What a year it has been, this 2010.
We've seen a brutal election which brought Republicans back into control of the U.S. House of Representatives, we've seen North Korea fire at South Korea, heard outrageous statements like that of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a UN meeting say that the United States was responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a controversial Health Care Bill that was passed and an equally controversial immigration law in Arizona to tackle its growing illegal alien problem and we also said goodbye to a few people in entertainment from Dennis Hopper to Gary Coleman to Leslie Nielsen and Tony Curtis.
It seems like every year has something both exciting and disturbing, making them both memorable in the 365 days. Time goes fast. So with that, comes another year of more excitement and challenges as well as how it affects our lives. To some people, they're still struggling with the economic conditions right now and they lay waiting and praying that the next year will bring them hope to make it out of those particular hardships.
I hope things will turn around when 2011 arrives shortly.
Here's to a brighter and better New Year to everyone!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Iran testing nuclear bomb in North Korea?
The South Korean Foreign Ministry Institute submitted a report on December 24th, that North Korea was planning to test another nuclear weapon at the beginning of the year. Since the artillery attack last month between the two Korean nations, South Korea has also reported that North Korea is digging a tunnel for that specific purpose of carrying out nuclear testing.
But there is more fun nuclear news! The cozy relationship of the Kim Jong-Il dictatorial government and the equally insane Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has become more closer than ever before. It has been no secret that Iran and North Korea have developed relations with one another to accomplish their nuclear ambitions, including selling Iran nuclear technology, which includes ways to build Shahab-3 ballistic missiles. In fact, several scientists from Iran have recently headed to North Korea to agree to a nuclear test and have apparently paid money to its government to do so.
What should make this situation even more important to the people in Washington? Well, Fox News had a rather alarming report today that WikiLeaks has released cables that indicate Iran has advanced missiles that could carry nuclear warheads, enough to target every single capital city in Western Europe.
Now, we have two of former President Bush's"axis of evil", which by the way that the United States chose not to deal with years ago, and now for the first time they've been working on nuclear collaboration and quite frankly, very public about it. The enriched uranium in North Korea and their more violent approaches as of late, should give everyone a very clear indication that something bad is going to most likely happen on the horizon. It is quite clear that North Korea's uranium will also help Iran in the long term, which explains why Iran is wanting to test its nuclear bombs in North Korea.
Iran as it continues to defy the United Nations over its nuclear project and it does not seem to be bothered at all over the sanctions the UN has imposed against it. Any country in the Middle East that has a nuclear weapon which they can turn around and sell to a terrorist group, should set off alarm bells everywhere, and this upcoming nuclear test that Iran wants to hold in North Korea should be the final wake up call.
But there is more fun nuclear news! The cozy relationship of the Kim Jong-Il dictatorial government and the equally insane Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has become more closer than ever before. It has been no secret that Iran and North Korea have developed relations with one another to accomplish their nuclear ambitions, including selling Iran nuclear technology, which includes ways to build Shahab-3 ballistic missiles. In fact, several scientists from Iran have recently headed to North Korea to agree to a nuclear test and have apparently paid money to its government to do so.
What should make this situation even more important to the people in Washington? Well, Fox News had a rather alarming report today that WikiLeaks has released cables that indicate Iran has advanced missiles that could carry nuclear warheads, enough to target every single capital city in Western Europe.
Now, we have two of former President Bush's"axis of evil", which by the way that the United States chose not to deal with years ago, and now for the first time they've been working on nuclear collaboration and quite frankly, very public about it. The enriched uranium in North Korea and their more violent approaches as of late, should give everyone a very clear indication that something bad is going to most likely happen on the horizon. It is quite clear that North Korea's uranium will also help Iran in the long term, which explains why Iran is wanting to test its nuclear bombs in North Korea.
Iran as it continues to defy the United Nations over its nuclear project and it does not seem to be bothered at all over the sanctions the UN has imposed against it. Any country in the Middle East that has a nuclear weapon which they can turn around and sell to a terrorist group, should set off alarm bells everywhere, and this upcoming nuclear test that Iran wants to hold in North Korea should be the final wake up call.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Will baby boomers get Medicare?
As the baby boomer generation gets closer to the age where they can qualify for the Medicare program, it looks like there will not be enough life support to keep the program running.
According to an Associate Press GfK poll, the study found that 43% of baby boomers can't expect to depend on Medicare for the remainder of their lives, while 20% actually think Medicare is entirely satisfactory. The remaining 37% have mixed feelings about Medicare in their futures.
Congress has already discussed this notion of changing the retirement age as well as what age one should apply for Social Security, which like Medicare, is dwindling. The age to qualify for Medicare was fixed at 65 and now the Federal Government is thinking about raising that to 67 years of age.
Part of the reasoning and logic the Government is wanting to do this is because when this last portion of the baby boomer generation reaches the age of 65 which will be over the next two decades, Medicare at that point will be providing coverage to some 80 million people. However, only 3/5 of every worker will actually be paying taxes into the Medicare program at that point.
You would have thought by now that the Federal Government would have started to take close note on all of this a long time ago. Obviously, programs like Medicare and Social Security would not be around forever.
So now, Congress is thinking about phasing the Medicare program out, switching to supporting a new reform plan of helping retired people receive a fixed payment or even a voucher program to assist them in buying a medical insurance plan of their choice.
I thought the new Health Care Law required everyone to have a health insurance plan anyway? If that is the case, then what is the point of the voucher program?
The unfortunate scenario is that by the time I get to the age of 67, granted that the world is still around, I will not be able to qualify for Medicare, as it will be entirely whipped out by that time.
According to an Associate Press GfK poll, the study found that 43% of baby boomers can't expect to depend on Medicare for the remainder of their lives, while 20% actually think Medicare is entirely satisfactory. The remaining 37% have mixed feelings about Medicare in their futures.
Congress has already discussed this notion of changing the retirement age as well as what age one should apply for Social Security, which like Medicare, is dwindling. The age to qualify for Medicare was fixed at 65 and now the Federal Government is thinking about raising that to 67 years of age.
Part of the reasoning and logic the Government is wanting to do this is because when this last portion of the baby boomer generation reaches the age of 65 which will be over the next two decades, Medicare at that point will be providing coverage to some 80 million people. However, only 3/5 of every worker will actually be paying taxes into the Medicare program at that point.
You would have thought by now that the Federal Government would have started to take close note on all of this a long time ago. Obviously, programs like Medicare and Social Security would not be around forever.
So now, Congress is thinking about phasing the Medicare program out, switching to supporting a new reform plan of helping retired people receive a fixed payment or even a voucher program to assist them in buying a medical insurance plan of their choice.
I thought the new Health Care Law required everyone to have a health insurance plan anyway? If that is the case, then what is the point of the voucher program?
The unfortunate scenario is that by the time I get to the age of 67, granted that the world is still around, I will not be able to qualify for Medicare, as it will be entirely whipped out by that time.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
United Arab Emirates releases details on Hamas Assassination
The United Arab Emirates has decided to release information concerning the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh which happened in Dubai, a year ago. The release of the documents, courtesy of WikiLeaks, says that the small Arabian country cited the primary reason for wanting to release the diplomatic documents is because by keeping it quiet, this would seem like they were "siding with Israel."
Reuters reports that U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson wrote in the memo saying "two options discussed were to say nothing at all or to reveal more or less the full extent of the UAE's investigations... saying nothing would have been perceived as protecting the Israelis..."
UAE officials claim that the assassination was carried out by Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad. Israel however is denying any knowledge about this, nor of any proof of Mossad behind the assassination of al-Mabhouh, although they do acknowledge keeping a close watch on suspected Hamas leaders for trying to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip.
What is interesting about this particular document is that it paints another very clear and grim picture of another Middle Eastern country, harboring a deep resentment against Israel. Usually we always hear about countries such as Syria or Iran wanting to whip Israel off the face of the planet, but this time it is the United Arab Emirates, apparently appalled that Israel is suspected of assassinating a leader of a group like Hamas.
Well, so what!
Israel is doing whatever it can to protect itself from radical terrorist groups, even if it means taking out its leaders.
Keep doing the right thing Israel.
Reuters reports that U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson wrote in the memo saying "two options discussed were to say nothing at all or to reveal more or less the full extent of the UAE's investigations... saying nothing would have been perceived as protecting the Israelis..."
UAE officials claim that the assassination was carried out by Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad. Israel however is denying any knowledge about this, nor of any proof of Mossad behind the assassination of al-Mabhouh, although they do acknowledge keeping a close watch on suspected Hamas leaders for trying to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip.
What is interesting about this particular document is that it paints another very clear and grim picture of another Middle Eastern country, harboring a deep resentment against Israel. Usually we always hear about countries such as Syria or Iran wanting to whip Israel off the face of the planet, but this time it is the United Arab Emirates, apparently appalled that Israel is suspected of assassinating a leader of a group like Hamas.
Well, so what!
Israel is doing whatever it can to protect itself from radical terrorist groups, even if it means taking out its leaders.
Keep doing the right thing Israel.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Afghanistan situation worsening
Despite the Obama Administration's earlier claims this last year that sufficient improvements to make Afghanistan a solvent country again was working, recent UN maps seem to contradict those claims. These maps are used to help monitor areas of danger in the country and to help NATO address those areas which are dominated by the Taliban.
According to the United Nations, the two maps demonstrated a vast deterioration in certain parts of Afghanistan specifically in areas in battle grounds between NATO troops (which two thirds are from the United States) and the Taliban, as well as under developed parts of the country.
If only things could get worse.
Many will remember President Obama, during his campaign, saying he would pull troops out of Afghanistan in his first term. Well, he failed to live up to his promise to all of his liberal supporters. Instead, he announced to deploy 30,000 additional troops and to work with NATO on its new exit strategy, while continuously saying that the country is trying to stabilize itself and is working towards improvements. The Administration says that they will now pull out by 2014, turn it over to Afghan forces, who will begin to restructure Afghanistan in an effort to become a solvent country, for once.
Like that will ever happen.
Everybody knows by now that Afghanistan has failed considerably over the last three decades to become a stabilized democratic country. Does the President honestly believe that by the time the United States pulls out of Afghanistan, that there will be a newly installed democratic government? Apparently he does. Both the Bush Administration and the Obama Administration, as well as the Defense Department has mentioned this time and time again. Overthrow the bad government and form a free democratic government.
Wasn't that what we did with Iraq? How did that work out? Not so well, thus far.
Bottom line in my viewpoint is that this particular region of the world is inhabited by radical Islamic and terrorist groups, despicable individuals who cherish their barbarianism and mutant lifestyle.
If indeed the day does come in 2014 that a new government is put in place in Afghanistan, the Taliban and al-Qaeda, or mutants, whatever you wish to call them, can simply recruit new members and go back and take control of it all over again. It has happened many times before.
Same pattern, different era.
According to the United Nations, the two maps demonstrated a vast deterioration in certain parts of Afghanistan specifically in areas in battle grounds between NATO troops (which two thirds are from the United States) and the Taliban, as well as under developed parts of the country.
If only things could get worse.
Many will remember President Obama, during his campaign, saying he would pull troops out of Afghanistan in his first term. Well, he failed to live up to his promise to all of his liberal supporters. Instead, he announced to deploy 30,000 additional troops and to work with NATO on its new exit strategy, while continuously saying that the country is trying to stabilize itself and is working towards improvements. The Administration says that they will now pull out by 2014, turn it over to Afghan forces, who will begin to restructure Afghanistan in an effort to become a solvent country, for once.
Like that will ever happen.
Everybody knows by now that Afghanistan has failed considerably over the last three decades to become a stabilized democratic country. Does the President honestly believe that by the time the United States pulls out of Afghanistan, that there will be a newly installed democratic government? Apparently he does. Both the Bush Administration and the Obama Administration, as well as the Defense Department has mentioned this time and time again. Overthrow the bad government and form a free democratic government.
Wasn't that what we did with Iraq? How did that work out? Not so well, thus far.
Bottom line in my viewpoint is that this particular region of the world is inhabited by radical Islamic and terrorist groups, despicable individuals who cherish their barbarianism and mutant lifestyle.
If indeed the day does come in 2014 that a new government is put in place in Afghanistan, the Taliban and al-Qaeda, or mutants, whatever you wish to call them, can simply recruit new members and go back and take control of it all over again. It has happened many times before.
Same pattern, different era.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Last minute Christmas shopping
Today is Christmas Eve and it looks like all of those last minute shoppers will be piling into stores and malls just about everywhere.
And what a fiasco and headache it will probably be. There will be arguing and fighting among shoppers, I'm sure. Trying to fight your way into getting that last George Foreman grill for your father or buying that last framed poster of Taylor Lautner from the Twilight film series for your daughter.
Isn't Christmas shopping so much fun?
Some of these last minute holiday shoppers are just taking advantage of the special deals, others quite frankly don't even care, they just need to buy something so they don't feel resentment from particular family members on Christmas morning.
But retailers are loving it, because it means they will do phenomenal business the day before Christmas. Short of like a "second Black Friday". If you've got kids, Christmas would not be the same if you didn't buy them loads of toys, so Toys R Us has kept all of their stores open for the last 88 straight hours, up until 10 PM tonight!
The National Retail Federation is anticipating that holiday sales will reach $450 billion this year, which is a jump to 3.3% over last year, considering how bad the economy has been for people nationwide. Despite this, people are certainly in the holiday spirit. While others purchase the typical gift cards as a last minute effort or just a holiday card, people are trying to roll in the impact of the economy and conserve their money accordingly. When times are rough at Christmas, people still feel inclined to buy someone something to make them feel more at ease.
Just a recommendation though, if you do happen to get into a confrontation with someone over buying that last Mr. Coffee machine at Wal-Mart, just walk away and go some place else that will have a better price.
Wouldn't want to spend the holidays in jail for knocking someone out.
Merry Christmas!
And what a fiasco and headache it will probably be. There will be arguing and fighting among shoppers, I'm sure. Trying to fight your way into getting that last George Foreman grill for your father or buying that last framed poster of Taylor Lautner from the Twilight film series for your daughter.
Isn't Christmas shopping so much fun?
Some of these last minute holiday shoppers are just taking advantage of the special deals, others quite frankly don't even care, they just need to buy something so they don't feel resentment from particular family members on Christmas morning.
But retailers are loving it, because it means they will do phenomenal business the day before Christmas. Short of like a "second Black Friday". If you've got kids, Christmas would not be the same if you didn't buy them loads of toys, so Toys R Us has kept all of their stores open for the last 88 straight hours, up until 10 PM tonight!
The National Retail Federation is anticipating that holiday sales will reach $450 billion this year, which is a jump to 3.3% over last year, considering how bad the economy has been for people nationwide. Despite this, people are certainly in the holiday spirit. While others purchase the typical gift cards as a last minute effort or just a holiday card, people are trying to roll in the impact of the economy and conserve their money accordingly. When times are rough at Christmas, people still feel inclined to buy someone something to make them feel more at ease.
Just a recommendation though, if you do happen to get into a confrontation with someone over buying that last Mr. Coffee machine at Wal-Mart, just walk away and go some place else that will have a better price.
Wouldn't want to spend the holidays in jail for knocking someone out.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Rome embassy bomb blasts
Two people were injured as a result of mail bombs that were apparently taken to Swiss and Chilean embassies in Rome, Italy.
Italian investigators believe that the individuals behind this incident are anarchists, and are fearful that future attacks may be possible, not just within Italy, but in other countries including Spain and Greece, as many people are visiting Europe over the holidays. As you may recall, Sweden had a similar attack a few weeks ago.
Thankfully thus far, no innocent people have been killed as a result of the attacks, but it is spreading a wave of fear throughout Europe, and the notion of this apparent 'anarchist' movement, while not necessarily connected to any of the terrorist organizations, but still violent nonetheless, seems to be growing its roots based on Europe's current trends.
Italy also blamed this anarchist group for the clashes between the police and student protesters who were opposing university reform laws, which happened last week. Incidentally, similar actions have been carried out in rioting in Greece after their monetary collapse earlier this year, and just this month, students in the United Kingdom protested against fee increases at universities and even went so far during one of these protests to actually attack both Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles who were riding together in his own Rolls Royce, while the students began preaching "off with their heads".
You can obviously see the commonality of anarchy in Europe. The idea of anarchists possibly targeting embassies in Italy out of protests, does not seem to be any different than the events in the United Kingdom.
There is a growing problem in this world right now and people are starting to get angrier and revolting. I personally think it will continue to get more ugly, before it ever gets any better and would not be surprised if we start to encounter the same situations in the United States.
Italian investigators believe that the individuals behind this incident are anarchists, and are fearful that future attacks may be possible, not just within Italy, but in other countries including Spain and Greece, as many people are visiting Europe over the holidays. As you may recall, Sweden had a similar attack a few weeks ago.
Thankfully thus far, no innocent people have been killed as a result of the attacks, but it is spreading a wave of fear throughout Europe, and the notion of this apparent 'anarchist' movement, while not necessarily connected to any of the terrorist organizations, but still violent nonetheless, seems to be growing its roots based on Europe's current trends.
Italy also blamed this anarchist group for the clashes between the police and student protesters who were opposing university reform laws, which happened last week. Incidentally, similar actions have been carried out in rioting in Greece after their monetary collapse earlier this year, and just this month, students in the United Kingdom protested against fee increases at universities and even went so far during one of these protests to actually attack both Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles who were riding together in his own Rolls Royce, while the students began preaching "off with their heads".
You can obviously see the commonality of anarchy in Europe. The idea of anarchists possibly targeting embassies in Italy out of protests, does not seem to be any different than the events in the United Kingdom.
There is a growing problem in this world right now and people are starting to get angrier and revolting. I personally think it will continue to get more ugly, before it ever gets any better and would not be surprised if we start to encounter the same situations in the United States.
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