued. I was thinking it was going to get worse, but I began to understand where he was coming from and why he introduced race and politics into the discussion.

I admit that this guy’s comments were borderline racist and unfair to stereotype gun owners as being White Racist Republicans. All Republicans are not racist, despite the increasing examples we see each day on TV. All White people are not racist as I’ve illustrated on multiple occasions on this very blog. So it is unfair to categorize all gun owners in this way, even if there’s a possibility of truth within the statement; rephrase it.

He made mention of the instances of the man who was allowed to attend an event where President Obama was in attendance. Although I was suspicious of this guy and pointed out the bias, I agree it’s his 2^nd Amendment right. The caller also mentioned the guy who was arrested at another even if not the same one the previous guy was at where he was arrested by the Secret Service. Now these were two recent incidents, but I know there has been several more that I’ve mentioned. In interest of time I will not go into all of them, but get to why I think people should join the N.R.A.

So let’s explore this for a moment. Although I disagree with the tone and some of the language used I get the caller’s point. This is my solution to his frustration and a win/win for everyone. Join the N.R.A.

Now some of you are thinking that I’ve lost it. Isn’t that counterproductive?

It may appear that way, but what better way to get what you want than with a gun. Follow me for a minute.

The argument we continue to hear from Gun Owners and N.R.A. members is that it’s there 2^nd Amendment right to bare firearms. That’s true, no argument there. The argument we continue to hear from people who oppose Guns and the N.R.A. for various reasons is that guns kill people and have countless of proof to back up their claims. The counter is ‘guns don’t kill people, people kill people’. In a way that’s true, but they do it with guns.

So who’s right? But more importantly, what’s the solution to this dilemma?

I say let’s join the N.R.A.

What better way to better way to make your point, but with a gun. Yes, this is a dangerous solution I admit, but the fairest one I see.

Why can’t I have a gun ‘legally’ and be a card carrying member of the N.R.A.? It’s not about race or politics, but the 2^nd Amendment right?

So let me carry a gun ‘legally’ to a gathering of Republicans. I should be welcomed without suspicion, because as an American it’s my right to bare arms. Just because I’m Black and a Democrat shouldn’t matter.

In addition, I plan on inviting my friends who are Black, Hispanic and Muslim to come join the N.R.A. with me. This should be fun. We all have clean records, so there shouldn’t be an issue. We can attend Gun Shows and N.R.A. sponsored events too. We can even go to the church down the street, which happens to be a Southern Baptist church the Sunday after we are members. Well our Muslim friend may not be in attendance, but everyone else would. I think that’s the solution. It’s our 2^nd Amendment right.

By-the-way, why hasn’t the N.R.A. been more proactive in their diversity in member recruiting efforts?

I would love to be in a N.R.A. commercial saying, “Hello, I’m Tim and I’m a member of the N.R.A.” and have it aired on FOX News or Lou Dobbs. Even better they can have a Gay couple do a commercial and air it during a NASCAR race, “Hey, I’m Bruce and I’m Steve and we joined the N.R.A.”; Primetime Baby. Then have a young Latino male do a commercial in Spanish with English subtitles below and have it aired during Glenn Beck, he’s losing sponsors now. Then have one of my Muslim female friends to do another commercial in full traditional attire and have that played as a radio ad during Rush Limbaugh’s show or Sean Hannity. It’s the N.R.A. they wouldn’t think twice about that. I’m sure they will be the first to say that it’s not about race or even political affiliation. It’s the N.R.A. for God’s sake, run it.

Perhaps then we will be able to have an honest discussion about guns in this country void of race and politics, because the playing field will finally be even or will we see a sort of a gentrification of the N.R.A.?

You have to admit, that’s a good idea. Fair and Balance.

Hey, it’s my 2^nd Amendment right.

a2a_linkname=”TI&S | Let’s Join The N.R.A.”;a2a_linkurl=”http://timvalentine.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/jointhenra/”;

A Digital Lifestyle

I rarely talk much about the industry that I’m in for various reasons. One reason could be that I’ve been doing it for a decade and getting tired of it and don’t even want to talk about it. It’s the skills that pays the bills is how I look at it. But today I noticed that there are a few things happening in the realm of our digital lifestyle.

FACEBOOK

Facebook announced that Friday, June 12, 2009 at 11:01 PM you will be able to choose a username for your facebook account. Similar to how Twitter has it. So instead of some long URL consisting of numbers and syntaxes you will be able to direct your friends, family and co-workers to your profile via www.facebook.com/username instead. I think that’s a welcomed change for many facebook users or someone who manages a facebook account for an organization.

DIGITAL TELEVISION

Well today is the last day those ‘rabbit ears’ will work on your old television, because tomorrow the U.S.F.C.C. will require all television broadcasters to only broadcast their programming with a digital signal. This means if you haven’t got a converter box for your old school television that sits on top of that other old school floor model television that hasn’t worked since Starsky & Hutch was on the air then you’re out of luck. If you have cable you’re OK.

The U.S. Government has offered a coupon you can apply for if you believe you will have difficulties purchasing the $60 USD converter box by going to https://www.dtv2009.gov/

MOBILE WARS

Just one week after Palm releases the Palm PRE we here AT&T/Apple announce the release of a newer and faster iPhone next week. I’m sticking with my Blackberry, although I’m a Mac User. I don’t see the need to jump on the bandwagon. I’m sure the new and improved iPhone that was release 18 months ago is working perfectly fine for the millions who purchased it and the people who get in my way each time I walk into my local Apple Store.

(My Typical Shopping Experience: No, thank you. I’m going to the software section. No ma’am I don’t work here. I agree the iPhone is nice. Oh, why don’t I have one? I’m happy with my Blackberry. Have you seen the Blackberry Storm? Someone just check me out so I can get out of here. I have debit card in hand.)

DISCONNECTED

I believe many of us are guilty of being so connected that we’ve lost or fear the thought of being disconnected. I’m just as guilty as anyone else. My Blackberry has become one of the primary means of communication for my family, friends, church members and co-workers.

When you find yourself in church going to the Bible on your phone instead of picking up the book in front of you, then you know you have gone digital. Presently, I’m developing the platform for expanding the various church ministries using new technologies. CDs & DVDs are nice, but now it’s Podcasts, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and broadcast text messages to the members and visitors.

I find myself carrying my phone with me while I’m at home, because I don’t want to miss that email, tweet, instant message or the occasional phone call. It’s funny, but it’s sad. We’ve become so connected that we’ve become disconnected from anything that isn’t ran off of a battery or requires a WiFi connection.

So what is my solution? Don’t worry, because who am I to tell you to disconnect. I’m suggesting… (Hold on someone just sent me a tweet)… OK. I’m sorry about that, what was I saying? Oh yeah.

What I’m suggesting is that we begin to incorporate time to disconnect each day. You can even program it into your wireless device to remind you.    We have DVR so we actually won’t miss our favorite shows, we have voice-mail or an inbox, so we can respond to that call or email when… (BIG SIGH. Hold on. WHAT! You’re OK, but I’m trying to write about disconnecting. WTH LMAO I’ll send them a tweet. LU2)… sorry about that. We can stop all the interruption of life by talking time to disconnect and spending time with family, friends or just reading a book at your local park.

MY GOODNESS, WHO’S EMAILING ME NOW. Hold on. 

Anyway, I know it’s going to be difficult to do, but I am actually going to start doing this. So if you comment to this and I don’t respond right away you know why. I obviously have nothing against technology. I’m using it to communicate with you now while listening to my iPod and periodically responding to texts, emails, tweets and an instant message. I say this to myself in addition to those who choose to read it.

Enjoy

@timvalentine:

What Can Brown Do For You?

This is the new catchy slogan that’s currently being advertised by shipping giant UPS. I want to use the slogan as a political diversity campaign, but I’ll save that one for another day if someone doesn’t still it first. I’m sure the UPS lawyers may ensure that does not happen, even from me.

What brown has done for Bill O’Reilly is dropped its advertising on his show, “The O’Reilly Factor”. In an email statement to Think Progress UPS said, “Thank you for sending an email expressing concern about UPS advertising during the Bill O’Reilly Show on FOX News. We do consider such comments as we review ad placement decisions which involve a variety of news, entertainment and sports programming. At this time, we have no plans to continue advertising during this show.”

Although I understand ThinkProgress email campaign in protest to the sponsors I agree with what the Ford spokesman suggest when speaking for him. Although this is a legal method it opens the door of criticism to come in towards you too. To best get rid of the O’Reilly Factor is to make it not a factor by changing the channel. There will always be someone who will want to watch and listen to what Bill O’Reilly has to say.

References & Inspirations

ThinkProgress – “Stop Supporting the O’Reilly Harassment Machine”

ThinkProgress – 03/27/09 “Corporate Responses to O’Reilly Campaign”

What has Sen. Grassley been Smoking?

MAN! Sen. Chuck Grassley is gangsta. WOW! I don’t like what went on, but kill themselves?
But he wasn’t finished, because he had one more tidbit or should I say ‘tit bit’. I absolutely love this little misquote from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). I wonder what he was thinking about?

The Audacity of an Insurance Giant

AIG Hypocrisy Alert Edition

While everyone including myself are outraged at the complete disrespectful regards to the American Taxpayers who have saved AIG from going under many ask a simple question, how could this happen? While some are taking the opportunity to gain political points and blames the Obama Administration for this oversight. Well let’s take a closer look before we start pointing fingers.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is a member of the Senate Finance Committee. Last month he and Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-MA) added an amendment to the stimulus bill that would have prevented companies, such as AIG the ability to distribute bonuses. But that amendment along with others was taken out of the bill. Hmmm… I wonder why and who pounded their fists in hypocritical outrage in regards to ‘earmarks’ and who helped hinder regulation that helped eliminate this amendment?

By-the-way, isn’t Sen. Snowe one of the three Republicans that voted for the stimulus package? (Reference Source) I believe she was, so she, the other two Republican Senators and the Democrat Senators are not to blame since they originally had this amendment. Perhaps they should have fought against the Republicans that didn’t oppose this a little harder. I guess that’s the only honest area of blame.

If I remember correctly Sen. Snowe is one of the Republican Senators the GOP was upset with? I believe Chairman Michael Steele even suggested something about withholding campaign money from the RNC and supporting their challengers because of this. (Reference Source)

So I suggest that we first investigating before we start pointing fingers, pounding on podiums with righteous indignation towards each other and getting on any form of media in efforts to promote what is essentially what I call a Scampaign against the truth in order to gain a measure of support. There’s plenty of blame to throw around, but I believe this one should be firmly directed at the crooks at AIG and not politicians of either party who are honestly working together to fix it.

You may argue with me, but I believe this is fair.

Now, in regards to the AIG $160 Million of ‘retention bonus’ money here’s the results of New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s investigation of how those bonuses are being distributed.

• One person who is no longer employed with the company is getting a ‘Retention Bonus’ of $6.4 Million U.S. Dollars.
• The top 7 bonus earners received $4 Million U.S. Dollars each.
• The top 10 bonus earners received a combined $42 Million U.S. Dollars.
• There were 22 other bonus earners who got $2 Million U.S. Dollars each.
• And wait for this one… 73 additional people at AIG got $1 Million each.

Now I feel really cheated now, because I’ve created some useful stuff at previous employers and the few times I did get a bonus it was absolutely no where in the vicinity of what the people who basically destroyed AIG is getting. Maybe it’s different at your job, or perhaps I’m in the wrong industry.

Of course the Democrats are suggesting the bonuses and/or any firm that the government holds 79% or more stakes to have a hefty tax imposed and bonuses capped.

Republicans, well at least the only one we’ve heard of that has a plan, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) seem to have a different method of getting back the funds from the bonuses… “The first thing that would make me feel a little bit better towards them, if they had followed the Japanese example and come before the American people and take that deep bow and say, “I’m sorry,” and then either do one of two things, resign or go commit suicide.” Yahoo News – 03/17/09 “Senator Suggests AIG Execs Should Kill Themselves”

U.S. Treasury Secretary is recouping the funds from AIG $30 Billion bailout. Since AIG got this in writing I think this is a logical and equally legal move by the Secretary.

Personally, I would be just as iron fisted as AIG and many others on Wall Street and just take the money. Once they’ve threaten to take me to court I would simply tell them to sue me, before I completely take over the company. Once I’ve taken over I would simply carve out this division that caused this mess into its own individual entity and allow it to fail. I would get quite a few people upset with me on many sides, but to deal with a gangster you do what they do, but only legally.

Tell me what you think about this AIG hypocrisy and what you would do?

References & Inspirations

Media Matters – 02/26/09 “AP Ignored Democrats’ Response to Earmark Criticism: 40% are from Republicans”